Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move from 'endless war to the end of war' in Ukraine, emphasising that a peaceful resolution is humanity's shared priority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter, attributing it to the collective strength of the people despite global uncertainties. He criticised "doomsayers" as the economy showed resilience, exceeding expectations even amidst international conflicts and supply chain issues.
The benchmark Sensex plummeted 813 points to a three-month low, with the Nifty settling below 23,450, as escalating tensions in West Asia drove crude oil prices above USD 100 per barrel, leading to widespread selling in IT, FMCG, financial services, and oil & gas shares.
The Haldwani forest division has launched India's first AI-based forest acoustic surveillance system. This innovative technology uses AI, acoustic sensors, and long-range wireless communication to detect illegal logging, poaching, and other suspicious activities in real-time, even in remote areas. Powered by solar energy, the system provides continuous monitoring, significantly enhancing forest protection, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity monitoring efforts.
American Frances Tiafoe defeated former champion Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling three-set match at the U.S. Open, reaching the quarter-finals. Tiafoe, who had a poor head-to-head record against Medvedev, showcased his best form, employing strategic net play and powerful groundstrokes to secure a significant victory.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Luton Town, with Danny Welbeck scoring on his debut, while Fulham beat AFC Wimbledon 3-0, marking new manager Alvaro Arbeloa's first win.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT,M) have developed a novel "morphing skin" concept for aircraft wings, inspired by bird flight. This adaptive external skin dynamically reshapes in real time to prevent aerodynamic stalls, enhance lift, reduce drag, and significantly improve aircraft safety and fuel efficiency. The technology holds promise for commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and defence applications.
Creatine has become one of the most talked-about supplements in fitness circles. While many swear by it for improving strength and performance, others worry it could damage their kidneys, cause hair loss or lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Analysts predict that developments in the West Asia conflict, crude oil prices, and upcoming US inflation data will be the primary factors influencing the Indian stock market next week, alongside foreign investor activity and global market trends.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Tero Entertainment Public Co. Ltd. has launched Quest India 2026, marking the official introduction of 3x3 basketball to the country. This fast-paced, urban Olympic sport, backed by BFI and FIBA, will feature its inaugural event in September 2026, blending elite competition with street culture.
A new review reveals that microplastics are not just pollutants but also act as carriers for toxic chemicals, microorganisms, and antibiotic resistance genes across various environmental compartments. This "Trojan horse effect" allows them to transport persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals, releasing them into organisms upon ingestion. Additionally, microplastics foster microbial communities, known as the plastisphere, which can accelerate the spread of antimicrobial resistance, amplifying ecological hazards.
India's electric two-wheeler market has seen record penetration, exceeding 11.2 per cent, driven by crude oil price fluctuations. This surge has led to an unexpected crisis for Indian OEMs, with unfulfilled customer demand reaching 20-30 per cent and average waiting periods exceeding four weeks, a situation expected to intensify during the upcoming festival season.
Novak Djokovic is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, but recent physical struggles, particularly in high heat and humidity, raise questions about his ability to endure the demanding tournament. Despite his experience, the 39-year-old faces a challenging field and needs to manage his energy carefully to achieve his historic goal.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning that the Makkah Defence Alliance, a newly formed pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, stands ready to activate its collective defence provisions in response to escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Aditi Shankar's style is a little bit of everything, and that's exactly what makes it so much fun to watch.
'If he settles on something, there are fifty considerations behind it -- the pros and cons, all of it.'
The US has informed allies it will avoid new military strikes on Iran, instead focusing on economic sanctions and maritime enforcement, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic shift aims to intensify pressure on Tehran's economy and oil exports while keeping the military option open if Iran initiates aggression. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst persistent regional tensions and maritime incidents.
Researchers from IIT Bhubaneswar and Virginia Commonwealth University have theoretically predicted a new two-dimensional material, a FeCl3 monolayer, exhibiting i-wave altermagnetism. This discovery holds significant potential for developing faster, more compact, and energy-efficient electronic devices, including applications in high-density memory, spintronics, and quantum technologies.
