News for '-india-first'

Trump hails Modi on becoming 'India's longest-serving PM'

Trump hails Modi on becoming 'India's longest-serving PM'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister, praising his leadership and predicting continued success. Modi achieved this milestone with an unbroken tenure of 4,399 days, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record.

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Oil-marketing companies (OMCs) are set to significantly expand the sale of flex fuel (E85) across India, with plans to reach 5,000 outlets in major cities by the end of next year, according to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This move aims to boost ethanol demand, reduce crude oil imports, and cut carbon emissions, coinciding with the launch of India's first flex-fuel vehicles by Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

After living in India's most palatial residence for 12 years, India's first President Dr Rajendra Prasad returned to his simple hut on the banks of the Ganga. He never owned a house of his lifetime.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Gill's India Begin Afghanistan Test Preparations, Bahutule Joins Coaching Staff

Gill's India Begin Afghanistan Test Preparations, Bahutule Joins Coaching Staff

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Team India began preparations for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, with Shubman Gill leading the side and new spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule joining the support staff.

P V Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag to headline India's Asian Games squad

P V Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag to headline India's Asian Games squad

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and reigning men's doubles champion Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will headline the Indian badminton squad at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Union Cabinet applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India's longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Modi first took office in 2014, was re-elected in 2019, and began his third consecutive term in June 2024.

Aamir Khan Reunites With Ashutosh Gowariker For Next Film

Aamir Khan Reunites With Ashutosh Gowariker For Next Film

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Aamir Khan is set to bring the life of cricketing legend Lala Amarnath to the big screen in a biopic directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

New Army Chief Set To Accelerate Modernisation

New Army Chief Set To Accelerate Modernisation

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Lieutenant General Seth's involvement in the army's capability development and modernisation efforts is evident from the key appointments he has held in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development Directorates, including Colonel Capability Development for Mechanised Forces, Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition, and Additional Director General Capability Development.

India Reclaim SAFF Women's Championship After Seven Years

India Reclaim SAFF Women's Championship After Seven Years

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

India defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the final to win the SAFF Women's Championships football title for the sixth time, marking their first victory in seven years. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, scoring 18 goals and conceding only one.

India eye KL Rahul at No. 3 vs Afghanistan after Ishan Kishan's ODI recall

India eye KL Rahul at No. 3 vs Afghanistan after Ishan Kishan's ODI recall

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ishan Kishan's wicket-keeping drills ahead of the series opener suggested India could be considering a revised role for KL Rahul in the ODI setup.

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's experience as a businessperson and his fluency in Bengali are expected to be crucial in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in attracting Indian investments to Dhaka.

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thousands and thousands and thousands of adults owe their lives to the commitment and medical fervour of Dr Armida Fernandez, who a grateful nation honoured with the Padma Shri this year.

RIL to build Meta's first AI data centre in India

RIL to build Meta's first AI data centre in India

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Meta has partnered with Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) to construct its first AI-powered data centre in India, a 168-megawatt facility located in Jamnagar, marking a significant milestone in Meta's global infrastructure expansion and deepening its strategic partnership with Reliance.

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru's record to become India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, NDA chief ministers, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for their wishes, attributing his achievements to the collective efforts and aspirations of 140 crore Indians and reaffirming his commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'.

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Imtiaz Ali's new film Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to delve into the enduring trauma of the 1947 Partition, continuing Bollywood's complex cinematic journey of depicting one of history's most violent and impactful events.

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'millstone' around India's neck and accusing him of presiding over the 'murder of democracy', even as he achieved the milestone of becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

Tanker With Iranian Oil Heads To India, First Since 2019

Tanker With Iranian Oil Heads To India, First Since 2019

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil is heading to India, marking the resumption of oil imports from Iran after seven years.

Amount of skills Manav has got, he is a treat to watch: Washington Sundar

Amount of skills Manav has got, he is a treat to watch: Washington Sundar

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar is blessed with amazing skills-sets and will be a treat to watch in the coming days, reckoned all-rounder Washington Sundar.

I learnt that consistency is everything in Test cricket: Manav Suthar

I learnt that consistency is everything in Test cricket: Manav Suthar

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar said that his maiden Test appearance taught him that consistency and patience are the biggest virtues in the longest format.

