World Cup 2026 is on track to become the biggest betting event in history, with global wagers expected to exceed $50 billion as sportsbooks report record-breaking activity driven by the expanded tournament format and growing legal gambling markets.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has requested the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to gather data on IT infrastructure and available space from government institutions. This initiative aims to establish new testing centres for the computer-based NEET-UG examination, which is set to be implemented from 2027 following a recent paper leak and NTA's ongoing overhaul.
Tempsens Instruments India has emerged as the strongest mainboard IPO debutant of calendar year 2026 so far, delivering a 95.55 per cent gain on its listing day, surpassing all previous top performers and contributing to August being the strongest month for listing gains this year.
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.
In the Global Chess League, Ganges Grandmasters ended FYER American Gambits' winning streak with a 9-7 victory, moving to second place. Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers secured their second consecutive win, defeating Ganges Grandmasters 11-6. Key players like Polina Shuvalova, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Koneru Humpy delivered crucial performances, while Magnus Carlsen showcased his endgame prowess with a draw against Nepomniachtchi. PBG Alaskan Knights also registered a comfortable win against CheQ Mumba Masters.
Churches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have started asking worshippers to fill self-declaration forms, affirming they are attending prayers voluntarily. This move comes after Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law, the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, came into force, leading to concerns among the Christian community about potential harassment and false accusations.
A recent report by Praja Foundation indicates a significant decline in the quality and quantity of questions raised by Mumbai MLAs in the Maharashtra assembly. The 'Mumbai's MLA Report Card, 2026' shows a sharp drop in average scores for question quality and a 72 per cent reduction in the number of questions asked compared to previous assemblies, raising concerns about legislative oversight.
Rapper Badshah and Isha Rikhi have officially announced their mutual decision to divorce, bringing their five-month-old marriage to an end.
Tamil Nadu's ruling TVK and its post-poll allies have officially named their front the "Secular Social Justice Victory" alliance, with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay elected as its leader. The alliance, which includes Congress, VCK, and IUML, is preparing for upcoming bypolls on October 6, which will serve as an initial test of its strength. Leaders emphasised the alliance's ideological foundation rooted in secularism and social justice, aiming to protect constitutional values and oppose communal forces.
The FIA has reinstated Red Bull's Isack Hadjar to third at the Monaco Grand Prix, while Alpine's Pierre Gasly was demoted again following the latest appeal verdict.
Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage has emerged as the favourite for gold in the Commonwealth Games javelin final, potentially overshadowing the much-anticipated rivalry between India's Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem. Pathirage, the world leader with a stunning 92.62m throw, has been in exceptional form this season, while Chopra and Nadeem are returning from injuries. The final also features other strong contenders, including former world and Olympic champions, promising a high-quality contest.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed district presidents at a training camp in Nashik, urging them to uphold party ideology and fight for justice. He also demonstrated martial arts and discussed various state issues with senior leaders, while BJP leaders protested his visit.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved the establishment of India's first dedicated Quantum and AI University campus in Amaravati by NIELIT. This significant project, funded by the MeitY, Government of India, will focus on advanced technologies like Quantum, AI, and Semiconductors, integrating education, research, and entrepreneurship.
If winning the National Championship does not help a player make the national team, what exactly is the value of becoming India's national champion?
While the iPhone Duo grabbed the spotlight at Apple's September event, the biggest takeaway is how the company's hardware, software and AI are becoming more closely connected across its entire lineup.
India may not be at FIFA World Cup 2026, but four players with Indian roots will represent their nations on football's biggest stage.
India's junior women's hockey team commenced its Women's Junior Asia Cup title defence with a commanding 4-1 victory over South Korea. Goals from Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Purnima Yadav, Puja Sahoo, and Madhu Sidar secured the win, showcasing India's strong offensive and defensive play throughout the match.
A five-storey building housing a boys' hostel in Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed, resulting in three student deaths and five critical injuries. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday afternoon, sparked frantic rescue operations and raised serious concerns about building maintenance and safety in the congested student neighbourhood. An investigation is underway to find the building's owner.
