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Why Kerala's GI Handlooms Struggle Despite Recognition

Why Kerala's GI Handlooms Struggle Despite Recognition

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

An independent study reveals that while Geographical Indication (GI) registration has boosted the identity of Kerala's traditional handloom products, it has not uniformly translated into economic benefits across weaving clusters. Challenges include an ageing artisan population, competition from powerloom products, rising raw material costs, and inadequate marketing.

Rahul Dravid insists on balance in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development

Rahul Dravid insists on balance in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

According to former India coach Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development must balance white-ball success with sustained red-ball exposure, giving the teenager time, patience and experience to eventually become a Test cricketer.

Top International Archers To Compete In APL Season 2 In Hyderabad

Top International Archers To Compete In APL Season 2 In Hyderabad

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) will commence in Hyderabad on October 8, featuring 12 international archers, including Olympic bronze medallist Casey Kaufhold and other Olympic medallists like Mete Gazoz and Alejandra Valencia. The 11-day tournament aims to establish India as a key destination on the global archery calendar.

India scraps physical boarding passes for international flyers

India scraps physical boarding passes for international flyers

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Indian immigration authorities are eliminating the mandatory physical stamping of boarding passes for international travellers from September 1, allowing e-boarding passes on smartphones for clearance. This move by the Bureau of Immigration aims to reduce passenger inconvenience and errors, with physical passes still accepted but not stamped. A pilot project for digital immigration entry/exit for Indian passport holders is also underway.

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

India's route to the semi-finals is straightforward: if the Netherlands beats China, a win over Australia would take the ninth-ranked Indian team through.

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Gambhir strongly advocates three-Test series, arguing they give teams that lose the opening match a genuine opportunity to recover, compete harder and still win the series.

My Job Is To Win Trophies, I Don't Care About Likes: Gambhir

My Job Is To Win Trophies, I Don't Care About Likes: Gambhir

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, dismisses criticism over recent poor results, stating his sole focus is on winning trophies for the country.

Once afraid to leave home alone, Savita Punia now guides India's young hockey players

Once afraid to leave home alone, Savita Punia now guides India's young hockey players

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Savita Punia's journey from a shy youngster dependent on her mother to a confident veteran goalkeeper and mentor reflects hockey's profound impact on her life.

Chinese Robot Lightning Beats Usain Bolt's 100m World Record

Chinese Robot Lightning Beats Usain Bolt's 100m World Record

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

A humanoid robot named Lightning, developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, has reportedly run 100 meters in 9.32 seconds, surpassing Usain Bolt's human world record.

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao underscores the critical importance of heeding local warnings regarding alleged Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control, amidst ongoing border tensions and official denials.

South Africa's former World boxing champion Tete shot dead outside his home

South Africa's former World boxing champion Tete shot dead outside his home

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Former world boxing champion Zolani "Last Born" Tete was tragically shot dead outside his home in South Africa's Eastern Cape province.

Mumbai Indians Appoint Zubin Bharucha As Director of Performance

Mumbai Indians Appoint Zubin Bharucha As Director of Performance

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Mumbai Indians have appointed Zubin Bharucha, a former first-class cricketer and ex-Rajasthan Royals official, as their Director of Performance.

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth approximately 4,896 crore across 29 projects since May, following the government's relaxation of norms under Press Note 2 of 2026. The revised rules permit investment without government approval from entities with up to 10 per cent non-controlling ownership by land-bordering countries.

India's Women Wrestlers Secure Three Medals At U-20 World Championship

India's Women Wrestlers Secure Three Medals At U-20 World Championship

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

The Indian women's wrestling contingent achieved significant success at the U-20 World Wrestling Championship in Bratislava, securing three medals. Mansi Lather earned a silver medal in the 68kg category, while Tanvi Magdum (57kg) and Komal (59kg) each contributed with bronze medals, showcasing India's growing prowess in junior wrestling.

Carmakers ramp up production for festive season, but high base and inventory risks loom

Carmakers ramp up production for festive season, but high base and inventory risks loom

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Indian passenger vehicle manufacturers are significantly increasing production and stocking dealerships in anticipation of strong festival season demand, with new launches planned and supply bottlenecks being addressed. However, the industry faces potential moderation in growth during the second half of FY27 due to a high base from last year's post-GST surge, commodity inflation, and elevated inventory levels.

Arjun Tendulkar Commits To Goa; Ends Exit Rumours

Arjun Tendulkar Commits To Goa; Ends Exit Rumours

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has confirmed he will continue playing for the Goa cricket team, dispelling recent rumours of his departure after missing a tour to Oman.

Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Big Chance To Prove Red Ball Credentials

Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Big Chance To Prove Red Ball Credentials

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get a golden chance to improve upon his none too impressive first class numbers when East Zone take on the severely inexperienced North East Zone in the quarter-final of the Duleep Trophy.

2nd Test: Shoriful Islam leads Bangladesh's stunning fightback after Starc masterclass

2nd Test: Shoriful Islam leads Bangladesh's stunning fightback after Starc masterclass

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

Left-arm pacemen Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam starred with six-wicket hauls as Bangladesh rallied from a dreadful start to pin back Australia on a roller-coaster opening day of the second Test on Saturday.

India launches Rs 62,500 crore mobile production scheme to boost local brands

India launches Rs 62,500 crore mobile production scheme to boost local brands

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

India has launched the ~62,500 crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) to incentivise domestic production and strengthen Indian mobile phone brands, offering production-linked incentives and additional benefits for local component sourcing.

15-year-old dies after rape, abortion bid in J-K; teacher arrested

15-year-old dies after rape, abortion bid in J-K; teacher arrested

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2026

A 15-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district allegedly died following an abortion attempt after being repeatedly raped by a school teacher, leading to the arrest of the teacher and his brother.