Goa

Cong seeks unconditional return of former members, rejects defectors

NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Saturday appealed to former Congress members to rejoin the party unconditionally to strengthen the organisation ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. While the party said it would welcome current and former MLAs wishing to join, it made it clear that there would be no entry []

Ugtem Molob poets meet celebrates monsoon, nature & Goas heritage

NT Reporter Panaji The monthly poets meet of Ugtem Molob was held recently in a warm literary atmosphere, bringing together poets, writers and lovers of Konkani literature. The programme featured poetry recitations centred on the beauty of the monsoon, nature, environmental conservation and the growing concerns over the destruction of Goas natural and cultural heritage. []

Lobo backs crackdown on drunken driving, seeks stricter enforcement

NT Reporter Calangute Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Saturday welcomed the state governments decision to tighten enforcement against drunken driving, saying Goa is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate drinking and driving. Addressing a press conference along with Sudip Tamhankar and representatives of rent-a-car associations, Lobo said people caught driving under the []

Dalit groups demand reserved assembly seat in Kushavati district

NT Reporter Curchorem The Sanguem-Quepem Dalit Sanghatana (SQDS) and Dalit Voice of Goa intensified their demand for political representation on Friday, urging the state government to reserve an Assembly constituencyfor the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in the Kushavati district. Members of the two organisations staged a dharna at Quepem and latersubmitted memorandums outlining their demands []

IGCAR Kalpakkam Hydrogen Plant: India inaugurates worlds first hydrogen plant that uses nuclear reactor heat instead of electricity

IGCAR Kalpakkam Hydrogen Plant: India has unveiled the world's first nuclear-powered hydrogen production facility at Kalpakkam, utilizing heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor. Developed by BARC and IGCAR, this technology demonstration plant showcases nuclear energy's potential beyond electricity, offering a clean, fossil-fuel-free hydrogen source. This initiative marks a significant step in India's clean energy transition and strengthens its energy security goals.

Open war?: The conflict between the Taliban and Pakistan

Since the creation of a Pakistani State after the dissolution of the British Empire, the relationships between Pakistan, India and Afghanistan have been volatile TIMOTHY FOXLY (MBE) Emboldened by their August 2021 return to power, the Afghan Talibans relationship with the Pakistani government has been redefined. Pakistan expected cooperation, but a major cause of friction has been the increasing use of Afghan territory by the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP - the Pakistani Taliban). The TTP, resolved to bring down the Pakistani government, have ramped up attacks against government and military targets, helped by safe havens in Afghanistan. Amidst rising tension, border clashes and low-level friction, has given way to Pakistani air strikes into Afghan population centres, including a major mass casualty event in Kabul in March 2026, attributed to a Pakistan air strike. Neither Afghanistan nor Pakistan can afford the economic and political turbulence, but a sustainable solution to the conflict looks distant. On 16 March 2026, a missile landed on a former American military base in eastern Kabul (formerly Camp Phoenix). The buildings had been re-purposed by the Taliban regime as a rehabilitation centre for Afghan drug addicts. It is beyond a reasonable doubt that a Pakistani military aircraft was responsible. The explosion is believed to have caused hundreds of casualties, dead and wounded. Pakistan claimed it was a precision strike against TTP military facilities. After several years of tension, friction, border skirmishes and escalating violence, a major conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan broke out in February 2026. Pakistani Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, described it as a state of open war. Though this might be premature, the conflict has included air, rocket and artillery strikes conducted by the Pakistani military. Pakistan had long wished for a Taliban government in Afghanistan and had navigated a difficult and dangerous political path over the preceding twenty years to achieve that goal: pretending to assist the US-led military coalition and the democratically elected fledgling Afghan Republic while covertly working to support the Taliban, many of whom were benefiting from a safe haven in the western border areas of Pakistan, adjacent to neighbouring Afghanistan. Pakistans support for the Taliban during this time is routinely described as a Double Game. Shortly after the Taliban took power in August 2021, the chief of Pakistans intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed was quick to visit the Taliban leadership and present his congratulations. Even then, there were concerns that the new phase of the relationship, with the newly installed Taliban regime now no longer so dependent upon Pakistani largesse, might not go as well as Pakistan might hope; Pakistan has certain influence on Taliban but they (Taliban) have many complaints from us, Rustam Shah Mohmand, Afghan affairs expert who had served as Pakistan's envoy to Kabul, told Arab News. Too much interference in their government formation could backfire. This article is not intended to be a history lesson of the longer relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but it is important to sketch in a few key and recurring - themes. Since the creation of a Pakistani State after the dissolution of the British Empire, the relationships between Pakistan, India and Afghanistan have been volatile. Pakistans engagement with Afghanistan should generally be seen in the context of Pakistans confrontations with India and Pakistans fear that Afghanistan might become a client State of India, thereby strategically surrounding Pakistan. Since the mid-nineties, Pakistan has invested much time and money seeking to ensure that the Taliban become a client of Pakistan and dominate Afghanistan in a manner favourable to Pakistan. Pakistani military intelligence played an important even decisive role in bringing about the rise of the Taliban by providing training, weapons, logistical support and a safe haven in western Pakistan from where they could retrain, regroup and recruit. The boundary between eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan the Durand Line was a British imperial construct, designed to protect British-controlled India against Russian advances across Central Asia. It sliced through a complex, millennia-long network of Pashtun tribes for whom the Durand Line meant nothing. While technically the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it is not respected by Pashtuns, who continue to use ancient paths and smuggling routes. It is relatively straightforward for those wishing to avoid government attention, which in the late-20th and early 21st centuries increasingly included criminal gangs, drug traffickers and terrorists, to slip over the mountains and through the lesser-known forests and valleys in both directions. The decades of conflict in Afghanistan the Soviet occupation of 1979-1989, the civil war in the 1990s, the rise of the Taliban in the late nineties and the international military intervention from late 2001 that led to twenty years of Taliban guerrilla warfare exacerbated the economic and security problems of this border region. Starting in the early 1980s, millions of Afghan refugees took up semi-permanent and permanent residence in refugee camps and cities in western Pakistan, offering fruitful recruiting grounds for other terrorist groups, including Pakistani-backed terrorist groups focused on India, including Jammu & Kashmir. From 2007, a Pakistani Taliban began to emerge (Tehrik e-Taliban Pakistan TTP), declaring allegiance to the Afghan Talibans Supreme Leader. In 2011, the United Nations declared that the TTP was associated with Al Qaeda. The group has continued to launch attacks across Pakistan, including suicide bombings. The TTP have been inspired by the Afghan Talibans military success in Afghanistan and have similar goals for Pakistan the violent removal of the government and the establishment of their own vision of an Islamic State. When the Taliban took power, it became convenient even logical - for the TTP to use Afghanistan as a base for its operations in Pakistan. The Taliban deny that they are allowing the TTP to operate from Afghanistan. Here are the two painful ironies for Pakistan; Pakistan supported the Afghan Taliban which, in turn supported the Pakistani Taliban who are attacking Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan enabled the 2001 2021 Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan by allowing them a safe haven (and other forms of support) in western Pakistan. Now the TTP may be receiving safe haven in Afghanistan in order to conduct operations into Pakistan. So, the post-August 2021 Pakistan-Afghanistan honeymoon period wore off. Pakistans concern about a TTP presence in Afghanistan and increasing TTP attacks in Pakistan began to grow. Diplomatic protests began to give way to threats of military action. There were some early disputes and skirmishes about the locations of border posts and the activities of the military personnel of both sides. In December 2021, Pakistan complained that the Taliban had prevented its soldiers from setting up a security fence opposite Nangarhar province. In February 2022, Pakistan claimed that five of its soldiers had been killed by militants in a cross-border firefight. In 2023, skirmishes occurred several times at border crossing points. In March and September 2024, the Pakistani Air Force launched strikes at targets in the south-eastern Afghan provinces of Paktika and Khost. A regular feature of the Afghan-Pakistan conflict is the lack of clarity over casualties: Pakistan claimed to have struck militants, while the Taliban claimed dozens of women and children had been killed. Many of the claims and military actions have been fuelled by the dialogue of revenge and the need to demonstrate robust actions in response to previous attacks. The situation deteriorated further in 2025, with the TTP increasing its attacks in Pakistan. On 9 October, a TTP attack killed eleven Pakistani troops including a Lieutenant Colonel - near the Afghan border. Later that day, explosions were heard in Kabul. Although many judged that this was a Pakistani airstrike, the cause was very unclear. The Economist reported that air strikes in Kabul may have taken place on two separate days in mid-October. But, even if the reports were unconfirmed, it raised serious concerns that the Pakistani military was probably open to targeting Kabul and thereby significantly escalating the tensions - in retaliation for TTP actions in Pakistan. Concerns that were, only months later, to be realised. The security situation took an even more worrying nose-dive in early 2026. On 26 February, Pakistan launched more extensive military operations in Afghanistan, declaring Operation Righteous Fury as a statement of Open War against the Taliban. Air strikes hit Kabul and Kandahar. Afghan border positions and military facilities were hit. The Taliban, for their part, attacked Pakistani border outposts, possibly including the use of drone strikes. The United Nations said 370 Afghans had been killed in the first three months of 2026. On 16 March 2026, an airstrike hit eastern Kabul, causing a major mass casualty event in which a Pakistani missile hit the Omid Drug Rehabilitation Hospital, a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts. In the bleak and very violent story of Afghanistans last forty years, it is even possible that the attack on the rehab centre may turn out be the deadliest attack in recent history. A United Nations report gives a figure of 269 believed dead, although the figure may be higher (the Taliban say 411 killed). Patient documents were destroyed in the attack, many individuals are still missing, some casualties were unidentifiable, and other casualties may have been taken home or to the hospital by friends and family without their information being recorded. It is difficult to see a significant improvement in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations in the short to medium term. Both sides favour tough rhetoric that denies, denounces and deflects. Attacks frequently generate more revenge attacks. However, the tensions between the two countries are not purely about the TTP. The location and recognition of the border formerly known as the Durand Line remains in dispute. Patrolling and maintaining border posts in a geographically challenging area where the border is not agreed will continue to generate friction and clashes. The abrupt, aggressive forced deportation of millions of Afghans from Pakistan back to Afghanistan is also a major cause of dispute and regularly threatens to overwhelm the Talibans, themselves dependent upon aid agencies, ability to absorb large numbers. Deportations have increased the Afghan population by around ten percent over the last three years, at a time when humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan are extremely poor. Peace talks brokered by China and others may bring a lessening in the violence, and neither side benefits from the major economic disruption caused by the closure of key trade routes. The Taliban will continue to deny that they are supporting the TTP by allowing them to operate from Afghanistan, and Pakistan will continue to point to militant groups attacking into Pakistan. Recent reporting suggests the TTP have been told to leave Kabul, presumably more to make their presence less overt rather than a wider move to clear out the TTP. The Pakistan government almost certainly privately recognise that they were responsible for the strike on the rehab centre. This might make them more wary of future use of airpower near large population centres. It is perhaps premature to describe the violence as an all-out war, but skirmishes in the border areas - provinces such as Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktiya and Khost) - likely including artillery, rockets and airstrikes will very likely continue, and civilian casualties are unfortunately certain. (The Author is a Research Fellow at the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) and can be reached at info@efsas.org . He has previously been affiliated with the UK Ministry of Defence and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Orange Cap In TGT20, Stint With RR, And The SMAT Over That Changed Everything - Inside Aman Rao's Rise

