After twelve thrilling competition days, the 16th Asian Shooting Championship (all events) in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, came to an end.

The Indian team achieved its best-ever performance, finishing with an unprecedented 50 gold medals to top the tally, which was also a first for the premier continental championship.

The senior team’s performance in the 15 Olympic rifle, pistol, and shotgun events was especially impressive.

Indian shooters took home six gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, trailing only the world’s top-seeded China, which took home eight gold, and the host nation, Kazakhstan, took home the other medal.

“It’s a fantastic result, and it’s obvious that our performance at the Olympics in Paris has greatly increased the shooting ecosystem’s confidence. Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), expressed his satisfaction with the juniors’ performance, saying, “It’s particularly pleasing, which tells you that Indian shooting has just begun and greater things are sure to come in the near future.”

India finished the tournament with 50 gold medals, 26 silver, and 23 bronze, falling just shy of the 100-medal milestone. China finished third overall with 15 gold and 37 medals, while the hosts came in second with 70 medals and 21 gold.

The highlights of the senior’s performance included Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar defending his men’s 3P title, Neeru Dhanda winning India’s first Asian championship gold in women’s trap, Sift Kaur Samra winning her first Asian title in women’s 50 rifle 3-position (3P), and two-time Olympian Elavenil Valarivan winning her second Asian title (she won a double gold with Arjun Babuta in the mixed team event) in women’s air rifle with an Asian record score.

Indian junior shooters dominated every Olympic event, taking home 10 gold, four silver, and three bronze medals apiece, demonstrating the breadth of the nation’s shooting prowess.

The remaining gold medals were won in non-Olympic events, team contests, and youth competitions. For instance, Rio Olympian Gurpreet Singh won gold in the men’s 25-meter Standard Pistol event, and former world champion Ankur Mittal set a new world record of 107 to win the men’s Double Trap gold.

On Saturday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced that the relatives of 11 people killed in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the team’s June 4 IPL 2025 triumph celebrations will each receive Rs 25 lakh in financial assistance.

“On June 4, 2025, our hearts sank. 11 members of the RCB family passed away. They belonged to us. Our city, our community, and our team are distinctive in part because of this.

Each of us will carry their absence in our memory. In a social media message, RCB stated that “no amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind.”

But RCB has given their families ₹25 lakh apiece as a beginning step and out of the utmost respect. Not only as monetary assistance, but also as a pledge of kindness, solidarity, and continuous support.

Additionally, this marks the start of 𝗥𝗖𝗕 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦: a sustained dedication to meaningful action that starts with remembering them. Every advancement will be in line with the expectations, feelings, and deservingness of the fans,” it continued.

Tragic events swiftly followed RCB’s eagerly anticipated IPL victory on June 3, which was secured with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Celebrations in Bengaluru descended into mayhem less than twenty-four hours later when a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium killed eleven people and injured more than fifty. Heartbreak broke out on the streets as the squad celebrated indoors, igniting a nationwide outcry.

After public outrage, arrests, and numerous complaints, RCB launched its ‘RCB Cares’ campaign eighty-four days later, promising Rs 25 lakh to each grieving family and assistance for the injured. However, rather than being a sign of true compassion, many saw the action as postponed damage control.

The franchise was directly held accountable by the Karnataka government for the mistakes that caused the tragedy. Shortly after the tragedy, RCB sent out a brief condolence message, but their extended quiet quickly eclipsed it.

During one of the most difficult times in the team’s history, their three-month absence from the discussion left many fans feeling ignored and abandoned.

Prominent US economist Richard Wolff has cautioned that a major global economic transition is underway, noting that BRICS countries now account for 35% of global output, while the G7 countries collectively account for only 28%.

According to Wolff, India’s insistence on continuing to purchase Russian oil despite pressure from the US demonstrates how the balance of power is changing.

The United Nations claims that India is currently the world’s largest nation. He compared the United States’ directives to a mouse striking an elephant with its fist.

As the US debt hits $36 trillion, Wolff pointed out in a podcast that China has decreased its ownership of US Treasury securities, which might seriously threaten the US dollar.

He noted that if that pattern persists, the US could have to pay more for borrowing or reduce domestic spending, which would further erode its standing internationally.

The US tariffs, according to the economist, are a futile tactic that could strengthen ties between India and the other BRICS nations. He clarified, “What you’re doing is building the BRICS into an ever-bigger, more integrated, and prosperous economic alternative to the West.”

The Trump administration’s assertion that tariffs can boost American industry was criticized by Wolff. “No business that is currently producing something in Brazil, China, or India is going to decide to spend a fortune to move production back to the United States,” he stated.

He claims that US tariffs might keep American exporters out of foreign markets without generating new jobs at home.

Beginning on Wednesday, the Trump administration increased the duties on India by another 25%, increasing the total to 50%.

Any compromise that jeopardizes the interests of India’s small companies and farmers has been banned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has described the US tariffs as “unjustified and unfair.”

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Sunday, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet bilaterally. PM Modi is making his first trip to China in seven years.

