India’s wrestling contingent put on a spectacular performance at the 2025 World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia, securing an unprecedented 5 gold medals, 3 silver, and 2 bronze, marking the best-ever medal haul for the country at the event. The team’s dominance reaffirmed India’s status as a global wrestling powerhouse and sparked celebrations nationwide.

The Indian wrestlers showcased strength, technique, and resilience across all three wrestling styles: freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s wrestling. The star of the championships was Bajrang Punia, who retained his title in the men’s 65kg freestyle category, and newcomer Antim Panghal, who won gold in the women’s 57kg category with breathtaking performances.

Highlights from the Championships

Bajrang Punia’s final bout was a masterclass, as he outmaneuvered his opponent from the USA 10-2 with aggressive takedowns and flawless defense. The veteran wrestler expressed gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing his goal to prepare for the 2028 Olympics.

In women’s wrestling, Antim Panghal, the youngest Indian gold medalist at this championship, stunned the crowd with her speed and technique, defeating Japan’s reigning champion Risako Kawai in a thrilling 4-3 match. Her victory signals the emergence of a new generation of Indian female wrestlers.

Other gold medalists included Deepak Punia (Greco-Roman 77kg), Vinesh Phogat (women’s 53kg), and Sandeep Tomar (freestyle 61kg), who all demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination.

Team India’s Strategy and Preparation

Head coach Ravinder Singh credited the success to rigorous training regimens at the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi and strategic international exposure tours. The team focused on improving stamina, agility, and tactical versatility to compete against elite wrestlers worldwide.

The support staff emphasized the importance of mental conditioning and nutrition, ensuring athletes were at their peak during the event.

National Recognition and Future Prospects

The Indian government announced cash rewards totaling ₹15 crore for the medalists and promised enhanced support for wrestling academies and training facilities nationwide. The Wrestling Federation of India is planning to launch a “NextGen Wrestling Program” aimed at scouting and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

Wrestling legends like Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt congratulated the team and encouraged continued excellence on the world stage.

Impact on Indian Wrestling

India’s historic medal haul at the 2025 World Championships is expected to inspire young wrestlers across the country, increasing participation and interest in both men’s and women’s wrestling.

With the Paris 2028 Olympics in sight, the team is focused on maintaining momentum and expanding its medal tally, aiming to make India a dominant force in international wrestling.

Conclusion

India’s 2025 World Wrestling Championships campaign was a spectacular showcase of talent, dedication, and national pride. The five gold medals signify not only individual brilliance but also the collective strength of Indian wrestling’s future.

JAIPUR: On a race track, the shortest way is the fastest. The fastest rider on a flat track, on the other hand, is often the one who has the most traction, former British National Champion Gary Birtwistle explains the nuances of riding on the dirt to the top 12 riders at the first-ever finals of Royal Enfield Slide School Cup in India.

Flat Track Racing, which dates back to the early 1900s, is a popular sport in the west, especially the US. Royal Enfield initiated its the Slide School Cup in Europe in 2024 and subsequently brought to India. Flat tracking, as easy as it may look from the outside, is a technical game which requires a high level of focus and practice alongside guidance and the right tool.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur, Royal Enfield’s facility on the old Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, which was operational until the mid-2010s, is now the home to adventure activities. Maintained and curated by Vow Motorsport, the 25-odd-acre facility has a flat track, adventure riding course, technical zone and a recreational zone where dozens of custom built-motorcycles are parked.

Royal Enfield’s facility on the old Delhi-Jaipur Expressway is now the home to adventure activities

Royal Enfield has two flat track machines, raised from their existing models. The FT411 and FT450, based on the Himalayan 411 and Scram 450 correspondingly, are stripped down, come with different sets of wheels, tyres, seat and exhaust. Extremely light and nimble, the bikes are modified to go sideways on dirt at ease.

