News for 'Strong Start'

Mbappe, Dembele shine as France cruise past Morocco into World Cup semis

Mbappe, Dembele shine as France cruise past Morocco into World Cup semis

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

France and Morocco were goalless at half-time in their World Cup quarter-final. Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty for France, whose early dominance did not translate into goals. Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save to deny Mbappe from the spot.

Indian Golfers Impress At Ladies European Tour Event

Indian Golfers Impress At Ladies European Tour Event

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's Diksha Dagar secured a tied 12th finish at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open, continuing her strong performance on the Ladies European Tour. Pranavi Urs also delivered an impressive round, while Finland's Noora Komulainen clinched her maiden LET title after a three-way playoff.

VB G RAM G Faces Monsoon Test

VB G RAM G Faces Monsoon Test

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

As MGNREGA comes to a close, both critics and supporters keenly eye VB G RAM G's performance.

Will India Bring Back Sanju Samson For Must-Win 4th T20I Vs England?

Will India Bring Back Sanju Samson For Must-Win 4th T20I Vs England?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

It remains to be seen if India will fall back on Sanju Samson to revive their sagging fortunes with a revamped batting order in the must-win fourth T20 International in Bristol on Thursday.

Dream start for Mercedes as Russell wins Australian GP

Dream start for Mercedes as Russell wins Australian GP

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

George Russell secured a dominant victory for Mercedes at the Australian Grand Prix, leading teammate Kimi Antonelli and overcoming an early challenge from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists his team's World Cup hopes are not over despite two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. The team needs to beat Iraq in their final group game to have a chance at qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

Six Indian Golfers Compete At Czech Ladies Open

Six Indian Golfers Compete At Czech Ladies Open

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Six Indian women golfers, including Diksha Dagar and Avani Prashanth, are set to compete at the Czech Ladies Open. Diksha Dagar, a former champion at this event, returns in strong form, aiming for her second title, while Vani Kapoor and Ridhima Dilawari join the field via sponsor invites.

I, Nobody Review: A Good Thriller That Loses Its Way

I, Nobody Review: A Good Thriller That Loses Its Way

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A terrific first half makes I, Nobody look like a great thriller, until an increasingly muddled second half loses the plot, laments Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to implement stringent measures, including mandatory drug testing for government jobs and 'bulldozer action' against drug smugglers, to combat the growing menace of 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) in the state.

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh has advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian playing eleven for the upcoming T20 series opener against England. Singh believes Sooryavanshi, who was in stellar form in the IPL and for India A, should be given an opportunity to debut, potentially becoming India's youngest cricketer.

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

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.

Scientists Discover Distinct Brain Regions For Spontaneous And Voluntary Laughter

Scientists Discover Distinct Brain Regions For Spontaneous And Voluntary Laughter

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Researchers have analysed reports of medical procedures involving electrical stimulation of awake patients' brains, identifying distinct brain regions responsible for spontaneous and voluntary laughter. This study sheds light on the complex neural mechanisms underlying human laughter, distinguishing between uncontrollable, emotionally charged laughter and controlled, conversational laughter.

Israel doesn't need US aid, says Netanyahu, rejects Palestinian State

Israel doesn't need US aid, says Netanyahu, rejects Palestinian State

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a significant policy shift, declaring that Israel's robust economy no longer requires American financial assistance. He also reiterated strong opposition to Palestinian statehood, affirmed an aggressive national defence strategy, warned of pre-emptive strikes against Iran, and confirmed the continued military presence in southern Lebanon.

1st ODI: Axar, Gill shine as India crush England in Birmingham

1st ODI: Axar, Gill shine as India crush England in Birmingham

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India comfortably chased down 259 to beat England by six wickets in the first ODI, with Shubman Gill scoring 80 before Axar Patel and Washington Sundar guided the visitors home with unbeaten fifties.

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.

Bishnoi set to be axed! India likely to play extra seamer in crucial 3rd T20I vs England

Bishnoi set to be axed! India likely to play extra seamer in crucial 3rd T20I vs England

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A struggling Indian team, yet to secure a win on their UK tour, is set to make a crucial change for the third T20 International against England, likely replacing out-of-form leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi with an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The umbrella of 'inexperience' or 'reset' is merely an excuse. Team India's think-tank will have to admit that this is experimentation without a roadmap, points out K R Nayar.

Ten-man England edge out Mexico to enter World Cup last 8

Ten-man England edge out Mexico to enter World Cup last 8

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

England defeated Mexico 3-2 in a hard-fought World Cup match to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Despite playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah's red card, goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane ensured England's victory.

FIFA World Cup: Germany Players, Coach Divided After Shock Ecuador Defeat

FIFA World Cup: Germany Players, Coach Divided After Shock Ecuador Defeat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Germany's 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the World Cup knockout stage sparked a disagreement between coach Julian Nagelsmann and players Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav. While the players felt Ecuador 'wanted it more', Nagelsmann strongly rejected this assessment, urging the team to learn and improve for their next match.

Who are the women's contenders to look out for at Wimbledon?

Who are the women's contenders to look out for at Wimbledon?

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Wimbledon 2026 begins on Monday, and the women's singles draw is once again stacked with star power, form questions, and rising challengers all chasing the same prize.

