Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano discuss the profound influence of their former club on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. They highlight the impact of La Masia-bred players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi for Spain, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi for Argentina, all products of Barcelona's footballing philosophy. Both former players express pride in the shared playing style and the quality of the final.
One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.
Mamata Banerjee strongly defended her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, apologising to the public for "traitors" who left the TMC. She accused the BJP of using investigative agencies to engineer defections and praised Abhishek for his resilience against political attacks, asserting that her family never compromised for political survival.
India has launched its first hydrogen-powered train, the 'Namo Green Rail', from Jind, Haryana, marking a significant step towards sustainable railway mobility. The 10-coach train, which emits only water vapour, is currently operating on the Jind-Sonipat route and represents a major technological advancement for the country's transport sector.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari has announced his resignation from the party, citing a lack of space for dedicated workers and alleging humiliation. He also claimed that Tejashwi Yadav is surrounded by elements "hollowing" the party.
Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar have paid heartfelt tributes to the late West Indies icon Sir Garfield Sobers, remembering his unparalleled legacy and personal interactions. Both stars expressed their sorrow and highlighted Sobers' immense contribution to the sport, inspiring generations of cricketers.
Kanika is a fragrant, mildly sweet rice dish from Odisha, traditionally prepared as an offering or bhog to Jagannath Temple. It is especially popular during festivals, weddings and special occasions, and is often served alongside dal, vegetable curries and khatta.
French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja defeated reigning world champion D Gukesh in a 69-move battle at the Chennai Grand Masters 2026, taking the sole lead after the second round. Indian players M Pranesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin all secured draws against their respective opponents in the prestigious tournament.
As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.
India captain Shubman Gill attributed his team's 27-run defeat in the series-deciding third ODI against England to their inability to contain runs in the death overs, allowing England to post a formidable total of 388.
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to consider a batch of contempt petitions alleging that demolitions were carried out in violation of its 2024 judgment and asked aggrieved parties to approach the high courts concerned.
V S Rathanvel has become India's 99th Grandmaster, fulfilling a five-year dream after crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026. His achievement brings India closer to the landmark 100th GM milestone, marking a significant moment for Indian chess.
The cricket world paid glorious tribute to West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers who died in Barbados on Friday, describing him as the benchmark of excellence and terming his death an "irreplaceable loss" for the sport.
Survivors of a tourist boat tragedy in Vietnam, which claimed 15 Indian lives, have expressed outrage over the absence of timely medical preparedness and trained personnel at the accident site, stating they were forced to perform CPR themselves in a desperate attempt to save fellow passengers.
If it's raining, it's a great time for a holiday. If it isn't, even better. No wonder, many celebs just hop on a plane and jet off for quick getaways around this season.
Former India captain Kapil Dev paid tribute to the late Sir Garfield Sobers, hailing him as a revolutionary cricketer who inspired generations and changed the approach to the sport. Dev highlighted Sobers' unparalleled talent as an all-rounder and his impact on traditional cricketing methods.
The question nobody seems to ask is why a democracy should be silent when many of its citizens are concerned about the way the US is deviating from its traditional ways of consultation, cooperation and collaboration and moving away from traditional allies, asks Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul highlights Lionel Messi's contentment and record-breaking performance as a significant morale booster for the team, who are 'one step away' from another World Cup final and preparing to face England.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after defeating long-time rivals England with two late goals, sparking widespread celebrations across the country, particularly in Cutral Co, Patagonia, home to a new 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi.
Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.
Lamine Yamal's working-class neighbourhood, Rocafonda, is filled with pride as the Spanish forward prepares for the World Cup final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The story highlights Yamal's deep connection to his roots, his admiration for Messi, and how he honours his community through gestures like his "304" hand sign and wearing a Rocafonda headband.
At a function in Anand, ministers and the chief minister all in attendance, Varghese Kurien called the IAS lobby termites.
You should look beyond a flat SIP, ensuring that your investments grow along with your income, expenses, and financial aspirations.
Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.
Joe Root's unbeaten 99 not out guided England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI in Cardiff, levelling the series 1-1. Despite falling one run short of a century, Root's selfless approach, prioritising the team's win over his personal milestone, earned widespread praise.
Young adults in India are increasingly grappling with high blood pressure, a condition once thought to affect mainly the older demographics. Cardiologists point to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, chronic stress and unhealthy diets as primary drivers of this silent epidemic.
A devastating fire at the Na Ladprao eatery in Bangkok's Chatuchak district resulted in 27 fatalities and 63 injuries, with officials confirming that most deaths were due to smoke inhalation after a stage circuit breaker exploded.
Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar expressed his excitement about playing different roles across formats, highlighting his recent unbeaten 52 at number five in India's ODI victory over England. He credited coaches Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra for boosting his confidence as a batter.
'People often say acting cannot be taught, but it can be learned. I've always believed that, and I've been a sincere student.'
G.D. Goenka School, Dwarka and Bharti Public School have clinched their maiden boys' and girls' titles, respectively, at the fourth edition of the Oriental Cup. The tournament also introduced a scholarship programme for 10 student-athletes, recognising their outstanding performances.
Rani Mukerji is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University at the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, acknowledging her profound impact on Indian cinema and dedicated humanitarian efforts.
Sobers excelled at many sports, including soccer and basketball, but cricket was his passion. His first memories of the sport were of playing in the road or on the beach, aged eight.
A Kargil War Hero looks back at the victory of Tiger Hill and the men who didn't return.
Spain captain Rodri has expressed his team's ambition and hunger ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina. He highlighted Spain's gradual growth and well-rounded team play, while acknowledging Argentina's competitive spirit and the formidable presence of Lionel Messi. Rodri anticipates a physical battle and draws inspiration from Spain's 2010 World Cup victory.
Bhanu Iyer from Bengaluru tells us about the simple habits and values that helped her marriage celebrate 15 years.
Former India spinner Dilip Doshi shared an amusing anecdote about West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers' superstition, revealing how Sobers believed touching Sunil Gavaskar's shoulder before batting would bring him fortune, leading to a witty intervention by India captain Ajit Wadekar.
Former India player Parthiv Patel has expressed confidence that Rohit Sharma will silence critics with a defining century in the series-deciding third ODI against England, amidst speculation that it could be his last international game. Reports suggest selectors have indicated Rohit is not in their plans for the 2027 World Cup, leading to retirement or dropping possibilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged India's significant support, directly refuting American Vice President J D Vance's assertion that the US was Israel's only powerful ally. Netanyahu highlighted India's 1.4 billion people and the "tremendous support" received, including on social media, while also noting Israel's strong relationships with other nations seeking its cybersecurity and AI expertise.
Legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has voiced his opinions on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, advocating for quicker decisions by relying more on Video Operation Room officials rather than on-field referees reviewing screens. He also expressed mixed feelings about the proposed 48-team World Cup format, acknowledging opportunities for smaller nations but warning against potential dilution of quality.
