The comparisons show where last year's cutoffs are still a usable guide and where you need to reset your expectations before Round 2.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for enhanced accountability and safeguards for artificial intelligence, particularly as it integrates into critical sectors like finance. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest, she highlighted the dual nature of AI, capable of accelerating transactions but also amplifying fraud and cyberattacks. Sitharaman stressed the need for human and institutional responsibility in AI-driven decisions, urging regulators and companies to scrutinise high-risk AI applications. She also proposed a federated industry platform for Indian tech companies to navigate international regulations and ensure tax compliance globally.
Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala defeated Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open. Eala, who previously lost to Oliynykova, showcased a dominant performance, particularly in the first set, and attributed her win to patience and consistent focus. Her victory was celebrated by a strong Filipino contingent in New York.
The Indian Olympic Association has formed a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, announcing that Iran and the UAE agreed to move past previous tensions. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on the summit sidelines. Pezeshkian also met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia developments, with Modi emphasising dialogue for regional peace. The BRICS summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for global governance reforms and de-escalation in West Asia.
Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to play on the same team for the first time in Carlos Tevez's farewell match at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera in December.
BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
'Fourteen years ago, I made my debut as an actor. And now, 14 years later, I am introducing four new actors and a debutante director. I am way more nervous than they are right now. I have butterflies in my stomach.'
The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.
India's eway bill generation reached 139.08 million in August, marking the third-highest monthly count on record and indicating sustained momentum in goods movement and formal economic activity, according to official data.
Former Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has publicly backed Kylian Mbappe to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, citing his exceptional individual scoring achievements across the Champions League, LaLiga, and the World Cup.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a three-day visit to attend the BRICS summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and energy cooperation amidst global geopolitical challenges.
Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in an electric U.S. Open semi-final, setting up a title clash with Alexander Zverev. Shelton's victory marks a significant moment for American men's tennis, as he aims to become the first American Grand Slam champion since 2003 and the first Black American man to reach the U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth was defeated by Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu in straight games during the quarterfinals of the China Masters Super 750. Srikanth, a former world No.1, lost 16-21, 16-21 in a 39-minute match, ending his campaign despite a strong performance in the previous round.
A five-storey building housing a boys' hostel in Satya Niketan, South Delhi, collapsed, resulting in three student deaths and several injuries. Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured support and are monitoring the situation. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many feared trapped, and an investigation into the building's owner is underway.
Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji has spoken out about the severe online harassment and sexualisation she endured following her silver medal win at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships.
'Companies are getting selective about what they pay a premium for.'
Barcelona captain Raphinha scored two goals, leading his side to a resounding 5-1 victory over Feyenoord in their opening Champions League fixture. Meanwhile, Ermedin Demirovic's hat-trick secured a 3-1 win for VfB Stuttgart against Viking Stavanger.
Coco Gauff celebrates the historic U.S. Open semi-final clash between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, marking the first time two Black American men will compete at this stage in a Grand Slam in the Open Era. Gauff, also in the women's semi-finals, expressed her pride and admiration for Tiafoe's inspiring presence on tour.
Jacob Coxon, an AI researcher formerly with OpenAI and Anthropic, has resigned, accusing leading tech firms of an irresponsible and unchecked race towards developing superintelligence. He warns that this competitive rush, lacking adequate safeguards, poses an existential threat, potentially leading to catastrophic harm and "gambling with our lives."
Fighting in Yemen has intensified as Houthi rebels advance on strategic government-held areas like Marib and Taiz, putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to respond. The conflict is also linked to wider US-Iran tensions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with former US President Trump commenting on the situation.
Joe Root anchored England's chase with an unbeaten 99 as the hosts defeated India by four wickets in the second ODI to level the three-match series in Cardiff on Thursday.