The Slide School Cup unfolded over a course of three months with zonal rounds in Goa (Motoverse), Bengaluru, Pune and Jaipur. The podium-finish riders from regional rounds were inhibited to showcase their skills and battle it out on the track at the Royal Enfield SSC Finals, held on February 7-8. Day 1 was all about practice, getting accustomed to the motorcycle and the track. The masterclass gave riders an opportunity to learn, develop and practice the tips and tricks shared by Gary Birtwistle before the final showdown.

Day 2 was action-packed as the riders were slotted in groups of three. Multiple rounds and eliminations meant only four were left for the final race. It was nail-biting finish as the finale race concluded with a tie between Anish Shetty and Sathya Raj Arumugam with 39 points each. However, Anish Shetty was announced the champion as he won the third race of the final round. Sathya Raj Arumugam was therefore adjudged as the first runner-up followed by Karan Drishya who was the second runner-up with 29 points.

Multiple rounds and eliminations on Day-2 meant only four were left for the final race

The first-ever Slide School Cup saw participation of over 100 riders across cities and officials believe the flat track racing culture will only grow with time in India. Praveen P Sathaye, team manager, Global Brand, Royal Enfield, who is in-charge of the facility, said, “We have a highly technical off-road course and longest flat track in the country where interested riders can practice. We have expert trainers who teach and provide sessions to the interested riders.”

Music has a way of capturing the soul of a place, telling stories that words often fail to express. And in Rajasthan, music is woven into the very fabric of life. From the grand palaces of Jaipur to the narrow alleys of Jaisalmer, melodies of the sitar, veena, and sarangi float through the air. But beyond these well-known sounds, Rajasthan hides instruments that are raw, earthy, and deeply rooted in its folklore. With the Hyundai Great India Drive, we set out on a journey to uncover the secrets of two such instruments – Morchang and Ravanhattha, and to witness the craftsmanship that keeps them alive.

Tales and tunes of Morchang, Ravanhatta – Hyundai Great India Drive

The Quest Initiates: From Rann To Rajasthan

Our quest began in the vast expanse of the Rann of Kutch, where Hyundai flagged off the 8th edition of the Great India Drive – an initiative dedicated to uncovering India’s hidden stories. From Gujarat’s salt desert, we made our way towards Jaisalmer, Rajasthan’s golden city, a place where history, culture, and music intertwine seamlessly.

Jaisalmer, with its massive sandstone fort towering over the old city, is known for its grandeur. But beyond its tourist-filled streets, deep within its fort and sand dunes, lie hidden pockets of musical geniuses. Here, melodies are not just played but lived, passed down through generations, perfected in quiet corners where artisans work tirelessly to preserve their craft. It was here that we began our search for the Morchang, an instrument that holds the heartbeat of Rajasthan in its metallic twang.

Making Of Morchang: A Sound Forged In Fire

Our journey led us to a small blacksmith colony on the outskirts of the city. The scent of molten metal filled the air as hammers clanged against iron, shaping tools, utensils, and, in one particular home, the Morchang.

This deceptively simple-looking mouth harp is a testament to precision and craftsmanship. The Morchang maker, an elderly artisan, welcomed us into his modest workshop, where generations of his family had perfected the art of forging this instrument. As we watched him heat, bend, and file the metal, he spoke about how the tuning of the Morchang is as crucial as its shape. Each one must be crafted to produce the perfect resonance, ensuring it blends seamlessly with Rajasthan’s folk rhythms.

As we left his home, carrying a freshly made Morchang, we knew our journey was only half complete. Another legendary instrument awaited. The one with a history as fascinating as the land itself.

Ravanhattha: The Stringed Legacy Of Rajasthan

Navigating through Jaisalmer’s winding lanes, we arrived at an artist’s house perched on the outskirts of the Jaisalmer Fort, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Sonar Kella. Here, we found the Ravanhattha, one of India’s oldest string instruments, believed to have originated in Sri Lanka before making its way to Rajasthan.

As the story goes, Ravana, the king of Lanka, played the Ravanhattha to impress Lord Shiva. Later, Lord Hanuman is said to have brought the instrument to India, where it laid the foundation for many string-based instruments, including the violin and sarangi. Even today, Rajasthani folk musicians use its raw, melancholic sound to echo through the desert winds.