Satyaki Savarkar, grandnephew of V D Savarkar, testified in a Pune court, stating that Rahul Gandhi's remarks portrayed Savarkar as a "Muslim hater" and "mob lyncher," which he claims is false. Savarkar asserted that his granduncle's writings promoted Muslim progress. The testimony was part of a defamation case filed against Gandhi concerning his alleged statements about Savarkar's writings.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari symbolically destroyed nearly 2 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup in Balurghat using a road roller. This act, aimed at combating drug addiction among youth and curbing smuggling to Bangladesh, highlights improved coordination between BSF and state police. Adhikari also announced a new medical college for Balurghat during his visit.
The task force's move to directly solicit views from students, parents and teachers marks a parallel effort to bring education stakeholders into the reform process.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor's Dal Lake shikara ride and remarks on J&K signal a warmer US approach towards the Union Territory.
Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.
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.
French tennis star Gael Monfils played his final Grand Slam match at the US Open, losing to Learner Tien. The charismatic 40-year-old received an emotional send-off from the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd, who celebrated his entertaining career with chants and a video tribute. Monfils, set to retire at the end of the season, expressed gratitude for the fans' love and shared a warm moment with his young opponent.
'It is not economical to operate GSLV-Mk II due to its cost and complexity. Future launches to be managed with LVM3.'
American youngster Learner Tien defeated French veteran Gael Monfils in straight sets at the U.S. Open, marking the likely end of Monfils' Grand Slam career. The match, a clash of generations, saw 20-year-old Tien dominate the retiring showman.
A 40-year-old woman in Bengaluru has been accused of killing her four-month-old twin daughters before attempting suicide. Police registered an FIR based on her husband's complaint, who stated she had been suffering from postpartum depression and abnormal behaviour after IVF treatment.
Tamil Nadu minister P Viswanathan on Friday said that Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be the prime ministerial candidate in the 2029 elections, while expressing confidence in the Congress' political position in the state.
'I have a vested interest -- to serve the people of Maharashtra and ensure safe food. That is my vested interest, if at all there is one.'
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, devastating flash floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district, bordering Tibet, left 105 Indian tourists among nearly 400 people missing.
Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that hearings of applications for citizenship under the CAA will soon be over, and so far the state has issued certificates to 23,000 people out of 2.30 lakh applicants.
Fintech company Cashfree Payments India Private Limited has significantly reduced its consolidated net losses to Rs 118.5 crore in FY26 from Rs 154 crore in FY25. The firm also saw a substantial revenue growth of over 51 per cent, reaching Rs 967.4 crore. Co-founder & CEO Akash Sinha highlighted achieving EBITDA profitability in March 2026 and outlined plans for full-year profitability in FY27, driven by growth in SMB and cross-border payments.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) net bought $561 million in June, marking its first net purchase since February, following three consecutive months of net sales. This move coincided with a series of government and RBI measures to attract foreign capital, leading to a 0.36 per cent appreciation of the rupee against the dollar.
Ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to India for the BRICS summit, Russia has expressed support for New Delhi's peace initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Discussions between Putin and PM Modi will cover defence, energy, technology, and the repatriation of Indian nationals from the Russian military, alongside addressing trade and investment ties.
Luxury hotels in Delhi are experiencing a significant room crunch and a sharp increase in tariffs ahead of the BRICS Summit. Many marquee properties show no availability or are quoting rates exceeding six figures per night around the September 12-13 event, highlighting a gap in India's hospitality infrastructure.
Some see in the CJP the potential of weakening the Opposition. Hence the BJP/RSS's 'softly softly catchee monkey' approach, with co-option being the ultimate aim, points out Aditi Phadnis.
The new Champions League season kicked off with star performances from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, securing wins for Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively. Jose Mourinho's Madrid overcame Inter Milan, while City defeated Porto. Other matches saw Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Aston Villa, and AEK Athens also claim victories.
How Rasikh Salam Dar, the unsung hero from Kashmir, became a pivotal bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, contributing significantly to their championship victory.
