Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano discuss the profound influence of their former club on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. They highlight the impact of La Masia-bred players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi for Spain, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi for Argentina, all products of Barcelona's footballing philosophy. Both former players express pride in the shared playing style and the quality of the final.
Pedro Porro has emerged as a pivotal player for Spain in the World Cup, transforming the right-back position into a strength. His exceptional performance against France in the semi-final, where he scored and was named MVP, has solidified his place, drawing parallels to Marc Cucurella's rise. Porro's defensive prowess and attacking contributions have been crucial for Spain's journey to the final against Argentina.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its Annual Meetings, establishing a new Governance Review Committee headed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history and a former West Indies captain, died in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Friday at the age of 89.
France's World Cup campaign ended in a 'devastating' 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps admitting his team was 'technically, second best' and star players like Michael Olise failing to perform.
The complete schedule and all the results of FIFA World Cup 2026 in IST.
The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura. The adjournment comes as Hindu parties involved in the case are reportedly engaged in off-the-record talks to determine which lawsuit will serve as the lead case. The court was hearing a plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that designated one Hindu party as the representative for all Lord Krishna devotees.
India's top 400m runners, including Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi and Jay Kumar, view the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as a more challenging competition than the Asian Games. They believe the higher standard of competition, especially from Australia and England, will serve as an ideal proving ground to improve their performance and achieve personal bests ahead of the continental showpiece.
India's top 400m runners, including Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi and Jay Kumar, view the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as a more challenging competition than the Asian Games. They believe the higher standard of competition, especially from Australia and England, will serve as an ideal proving ground to improve their performance and achieve personal bests ahead of the continental showpiece.
'The order has no practical effect unless and until he chooses to enter Singapore.'
Intimacy is not just physical, explains rediffGURU Anu Krishna.
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.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the rule behind Breel Embolo's controversial red card as "unacceptable" after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory ended the Swiss team's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run.
Survivors of a tourist boat tragedy in Vietnam, which claimed 15 Indian lives, have expressed outrage over the absence of timely medical preparedness and trained personnel at the accident site, stating they were forced to perform CPR themselves in a desperate attempt to save fellow passengers.
BMW Group India says every Re 1 depreciation in the rupee against the euro trims its profit margin by about 1 per cent, prompting the company to consider further price increases.
Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector MSK Prasad has questioned the consistent dropping of Sanju Samson from the T20I squad, calling it a 'big mistake' given his strong performances, while also defending head coach Gautam Gambhir against early criticism for recent series losses.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police, sparking outrage and renewed determination among protesters who vowed to continue their demonstration.
Djed Spence, initially a controversial World Cup squad selection and criticised for his early performance, has emerged as a crucial impact substitute for England. His pace, energy, and passion off the bench have silenced critics, playing a vital role in England's progression to the semi-finals despite a broken jaw.
French Olympian Prithika Pavade delivered a stellar performance, including a crucial win over two-time UTT MVP Yangzi Liu, to lead PBG Pune Jaguars to a 9-6 victory against UP Prometheans in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7. The match saw several closely contested battles and dramatic finishes.
England's football team has reached the World Cup semi-finals, demonstrating significant resilience by overcoming setbacks. They are set to face old rivals Argentina, a match steeped in history. The team's success is largely attributed to the partnership of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored a combined 12 goals. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team's fighting spirit but also sees room for improvement as they aim to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title.
The DMK has announced it will meticulously examine the proposed delimitation Bill when it is introduced in Parliament, making a decision based on its merits to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. The party's stance will be independent, without consultation with the Congress party, despite their former alliance.
Paresh Rawal has robustly defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dismissing claims of divisive politics and asserting that Modi 'never does Hindu-Muslim politics.
Ridhima Dilawari extended her overnight lead to two shots after the second round of the tenth leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour in Kolar. Despite a late double bogey, Dilawari carded a 1-under 71, bringing her total to 5-under 139. Amandeep Drall and Vidhatri Urs are tied for second, two shots behind. Other notable performances include Vani Kapoor in fourth and young Saanvi Somu at even par.
By taking one of the oldest stories and finding new meaning within it, Christopher Nolan has created the most timely film of his career, asserts Mayur Sanap.
France captain Kylian Mbappe sustained a minor ankle injury during the World Cup quarter-final win against Morocco but is expected to play in Tuesday's semi-final against Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps confirming he is 'fine'.
A new study suggests that complex strategic decisions may be better when made with less thinking time, highlighting the role of intuition in decision-making.
India anticipates a reduction in the United States' proposed tariffs on Indian goods under the Section 301 investigation, following New Delhi's recent notification to restrict the import of products made with forced labour.
India's hydropower generation has been significantly constrained in July due to the El Nio effect, which has weakened the southwest monsoon and reduced reservoir levels. This decline, following a 21 per cent year-on-year drop in June 2026, is forcing greater reliance on coal generation and straining grid flexibility amidst rising power demand.
'This project is like six movies in one. And it's all been captured on the largest format that's ever been done on. So it's definitely one to see at the cinema.'
India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia became the first woman cricketer to score a Test century at Lord's, hitting 113 against England. This remarkable achievement marks a significant comeback for Bhatia, who recovered from a career-threatening ACL injury sustained last year. She credited her family, teammates, and support staff for her successful rehabilitation and expressed her belief that her best is yet to come.
Ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash against England, Argentina fans are engaging in traditional 'cabalas' or superstitions, including freezing captain Harry Kane's name, to bring their national team good fortune on the pitch.
The Central Information Commission has said the blanket denial of information sought on Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act renewal applications by the Union ministry of home affairs "appears to be misplaced and without any basis", while observing that the CPIO prima facie "obstructed" the complainant's right to information.
Atlanta Police are implementing enhanced security measures for the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, a match deemed high-risk due to the historical animosity between the two nations.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, bringing Reece James and Djed Spence into the defence, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni makes one switch, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul.
Shubman Gill has affirmed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are indispensable to India's ODI team, highlighting their vast experience and skill.
'I could place her in any song situation, sad, happy, bhajan, cabaret, fun song... she took just a few minutes to catch the tune.'
India's top badminton players experienced a mixed day at the Japan Open. While PV Sindhu secured a comfortable win in her women's singles opener, the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were forced to retire due to Rankireddy's recurring shoulder injury, impacting their preparations for the upcoming World Championships.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and ex-assistant coach Abhishek Nayar have offered critical insights into India's recent T20I series defeat against England, highlighting issues with middle-order depth, all-rounders, poor fielding, and struggles against short balls.
'Rather than deploying all their money at once, investors should invest gradually.' 'A staggered approach is the better strategy because volatility is likely to persist.'