While its melody left us awestruck, we were amazed by the process of its making, as we watched the artisan skillfully assemble the Ravanhattha, stretching strings over a resonating chamber made of coconut shell and wood.

Hyundai Creta N-Line: Streamlining The Odds

Through the narrow streets of Jaisalmer and the rugged outskirts of the city, our Hyundai Creta N-Line proved to be the perfect travel companion. Whether navigating through crowded marketplaces or cruising on open highways, its stability and ride comfort were unmatched. The impeccable climate control kept the harsh desert heat at bay, while the Bose sound system filled the cabin with folk tunes, blending perfectly with the journey’s theme.

While the festival of Holi is known for its vibrant splash of colors that paints the streets with vibrancy. The whole act is joyous but comes with its own challenges. With the streets transformed into a lively canvas, vehicles on the street are at the potential risk of getting stained or damaged during the play. To ensure that your car stays unharmed while you enjoy the festival of color, consider implementing the following measures.

Fortify with Protective Barriers

Before the start of the celebration, treat your car with wax or Teflon coating. This protective guard minimizes the binding of colors, making post-Holi cleaning simpler.

Park Smart

When parking your car, choose a covered space, such as a garage or an awning, to reduce exposure to water balloons and paint. If indoor parking isn’t an option, consider purchasing a high-quality waterproof car cover to protect against stains and moisture.

Seal All Entrances

Ensure all windows, sunroofs, doors, and the boot are closed during the celebration. This will prevent colored powders and liquids from entering the car’s interior, which can damage upholstery and electronics.

Interior Defense: Shield the Cabin

Protect the cabin seats, steering wheel, and other surfaces by using plastic covers, cling wraps or old sheets. This will help avoid accidental contact with colored powders or liquids, preventing marks on your car’s interior.

Alternative Transportation: Opt for Cabs

To entirely avoid the risk of staining and damage during Holi, consider using cab services during the peak hours of the festival. This will help keep your car safe from stains and potential harm. Although this option may involve extra costs, it is a beneficial choice as it preserves your vehicle’s condition and saves you from potential cleaning or repair expenses.

By taking these proactive measures, you not only keep your car clean but also ensure that the vibrant festival of color remains a source of happiness and joy, rather than a cause for concern. Enjoy Holi with confidence, knowing that your beloved car is well protected from the colorful chaos.

A new study by researchers from Flinders University and Monash University in Australia suggests that casino lighting may play a surprising role in encouraging risky gambling behaviour. The research found that blue-enriched lighting, commonly used in casino decor and LED screens, may influence brain responses, making individuals less sensitive to financial losses.

The study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports journal examined participants’ economic decisions using a series of casino scenarios under blue-enriched and blue-depleted light to assess the impact of light wavelengths on risk preferences.

“We found that light with more blue wavelengths in it, which is frequently emitted by LED screens and casino lighting, could subtly influence how people perceive losses and gains,” says lead author, Dr Alicia Lander from FHMRI Sleep Health.

“This raises questions about the role of lighting in environments like casinos or online gambling platforms.”

According to the news release by Flinders University, the study investigated whether circadian photoreception affects risk-taking behaviour during gambling by manipulating the ‘melanopic’ brightness of light, which targets the body’s internal clock, while keeping visual brightness constant.

The results showed that participants exposed to blue-enriched light became less sensitive to losses, making them more likely to choose risky financial options over safer alternatives.

“Typically, people have a strong tendency to avoid losses, often outweighing potential gains in their decision-making,” says Dr Lander.

“However, under blue-enriched light, which stimulates non-visual circadian photoreceptors, they demonstrated a reduced sensitivity to financial losses that may influence gambling tendencies, potentially encouraging riskier behaviours.

“Under conditions where the lighting emitted less blue, people tended to feel a $100 loss much more strongly than a $100 gain – the loss just feels worse.

“But under bright, blue-heavy light such as that seen in casino machines, the $100 loss didn’t appear to feel as bad, so people were more willing to take the risk.”

The study suggests that blue light alters neural processing in brain regions tied to reward and decision-making, such as the amygdala and habenula, possibly dampening negative emotions associated with losses.

