Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has voiced concerns over significant delays in inducting new combat jets, including the Tejas aircraft, which are impacting the Indian Air Force's depleting fighter squadron strength. He stressed the need for annual induction of 36-40 jets to address the gaps and discussed ongoing procurement plans like the MRFA deal and future strategies for combat aircraft and theatre commands.
The Chintan Shivir is expected to discuss the progress of government schemes, policy implementation, time management, inter-ministerial coordination, and public service delivery, among others.
Indian judoka Inunganbi Takhellambam has reached the bronze medal contest in the women's 70kg category at the Asian Games after winning her repechage bout. Her journey included an ippon victory and a walkover. Meanwhile, Yamini Mourya's campaign in the women's 57kg category concluded after defeats in the quarterfinals and repechage rounds. The article also explains key judo terms like ippon, yuko, and Fusen-gachi.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic Asian Games gold medal, defeating China 1-0, which also guaranteed direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Goalkeeper Savita Punia highlighted the team's focus on Olympic qualification and credited the new coaching staff for fostering unity and belief, transforming the team's performance and mindset over the past 10 months.
Police in Shamli district have arrested Rohit alias Ladla, an alleged conspirator in the murder of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan. Rohit is reportedly a friend of Mohit, one of the accused killed in a police encounter. Two alleged shooters were previously killed, and three other accused remain at large with a reward announced for their capture.
India's government is set to release its draft National Steel Policy for public consultation, aiming for over 600 million tonnes of steelmaking capacity and 500 million tonnes of consumption by 2047. The policy will also introduce a ~5,000-crore scheme to incentivise small steel producers for carbon emission reduction and address challenges like raw material availability and technological dependence.
Young Indian fast bowlers Gurjapneet Singh, Arshad Khan, and Yash Thakur are set to feature in the India A vs Australia A one-day series, aiming to showcase their talent and address the senior national team's current scarcity in the pace department. The series, initially anticipated for Hardik Pandya's return, now serves as a crucial platform for these emerging pacers to catch the attention of national selectors amidst injuries and inconsistent form among established bowlers.
India's Quimcy Dsouza experienced a double setback at the Asian Games in Nagoya, narrowly missing out on bronze medals in both women's singles and mixed doubles Teqball. Despite a valiant effort against Japan's Yuina Sakamoto in singles, losing 0-2, and a subsequent loss in mixed doubles with Mohamed Anas Beg, her performance highlighted India's growing presence in the sport.
The Indian women's doubles sepaktakraw team experienced two defeats in Group B at the Asian Games, losing to South Korea and the Philippines. This follows the men's team's failure to reach the semifinals in their event.
Police in Thane have arrested two key suspects, including the alleged shooter, in connection with the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar. The arrests of Nikhil Yadav and Nitesh Pawar followed technical surveillance, providing crucial leads into the crime that had previously caused tensions among party workers. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and apprehend the remaining absconding suspects, with the victim's son accusing a former Thane mayor and her husband of involvement.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that negotiations for the India-US trade agreement have reached a 'plateau', indicating limited scope for further concessions from either side, while also highlighting the US's aim to reduce its trade deficit with India.
Indian squash players Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna, Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani, Joshna Chinappa, and Velavan Senthilkumar have all advanced to the quarterfinals in their respective singles and mixed doubles categories at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, marking a highly successful day for the contingent.
India's Ministry of Power has notified the third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms for passenger vehicles, effective from April 1, 2027, which set relatively softer efficiency targets for lighter cars and demand greater improvements from heavier vehicles, a move expected to benefit manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki India.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal has advanced to the men's 65kg semifinals at the Asian Games after securing two dominant victories, including a technical superiority win against Iran's Abbas Ebrahimzadehsavadkouhi. Meanwhile, three other Indian wrestlers faced early exits from the competition.
East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan are set to clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday, a highly anticipated Kolkata derby. East Bengal aims to avenge last year's defeat and secure their 30th title, while Mohun Bagan seeks to retain the Shield and claim their 22nd. The match comes amidst a demanding schedule for both teams, particularly Mohun Bagan, with players returning from national duty, adding to the tactical challenges for coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Habas.
Kunwar Basit Ali, national president of BJP Minority Morcha, stated that the demolition of religious structures for development should not be viewed communally, citing examples from Uttar Pradesh and Muslim nations. He accused the Congress of misleading Muslims and instigating unrest. Ali also expressed confidence in the BJP forming the next government in Jammu and Kashmir and addressed concerns regarding the delay in statehood restoration, asserting that the central government would make the best decisions for Kashmir.
Indian judoka Inungambi Takhellambam lost her bronze medal bout in the women's 70kg category at the Asian Games to Mongolia's Anujin Uran-Ulzii. This defeat meant India missed out on a medal in the event. Another Indian judoka, Yamini Mourya, also saw her campaign end in the repechage round of the women's 57kg category.
The GST Council is set to consider a proposal allowing businesses to file for GST registration in multiple states via a single application and standardise the documents required by tax officers, aiming to enhance ease of doing business.
