Sri Lanka

In a Group C match of the 135th Durand Cup held at Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi on July 29, 2026, Indian Air Force FT defeated Sri Lankan Army side Defenders FC 2-1. Somananda Singh gave the Indian Air Force the lead in the 25th minute. The Airmen doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Defenders FC's K.D.S. Sankalpa scored an own goal while attempting to clear Mohammad Aquib's cross. Defenders FC responded quickly as N.M. Aflal pulled one back in the 70th minute, but Indian Air Force held firm to secure three points. With this win, Indian Air Force moved level on points with Jamshedpur FC in the group standings, though Jamshedpur retains the lead due to a superior goal difference (+5 against +1).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:19 PM UTC

The Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS) arrested Kondapuram Laxmikanth Reddy, an interstate fraudster accused of cheating victims of approximately ₹2 crore by promising to supply imported gold from Dubai and Sri Lanka at below-market prices. Reddy allegedly shared WhatsApp videos of packaged gold biscuits to gain trust and promised high returns before collecting large sums. A Sanath Nagar resident filed the complaint leading to the arrest. Police revealed Reddy is a habitual offender with six prior cases in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including financial fraud, criminal breach of trust, kidnapping, and intimidation. The CCS invoked organized crime provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused was remanded to judicial custody. Police warned the public against falling for offers of cheap gold or unusually high returns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:06 PM UTC

Off-spinner Saransh Jain has received his first call-up to India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka in August 2026. The 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh bowler has taken 188 wickets in 54 First Class matches. He replaces Washington Sundar, who sustained a hamstring injury during the ODI series against England. Ravindra Jadeja returns to the squad after being rested for the previous Test against Afghanistan. Jasprit Bumrah also returns to lead the pace attack, subject to fitness clearance after a knee injury. The squad is captained by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. The Tests are scheduled for Galle (August 15-19) and Colombo (August 23-27), preceded by a four-day practice match from August 7.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:18 AM UTC

The Rajasthan Youth Association (RYA) held its 63rd Annual Book Distribution Function at Valluvar Kottam Auditorium in Chennai on July 26, 2026. The RYA Book Bank Project provides free textbooks to college students pursuing arts, science, and engineering courses across Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu. Sri Lanka's Deputy High Commissioner Ganesanathan Geathiswaran inaugurated the event, praising the initiative for removing financial barriers to education. RYA president Vivek Bomb noted that over 1.60 lakh students have been helped over 63 years. Book Bank chairman Bipin M. Jain reported that the project currently supports 8,000 students annually, with female students making up 64% of beneficiaries. The organization maintains an active inventory of books worth ₹30 lakh, adding ₹25 lakh in new materials each year. Guests of honour Ashok Kumar Mundhra and Rajesh Surana attended, and former chairman Gouthamchand Jain was felicitated.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:49 PM UTC

Nearly 200 Sri Lankan activists, social movements, civil society organizations, and trade unions issued a statement on July 27, 2026, expressing solidarity with Indian students protesting the NEET examination paper leak and broader education issues. The statement applauded the students for sustaining their struggle despite police brutality and called it a significant step toward education reforms in India. It cautioned Indian protesters to remain vigilant and maintain pressure on the government, drawing parallels with Sri Lankan youth opposing half-baked education reforms. The signatories accused the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting fascist methods of governance. A small group of activists also gathered outside the Indian High Commission in Colombo, carrying placards with messages such as 'Modi, stop the witch hunt of student protesters' and 'The power of the people is always stronger than the people in power.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:14 PM UTC

This article from The Hindu, dated July 27, 2026, reports on several campus events in the Dindigul region of Tamil Nadu, India. Kalasalingam University signed an MoU with the IIDRT Institute, Sri Lanka, for an international communication exchange programme, and held a Communication Exposure and Capacity Building Programme. SFR College for Women organized a guest lecture on web designing skills. Student R. Jai Jashwanth won one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal at the Tamil Nadu State Aquatic Championship-2026. Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, in association with G.T.N. Arts College, ITTAC, and Vaigai Trust, held a seminar on road and tyre safety with over 1,000 students. Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College conducted a training programme on Census 2027 self-enumeration for 200 student-volunteers. T.K. Linga Global School announced its 12th Annual Athletic Meet.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:46 PM UTC

