'When the women of India become unstoppable, India becomes unstoppable.'
India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.
Passenger traffic Y-o-Y fell 26.8 per cent in April and 24.6 per cent in May, while capacity declined 9.6 per cent and 11.3 per cent, respectively.
The company's India head, Arun Srinivas, has been summoned by the child rights body on Thursday.
Seven-time champions India are strong favourites against Bangladesh in the Women's Asia Cup semi-final. The match carries an underlying political subtext, adding to the intensity. India's dominant form, led by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma in batting and Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh in bowling, contrasts with Bangladesh's more resilient path to the semi-finals.
A new study reveals that approximately 70 per cent of the year-to-year variation in winter air pollution across northern India can be explained by the frequency of western disturbances. These storm systems, originating from the Mediterranean, help clear pollution through precipitation and ventilation. The findings suggest that predicting the frequency of these disturbances could provide advance warning of severe pollution, allowing for better preparedness and implementation of control measures.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighted the critical need for India to diversify its services exports beyond the dominant IT/ITeS and professional services sectors. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, he emphasised the vast potential in the global financial services market, where India currently holds a small share, and stressed how fintech solutions, like UPI, can drive growth, reduce remittance costs, and support MSME trade finance, ultimately leading to sustainable economic expansion.
India's current account deficit could widen to 1.7 per cent of GDP, or about $71 billion, if crude oil prices stay above $90 a barrel for a significant part of the second half of FY27.
A US nonprofit policy think tank, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), estimates India's nuclear arsenal at 190 warheads, including those for new missiles under production. The report highlights India's ongoing modernisation of its nuclear capabilities and adherence to a no-first-use doctrine, while also noting uncertainties in warhead designs and plutonium reserves.
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.
French aerospace and defence major Thales views India as a highly dynamic market for avionics, with significant growth potential as Indian airlines expand their fleets. The company, which has a substantial presence and MRO facilities in India, is also exploring opportunities to replicate India-developed solutions globally and sees increased use of AI in development.
Brazil has announced its 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for a historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. This landmark fixture follows Brazil's Australia tour and promises a grand spectacle for Indian football fans.
The Indian hockey teams are reverting to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games after facing significant criticism for a previous shift to saffron. This decision follows internal discord within Hockey India, with its president, Dilip Tirkey, stating the saffron kit change was not permanent and lacked proper federation approval. The Asian Games are crucial for Olympic qualification.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India's participation in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan will be guided by the sports ministry's policy, which permits Indian athletes to compete in events with Pakistani participants and vice-versa. Separately, the MEA also commented on the ongoing legal proceedings for seven foreign nationals, including a US citizen and six Ukrainians, who were recently chargesheeted by the NIA for illegal entry and movement, though not under UAPA at this stage.
India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced India's ambition to lead the world in 6G mobile technology and become a designer of global technology standards. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, Scindia highlighted India's shift from being a technology market to a technology maker, emphasizing progress in 5G rollout, affordable data, and digital infrastructure driving fintech growth, while also stressing the importance of digital security.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Indian para-shooter Mona Agarwal has secured a quota place for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games by winning a silver medal in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the WSPS World Championships in Changwon, South Korea. While Avani Lekhara won bronze in the same event, only the top two finishers secured quotas. Agarwal and Lekhara also combined to win a team gold.
India concluded its campaign at the World Archery Para Series Stage III with an impressive tally of 15 medals, including four gold, three silver, and eight bronze, finishing second in the overall medal standings. The event served as a crucial preparatory test for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games.
However, Hardik Pandya's inclusion is once again subject to getting fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence.
Razorpay CEO Harshil Mathur highlights India's leadership in real-time payments, stating it can foster numerous billion-dollar fintech companies capable of expanding globally. He draws parallels with the US internet boom and discusses how India's unique regulatory and private sector collaboration, exemplified by UPI, can be replicated in other emerging markets. Mathur also touches upon the opportunities and risks associated with leveraging AI in business.
India's total goods trade with BRICS nations more than doubled from FY21 to FY26, reaching USD 417.5 billion, but a significant surge in imports, particularly from China and Russia, has caused India's trade deficit with the bloc to more than triple, reaching USD 226.1 billion.
