Manu Bhaker and her coach Jaspal Rana recalled the road to Olympic glory in a candid chat with India Today Consulting Editor Nikhil Naz at Conclave Mumbai 2024. From talking about social media trolls to revealing her Bollywood dreams, the dual Olympic medallist kept the audience captivated.

IND vs BAN: Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from T20 and Tests. He announced his decision ahead of the second Test against India starting on September 27 at Green Park, Kanpur.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refused to resign despite BJP leaders staging a protest at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru demanding his resignation.

In a discussion on the role of political consultants in modern elections, industry leaders Naresh Arora, Rishi Raj Singh and Robin Sharma shared insights about their experiences with prominent political figures. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Naresh Arora, co-founder of Design Boxed, praised Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)’s Ajit Pawar for his clear vision and openness to feedback, saying, “Only safe politicians listen to everyone”. Rishi Raj Singh, co-founder of I-PAC, echoed this sentiment, stressing that no political party can succeed without consultants, highlighting the wisdom of current leaders who know when and whom to listen to. Robin Sharma, founder of Showtime Consulting, elucidated the role of consultants as a supportive but crucial element in the electoral process, saying, “We are not the horses pulling the cart, but a small cog in the wheel”. The discussion underscored the indispensable contribution of political consultants in shaping strategies, managing campaigns, and ultimately helping leaders navigate the complexities of contemporary electoral dynamics.