Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy stated on Wednesday that India’s steel sector must digitalize in order to survive in the long term and compete internationally. It is no longer an choice.

The minister stated that the steel industry’s future will be determined by its capacity to develop intelligent, connected, and data-driven manufacturing ecosystems, not just by its production capacity, while speaking at the “Chintan Shivir 2026 on Digitalisation in the Steel Sector” here.

He emphasized the steel industry‘s importance as a strategic component of India’s economic transformation, assisting infrastructure development, manufacturing, renewable energy, urbanization, transportation, and defense production, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Despite weak demand in many developed countries, India has maintained its position as the world’s second largest steel producer since 2018, the minister said, describing steel as the foundation of national development.

In addition, Kumaraswamy pointed out that since FY22, finished steel consumption has increased by about 13% annually, while crude steel production has increased by almost 8% annually.

By 2030, the government plans to increase India’s steel production capacity to 300 million tons, and by 2035, to 400 million tons. He reiterated this aim.

Furthermore, the minister emphasized the revolutionary power of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Digital Twins, Robotics, and Advanced Data Analytics in changing steel production worldwide.

According to Kumaraswamy, these technologies can lower human mistakes, enhance workplace safety, and help reduce unanticipated downtime.

Industry leaders, technology experts, startup founders, and heads of major public sector steel businesses like SAIL, NMDC, and MOIL were among the participants that were brought together at the event, which was planned by the Ministry of Steel.

Hockey India revealed the 24-member junior women’s team for its exposure trip to the UK from July 5–14 on Monday. As part of its preparations for forthcoming international competitions, including the Junior Asia Cup, the team will play seven games throughout Scotland and England under its new coach Tim White.

With Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz as the two goalkeepers, captain Khaidem Shileima Chanu will lead the youthful group. Parwati Topno, Lalneihpuii, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Madhu, Supriya, and Pooja Sahoo make up the defensive squad.

Captain Chanu, Pooja Malik, Supriya Kujur, Geeta Yadav, Binima Dhan, Roshni Aind, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu, and Tanuja Toppo make up the midfield.

Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, and Krishna Sharma are part of the front line.

The nine-day exposure tour will begin with two matches versus the Scotland Senior Women’s Team at the University of Edinburgh, then proceed to games against fellow junior teams from the United States, England, and Belgium at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

To get ready for the tournaments ahead, coach White will try to hone combinations and methods during this intense experience.

“The UK trip is a crucial component of our junior squad’s growth. White stated, “We have selected an exciting young group, many of whom have not had exposure to foreign teams, so it will be a wonderful learning opportunity for individuals and for the group as a team,” in reference to the squad and the tour’s importance.

Since we will be competing against very competitive opponents, we anticipate being challenged. However, we’ll approach each game as a chance to learn while also putting the playing style we’ve been practicing for the previous ten weeks into action.

This trip will undoubtedly be excellent preparation for the forthcoming Asia Cup, according to the coach, since we will use it to confirm our strengths as a team and the important areas we need to improve.

Indian Junior Women’s Team for UK Tour:

Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Pooja Sahoo, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Lalneihpuii, Parwati Topno
Midfielders: Khaidem Shileima Chanu (c), Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu
Forwards: Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Krishna Sharma.

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma received the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours during the Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the veteran cricketer with the prize.

After skipping the first Civil Investiture Ceremony in May, Rohit and Ritika Sajdeh went to the second one.

Among the recipients of the Padma Shri were Savita Punia, a goalkeeper for the Indian women’s hockey team, and Vijay Amritraj, a former Indian tennis player who received the Padma Bhushan.

In a career that has lasted almost two decades at the highest level, this honor represents yet another important turning point. Rohit has cemented his position as one of India’s most successful batters and captains since his international debut in 2007, putting in unforgettable performances in all game formats.

The Indian cricket team tweeted the video of Rohit accepting the award, adding, A great of the game receives a really distinguished accolade. Smt Droupadi Murmuji, the President of India @presidentofindia, bestows the Padma Shri award to ex-TeamIndia captain Rohit Sharma @rohitsharma45.

Rohit called the accolade a significant occasion for him and his family when his Padma Shri was disclosed earlier this year.

For my family and me, getting the Padma Shri is a really memorable occasion. For this honour, I am grateful to the Indian government. I am also appreciative of everyone who has been crucial to my career. I will never stop trying to earn games and trophies for my nation. Thanks. According to a February video on X from Doordarshan, he had said, “Jai Hind. ”

Indian cricket achieved significant success under Rohit’s captaincy. India ended their ICC trophy drought under his captaincy, winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 after beating South Africa in the final. The following year, he led the side to another big title as India won the Champions Trophy, solidifying his image as one of the most successful white-ball captains in the nation.