The Australian Space Agency (ASA) announced Friday that NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program will launch Australia’s first Moon rover by the end of the decade.

The ASA said the rover, called Roo-ver, will be sent to the lunar surface on NASA’s CT-4 mission by the end of the 2020s.

According to the space agency, NASA has given the rover “key research objectives” that include gathering fresh information on the lunar surface to help advance global space science and exploration objectives.

“In time, Roo-ver’s explorations will help global efforts to establish a possible sustainable human presence in space,” according to the ASA.

The rover, which will weigh roughly 20 kilos, will be designed, built, and operated by the Australian-led consortium ELO2, the federal government said in December 2024.

It is anticipated that Roo-ver will function for as long as 14 Earth days, or almost half a day on the Moon.

The rover’s development and launch will motivate the STEM workforce required for Australia’s future, Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Science, stated on Friday.

“This is one of the most specialized robotics and advanced manufacturing projects in the country,” Ayres stated.

“It’s accelerating the development of Australia’s advanced technical capabilities and deepening local manufacturing expertise,” he stated.

For the development, design, construction, and operation of the semi-autonomous rover, the government has allocated 42 million Australian dollars ($27.4 million).

An integrated NASA payload, an analysis tool designed to showcase technologies for scientific and exploration reasons, will supercharge Roo-ver, according to the ASA.

“In time, Roo-ver’s explorations will help global efforts to establish a possible sustainable human presence in space,” it stated.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between India and Bhutan to further enhance collaboration in the areas of agricultural and related industries, such as livestock.

Thinley Namgyel, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, representing the Royal Government of Bhutan, and Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, representing India, signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Thimphu.

The two nations’ shared commitment to food security, sustainable farming, and rural development is reflected in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which marks an important turning point in their long-standing alliance.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, it will act as a framework for cooperation in a number of areas specified in the Memorandum of Understanding, such as livestock health and production, post-harvest management, value chain development, agricultural research and innovation, and the sharing of knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Following the signing, the two nations decided on the terms of reference for the Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) and priority areas of collaboration for urgent action at the inaugural session of the JTWG, which was organized to implement the Memorandum of Understanding.

The importance of the conference as a significant turning point in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of agriculture and related sectors was emphasized by both parties.

In addition to outlining the government of India’s unique attempts to support the agriculture industry, Chaturvedi outlined the country’s priorities and problems. Utilizing digital solutions, encouraging climate-resilient farming methods, risk reduction, and farmer loans were all part of the new project.

Key areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, livestock, agricultural marketing and cooperatives, food processing, the seed sector, research and technology collaboration, and capacity building, were thoroughly discussed by both parties during the JTWG session.

The next JTWG meeting will take place in India at a time that works for all parties.

According to the official announcement, the Agriculture Secretary’s travel to Bhutan is consistent with the long-standing custom of frequent exchanges between India and Bhutan and aims to deepen the two nations’ already strong friendship and collaboration.

Every year on August 29, National Sports Day is observed to honor Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey whiz who helped India win gold at the Olympics in 1928, 1932, and 1936. Dhyan Chand is still regarded as one of the best hockey players in history and is known as the “Hockey Magician.”

“Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main” is the subject of the Fit India Mission’s three-day statewide sports and fitness program, which will take place from August 29 to August 31.

National Sports Day, which has been marked nationally since 2012 after being observed in 1995, has come to represent India’s dedication to athletic prowess, fitness, and health. The Fit India Movement’s 2019 start has further revolutionized fitness for the general public.

PM Modi sent a message on X while on a two-day trip to Japan. “Happy National Sports Day!” he wrote. We honor Major Dhyan Chand Ji on this momentous anniversary, whose brilliance continues to motivate future generations.

On Friday, National Sports Day, International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah honored hockey great Major Dhyan Chand by showcasing his accomplishments and encouraging everyone to work together to use sports to create a stronger, healthier country.

“On India’s National Sports Day, we honor Major Dhyan Chand, the genius whose illustrious accomplishments never cease to motivate us. “Let us unite and use sports to create a stronger and healthier nation as India continues its path to become a sporting superpower,” Shah wrote on X.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar celebrated National Sports Day on X with a touching statement honoring Indian athletes from all states and disciplines, “On National Sports Day, I am honored to commemorate the tremendous advancements India has made in the realm of sports. Our sporting accomplishments today represent the diversity of our nation and its citizens rather than being restricted to just one or two high-profile sports.

Vijender Singh, a former Olympic boxer, sent his best wishes to athletes nationwide. Vijender recalled Dhyan Chand as “India’s first sporting hero,” stating that the hockey whiz had influenced generations with his tales and writings.

“I want to wish you all the very best on Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary, which is also observed as our National Sports Day. Our first sporting hero and the person who taught us the true meaning of sports was Major Dhyan Chand. We read books and stories about him as children. I hope you have the finest day ever on this unique day for all athletes. I hope you put in a lot of effort and bring home a lot of medals for India.