U23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy: In October 2025, Aman Rao was feeling stuck. A string of failures in the U23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy came after a promising start, and the young right-handed opener found himself searching for answers beyond his own dressing room. Cut to the present, and those times of struggle in October 2025 look as if they happened a long while back. Rao sits atop the Orange Cap standings in the Telangana T20 League (TGT20) with 192 runs in three innings, including striking the tournament's first century in only 32 balls, en route to smashing 142 off 48 deliveries for Warangal Warriors. It is that kind of innings that had the audience at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium feeling enthralled. That 142, remarkably, came in a losing cause, with Warangal Warriors going down in a thriller despite posting 258, as Tilak Varmas unbeaten 136 took Medak Falcons over the line. Rao barely had time to dwell on that astonishing innings coming off his willow before turning his attention to the Warriors' next match happening on Sunday. While I was playing, it was just like a flow state. I don't know what was happening. So, I was just reacting to the ball and playing it. Then, after it was done, I took some time to process what I had done that day, and then I had to play a match the day after. So, I had to leave that behind, also at the same time. So, I mean, it was a good feeling, but we lost, so not so great, he said in an exclusive conversation with IANS on Saturday. As Aman explained, his approach at the crease is built around clarity rather than recklessness. He looks to target deliveries in his strong zones and back himself to clear the ropes, a method that has fuelled his run of boundary-heavy scores this season, including a knock of 46 where every run came off boundaries only. But theres an innate sense of honesty when Rao speaks about where that intent occasionally overstepped its mark. He recalls straying into playing deliveries that were not really there to be hit, a lapse he intends to correct by sticking strictly to the balls within his zone going forward. Despite leading the Orange Cap race, Rao insisted the individual landmark is secondary to the team's ambitions. Yes, the Orange Cap is a good feeling, but I feel that if we win the tournament, it will be a cherry on top. So, I just don't think about it much, like I am on top of the Orange Cap or something. I just try to do what's best on that day, and hopefully, the results will come by, and the Orange Cap is a part of the process. Like, if we win, if I score, things will keep coming. So, that's not something I think about that much. I just think about how to perform on that day rather than try to sit on top of the leaderboard of the Orange Cap. It is a philosophy, he says, that keeps him grounded through a campaign that has otherwise thrust him into the spotlight. Long before TGT20, Rao had already announced himself on the bigger stage with an unbeaten 200 off 154 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, against a Bengal attack featuring Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar. Honestly, I didn't know I was close to 200. I was just playing and didn't know the score till the last ball. I think they shouted from outside that I needed six runs. Then I was like, I am just hitting till then and might as well hit one more. That was in my mind, and I wasnt thinking 200 - I was thinking last ball, have to capitalise and hit a six. So, that was going on through my mind. I would say I got a bit lucky in the last over, when CV Milinds catch got dropped, and I got to go on strike for those 14 runs. If that catch had been taken, maybe that 200 wouldn't have happened. So, that's something I think about to this day. Like, what if that catch was taken, and then maybe I wouldn't have hit 200. That's what it's like - some things just happen. That was sort of a day, it just happened, and I would say it took me some time to process that I hit that 200 because when I went into the game, I wasn't thinking I'm going to score a 200. I was just thinking I was going to play 50 overs and see what happens. I think that's like the first time I ever played all 50 overs. So, the main ultimate goal that day was to play 50 overs, and I achieved that goal, and the 200 was a by-product, I would say. If that double hundred built his reputation, it was a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy takedown of Shardul Thakur - three fours and two sixes in a single over - that went viral and directly led to Raos entry into the IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals. I feel for me, at least personally, that knock was a turning point in my career to get into IPL, and then after getting into IPL, the double hundred happened, and then this TGT20. So, that thing I keep remembering almost every day - like because of that one over, I think I got selected, and then now I'm here and very grateful for that. In the TGT20 fixture between Warriors and Falcons, Rao admits to being stunned watching India T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma single-handedly complete a chase of 260. Such was its effect that a shell-shocked Rao could only say well played, incredible knock to Varma. Maybe that's the reason he's playing for India. He finishes games like this - even in the Asia Cup final - that knock also against Pakistan in the final, he's the only one who took on the whole chase that time. That's what I would say is the difference between an Indian player and a domestic player, and an upcoming player. Like I had the opportunity to do that yesterday, and I should have done it, and I couldn't. So, that's a learning for me - that I have to become better and try to chase scores like that and take that pressure which Tilak felt on that 260 day. I don't think he took any risk. He was just hitting the balls that were there, and what I felt about myself yesterday was that I was trying to hit every ball. Maybe I could have slowed it down a bit and maybe picked my balls, and then maybe I would have won the game yesterday because it was very chaseable, I felt. So, that's a big learning, and I have a long career ahead, hopefully, and I will try to do those things in the future. Ironically, it was Varmas guidance during Raos struggles in October 2025, when the former was in Australia for the T20I series, that helped him overcome the lean patch. I was just struggling a lot. So, I just wanted another perspective because I had my coach, obviously, but still I wanted another perspective, like how people get through that part where they're struggling and what they do. So, I just had a chat with him, and he told me to just stick to the basics, don't try too much. Maybe you're putting too much pressure on yourself and then trying too much and not enjoying yourself. So, it's like maybe enjoy yourself more and then try to stick to basics and don't think too much about the result. So, that's what he told me. During his time with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, Rao spoke warmly of the reassurance he received from head coach & director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara, assistant coach Vikram Rathour, and performance coach Sid Lahiri, who repeatedly told him he wasn't in the squad merely to make up the numbers, even when game situations meant he didn't get a chance to play. That gave me a lot of confidence that I'm not here just because they had to fill up the squad, and I'm here for a reason. I learned a lot of things in batting, also. I improved a lot skill-wise, mindset-wise, and in how people approach in T20 opening or in the middle order. Being at RR also led Rao to an unexpected discovery - that he could bat in the middle order. In the practice game, I scored around 40 off 20 balls. So, that's when they told me that I can play in the middle order as well. That's when I realised maybe I have another side of me, and I started practicing for it in the nets as well. They were making me practice batting in the middle overs in the practice, and I tried and learned new shots. That's how I improved as a player as well, and that helped me. Those shots have helped me now in TG20 to make my batting better. I felt easier after playing over there in the practice sessions and against all those bowlers. For now, though, a middle-order role with Warangal Warriors remains conditional - both his head coach, Bavanaka Sandeep, and Rao agree it is something to explore only once the team has secured a top-four finish. In the leagues first-ever season, Rao was effusive in its praise. The amount of reach it has -the social media work and then crowd coming to the matches, it literally feels like an IPL match. It's a really good platform, and in the next one to two years, it's going to be the biggest league in India. That's what I feel, and hopefully, that happens, and it continues for as many years as it can. This is a great platform for youngsters like me, even the upcoming youngsters from the under-19, because all the IPL scouts will be watching. This is a great platform and not even IPL scouts, the whole of India will be watching, and I feel its huge and bigger than the other leagues, and I think in the first season only, we have a lot of audience and everything, and in the upcoming season, it's going to become bigger. So, it's a really good platform for all of us Hyderabad players. It's a really good platform, and in the next one to two years, it's going to be the biggest league in India. That's what I feel, and hopefully, that happens, and it continues for as many years as it can. This is a great platform for youngsters like me, even the upcoming youngsters from the under-19, because all the IPL scouts will be watching. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If the passport (arrival) had been delayed, I wouldn't be here right now. So, I don't know. I just have no words for it, like how it happened - it just happened. So, no words for it and exactly, leaves you speechless. For a player like Rao whos still figuring out which parts of his game to trust and which to rein in, growth has come fast, and it is, by his own admission, a great deal to process. Article Source: IANS

Anita Anand | How More Indians Are Feeling Lonely: Is There Anything That Can Be Done?

