News for 'First World'

G Sathiyan's Stellar Performance Leads Dabang Delhi To Crucial UTT Win

G Sathiyan's Stellar Performance Leads Dabang Delhi To Crucial UTT Win

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

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.

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Inspirational Lionel Messi would like to end his glittering career on a high as Argentina begin their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria in their Group J encounter.

Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, F1 Debut, and Indian Heritage

Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, F1 Debut, and Indian Heritage

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad, who has Indian ancestral roots, attributes the rise of young athletes like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi across global sports to advancements in technology and better access to information from an earlier age.

India's Japan Open hopes dwindle as Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda exit

India's Japan Open hopes dwindle as Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda exit

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Indian badminton players Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, and Unnati Hooda were eliminated from the Japan Open Super 750 tournament on Wednesday.

Indian Badminton Stars See Mixed Results In Japan Open

Indian Badminton Stars See Mixed Results In Japan Open

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India's top badminton players experienced a mixed day at the Japan Open. While PV Sindhu secured a comfortable win in her women's singles opener, the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were forced to retire due to Rankireddy's recurring shoulder injury, impacting their preparations for the upcoming World Championships.

Smriti-Shafali under pressure before T20 World Cup?

Smriti-Shafali under pressure before T20 World Cup?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former captain Diana Edulji believes openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma finding form quickly will be imperative and crucial to India's chances of winning the Women's T20 World Cup.

Injury forces Pratika Rawal out of landmark Lord's Test

Injury forces Pratika Rawal out of landmark Lord's Test

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India's opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the upcoming historic Lord's Test against England due to a knee injury sustained during an India A game. Priya Punia has been named as her replacement for the match, which marks the first women's Test ever held at Lord's.

'We want to unite the world': FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices

'We want to unite the world': FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed various issues ahead of the World Cup, defending the body's handling of visa challenges, stressing its inability to override government decisions, and highlighting efforts to ensure participation from all nations, including Iran. He also defended ticket pricing and expressed optimism for a competitive tournament focused on unity.

Paraguayan Senator calls Mbappe 'son of a b****' in fiery outburst

Paraguayan Senator calls Mbappe 'son of a b****' in fiery outburst

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla escalated her feud with French footballer Kylian Mbappe, calling him a "son of a b****" during a Senate speech. This follows an incident where Mbappe allegedly refused to shake goalkeeper Orlando Gill's hand after a FIFA World Cup match. Amarilla also claimed Mbappe called her "despicable," while France coach Didier Deschamps stated the controversy hasn't affected Mbappe's focus.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.

I just want to get completely drunk, says Sabalenka after Wimbledon exit

I just want to get completely drunk, says Sabalenka after Wimbledon exit

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

World number one Aryna Sabalenka expressed deep frustration after her Wimbledon title hopes were dashed by Naomi Osaka in a straight-sets fourth-round defeat.

'Rohit good enough to play for couple of years'

'Rohit good enough to play for couple of years'

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Lalchand Rajput, Rohit Sharma's early mentor, believes the former India captain is 'good enough to play for a couple of years', attributing his current struggles to natural 'wear and tear'.

India's Women Boxers Poised for Medals at Commonwealth Games, Says Former Coach Qamar

India's Women Boxers Poised for Medals at Commonwealth Games, Says Former Coach Qamar

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former Indian boxing coach Mohammed Ali Qamar believes the country's women's boxing squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is one of its best ever, with each of the seven members capable of securing a medal, though he cautioned that draws would be crucial.

PV Sindhu's Indonesia Open journey ends with defeat to World No. 1

PV Sindhu's Indonesia Open journey ends with defeat to World No. 1

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was defeated by world No. 1 An Se Young at the Indonesia Open, marking her tenth consecutive loss to the Korean. Meanwhile, the Indian men's doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun caused a significant upset, advancing to their first-ever BWF World Tour Super 1000 quarterfinals.

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge ton powers England to crushing win over Sri Lanka

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge ton powers England to crushing win over Sri Lanka

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Danni Wyatt-Hodge struck a magnificent unbeaten century as England launched their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with an emphatic 87-run victory over Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday.

Iran to play FIFA World Cup warm-up games behind closed doors

Iran to play FIFA World Cup warm-up games behind closed doors

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Iran will play their final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Turkey on Thursday before departing for their tournament base in Mexico on Saturday.

Portugal star Ronaldo links up with Drake after Croatia victory

Portugal star Ronaldo links up with Drake after Croatia victory

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo met Canadian music superstar Drake after Portugal's dramatic 2-1 World Cup win over Croatia, with the Portugal captain celebrating his first-ever World Cup knockout goal before a quarter-final clash against Spain.

Ahead of World Cup 2026, Pope Leo XIV throws his support behind team USA

Ahead of World Cup 2026, Pope Leo XIV throws his support behind team USA

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Pope Leo may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments at the Vatican's apostolic palace, but he still plans to root for his old national team at the World Cup this month.

How Sakshi Padekar Fared At The ISSF World Cup

How Sakshi Padekar Fared At The ISSF World Cup

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Indian shooter Sakshi Padekar finished seventh in the 10m Air Rifle women's final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. Serbia's Andelija Stevanovic won gold, while Japan's Nobata Misaki secured silver.

