Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?
Divya Nair remembers the work friendships that proved some of life's strongest bonds are built beyond the cubicle.
Nikita Dutta is bindaas, and doesn't shy away from any kind of question, no matter how controversial or personal it may appear. So yes, body shaming, going under the knife, casting requests, romance, her starry co-stars... she's got it all covered on The Rediff Podcast.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari entertained an audience in Nagpur by singing popular songs at the concluding ceremony of the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav. Fadnavis sang "Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi" and Gadkari performed "Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli", receiving enthusiastic applause.
Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.
An Argentine war veterans federation has urged football fans to prioritise the World Cup semi-final against England as a sporting event, rather than using it to reignite sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. They emphasised diplomacy for territorial disputes and called for respect for fallen soldiers without promoting hatred.
Moved by Lionel Messi's record-breaking form at the World Cup, Argentines have taken to the streets and social media to sing "Happy Birthday" to their favourite footballer who turned 39 on Wednesday.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.
Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed into the ages on July 17, would have turned 90 today, July 28. Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam remembers a dear friend who he believes was 'undoubtedly the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.'
Playback singer Suman Kalyanpur, whose voice often drew comparisons to Lata Mangeshkar, passed away at 89, leaving behind a legacy of popular Bollywood songs from the 1960s and 70s.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the necessity of playing all five verses of Vande Mataram at the beginning and end of official events, calling the practice "unnecessary and burdensome". He highlighted the practical difficulties and lack of legal basis for mandating the full version at every function.
'I went to protest because whatever is going on in our country is not right.'
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has expressed his displeasure over the incomplete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' in the state Assembly during his presence for the UDF government's policy address, emphasising the importance of adhering to proper protocol.
Despite international fame, she remained rooted in village traditions. Friends recalled that success never changed her lifestyle.
It's goalless at half-time in the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New York on Sunday.
Gen Z protesters are using memes, music, and sarcastic humour on social media platforms like Instagram and X to demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET question paper leak and other examination irregularities.
Argentina, one of football's most successful teams, is also one of its most polarising, inspiring both devotion and irritation due to its history, iconic players like Maradona and Messi, and a national identity often perceived as arrogant by rivals.
Argentina's football players displayed a political banner claiming "The Falklands are Argentine" after their World Cup semi-final win against England, potentially violating FIFA's code of conduct.
Rajesh Karkera takes his family of EV disbelievers on a road trip to Alibaug on the Mahindra XEV 9e and comes back as a unit singing the EV's praise. This is his account.
Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.
The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.
England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.
The West Bengal government has directed all state-run and aided schools to mandatorily include the singing of Vande Mataram during morning assemblies with immediate effect.
'Her voice was very rich in timbre and at the same time very soothing.'
Popular Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty alleges harassment during a musical program at a private school in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district. One of the event organizers has been arrested following her complaint.
'I do have a couple watches that I like very much, one my dad gave me. But I only wear it with a more formal kind of a look... Otherwise, in my day-to-day life, I don't wear a watch.'
Mexico coach Aguirre hails fans as driving force for victory as they beat Ecuador to break 40-year-old hoodoo.
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has expressed regret for incorrectly uttering certain Marathi words while reading obituary references in the House. He attributed the error to technical issues and an unclear printed copy, stating he had no intention of hurting sentiments, following criticism from MNS chief Raj Thackeray regarding the mispronunciation of names like Asha Bhosle and Deenanath Mangeshkar.
The live-action Moana faithfully recreates the original, but rarely captures its magic.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has made a historic return to the World Cup knockout stages, 52 years after a disastrous debut.
Thanks to major companies like Kia, Mexico has seen a huge influx of South Korean population in places like Monterrey, with Korean cuisine and K-Pop becoming major influences in the country.
'Imagine the pain of hearing your own song on the radio, yet your name isn't mentioned. Or someone else's name being credited for your voice.' 'Even on record covers, her photograph was often absent while others were prominently featured.' 'These are wounds any artist would carry deeply.'
Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in a crucial Group H match, with Alex Baena scoring the decisive goal. This victory secured Spain's top spot in the group and a place in the World Cup knockout stage, while Uruguay, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, was eliminated from the tournament. Cape Verde also advanced from the group.
Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a 2-0 win over Ecuador, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium.
Jude Bellingham's stellar performance, including a goal and an assist for Harry Kane, propelled England to a 2-0 victory over Panama. This win secured England's top position in Group L of the World Cup, allowing them to avoid a difficult knockout phase route. The match saw England dominate possession and overcome a flat first half, with Kane also breaking Gary Lineker's World Cup goal record for England.
Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse on Monday said teaching of Marathi language and conduct of examination of the subject have been legally made mandatory in schools of all mediums across the state, and those institutions that fail to comply could face cancellation of recognition.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are set, featuring a diverse lineup of one South American, one African, and six European teams, including defending champions Argentina and France, alongside surprise packages like Morocco and Norway, all vying for football's ultimate prize.
Germany's 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira sees no identity crisis in his brother Rani playing for Tunisia at FIFA World Cup 2026.
BJP workers in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, staged a sit-in protest and recited the Hanuman Chalisa at a police station, alleging inaction in arresting accused individuals involved in the assault of a BJP leader. The protest followed an alleged attack on BJP city vice-president Jayant Singh Dharmu. Police have registered a case and assured prompt action.
'My fans don't mind me hamming.'