People living in individualistic societies (such as the United States), where individual success is an important life goal, reported more frequent loneliness than those in more collectivistic societies (such as Guatemala), where the needs and goals of a larger group, such as the family, are prioritised over individual success. This effect was stronger among men and older people

FIFA World Cup: Spain overcome group stage block; take first step towards resurgence

Spain marks a significant milestone at the FIFA World Cup by finally breaking a 14-year group stage winless streak, proudly claiming the top spot in Group H with a vital victory against Uruguay. The match was electrified by Alex Baena's late goal, securing La Roja's first tournament win over Uruguay and the first time they've achieved two group match victories since 2010.

KCBC urges centre to address FCRA concerns, welcomes transparency measures

The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) has urged the Centre to address concerns regarding recent FCRA amendments, while supporting the goal of transparency in foreign fund utilization. The council fears new restrictions could impact voluntary organizations and potentially infringe on religious and expression freedoms. KCBC emphasizes its commitment to nation-building and seeks dialogue for necessary changes to ensure uninterrupted activities for genuine institutions.

Cristiano Ronaldo has one of the finest elite car collections: From the Rolls-Royce Cullinan to the Bentley Continental GT, here are some cars from his garage

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age, recently scoring in his sixth FIFA World Cup and setting a new international goal record. Beyond his football prowess, Ronaldo is a known car enthusiast, boasting an impressive collection. Highlights include the bespoke Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the rare Ferrari F12 TDF, and a powerful Mercedes-Benz Brabus G65, showcasing his passion for both speed and luxury.

'Jewar solar plant to boost India's export power; generate thousands of jobs': CM Yogi Adityanath

I believe that this solar cell manufacturing hub will also play a major role in increasing India's export power. This means it will help in achieving the Prime Minister's goal of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India), he said.

People's Support Motivates Me To Achieve Toughest Goals: Chandrababu Naidu

Sanjeevani would be implemented in all districts from August 15. He suggested that people should do yoga and meditation for better health. At the same time, he advised parents to keep junk food at bay from children. He also stressed the need for organic farming. People are not ready to buy even if farmers use urea targeting extra produce, he said

Romelu Lukaku becomes Belgium's highest FIFA WC scorer with record-breaking goal

Lukaku reached the milestone during Belgium's comfortable win, which helped them finish at the top of Group G.

FIFA World Cup 2026 opens US eyes to soccer's global roar

The FIFA World Cup is proving soccer's global dominance, captivating American audiences beyond expectations. Viral moments like goalkeeper Vozinha's performance and record attendance highlight the sport's immense reach. While U.S. team success fuels enthusiasm, questions linger about soccer's long-term impact against established American sports, though its foundation is stronger than ever.

Cape Verde becomes the smallest nation to book FIFA WC knockout berth

Cape Verde scripted one of the biggest stories of the FIFA World Cup by reaching the knockout stage on their tournament debut after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in their final Group H match at NRG Stadium on Saturday IST.

Suhasini describes K Bhagyaraj's FINAL moments

Actress Suhasini shared poignant details of filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj's final moments. He attended a wedding in Goa and returned to Chennai, feeling well enough for his usual morning walk. Upon returning home, he complained of chest pain and was promptly taken to the hospital. Suhasini fondly remembered him as someone who always brought smiles, leaving a void in Tamil cinema.

Congress open to tie-up with like-minded parties for 2027 Goa polls

Goa Congress is open to alliances for the 2027 assembly elections against the ruling BJP, provided potential partners share a common ideology and program. The party is also focusing on strengthening its organization across the state. Congress leaders expressed confidence in their ability to address public concerns, alleging the current government has failed the people of Goa.

FIH Pro League: India once again overpowered Pakistan, registering a historic 7-1 win, scoring seven consecutive!

The Indian men's hockey team once again defeated Pakistan in the FIH Pro League. Despite trailing at one point, India bounced back, scoring seven consecutive goals to secure a historic 7-1 victory.FIH Pro LeagueThe Indian men's hockey team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by a massive 7-1 m...

Romelu Lukaku Achieves Historic Feat As Belgium Enter World Cup Round Of 32

The 33-year-old achieved the milestone in the 86th minute of the match, taking his World Cup tally to six goals

Coast Guard commissions ICGS Akshay, 4th Adamya-class FPV built by Goa Shipyard

The Indian Coast Guard has bolstered its maritime security with the commissioning of ICGS Akshay, a new-generation fast patrol vessel built by Goa Shipyard Limited. This indigenous ship, named Akshay meaning indestructible, will enhance coastal surveillance, search and rescue, and environmental protection efforts. Its induction signifies India's growing shipbuilding prowess under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, aiming to safeguard the nation's extensive coastline.

India's Only SDG Lions Shortlist at Cannes 2026 Comes from a Grassroots Education Movement in Bihar

In a significant moment for India's social impact ecosystem, Mothers of Courage – Shifting Societal Norms, One Conversation at a Time, a project documenting a grassroots movement for girls' education in Bihar through a powerful film, has earned India's only shortlist in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lions category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026.   From the villages of Bihar to the global stage at Cannes—celebrating the courage of mothers transforming girls' education The project, submitted by Bengaluru-based organisations Mantra Social Services and ShikshaLokam, both part of the broader Shikshagraha movement, stands alongside some of the world's most impactful campaigns driving measurable social change. The recognition places a community-led education initiative from rural Bihar on one of the world's most prestigious stages for creativity and impact. At the heart of the project is the Shiksha Chaupal, a community engagement model developed through years of grassroots work that brings together mothers, fathers, youth and local leaders to openly discuss the barriers preventing girls from completing their education. Through collective dialogue and public pledges, communities commit to ensuring girls remain in school and are protected from child marriage. To date, the initiative has facilitated more than 28,000 community gatherings across 14 districts in Bihar, mobilising over 800,000 citizens around girls' education and gender equality. The eight-minute documentary Mothers of Courage, directed by Vandana R and produced by Butterfly Effect Media, chronicles these conversations and the women leading change within their communities. " The women featured in this film are not activists in the conventional sense. They are mothers and mothers-in-law who chose to challenge deeply entrenched social norms — some fighting for their daughters, others breaking convention to send their daughters-in-law back to school ," said Khushboo Awasthi, Co-founder of Mantra4Change and Chief Curator, Shikshagraha . " This recognition belongs to them and to the thousands of communities across Bihar that have demonstrated how collective action can create lasting change. To see that work acknowledged on a global platform like Cannes Lions is both humbling and encouraging ."    The Sustainable Development Goals Lions category recognises work that advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through demonstrable social impact. The category is among the festival's most competitive, with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes and real-world change. For director Vandana R , the power of the film lay in documenting an existing movement rather than creating a narrative around it. " Everything audiences see in Mothers of Courage emerged from real conversations taking place in villages across Bihar ," she said. " Our role was simply to listen, observe and document. The courage and conviction came from the women themselves ." The shortlist adds to a growing list of recognitions for the project, including the Best Inspirational Film award at the Los Angeles Film Awards 2026 and a Silver at the ABBY Awards 2026 in the Sustainable Development Goals category. For Shikshagraha, the recognition highlights the growing visibility of community-led approaches to public education reform and gender equality. Championed by S.D. Shibulal (Co-founder and Former CEO of Infosys) and Bengaluru-based non-profits ShikshaLokam and Mantra4Change, Shikshagraha works with more than 30 partner organisations across 16 states to strengthen public education systems and improve outcomes for children in government schools. About Shikshagraha Shikshagraha is a people-powered movement to improve all 1 million public schools in India, so that every child experiences enriching learning and is ready for the future. Real change begins with the child at the centre — their learning, confidence, well-being, and aspirations, and with those closest to the child. The movement enables parents, women and youth to demand and support quality education, and equips teachers, school leaders, and officials with tools for micro-improvements towards systemic change. Currently, 30+ civil society, industry and philanthropic partners in the Shikshagraha network are collectively strengthening 1,17,000+ schools across 35 districts across 16 states & UTs. This includes enabling education leaders to lead need-based school improvements and amplifying women, youth and community participation in the public education system. Shikshagraha works towards improving schools where the need is greatest, supports leadership on the ground, and shifts the norms that hold education back. Through visible practice change and collective action by communities, governments, civil society, and markets, it reimagines what public schools can and must deliver. shikshagraha.org/ for more details.