Rohit’s stats as a batsman demonstrate his durability and consistency. He scored more than 4,300 runs in 67 Test matches, including 12 hundred. He amassed over 11,500 runs and 33 hundreds in 282 One-Day Internationals, and in Twenty20 Internationals, he recorded more than 4,200 runs and five centuries, placing him among the format’s greatest players ever.

Rohit still plays for India in the 50-over format despite quitting Test and T20 Internationals. The seasoned opener is still an essential part of the ODI squad and hopes to lead India’s push for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Lionel Messi had another outstanding performance, scoring two goals and shattering numerous records to lead defending champions Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria in a Group J encounter and advance to the knock-out stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Dallas Stadium in Dallas on Monday.

Messi set a record by scoring his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, making him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Just two days before his 39th birthday, the Argentine talisman overcame an early first-half penalty miss to give his team the lead in the 38th minute, then doubled it seconds before the end of the game to secure a memorable victory for the reigning champions.

Argentina qualified for the round of 32 after winning their second match in Group J. If Jordan don’t defeat Algeria later today, they’ll be declared group winners.

As he scored his first goal of the day in the 38th minute, setting the record for the most individual goals scored by any player in the history of the event, Messi took the day. Messi scored his fourth goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing his total to 17.

In addition to surpassing the tournament’s scoring record, Messi became the third player, after Just Fontaine of France and Jairzinho of Brazil, to score in six straight World Cup matches. Messi has scored his fourth goal of the competition and 17th World Cup goal. Toward the conclusion of the game, he scored his fifth goal for the 2026 edition.

Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 goals was surpassed by Messi. Messi is now in the lead with 17 goals, followed by Klose with 16 goals and Ronaldo (Brazil) with 15 goals. With 14 goals, Germany’s Gerd Müller and France’s Kylian Mbappe are ranked second and third, respectively.

After that, he increased his record with an opportune goal in the fifth minute of added time (90+5) to put Argentina ahead 2-0.

Messi scored a magnificent goal to guide Argentina, the defending champions, to a fantastic recovery after overcoming several hard obstacles from Austria. He seized the ball and threw it to Thiago Almada. Messi received a pass from Almada and sent it back to him. Messi then took a strong shot that defeated Austria’s Alexander Schlager. He missed a penalty and could have broken the record a few minutes sooner.

Argentina was leading Austria 1-0 at halftime in the game held in Dallas’s Dallas Stadium.

Argentina quickly made a comeback and adopted an offensive playing approach. Messi’s penalty miss caused them to lose control of the game after they dominated the first few minutes but were unable to take the lead.

Austria controlled the following few minutes of play, pressing high and stopping the opponent’s build-up to take charge of the game. They continued the game even for the next 15 minutes by playing fiercely. They were totally useless, though, because they were unable to score with their superiority.

After that, Messi started a play in the midfield, giving Argentina back the lead. To establish a 1-0 lead for Argentina and break the record for the most individual goals scored by a player, he connected effectively with Thiago Almada to produce a good chance before converting it.

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, has strongly warned against the increasing centralization of power in the artificial intelligence sector, arguing that a small number of businesses shouldn’t control the course of a technology that is altering societies, workplaces, and economies.

Nadella described a strategy for the upcoming stage of the AI explosion in an exclusive interview with The Wall Street Journal, focusing on cheaper models, increased user control, and wider access to the technology.

According to Nadella, “you can’t say, hey, all white-collar occupations are gone, and this may even be a weapon, and we’ll use all the power to build data centres. ”

He maintained that the populace would not consent to a future in which a limited number of enterprises governed the education, application, and advantages of artificial intelligence. Instead, he urged for a strategy that gains the public’s confidence and wins what he referred to as the industry’s “social permission. ”

Nadella is at the front of an increasing controversy over the direction of the AI race because of the comments. He attacked a model in which a small number of businesses capture the majority of the value from AI without identifying any particular competitors, but he also warned about safety concerns, job losses, and the necessity for significant resources to continue expanding their systems.

The decision of whether to host DeepSeek, a Chinese AI business whose low-cost models have drawn international notice, is among the most closely observed ones for Microsoft. Such a shift might considerably increase the Chinese company’s reach while putting more strain on big AI developers who are already facing increased competition and lower pricing.

According to Nadella, AI’s future should be more democratic and less reliant on a select group of cutting-edge model developers. According to him, technological advancement should prioritize reorganizing work over removing positions.

He asked, “No, why don’t we consider reorganizing the positions? ” while discussing the consequences of AI on the workplace.

Although he conceded that the change would bring about disruption, he insisted that businesses create concrete ways for staff members to adjust. “Yes, there’s a lot of change management, a lot of displacement, but there’s a way,” he added.

Nadella said that AI serves as a “knowledge engine” that assists businesses in using their resources (employees, data, and technology) more efficiently. He envisioned businesses using various models with varying capabilities and price points rather than depending on a single source.

