Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh announce second pregnancy in the cutest way, check it outDeepika Padukone confirmed her second pregnancy with husband Ranveer Singh via an Instagram post. Published on: Apr 19, 2026 10:54 AM IST By Rishabh Suri Share via Copy link Baby Dua Singh Padukone's sibling
Nudging towards the completion of your academic years, you wish time would slow down indefinitely. The looming uncertainty is overwhelming, and you feel unprepared. Seniors and guardians around you are uncertain, even cagey, as you look to them for guidance through this unfamiliar cycle
Olympic heptathlon champion Anna Hall marries NFL star Darius Slayton in fairytale wedding at historic Oheka CastleOlympian Anna Hall marries NFL star Darius Slayton at Oheka Castle in New York, marking a new chapter in their love story. Published on: Apr 19
Javed Sheikh, Pakistani actor known to Indian audiences for playing Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Om Shanti Om, is now facing backlash after clips from his latest show went viral. The actor, who played Om Kapoor’s father in the second half of the film and many other Bollywood movies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned an official address to the nation into a political speech “full of mudslinging and outright lies”, the Opposition said on Saturday. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that Modi must “stop lying to the nation” that the draft legislation defeated by the
Global Chess League Championship Trophy unveiled in Mumbai as season 3 kicks off
GCL Season 3 will begin on Sunday with a blockbuster opening tie between Triveni Continental Kings and Alpine SG Pipers
The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and International Chess Federation (FIDE), set the stage for season three with a spectacular opening ceremony on Saturday in Mumbai, unveiling this year's championship trophy and officially marking the start of a blockbuster chess celebration at Mumbai's Royal Opera House.
Adding to the evening's highlights was the official unveiling of the GCL Season 3 Trophy, the grand prize for which the world's best will battle over the next ten action-packed days. The ceremony was graced by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group, whose presence underlined the league's ambition and growing global stature.
He was joined by chess legends Viswanathan Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Harika Dronavalli, Volodar Murzin, and Alireza Firouzja, as per a press release from GCL.
Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said, "The Global Chess League was conceived to reimagine the sport for a new generation, and Season 3 reflects the significant progress made toward that ambition. With a world-class roster, stronger fan engagement, and groundbreaking innovations, GCL is set for its most compelling edition yet. We are proud to bring this experience to Mumbai and to audiences worldwide."Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, added, "As we open season three in Mumbai, the Global Chess League continues to raise the bar for what a modern, global sports league can be. Our vision has always been to create a stage where the world's best compete alongside the game's brightest young talents, and this season delivers exactly that. We look forward to ten days of exceptional chess."
Arkady Dvorkovich, President, FIDE, said, "The Global Chess League has firmly established itself as one of the premier destinations for chess, bringing elite competition to a global audience in a fresh, modern, and exciting format. The GCL has an important role in FIDE's strategic effort to popularise the sport and make it more attractive to the broader audience. I am certain that Season 3 will continue this evolution, showcasing the world's best players and reinforcing FIDE's commitment to making top-level chess more engaging, inclusive, and globally accessible."
Reigning two-time champions Triveni Continental Kings, led by Alireza Firouzja, Vidit Gujrathi, and Zhu Jiner, return with their sights set on an unprecedented hat-trick. Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Firouzja, said, "India is the biggest country in chess right now. Playing here is very exciting, and I am looking forward to it."
Season 3 will continue to feature six teams and bring the world's elite onto a single stage. Among the marquee names headlining the season are Alireza Firouzja, Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Hou Yifan, Zhu Jiner, Bibisara Assaubayeva, and Alexandra Kosteniuk, alongside India's finest, headlined by the legendary Vishwanathan Anand.
This season will feature a two-second increment after the 40th move, to which Ganges Grandmasters' spearhead Anand noted, "I love having two seconds, even if it is after move forty. I grew up without increments, but it's nice to have them anyway. Last year, I played without increments and lost out on time!"
Reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin, donning the Fyers American Gambits this season, added, "Increments are good because they add more good qualities to the game."
India's rise as a global chess powerhouse forms a compelling backdrop to GCL's arrival in Mumbai. World Champion Gukesh D, alongside fellow standard-bearers Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi, headline a generation that has transformed the country into one of the sport's most dynamic forces.