Father Helps Visually Impaired Son 'Experience' Cristiano Ronaldo's Goal Against Uzbekistan In World Cup - Video

In the viral video, the visually impaired kid's happiness knew no bounds as he burst into joy after his father guided him through the entire buildup that led to Cristiano Ronaldo's goal.

Iran Have Certain FIFA World Cup Last-32 Place Snatched Away

Iran were deprived of a certain place in the World Cup knockout phase when a goal in stoppage time that would have given them a 2-1 win against Egypt was disallowed.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt survives with 1-1 draw against Iran, advances past group stage for the first time

There was late drama after VAR ruled an Iran goal in the 93rd minute for offside as Egypt moved on to the knockouts, while Iran will have to wait to know their fate

India thrash Pakistan 7-1 in FIH Mens Pro League Hockey

In FIH Mens Pro League Hockey, India thrashed Pakistan 7-1 at the Lee Valley Hockey and Centre in London last night. Abu Bakar gave Pakistan the lead in the first quarter, converting a penalty corner. India had seven different goal scorers in the match. Sukhjeet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh turned the tide against Pakistan with []

Uruguay Crash Out Of FIFA World Cup As Spain Avoid Argentina Clash

Uruguay bowed out of the World Cup as goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's howler gifted Spain a 1-0 win in Guadalajara to secure top spot in Group H.

Dominant India thrash Pakistan 7-1 in FIH Pro League

India's men's hockey team delivered a stunning performance, defeating Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League. After trailing early, India surged back with goals from Sukhjeet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Jugraj Singh, Abhishek, Raj Kumar Pal, and Dilpreet Singh. Midfielder Hardik Singh was named Player of the Match in this dominant display.

FIFA WC: Last-Minute Drama Breaks Iran's Heart, Egypt Enter Round Of 32

Egypt vs Iran Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Shoja Khalilzadeh's last-minute goal was ruled offside as Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Egypt ended in a 1-1 draw.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Senegal routs 10-man Iraq 5-0 to keep knockout hopes alive

Senegal thrashed 10-man Iraq 5-0 in a crucial World Cup qualifier, significantly boosting their hopes of advancing. Pape Gueye netted twice after Habib Diarra opened the scoring early. Despite an early red card for Iraq's Rebin Sulaka, Senegal capitalized, with Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also finding the net. Now with three points and a strong goal difference, Senegal awaits other results to determine their fate in the knockout stages.

IIT Bombay, SUNY Old Westbury to collaborate on engineering education, research; Dharmendra Pradhan welcomes partnership

IIT Bombay and SUNY Old Westbury have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on engineering education, multidisciplinary research, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. Welcoming the partnership, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the initiative reflects the internationalisation goals of NEP 2020 and will strengthen research, expand opportunities for students and scholars, and foster global academic collaboration. The partnership will initially focus on faculty exchanges, joint research, and academic conferences.

Lionel Messi won't start Argentina's group finale, but World Cup scoring record holder could sub in

Argentina's football icon Lionel Messi will start on the bench for their final group match against Jordan, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed. Messi, who has been instrumental with five goals in the tournament so far, is expected to feature later in the game. This strategic move allows for rest ahead of the knockout stages, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez potentially being the sole regular starter in a lineup featuring new faces.

Govt notifies 1.03 crore square metres land in South Goa as No Development Zone

Goa has declared over a crore square metres of ecologically sensitive land in Salcete taluka as a No Development Zone. This move, encompassing salt pans and paddy fields across seven villages, aims to bolster environmental protection and safeguard the state's delicate ecosystems. The largest portion is in Talaulim, with other significant areas in Majorda and Seraulim.

Vozinha Enters Elite Goalkeeper List As Cabo Verde Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockouts

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has entered an elite list in FIFA World Cup history after becoming only the third goalkeeper to register multiple clean sheets at the tournament after turning 40.

Cape Verde Makes History by Reaching FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage

Houston, June 27: Cape Verde has made history by securing a spot in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia. Finishing second in Group H, Cape Verde will face the defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32. Following an impressive group stage performance, Cape Verde ... Read more Cape Verde Makes History by Reaching FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage

Tamannaah Bhatia and Trisha Krishnan turn bridesmaids

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia shared glimpses of Avantika Sundar's intimate Goa wedding to Shravan Sreenivasan. Tamannaah, a bridesmaid alongside Trisha Krishnan, posted heartfelt notes and photos of the coordinated ivory and beige outfits. The bride wore pastel pink, while the groom and family sported gold. Khushbu Sundar expressed immense joy, calling it a magical, intimate celebration. Several Telugu and Bollywood stars attended.

Spain vs Uruguay FIFA World Cup match result: lex Baena settles it as Spain book Round of 32 spot, Uruguay out

Spain topped Group H with a 1-0 win over Uruguay, secured by lex Baenas first-half goal after a costly Fernando Muslera error. Despite Uruguays late pressure and a few clear chances, Spains control and discipline proved decisive. The result sends Spain into the Round of 32 unbeaten, while Uruguay exit after a wasteful, inconsistent group-stage campaign.

Spain sends Uruguay packing with 1-0 win in FIFA World Cup

Guadalajara: Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 after another goalkeeping mistake by Fernando Muslera to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup and eliminate the South American powerhouse on Friday. Uruguay, a two-time champion, will go home without any victories in its three Group H games. Spain, the European champion, won the group with seven Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Tamannaah Bhatia, Trisha Krishnan Shine as Bridesmaids at Avantika Sundar's Dreamy Goa Wedding

She shared pictures from the wedding on Instagram and wrote, We are truly speechless at this moment, for words seem inadequate to express the emotions we are experiencing.

FIFA WC: Dembl hat trick powers France past Norway at World Cup

Foxborough: Not so fast, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbapp. Ousmane Dembl has just entered the Golden Boot race. Dembl scored a first-half hat trick, including one off a feed from Mbapp, to help France beat Norway 4-1 at the World Cup on Friday. Dembls goals came in the seventh, 20th and 32nd minutes. It was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Spain wins World Cup group, beating Uruguay 1-0 as Muslera's error sends 2-time champion home

Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, thanks to another goalkeeping error from Fernando Muslera, to advance to the World Cup knockout stage. This loss sends the two-time champions home without a win.

Kylian Mbappe Equals Miroslav Klose In Elite List Despite Staying Goalless vs Norway

Kylian Mbappe, the second-highest goal scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup, failed to score in his side's clash against Norway but played a supporting role.

FIFA World Cup: Five-star Senegal keep World Cup hopes alive and send Iraq home

Senegal kept their World Cup dreams alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq, who are now eliminated. The dominant performance saw goals from Abdoulaye Seck, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye (two), and Iliman Ndiaye. Despite Iraq's early red card, Senegal secured a crucial win, now awaiting Saturday's results to determine their progression to the knockout stage.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scaloni Confirms Messi Will Not Start Against Jordan

Messi has scored all five of his team's goals in their wins over Algeria and Austria as Argentina have booked their place in the knockout rounds with one group phase match remaining