Jamshedpur FC began their Durand Cup campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Sri Lankan side Defenders FC in a Group C match at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi. Debutant Raynier Fernandes starred with a brilliant hat-trick, scoring in the 4th, 6th, and 82nd minutes. Aman C.K. (23rd minute) and Devendra Murgaonkar (39th minute) added goals as Jamshedpur took a 4-0 lead into halftime. Defenders FC improved defensively in the second half but could not prevent Raynier from completing his hat-trick late in the match. In another Group B result, Indian Army beat Samaleswari Sporting 1-0 in Kolkata.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 05:51 PM UTC

On July 26, 2026, Thoothukudi Q branch police in Tamil Nadu, India, seized 1,260 kg of beedi leaves intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka. Acting on a tip-off, officers patrolled the Inigo Nagar beach area early Saturday and discovered a mini load van containing 36 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing approximately 35 kg. The suspects involved in the smuggling operation fled before police could apprehend them. The police confiscated both the beedi leaves and the vehicle used for transportation, handing them over to the Customs department for further action. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Beedi leaves are commonly used to wrap traditional Indian cigarettes, and their smuggling across the Palk Strait to Sri Lanka is a recurring issue due to demand and price differences.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 02:26 PM UTC

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra expressed delight at returning to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, eight years after his debut at the 2018 Gold Coast edition where he won gold. The 28-year-old Indian athlete missed the 2022 Birmingham Games due to injury and made his comeback at the Doha Diamond League in June 2024, finishing fourth. Chopra said he has worked on his fitness and technique and feels much better now. He acknowledged tough weather conditions but emphasized mental strength. The men's javelin throw competition on July 30-31 features strong South Asian rivals including Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, and fellow Indians Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh. Chopra welcomed the increased competition, saying it pushes everyone to improve.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 12:54 PM UTC

On July 24, 2026, Marine Police in Dhanushkodi, India, apprehended two Sri Lankan Tamil men who arrived illegally by boat. The suspects, identified as G. Vigneswaran (31) and M. Lusinath (30), both from Wattala, Sri Lanka, were spotted acting suspiciously during a patrol for the Sagar Kavach coastal defense exercise. Interrogation revealed that Sri Lankan authorities suspect them of involvement in a shooting incident in Wattala on July 23, 2026, and they also face three pending drug-related cases in Sri Lanka. Following a request from Sri Lankan authorities for their custody, the suspects were transferred to a special camp within Tiruchi Central Prison premises and are expected to be repatriated to Sri Lanka within a week.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:02 PM UTC

Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Balasubramaniam Shastri inspected check posts along the Tirunelveli coastline on Thursday night as part of 'Operation Sagar Kavach', an annual coastal security exercise. The inspection comes as smugglers, facing intensified patrolling between Vembar and Periyathazhai on the Thoothukudi coast, are shifting their operations to the Tirunelveli coastline by luring local fishermen. Smuggled items include beedi leaves, medicines, pesticides, turmeric, and essential commodities destined for Sri Lanka. The SP visited check posts at Koodankulam, Kottapuli, and Kavalkinar, reviewed vehicle inspection records and suspicious movement logs, and interacted with personnel. He instructed police to conduct random vehicle checks and intensify night-time patrolling to counter the emerging smuggling threat.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:53 PM UTC

Fishermen associations in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, have announced a three-day boycott of fishing activities (July 24-26) to protest the arrest of nine Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on July 22, 2026, on charges of poaching in the Palk Straits. In a meeting on July 23, leaders passed a resolution demanding immediate central government intervention for a permanent solution. Fishermen leader Jesu Raja called on newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay (TVK) to fulfill his campaign promise to protect fishers' livelihoods and raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister. The fishermen also criticized fishermen from Karaikal for using banned nets and long trawlers in international waters, alleging this provoked Sri Lankan fishermen and escalated tensions. This is the first arrest since the annual fishing ban ended on June 15.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:43 PM UTC

