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Abhishek Nayar Appointed KKR Head Coach For IPL 2026: Report

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have reportedly chosen Abhishek Nayar as their head coach starting from IPL 2026. According to The Indian Express, the franchise informed Nayar of their decision last week, with a formal announcement expected shortly. After a disappointing IPL 2025 season, three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are making major changes, particularly in their coaching staff. The franchise has parted ways with head coach Chandrakant Pandit and is now searching for a replacement, with Abhishek Nayar, a close associate of former Indian captain Rohit Sharma, emerging as a leading candidate. Nayar has a long association with KKR, serving as assistant coach from 2018 to 2024. He also had a stint as head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders and briefly worked with Team India after IPL 2024, though he left following a challenging tour of Australia. Abhishek Nayar has also trained top players such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik, and Varun Chakravarthy, helping refine their games. Under his guidance, Rohit Sharma has shown improved fitness and performance post-IPL 2025, while Rahul has also been in good form since their training sessions. Abhishek Nayar's brief international career Abhishek Nayar had a brief international career, playing just three ODIs for India after debuting in 2009, with only a single batting innings. However, his IPL career has been more substantial, featuring in 60 matches and scoring 672 runs. Recently, Nayar trained Rohit Sharma ahead of the Australia tour, helping the batter improve fitness and even lose 11 kg. Chandrakant Pandit's legacy Chandrakant Pandit, often regarded as the Dronacharya of Indian domestic cricket, led Vidarbha to back-to-back Ranji Trophy titles in 2018 and 2019 and repeated the feat with Madhya Pradesh in 2022. Appointed KKR head coach in 2022, Pandit helped the franchise win the IPL after a decade. However, KKR struggled in IPL 2025, finishing eighth with just five wins in 14 matches, leading the team to part ways with him in July 2025.

The Golden Hour After Birth: Why Skin-To-Skin Contact Is Nature’s First Therapy

A growing body of research underscores that the first hour after birth is far more than a gentle moment; it is a critical biological window for both the newborn and the mother. A joint study conducted by Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, and the Healthy Children Project Inc., Massachusetts, published in the National Library of Medicine, found that placing a healthy, full-term infant skin-to-skin with the mother immediately after a non-instrumental vaginal birth triggers instinctive behaviours that regulate the baby’s temperature, breathing, and blood sugar, while also deepening maternal bonding and promoting breastfeeding initiation. The paper highlighted that the first hour after birth is a sensitive and irreplaceable period, one that should be protected by evidence-based routines of staff. While scientific evidence strongly supports uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, many clinical settings worldwide still lag in implementation. The researchers integrated clinical observations with earlier research to bridge this gap, emphasising that understanding a newborn’s natural instincts during skin-to-skin time can guide safer, more responsive postnatal care.  [insta]https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPjx1mRiYZP/[/insta] The Nine Stages of Newborn Instinct The newborn’s behaviour during this golden hour follows a remarkably consistent pattern, known as the Nine Instinctive Stages of Skin-to-Skin Contact. These include:1. Birth cry2. Relaxation3. Awakening4. Activity5. Resting6. Crawling7. Familiarisation8. Suckling, and finally, 9. Sleep.  Each stage unfolds naturally as the baby adjusts to life outside the womb, guided by innate reflexes. Occasional pauses or resting periods are normal; they reflect the baby’s need to self-regulate before progressing further. This sequence, observed across diverse cultures and birth settings, underscores that the first hour is not merely symbolic; it is biologically designed for adaptation and connection. Skin-to-Skin: The Newborn’s First Stabiliser As Dr Hemant Sharma, Senior Consultant, Neonatology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explains, skin-to-skin contact acts as nature’s incubator for the newborn: “Skin-to-skin contact right after birth is like placing the baby in nature’s own incubator. When a mother holds her newborn close, the baby’s stress melts away, glucose levels stabilise, breathing becomes rhythmical, and the heart rate steadies. It’s a beautiful, science-backed expression of love and healing in action,” says Dr Hemant Sharma, whose experience in the field of neonatology makes him a formidable force. Beyond emotional warmth, this early physical closeness plays a measurable physiological role, regulating the baby’s body temperature, oxygen levels, and energy balance while reducing crying and cortisol (stress hormone) levels. The Protective Power of Vernix The conversation around postnatal care is also evolving to include delaying the first bath and allowing the vernix caseosa, the creamy, wax-like coating covering the newborn’s skin, to stay longer. Dr Hemant Sharma elaborates. “Vernix is the baby’s first protective armour, rich in antimicrobial and moisturising properties. Allowing it to stay on the skin for some time strengthens immunity, nourishes the skin, and supports a smoother transition to life outside the womb,” says Dr Hemant Sharma. This protective layer not only guards against infections but also helps maintain the skin barrier and supports the baby’s microbiome, forming a natural shield during the first few hours and days. Gentle Birth Practices and the Mother–Infant Connection Immediate skin-to-skin is influenced by how deliveries are managed. Dr Deepthi Sharma, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Amrita Hospital, stresses that mindful, less invasive birthing practices can make all the difference. “Whether it’s a vaginal or a caesarean birth, gentle delivery practices that prioritise delayed cord clamping, minimal separation, and immediate skin-to-skin make a world of difference. This precious contact not only calms the baby and stabilises vital signs but also helps initiate breastfeeding early, creating a seamless emotional and biological connection between mother and child,” says Dr Deepthi Sharma. These early interactions lay the groundwork for breastfeeding success and emotional bonding, both of which have lifelong health implications for mother and child. When Skin-to-Skin Must Wait However, there are rare circumstances when immediate contact may not be feasible. Dr Deepthi Sharma adds, “In rare situations when the mother or baby needs urgent medical attention, immediate skin-to-skin may be delayed for safety. However, once both are stable, kangaroo care can begin, and it often accelerates recovery, warmth, and early breastfeeding success, irrespective of the mode of delivery.” Protecting the Golden Hour The research by Widström and colleagues reinforces what clinical experts like Drs. Hemant and Deepthi Sharma advocate, that the first hour after birth must be protected as a sacred, evidence-backed time for both mother and child. Recognising and supporting the newborn’s instinctive progression during this period allows clinicians and caregivers to bridge science and compassion, giving every baby the best possible start in life. (Kirti Pandey is a senior independent journalist)

