Navigating this geopolitical minefield requires a cold-blooded blend of immediate tactical pleading, structural domestic diversification, and aggressive collective resistance, suggests Ambassador Rajasekhar.
Reigning world champion Lando Norris has expressed a strong desire to race in India, acknowledging the country's massive Formula 1 fan base. This comes as the Indian government and Adani Group are exploring options to bring F1 back to the Buddh Circuit, despite significant financial and logistical hurdles. Norris, who has a close friend in Indian driver Jehan Daruvala, believes racing in India would be great for the sport.
Pacer Keemo Paul discusses how West Indies bowlers effectively used slow balls on a gripping pitch and the absence of dew to secure a 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20I on Wednesday. He also highlighted captain Shai Hope's crucial century and strong team planning as key factors in their success.
India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.
Indian para track and field athletes secured 14 medals, including five gold, at the Asian Para Games. Nishad Kumar became the third Indian to win two gold medals in a single edition, triumphing in high jump and long jump. Deepthi Jeevanji and Pranav Soorma also clinched gold, setting new Games and Asian records respectively, highlighting India's strong performance.
Forty-nine-year-old Meloni has been Italy's prime minister since October 22, 2022.
Mumbai-based Raj Thakur tells us how his relationship with his wife, Mamta, blossomed from friendship to marriage and the little secrets that have kept their relationship alive for nearly three decades.
Russia has expressed gratitude for India's readiness to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict, while Ukraine's Foreign Minister praised India's ceasefire proposal as the "broadest" among those received. President Putin also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's "very good ideas" for a mutual settlement, highlighting India's intensified diplomatic efforts focusing on Black Sea safety, grain exports, and energy supplies.
India's national football team faced five-time champions Brazil in a FIFA international friendly in Kolkata, losing 4-0. Despite a spirited start for the first 25 minutes, Brazil's superior skill and clinical finishing secured a comfortable victory with goals from Estevao, Pedro, and Samuel Lino.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy emphasised the critical importance of winning both powerplays (batting and bowling) to defeat India in the ongoing T20I series. He highlighted the team's struggle to contain India in the initial overs while bowling and stressed the need for improvement. Sammy also defended all-rounder Roston Chase, praising his discipline and tactical understanding amidst criticism of his selection.
Brazil rallied past Australia 4-2 after Raphinha's halftime injury, with Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr sealing victory before the Selecao travel to Kolkata for Saturday's India friendly.
India captain Shreyas Iyer attributed his side's stunning six-wicket defeat against the West Indies in the second T20 International to the dew factor and the almost non-existent margin for error on the pitch, despite India posting a formidable 249 for five.
Five-time world champions Brazil are set to play India in an invitational friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, marking their first-ever international meeting. The match, while a spectacle for Indian fans, has drawn criticism regarding its cost and impact on Indian football development, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioning its value over long-term investment. For Brazil, it's part of a rebuilding process, while India aims to gain invaluable experience against a top-tier team.
India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, a self-proclaimed ardent fan of Rajinikanth, has booked an entire cinema hall for the superstar's latest release, 'Jailer 2', to watch with his family, friends, and several Tamil-speaking Indian teammates and support staff.
The India Under-20 men's football team secured a 1-0 victory over Yemen in their second friendly match in Bengaluru. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored the decisive goal. This win comes as the Blue Colts prepare for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan, scheduled from August 31 to September 6.
Almost five decades after Pele ignited Kolkata's romance with Brazilian football, the iconic yellow jersey is set to return to the City of Joy, with the record five-time World Cup champions Brazil scheduled to face India in a landmark international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.
'Dance was everything for me. I used to fall, get hurt, but never thought it was a struggle.'
Dinesh Karthik believes Mohammed Shami's chances of an India comeback are slim, stating the team has moved beyond him. He also expressed concerns about the future of ODI cricket once Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retire, highlighting their significant impact on the sport.
Pranav Adani's visit to the Singapore Grand Prix has intensified speculation about Formula 1's return to India. The Adani Group, which owns the Buddh International Circuit, is actively pursuing the revival of the Indian Grand Prix, with support from the Indian government. However, significant financial and logistical challenges, including tax clarity and substantial upgrade costs, must be overcome amidst increasing global competition for hosting races.
Chaar Yaar offers an entertaining mix of friendship, crime and the charm of old Mumbai with a happy ending, observes Divya Nair.