Addressing the "home" setting, Erigaisi, who will partner up with Gukesh this season for PBG Alaskan Knights, said, "I am happy that the Global Chess League is happening in India. It is a great opportunity for all the Indian chess fans to come and watch the top players in the world. I am quite excited, looking forward to it."
This season, spectators inside the venue will once again benefit from GCL's signature in-arena enhancements, including real-time commentary delivered through personal headphones, AI-powered evaluation bars on large screens, and dynamic visual breakdowns, designed to create the world's most immersive live chess environment.
Coming into GCL Season 3 on the back of a standout year, with the league's rapid format providing timely preparation ahead of major global events, Alpine SG Pipers' Praggnanandhaa said, "World Rapid and Blitz (Championships) are for everyone. It's a difficult year in GCL with many big games. We have the champion of the Grand Swiss, the World Cup. Having a shorter-format event before the championship is definitely good for our preparations."
Played across 10 high-intensity days, GCL Season 3 follows a double round-robin format, with each team playing 10 group-stage matches before the Third-Place Playoff and the Grand Finale on December 23. Every match will be contested on six boards, featuring men, women, and prodigies competing together in GCL's celebrated inclusive format.
Speaking on the occasion, upGrad Mumba Masters' Dronavalli said, _"Very excited to be here and to play in Mumbai. It is a great feeling to see the league come to this city, and I hope fans come out to watch, feel the atmosphere, and experience the excitement up close." Fans in India can tune in to the JioStar network to catch every moment of the league, while spectators in Mumbai can witness the action in person, with tickets available exclusively on District. To keep up with every league update, fans can also download the official GCL app from their respective app stores.
GCL Season 3 officially begins tomorrow with a blockbuster opening tie between Triveni Continental Kings and Alpine SG Pipers, launching what promises to be a landmark edition of the world's first and only franchise-based chess league.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Top stars set to light up third edition of GCL GCL | Caruana ends Firouzja’s winning run GCL’s Aims To Marry ‘Purity Of Chess’ With ‘Entertainment And Technology’ In Homecoming Extravaganza Mercedes' George Russell Wins Season Opening Australian Grand Prix Discover Where To Dine This Winter Season In Kolkata For Season's Best Dishes Citi to tie up with Coinbase to boost digital payments for institutional clients Congress dismisses rumours of Hemant Soren-BJP likely tie-up Cricketer Smriti Mandhana To Tie Knot With Music Director Palash Muchhal India, UK quantum computing tie-up in focus ahead of UK PM's Mumbai visit Will Shraddha Kapoor Tie The Knot With Rahul Mody In An Udaipur Wedding
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with young batter Ayush Mhatre sustaining a hamstring tear during their narrow 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed the injury after the match
2 hours ago
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” - Mark Twain This is not a contrarian’s bumper sticker. It is a precise diagnostic tool from a man who spent his career watching crowds believe terrible things with complete confidence
2 hours ago
April 19 Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on April 19, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 11:00 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link The combination of the Five of Pentacles and Nine of
2 hours ago
Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League Live Streaming: When, where and how to watch MCI vs ARS live on TV and onlineMCI vs ARS Live Streaming: Here are all the telecast and streaming details for the Premier League contest between Manchester City and Arsenal. Updated on: Apr 19
2 hours ago
Global economic outlook faces uncertainty as seven weeks of Middle East conflict impact growth and inflation. Business surveys from Australia to the US will reveal the extent of deterioration, with stagflation risks looming. Policymakers grapple with responses amid persistent global uncertainty
2 hours ago
West Bengal elections 2026: Political contests in West Bengal's Junglemahal are influenced by ethnic identity struggles. The Kudmi-Mahato community seeks Scheduled Tribe status, expressing disillusionment with the TMC government. Meanwhile, the Santal community prioritizes educational development
2 hours ago
Several top BJP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Hema Malini, and Bansuri Swaraj, led a massive crowd of protesters towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s residence after the Centre failed to push a Constitutional amendment legislation on women’s quota and two other bills
2 hours ago
When workers in Noida took to the streets earlier this week, they did more than just focus attention on the unsustainably low wages that many Indian workers are paid. The spontaneous demonstrations across the Uttar Pradesh city also provided the opportunity for the country’s elite to blare out
2 hours ago
Pakistan deploys 10,000 police as US-Iran talks speculation grows; no official date yetPakistan re-launched its diplomatic efforts to facilitate another round of talks in Islamabad for a final agreement to end the war between Washington and Tehran Updated on: Apr 19
