Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar urged college students to avoid drugs, highlighting the growing concern over cannabis use among young people and the high demand for drugs in the Champhai district. Official data reveals a significant number of injecting drug users and drug-related deaths in the state, with a 2022 survey showing cannabis use among children as young as 10-14.
Discus thrower Bharatpreet Singh and pole vaulter Nitika Anup established new meet records at the 6th Indian Open U23 Athletics Competition in Jaipur. Bharatpreet won gold with a throw of 54.70m, while Nitika secured gold by clearing 4.15m. The event also saw other athletes achieve notable results across various disciplines.
The first five matches of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season have garnered significant viewership on YouTube, with 65 million views and 52 million viewers. The opening week also saw high concurrent viewership, particularly for the Inter Kashi versus Kerala Blasters FC match, and strong engagement across both English and Hindi feeds, underscoring the league's growing digital presence and the importance of multilingual content.
Atomic Energy Commission chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty stated that India is on the verge of a significant technological transformation, driven by advancements in AI, quantum technologies, and other fields. Speaking at BIT Mesra's convocation, he emphasised the need for strong indigenous capabilities, skilled professionals, and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve a developed India. Other speakers, including BIT Mesra's Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, echoed the importance of continuous learning and contributing to national progress.
India's medal tally at the Asian Para Games reached 88, with armless archer Sheetal Devi securing two gold medals. The para-athletics contingent was the largest contributor, while medals also came from swimming, badminton, and table tennis, showcasing a strong performance across multiple disciplines.
Asian Games gold medallist Aman Sherawat expresses strong confidence in winning an Olympic wrestling gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Having defeated a world champion in the Asian Games, he believes he can achieve what no other Indian wrestler has done, despite the challenges of the competitive 57kg category and past weight issues. He plans to continue training with foreign coaches to fine-tune his techniques.
This is one of the coldest temperatures achieved in a research facility in India with more than 80 per cent domestically sourced components.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his Punjab visit, urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to transfer drug-related death investigations in Sangrur and Batala to the CBI, following Mann's decision to hand over anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's murder case to the central agency. Shah met families affected by drug-related incidents and pledged to make Punjab drug-free by December 31, 2029, calling for collective action against the menace.
Technopark-based space-tech startup HEX20 has been selected by the UAE Space Agency to develop a spacecraft for an asteroid probe, marking the first time an Indian private company has been chosen for a deep-space mission by the Gulf nation. HEX20 is contributing its expertise in developing the spacecraft bus and software for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, which is scheduled for launch in March 2028 to study asteroid 269 Justitia.
Shooter Rudrankksh Patil, a world champion and Asian Games gold medallist, shares his extraordinary journey, from finding shooting boring to achieving global success, while also shedding light on China's formidable and secretive dominance in the sport.
Boxer Lovlina Borgohain received a grand welcome in Guwahati after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games in the women's 75-kg category.
Sri Lankan cricket legend Mahela Jayawardene has concluded his second tenure as head coach of the Mumbai Indians, a role he returned to ahead of the 2025 season. Jayawardene, who previously led the team to three IPL titles, expressed gratitude to the franchise and its owners, while MI owner Nita Ambani acknowledged his significant contributions.
Harmanpreet Kaur ended her India captaincy after a historic nine-year tenure, highlighted by the 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, two Asian Games gold medals and record 155 T20I appearances.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh has accused the Congress and its allies of attempting to instigate a 'Bangladesh-like regime change' in India, leveraging youth energy for political confrontation and anarchy, rather than constructive nation-building.
rediffGURU Dr Nagarajan JSK, a career counsellor with nearly 34 years of experience in teaching, research and career guidance, explains the benefits of pursuing higher education in India.
India Women secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, winning the second match by nine wickets. Opener Shafali Verma scored a rapid 55, while captain Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47, chasing down Zimbabwe's target of 103 in just 8.5 overs. Indian bowlers had earlier restricted Zimbabwe to a low total.
The 65th National Open Athletics Championships begins on Thursday in New Delhi, featuring hammer thrower Nirbhay Choudhary aiming to improve his national record and sprinter Manikanta Hoblidhar making a comeback from injury. Other prominent athletes like race walker Servin Sebastian, Olympians Paramjeet Singh Bisht and Suraj Panwar, and long-distance runner Abhishek Pal are also set to compete, alongside several Asian Games medallists.
Indian Greco-Roman wrestler Vishvajit More secured a silver medal at the U23 World Championship in Las Vegas, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. He lost a close final to Georgia's Koba Karumidze. Komal and Diksha Malik are still in contention for bronze medals in the women's event.
The Sports Ministry conducted a review of India's Asian Games performance, scrutinising the lower-than-expected medal haul in athletics and badminton. Chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting addressed issues like injured athletes and future planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with a strong emphasis on federations delivering results and nurturing young talent.
Indian Hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, known as the 'Wall of Indian hockey', expressed her desire for Priyanka Chopra Jonas to portray her in a biographical film. Punia, who recently led India to significant achievements, shared her inspiration from Priyanka's journey and her own life story, including early responsibilities and personal interests.
