First Drive: Why the New Tata Sierra Was Born to be an EV
Asian Games medallist Vishal Uppal has advised against creating excessive hype around young Indian tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, urging the fraternity to let her develop naturally rather than pressuring her to emulate Sania Mirza. Uppal believes Maaya, a top 20 junior player, has the potential to break into the top 100 in professional tennis if she maintains her hard work and hunger. He also highlighted the challenges of professional tennis and praised another prospect, Dakshineshwar Suresh.
Former Ram temple trust chief Champat Rai has stated he will address all allegations of donation embezzlement against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. Rai, who observed 'maun dharan' (silence) on the matter, highlighted that the SIT's preliminary report has already been made public. The trust has appointed an interim general secretary and acknowledged the theft from donation boxes, while also appreciating Rai's contributions.
A study by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) suggests that a five-minute session of chanting 'Shanti mantra' or 'Mahamrityunjaya mantra' followed by rest can significantly reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac workload. The research indicates that mantra chanting activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting physiological relaxation and improved cardiovascular health.
Concerns over Canadian wildfire smoke impacting air quality and player health for the World Cup final in New York are easing, with forecasts predicting significant rain and a cold front to clear the haze before Sunday's match, though hot and hazy conditions could still pose risks.
Real estate startup Landeed plans to invest Rs 30 crore this fiscal year to expand its business, focusing on enhancing its AI-powered property title search engine, Terra. This investment will boost GPU infrastructure, develop specialised language models, and improve Indic OCR for Indian property records, aiming to streamline property due diligence across 26 states and 4 union territories.
The National Automated Fingerprint Identification System database expanded from 3.2 million records in 2012 to 11.2 million.
Researchers at IIT Kanpur have found that 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) does not significantly reduce fuel efficiency or harm vehicle engines, contradicting social media claims and providing reassurance amidst its nationwide rollout. The study supports the Oil Ministry's stance on E20's benefits.
Researchers at IIT-Guwahati have identified a type of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that can effectively remove lead from contaminated water. The study highlights the role of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by the algae in absorbing lead, with laboratory experiments showing up to 66.2% removal. This discovery offers a promising, naturally abundant solution for water purification, though further validation is needed before commercial application.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien questioned the Enforcement Directorate's decision to freeze three of the party's bank accounts, worth Rs 440 crore, under the anti-money laundering law. He controversially asked when the ED would freeze "temple funds," in an apparent reference to alleged financial irregularities at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, amidst opposition demands for a judicial probe into the matter.
Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.
Nine patients, including eight women and a minor, died after undergoing surgery in obstetrics and gynaecology departments at government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara, prompting the Rajasthan government to launch expert inquiries into the incidents.
JSW MG Motor India has unveiled ADAPT, India's first multi-powertrain new energy vehicle (NEV) platform, designed to support electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender electric vehicles. The company plans to launch one electric SUV and one plug-in hybrid SUV based on this architecture during FY27, aiming to broaden its NEV portfolio and accelerate adoption in India.
'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.'
Researchers at MIT World Peace University in Pune have developed an innovative thermal energy storage system using a phase change material (PCM)-based battery. This technology addresses the intermittent nature of solar energy by storing excess heat for use after sunset, potentially reducing reliance on conventional fuels for water heating and enhancing energy security.
The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities, entered its 16th day on Sunday, while it was the eighth day of an indefinite hunger strike announced by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has lost around six kg since beginning the fast.
The World Cup final offers football's grandest stage a deliciously odd pairing: Argentina, all pulse, fire and Lionel Messi, against Spain, the European champions who appear to treat chaos as an administrative error and have turned control into something close to an art form.
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has urged the industry to invest in skilling, capability development, and innovation to counter the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, particularly for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He noted that while the government has supported GCCs through Budget measures like simplifying transfer pricing and promoting expansion into tier-II/III cities, industry must move beyond low-cost execution to thrive in an an AI-driven landscape. Nageswaran emphasised that AI displaces routine tasks, necessitating a focus on higher-value work and continuous skill enhancement to maintain India's competitive edge.
The arms trade surplus grew tenfold, reaching $691 million in FY26 from $63 million in FY18.
The United States has launched a fresh wave of precision strikes, hitting approximately 90 Iranian military targets deep inside Iran, further intensifying a rapidly expanding regional conflict, with Tehran warning of severe retaliation.
Scientists at IIT Mandi have identified the cellular signature of anaesthesia in plants, a discovery that challenges conventional understanding of consciousness. Their research shows plants respond to anaesthetics in a synchronised manner, reorganising cellular nuclei despite lacking a brain or nervous system, suggesting a more sentient nature than previously believed and resonating with ancient Indian philosophical thought.
Aamir Khan's comments that his 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu was not based on Sonam Wangchuk has triggered reactions from politicians, activists and social media users, with some accusing the actor of distancing himself from the educationist, who is currently on a hunger strike.
With over 75 per cent indigenous content, the frigate is among the most self-reliant frontline warships built in India.
Some doors, it turns out, you can knock on for years and they still won't tell you what's really behind them.
'Banking is the only sector that can see double-digit growth in FY27.'
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon, along with two Russian cosmonauts, has embarked on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. This marks Menon's first spaceflight, where he will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations focused on human space exploration, microgravity effects, and in-space production of advanced materials.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched indigenous robotic technologies, Project Vimana and Project Operion, designed to perform life-saving surgeries on the battlefield, potentially revolutionising emergency care for injured security personnel.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on US military installations in Bahrain, describing the operations as the second phase of its retaliatory campaign. This announcement follows US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming its own large-scale offensive targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a total penalty of approximately Rs 142.37 crore on HP India Sales Private Limited and several of its resellers for engaging in cartelisation and bid rigging on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
The Department of Space has directed that requests for voluntary retirement or resignation from Group 'A' Scientific and Technical personnel associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and other important missions should not be accepted as a matter of routine.
Sobers excelled at many sports, including soccer and basketball, but cricket was his passion. His first memories of the sport were of playing in the road or on the beach, aged eight.
The RSS's annual Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak in Belagavi addressed alleged irregularities in the counting of donation box offerings at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, expressing confidence in the ongoing SIT probe. The meeting also reviewed training activities, centenary year programmes, and discussed critical issues such as population imbalance and drug abuse.
The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for failing to comply with its previous order regarding disability awareness. The court expressed dismay over Raina's non-compliance and his alleged insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities, urging the Centre to consider a stringent law against such derogatory comments.
At an aggressive starting price of 18.79 lakh, the Tata Sierra.ev has a real-world range of 510 to 530 km with the 75 kWh battery pack on a single charge while the smaller 63 kWh battery coughs out a real-world range of 440 to 460 km, plus lifetime battery warranty as standard. And with the intelligent Quad-Wheel Drive system pushing out 504 Nm of torque, the EV flies from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, says Rajesh Karkera.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.
British wildcard Arthur Fery, ranked 114th in the world, has made a remarkable run to the Wimbledon semi-finals, defeating ninth seed Flavio Cobolli and setting up a clash with French Open champion Alexander Zverev.
Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.
The ministry of education is contemplating significant reforms to the admission process for crucial entrance exams like NEET and JEE. Proposed changes include giving 50 per cent weightage to board exam marks, aligning entrance tests with school syllabi, and introducing multiple attempts and computer-based tests. These reforms aim to reduce the high-stakes nature of exams and address issues like evaluation errors and paper leaks.