Indian boxer Parveen advanced to the women's 65kg quarterfinals at the Asian Games via a walkover, while Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg) and Sumit (70kg) were eliminated. Sakshi lost her pre-quarterfinal bout to Kazakhstan's Alua Balkibekova, and Sumit conceded his pre-quarterfinal due to a knee injury.
Indian riders Jai Sud and Hriday Vipul Chheda have successfully qualified for the individual dressage final at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Chheda secured 11th place and Sud 13th in the second individual qualifier, ensuring India filled both its available berths. Fellow riders Shruti Vora and Gaurav Pundhir, however, did not make the cut.
Legendary Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, now coaching Uruguay, believes India can significantly improve its football standing despite cricket's dominance. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots development, strong domestic leagues, and consistent exposure to high-level international competition to nurture young talent and elevate the sport in the country. Forlan also shared his positive experiences with Indian football passion during his ISL stint.
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, a decision acknowledged by the BCCI which lauded her leadership, particularly the 2025 Women's World Cup victory and Asian Games gold medals. Kaur expressed her commitment to continue playing for India, contributing as a senior player.
Specialists at AIIMS, Delhi, affirm that robot-assisted procedures significantly improve difficult gallbladder operations by offering enhanced visualisation and instrument control. This technology aids in navigating complex cases involving severe inflammation and unexpected anatomy, and is seen as the next evolutionary step in surgical techniques, potentially phasing out conventional laparoscopy.
The Social Reckoning may lack the crackling energy of The Social Network, but Aaron Sorkin delivers a timely warning about what happens when a world-changing platform escapes the control of its creator.
The Indian track cycling teams were eliminated from the medal races in the men's and women's team sprint and women's team pursuit events at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Despite their efforts, the teams could not match the pace of competitors like China, Japan, and Chinese Taipei, thus ending India's medal hopes in these disciplines.
Indian archers Dhiraj Bommadevara, Neeraj Chauhan, and Kumkum Mohod Anil have successfully advanced to the recurve quarterfinals at the Asian Games. Chauhan notably defeated a three-time Olympic gold medallist, while Bommadevara and Anil also secured impressive wins. Kirti, however, was eliminated.
India's national football team suffered a 6-1 defeat against two-time former world champions Uruguay in an international friendly in Kolkata.
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the remaining two One-Day Internationals against South Africa due to a fractured right index finger. The injury occurred during the first ODI, and he now faces a race against time to be fit for the upcoming three-match Test series in South Africa. Alex Carey is expected to replace him behind the stumps for the ODIs.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is set to introduce a new, more investor-friendly bilateral investment treaty (BIT) framework, which is expected to receive Cabinet approval shortly, aiming to provide sharper protection for investors from both sides.
India all-rounder Naman Dhir discusses his bowling development, crediting veteran Ravindra Jadeja's advice and training at the Mumbai Indians camp. Despite not yet taking a wicket in his two ODIs, Dhir maintains a good economy rate and is working on his all-round game, including his batting, ahead of the third ODI.
Indian badminton players Unnati Hooda and the mixed doubles pair of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila secured comfortable first-round victories at the Asian Games. This positive start follows mixed results in the team events, where the men's team won bronze and the women's team did not medal.
India's shooting contingent concluded its Asian Games campaign with a total of 15 medals, including three gold, eight silver, and four bronze. Anish Bhanwala finished seventh in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol final, qualifying under a special 'two shooters per country policy'.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered a Vigilance probe into corruption allegations related to the 2006 KSTP road project, implicating incumbent Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who was then the PWD secretary. The investigation also concerns the death by suicide of a Malaysian engineer involved in the project, who reportedly named Kumar in his suicide notes. The probe revives a case that was allegedly "hushed up" after a change in government.
India's head coach Khalid Jamil took full responsibility for the national football team's heavy 1-6 defeat to Uruguay, refusing to blame the weather interruption or player concentration lapses. This loss, following a 0-4 defeat to Brazil, concluded India's FIFA international window with two significant losses. Jamil acknowledged his own mistakes and stressed the need for greater concentration and immediate problem-solving, while Uruguay coach Diego Forlan praised his team's adaptation and India's initial pressing.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.
A football friendly match between India and Brazil, featuring star player Vinicius Jr, saw a surprisingly low attendance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. High ticket prices and the ongoing Durga Puja festival are cited as the primary reasons for the subdued response, contrasting sharply with the usual fan frenzy for local derbies and past international events.
India's Jay Meena has advanced to the quarterfinals of the soft tennis event at the Asian Games after defeating Pakistan's Arain Hussain. Other Indian players, Aryan Thakur and Aadhya Tiwari, also saw mixed results in their respective matches.
Indian shooters Anant Jeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal clinched a bronze medal in the mixed team skeet event at the Asian Games, contributing to India's growing medal tally in shooting.
Samajwadi Party MP Shiv Pal Singh Patel asserted that the Congress would not have secured any seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections without their alliance. He claimed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav persuaded Rahul Gandhi to contest Raebareli and highlighted the SP's significant contribution to the INDIA bloc's success in Uttar Pradesh.
The Indian men's cricket team has advanced to the Asian Games semi-final after their quarter-final match against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain, with India progressing based on their superior ICC T20I ranking.