India vice-captain Deepti Sharma expressed her readiness to support skipper Smriti Mandhana in her new role, ahead of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe starting Friday. Sharma also discussed the team's strategy to aim for high scores on a batting-friendly pitch and cautioned against underestimating the Zimbabwean side.
Prince William joined cricket legends Sourav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane, Brian Lara, Joe Root, and Harry Brook for a friendly tennis-ball match in London. This event served as a prelude to the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, an environmental initiative launched by Prince William, which is set to debut in India next month in Mumbai. The cricketers highlighted the unifying spirit of the sport and its connection to environmental responsibility.
The India U20 men's football team secured a 3-0 victory over Singapore in the first of two friendly matches held in Bengaluru, as they prepare for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
'Bhuvi should be the first choice with the new ball, based on the conditions, because of the skill he possesses of swinging the ball.'
Despite significant efforts including slashed ticket prices and complimentary passes, Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium saw a disappointingly low turnout for India's friendly matches against Brazil and Uruguay, raising concerns about fan engagement in Indian football, even with legendary players like Diego Forlan present.
After the match, Naman Dhir also said that Abhishek's pep talk, especially the Punjabi bit pumped up the players.
The third T20 International between India and West Indies in Indore is anticipated to be another high-scoring affair, with the Holkar Stadium's flat pitch and short boundaries favouring batters, putting immense pressure on bowlers after a 501-run fest in the previous match.
Shai Hope's explosive 45-ball century led the West Indies to a six-wicket win over India after they chased down 250 in 18.3 overs to level the five-match T20I series 1-1.
The Indian U20 men's football team is set to play two friendly matches against Yemen in Bengaluru as part of their preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. These matches follow two recent victories against Singapore and precede their travel to Tashkent for the qualifiers against Syria, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh.
Panama's coach, Thomas Christiansen, suggests India can learn from Panama's football growth despite baseball's dominance, highlighting the need for league improvement, better facilities, and attracting top players to boost football's popularity and global standing. Midfielder Carlos Harvey also advocates for bringing in star players to increase visibility.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebrations. The invitation also extends to brave Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who recently averted a potential hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Netanyahu highlighted the strong, long-standing ties and joint fight against terrorism between India and Israel.
Vikash Dhorasoo, the first Indian-origin player in a FIFA World Cup, expresses strong belief in India's potential to reach football's biggest stage. Visiting India for a friendly match against Brazil, Dhorasoo highlights the importance of method, clear objectives, and leveraging players of Indian origin to elevate the national team's level. He also offers his coaching expertise to help develop young talent in India.
Indian women's football team head coach Crispin Chettri expressed satisfaction with his young side's character despite a 0-4 loss to Russia in an international friendly.
A Thailand national woman was arrested in Gurugram with approximately 14 grams of MDMA during a raid by the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau. Investigators are probing her alleged visa overstay and potential links to a wider drug distribution network, with a case registered under the NDPS Act.
The Indian football team suffered a 1-3 defeat against higher-ranked Tajikistan in an international friendly match. Despite a late goal from Farukh Choudhary, India could not overcome Tajikistan's lead, marking their third consecutive loss in recent friendlies as they prepare for continental assignments.
'There is more trust in Shivam Dube because he has done it for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy has bowled well for SRH, but so far for India in T20Is, unfortunately, he hasn't played that role yet.'
The India U17 men's football team secured a dominant 4-0 victory over hosts Myanmar in their second friendly match on Wednesday, concluding their tour on a high note. Captain Dallalmoun Gangte, an own goal, Kamgouhao Doungel, and Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi contributed to the scoreline, marking head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo's first win. Both teams are preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
Abhinay Deo's Doosra attempts to weave together the cricketing triumphs of Sourav Ganguly's 2001 Indian team with the poignant coming-of-age narrative of a young woman navigating the suffocating patriarchy of Rajasthan, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Ishan Kishan's explosive unbeaten 80 and Jasprit Bumrah's two wicket burst were instrumental in guiding India to a 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the Asian Games men's cricket semifinal on Thursday.
India's bowling attack, particularly veteran Ravindra Jadeja, is under immense pressure to deliver an improved performance in the third and final ODI against the West Indies in Mullanpur. With the series already secured, the focus shifts to addressing the team's struggles in picking up early wickets and containing runs, especially in the powerplay and middle overs.