Peter Drury: Shakespeare of Football Commentary

The whistle of football World Cup 2026 in North America has been blown and being the worlds greatest spectacle on earth spiced with global imaginations, narrative sovereignties and colonial contestations. This is the most sophisticated story operations on earth where countries compete for national narratives on same screen with FIFA having 211 member nations which is more than United Nations. Players representing countries carry in themselves the markers of evolution of their nations historical and contemporary character. From Haitis pasting of Polands map on their jersey to Irans presence in American soil, the world cup becomes a live display of global political play. Alongside, Island nations of Cape Verde (putting it into perspective Srinagar has more population than Cape Verde) and Curacaos qualifying makes the game a unusual democratic force of equal representation. A single player can carry the game on its shoulders as was shown by Vozinha (a goalie) from Cape Verde who could have stopped bullets in that match against might Spain. The game transcends the politics, physics and sometimes redefines the nations fate. Roberto Carlos would pump bullet shots and had physics defying shot taking ability prowess if he had uranium in his thighs, the feat which is still unmatched and would remain eternally unreplicated. The ever-memorable goal of Maradona against England nicknamed Hand of God. Socrates of Brazil while captaining his side 1982 and 1986 used football to resist against brutal military dictatorship culminating in forming a front of Democracia Corinthiana. While as, Drogba stopped an ugly Civil War through his televised address to the people of Ivory Coast after they qualified in the 2006 world cup. Roberto Baggio of Italy had dreamt of winning the WC for his country when he was a child and had enabled his side to finals in 1994 as he was to take the decisive penalty, the ball just sailed over crossbar and he just stood frozen there on the ground. His state at that moment has famously been called Dying Standing frame as if Baggio died standing and still carries the scar after 30 years of that missed penalty which can be gauged from his quote from previous year If I had a knife then, I would have stabbed myself. If there had been a gun, I would have shot myself. At that moment, I just wanted to die,. It is a wound that never closes. He didnt fall. He didnt weep, he just stood there and died inside. Every world cup game is a theatre and every player is an artist in the field but to narrate the rhythms and ebbs of the game, there are some finest voices behind the microphone and amongst all one such virtuoso commentator is Peter Drury. Every syllable or phrase just tenderly lands on listeners heart mimicking the meditating and tranced calm. His lexis is eclectic devoid of any pretensions without latching onto vague words to present a point. When he predicts a goal or a team is unstoppable, meaning it in its real sense not as hyperbole but as an exact depiction. He has crafted his philological abilities so wisely that when it finally swells into the master catalogue you trust unflinchingly. He is a master of pause. The finest Drury flashes of brilliance often involve a pause -a held breath before word is baked and presented. In the era of commentary that repels silence as dead air, Peter uses it as punctuation, giving the listeners cerebral system space to sense what the eyes have experienced before the linguistic dough arrives to knead your brain. While in the field players runs to score a goal Peter just hums for a meaning and method. He treats the ground as a cathedral, and every score a feat of genuine effort just like the prayer. If I were to define Drury in a one liner I would simply call him Shakespeare of Football Commentary. He just makes the football game a scene of poetic and tonal heaven of divine phraseology. Before the game, he becomes a psychologist, historian, geographer and everything under the sun that defines the epistemes we live under scribbling along with his notebooks and even the pitch behaviour as well. Then comes the flow of words with mesmeric intonation and that textured stress in his voice indeed a gold standard of commentary masterclass. The depth and unique blend of wordsmithery with thunderclap delivery of words can be judged from some of his celebrated and legendary renderings of events and players. One of his own favourite moments has been voicing over South African player Tshabalalas goal against Mexico in 2004 WC with his legendary call Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all Africa! Drury cried, finding in that instant the words for what the rest of us were feeling. Jabulile! Rejoice!. In the same vein he delivered a powerful tribute to Christiano Ronaldo on his return to Man United with mythical account Madeira. Manchester. Madrid. Turin. And Manchester again. Wreathed in red. Restored to this great gallery of the game. A walking work of art. Vintage, beyond valuation... eighteen years since that trembling teenager of touch and tease first tiptoed onto this storied stage. While covering the previous edition of world cup he was commentating on Moroccos historic 2-0 upset against Belgium in the 2022 group stage Moroccan mayhem! Drink it in, Casablanca! Relish it, Rabat! This is your night. Sing it from atop the Atlas Mountains. All aboard the Marrakesh express, a night Morocco will never forget. When they reached semis defeating might Portugal, he made that historic moment even more treasured with the lines Marvel the Atlas Lions... It is a Moroccan marvel! The African continent believes. And the globe continues to conjure with the barely believable. For the first time in the history of the World Cup, there will be an African nation in the semi-finals!. Out of his many unforgettable and etched stamps of his quotes behind the microphone is his prized and cherished quote upon which football aficionados still go frenzy is his narration of Lionel Messi in 2022 WC final in Qatar Argentina, champions of the world. Again, at last. And the nation will tango all night long. 36 years ago since Maradona and Mexico, here finally is a nations new throne of immortals. Scaloni will be fated, Messi will be saintedFrance this time denied, defied, Lionel Messi has conquered his final pick. Lionel Messi has shaken hands with paradise. The little boy from Rosario Sante Fe has just pitched up in heaven. He climbs into galaxy of his own It would be wrong to rank them, but the canon of Peter Drurys finest moments just exemplifies a body of work to be worth examining, because they altogether exhibit an unswerving aesthetic ideation. Peter Drury will be reminisced long after the games covered have faded into oblivion. The goals will be filmed as video mosaics, but his commentary will act as masterclass of literature and enchanted tonality. Mir Sajad, PhD and Postdoc (ICSSR) from University of Kashmir.

FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE: Norway vs France at Boston Stadium

France, who looked majestic in swatting aside Senegal and Iraq, hold a slight advantage, with their superior goal difference

Most Own Goals In History: Unfortune Record Equalled At FIFA World Cup 2026

Ellyes Skhiri's unfortunate own goal in Tunisia's 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands took the tally of own goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to 12, equalling the record for the most in a single men's World Cup tournament, previously set in Russia in 2018.

Dostoevsky and the Restless Conscience of Our Times

Why a 19th-century Russian still speaks to the anxieties of the modern world There are writers we admire, and then there are writers who unsettle us. Fyodor Dostoevsky belongs firmly to the second category. He is not a comforting companion. He does not offer easy optimism or neat conclusions. Instead, he drags us into dark rooms of the human soul and locks the door from inside. Yet, generation after generation, readers keep returning to him. In classrooms and coffee houses, on social media feeds and in private conversations, Dostoevskys name still appearsperhaps more than many of his more polished contemporaries. The writer of inner earthquakes Dostoevsky did not write about ordinary events. He wrote about inner earthquakes. His novels are full of murderers, fanatics, lost believers, desperate lovers, and broken families. But beneath all the drama is a single obsession: the human conscience. In Crime and Punishment, we watch Raskolnikov commit a brutal murder, convinced he is justified, even destined, to rise above ordinary morality. On paper, it is a crime story. In reality, it is a story of a mind collapsing under the weight of its own rationalisations. The police can chase him, but the real pursuer is his own conscience. Dostoevsky understood something that modern life often wants us to forget: no matter how sophisticated our systems, how powerful our ideologies, or how convenient our justifications, the human heart remains uneasy when it crosses its own moral lines. You can hide from the law. You cannot hide from yourself. For societies living through conflict, this is not a literary detail. It is a central fact. Violence, whether physical or psychological, does not end when the event ends. It lingers in memories, in families, in communitiesand inside the people who committed it, supported it, or silently accepted it. Dostoevsky reminds us that the battlefield is also within. Freedom without responsibility: a dangerous illusion One of the most disturbing aspects of Dostoevskys work is his vision of freedom gone wrong. He saw, ahead of his time, how an idea of freedom detached from responsibility could become destructive. When people begin to believe that everything is permitted in the name of some higher causebe it ideology, nationalism, or even personal ambitionthen any act can be justified. In The Brothers Karamazov, one character imagines a world where God does not exist, and therefore there is no ultimate accountability, no final justice. From that thought emerges a frightening possibility: if there is no one to answer to, why not do anything you like? Dostoevsky does not give a philosophical lecture here; he shows what happens when such thinking takes hold in families and societies. The result is not liberation but chaossuspicion, betrayal, and spiritual exhaustion. Our own age is full of noisy declarations of freedom: freedom to say anything, to insult, to cancel, to humiliate; freedom to consume without limit; freedom to twist truth into whatever shape suits us. Technology has multiplied our reach and our speed, but not necessarily our sense of responsibility. We can ruin reputations in seconds, destroy trust in institutions in a few clicks, and spread hatred or misinformation without ever meeting those we harm. Dostoevsky would not be surprised. He knew that when freedom is separated from moral responsibility, it eventually turns back against the very people who celebrate it. Unchecked powerwhether in the hands of the state, the mob, or the individual egoalways produces victims, and often, finally, devours itself. Faith in a skeptical age Dostoevskys own life was one long struggle with faith and doubt. He was nearly executed for his early political activities, spared at the last minute, and sent to Siberian exile. There he met criminals, peasants, believers, and sceptics, and it was in that harsh environment that his spiritual vision deepened. Unlike preachy writers, Dostoevsky did not offer simple religious slogans. His characters argue fiercely about God, atheism, suffering, and evil. Some lose their faith. Some find it. Some simply wander in between. Yet through all this, one idea emerges: human beings cannot live on material facts alone. In an age that prides itself on being practical and rational, this is an uncomfortable message. We like to believe that better infrastructure, more data, and smarter policies will solve everything. These are necessary, but not sufficient. People do not just crave comfort; they crave meaning. They want to know why their suffering matters, what justice truly is, whether forgiveness is possible, and how to live with dignity in a broken world. In societies marked by conflict, these questions become even more urgent. When injustice accumulates, when trauma is passed down like an heirloom, when young people grow up more familiar with loss than with security, the temptation is either to sink into despair or explode in rage. Dostoevskys novels inhabit the relationship between despair and rage precisely. He does not dismiss either. He lets them speak. But he also asks: can there be a path beyond them? Compassion as a radical act For a writer of such darkness, Dostoevsky is also, paradoxically, a writer of compassion. His greatest characters are not the strong and successful, but the weak, the humiliated, the ashamed. He pays attention to people society mocks or ignores: poor students, fallen women, drunken fathers, desperate children. This does not mean he romanticises suffering. On the contrary, he exposes how easily society uses the suffering of the weak as a kind of entertainment or moral lesson, without ever questioning the structures that produce that suffering. But he also insists that real moral life begins when we stop treating others as background scenery and start seeing them as soulswith their own fears, hopes, and hidden goodness. In one sense, Dostoevsky challenges the modern culture of judgment. Social media has made it easy to condemn from a distance, to reduce complex human beings to a single act, a single post, or a single label. In his novels, no one is so simple. The sinner is rarely only a villain. The saint is never perfectly pure. Everyone is a mixture of good and evil, capable of falling and of rising. The mirror we try to avoid Reading Dostoevsky can be uncomfortable because his real subject is not Russia in the 1800s. His real subject is us. When we follow Raskolnikovs tortured reasoning, we may recognise our own justificationssmaller, perhaps, but similar in structure. When we see families in The Brothers Karamazov tear themselves apart over money, pride, and wounded egos, we may think of our own quarrels, our own silent resentments. Dostoevskys gift is to hold up a mirror we often try to avoid. He forces us to confront our contradictions: wanting justice but refusing to examine our own compromises; demanding honesty while living inside convenient lies; yearning for peace while feeding on news, gossip, and rhetoric that keep us permanently agitated. In a region where narratives are constantly competingeach side sure of its own innocence and the others guiltthis mirror is especially necessary. Without it, we risk becoming trapped in a story where we are always victims or always heroes, never participants in a shared, messy human drama. Lessons for a fragile present What, then, can Dostoevsky offer to a young reader today, perhaps on a phone screen, scrolling between notifications and news alerts? First, he offers seriousness. Not heaviness, but depth. In a world of endless distraction, his novels demand attentionnot just to the story, but to ones own reactions. Why do we sympathise with a criminal? Why do we feel uneasy when a character uses high ideals to justify cruelty? Why are we moved when a small act of kindness shines through the gloom? These questions push us to examine our own values, not just consume a plot. Second, he offers a warning about the seduction of ideologies. Dostoevsky lived in a time of revolutionary ideas, where grand visions promised to solve all social problems through force, upheaval, or total reorganization of society. He had seen where such dreams could lead: to the sacrifice of actual human beings in the name of imagined futures. The 20th century, with its wars and genocides, sadly proved him right. Our own century is not immune. In any place of conflict, the temptation to embrace absolute narratives is strong. Narratives that divide the world cleanly into good and evil, us and them, innocent and guilty. Such stories provide emotional comfort, even moral energy. But Dostoevsky gently, and sometimes brutally, reminds us that reality is more tangled. No ideology, however noble-sounding, has the right to erase the uniqueness of individual lives. Third, he offers a stubborn hopenot the cheap, sentimental kind, but a hard-earned hope that passes through darkness. His characters suffer, fail, and sometimes commit unforgivable acts. Yet again and again he insists that a single moment of compassion, a single act of humility, a single decision to admit the truth, can begin to change a life. This is not a political programme. It will not appear in manifestos or policy papers. But it matters. Because how we treat the person in front of usour neighbour, our colleague, our opponent, even our anonymous online interlocutorshapes the atmosphere in which larger events unfold. Why Dostoevsky still matters It would be easy to dismiss Dostoevsky as a writer of a distant empire, with old-fashioned settings and long, demanding books. But beneath the surface, his questions are our questions. We, too, live in an age of fear and uncertainty, in a world where technology connects and isolates us at the same time, where ideologies promise salvation and deliver division, and where the line between truth and falsehood is constantly blurred. We, too, are tempted to believe that power is more important than conscience, that ends justify means, that inner unease can be silenced by noise and distraction. Dostoevsky does not let us off so easily. He insists that every human being is answerable to others, and finally, to their own soul. He reminds us that the greatest battles are often fought not on the streets but in the privacy of the human heart. And he suggests that any future worth having must be built not only on laws and institutions, but on the difficult, daily work of moral honesty and compassion. For readers, Dostoevsky offers no ready-made answers. But he offers something perhaps more valuable: a language to think deeply about guilt and forgiveness, about freedom and responsibility, about suffering and dignity. In an era of quick takes and short attention spans, that in itself is a quiet act of resistance. The Russian novelist who wrote in the shadow of tsars and prison walls could not have imagined our world of Wi-Fi and smartphones, of online outrage and globalised anxieties. Yet his words travel across time and geography because the human heart has not changed as much as we like to believe. We may change our rulers, our borders, our technologies. But as long as we struggle with conscience, as long as we are torn between selfishness and empathy, as long as we can still be moved by the fate of another human being, Dostoevsky will remain disturbingly, urgently, relevant. And perhaps that is why, in a small corner of the Himalayas, a reader opening his pages today may still feel a shock of recognitionas if a stranger from a distant century has quietly understood something we ourselves hesitate to admit. (The Author is an Assistant Professor working in Dubai and writes exclusively on literature)