“Interestingly, we found that women displayed greater loss aversion than men, showing more reluctance to take risks under both light conditions,” says Dr Lander.

“This aligns with previous research indicating that women often experience stronger emotional responses to financial uncertainty, while men may have a greater tolerance for risk.”

The Hero Xtreme 250R is the latest addition to the 250 cc naked-sport motorcycle segment. The prices of the motorcycle were announced at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo along with few other two-wheelers. Now, the Xtreme 250R takes on established rivals like the KTM 250 Duke, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250. Hero also claims that this is the quickest motorcycle in the segment. While we did ride the Hero Xtreme 250R recently, we are yet to test it against its rivals. Until then, here’s a quick specifications comparison on how the Xtreme 250R stacks up against its biggest rival, the KTM 250 Duke.

Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Engine Specifications

Referring to the table above, both motorcycles have the same displacement and near identical power and torque outputs. What is also interesting is that the peak power and torque come in at the same RPMs. Both motorcycles also get a 249 cc single-cylinder engine that is liquid-cooled too. Where the KTM has an edge over the Hero is the fact that it has a quick-shifter as standard while the Hero gets a slip and assist clutch.

Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Dimensions

The KTM 250 Duke has a longer wheelbase, better ground clearance and is lighter too by 5 kg. The Duke also has a slight advantage in the fact that it gets a bigger fuel tank over the Hero. Which means better range too.

Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Cycle Parts

The Xtreme 250R gets 43 mm USD fork with a travel of 120 mm. At the rear is a gas-charged monoshock. On the other hand, the KTM gets 43 mm WP Apex USD fork and a WP Apex monoshock at the rear. The KTM makes use of split-trellis frame while the Xtreme 250R is underpinned by a steel trellis frame. In terms of braking, the 250 Duke gets a 320 mm disc up front with radial calliper and a 240 mm disc at the rear with a floating calliper. The Hero Xtreme 250R gets a 320 mm petal disc up front with a smaller, 230 mm disc at the rear.

Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Features

Both motorcycles get a decent set of features. Full LED lighting, tubeless tyres, USB charging port are a few common features to both, along with dual-channel ABS. The Hero gets two modes for ABS – road and track, while the KTM 250 Duke gets a supermoto mode, wherein the ABS can be disconnected on the rear wheel. And of course, the KTM gets a ride-by-wire throttle too.

Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Prices

The Hero Xtreme 250R has a clear advantage in terms of pricing. It is priced at Rs. 1.80 lakh while the KTM 250 Duke is priced at Rs. 2.27 lakh, making it almost Rs. 47,000 more expensive than the Hero Xtreme 250R.

The Hyundai Creta Electric and the BYD Atto 3 are two of the most notable electric SUVs in India, each with its own distinct feature set. The Hyundai Creta Electric is priced at Rs 17.99-24.37 lakh (ex-showroom), while the BYD Atto 3 is available from a starting price of Rs 24.99 lakh-33.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Although both EV models address the increasing demand for eco-friendly mobility, the Hyundai Creta Electric has many standout features over its Chinese rival.

Bigger Digital Driver’s Display

The bigger digital driver’s display of the Hyundai Creta Electric has several benefits including-

• Improved Readability: The wide 10.25-inch display of the Creta Electric supports bigger fonts and sharper graphics, minimizing driver fatigue and improving overall user experience.
• Concise Information: With additional screen space, the Creta Electric is able to show a number of data points at one time, like navigation directions with speed and battery levels, reducing the necessity to switch screens.

Blind-Spot View Monitor

The Creta Electric and BYD Atto 3 both come equipped with a 360-degree camera, but when it comes to advanced features the Creta Electric comes equipped with a Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) while the BYD Atto 3 comes with a Blind-Spot Detection (BSD).

Both BVM and BSD features are designed to reduce blind spot risks, but Hyundai Creta Electric offers a better feature as the Creta Electric’s BVM provides real-time blind spot video images on the instrument cluster, giving the driver an unobstructed view of the nearby lane. On the other hand, the Atto 3’s BSD uses sensor-based warnings without visual feedback.

