As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.
Mitchell Starc surpassed Rangana Herath to become the most successful left-handed bowler in Test history with 434 wickets.
England batter Ollie Pope, recalled to the Test squad for the Pakistan series after a challenging Ashes tour, describes the call-up as feeling like a 'debut' and is determined to prove himself, particularly with an eye on the next home Ashes series.
Pakistan has criticised India's recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protests, asserting it is addressing issues democratically. Pakistan also warned India against blocking water, calling it an "act of war," and commented on India's nuclear capabilities and its own military strikes in Afghanistan.
The World Cricketers' Association has lauded the formation of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association, a significant step for the game's professionalism and growth in the country. Led by white-ball captain Kusal Mendis, this new body aims to provide players with a stronger voice, particularly in negotiations regarding franchise cricket, and aligns with ongoing reforms in Sri Lanka Cricket.
An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan's Punjab province has sentenced Al-Qaeda operative Sadiq Akbar to 31 years in jail for plotting a terror attack. Akbar was arrested in Sahiwal with explosive materials and IED components, having travelled from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to carry out the attack on his group's orders.
How well is your country's healthcare system staffed? We compare the density of essential healthcare professionals across countries, based on figures from World Population Review.
Opener Tanzid Hasan's maiden Test century and a fluent fifty from Najmul Hossain Shanto put Bangladesh in control against Australia, on Day 2 of the first Test in Darwin on Friday.
West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves made history by becoming the first bowler in Test cricket to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs during the opening Test against Pakistan in Tarouba.
Seven policemen were injured in a drone strike by unidentified militants on their convoy in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack occurred during an anti-militant operation, and security forces have launched a search. The government often blames the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan for such incidents.
Seven policemen were injured in a drone strike by unidentified militants on their convoy in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack occurred during an anti-militant operation, and security forces have launched a search. The government often blames the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan for such incidents.
Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has advised the current national team to manage World Cup pressure by trusting their preparation and enjoying the occasion. He expressed optimism about India's chances, aiming for a top-four finish in the upcoming FIH World Cup.
India's hockey coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh discuss their approach to the FIH Hockey World Cup opener against Wales. They emphasise respecting opponents, maintaining focus, and the importance of a strong start, especially on Independence Day. The team has prepared extensively, focusing on defence and consistent performance across all quarters.
Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.
Coming so soon after Main Vaapas Aaunga, also a Partition era tale with a message of compassion, the flaws in Batwara 1947 are even more grating, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has strongly advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, citing its importance in eliminating discrimination, especially against women. Her remarks come as the West Bengal government examines a draft UCC. Nasreen also expressed dismay over a disruption at her felicitation ceremony in Kolkata, where poet Joy Goswami was prevented from speaking.
The Pakistan women's cricket team is reportedly facing significant internal disagreements and a tense environment during the Women's T20 World Cup in England. Amidst a winless streak, reports highlight clashes between team mentor Wahab Riaz and captain Fatima Sana over selection and disciplinary matters, alongside broader issues of team groupings and coaching frustrations. This mirrors past problems in Pakistani cricket, exacerbated by frequent coaching changes.
US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Two police personnel were killed in separate targeted attacks in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The incidents occurred in Bannu district, a region experiencing a surge in militant violence, prompting investigations and search operations by authorities.
Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday rejected Bharatiya Janata Party leader B L Santhosh's claim that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers had protected his (Kharge's) family from Razakars during Hyderabad state's integration with India, saying that his family and people of the region were protected by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Army.
Indian boxer Jadumani Singh, a Commonwealth Games 2026 silver medalist, expressed his happiness over his achievement while admitting he had aimed for gold, dedicating his medal to India and vowing to work harder for a stronger performance at the upcoming Asian Games.
Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have established the Galle International Cricket Stadium as their formidable stronghold, collectively taking 145 wickets, posing a significant challenge for visiting teams, especially India.
Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas has expressed strong belief in Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating they still have significant contributions to make and should feature in upcoming ODI World Cups. He emphasised their skill, experience, and fitness as key factors, dismissing age as a barrier. Abbas also touched upon the importance of traditional batting techniques and offered thoughts on Pakistan cricket.
Clashes erupted during the first phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claiming 14 deaths, a figure disputed by law enforcement. India condemned the elections as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise its illegal occupation and human rights abuses in the region, while ongoing JAAC protests highlight deep-seated grievances.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes the aggressive batting approach fostered by the T20 era has come at the expense of patience, leading to a decline in marathon innings in Test cricket by younger players.
Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble reflected on the 36th anniversary of his international debut, expressing deep gratitude for his 'truly special journey' that began with his first Test wicket, Allan Lamb.
Joe Root has returned as England's Test captain, succeeding Ben Stokes, and cited Stephen Fleming's appointment as the new Test coach as a significant factor in his decision. Root expressed excitement about Fleming's vision for the team and their shared goal of building something special.
An Mi-17 helicopter of the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing all personnel on board. The military attributed the accident to a technical fault during take-off, and a board of inquiry has been ordered. Top Pakistani leaders expressed condolences.
India has strongly criticised Pakistan for its alleged brutality and human rights abuses in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), following reports of police violence against protesters. New Delhi has called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable, while Pakistan's own human rights body has also expressed alarm over the situation.
Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has responded to social media criticism following his disappointing ninth-place finish at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Nadeem attributed his poor performance to the extremely cold weather, which stiffened his muscles and hindered his throws. He emphasised his commitment to his country and his grounded nature, expressing confidence in his ability to return to winning form at the upcoming Athletissima event.
A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir due to a technical fault, killing all personnel on board. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident, which follows other recent helicopter crashes in the region.
Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third and final One-day International in Lahore, securing the series 2-1. Australia, batting first, were bowled out for 157, with Pakistan successfully chasing the target with 49 balls to spare, thanks to strong bowling performances and a steady knock from Babar Azam.
Pakistan's security forces have killed 21 terrorists, including four ring leaders of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over the last three days. These operations are part of an ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, with a total of 48 "khwarij" eliminated since last week.
Joe Root has been reappointed as England's Test captain, marking his return to the leadership role, while former New Zealand batter Stephen Fleming has been named the new head coach, following the departures of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Pakistan's security forces have killed 27 militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij in intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan. The operations targeted militant hideouts, recovered weapons, and avenged the killing of a local figure, reaffirming the state's commitment to eradicating terrorism under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign.
Veteran Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja, 43, has died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit Baltistan. He was part of a 10-member climbing team caught in the avalanche at 7,000 metres. Three bodies have been identified, and six others located, with Purja's death confirmed by Elite Expedition.
'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'
Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.
Indian women's cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur maintained the BCCI's 'No Handshake' policy with Pakistan's Fatima Sana at the toss of their T20 World Cup match, a policy reportedly initiated after a terror attack and military operation last year.
Pakistani mystery spinner Usman Tariq has expressed frustration over batters repeatedly questioning the legality of his bowling action. He highlighted incidents involving Tim David, Tom Banton, and Cameron Green, asserting that umpires should be the sole arbiters of his action, which has previously been cleared by the ICC.