UCC drive gathers pace: West Bengal becomes eighth BJP-ruled state to launch process

West Bengal's new government is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code, joining seven other BJP-ruled states in this initiative. This state-by-state approach aligns with the BJP's core ideology. Uttarakhand and Goa already have common civil codes, while states like Gujarat, Assam, and now West Bengal are actively forming committees and drafting legislation to introduce UCC, aiming for a unified legal framework for all citizens.

Brazil Want FIFA World Cup 2026 Referee Sacked, Reason Has A Vinicius Jr Connection

Brazil have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the disallowing of a Vinicius Jr goal during their 3-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage victory over Scotland

Brazil protests disallowed Vinicius goal, urges FIFA to drop referee

Brazil has formally protested to FIFA after a Vinicius Jr. goal was disallowed in their World Cup win against Scotland. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is also seeking the removal of referee Cesar Ramos from their future matches, citing a history of perceived unfair decisions. The CBF argues the VAR intervention was inconsistent and not a 'clear and obvious' error, questioning the tournament's officiating standards.

Khushbu shares first wedding pictures of Avantika-Shravan

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar's family has a new reason to celebrate. Her elder daughter, Avantika Sundar, married Shravan Sreenivasan in an intimate wedding ceremony held in Goa on Thursday evening. The private affair was attended by family members and a close-knit circle of friends from the Indian film industry.

Roundglass Hockey Academy storms into International Youth Hockey Cup final

Roundglass Hockey Academy (RGHA) has stormed into the International Youth Hockey Cup 2026 final in Sydney with an unbeaten streak. The team showcased exceptional attacking flair and defensive solidity, scoring an impressive 31 goals while conceding just four across five dominant victories. Under coach Vikas Pal, RGHA's flawless run sets them up for a shot at another international title, following their recent triumph in Kenya.

Quote of the Day by Arthur Ashe: 'Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you...' - the American tennis player's life lesson reveals the secret to achieving your goals and why small steps can lead to big success

Quote of the Day by Arthur Ashe: : Tennis legend Arthur Ashe championed taking action with existing resources, rather than waiting for perfect conditions. This philosophy underscores that meaningful progress stems from small, consistent efforts, empowering individuals to overcome limitations and achieve their goals, both on and off the court.

One Million Toofan Goals campaign in Kerala schools crosses target in 10 days

Penalty kicks were organised by setting up Toofan goal posts in schools for children to kick goals against drugs. Till Thursday, children in schools across the State scored 10,67,038 goals

Oliver Kahn: FIFA World Cup Brings Extraordinary Talent and Passion

New Delhi, June 26: German football icon and Golden Ball winner Oliver Kahn believes that the FIFA World Cup is a tournament that showcases extraordinary talent and passion from around the globe. The former Bayern Munich goalkeeper stated, Despite the significance of club competitions, the FIFA World Cup remains the biggest event. Kahn expressed on ... Read more Oliver Kahn: FIFA World Cup Brings Extraordinary Talent and Passion

TATA Starbucks Reimagines its Loyalty Program with New Rewards and Enhanced Benefits

TATA Starbucks has announced the launch of its reimagined Starbucks Rewards program, featuring Green, Gold and the newly introduced Reserve tier. The enhanced program is designed to offer members greater value through faster earning, easier redemption and access to a broader suite of rewards, benefits and experiences as they progress through the program. The updated tiers include: Green: The entry tier where members can earn Starbucks Rewards faster, and choose to redeem Rewards of their choice Gold: Customers can get upgraded to Gold by accumulating 1000 Stars within a year of joining Reserve: Comes with a sleek, black personalized card customized with the customer’s name and the first year they joined the program. Customers can get upgraded on accumulating 5000+ Stars within a year of joining   TATA Starbucks Reimagines its Loyalty Program with New Rewards and Enhanced Benefits   The Starbucks Rewards program will now offer a host of customer benefits with each level unlocking an expanded portfolio of rewards and experiences as they deepen their engagement with the brand: Faster Earning: Members will earn 1 Star for every Rs.10 spent, with Gold Members earning 1.2X Stars and Reserve Members earning 1.3X Stars on every Rs. 10 spent More Accessible Rewards: Lower redemption thresholds make it easier for members to unlock rewards and enjoy benefits sooner, bringing them closer to the experiences and rewards they value Benefits at Every Level: Members can enjoy a range of benefits including personalized offers, birthday rewards, milestone celebrations, Double Stars Days and member-exclusive offers, ensuring every visit feels more rewarding Enhanced Member Experiences: As members progress through the program, they will also unlock additional benefits including Free Customized Mondays (every member can receive one free modifier on any handcrafted drink), accelerated Star earnings, exclusive merchandise, curated coffee experiences, special event access and other member-only privileges   Adrit Mishra, COO, TATA Starbucks , said, “At TATA Starbucks, we are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our connection with customers and create experiences that are meaningful, rewarding and personalized. The reimagined Starbucks Rewards program reflects our commitment to delivering greater value to our members by making rewards easier to earn and redeem, while introducing new benefits and experiences that celebrate loyalty. Whether someone is just beginning their Starbucks Rewards journey or is one of our most loyal members, the program has been designed to reward them at every stage.”   For more information and to start enjoying these rewards, visit the Starbucks India mobile application.   About TATA Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 506 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior, Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,305 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, TATA Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ecuador's threat not to be underestimated after win over Germany

Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash, securing a spot in the round of 32. Despite conceding an early goal, Nilson Angulo equalized before Gonzalo Plata netted the winner in the 77th minute. This historic victory marks Ecuador's second-ever progression from a World Cup group stage, showcasing their resilience and impressive form.