China's rare golden monkeys debut at European zoos, possible successor to 'panda diplomacy'

China's endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys are now making their debut in European zoos, following a 10-year loan agreement. Similar to 'panda diplomacy,' these rare primates are being sent to France and Belgium, fostering scientific and conservation collaborations. While celebrated for cultural exchange, concerns about individual animal welfare during transport persist.

Top Nigerian environmentalist sees little coming out of COP30

Nnimmo Bassey, a prominent figure in the decades-long environmental struggles in Africa's largest oil-producing country, will next month attend yet another UN climate summit, this time in Brazil. Oil pollution that has ravaged the Niger Delta for decades is a textbook example of environmental struggles against extractivism and fossil fuels.

US inflation slows in September — what it means for you

US inflation eased to 3% in September, a welcome sign after two years of rapid price hikes. While not a complete victory, this slowdown offers hope for cheaper loans and greater budget stability for Americans. Globally, it signals a potential calming of economic turbulence, with implications for India's economy as well.

Kamala Harris says 'I am not done' on a question of White House getting a woman president

"When are your baby nieces gonna see a woman in charge at the White House?" Kamala Harris was asked by BBC's Laura Kuenssberg,. "In their lifetime for sure," Kamala quipped dropping the strongest suggestion so far that she may consider bidding for the presidential election again in 2028. White House responded and said she should have taken the hint from her 2024 election loss.

'Not Capable To Lead...': Mary Millben Critiques Rahul Gandhi, Praises PM Modi Ahead of India Visit

American singer and actress Mary Millben launched a sharp attack on the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, saying he is not capable of leading the country. Millben, who praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made the remark ahead of her visit to India.  Millben stated, “I don’t believe he is capable or the right person to lead India. This has been proven as Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenged him and was once again elected as India’s Prime Minister. His position is secured by the people’s vote. That is the real strength of democracy, both in the US and in India.” On Prime Minister Narendra Modi Marking 24 years of Modi’s public life, Millben praised the Indian Prime Minister, saying, “I have long maintained that Narendra Modi is the best leader for India and for India–U.S. relations. He has repeatedly demonstrated this, not only through his work in India but also on the global stage. He is a game-changer, a highly influential leader with the ability to bring people together to address the world’s greatest challenges.” Plans for an India Visit Millben also shared her excitement about returning to India. “My biggest dream is to come back to India and perform. Our team is already in discussions with the Indian government regarding this,” she said. She added, “Once in India, I want to engage directly with people. This is my top priority for next year. I also aim to discuss issues related to religious freedom during my visit.” Upcoming Projects Discussing her professional plans, Millben revealed, “I am working on a documentary that will showcase my life and my journey in American politics, especially highlighting my 20 years of performing the national anthem and patriotic songs. Additionally, I’ve started working on a book that is set to be published next year. I have several exciting projects underway and am always seeking opportunities to create new music.” 

Suniel Shetty slams critics for doubting Rohit and Virat

Suniel Shetty has come out strongly in support of Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the duo silenced critics with a match-winning partnership in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. The Hera Pheri actor, who is known for his love for sports and candid takes, lauded both batters for letting their performance speak louder than the noise surrounding them.

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