Former world No. 1 Rohan Bopanna and Australian Open winner Rinky Hijikata have been announced as marquee players for the upcoming Tennis Premier League (TPL). The league, featuring a mix of international and Indian talent, will hold its player auction on October 12, with matches scheduled from December 8-13. Other notable international players include Roman Burruchaga, Terence Atmane, Dalibor Svrcina, Dino Prizmic, Adam Walton, and Alexandre Muller.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating China 1-0, also earning a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Captain Salima Tete and other team members expressed immense pride and confidence in their victory, which ended a 44-year wait for gold. Four players from Jharkhand received a grand welcome, highlighting the personal journeys and struggles behind their national achievement.
It was very disappointing to watch some talented singers pull each other down on national television, notes Divya Nair.
Indian para-athlete Rinku Hooda won a gold medal in the men's javelin throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. Despite being deeply affected by his mother's passing in August and battling a shoulder injury, Hooda dedicated his victory to her. He aims to secure a Paralympics medal next, having previously won medals at various international championships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, articulated a vision for India's communications sector, emphasizing a global framework to combat cyber frauds and deepfakes. He called for India to become a hub for innovation and product development for the world. Industry leaders lauded his vision, highlighting India's robust digital infrastructure and its journey towards becoming a global technology leader, with a focus on trust, security, and responsible innovation.
Ankita shattered a decade-old meet record in the women's 3000m steeplechase, securing gold at the 65th National Open Athletics Championships. Jishnu Prasad also set a new meet record in the men's 200m, highlighting a day of impressive athletic achievements.
Spain's Eugenio Chacarra won the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club by two shots, finishing 21-under 267. His victory, achieved despite a broken toe, showcased strategic course management and precise play. This win strengthens his bid for the Race to Dubai crown against top players like Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy, marking another significant achievement in his career resurgence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated several Indian athletes for their medal-winning performances at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. He specifically lauded silver medallists Ancy Sojan (long jump), Anahat Singh (squash), Abhay Singh (squash), Sarvesh Kushare (high jump), and bronze medallists Harita Bhadra (200m), Tejaswin Shankar (decathlon), and Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase), highlighting their dedication and achievements.
Kapil Dev, president of the Professional Golf Tour of India, praised Pranavi Urs for her historic individual gold and the women's team for their silver medal at the Asian Games, highlighting the growing strength of women's golf in India.
Ajay Devgn celebrates a career milestone as his latest film, Drishyam: The Conclusion, shatters box office records by crossing the Rs 300 crore mark in a mere 10 days.
President Droupadi Murmu extended her congratulations to Indian athletes who won medals on Day 9 of the Asian Games. She specifically lauded the women's 4x400m relay team for their historic gold, shooter Neeru Dhanda for India's first individual gold and a new Asian record, and other medalists in shooting, high jump, relays, distance running, and boxing, highlighting their achievements as a source of national pride and inspiration.
Indian para track and field athletes delivered a spectacular performance at the Asian Para Games, securing 22 medals, including five gold, on Wednesday. Sprinter Simran Sharma was a standout, clinching her second gold medal in the women's 100m T12 event, making her only the fourth Indian to win two golds in the same edition. Other gold medallists included Dilip Gavit, Praveen Kumar, Ayush Verma, and Sachin Khilari, contributing to India's total of 42 para-athletics medals.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that regime-change agitations do not resolve fundamental problems and can become instruments of political interests, fuelling divisions rather than delivering solutions. He also called for discernment in consuming information, especially from OTT platforms, and stressed the importance of national unity based on emotional bonds.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has publicly apologised for criticising the club's hierarchy following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, after holding discussions with manager Michael Carrick and senior officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India's Asian Games medallists, praising their outstanding performances and specifically highlighting the women's hockey team's gold medal win after over four decades. India secured a strong position in the medals tally with a six-gold haul on the penultimate day, with Modi acknowledging individual achievements in wrestling, boxing, archery, sepaktakraw, and sailing.
Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri described his recent season as his 'weakest' and addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding LIV Golf. He stated that his future decisions regarding where he plays will be based on the best interests of his family and himself, urging patience as the situation is dynamic. Lahiri also shared insights into his break from golf, focusing on fitness and mental well-being, and expressed excitement about returning to play at the Delhi Golf Course.
Irish golf star Rory McIlroy met and applauded India's Asian Games gold-winning golfer Pranavi Urs for her "tremendous resilience and character" during her recent victory. McIlroy, in India for the DP World India Championships, praised Urs's ability to overcome a triple bogey to secure gold and her contribution to India's team silver.
Hockey India has announced significant cash awards for the national women's team and support staff following their historic gold medal win at the Asian Games in Japan. The team defeated defending champions China 1-0, securing India's first women's hockey gold at the event in 44 years, with Lalremsiami scoring the winning goal.
'I have lost not merely an exceptional artist, but an extraordinary human being and a dear friend, someone whose warmth and affection touched everyone around him. We spoke just eight days ago. I could never have imagined that it would be our last conversation.'
The Indian women's recurve archery team, featuring Haryana's Kirti Sharma, secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating South Korea. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lauded their achievement, while Kirti's family in Jind expressed immense pride, sharing their struggles and hopes for an Olympic gold.