The Indian Olympic Association has established a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate allegations of harassment and intimidation against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh. These accusations were made by former women's team captain Asunta Lakra, who claims she was threatened after raising concerns about alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand. The Sports Ministry directed the formation of this panel, while Hockey India faces a separate inquiry against Lakra for allegedly threatening a young player.
Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have advanced to the China Masters final for the third time, overcoming Malaysian opponents Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong in a three-game thriller. The world No. 5 duo, who are playing their second tournament after a break, are now one step away from securing their second title of the season and will face China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in the summit clash.
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has agreed to take water and saline treatment but vowed to continue his indefinite fast until all demands for Maratha reservation and Kunbi certificates are met. His health is deteriorating, prompting concerns from doctors and appeals from authorities. Jarange criticised the state government and mediating ministers, alleging political infighting and a lack of serious engagement on the issue.
Top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal discusses his new role as India A captain, viewing it as a valuable learning experience that will positively influence his batting ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour. He also reflects on his recent good form and the challenges of adapting to different playing conditions.
A senior Geological Survey of India official warns that the Himalayas are vulnerable to cascading disasters, where one high-altitude event can trigger a chain of destructive events downstream, as evidenced by Nepal's recent floods. He stresses the need for integrated monitoring using satellite data and ground investigations to identify high-risk areas and improve preparedness in the Indian Himalayas.
A new study has identified a shared biological process that could explain chronic exhaustion in conditions like long Covid, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that despite different triggers, these illnesses converge on common biological systems, including immune and metabolic regulation, leading to profound fatigue. The findings suggest a deeper connection between these seemingly disparate disorders at a network level, rather than at an individual gene level.
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its constant upheaval, including the 'disrespectful' sacking of players and frequent changes in coaching staff, which he believes creates instability and fear among players.
The benchmark BSE Sensex rebounded by 362 points, ending a four-day losing streak, driven by strong buying in metal, private banking, and oil and gas shares, while the broader NSE Nifty saw modest gains despite paring some advances in the closing session.
China has issued a Level-IV alert due to a newly formed barrier lake at the Tibet-Nepal border, warning of a high risk of breaching and flooding downstream areas. The lake, formed at the confluence of Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, has accumulated an estimated two million cubic metres of water, with inflows expected to increase, raising concerns for areas including Gyirong Port.
The BCCI is committed to improving player preparation for major series in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA countries) by ensuring adequate rest, acclimatisation, and practice matches, according to secretary Devajit Saikia.
A 26-year-old man seeking infertility treatment was found to have a uterus and fallopian-tube-like structures, along with undescended testes, revealing a rare congenital condition called Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) that had remained undiagnosed until adulthood.
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in a hard-fought US Open semi-final, winning in three sets. This victory propels him to his sixth major final and second at Flushing Meadows, marking a significant achievement in his career.
India's Ministry of External Affairs announced that central and state forensic laboratories will provide DNA profiling services for first-degree relatives in India to help identify victims of the recent Nepal flash floods. This initiative supports Nepal's ongoing identification process, with specific guidelines for sample collection and submission of DNA profiles to Nepali authorities.
In recent years, China and Russia have pushed for de-dollarisation within BRICS, which India has resisted. One reason is that India does not want to hurt its relationship with the United States, and another is the fear of China controlling trade because the renminbi is considered the strongest currency in the bloc today.
Naomi Osaka's US Open campaign, though ending in defeat, was marked by her bold fashion choices and a profound reflection on her life as a mother, redefining her approach to Grand Slam success.
Jessica Pegula defeated Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American US Open quarter-final dubbed the 'Battle of the Billionaires', securing her spot in the semi-finals for the third consecutive year.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of political vendetta after his name was marked as 'shifted' in the draft electoral rolls despite being registered in Mohali. The AAP has refuted the claims, stating that Chadha has been living in Delhi and was attempting to get his voter registration made in Delhi through a 'backdated process'.
Carlos Alcaraz left fans stunned after appearing to vomit into his towel during his US Open clash with Ben Shelton.