Indian wrestling coach Virender Dahiya and wrestler Antim Panghal have expressed strong confidence in the national team's preparation and potential for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Dahiya believes the team will significantly improve on its previous medal tally, while Panghal highlights the strong team cohesion and gold medal aspirations. The squad features a mix of experienced and young talent, aiming to overcome strong regional competitors.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma has downplayed concerns about India's fielding ahead of the Women's Asia Cup T20 final, stating that dropped catches are 'a part of the game' and the team remains focused on a strong all-round performance.
India's Women's Junior Hockey team delivered a dominant performance, defeating Pakistan 19-0 to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Women's Junior Asia Cup. The team showcased relentless attacking prowess, scoring consistently throughout the match and converting multiple penalty corners.
The Indian junior women's hockey team played a goalless draw against China in their final elite pool match of the Junior Asia Cup. This result secured India the top spot in their pool due to a superior goal difference, setting up a quarter-final clash against Pakistan.
Bangladesh has confirmed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in India, clarifying that the invitation was extended to him as the BIMSTEC Chair, not as Bangladesh's Prime Minister. The nation is prioritising bilateral visits and discussions, while also addressing national interests like the expiring Ganges Water Sharing Treaty.
India is actively integrating payment system harmonisation into its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, especially with countries hosting a large Indian diaspora. This strategy aims to leverage India's growing fintech ecosystem, facilitate cross-border financial services, and position India as a global hub for financial services exports, particularly through platforms like GIFT City.
As the world's most populous country, India's economy looks large in the aggregate even as its average incomes stay modest.
Hissi Besra, a promising young golfer, secured the US Kids India (North) title in the Girls 11-12 section with an outstanding round of 5-under 67. The tournament also saw strong performances from other junior golfers like Nihal Cheema, Rayirth Jain, and Drona Singh Dhull, showcasing emerging talent in Indian junior golf.
India's women's cricket team secured a spot in the Women's T20 Asia Cup final after a comprehensive 40-run victory over Bangladesh in the first semi-final, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur praising the team's all-round performance.
India's markets regulator Sebi has launched 'Demat 2.0', a pilot project for tokenisation of corporate bonds, enabling atomic settlement through integration with RBI's wholesale CBDC. This new market infrastructure uses Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to make bond issuance, trading, and settlement faster and more efficient. India is the first country to issue corporate bonds natively on a distributed ledger with central bank digital currency settlement. Additionally, RBI Governor announced new UPI innovations: 'Tap & Pay' for faster POS transactions and MyUPI, an AI-powered customer support solution.
New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has opted for a "casual contract" with New Zealand Cricket for the 2026-27 season to play in the Australian Big Bash League. Despite this, he will remain available for selection for the upcoming home series against India. This decision has opened up a central contract spot for fast bowler Matthew Fisher.
India's para-archers, led by Paralympics champion Harvinder Singh and world No. 1 Sheetal Devi, concluded their World Archery Para Series Stage III campaign with an impressive haul of two gold and four bronze medals. Sheetal Devi secured an individual gold in a dramatic shoot-off and a bronze in the mixed team event, while Harvinder Singh and Bhawna won gold in the recurve mixed team. India also claimed additional bronze medals in individual and mixed team categories.
India is set to field a strong contingent at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with key athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain leading the charge to defend titles in cricket, kabaddi, and men's hockey.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced significant opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within India's rapidly expanding aviation sector. With Indian airlines ordering over 1,600 aircraft and the aerospace market projected to double by 2035, there's a massive scope for Indian suppliers to integrate into global aerospace supply chains, moving beyond assembly to design and manufacturing.
India's venture capital deal value grew by a modest 5 per cent in the first seven months of the year, significantly lagging the global average surge of 161 per cent, reflecting continued investor caution and valuation discipline.
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. The probe follows a complaint by former women's team captain Asunta Lakra, who accused Singh of threats after she raised concerns about alleged harassment of girls in Jharkhand.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has inaugurated India's first Industrial Autonomy & Engineering Lab in Pune, a "lights-out factory lab" designed to advance AI-led manufacturing. The facility features a robotic battery pack assembly line, enabling manufacturers to prototype and scale AI-first production systems with minimal human intervention, simulating self-optimising factories.
Sony Sports Network has secured exclusive television broadcast rights for the upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, scheduled from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The series will feature India led by Shreyas Iyer and Afghanistan led by Ibrahim Zadran, with both teams showcasing aggressive T20 cricket. This acquisition strengthens Sony's sports portfolio and offers a platform for Afghanistan to demonstrate its talent against a top-tier team.
