Fintech giant PhonePe has launched 'PhonePe UPI 123Pay', a new service enabling UPI transactions for feature phone users without requiring an internet connection. This initiative aims to bring digital payment capabilities to over 200 million feature phone users, promoting financial inclusion across India.
InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy have merged to establish India's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled insurance distribution platform, targeting a significant premium book and extensive reach across the country.
Trans-athlete Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has been cleared to play community-level cricket in Australia and is aiming for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) by March 2027, following her gender-affirming surgery and Cricket Australia's comprehensive review of her case.
The new Mac mini stays true to its reputation: It is small on the outside but surprisingly powerful on the inside. But is it worth the price tag?
South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has publicly criticised Cricket Australia's decision to offer a pathway back into competitive cricket for transgender athlete Anaya Bangar, stating, "Absolutely ridiculous. This should not be allowed."
BRICS Sports Ministers adopted a Joint Declaration in Visakhapatnam, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen sports cooperation through dialogue and mutual respect. The meeting, held under India's 2026 Chairship, saw Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya call for a BRICS Sporting Partnership and introduce three key initiatives: a Working Group on Sports Technology, a Sports Manufacturing Conclave in Udaipur, and Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games in Ahmedabad in 2026.
Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns raised by leading cricketing nations regarding accommodation and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games. Miyaji clarified that hotel stays are offered, teams can make their own arrangements, and temporary yet comfortable facilities have been prepared for players, including washrooms and dressing rooms, despite tight timelines and resource limitations.
India has highlighted 13 key outcomes from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, focusing on enhanced cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and addressing transnational threats. These outcomes include the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security, a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism, and agreements on narcotics control, climate change, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing India's engagement in the Eurasian region.
Hi is a charming, feel-good romcom powered by Nayanthara and Kavin's chemistry, but its predictable second half keeps it from becoming truly delightful, notes Sreeju Sreedharan.
Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket team underwent an intense net session in Colombo.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu believes in the unity of humanity and that all religious paths lead to the same goal, asserting that 'if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu'.
Anaya Bangar says her difficult transition journey made her stronger and wiser, with Cricket Australia's clearance giving her a pathway back to women's cricket after BCCI silence.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, emphasising his legacy's role in guiding efforts to protect democracy and ensure an inclusive society.
Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Kapoor are enjoying a romantic summer holiday in Lake Como, Italy, sharing sun-kissed photographs of their 'La Dolce Vita' escape with fans on social media.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has outlined Ahmedabad's vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasising unparalleled accessibility for para athletes and a strong commitment to sustainability through green energy and electric transport.
'Dolly Parton managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person.'
Arun Vasu, president of the Surfing Federation of India, has been elected as the new head of the Asian Surfing Federation (ASF) after a supervised voting process. He succeeds Atsushi Sakai of Japan and aims to build on the legacy while promoting surfing and SUP across Asia.
Population Foundation of India welcomes the digitisation of the Census but emphasises the need for inclusivity, data security, and addressing the under-reporting of women's contributions.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced a massive nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 to identify and nurture future athletes, aiming for 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics.
Chandigarh is set to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or digital rupee, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on August 14. This initiative makes Chandigarh the first Union Territory to fully roll out CBDC-based DBT for food subsidy, enhancing transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, will be purpose-bound for purchasing foodgrains from authorised merchants.
The ACSEL Technology Forum, a Karnataka government Centre of Excellence in AI, has launched Tathyakosh.in, a digital public good designed to make India's extensive public data more accessible. This platform consolidates over 1.5 million datasets from 458 sources, addressing the challenge of fragmented data discovery across various government and research portals. It aims to benefit researchers, startups, and technology teams in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion by providing a structured and discoverable data infrastructure.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the recent World Cup, accusing critics of spreading 'hate and false narratives' and overlooking the tournament's success in promoting unity, safety, and inclusion.
In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.
Mondays set the tone not only for the week ahead but also for the culture employees experience every day.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.
Rani Mukerji is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University at the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, acknowledging her profound impact on Indian cinema and dedicated humanitarian efforts.
Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Assembly, with Kishor winning the Bankipur bypoll in his electoral debut, stunning the BJP in its long-held bastion.
US President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of a planned attack on Iran, contingent on Tehran agreeing to rapidly open the Strait of Hormuz and end its nuclear programme. This decision follows appeals from Middle Eastern countries and includes Israel's commitment, though Iran had previously warned against any "adventurous action" from the US.
AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran advocates for a balanced, long-term strategy for integrating OCI and PIO players into Indian football, stressing it's not a complete solution but a part of broader development. He also analyses recent World Cup semifinals, highlighting Spain's tactical dominance and Argentina's fighting spirit.
The challenge thrown by the youth movement creates the opportunity for a more consequential debate on India's economic trajectory because it must remain centered on India's youth as its driving impulse, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.
Rajkumar Santoshi's best films prove that few Bollywood filmmakers could mix hard-hitting drama, action, comedy and sheer masala madness quite like him.
Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh, director, Delhi School of Economics.
Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand has reversed his earlier decision not to seek another term and will contest the election for the FIDE Deputy President's post.
'If I was with the team, I would pick bowlers who I feel can pick wickets and win matches for me with the ball.'
Switzerland will host the next global AI summit in June 2027 in Geneva, aiming to establish stable processes for AI governance and promote its responsible use. Building on previous summits, including one in New Delhi, the event will focus on AI as a driver of prosperity and human-centred innovation, bringing together governments, organisations, and civil society to address global challenges.
'Saransh is a very keen observer, he wants to keep learning.' 'He has the skills to be a top off-spinner, the way he releases the ball that is very good.' 'He is also mentally tough because he has played so much of domestic cricket.'
Kuldeep Yadav's childhood coach, Kapil Pandey, has expressed confidence in the left-arm wrist spinner's ability to regain his place in the Indian team despite his recent exclusion from the playing XI. Pandey highlighted Kuldeep's fighting spirit, impact in previous matches, and consistent work ethic, dismissing concerns about his limited appearances and emphasising his value as a top spinner.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor secured a significant victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, defeating the BJP candidate by over 19,000 votes. Kishor attributed his win to support from disgruntled members of major parties and potentially Gen Z protests, while firmly rejecting any future political alliances. He claimed the mandate was a wake-up call for the BJP-led government in Bihar and its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, giving his party its maiden presence in the state assembly.
At this point at 85, Sharad Pawar is like a mature but ageing trapeze artist who is assessing if he will still land on his feet if he jumps from the safe perch of INDIA to the NDA. Can a Great Betrayal be presented as a tactical move? Watch Sharad Pawar do it, predicts Aditi Phadnis.