With better driver engagement, BVM’s real-time feed enables drivers to visually verify the presence of other cars or objects in blind spots, enabling them to make decisions accordingly, while the BSD feature of the Atto 3  forces drivers to read warning signals and check blind spots manually.

Memory Function For Front Powered Seats

Both electric SUVs also feature electrically adjustable front-row seats. The top-end model of Creta Electric offers an 8-way adjustment for both the driver and front passenger, while Atto 3 has a 6-way adjustment for the driver and a 4-way adjustment for the front passenger. The Creta Electric’s powered driver seat also has a memory function that remembers adjustments and brings them back with a press of a button.

Electric Boss Mode

The addition of the Powered Passenger Seat Walk-in feature in the Hyundai Creta Electric provides a number of benefits over the BYD Atto 3 –

• Improved Rear Passenger Comfort: Rear-seat passengers in the Creta Electric can electronically adjust the front passenger seat, providing a more comfortable and personalized seating position.
• Luxury Experience: The “electric Boss mode” is generally found in premium luxury cars. Its inclusion in the Creta Electric gives the car a prestige feel, with premium features at an affordable price.
• Convenience:  The rear passengers’ capability to adjust the front seat position independently without human intervention provides an added convenience, especially in situations where the front seat is vacant or when fitting different passenger requirements.

Rear Window Sunshade

The availability of integrated rear window sunshades in the Hyundai Creta Electric offers a number of benefits –

• Convenience: Factory-fitted sunshades are easily available and can be extended or folded back with ease, improving the user experience.
• Improved Comfort: Effective sun shading lowers cabin temperature and glare, which leads to a more comfortable ride for passengers in the back.

A recent study led by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), suggests that young adults need to step up their exercise routines to reduce their risk of developing high blood pressure or hypertension in midlife. According to the research, boosting moderate-intensity exercise to at least 5 hours a week can significantly lower the likelihood of developing hypertension.

The study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, which followed approximately 5,000 adults for 30 years, found that participants who exercised for at least 5 hours a week had an 18% lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those who exercised less. The researchers also noted that maintaining physical activity levels over time was crucial, with those who sustained their exercise habits until age 60 experiencing even greater benefits.

The findings suggest that current exercise guidelines, which recommend a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week, may not be enough to protect against hypertension. The study’s authors are calling for increased emphasis on physical activity, particularly in young adulthood, to help prevent hypertension and its associated health risks, including heart attack, stroke, and dementia.

The research also highlighted significant racial and gender disparities in exercise habits and hypertension rates. Black women, in particular, had the lowest levels of physical activity and the highest rates of hypertension, with approximately 90% developing the condition by age 60.

The study’s authors are urging healthcare providers to prioritise physical activity in the same way they do other health metrics, such as blood pressure and glucose levels. By promoting regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and reduce their risk of developing hypertension.

Rolls-Royce Spectre is the first EV by the company and was launched in 2022, but came to India in 2024. A few months after the launch, the Spectre became a part of the garage for several famous actors and business tycoons. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is the world’s first ultra-electric luxury super coupe.

Famous Rolls-Royce Spectre EV Owners

Rolls-Royce Spectre EV came to India in 2024 and has since gained popularity among celebrities and businessmen. Here are the 3 famous Rolls-Royce Spectre owners.

1. Mukesh Ambani

Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, has added the Spectre to his garage. It is the first EV in the Ambani family’s garage. The Spectre, owned by Mukesh Ambani, is English White. Apart from the car, the other noticeable feature is the VIP number plate. Mukesh Ambani’s Spectre has a VIP number-0001.

2. Ram Charan

Telugu Superstar and member of the Chiranjeevi family has added the Spectre as the second Rolls-Royce in the family. Ram Charan owns a black colour Spectre, which he loves to drive on his own. Ram has been spotted driving his Rolls-Royce Spectre on numerous occasions in Hyderabad. Not much is known about the options Ram has chosen for the Spectre, but we know that it has a black dual-tone interior, as the pictures suggest.

