News for 'bits'

Ooh La La, Banita!

Ooh La La, Banita!

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

From stealing hearts in October to becoming the internet's favourite girl in With You, Banita Sandhu has always had a quietly magnetic presence.

'I tried to talk him down': McCullum on Stokes' retirement

'I tried to talk him down': McCullum on Stokes' retirement

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

England coach Brendon McCullum revealed he tried to convince Ben Stokes not to retire, calling the Test captain a "leader of men" whose leadership and presence will be impossible to replace as England prepare for a new era.

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek eased past former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova to reach the Wimbledon third round, while Amanda Anisimova battled back to defeat Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought all-American contest.

Sinner, Djokovic Advance To Second Round At Wimbledon

Sinner, Djokovic Advance To Second Round At Wimbledon

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

World number one Jannik Sinner survived an early scare in his Wimbledon title defence but the Italian shook off the rust and fought past Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3 on Monday to reach the second round.

Jim Sarbh: 'I'm Not Much Of A Watch Guy'

Jim Sarbh: 'I'm Not Much Of A Watch Guy'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'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.'

India's Got Latent 2: 'Donald Trump' Steals The Show

India's Got Latent 2: 'Donald Trump' Steals The Show

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Not only is Samay Raina going the Kapil Sharma route by bringing celebrities as special guests on his show -- which also means he has to be careful that his jokes don't land them in trouble as well -- but he also has to promote sponsors blatantly, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

US coach Pochettino brushes off Turkey defeat

US coach Pochettino brushes off Turkey defeat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino downplayed his team's 3-2 loss to Turkey in a World Cup group stage match, emphasising that the United States still finished top of Group D.

IPL champions RCB in no rush to join overseas leagues: co-owner Satyan Gajwani

IPL champions RCB in no rush to join overseas leagues: co-owner Satyan Gajwani

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

IPL 2026 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have no immediate plans to follow rivals and buy franchises in overseas leagues, co-owner Satyan Gajwani said.

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Free, customizable "fan bands" have become the unexpected must-have souvenir at the 2026 World Cup, with over 700,000 distributed. Sponsored by Bank of America, these charm wristlets feature subtle branding and have gone viral, even appearing on resale platforms. This marketing strategy offers a counterpoint to the tournament's high ticket and merchandise prices, proving that unique, free items can create significant fan engagement and brand visibility.

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon for the first time since 2022, with fans eagerly awaiting the seven-time champion's comeback as she faces Australian teenager Maya Joint in a blockbuster first-round clash.

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is running out of words to describe Lionel Messi after the captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches during the 3-1 win over Jordan.

'Biotech Engineering Has Significant Potential'

'Biotech Engineering Has Significant Potential'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

rediffGURU Nayagam PP guides aspirants on how to pick the right career course and college based on their entrance scores and aptitude.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will start on the bench for their final World Cup Group F match against Jordan.

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

BIT Mesra has launched 'HimClimX', an AI-powered platform designed for Himalayan climate intelligence and visualisation. It integrates over a century of climate data to offer trend analysis, anomaly detection, spatial visualisation, impact assessment, and AI-driven forecasting for the Himalayan region.

2nd T20I: England spoil Sooryavanshi's big day with four-wicket victory

2nd T20I: England spoil Sooryavanshi's big day with four-wicket victory

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's much-anticipated India debut ends with 14 off 10 balls as Tilak Varma's explosive final over lifts India to 190/7 against England in the second T20I at Old Trafford.

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has strongly criticised the United States for imposing travel restrictions on his team during the World Cup, claiming it unfairly hampered their preparation and performance.

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani reckons selectors missed an opportunity by leaving teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the Ireland T20Is, and says he should now be backed for the white-ball series against England, starting on Wednesday (July 1).

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Australia coach Shelley Nitschke hints at Phoebe Litchfield comeback for India clash

7 Eco-Friendly Father's Day Gifts

7 Eco-Friendly Father's Day Gifts

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Look for a meangingful gift for your dad this June.

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Gurnoor Brar's dream ODI debut: 3 wickets for India

Gurnoor Brar's dream ODI debut: 3 wickets for India

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar was more excited than under pressure on his India debut against Afghanistan and his first wicket settled the semblance of nerves, helping him walk away with a memorable outing in the rain-shortened first One-day International in Dharamsala.

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to open for India in the upcoming 50-over World Cup, despite ongoing scrutiny. Gavaskar believes the England ODI series will be a crucial platform for Sharma to demonstrate his consistent performance. He also touched upon the continuous pressure on senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, emphasising the need for consistent delivery and physical fitness as they age. Additionally, Gavaskar commented on Ben Stokes' surprising retirement timing.

