The BJP knows that there is no leader in its ranks who can match Modi's popularity or have his cult following, and what awaits is a return to the Vajpayee numbers, when allies called the shots, argues Saisuresh Sivaswamy.
Formula One world champion Lando Norris has announced a contract extension with McLaren until at least the end of 2030, expressing his desire to spend his entire career with the team.
The initial public offering (IPO) of auto components maker Hero Motors Ltd was fully subscribed on its first day of bidding, receiving bids for 1.38 times the shares on offer, with strong interest from retail investors.
Lewis Hamilton arrived at the Italian Grand Prix in his Ferrari F40, which coincidentally has 'number 44' stamped on its engine, as Ferrari introduces an engine upgrade for their home race, aiming to close the gap on championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
French Formula One driver Pierre Gasly secured his first career pole position at the Italian Grand Prix, driving for Alpine. He upset favourites like George Russell and Max Verstappen with a stunning final lap, marking a significant achievement for both Gasly and his team at the historic Monza circuit.
Five southern states are stepping up coordination on delimitation, tax devolution and language issues, reviving calls for a stronger collective South platform.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has ended its protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after receiving written assurances from the Punjab government. The government has pledged to convene a state Assembly session within a month to address issues concerning river waters, agriculture, and farmer loans, including resolutions against old water agreements and certain central bills.
JK Tyre has announced its sponsorship of 11-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Mir, a move that reinforces the company's commitment to fostering young motorsport talent in India and supporting women's participation in the sport.
Congress's Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan has been sent to judicial custody until October 3 on charges dating back 19 years, effectively ending his campaign for the October 6 by-election.
Mahindra has launched the Thar OG, an upgraded version of its popular SUV, built on a new M Glyde 4G platform with advanced features like Frequency Dependent Damping and Electric Power Steering, while retaining an accessible starting price of 10.32 Lakh.
Banking services, particularly at public sector banks across India, were impacted by a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to demand the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolution of pending wage-related issues.
Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured their maiden China Masters title, defeating China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in the final. The world No. 5 pair attributed their success to improved physical condition and a consistent "Plan A" strategy, boosting their confidence for the upcoming Asian Games.
'If the intention was simply to replicate what's already been done elsewhere, there was no need for a committee at all -- there's already an Act passed there (in Uttarakhand); just copy it, paste it, and you're done. Why waste everyone's time convening a panel for that?'
'Major unions should be included. If this goes on, decision-making will become heavily one-sided and we will be forced to continue our strikes.'
Williams driver Alex Albon has expressed his support for India's efforts to bring Formula One back to the country, stating it would be 'fantastic' and he would be 'excited' to be part of it.
Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have resolved their on-track clash from the Italian Grand Prix, holding a face-to-face discussion to clear the air, though no formal written rules of engagement have been established.
McLaren's Lando Norris delivered a stunning 'wonder lap' to snatch pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix, beating championship leader Kimi Antonelli by a mere 0.011 seconds.
In terms of achievement, McLaren are the second most successful Formula One team of all time with 203 grand prix victories since the first in 1968.
Nyck de Vries discusses Mahindra Racing's impressive turnaround in the Formula E season, as they head into the London finale aiming for a historic top-three team championship finish. Despite a challenging start, de Vries' victories and the team's collective effort have positioned them for their best result since 2016-17, with de Vries also reflecting on his F1 experience.
'Hanuman Ansh has demonstrated that content is king, and the audience is the ultimate judge.'
George Russell won the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race from pole position, extending Mercedes' strong performance.
Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2030, ending speculation about his future. Despite recent performance clauses and links to other teams, Verstappen expressed his commitment to Red Bull, citing the team as a "second family."
Xi brought in asymmetrical power play by stating that India should have 'strategic cognition' and 'strategic judgement made on the basis of the stage of development the two countries are at'. This is a very nuanced way of asserting China's coercive diplomatic posture and reflects Beijing's penchant to unleash border instability at will, restrict rare earth metal exports, exert pressure on India at global and regional orders, asserts China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali announced that the sport will feature more sprint races in 2027 than the current six, while emphasising the importance of maintaining their 'scarcity value' to ensure commercial appeal.
Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari's strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix, believing that a delayed pit stop for teammate Charles Leclerc cost him a podium finish. Hamilton, who finished fourth, stated that the time lost behind Leclerc ultimately made the difference in his pursuit of a top-three spot.
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 small-budget devotional drama Hanuman Ansh has defied expectations, achieving massive box office collections, cementing its status as a major sleeper hit of 2026.
Farmers under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have initiated a week-long protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, demanding a minimum support price (MSP) based on the C2 plus 50 per cent formula, debt waivers, and opposing the proposed India-US trade deal, Electricity Amendment Bill, and Seed Bill. They also raised concerns about water depletion and sought resolutions based on riparian principles.
The More Than Equal initiative, co-founded by David Coulthard, is actively supporting young female drivers like Alexia Danielsson, 17, who are competing in junior series with the ultimate goal of reaching Formula One, a feat no woman has achieved in 50 years.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is advocating for a Formula 1 race in India by 2027, with potential interest from multiple companies to operate the Buddh International Circuit.
BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors have called for increased representation of emerging-market and developing economies in the IMF and World Bank, while also criticising unilateral tariffs and trade measures, as the expanded bloc aims to bolster financial cooperation amidst global fragmentation.
Uzbek chess prodigy Javokhir Sindarov, set to challenge D Gukesh for the world crown, reveals he will only begin preparations for the highly anticipated match after competing in the Global Chess League and the Chess Olympiad this month, maintaining focus on immediate tournaments.
Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli secured a sensational victory at his home Italian Grand Prix, climbing from 19th on the grid to first, dealing a significant blow to Mercedes teammate and closest championship rival George Russell.
Montreal strippers are hoping that withdrawing their labour on the busiest night of the year for the city's strip clubs will help them move towards their goal of full employment rights.
Indian racer Kush Maini completed his first official Formula 1 test of the season with BWT Alpine F1 Team at the Circuit Zandvoort, driving the Alpine A521 as part of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme.
Mandaadi may follow a familiar sports-drama rulebook, but its thrilling boat races, terrific performances and mass moments make the ride well worth taking.
Ferrari is set to commemorate Michael Schumacher's first Italian Grand Prix win and his decade with the team (1996-2006) at this weekend's Monza GP.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming Formula One, with teams like Williams and Red Bull using AI for race strategy, data analysis and operations as tech partnerships and sponsorship revenues surge.
The Supreme Court has rejected a High-Powered Committee's request for a six-month extension to submit its report on the definition and protection of the Aravalli Hills, directing the panel to submit it by November 30. The court warned of reconstituting the committee if it fails to meet the deadline and emphasised the need for issue-specific interim reports. This decision follows a previous controversy over the Aravalli definition and mining regulations.
Is this one car with options, or three distinct vehicles? Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com finds out.