Six initial public offerings, including Rentomojo Ltd and Karamtara Engineering, were fully subscribed on their final day of bidding, with Rentomojo's IPO subscribed 72.88 times and Karamtara's 62.63 times, reflecting robust investor appetite in the primary market.
Barcelona secured a resounding 5-0 victory over hosts Valencia in their LaLiga clash, maintaining their perfect start to the new season. Fermin Lopez was instrumental with a goal and two assists, while Lamine Yamal scored twice, and Raphinha and Pedri also found the net. The win puts Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table with 12 points from four games.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen made a stunning comeback from Achilles surgery to win the men's 5,000 metres at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, securing a $150,000 prize. Fellow star Mondo Duplantis also claimed a pole vault title, narrowly missing a world record. The new championship format aims to attract new fans with its high-stakes fields and glitzy production.
Indian stock markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, experienced their third consecutive day of declines, driven by a global selloff, escalating tensions in West Asia, and a subsequent rise in crude oil prices.
Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced declines in early trade due to elevated crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties, particularly following the expiry of the US-Iran ceasefire. Track Sensex, Nifty on August 19, 2026.
From streaming screens to cinema halls, the Mirzapur franchise is clearly aiming for scale! And judging by the mood at the music launch, the audience is ready to make the journey with them.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the BRICS summit, called for a fundamental shift in global governance, advocating for the replacement of the current 'pyramid of privilege' with a 'platform of partnership' where the Global South becomes a 'rule shaper' rather than a 'rule follower'.
'We have a very demanding electorate which expects us to do something. So we will have to do something which is a bit out of the ordinary while at the same time keeping in mind the risk factors.'
Forty years of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla means four decades of exquisite craftsmanship and Indian couture that has never been afraid to make a statement.
Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday by defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round of the US Open, making him the oldest player since Jimmy Connors in 1992 to win a main-draw singles match at Flushing Meadows on his birthday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a new investment platform, based on the New Development Bank (NDB), to fund projects in trade, infrastructure, logistics, and technology across BRICS nations, emphasising that the grouping's expanding economic cooperation is not 'against anyone' but aims to advance members' national interests.
Tottenham Hotspur have significantly boosted their squad by signing Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City, pushing their close-season spending beyond 300 million under manager Roberto De Zerbi, following a narrow escape from relegation last season.
Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich, and Napoli all secured crucial victories in their respective European football leagues, with Ferran Torres, Harry Kane, and Stanislav Lobotka scoring decisive goals. Juventus, however, suffered a late defeat to Sassuolo.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the US is ready to sell as much energy as India is willing to buy. He described India as a 'great partner' ahead of his visit to New Delhi.
For five Mumbaikars who were teenagers or in their 20s during the 1980s, the decade was not a sepia-toned Instagram filter. It was their everyday life, they tell Rediff's Rishika Shah. And while they remember its limitations, what they seem to miss most is something technology can't recreate -- the unhurried warmth of human connection.
A top government official says that while India has made significant progress in renewable energy, technical issues are hindering large-scale implementation. The government is working on solutions such as grid flexibilisation and battery storage.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that opposing reservation is unconstitutional and that the policy would be given up if casteism is eliminated. He highlighted the historical context of reservations for SC/ST and OBCs, and the Modi government's EWS quota. Athawale also criticised the opposition, praised government achievements, and discussed various welfare schemes and infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh.
Nepal has launched a diplomatic initiative to secure climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, asserting that post-disaster assistance for recent deadly flash floods should be viewed as a moral and legal liability, not charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted Nepal's disproportionate suffering from global warming despite negligible emissions, citing rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. The country has formally approached the Loss and Damage Fund board for urgent financial aid following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin.
Naomi Osaka battled through an Achilles problem to beat Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 and reach the US Open fourth round.
Analysts predict that crude oil prices and the ongoing US-Iran conflict will be the primary drivers of stock market movements, with investors also closely watching the Jackson Hole symposium for cues on interest rates.