3. Dhanush

Dhanush owns a Midnight Sapphire coloured Spectre, the car seems to be black but is not. Apart from the Rolls-Royce Spectre, Dhanush recently purchased a BMW 7 series car, which shows his love for cars.

Rolls-Royce Spectre: Specifications

The Rolls-Royce Spectre has a 102kWh battery which can generate a peak power and torque output of 568 HP and 900 Nm, respectively. It can accelerate from 0 kmph – 100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. The Spectre also promises a range of 530 km on a single charge. It is available in India for Rs 7.50 crore (ex-showroom).

The car is based on the same platforms as the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Cullinan. The car stands on 23-inch wheels and has introduced several new technologies and design revisions from the other Rolls-Royce cars.

SHANGHAI:

China’s BYD has unveiled a megawatt charging system that it says can charge an EV as quickly as filling up a fuel tank and said it will build a network across China, igniting a new super charging race. Here are more details about the Chinese electric vehicle giant’s new technology and why the fast-charging space is attracting interest:

Why Does Fast-Charging EV Technology Matter?

Drivers sceptical of EVs have cited worries that their batteries could go flat during long-distance drives, prompting automakers to come up with fast-charging as well as battery-swapping technology as solutions.

Chinese automakers are increasing using such technologies as key selling points to attract buyers in a hyper competitive market and such technologies have been credited for contributing to the high adoption of EVs in China. Tesla also offers ultra-fast chargers.

How Does BYD’s New System Compare To Others?

BYD said its so-called “super e-platform” will be capable of peak charging of 1,000 kilowatts (kW), enabling cars that use it to travel 400 km (249 miles) on a 5-minute charge.

To achieve such performance, BYD said it had developed a package of technologies including batteries with a 10C charging multiplier, which means they can be charged at 10 times the battery’s capacity per hour. Others include high-power motors, high-volt silicon carbide power chips and fast chargers that support 1,000 kW of power.

By comparison, Tesla mainly sticks with a 400-volt system that can charge at up to 250kW for its EVs. The exceptions for the U.S. automaker are its Cybertruck that runs on a 800-volt architecture with a maximum rate of 350kW, and Semi truck that has a 1,000-volt powertrain.

Zeekr, Geely’s premium EV brand, launched last year an 800-volt platform that can charge 80% of a 75-kwh battery in its Zeekr 007 sedan from 10% in 10.5 minutes. Li Auto and Xpeng have similar technology that can achieve more than 400 km driving range on a 10-minute charge.

Why Does BYD Now Want To Build A Charging Network?

BYD accounts for more than a third of the EV sales in China but its owners have largely relied on other automakers’ charging facilities or public charging poles run by third-party operators to date.

The company said the latest super e-platform required its own fast chargers and that it would build more than 4,000 such charging stations across China, without specifiying a time frame. Founder Wang Chuanfu, at the unveiling event on Monday,

also appealed to external investors, saying the company would welcome their help in building more.

BYD would, however, be playing catch up: Chinese automaker Nio has the most extensive charging network in China including nearly 2,700 fast charging stations.

Tesla had led with its efforts since 2014 in China and built more than 2,000 stations, or 11,500 Superchargers as of September.

Smaller players such as Li Auto, Xpeng and Zeekr have also been ramping up efforts to expand their fast-charging networks. Li Auto said last week that it had built 1,900 fast charging stations since April 2023.

Zeekr said last year that it aimed to build 100,000 ultra-fast charging poles, or 2,000 ultra-fast charging stations nationwide by 2026.

Huawei has also built liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging piles that supports a maximum charging power of 600kW and vehicles of up to 1,000-volt architecture. Its deployment of charging facilities including the ultra-fast chargers had exceeded 50,000 piles as of last year.

Are There Any Concerns?

Analysts, however, have warned that mass adoption of fast-charging technology will put extra pressure on power grid capacity, which would require additional efforts and investments to upgrade the infrastructure.

BYD said it would tackle the challenge by equipping an energy storage unit with each of its fast chargers, which analysts said would make such facilities more costly.