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.
Savita Punia's journey from a shy youngster dependent on her mother to a confident veteran goalkeeper and mentor reflects hockey's profound impact on her life.
Om Prakash Chouhan has taken the opening-round lead at the Rs 1 crore Coal India Open in Kolkata, delivering a spectacular eight-under 62. His impressive performance included a hole-in-one and an eagle, giving him a one-shot advantage over former Asian Tour winner Ajeetesh Sandhu.
If an OTT series can make a young person curious about the armed forces, make a family understand the sacrifices made by those in uniform, or simply make someone walk up to a veteran and say, "Thank you for your service," then it has achieved something far more important than merely getting its history right, notes Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).
Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop hailed Bangladesh's "momentous achievement" after their stunning nine-wicket win over Australia in the first Test in Darwin on Sunday.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen successfully defended his title at the Esports World Cup chess competition, completing an undefeated campaign by defeating Belarusian grandmaster Denis Lazavik in a dominant final. Carlsen secured a 2-0 victory, showcasing his strategic prowess and determination throughout the tournament.
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.
Researching Japan was like going down a rabbit hole. There is just so much to see and do, but I finally decided we would stick to the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, notes Radhika Mittal.
Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra achieved his season's best throw of 88.05m at the Lausanne Diamond League, securing second place, narrowly beaten by Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage who threw 88.14m.
The Iran national women's kabaddi team conducted a six-day practice camp at the Sports Authority of India's Sonepat centre, engaging in matches against the Indian team and local sides.
The Prime Volleyball League auction saw Shameemudheen become the biggest Indian buy at Rs 20 lakh, with other players like Muhammad Nihal C K, Shon T John, and Jasjodh Singh also securing significant bids. The auction also highlighted the growing importance of grassroots talent, with several U-21 players earning spots in PVL franchises, underscoring the league's commitment to nurturing future stars.
Sri Lanka's head coach Gary Kirsten expressed satisfaction with his team's developing approach to Test cricket despite a loss to India. He highlighted the team's fight and resilience, particularly after a poor start in their first innings, and praised young batter Sonal Dinusha. Kirsten also provided an update on key player injuries ahead of the next Test.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "dimagi naxal" remark by stating he is "proud to be a dimagi naxal". Modi had warned against "dimagi naxals" who manipulate policies and promote violence, despite the success in curbing armed Naxalism. Chidambaram's comment came after Modi's Independence Day speech where he highlighted the threat posed by ideological supporters of Naxalism.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was detained in Patna during a protest march concerning police action related to NEET paper leak protests in Bihar. Yadav, along with RJD workers, was protesting against frequent exam paper leaks, stating that the government is jeopardising students' futures.
Alexander Zverev's French Open final against Flavio Cobolli will carry a personal twist, after their friendship grew at the Laver Cup and the support of the Italian's father in difficult moments on tour deepened ties heading into Sunday's showdown.
Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu is now setting her sights on an Asian Games medal, acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with high expectations after her successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
Gen Z has embraced the sunflower as a symbol of hope, comfort and joy. Unsurprisingly, that sunny optimism has found its way into fashion too. From buttery yellows and botanical prints to outfits paired with the bloom itself, these celebrity looks capture the carefree spirit of sunflower dressing in full bloom.
Australia were left staring at a stunning defeat after Bangladesh tightened their grip on the first Test in Darwin on Day 3. The hosts finished on 161/4, still 67 runs behind, with Cameron Green and Alex Carey facing a huge task to keep Australia in the contest.
Swedish badminton player Gustav Bjorkler shares his inspiring journey of returning to professional badminton after battling myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of blood cancer. He discusses the physical and mental challenges of recovery, losing 17 kilos, and his renewed perspective on life and the sport, as he aims to break into the top 100 and develop his game further.
Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema believes the Indian women's hockey team possesses the talent to replicate China's remarkable journey to an Olympic silver medal, provided they focus on fundamental skills and secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar's magnificent 10-wicket match haul and Devdutt Padikkal's century spearheaded India's dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, with skipper Shubman Gill praising Suthar's long-term potential for Indian cricket.
A heated exchange between Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz during the first Test has gone viral, after Starc confronted Miraz for running across the pitch's danger area.
Iga Swiatek fought back from a break down in the deciding set to defeat Elina Svitolina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 at the Canadian Open.
Praveen Chithravel battled freezing conditions to win Commonwealth Games 2026 triple jump silver, ending his 2022 heartbreak and setting sights on the Asian Games.
India's Women's Hockey team, buoyed by a draw against China, is set to face South Africa in their second World Cup match. A win is crucial for their qualification hopes for the second round. Coach Sjoerd Marijne acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in ball possession, despite strong performances from key players like Deepika and Navneet Kaur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cautioned the nation about "intellectual Naxals" who he claims are embedded in the system, manipulating policies and posing a threat to society. Speaking on Independence Day, Modi urged citizens to identify and isolate these ideological supporters of Naxalism, highlighting their historical influence in power corridors and their role in promoting violence and anarchy.
Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has expressed profound satisfaction with his decision to retire from international cricket, stating he has 'no regrets at all' after giving his '200 per cent' on the field. Rahane also revealed his openness to venturing into coaching or mentorship roles in the future, aiming to share his extensive experience globally.
Veteran athletics coach Parveer Singh, who guided athletes like Seema Punia, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Annu Rani to international medals, has been named for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. The article details his extensive career spanning over two decades, his role as a coach educator, and his academic contributions to sports coaching.
Khalifa wants to build a universe, but struggles to build a compelling film, leaving Prithviraj Sukumaran to carry a derivative thriller almost entirely on his shoulders laments Sreeju Sudhakaran.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit offers a delightful and charming cinematic experience, blending trademark humour with a sweet, unconventional love story, gushes Sreeju Sudhakaran.
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto's growing trust, tactical understanding and complementary front-and-back court roles have strengthened their chemistry, helping the Indian pair become more consistent and competitive.
Indian javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh secured silver and bronze medals respectively at the Commonwealth Games, marking a historic 2-3 finish for India.
Sara Tendulkar has never really been a corset girl. But if her latest Vogue India cover shoot is anything to go by, she may have just found her newest fashion obsession.
Devdutt Padikkal on Tuesday asserted that Test cricket remains his "ultimate goal", and subtle technical adjustments to his batting has helped him make an instant impact in the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lovlina Borgohain for her quick action in objecting to a distorted map of India at a Glasgow restaurant, highlighting her thoughtful gesture during a celebratory moment.
Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka, attributing his success to a clear strategy against spin and a strong desire to convert big scores. He focused on developing specific plans for bowlers and maintaining full commitment to every shot, while also emphasising the importance of staying focused after reaching a century.
Tejaswin Shankar, a two-time Commonwealth Games medalist, is targeting an Asian Games decathlon gold with a personal best, while building towards Olympic-level performances and longevity.
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has made a significant U-turn, praising Gen Z as India's biggest strength and ambassadors of culture, days after controversially labelling them 'generation gutter.' Her new stance aligns with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments advocating for hearing out young protesters.
Iga Swiatek defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 to win her first title of the season at the Canadian Open. The victory provides a significant confidence boost for Swiatek ahead of the US Open.
