The inaugural international Esports World Cup has commenced in Paris, featuring over 2,000 elite players from 100+ countries competing for a record USD 75 million prize pool across 25 tournaments. The event also highlights a unique Club Championship and includes global ambassadors Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen.
Police investigating the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have requested seven-day custody for two jailed accused, Ram Shankar Yadav and Subhash Srivastava. This request follows new disclosures that necessitate further verification and recovery of evidence. The court is set to hear the remand application on July 14, as investigators scrutinise financial transactions and property purchases to trace the diverted funds.
The United States on Saturday (local time) launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.
India has announced its 20-member women's hockey squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Led by Salima Tete, the team aims to secure a gold medal, which would qualify them for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising juniors, with minor changes from the recent FIH Nations Cup-winning team.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira Damasceno, the reigning ISL Golden Ball winner, on a two-year contract. Miguel, who previously played a crucial role in East Bengal's title-winning campaign, is known for his attacking prowess and ability to provide assists. He expressed excitement about playing for Mohun Bagan's passionate fanbase and aims to help the team win multiple titles.
Hitaashee Bakshi, after playing on the Ladies European Tour, is set to make her first domestic appearance of the season at the 9th leg of the Women's Professional Golf Tour in Hosur. She will compete against top players like Vani Kapoor, Ridhima Dilawari, and Amandeep Drall, as well as emerging young talent, in a strong field of 58 players vying for a purse of Rs. 17 lakhs.
Renowned conservation biologist Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, founder of Assam's biodiversity organisation Aaranyak, has been elected as a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (FLS), one of the highest international recognitions in natural history and biological sciences.
A three-day 'AI Champions for Digital Governance' programme has commenced in New Delhi, hosted by ITDC, SCOPE, and LBSNAA. The initiative aims to train senior leadership and operational teams in applying artificial intelligence within public sector organisations, aligning with the IndiaAI Mission. Experts highlighted AI's role in improving efficiency, productivity, and public service delivery, while also emphasising responsible adoption and data quality. The programme seeks to build an AI-ready nation and contribute to India's vision of future-ready governance systems.
A three-day 'AI Champions for Digital Governance' programme has commenced in New Delhi, hosted by ITDC, SCOPE, and LBSNAA. The initiative aims to train senior leadership and operational teams in applying artificial intelligence within public sector organisations, aligning with the IndiaAI Mission. Experts highlighted AI's role in improving efficiency, productivity, and public service delivery, while also emphasising responsible adoption and data quality. The programme seeks to build an AI-ready nation and contribute to India's vision of future-ready governance systems.
Indian racer Kush Maini secured his first feature race podium of the 2026 Formula 2 season, finishing third at Silverstone. Starting third, Maini briefly led the race and battled intensely before securing his position, marking a significant achievement in his fourth F2 season.
The tax treatment of equity savings funds makes them appealing, especially to investors in higher income-tax brackets.
Indian badminton players Tanya Hemnath and Aakarshi Kashyap were eliminated from the Canada Open after losing their respective women's singles second-round matches, marking the end of India's challenge at the Super 300 tournament.
rediffGURU Nayagam PP, a certified career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360, answers admission related questions and guides aspirants on how to pick the right stream and college.
G Sathiyan played a pivotal role in Dabang Delhi TTC's 9-6 victory over UP Prometheans in the Ultimate Table Tennis' seventh season tie. Delhi secured the win after being tied 6-6, with Sathiyan's mixed doubles and men's singles performances proving decisive. The match also saw the introduction of the Table Tennis Review (TTR) system in UTT.
Indian-origin golfers Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Sahith Theegala made their mark on the opening day of the Genesis Scottish Open. Yellamaraju carded a two-under 68, placing him tied 27th, while Theegala finished even-par 70, tied 72nd. Rory McIlroy shares the lead with a five-under 65.
Indian-origin golfers Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Sahith Theegala made their mark on the opening day of the Genesis Scottish Open. Yellamaraju carded a two-under 68, placing him tied 27th, while Theegala finished even-par 70, tied 72nd. Rory McIlroy shares the lead with a five-under 65.
India has announced its 20-member women's hockey squad, led by Salima Tete, for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The team aims to secure a gold medal to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with minor changes to the strike force from the FIH Nations Cup winning side.
Vani Kapoor secured a comfortable victory in the ninth leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour at Clover Greens, Hosur. Her impressive performance, including five birdies in the final 10 holes, led her to finish 11-under, three shots ahead of Anvvi Dahhiya. This marks Kapoor's first win of 2026, following a successful 2025 season.
'Start with forgiveness,' counsels rediffGURU Archana Deshpande, an image consultant and founder of TransformMe Life Skills Coaching.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, easing restrictions on Russian athletes. This move, welcomed by the Kremlin, allows Olympic sports bodies to consider reintegrating Russian athletes as neutrals, though some sports like track and field are not following suit.