ITW Universe, a leading sports and entertainment consulting firm, has secured multiple brand partnerships for the India Tour of Zimbabwe T20I Series starting July 23, 2026. Brands from diverse sectors including InsuranceDekho, Wildstone, Tata Motors, Domino's, and Mankind Pharma have come on board as on-air broadcast sponsors. InsuranceDekho is the On-air Co-Presenting Sponsor and will also be the title sponsor for the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka test series, branded as the InsuranceDekho Cup. ITW Universe, which has introduced over 5000 brands to cricket in 15 years, facilitated these associations. The three-match T20I series is being played at Harare Sports Club and broadcast on Unite8, while the test series begins August 15 on Sony Sports Network.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:24 AM UTC

State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao warned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Congress leaders against supporting what he termed 'anti-national forces' and foreign-funded organizations. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Rao claimed India's youth would not remain silent if attempts were made to replicate unrest seen in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. He accused Congress, Left parties, and foreign subversive forces of conspiring to undermine the Modi government by instigating youth unrest. Rao alleged that organizations behind recent events in Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi received ₹10 crore from Khalistani groups and support from Qatar, Canada, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for aligning with Khalistani forces. Rao also defended the NDA government's handling of the NEET leak case, contrasting it with alleged paper leaks during the UPA regime. Additionally, he launched a BJYM campaign demanding fee reimbursement arrears.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:09 PM UTC

On July 22, 2026, the Q Branch police in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, seized beedi leaves valued at ₹1 crore that were about to be smuggled to Sri Lanka by boat. During a patrol near Chendur Nagar hamlet near Alanthalai, police intercepted a lorry carrying 79 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing 35 kg. The driver, R. Surya (26), was arrested. The vehicle, the beedi leaves, and the driver were handed over to the Department of Customs for further investigation and legal action.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:01 PM UTC

This article from The Hindu examines six significant hunger strikes in India's post-independence history, highlighting how non-violent fasting has been a potent tool for political change. It begins with Mahatma Gandhi's fasts against British rule and communal violence, then moves to Potti Sriramulu's 58-day fast in 1952 demanding a separate Telugu-speaking state, which led to the creation of Andhra State and later the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. The article also covers Bhagat Singh's hunger strike for prisoner rights, M. Karunanidhi's 2009 fast demanding a ceasefire in Sri Lanka, and Jayalalithaa's 1993 fast for Cauvery water release. The piece is framed around the ongoing 2026 hunger strike by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET exam irregularities and paper leaks. The article positions hunger strikes as a continuation of Gandhian satyagraha, capable of forcing immediate government action and shaping public discourse.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:46 AM UTC

This article from Die Welt provides expert guidance on travel vaccinations, emphasizing that standard immunizations (tetanus, measles, polio) should be up-to-date for any trip. Travel-specific vaccines like hepatitis A are recommended generously due to higher risks abroad, especially from contaminated food. The type of vacation matters: hotel complexes reduce exposure to rabies and rare infections but do not prevent foodborne illnesses or mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, which is spreading in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Bali, Sri Lanka) and the Maldives. Backpackers face higher risks. For regions like Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar), mosquito-borne threats are significant. Rabies vaccination is advised for travelers visiting monkey parks in Bali or areas with stray dogs. The article stresses early preparation, a stocked travel pharmacy, and informed decision-making based on destination and activities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:19 AM UTC

The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation by Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for their role in Operation Epic Fury. The submarine reportedly achieved the first confirmed torpedo kill by a U.S. submarine since World War II, sinking the Islamic Republic of Iran Ship Dena with an MK-48 torpedo in the Indian Ocean, 20 miles south of Sri Lanka. The Iranian frigate sank within minutes, killing approximately 80 people, while 32 survivors were rescued. The award recognizes the crew's professionalism, discipline, and dedication to the mission. The last U.S. submarine to achieve a torpedo kill was the USS Torsk in August 1945.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:57 PM UTC