Sakshi Malik, a former Olympic medalist, wished everyone a happy National Sports Day. To all of you, congratulations. Playing games teaches us how to work out in addition to keeping us in shape. You should all incorporate games into your daily lives. Stay fit and keep moving forward.”

On Wednesday, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin posted on social media from his “X” account to announce his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin went on to say that he now wants to look at playing in T20 tournaments abroad.

“A special day, and thus a special start. As they say, “every ending has a new beginning. My time as an IPL cricket player ends today, but my time as a game researcher across different leagues begins today,” Ashwin wrote on “X.”

“I want to express my gratitude to the @IPL and the @BCCI for everything they have given me up to this point, as well as to all of the franchisees for the amazing memories and connections we have had over the years. I’m looking forward to savoring and maximizing what is ahead of me”.

With 187 wickets in 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2, Ashwin finishes his IPL tenure as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the league. The Chennai Super Kings, situated in his hometown, were where he started and finished his IPL career.

Ashwin played nine games in the IPL 2025, when CSK finished in last position, taking just seven wickets at a high economy rate of 9.13. At one point, his poor performance even kept him out of the starting eleven.

In addition, Ashwin captained Kings XI Punjab (now known as the Punjab Kings) in the IPL and played for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. In addition, he hit a fifty and scored 833 runs with a strike rate of 118 while batting in the IPL.

The off-spinner had a key role in CSK’s victories in the 2010 and 2011 IPL titles. Following the Brisbane Test match against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series last December 2024, he had already announced his retirement from international cricket.

Ashwin may now play in the BBL in Australia, the SA20 in South Africa, and the ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates after retiring from the Indian Premier League. He can also feature in The Hundred in England and the CPL in the West Indies, both of which are presently underway.

The Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) in Aadhaar for children, particularly those in the critical age range of five to fifteen, must be completed on time, according to a Wednesday call from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to schools nationwide.

Students’ MBU status is now included in the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) application thanks to a partnership between UIDAI and the Department of School Education and Literacy.

At the age of five and again at the age of fifteen, children must promptly complete the MBU in Aadhaar, according to the UIDAI.

It is essential for preserving the precision and dependability of children’s biometric information in Aadhaar. There are about 17 lakh Aadhaar IDs where the obligatory biometrics update is pending,” it added.

This phase is supposed to ease the process for schools by providing them with immediate sight of which pupils have yet to complete their biometric upgrades.

For children’s Aadhaar information to stay accurate, timely biometric updates are essential.

Nearly 17 lakh Aadhaar numbers are currently awaiting necessary updates, according to UIDAI.

It has been observed that parents and kids frequently scramble for Aadhaar updates at the last minute, which causes anxiety. Timely biometric updates can prevent this,” the document says.

Without these updates, kids would subsequently have trouble getting government benefits or taking important tests like the NEET, JEE, and CUET.

In a letter to the chief secretaries of every state and union territory, UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar urged them to provide assistance in implementing targeted MBU camps through educational institutions.

In his letter, Kumar stated that “a camp approach through schools can help complete pending MBUs and prevent last-minute rushes by anxious students and parents.”

The program underscores the authority’s continuous attempts to enhance Aadhaar’s role in providing seamless services and guaranteeing inclusion, much as UIDAI’s recent Aadhaar authentication framework for cooperative banks.

The future of India’s technology services sector will be significantly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report released on Tuesday. This is because AI, especially the emergence of agentic AI, will open up $300–500 billion in new opportunities and usher in a new era in which intelligent AI agents and humans collaborate as hybrid teams.

According to research gathered by Nasscom in partnership with McKinsey & Company, the tech services industry saw significant changes between 2020 and 2025, ranging from the disruptive rise of AI and shifting geopolitics to pandemic-driven digital acceleration.

AI is becoming a crucial differentiator as businesses reassess their technology investment, and it is anticipated that they will allocate a greater percentage of their budgets to AI-driven innovation and productivity.

Revenue growth would be slower in the near future, with a better recovery anticipated between 2027 and 2030, even if India’s tech services sector is predicted to maintain its growth advantage.

Over the next five years, the demand for data and AI is expected to increase by 12–15%, notwithstanding the potential shrinkage of legacy service lines.

The paper, “Future of Technology Services: Leading with AI,” also emphasizes how India’s global capability centers (GCCs) would become increasingly significant and develop into international innovation hubs for businesses.

The real future of technology services, according to Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar, would be determined by the fusion of automation powered by AI and human expertise.

“Hybrid teams will change price structures, productivity, and delivery patterns over the next three to five years. India is in a unique position to spearhead this change, but it will necessitate a significant effort to reskill and reimagine service models,” he stated.

Agentic AI presents a “once-in-a-generation” growth opportunity, but it will also necessitate that the industry rethink its operating model, make R&D investments, and create talent pools for new capabilities, according to Noshir Kaka, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company.

The study comes to the conclusion that in order for India to solidify its standing as the world’s center for technology services in the AI era, the sector must quickly transition to AI-driven innovation, new delivery methods, and audacious alliances while simultaneously defending its core offerings.