The National Jute Board has developed a jute-viscose blended apparel for Indian athletes participating in the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, marking the first time jute-based attire will be featured at an international multi-sport event, promoting sustainable textiles and India's jute industry.
The Indian Olympic Association hosted a grand send-off for the country's Commonwealth Games contingent, unveiling the official ceremonial and competition kit for athletes heading to Glasgow. Dignitaries including Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA President PT Usha attended the event, expressing hopes for a successful campaign.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist judoka Tulika Maan is determined to overcome her Paris Olympics disappointment and win a gold medal at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She is confident about facing her 2022 final opponent, Sarah Adlington, again.
Top-seed Indian Abhijeet Gupta secured a crucial victory in the eighth round of the Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin Chess Tournament, maintaining his lead. Fellow Indian International Masters Aswath S and Kushagra Mohan also won, positioning themselves strongly for the title in the final round, with Aswath eyeing a Grandmaster title and Kushagra a Grandmaster norm.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to face Lionel Messi for the first time in his career during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, an occasion he described as carrying a 'sense of history' given his long-standing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Anil Menon, a NASA astronaut of Indian descent, is embarking on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station. A former US Space Force colonel and emergency medicine physician, Menon will conduct vital experiments on the physiological effects of long-duration spaceflight, develop in-space medical technologies, and research semiconductor crystal production, contributing significantly to future deep-space missions and advanced technology.
Haryana showcased its wrestling prowess by sweeping all three overall team titles men's freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women's wrestling at the U-23 National Wrestling Championships held in Rohtak. The host state secured top honours with significant points, while Services Sports Control Board and Maharashtra also performed strongly, with individual athletes from various states claiming gold medals across different weight categories.
IBS Group has launched Naviq Technology, an artificial intelligence company dedicated to the global travel industry, backed by a substantial USD 500 million investment over the next five years. The new venture aims to partner with major travel players to drive business transformations, modernise operations, and leverage AI for new revenue streams, with plans for significant job creation in India.
Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has taken the sole lead in the Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin Chess tournament after drawing his fourth-round match. He is followed by Advik Agarwal and Vaidyanathan Kannan, with Kannan losing his joint lead.
India commenced its U-19 Asian Boxing Championships campaign with impressive victories from Chandrika Pujari and Joyshree Devi. Chandrika secured a unanimous 5-0 win, while Joyshree forced an RSC. The campaign continues with U-23 men's boxers entering the ring, highlighting India's strong contingent and the championships' role in developing young talent.
A 24-member Indian Junior women's hockey team has travelled to the United Kingdom for an exposure tour, playing matches against junior teams from England, Scotland, the United States, and Belgium, as well as the Scotland senior women's team, to prepare for upcoming international tournaments like the Junior Asia Cup.
The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.
The Kerala Cricket Association has lifted the three-year ban on former international cricketer S Sreesanth, which was imposed last year for alleged defamatory remarks. The decision followed an unconditional apology from Sreesanth.
The Kerala Cricket Association has lifted the three-year ban on former international cricketer S Sreesanth, which was imposed last year for alleged defamatory remarks. The decision followed an unconditional apology from Sreesanth.
Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta and USA's Vaidyanathan Kannan are joint leaders after the third round of the Pune International Grand Master Round Robin Event, both tied at 2.5 points. The round saw several draws and an upset victory.
India's men's doubles pair of Achutaditya Rao Doddavarapu and Pochana Arjun were defeated in the first round of the Canada Open badminton tournament by fifth-seeded home pair Kevin Lee and Ty Alexander Lindeman.
Indian women's assistant volleyball coach Radhika Paruchuri believes that franchise-based leagues, like the upcoming Volleyball Champions League, are crucial for transforming Indian volleyball. She highlights their potential to provide much-needed match exposure for young players, strengthen the talent pipeline, and help identify and nurture new talent, ultimately raising the standard of the sport in India. Paruchuri also notes the decline in Indian women's volleyball due to a lack of international exposure and domestic competition, which these leagues aim to address.
Indian skeet shooters, including Parinaaz Dhaliwal, Raiza Dhillon, Maheshwari Chauhan, Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Bhavtegh Singh Gill, and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka, faced challenging qualification rounds at the ISSF World Cup (Shotgun) in Lonato, Italy. While Dhaliwal was the best-placed Indian woman, and Khan showed promise in the men's event, most are unlikely to reach the finals.
A Delhi court has affirmed that travelling abroad is an integral part of Fundamental Rights, allowing a woman accused in a money laundering case to visit Thailand for her children's summer vacation. The court balanced her right to travel against the risk of her fleeing justice, finding no evidence to suggest she would abscond.
Top seed Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta secured a decisive victory against Aleksej Alexandrov in the sixth round of the Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin Chess Tournament, maintaining his sole lead. Indian International Masters Aswath S and Kushagra Mohan are in second and third positions, respectively, with three rounds remaining.