BSE-Listed Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited Announces Nationwide Expansion, Targets 500 Branches

Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, a BSE-listed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced an ambitious expansion plan to establish 500 branches across 15 states over the next three years, while targeting an asset base of INR 2,500 crore as part of its long-term growth strategy.   L to R: Deepak Francis (Business Head), R. Balakrishnan (Head – Treasury), Rajeev M. R. (CFO), Mahesh Thakkar (Chairman, FIDC), Manoj Ravi (CEO), and Bindu Menon (Zonal Head – Maharashtra) The company also inaugurated its new Corporate Office in Andheri, Mumbai, in the presence of Mr. Mahesh Thakkar, Chairman of the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), and Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO of Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, along with eminent industry leaders, key stakeholders and members of the company's leadership team. As part of its expansion roadmap, Supra Pacific will mark its presence in Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, Odisha and Telangana, while expanding operations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa. In the present phase, the company will open five new branches in Goa, further enhancing access to formal financial services in underserved regions. The company has recorded strong growth, with its assets increasing by 64.39% during FY 2025-26, from INR 290 Crore to INR 499 Crore. It now aims to achieve INR 750 Crore in assets during the current financial year, progressing towards its INR 2,500 Crore target within three years. Supra Pacific continues to diversify its lending portfolio across gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance and business loans. It also plans to introduce working capital loans ranging from INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore for traders and MSMEs, alongside a new mobile application to deliver faster and more seamless digital financial services. Commenting on the company's growth plans, Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited , said, " India's growth story presents a tremendous opportunity to bridge the credit gap, particularly across Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV cities, rural villages and the country's hinterlands. While financial inclusion has made significant progress, access to formal credit, especially Gold Loans and small business lending, remains limited in many regions. By strengthening our presence across the country, we aim to contribute meaningfully towards India's financial inclusion agenda and support the nation's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 ." As part of its long-term growth strategy, the company also plans to expand its workforce from 700 to over 2,000 employees over the next three years and launch a public issue of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) during FY 2026-27 to support its future growth plans. With a strong focus on technology-driven innovation, responsible lending and customer-centric services, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner driving inclusive growth across India. About Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited is a Mumbai-headquartered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) offering a comprehensive suite of financial solutions. Its core offerings include gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance, and business loans, complemented by personal loans, investment products, and insurance broking services. Led by Managing Director Joby George (MD) and recently appointed CEO Manoj Ravi, the company focuses on technology-driven growth and financial inclusion. In FY2026 the company reported revenue of ~INR 920.8 million (net profit INR 78.8m) and a loan portfolio of ~INR 335.6 crore. It has pursued recent fund-raising (INR 20cr NCD issuance) and leadership changes to bolster expansion. As an ISO-certified Great Place To Work, Supra Pacific emphasizes trustworthy, customer-centric service. Supra Pacific stresses “inclusive, reliable, growth-oriented” financial services and remains committed to empowering customers through transparency and swift service.   www.suprapacific.com .

Tripura Achieves Goal of Doubling Farmers Income, Claims CM Manik Saha

Agartala, June 26: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Friday that the state government has successfully achieved its goal of doubling farmers income. He stated that the average monthly income of farmers, based on the year 2015-16, was approximately 6,000, which has now increased to over 13,000. This achievement is attributed to the governments ... Read more Tripura Achieves Goal of Doubling Farmers Income, Claims CM Manik Saha

Superstars assemble for Khushbu Sundar's daughter Avantika's wedding

Khushbu Sundar and filmmaker Sundar C's daughter Avantika Sundar married Shravan Sreenivasan in an intimate Goa wedding attended by Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Trisha Krishnan, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. The ceremony became one of the biggest celebrity gatherings in South cinema this year

Oldest-ever! Hugo Broos scripts WC history as SA reach knockouts for the first time

South Africa has made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time, securing a crucial 1-0 win against South Korea. Coach Hugo Broos, at 74, became the oldest manager to win a World Cup match. Youngster Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal, showcasing the team's belief and tactical prowess. They now face Canada in the Round of 32.

Goa to get Rs 2,000 cr maritime projects, water metro: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Goa's maritime sector is set for a major boost with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announcing projects worth Rs 2,000 crore. A state-of-the-art water metro system is also planned for public convenience. Sonowal highlighted the newly inaugurated Captain of Ports building, inspired by ships, as a testament to preserving Goa's rich maritime heritage, aligning with the Prime Minister's 'Development as well as Heritage' vision.

Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland As France Face Norway In World Cup Group Decider

A mouthwatering duel between in-form goalscorers Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as France face Norway in a crucial Group I decider.

Check Credit Score on Bajaj Finance in Just 2 Minutes with a Free and Secure Online Process

Understanding one’s credit health has become an important part of financial planning. A strong credit profile can help individuals make informed borrowing decisions, prepare for future financial needs, and stay aware of their overall financial standing.   Check Credit Score on Bajaj Finance in Just 2 Minutes with a Free and Secure Online Process   .   The digital platform enables users to check their credit score online through a secure verification process, helping them understand their credit profile and stay informed about their financial health.   What is a credit score — and why does it matter? At its core, a credit score is a three-digit numerical representation of an individual's creditworthiness, generated by licensed credit bureaus such as Experian, TransUnion CIBIL, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. In India, the score operates on a scale from 300 to 900.   A credit score is influenced by several factors, including: Repayment history: Timely payment of EMIs and credit card dues plays an important role in building a healthy credit profile. Credit utilisation ratio: This reflects how much of the available credit limit is being used and indicates credit management behaviour. Length of credit history: A longer and consistent credit history can provide greater insights into repayment patterns. Credit mix: Maintaining a balanced combination of secured and unsecured credit can contribute to a well-rounded credit profile. Recent credit enquiries: Multiple credit applications within a short period may impact how lenders view credit behaviour.   what is credit score forms the essential first step towards building financial awareness. Acting on this knowledge — by checking score regularly and managing credit behaviour responsibly — can help borrowers make informed decisions and avoid challenges during their financial journey.   How to check credit score through Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report Customers can follow a few simple steps to access their credit information:   Step 1: Visit the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report page Customers can begin the process by visiting the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report page and selecting the option to check their credit score.   Step 2: Complete mobile number verification Users need to enter their registered mobile number and authenticate their identity using an OTP.   Step 3: Provide basic details Customers may need to share details such as their name, date of birth, PAN details, email address, mobile number, and residential PIN code to complete verification.   Step 4: View credit score instantly After successful verification, users can view their credit score and understand their current credit profile.   Step 5: Access detailed credit insights Customers can also review their credit report details, including credit accounts, repayment history, and credit enquiries, helping them better understand their financial profile.   Why regularly checking credit score matters Regular credit monitoring is an important financial habit. It allows individuals to stay updated about their credit profile, identify inaccuracies, and take timely steps to maintain healthy credit behaviour.   Many consumers believe that checking their own credit score frequently can reduce it. However, checking one’s own credit information through a personal credit check does not negatively impact the score.   Understanding this difference can encourage consumers to monitor their credit profile regularly without hesitation. By staying aware of their credit information, individuals can make better-informed decisions while planning their financial goals.   The Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report enables customers to access their credit information conveniently, helping them build greater awareness about their credit profile.   Supporting smarter financial decisions through digital innovation With financial services becoming increasingly digital, customers today expect solutions that are simple, secure, and accessible. Digital tools that provide greater visibility into financial information can help individuals become more confident in managing their financial journeys.   With a quick, secure, and user-friendly process, customers can now check their credit score and gain deeper insights into their credit profile with ease.   *Terms and conditions apply.   About Bajaj Finance Limited Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

Reo.Dev Crosses 100M+ Developer Profiles, Launches World's Largest Developer Knowledge Graph for Technical GTM

