Rediff

North Zone secured a crucial 64-run first-innings lead against West Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, largely due to exceptional bowling from Abid Mushtaq (5/39) and Arshdeep Singh (3/53). However, controversial selection Yash Dhull failed to score, raising questions about his inclusion over specialist opener Sanat Sangwan. North Zone ended day two with a 171-run overall lead, aiming to extend it further.

It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.

A 26-year-old Indian-origin woman, Navneet Kaur, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Toronto, Canada. Police have arrested and charged 37-year-old Sharnjeet Singh with first-degree murder. The incident follows another recent case of an Indian-origin woman's murder in Edmonton.

An Indian-origin diamond businessman, Dhiru Ramani, abducted in Mali in April, has been freed after his family reportedly paid a 4 million euro ransom. Ramani, originally from Gujarat, remains in Mali for questioning by local authorities.

The Ram temple trust's decision to establish a permanent institute for training and certifying Hindu priests is being seen by religious leaders and members of the Indian diaspora as a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for qualified 'archaks' (priests) not only in India but also overseas.