The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for their role in sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena during Operation Epic Fury. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao presented the award, praising the crew's professionalism and dedication. In March 2026, the USS Charlotte reportedly fired an MK-48 torpedo at the Iranian warship as it transited the Indian Ocean 20 miles south of Sri Lanka, sinking it within minutes and killing approximately 80 people. 32 survivors were rescued. This marked the first confirmed torpedo kill by a U.S. submarine since World War II, when the USS Torsk sank two Japanese frigates on August 14, 1945.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:57 PM UTC

The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation by Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for their role in Operation Epic Fury. In March 2026, the submarine reportedly achieved the first confirmed torpedo kill by a U.S. submarine since World War II, sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena with an MK-48 torpedo in the Indian Ocean, 20 miles south of Sri Lanka. The vessel sank within minutes, killing an estimated 80 people, while 32 survivors were rescued. The last U.S. submarine to achieve a torpedo kill was the USS Torsk in August 1945. The award recognizes the crew's professionalism and dedication in combat operations during the early stages of the Iran war.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:57 PM UTC

The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation by Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for their role in sinking the Iranian frigate Dena during Operation Epic Fury. The submarine reportedly fired an MK-48 torpedo at the Iranian vessel as it transited the Indian Ocean 20 miles south of Sri Lanka, sinking it within minutes and killing upwards of 80 people, with 32 survivors rescued. This marked the first confirmed torpedo kill by a U.S. submarine since World War II, when the USS Torsk sank two Japanese frigates on August 14, 1945. The award recognizes the crew's professionalism, discipline, and dedication to the mission.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:57 PM UTC

The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation by Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for their role in sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena during Operation Epic Fury. The engagement, which occurred in March 2026 approximately 20 miles south of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, marked the first confirmed torpedo kill by a U.S. submarine since World War II. The USS Charlotte fired an MK-48 torpedo at the Iranian vessel, which sank within minutes, killing an estimated 80 personnel. 32 survivors were rescued. The last U.S. submarine to achieve a torpedo kill was the USS Torsk on August 14, 1945. Secretary Cao praised the crew's professionalism and dedication, noting that the most powerful naval weapons are often unseen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:57 PM UTC

This article from The Hindu examines India's historically dual approach to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, contrasting its generally lenient treatment with a notable exception in August 1985. Following the failed Thimpu peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil militant groups, India deported two prominent Tamil figures: Anton S. Balasingham, the future international face of the LTTE, and S.C. Chandrahasan, founder of OfERR. Balasingham was seen as instrumental in ending the talks. The deportation was widely interpreted as India's attempt to pressure Tamil militants into a settlement. The article also highlights a recent Madras High Court case involving a Sri Lankan-born IT professional facing statelessness, illustrating India's ongoing complex relationship with this refugee population. The move, while pleasing the Sri Lankan government, drew international criticism for the Rajiv Gandhi administration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:16 PM UTC

England defeated India by 27 runs at Lord's on July 21, 2026, winning the three-match ODI series 2-1. This marks England's second consecutive bilateral ODI series victory this year, following a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka away. Coach Brendon McCullum praised the team's ability to handle pressure after falling 1-0 down in both series. England has won only three of its last nine bilateral ODI series, but McCullum highlighted the squad's increased variation in left-handers, right-handers, power-hitters, and diverse bowling options as key to success. The victory comes as England prepares for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. McCullum also addressed his recent loss of the Test coaching role, stating he will collaborate with the new Test coach to manage all-format players like Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, and Jacob Bethell.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:16 PM UTC

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has issued a pre-sowing price forecast for small onions, estimating farm gate prices of ₹30-35 per kg at harvest time. The forecast, by the Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (DEMIC) of TNAU's Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, is based on time series analysis of Dindigul market prices over 15 years and a market survey. Key producing areas include Dindigul, Tiruppur, Perambalur, Trichy, Namakkal, Theni, and Madurai, with additional supply from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Small onions constitute about 80% of Tamil Nadu's total onion production, cultivated on 0.44 lakh hectares yielding 5.28 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 (average productivity 12 tonnes/hectare). Tamil Nadu is a major export hub, supplying to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Nepal, with exports accounting for 5-10% of output. Strong international demand is reported this season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:51 PM UTC