Reo.Dev , the world’s only intent platform purpose-built for DevTools companies, today announced a major milestone with its Developer Knowledge Graph surpassing 100 million technical profiles, establishing what it believes is the largest and most comprehensive database of technical personas in the world. Built over nearly three years, the platform represents a fundamental shift in how DevTool and software companies identify, understand, and engage with technical buyers.   L to R: Gaurav Jain, Achintya Gupta and Piyush Agarwal Unlike traditional datasets that rely on static job titles or company-level segmentation, Reo.Dev’s Developer Knowledge Graph maps engineers based on what they are actively building, the technologies they use, the projects they contribute to, and the signals they leave across the internet. The system unifies fragmented developer footprints into a continuously evolving intelligence layer that reflects real technical behavior rather than inferred roles. Today, the Developer Knowledge Graph includes 100M+ engineers, 30,000+ technologies, and 250+ tech functions, built by aggregating and correlating data from sources such as GitHub, Stack Overflow, LinkedIn, X, and specialized technical datasets. This enables DevTool companies to move beyond outdated outbound models and instead target developers based on real-time technical context and intent. At the core of the platform is a fundamentally new approach to B2B technical intelligence: instead of relying on titles like “ backend engineer ” or “ platform architect ,” Reo.Dev builds a living map of engineering activity, capturing what systems developers are building, what frameworks they are adopting, and what technical problems they are actively solving. This allows go-to-market teams to identify audiences with far greater precision and relevance. “ Building and selling into technical audiences has always been difficult because the right data simply didn’t exist in one place ,” said Achintya Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of Reo.Dev . “ For example, if you’re an observability platform, you don’t just want to reach engineers with certain titles, you want to reach the ones actively building in the environments you support. That level of clarity was missing. With the Developer Knowledge Graph, we’ve brought together signals from across GitHub, Stack Overflow, LinkedIn, X, and technical ecosystems to finally make that possible .” Achintya added, “ Today, we’re at over 100 million developer profiles mapped across 30,000 technologies and 250+ technical functions. And this is just the beginning—the graph deepens with every developer action, making it more accurate and more powerful over time. For companies selling into technical teams, this changes the probability of reaching the right audience strongly .” The platform is designed to solve one of the most persistent challenges in technical go-to-market strategy: building accurate, high-intent audience lists. By understanding the technologies developers are using, the projects they are contributing to, and the problems they are solving, Reo.Dev enables companies to align outreach with real engineering context, whether that involves LLM infrastructure, observability, DevOps, or application performance optimization. The announcement comes as part of “Launch Month” at Reo.Dev, with the Developer Knowledge Graph serving as the foundational layer for a broader suite of upcoming capabilities aimed at redefining how DevTool companies’ approach GTM intelligence. Reo.Dev continues to position itself at the intersection of AI-native intent systems and developer-first go-to-market infrastructure. Founded in 2023 and backed by Heavybit, the platform is already trusted by over 100 leading DevTool companies worldwide. As the company puts it, the goal is simple: to build a living universe of developers—one where every signal brings go-to-market teams closer to the right engineer, at the right time, with the right context.  

Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Trisha, And Others Attend Khushbu Sundar's Daughter Avantika's Goa Wedding

One of the viral videos showed Trisha sitting in the front row and talking to Chiranjevi and his wife. Chief Minister Vijay skipped the celebrations

Turkey beat USA 3-2, Americans eye World Cup knockouts

Inglewood (California): Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match, and Turkey beat the United States 3-2 Thursday night, June 25, for its only win of the World Cup. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute and Sebastian Berhalter got a tying goal early in the second half for the Americans, who had Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

How Carlo Ancelotti has unlocked the best of Vinicius Jr for Brazil

While Vinicius deserves accolades for four goals in three games and for becoming the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group matches, his composure stood out. This is where the Mister, Carlo Ancelotti, comes in.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan and Sweden reach knockouts with 1-1 draw

Japan secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage with a 1-1 draw against Sweden, thanks to Daizen Maeda's early goal. This marks Japan's third consecutive advancement from the group stage, setting them up for a clash with Brazil. Sweden also progressed, continuing their strong knockout round streak in World Cup appearances.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Turkey beats US 3-2 with last-gasp goal as Americans look ahead to knockout stage

Turkey secured a 3-2 victory over the United States in their final World Cup match, with Kaan Ayhan scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. Despite the Americans already topping Group D, Turkey showed resilience with first-half goals from Arda Guler and Orkun Kokcu. Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter found the net for the US. Christian Pulisic made his return from injury.

Australia reach World Cup knockouts after goalless draw with Paraguay

Cristian Volpato and Jackson Irvine forced saves from the keeper and Jordan Bos twice going painfully close late in the game

FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia into Last 16 With 0-0 Draw Against Paraguay

The winner of this game was assured second place behind the United States in the group with Australia also clinching that spot with a draw thanks to a better goal differential than Paraguay

FIFA World Cup 2026: Netherlands beat Tunisia

Kansas City: The Netherlands grabbed two early goals to help secure top spot in Group F and qualify for the Round of 32 after they overcame already eliminated Tunisia 3-1 here at Kansas City Stadium. Ronald Koemans team opened the final group match against Tunisia like the lightning bolts. Within seven minutes, Oranje were 0-2 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Netherlands cruise past Tunisia to clinch top spot, set up Morocco clash

The defeat capped a disappointing tournament for Tunisia, who conceded 12 goals across three matches

Netherlands beat Tunisia to enter Round of 32

The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F with a decisive 3-1 victory over Tunisia, earning a Round of 32 encounter against Morocco. Despite an early own goal and a subsequent strike from Brian Brobbey, Tunisia managed to pull one back. However, the Dutch quickly re-established their lead through Jan Paul van Hecke, concluding their group stage with confidence.

FIFA World Cup | Turkiye vs USA LIVE updates: Group D match underway

Turkiye has so far attempted 62 shots at the goal, unable to find the back of the net even once

Weather Today (June 26, 2026): IMD issues rain alert for Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, UP and 15 more states as southwest monsoon advances

Weather Today (June 26, 2026): Widespread rainfall is forecast across India as the Southwest Monsoon advances, bringing heavy to extremely heavy showers to several states. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected in many regions. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions will persist in parts of eastern and northern India, with maximum temperatures set to fluctuate. Residents are advised to stay alert and take precautions.

African Proverb of the Day: 'He who wants to plant corn must make peace with the monkeys...'- A Timeless lesson on acceptance, wisdom, and living with lifes realities

An ancient African proverb, 'He who wants to plant corn must make peace with the monkeys,' offers timeless wisdom. It highlights that pursuing goals inevitably involves challenges, urging acceptance and adaptation rather than resistance. This profound lesson teaches that success requires embracing life's realities, including unavoidable obstacles, to achieve desired rewards. The saying encourages a practical approach to life's complexities, emphasizing resilience and perseverance.

FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE: Tunisia vs Netherlands at Kansas City

The Dutch, who opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan before thrashing Sweden 5-1, are level on four points with Japan, leading the group on goals scored

Ecuador Stun Germany 2-1, Advance To FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32

Germany vs Ecuador Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match: Gonzalo Plata scored the all-important goal as Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

Scorpio Daily Horoscope for June 26, 2026

You are likely to be in a more serious frame of mind. The practical issues of life are going to demand your attention today. But you are full of faith and optimism and are ready to take chances at the deepest emotional levels. Someone near to you will exhibit concerns regarding your aims and goals. Take the time to explain the situation to them. Read full Scorpio horoscope

Congress Launches Students Echo Campaign Amid Concerns Over Examination System

Ahmedabad, June 26: The Congress Party launched its nationwide campaign, Students Echo, in Ahmedabad on Thursday. They claimed that repeated irregularities and flaws in the countrys examination system are jeopardizing the future of students across India. This 40-day campaign will take place in 28 major cities. Its goal is to unite students, job seekers, and ... Read more Congress Launches Students Echo Campaign Amid Concerns Over Examination System

No US Deal Sans Benefits: Piyush Goyal

The commerce ministry, in an official statement, said that ecognising the growing significance of the IndiaUS economic partnership amid evolving global trade dynamics, both sides reiterated their shared goal of expanding bilateral trade, fostering innovation, and building resilient, trusted supply chains.

Four days of rainfall cuts June deficit from 74.5% to 47%

NT Reporter Panaji Four days of sustained monsoon rainfall have improved Goas rainfall position, with the state moving out of the large deficient category and into the deficient category for the first time since a prolonged dry spell began earlier this month. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Goas seasonal rainfall deficit narrowed from 74.5 []

Sixty cadets join tree plantation campaign

NT KURIOCITY The Ex-NCC Cadets Association Goa, in association with the Junior Division Army Wing NCC unit of Janata High School, Mapusa, organised a tree plantation drive as part of activities celebrating World Environment Day. Councillor of Mapusa Municipal Council Ward No. 7, Dr Tarak Arolkar, was the chief guest. Headmaster of the school, Dutta []

DMC students experience Himalayan snow trek

NT KURIOCITY Students from Dnyanprassarak Mandals College and Research Centre (DMC), Assagao, participated in the Roli Kholi Snow Trek in Himachal Pradesh, organised by the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) and sponsored by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Goa. The trek was conducted from May 15 to 27 as part []

Centre ready to fund minority infra projects in Goa: Rijiju

Says isolated incidents must not disrupt spirit of harmony Margao: During his visit to South Goa on Thursday, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju pledged extensive central support to upgrade infrastructure and drive entrepreneurship in areas of Goa with significant minority populations. Interacting with beneficiaries of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), the []

Goa Police seize drugs worth Rs 4 crore, arrest 116 peddlers in nearly 6 months

Amresh Parab Panaji: From January to June 21 this year, Goa Police have apprehended 116 alleged drug peddlers and seized over 66 kg of various illicit substances valued at nearly Rs 4 crore. A total of 90 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in connection with these arrests. []

Soccer: Neymar returns for Brazil but there's a new Junior in town

Neymar made a comeback for Brazil after a long layoff, playing 20 minutes in their 3-0 World Cup win over Scotland. While his star has dimmed, he remains a key figure. Vinicius Junior, however, stole the show with two goals, showcasing Brazil's evolving attacking prowess. Coach Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar is seen as adding depth rather than relying on him as the sole star.