2 hours ago
Kolkata Knight Riders, struggling with one point from six matches under Ajinkya Rahane, face a strong Rajasthan Royals led by Riyan Parag. The Royals have shown consistent performances, aiming to extend their winning streak. This encounter at Eden Gardens, historically a high-scoring venue
2 hours ago
In modern times, cancer treatment is not only about sustaining life but also about ensuring its quality. Advances in medical technology have introduced less invasive methods, more precise procedures, and treatment approaches that are increasingly sensitive to patients’ comfort
2 hours ago
Kannur Dental College denies caste angle in BDS student death, cites loan app issueKannur Dental College denies caste angle in BDS student death, cites loan app issue Published on: Apr 19, 2026 11:32 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kannur , The management of Kannur Dental College
2 hours ago
A plane bound for New York was forced to divert on Saturday due to a bomb scare. According to flight radar data, the United Airlines flight UAL2092 from Chicago was diverted to Pittsburgh after it sent an alert declaring “‘possible bomb" as the reason for its diversion
2 hours ago
A gunman wielding an automatic weapon killed six people and barricaded himself inside a supermarket with hostages in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Saturday (April 18, 2026), before he was shot and killed by police, authorities said. At least 14 people were wounded and taken to hospital
2 hours ago
In a letter to Malka Jan in 1886, the poet Dagh Dehlvi had many things to say about Na’ala e Malka (Malka’s Lament), her composition in the masnavi form. “The attribute of your community is ink, and your principle, freedom,” Dehlvi wrote. “You have amazing talent and your writing is as
2 hours ago
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that Ayush Mhatre has suffered a hamstring injury and added that his absence will be a huge loss for the side. Ayush Mhatre, who scored 30 runs from 13 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026
2 hours ago
From New York’s East Village to the wider world, Chef Vikas Khanna has turned Bungalow into more than a restaurant: a place that carries memory, identity, and storytelling in every plate. Fresh off being named in TIME’s 2026 TIME100 , where he appears under the Innovators category
2 hours ago
The has told it will not help with efforts to investigate tech billionaire 's social media platform X, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing a letter from the DOJ's Office of International Affairs, dated Friday.Paris prosecutors in February raided X's French offices and ordered
2 hours ago
‘It gave me freedom’: Hyderabad woman defends 9 to 5 job amid ‘quit your job’ trendA Hyderabad woman said her 9 to 5 job gave her freedom, stability and dignity. Published on: Apr 19, 2026 11:30 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A woman from Hyderabad has struck a chord
2 hours ago
Trump’s new approach to picking judges: A tighter circle and a personal touchDonald Trump prioritises loyalists and strong conservative voices in second-term picks, signalling a sharper ideological shift. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 10:57 AM IST WSJ Share via Copy link Jeffrey Kuhlman was treated
2 hours ago
Value mutual funds are equity mutual fund schemes that invest in stocks considered undervalued compared with their intrinsic worth. These funds aim to buy quality companies at reasonable prices and benefit when the market eventually recognises their true value
2 hours ago
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) participated in the 39th Convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), where he said the university, which has over 14 lakh learners, including 56% women and 58% from rural and disadvantaged communities
2 hours ago
Winning is so deeply embedded in our psyche that history is generally considered a chronicle of power; a list of who crushed whom and descriptions of rivalries amongst the strong. The destruction of Troy in 1193 BCE, Alexander’s defeat of Raja Purushothaman in 326 BCE
2 hours ago
‘I got fired from my job’: Bengaluru woman says her life revolved around stress, deadlinesA Bengaluru woman shared how losing her job exposed burnout and a life consumed entirely by work stress. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 10:41 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A Bengaluru woman
2 hours ago
The UP government has issued a public notice to shops in Greater Noida for allotting them significant platforms in the residential areas of the city. Eligible candidates may start to apply from April 20 to May 4. Following verification, spaces will be allocated to individuals through a draw of lots
2 hours ago
PM Modi in his address to the nation criticised the Opposition, particularly the Congress party, for allegedly spreading misinformation about the delimitation process and opposing women’s reservation in Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on Saturday
2 hours ago
Category-Wise Expected Cut-Off For JEE Mains 2026: To estimate this year’s expected cut-off marks, candidates can refer to the category-wise cut-off marks of 2025 and 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Paper 1 (BE/BTech) results soon
2 hours ago