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

India crush Sri Lanka in U-19 women's opener

India crush Sri Lanka in U-19 women's opener

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India's Under-19 women's team delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 120 runs in the first unofficial one-day match. Led by Ira Jadhav's 83 and Nidhi Mahto's half-century, India posted a strong total before their bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

'Sooryavanshi Would Have Taken Their Pants Off'

'Sooryavanshi Would Have Taken Their Pants Off'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'Which fast bowler did he spare? And you're making him warm the bench.'

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Argentina start their bid for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday with a side full of familiar faces from Qatar 2022, facing an Algerian team buoyed by warm-up wins and featuring a 20-year-old rising star nicknamed after Diego Maradona.

Ecuador Stuns Germany In World Cup Thriller, Exposing Defensive Flaws

Ecuador Stuns Germany In World Cup Thriller, Exposing Defensive Flaws

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Four-time champions Germany suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup group stage match, marking a historic upset. This loss highlighted Germany's persistent defensive issues, as they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine World Cup games. Despite an early lead, Germany succumbed to Ecuador's determined comeback, which secured Ecuador's progression to the round of 32.

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur, 27, has received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20 International tour of Zimbabwe, a dream he shared with his late father.

Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi On India's Unmatched Chess Dominance

Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi On India's Unmatched Chess Dominance

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi, India's first female International Master and Women's Grandmaster, asserts that India is the strongest chess-playing nation globally and will only grow stronger. She highlights Chennai's pivotal role in this revolution, crediting pioneers like Manuel Aaron and Vishwanathan Anand, and expresses confidence in the next generation, including Gukesh and Vaishali. Vijayalakshmi also reflects on her own career, a near-miss men's GM title, and her plans for a comeback after a personal tragedy.

Radhika Gupta, Edelweiss: 'Hopefully, The Worst Is Behind Us'

Radhika Gupta, Edelweiss: 'Hopefully, The Worst Is Behind Us'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

'Investors shouldn't let fear dictate their decisions. The most important step is simply to begin investing.'

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan expressed pride in his team's performance after a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their World Cup opener. Despite coming close to a historic win, Hassan highlighted the team's quality, ambition, and the strong contributions of players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, asserting that Egypt is not just there to "make up the numbers." The draw is seen as a significant step in reinventing the national team's identity.

Dalot Defends Ronaldo, Claims Portugal Facing Unwanted Negativity

Dalot Defends Ronaldo, Claims Portugal Facing Unwanted Negativity

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Portugal defender Diogo Dalot has defended Cristiano Ronaldo and insisted the squad remains united despite criticism following their World Cup draw with DR Congo, claiming some people are actively hoping Portugal fail.

Avani Prashanth And Diksha Dagar Impress At Dutch Ladies Open

Avani Prashanth And Diksha Dagar Impress At Dutch Ladies Open

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Indian golfers Avani Prashanth and Diksha Dagar made an impressive start at the Dutch Ladies Open, both carding three-under 69s to share fifth place, just one shot off the lead. While Pranavi Urs is well-placed for the cut, Hitaashee Bakshi struggled on the opening day.

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Qatar's resilience against Switzerland owed much to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, whose key saves kept them in the game, a remarkable comeback for a player once close to retirement due to a serious back injury.

Neeraj Chopra Will Deliver At Asian Games And LA 2028 Olympics, says Anju Bobby George

Neeraj Chopra Will Deliver At Asian Games And LA 2028 Olympics, says Anju Bobby George

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Legendary athlete Anju Bobby George believes it's just a matter of time before Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra delivers for the country at the big stage -- the Asian Games and 2028 Los Angles Olympic Games.

Know Christopher Nolan's Movies Before You Watch Odyssey

Know Christopher Nolan's Movies Before You Watch Odyssey

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Following to Oppenheimer, here's why Christopher Nolan remains cinema's greatest modern blockbuster auteur.

Indian military contingent to join Seychelles National Day

Indian military contingent to join Seychelles National Day

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

An Indian Army contingent, Navy warships INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, and a naval band are participating in Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the strong strategic partnership and defence cooperation between India and the archipelago nation.

Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting protest march after clashes

Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting protest march after clashes

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrupting a TMC protest march concerning the Baruipur rape and murder case, alleging that the police acted as an 'arm' of the saffron party by failing to enforce a Calcutta High Court order permitting the rally.

Cocktail 2 Eyes Rs 100 Crore Club; Main Vaapas Aaunga Surprises

Cocktail 2 Eyes Rs 100 Crore Club; Main Vaapas Aaunga Surprises

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cocktail 2 has made a significant impact at the box office with a strong opening weekend, while Main Vaapas Aaunga has surprised many with its remarkable post-release resurgence.

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.

IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma dominates his strong zone to bounce back with explosive knock

IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma dominates his strong zone to bounce back with explosive knock

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Abhishek Sharma smashed a quickfire 74 off 28 balls to propel Sunrisers Hyderabad to a strong position against Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League match in Mullanpur on Saturday.

Indrajit Lankesh: 'I Was A Bridge To Deepika Padukone's Glory'

Indrajit Lankesh: 'I Was A Bridge To Deepika Padukone's Glory'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

'It was only after Aishwarya ran for 100 days and became a massive hit that Shah Rukh Khan signed Deepika Padukone.'