Jiya Shankar, Sreeleela's Shades Of Blue For Every Mood

Jiya Shankar, Sreeleela's Shades Of Blue For Every Mood

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Blue is one of those rare shades that can instantly define your mood and, quite ironically, even beat the blues for you.

All Eyes on Sinner, Sabalenka at Wimbledon

All Eyes on Sinner, Sabalenka at Wimbledon

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Wimbledon begins on Monday, with defending champion Jannik Sinner chasing a fifth Grand Slam title and women's top seed Aryna Sabalenka chasing her first major of the year.

Dev Meena's Coach-Inspired Record-Breaking Spree Continues

Dev Meena's Coach-Inspired Record-Breaking Spree Continues

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh pole vaulter Dev Meena has broken the national record for the fifth time in two years, clearing 5.46m at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships. He credited his coach, Ghanshyam Yadav, for consistently pushing him to aim for national records. Meena also successfully breached the Asian Games qualifying mark and has been named in the Indian squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran has offered advice to World Champion D Gukesh ahead of his title defence against Javokhir Sindarov. Sasikiran highlights Gukesh's tendency for time trouble due to complex play and suggests improving technique, speed, and defensive accuracy. He also advises Gukesh to identify and exploit opponent weaknesses, while acknowledging Sindarov's strong preparation and reliance on memory and speed.

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Competing at last year's World Championships with a back injury was not a good decision, conceded seasoned Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra before assuring that he "feels fit" as he gears up for a delayed start to his season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday.

Aahana-Danish's Dhurandhar Holiday In The UK

Aahana-Danish's Dhurandhar Holiday In The UK

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Aahana Kumra shares lovely pictures with Danish Pandor from their trip to the UK.

Why protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood is as important as his cricket

Why protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood is as important as his cricket

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

As India awaits Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's senior debut, experts urge cricket to remember the 15-year-old is still a child, highlighting the challenges of balancing extraordinary talent, growing fame and emotional well-being.

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ambati Rayudu says India's 0-2 T20I series loss to Ireland was the result of poor preparation for challenging conditions, urges Tilak Varma to improve against slow bowling, and advises patience with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

What We Think Rashmika Is Ordering At The Bar

What We Think Rashmika Is Ordering At The Bar

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

If Diya from Cocktail 2 walked into a bar, she'd probably skip the cocktails and order a cute mocktail instead. That's exactly the vibe Rashmika Mandanna brings to the table with her sunshine, mischief and girl-next-door charm.

Gueye double keeps five-star Senegal's World Cup hopes alive

Gueye double keeps five-star Senegal's World Cup hopes alive

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Senegal kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive in dominant fashion on Friday with a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq, who were eliminated from the tournament.

What Makes Obsession Such A Horrifying Tale

What Makes Obsession Such A Horrifying Tale

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

As Curry Barker's Obsession arrives on OTT this week, Sreeju Sudhakaran revisits the chilling psychological horror film about the terrifying implications of a man's desire to control a woman's affections.

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Canada over South Africa, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time. The tense match in Los Angeles saw few clear chances until Eustaquio's late strike, ending Canada's frustration and sending them to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the quarter-finals. South Africa, despite a strong defensive effort, exited the tournament.

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that Indian fencers will secure medals at the upcoming Asian Games and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He emphasized the need to popularize fencing in India, highlighting its potential to capture the youth's imagination and its significant medal opportunities at the Olympics. Rijiju also commented on the government's non-interference policy regarding sports federations' internal affairs, specifically addressing the Manika Batra selection issue.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

Diana Edulji On India's Tough Road To T20 World Cup Semifinals

Diana Edulji On India's Tough Road To T20 World Cup Semifinals

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Former India captain Diana Edulji believes the Indian women's cricket team faces a significant challenge to qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup semifinals after their recent loss to South Africa. She highlighted the team's need to win their remaining matches against Bangladesh and Australia and discussed the team's T20 playing style.

'Had To Have A Beach Body Without Losing The Glow On The Face'

'Had To Have A Beach Body Without Losing The Glow On The Face'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'The biggest thing I've learnt is that this journey is not linear.' 'There will be films that work, films that don't, moments where you feel confident and moments where you question yourself.'

National record holder Gulveer fails to breach Asian Games qualifying time in 5000m

National record holder Gulveer fails to breach Asian Games qualifying time in 5000m

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Gulveer Singh, the reigning Asian champion and national record holder, failed to meet the Asian Games qualifying standard in the men's 5000m race at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.

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.