'Doyen of Indian PMs': US, Russia hail Modi on tenure milestone

'Doyen of Indian PMs': US, Russia hail Modi on tenure milestone

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a Great One', while Russia hailed him as the 'doyen of all Indian prime ministers' as world leaders congratulated him on becoming India's longest continuously serving elected representative at the top post.

India U18 Women's Hockey Team Knocked Out Of Gold Medal Race

India U18 Women's Hockey Team Knocked Out Of Gold Medal Race

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Indian Under-18 women's hockey team was defeated by China in a penalty shootout during the semi-finals of the Under-18 Asian Championships, ending their bid for a gold medal. After a 2-2 draw in regulation time, India lost 1-3 in the shootout and will now compete for the bronze medal.

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.

Harish Rana, India's First Passive Euthanasia Recipient, Passes Away

Harish Rana, India's First Passive Euthanasia Recipient, Passes Away

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted passive euthanasia, has died at AIIMS-Delhi after being in a coma for over 13 years. His case led to a landmark Supreme Court judgment allowing passive euthanasia and sparked discussions about the right to die with dignity in India.

End Of An Era: Randhir Singh, Sports Icon, Dies At 79

End Of An Era: Randhir Singh, Sports Icon, Dies At 79

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, died on Wednesday after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.

Mizoram Inaugurates Northeast's First New Age Tech Skills Centre

Mizoram Inaugurates Northeast's First New Age Tech Skills Centre

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Mizoram's school education minister inaugurated the northeast region's first 'New Age Tech Skills Centre' at the Government Comprehensive Model School in Aizawl. The centre, established under Bharat Forge Limited's CSR initiative, will offer training in AI, robotics, IoT, 3D printing, CAD, CNC simulation, and drone technology.

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India Men Rout Chinese Taipei 13-1

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India Men Rout Chinese Taipei 13-1

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Indian men's U-18 hockey team secured a dominant 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match, earning a spot in the semifinals of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick, leading a strong offensive performance.

Shooting Legend Randhir Singh Passes Into The Ages

Shooting Legend Randhir Singh Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, died after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.

India vs Afghanistan Test, Day 2: Suthar stars on debut after India pile 564/8

India vs Afghanistan Test, Day 2: Suthar stars on debut after India pile 564/8

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India reduced Afghanistan to 113 for five at stumps after declaring their first innings on 564 for 8 on Day 2 of the one-off Test at Mullanpur on Sunday.

Sairaj Bahutule returns to India team in coaching role

Sairaj Bahutule returns to India team in coaching role

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule has been appointed as the spin-bowling coach for the men's national team, commencing with the Test against Afghanistan. He brings extensive coaching experience from domestic cricket and the IPL.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, has died at the age of 79. Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences.

Decentro Secures Key Licence For Global Payment Services

Decentro Secures Key Licence For Global Payment Services

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Fintech platform Decentro has received final approval for a Payment Service Provider (PSP) licence from the IFSCA at GIFT City, enhancing its cross-border payment capabilities.

End Of An Era: Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Dies

End Of An Era: Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Dies

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, died on Wednesday after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.

Hero to roll out flex-fuel versions of motorcycles, but concerns remain

Hero to roll out flex-fuel versions of motorcycles, but concerns remain

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Flex fuel motorcycles can deliver "3 per cent higher torque and 7 per cent higher peak power".

Century of sporting ties: India to play biggest-ever bilateral series in New Zealand

Century of sporting ties: India to play biggest-ever bilateral series in New Zealand

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

India will tour New Zealand for a record 12-match series in late 2026, featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, with NZC expecting packed stadiums throughout the marquee contest.

End Of An Era: Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Dies

End Of An Era: Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Dies

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, died on Wednesday after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

There has never been a woman Chief Justice of India, although Justice B V Nagarathna is expected to become the first -- in 2027 if the convention of seniority is followed.

Esha Singh secures gold, sets world record at ISSF World Cup

Esha Singh secures gold, sets world record at ISSF World Cup

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Esha Singh won gold in the women's 25m pistol final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, setting a new world record score of 43. This is India's first medal at the Munich World Cup.

Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Cremated In Haridwar

Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Cremated In Haridwar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first Asian Games shooting gold medallist Randhir Singh was cremated in Haridwar. Singh died at his New Delhi residence after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.