Moreover, he emphasized that restoring public faith would necessitate more than just messaging. Because of where we are right now, we must kind of walk the walk, he added. “No amount of mere narrative will accomplish it. ” “We must now work hard to earn social consent. ”

At a moment when discussions about the effects of AI on employment, financial strength, and national rivalry are heating up throughout the United States and other large countries, the statements have been made. In AI infrastructure, data centres, and sophisticated computing systems, technology businesses are investing hundreds of billions of dollars.

Microsoft continues to be one of the most powerful companies in the industry thanks to its investments and collaborations with top AI companies.

Kunal Shah, the founder of CRED, would be named Meta’s next worldwide CEO of WhatsApp, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Monday. Additionally, Meta is putting roughly $900 million (or almost Rs 8,550 crore) into the financial technology company CRED.

In his role as founder of Cred, Kunal Shah will take over as global chief executive officer of WhatsApp.

“Team CRED, I’ll still expect you to be 10x as good as you were. I’ll be joining Meta to head WhatsApp globally, myself. CRED has Meta as a minority investor. Shah declared, “No access to member data. ”

“I look forward to working with Mark, Chris, and Meta’s leadership for WhatsApp’s next phase. “Thank you, Will, for gently scaling something the world relies on and for making this transition go smoothly,” he stated in a press release.

Shah announced on X that Miten Sampat would take over as CRED’s interim CEO.

“Meta will welcome Kunal Shah as WhatsApp’s newest CEO. “Kunal developed CRED into one of India’s most significant tech firms, and he possesses the kind of builder mentality and international outlook that will be beneficial to him in running the world’s largest messaging app,” said Zuckerberg.

“I’m eager to continue collaborating with Kunal to make WhatsApp the ideal service for billions of people and millions of businesses,” he said.

Shah succeeds Will Cathcart, the current head of WhatsApp, who is retiring after seven years in the position.

“One of Meta’s most significant and successful leaders, Will has helped to promote privacy for our community and brought WhatsApp to more than 3 billion users. Zuckerberg continued, “Will is moving to a different position at Meta where he’ll create brand-new goods from scratch. ”

Shah commented on X, “I launched Cred in 2018 based on the idea that creditworthiness merits a prize. Within eight years, this idea has developed into a fresh category with millions of members, Rs 3,200 crore ($325 million) in income, profitability, a comprehensive set of licenses, and a recognizable brand. CRED is ready to become an enduring institution for decades to come thanks to this foundation, extra funding, and a highly skilled staff. I’m stepping aside with gratitude and a strong belief that the team will continue to improve.

Four cargo ships are currently en route to Indian ports from the Persian Gulf carrying important cargoes of urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and sulphur after successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz last week.

These ships are now traveling toward their assigned destination ports—Krishnapatnam, Kakinada, Paradeep, and Mundra—in the face of ongoing worldwide trade difficulties. Upon arrival, the fresh imports will be offloaded right away to bolster the country’s present fertiliser buffer and guarantee that agriculture can continue to operate, according to the release.

According to statistics from June 22nd, India’s total fertilizer stock position is at 196. 08 lakh tons, a healthy increase from the 168. 67 lakh tons reported at the same time last year. The statement said that this strong inventory backup includes 81. 44 lakh tons of urea, 20. 92 lakh tons of DAP, 55. 91 lakh tons of NPK, 12. 68 lakh tons of MOP, and 25. 13 lakh tons of SSP.

Following the Middle East crisis, total fertilizer sales from March 1, 2026, to June 21, 2026, increased by 13. 2 lakh tonnes, reaching 153. 4 lakh tonnes, demonstrating the high agricultural momentum compared to the 140. 2 lakh tonnes sold during the same period last year.

The government boosted domestic manufacturing capabilities in tandem with targeted import deliveries in order to safeguard Indian farmers from unanticipated global market shocks. In order to reach an amazing 133. 12 LMT, domestic output increased considerably after the crisis. According to the report, this robust local base has been closely matched by complete import arrivals reaching 43. 69 LMT at Indian ports during this period, striking a perfect balance between local output and international procurement.

According to its most recent global tender analysis, India has effectively signed contracts for 17. 70 LMT of urea. India has now safely purchased more than 90 LMT of Urea and P&K fertilisers from the global market, specifically for the current kharif season, thanks to this most recent addition.

According to the release, this big-scale purchase plan was made possible by active diplomatic collaboration with 28 Indian Missions overseas, which established a variety of import channels across numerous international routes.

Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Georgia, Nigeria, Russia, Finland, Egypt, Algeria, Turkey, and the Netherlands have all provided urea.

The Red Sea shipping route from Russia, Morocco, Egypt, the USA, Jordan, South Korea, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia has secured the DAP and NPK streams, the statement continued.