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted marketing authorisation for Qdenga, a recombinant live attenuated dengue vaccine developed by Takeda GmbH, making it the first dengue vaccine approved in the country. The vaccine is indicated for individuals aged 4 to 60 years and is administered as two subcutaneous doses of 0.5 ml each, three months apart. The Union Health Ministry stated the approval followed a comprehensive scientific evaluation of quality, safety, and efficacy under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Clinical studies included a pivotal Phase III trial in India and trials across eight countries. Qdenga has already received regulatory approval in 42 nations and WHO prequalification. Over 24 million doses have been distributed globally with a favourable safety profile. The approval is expected to complement India's existing vector control and disease management efforts under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:09 AM UTC

In September 2007, a major political and religious controversy erupted in India over the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, which aimed to create a shipping route through the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, an area containing the Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu) shoals. DMK president M. Karunanidhi questioned the historical existence of Ram Setu, drawing sharp criticism from BJP leader L.K. Advani. The situation escalated when VHP leader and former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti offered a gold reward to anyone who would 'chop off the head and tongue' of Karunanidhi. In response, DMK cadres, led by state minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, protested across Tamil Nadu. On September 23, 2007, a violent demonstration in Chennai targeted the BJP's state headquarters, Kamalalayam, where protesters hurled stones, damaged window panes, uprooted a flagpost, and injured 15 BJP members. The Supreme Court had earlier stalled the project over concerns about damaging Ram Setu.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:21 AM UTC

This article profiles J.C. Daniel (Joseph Chellaiah Daniel), a Tamil dentist and martial artist revered as the father of Malayalam cinema. Driven by passion, he sold his family property and borrowed money to produce 'Vigathakumaran' (The Lost Child, 1930), the first Malayalam silent film. The film tells the story of a child kidnapped by a Sri Lankan plantation worker. Daniel established Travancore National Pictures, Kerala's first film studio, and shot scenes in Sri Lanka, making him an early Indian filmmaker to shoot abroad. The production faced challenges, including casting a local koothu artiste, P.K. Rosy, from a marginalized community, which provoked outrage from upper castes and disrupted screenings. The article also corrects misconceptions about his later life, noting he lived with dignity in his family home in Agastheeswaram, Tamil Nadu, contrary to his portrayal in the film 'Celluloid'.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:08 AM UTC

On July 13, 2026, six political parties and groups representing Sri Lanka's Tamil-speaking ethnic minorities—including Tamils of the North and East, Malaiyaha Tamils, and Muslims—launched a common platform called 'Medai' in Colombo. The platform is neither a conventional coalition nor an electoral alliance but aims to voice shared concerns on structural racism, discrimination, and key issues: introducing a new constitution, holding long-pending Provincial Council elections, and resolving land conflicts. The parties, all in opposition to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's supermajority NPP government, have historically clashed at polls and hold differing alignments. Despite internal tensions, they have agreed on a limited program initially. The move comes as Dissanayake has made pledges on all three areas, including returning state-held lands to people, though implementation remains partial.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 06:01 PM UTC

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised chilli growers from Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, for using fewer pesticides, during the inauguration of the Global Chilly Agro Private Limited processing unit at Sennilakkudi, Tiruchuli, on July 18, 2026. The unit was established with assistance from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). She flagged off exports of chilli flakes to Sri Lanka and noted that demand from the USA and other countries is growing due to low pesticide use. Sitharaman credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to identify district-specific commodities. The event was presided over by MLA Thangam Thennarasu. Earlier, she inaugurated an indoor sports complex at Government Arts and Science College, Tiruchuli, developed under the SBI Foundation's ACE sports program, which includes a multipurpose hall, gymnasium, and board games room, benefiting over 500 students and 1,000 youth annually.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:47 PM UTC