The Indian cricket team marked the nation's 80th Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolour in Galle, Sri Lanka, ahead of their opening Test match against the host nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, highlighted technology and innovation as central to India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He called for India to lead in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and space, announcing a massive AI skilling initiative for one crore youth. Modi stressed the importance of becoming a global innovation hub, bolstering energy security with nuclear power, and strengthening cybersecurity.
A 62-year-old cricket coach, Sumith Fernando, who mentored Kusal Mendis, died in Colombo following an altercation with two school players over drinking water during a match. A 17-year-old player has been arrested and placed under child probation custody.
A maiden Test century is never just about three figures. It is a reflection of patience, perseverance, self-belief and the courage to wait for the right moment.
Indian golfers Pranavi Urs and Diksha Dagar had a modest start at the Swiss Ladies Open, carding 1-under 70 and even par 71 respectively, while Tvesa Malik finished 1-over. Spanish players Luna Sobron Galmes and Amaia Latorre took the early lead, and England's Alice Hewson is aiming for a third consecutive win at the event.
Indian golfers Pranavi Urs and Diksha Dagar had a modest start at the Swiss Ladies Open, carding 1-under 70 and even par 71 respectively, while Tvesa Malik finished 1-over. Spanish players Luna Sobron Galmes and Amaia Latorre took the early lead, and England's Alice Hewson is aiming for a third consecutive win at the event.
Sri Lanka have gone more than a decade since their last Test match win against India, having last beaten them in the Galle Test in 2015.
India launched 'Suryapath Tiranga', a unique initiative involving over 50 Indian missions globally, to digitally relay images of the tricolour across multiple time zones, starting from Fiji, to mark the country's 80th Independence Day.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Jamshedpur FC 9-8 in a penalty shootout after their Durand Cup quarterfinal match ended 1-1 in regulation time. Sahal Abdul Samad scored for Mohun Bagan and Devendra Murgaonkar for Jamshedpur. Mohun Bagan secured their spot in the semifinals after a dramatic sudden-death shootout.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that India might field three left-arm spinners - Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manav Suthar - in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
'Chal bhai, uth.' Get up. He said it to the politicians like they worked for him. International press has come, he announced. Rotters, BBC, Newsweek.
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has achieved a rare feat in Test cricket, becoming only the fourth player in history to score over 4,000 runs and take 350 wickets. He joins an exclusive club alongside legends like Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori, reaching the milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century put India firmly in control on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, with the visitors reaching 288/2 at stumps.
A 62-year-old cricket coach, Sumith Fernando, who mentored Kusal Mendis, died in Colombo following an altercation with two school players over drinking water during a match. A 17-year-old player has been arrested and placed under child probation custody.
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.
Indian athletes Basant Kumar Meghwal and Shahnavaz Khan have made history at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, Oregon, winning silver in men's high jump and bronze in men's long jump, respectively, bringing India's medal tally to three.
Veteran Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh, preparing for his fourth and potentially final Hockey World Cup, expresses his determination to lead India to its first title in 51 years. He highlights the team's experience, preparation, and focus on fitness and defence, confident in their ability to reach the final.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has completed interviews for its first full-time CEO, focusing on professional experience, vision, and management capabilities rather than personal beliefs or practices. The selection process involved multiple rounds, culminating in face-to-face interactions with 16 top candidates.
The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.
From a child star to a superhero icon and horror favourite, Hayden Panettiere left behind a memorable body of work far beyond her years.
A Goa-based man, Shubhang Borkar, ingeniously used ChatGPT to locate his lost footwear amidst a pile of shoes outside the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He uploaded images of the footwear and his own shoes to the AI chatbot, which then successfully identified his pair, showcasing a practical and unusual application of artificial intelligence.
Defending champion Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima have advanced to the Canadian Open final in Montreal, setting up an all-American clash.
The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.
India skipper Shubman Gill has shed light on the team's meticulous approach to player fitness, explaining that while constant monitoring is in place, risk-avoiding decisions are sometimes necessary, especially in the demanding format of Test cricket, to protect both the player and the team's long-term interests.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes he could have achieved 400 Test wickets under the captaincy of Imran Khan, reflecting on his career, his relationship with Wasim Akram, and the immense physical toll his express pace bowling took on his body.
'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'
Mumbai-based FIDE trainer and arbiter Praful Jhaveri has been appointed as the coach and team captain for the St Kitts and Nevis Chess Federation for the upcoming 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. His appointment followed a recommendation from IM Abhilash Kelkar.
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has voiced significant reservations regarding a proposal by World Chess and FIDE to convert online rapid and blitz ratings into official FIDE ratings. He highlights fundamental integrity issues, such as mouse slips and the lack of physical supervision in home-based online play, making it difficult to ensure fair play. Erigaisi also commented on World Champion D Gukesh's recent form and dismissed the idea that AI diminishes creativity in chess.
Hyderabad Black Hawks U21 have won the inaugural Guardians Trophy, defeating hosts Goa Guardians U21 3-1 in the final. The tournament provided a crucial platform for emerging Indian volleyball talent, with individual awards and prize money distributed to top performers.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is set to begin on August 15, with India featuring in both the men's and women's tournaments. Here is the complete India schedule, fixtures and squad details for the World Cup.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Devdutt Padikkal for his maiden international century against Sri Lanka, highlighting his dedicated work on back foot play and shot selection. Kotak also provided an update on vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt due to cramps but is expected to be fit for the next day's play. The coach further discussed the Galle pitch conditions, anticipating more turn as the Test progresses, and praised Rahul's versatility across formats.
Dr Shilpi Bhadani explains what first-timers should know about lip augmentation, the risks involved, filler vs fat grafting and how long the results last.
It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.
India faces a tough challenge against world No. 3 England in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match. India, coming off a win against Wales, needs to improve its open play finishing and overcome a 32-year World Cup jinx against England. The outcome will significantly impact their path to the knockout stages.
Awarapan 2, featuring Emraan Hashmi, is set to release 19 years after its original, joining a growing trend of long-delayed Bollywood sequels attempting to capitalise on nostalgia and past successes like Gadar 2 and Border 2, but not all such reboots guarantee box office triumph.
Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that captain Shubman Gill is fully prepared for the first Test against Sri Lanka, despite missing the initial days of the warm-up match due to a finger injury. Gill returned to score a quick 44, easing concerns and setting the stage for the upcoming two-match series.
SkyHop Aviation has partnered with Norwegian firm NOEMI Aerospace to explore deploying electric seaplanes in India and South Asia, aiming to enhance regional air connectivity. The collaboration includes evaluating NOEMI's aircraft for SkyHop's fleet, with plans to induct up to 10 by FY2030, and exploring manufacturing opportunities in India.
Indian hockey fans, including a significant diaspora presence and supporters from abroad, created a vibrant, festive atmosphere in Amstelveen for the World Cup opener against Wales on Independence Day, driven by increased expectations following recent Olympic successes.
The Supreme Court has directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expeditiously complete its probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court also mandated the SIT to submit a sealed status report and consider suggestions from litigants for improving transparency and investigation quality.
Manappuram Finance has announced the appointment of Ashish Singh as its new managing director and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2027, marking a significant shift from its family-led governance structure.