One of the best innings in Women’s T20 World Cup history was played by veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp on Sunday at Old Trafford, when she slammed an undefeated 81 off 45 balls to give South Africa a six-wicket victory over India in a Group A thriller.

South Africa was chasing 159 in front of 11,712 spectators and struggled in the powerplay, scoring only 25 runs before Marizanne’s brilliance turned the game around. Marizanne hit seven fours and four sixes through square of the wicket and downtown with her powerful blows while sharing a 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits (40), which included adding 66 runs from overs 10–15, even as N Sree Charani took three scalps, including off a double-wicket maiden over.

Marizanne was relieved after Chloe Tryon’s thick edge brought the winning runs, dropping to her knees in relief as South Africa gave India their first loss of the competition. Radha Yadav had twice saved her. Previously, Harmanpreet Kaur made history by being the first cricket player to appear in her 200th T20I match.

However, Marizanne and Shabnim each took two wickets as a disciplined South African bowling assault restricted India to 158/7. Highlighting the tenacity of the South African attack, India’s best partnership was the 33-run partnership between Harmanpreet and Deepti. Marizanne once more showed why she is still one of the top all-rounders in women’s cricket by the conclusion of the game.

Shafali Verma started India’s innings by clipping Marizanne off her pads for four and then driving Shabnim Ismail through cover. Driving Shabnim on the up and pulling her for back-to-back boundaries, Smriti Mandhana joined in. Smriti, after hitting Marizanne wide of mid-on, attempted an audacious scoop, but she misjudged the length, saw her stumps shattered, and watched as the all-rounder celebrated with enthusiasm.

Runs followed with the advent of Chloe Tryon In a 17-run over, Shafali walked down to smash over cover, swept hard, and hit a 74-meter six. Shafali was out for 31 when Shabnim’s aggressive bumper caught her glove with a feather edge off the 122. 5 kmph pitch.

Ayabonga Khaka bowled Yastika Bhatia for 15, after she had hit some excellent boundaries. Jemimah Rodrigues came next, shutting her bat face too late and being caught-and-bowled for 12 by Nadine de Klerk’s diving catch. Before Shabnim bowled Harmanpreet for 24 runs, Harmanpreet and Deepti steadied India’s innings with a 33-run partnership.

Even though Richa Ghosh and Deepti each hit three boundaries in seven balls, India’s pace never improved. Deepti, who was confident with the sweep, was caught off guard by Nonkululeko Mlaba’s slower floater and miscue to short fine leg for 29 runs.

Marizanne took out Richa, who was having trouble finding her rhythm, with a slower ball after she top-edged a sweep to short fine. India’s innings concluded two runs shy of 160 after newcomers Prema Rawat and Arundhati Reddy contributed a couple of runs.

South Africa’s chase began cautiously against Shafali’s off-spin. Laura Wolvaardt drove past point off Nandni Sharma for four, then pulled Arundhati Reddy for six and thumped Shafali for another boundary, despite India keeping things tight.

But Charani’s left-arm spin allowed India to recover, as she tempted Laura into a high drive and took a catch on the rebound. Annerie Dercksen was removed by Charani following a dot ball, as the spinner’s double-wicket maiden over left South Africa in disarray at 25/2. Dercksen was bowled for a duck after swiping across the line.

Marizanne and Tazmin attempted to resume their partnership, and the latter did so by reverse-sweeping Deepti for four. Marizanne initially had trouble, mistiming her pushes and sweeps, but she eventually got into a groove. Marizanne took on Prema’s leg-spin, first by hitting a shot over the covers for four, and then by top-edging a sweep that Nandni palmed over for six.

The collaboration became more confident as Marizanne scooped Nandni over fine leg for four and Brits lofted Deepti over long-on. Brits also survived an lbw review thanks to an under-edge.

After Radha, a substitute fielder, put Marizanne down at long-on off Charani’s bowling, Marizanne displayed her full flow, lofting and sweeping her for boundaries before sweeping Arundhati on consecutive deliveries to reach her fifty in 34 balls and crunching a full toss from Deepti through cover for four.

Despite Marizanne’s straight drive to deep square leg off Shafali, she was saved once more when Radha dropped a sitter at long-on. South Africa moved closer to completing the chase despite the fact that Chloe had hit four runs through cover and Nadine had been castled by Charani following a hard drive over extra cover for four.

Prior to smashing another six over mid-wicket, Marizanne impressed everyone by slog-sweeping Deepti for six. Chloe completed the chase in elegance by pushing Nandni through the slip cordon for an outstanding win for South Africa.

Brief Scores:
India 158/7 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 31, Deepti Sharma 29; Marizanne Kapp 2-27, Shabnim Ismail 2-28)
South Africa 161/4 in 19.1 overs (Marizanne Kapp 81 not out, Tazmin Brits 40; Sree Charani 3-24, Shafali Verma 1-22)