India and China have agreed to advance discussions on an "Early and Substantial Harvest" of boundary delimitation and border management during the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Both sides reached an eight-point consensus, committing to the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement. Key outcomes include enhancing border management, improving understanding of the Line of Actual Control, establishing new meeting points and hotlines, and continuing cooperation on trans-border rivers and pilgrimage.
BRICS Sports Ministers adopted a Joint Declaration in Visakhapatnam, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen sports cooperation through dialogue and mutual respect. The meeting, held under India's 2026 Chairship, saw Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya call for a BRICS Sporting Partnership and introduce three key initiatives: a Working Group on Sports Technology, a Sports Manufacturing Conclave in Udaipur, and Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games in Ahmedabad in 2026.
Meera tells Rishika Shah/Rediff how a relationship that seemed perfect from the outside turned into a marriage she walked away from within a year.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu expressed disappointment after her pre-quarterfinal defeat at the World Championships, suggesting her opponent Wang Zhi Yi's mid-match cramps might have been tactical. Sindhu also reflected on her own performance, acknowledging the need for greater patience and improved stroke-making, while vowing to continue her pursuit of a sixth World Championships medal.
A Chinese humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, achieved a remarkable feat by running the 100 metres in 8.64 seconds, surpassing Usain Bolt's human world record. This achievement occurred at the second World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, showcasing significant advancements in robot mobility and embodied artificial intelligence. The event highlighted the rapid progress in robotics, with spectators noting improved capabilities and developers seeing it as a crucial test bed for future applications.
Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi voiced concerns over AI's impact on India's cultural heritage, including music and endangered languages, advocating for human-AI collaboration. Meanwhile, a Spotify report revealed significant growth in royalties for Indian artists, with linguistic diversity driving economic strength in the creative industries, highlighting the platform's role in enabling talent across various Indian languages.
The search for N Chandrasekaran's successor as Tata Sons Chairman has reportedly narrowed to Tata Steel CEO T V Narendran, Tata Sons Executive Director Saurabh Agrawal, and NSE MD & CEO Ashish Chauhan, with Chauhan emerging as a potential 'dark horse' candidate.
Amol Muzumdar wants India's young team to embrace aggressive cricket at the T20 Asia Cup, despite inconsistent form, as they prepare for a crucial six-month campaign ahead.
Six-year-old Aditya gained attention for his bold comments during a student protest in Patna against Bihar Public Service Commission examinations. Despite social media rumours of his arrest, police clarified he was held for safety and returned to his parents, advising them to be more careful. The protest saw clashes, lathi-charge, and injuries.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.
The current FIH Hockey World Cup format, featuring a crossover pool system where first-round results carry forward, is causing widespread confusion among teams, fans, and media. Many stakeholders believe the complex system detracts from the game's excitement, shifts focus to mathematical calculations, and potentially favours larger teams, leading to calls for a simpler structure.
Chelsea secured a breathless 3-2 victory over West London rivals Fulham in Xabi Alonso's first Premier League match as coach, with goals from Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer.
A made-in-China humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, has shattered Usain Bolt's 100-metre sprint world record, completing the distance in 8.64 seconds compared to Bolt's 9.58 seconds. While a significant technological advancement, experts note the robot's running style differs greatly from humans, highlighting both its strengths in speed and areas where it still lags, such as decision-making and perception.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has come under fire from former players after sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and sending back seven players, including national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, in the middle of their Test series against England. The drastic changes followed Pakistan's heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting widespread condemnation for the timing and impact on team morale and stability.
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed satisfaction with the team's fifth-place finish at the World Cup, their best in 52 years, after defeating Germany 3-1. He highlighted the achievement as a significant confidence boost for the upcoming Asian Games, emphasising the young team's potential and the need for continued focus on their own game and consistency.
Multiple Asian Games medallist rifle shooter Ashi Chouksey expresses confidence in the Indian contingent's performance at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Having secured two silvers and a bronze previously, Chouksey is focused on achieving gold and highlights the rigorous preparation, including intense training and psychological support, to ensure India's success against strong competitors like China.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced a five-year strategic deal with German automaker Porsche AG worth 1.25 billion (nearly 14,000 crore), which includes the acquisition of Porsche's wholly-owned subsidiary MHP Management- und IT-Beratung GmbH for 320 million (around 3,574 crore). This move is set to significantly expand TCS's consulting footprint in Germany and the broader European market, giving it access to MHP's customer base and specialised talent.
Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed a novel, low-cost, and highly durable catalyst using cobalt, nickel, phosphate, and graphite. This breakthrough material can accelerate both hydrogen and oxygen generation from water, significantly reducing the production cost of green hydrogen by eliminating the need for expensive noble metals like platinum and iridium.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed comfort with his current squad despite ongoing transfer uncertainty, acknowledging that key players Rodri and Savinho have made their desire to leave clear, while the club remains prepared for further movements before the transfer window closes.
The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others who faced charges for remarks about people with disabilities. The court lauded their subsequent efforts in organising events and raising awareness for specially-abled persons and those with rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
'Chandrasekaran wanted a five-year extension, but the Tata Group has a policy of 65 years as the retirement age for its executive chairman.'
Many women admit that while they keep clamouring to know the whereabouts of their disappeared family members, they are painfully aware that all of them may have been done to death, points out M R Narayan Swamy.
Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, has shown renewed attacking vigour with two Premier League wins and a League Cup victory, highlighted by a 4-3 win over Brighton, but defensive vulnerabilities persist, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in 18 league games. The arrival of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez is expected to bolster the backline.
Ariha Pangambam from Manipur has made history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in the senior women's individual event at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships. The 22-year-old gymnast expressed pride in her achievement, hoping to inspire young athletes, and shared insights into the challenges faced during the competition, including adapting to a wooden floor, and her journey from artistic to aerobic gymnastics.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly moving back to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, later this month, but will continue as non-working members of the royal family. The move comes six years after they relocated to the US.
'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'
Nepal is reeling from devastating flash floods that have claimed over 600 lives and left more than 2,400 people missing. Rescuers are battling difficult conditions, including intermittent rainfall, to find survivors, while families desperately search for loved ones among lists of the injured and deceased. The widespread destruction has left towns and villages buried under mud, with infrastructure severely damaged.
Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev stated that no player, not even stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, is a 'certainty' in the Indian team, emphasising that performance should be the sole criterion for selection.
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.
India's Women's T20 Asia Cup campaign begins against Thailand, with the team facing questions about their recent form and consistency. Despite a strong historical record in the tournament, recent losses and individual player form, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, raise concerns. The team aims to overcome fielding issues and batting inconsistencies, relying on key players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma, as they prepare for both the Asia Cup and upcoming Asian Games.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly increasing the demand for flexible office spaces in India, as enterprises prioritise agility, speed-to-market, and struggle with forecasting workforce requirements. AI-native startups are a primary driver, while established companies are adopting 'core-plus-flex' strategies to balance stability with adaptability.
Broadband technology firm GX Group is set to commence manufacturing operations at its advanced photonics facility in India from December, investing Rs 500 crore. This initiative aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, create skilled jobs, and reduce dependence on imported optical components crucial for high-speed data networks and AI data centres.
'I was thinking how can I do something for these lonely, aging people in the villages. The parents stay and the children leave for a better future.'
The Durand Football Tournament Society has recognised 11 young footballers with the Emerging Player award, each receiving Rs 1 lakh. These players, from various teams across all six groups, impressed with their performances, showcasing promising talent and potential during the ongoing Durand Cup.
France achieved a historic double victory at the World Championships, with Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue winning mixed doubles and Alex Lanier securing the men's singles title. This unprecedented success is attributed to decades of strategic investment in a national badminton system, including national and regional centres, coach education, and a focus on holistic player development, aiming to elevate France among traditional Asian powerhouses in the sport.
Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema believes the Indian women's hockey team possesses the talent to replicate China's remarkable journey to an Olympic silver medal, provided they focus on fundamental skills and secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formed a 10-member 'core group' to prevent 'self-harm' incidents among its personnel, following a record 59 suicides in 2025, the highest in five years. The group, headed by the CRPF Director General, will meet monthly to review incidents and suggest preventive measures.
GE Aerospace is utilising artificial intelligence solutions, developed by its Bengaluru team, to significantly improve aircraft engine inspection, analytics, and maintenance. These innovations have reduced turnaround times by at least five days, enhancing engine durability, reliability, and time on wing, with specific tools like the AI-enabled Blade Inspection Tool cutting inspection times by 50%.
Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has called for Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse's resignation, alleging that government schools are in a 'pitiable condition' and lack basic facilities, claiming 'ministers' dogs get better facilities' than students.
Professor Philip Maini, an Indian-origin academic at the University of Oxford, is pioneering the application of mathematical biology to understand and develop new cancer therapies. His work focuses on creating models that predict treatment outcomes and developing adaptive therapy strategies to combat drug resistance in tumours, offering a novel approach to improving patient care.
