S8UL’s Aravindh Chithambaram becomes first Indian chess player to qualify for Esports World Cup 2026

IANS | May 18, 2026 3:27 PM

Mumbai, May 18 (IANS) S8UL, a global name in esports and gaming content, has officially qualified for its third title at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 after Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram emerged victorious in the Road to EWC qualifier held at DreamHack Atlanta, becoming the first Indian player to secure qualification for the Chess main event at the prestigious tournament.

IPL 2026: CSK vs SRH could be a virtual knockout game, says Aakash Chopra

IANS | May 18, 2026 3:13 PM

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) With IPL 2026 entering its decisive phase to decide the remaining three playoffs spots, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has described the Chennai Super Kings–Sunrisers Hyderabad contest as a ‘virtual knockout game’ that could go a long way in determining playoff qualification.

Gates of Rudranath Temple open amid chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’

IANS | May 18, 2026 3:07 PM

Chamoli, May 18 (IANS) The gates of the world-renowned Rudranath Temple in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, revered as the Fourth Kedar, were opened on Monday for devotees amid elaborate Vedic rituals, chanting of mantras, and traditional religious ceremonies.

CM Satheesan unveils welfare bonanza in first cabinet meeting

IANS | May 18, 2026 3:00 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, May 18 (IANS) Delivering on election promises within hours of assuming office, the maiden cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday rolled out a series of sweeping welfare decisions, signalling the beginning of an aggressive people-centric governance model under the new Congress-led UDF government.