Shubman Gill Closes In On No 1 Ranking In ODIs

Shubman Gill Closes In On No 1 Ranking In ODIs

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

England's Harry Brook and India's Shreyas Iyer have made significant advancements in the ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings, with Brook entering the top 10 and Iyer rocketing 62 spots.

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The smiling axolotl is everywhere at the World Cup in Mexico City. But behind the colorful murals and mascot statues lies a troubling reality: scientists say the critically endangered amphibian is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the wild.

When Garry Sobers Hit My Questions For Six

When Garry Sobers Hit My Questions For Six

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

I was armed with two dictaphones -- and a bottle of whisky that the editor had paid for, to lubricate the conversation.

DR Congo Unlikely To Change FIFA World Cup Plans Despite Ebola Warning

DR Congo Unlikely To Change FIFA World Cup Plans Despite Ebola Warning

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to continue its preparations for the 2026 World Cup despite a warning from the United States about a potential Ebola outbreak.

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, has died at the age of 79. Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences.

Hormuz Crisis Exposes India's Energy Risks

Hormuz Crisis Exposes India's Energy Risks

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Despite decades of efforts towards energy transition, oil will remain the critical energy source for all nations for some decades. We can hope for peace opening the Strait of Hormuz, but must prepare for war closing it, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The article delves into the growing friction between Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and the selection committee head Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir. It highlights a lack of mutual trust and differing visions for the team's future, particularly concerning Rohit's role and the integration of new talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The piece draws parallels to past cricketing controversies and suggests a potential end to Rohit's captaincy.

'My Job Is With The Bat': Rohit Shuts Down Retirement Talk

'My Job Is With The Bat': Rohit Shuts Down Retirement Talk

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Rohit Sharma answered the retirement rumours in the best possible way - by smashing a record-breaking century at Lord's.

Why India's Historic Lord's Win Demands More Women's Test Cricket

Why India's Historic Lord's Win Demands More Women's Test Cricket

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Former India captain Shantha Rangaswamy advocates for the expansion of red-ball cricket in the women's game, citing India's emphatic 270-run victory over England at Lord's. She urges the BCCI to revive longer-format domestic competitions across all age groups, emphasizing that Test cricket is crucial for developing technically sound players.

Can Zverev finally crack Sinner and Alcaraz?

Can Zverev finally crack Sinner and Alcaraz?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Alexander Zverev, after reaching the Wimbledon final and losing to Jannik Sinner, believes his new attacking strategy will help him challenge the dominance of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the loss, Zverev's improved performance and first Grand Slam win at the French Open indicate a significant shift in his game, aiming for consistent success against the sport's top players.

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's top badminton players, including the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, singles stars Lakshya Sen, P V Sindhu, and rising talent Ayush Shetty, are set to compete at the USD 950,000 Japan Open Super 750 tournament. The event marks a crucial stage for many Indian shuttlers to make significant runs on the BWF World Tour.

Ibrahimovic Doubts Ronaldo's Future Impact For Portugal

Ibrahimovic Doubts Ronaldo's Future Impact For Portugal

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has voiced concerns about Cristiano Ronaldo's role in Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, citing the 41-year-old's physical decline and suggesting his selection is based more on reputation than current performance. This comes as Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Croatia to advance to the Round of 16.

Easy Loans: 5 Rules Every Borrower Should Follow

Easy Loans: 5 Rules Every Borrower Should Follow

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The most financially successful borrowers will not necessarily be those who have the easiest access to credit. They will be the ones who understand how to manage it wisely

Women's T20 World Cup: Spin quartet guide Australia to easy win against SA

Women's T20 World Cup: Spin quartet guide Australia to easy win against SA

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Australia's spinners shone in a 65-run win over South Africa as the six-time winners made a successful start in their quest to regain the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Bank has increased India's economic growth projection for FY27 to 6.6 per cent, citing resilient domestic demand, while simultaneously cutting its global economic growth outlook due to the conflict in West Asia.

Next agitation to be 10 times bigger: Rahul's warning to BJP-RSS

Next agitation to be 10 times bigger: Rahul's warning to BJP-RSS

Rediff.com4 days ago

Following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated the youth, calling it a crucial step for education reform, and urged broader public action to hold the government accountable, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Rediff.com5 days ago

Voters who exercise their franchise in favour of a particular political dispensation do not do so unconditionally. Their loyalty is subject to maintaining trust and living up to their expectations. It is subject to allowing the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called off its 36-day agitation following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amidst widespread protests over irregularities in the exam system and the NEET paper leak. The government also agreed to the CJP's demands for 1 crore compensation to families of students who died by suicide and no action against protesters.

Neymar suffers minor calf injury but expected to join Brazil camp ahead of World Cup

Neymar suffers minor calf injury but expected to join Brazil camp ahead of World Cup

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury but is expected to recover in time to join Brazil's camp next week ahead of the World Cup starting on June 11 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Mission Embrace aims to perform the world's first in-orbit demonstration of soft robotic capture for future active debris removal missions

Arjun Erigaisi Only Indian In World's Top 10; Gukesh 19th

Arjun Erigaisi Only Indian In World's Top 10; Gukesh 19th

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

World chess champion D Gukesh is ranked 19th behind the legendary Viswanathan Anand at 13th.