News for '-strengthen'

Why Ranji Trophy Final Won't Be Played At Chinnaswamy

Why Ranji Trophy Final Won't Be Played At Chinnaswamy

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The Ranji Trophy 2026 final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir will be played in Hubballi instead of Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium due to ongoing safety and infrastructure upgrades, KSCA confirmed.

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Afghans have deep self-respect and are the last people to put up with humiliation. Is it any surprise that relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have touched an all-time low and the two countries are now at war? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Siddaramaiah Calls for Ethical AI Use, Protecting Artists in AVGC-XR

Siddaramaiah Calls for Ethical AI Use, Protecting Artists in AVGC-XR

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of ethical AI usage, intellectual property protection, and fair compensation in the AVGC-XR sector, advocating for AI to enhance human creativity rather than replace artists.

Phase out universal subsidies: ADB-PwC study to 16th FC

Phase out universal subsidies: ADB-PwC study to 16th FC

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Governments should move away from universal subsidies towards tightly targeted transfers, backed by stricter eligibility norms, sunset clauses and periodic audits to curb leakages and improve spending efficiency, a joint study by Asian Development Bank and PwC has recommended.

Boat Chrome Iris Arrives With 1.32-Inch AMOLED Display

Boat Chrome Iris Arrives With 1.32-Inch AMOLED Display

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Boat has introduced its latest Chrome Iris smartwatch in India, further strengthening its growing range of wearable gadgets. The device showcases a sleek, ultra-thin metallic casing alongside a vivid AMOLED screen.

Why ICE Still Rules India's Car Market

Why ICE Still Rules India's Car Market

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Indian car buyers care more about affordability than technology, keeping ICE vehicles dominant while hybrids emerge as the preferred transition option and EVs struggle in the mass market.

Oil PSUs Spent 81% Of FY26 Capex Target

Oil PSUs Spent 81% Of FY26 Capex Target

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Of the 1.32 trillion capex target for FY26, State-run oil firms have already spent 1.07 trillion in the first 10 months.

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government on Sunday gave a strong push to upgradation and expansion of healthcare infrastructure, medical education and pharma sector with the Union Budget 2026-27 announcing a slew of steps, including those aimed at making India a global hub for allied healthcare professionals and biopharma manufacturing.

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'If this region destabilises, then we are not far away. This region should not destabilise.'

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP, marking a significant political shift ahead of the upcoming Assam assembly polls.

Hollywood Stars Hesitant to Act In American Psycho Remake

Hollywood Stars Hesitant to Act In American Psycho Remake

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Author Bret Easton Ellis reveals that major Hollywood actors were unwilling to star in the remake of 'American Psycho' due to its controversial nature. The article explores the reasons behind this hesitation and the legacy of the original film.

Passenger vehicle dispatches in fast lane in Jan as demand remains robust: SIAM

Passenger vehicle dispatches in fast lane in Jan as demand remains robust: SIAM

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches from companies to dealers rose 13 per cent year-on-year to 449,616 units in January with demand remaining robust owing to GST rate rationalisation and subsequent dip in prices, industry body SIAM said on Friday.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

Will Australia include Steve Smith for crucial Sri Lanka clash?

Will Australia include Steve Smith for crucial Sri Lanka clash?

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Injury-hit Australia are considering including veteran Steve Smith to strengthen their batting line-up for the crucial T20 World Cup Group B match against Sri Lanka. Australia needs to win to secure a spot in the Super Eights after a defeat to Zimbabwe.

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet has reportedly approved the Kerala government's proposal to officially change the state's name to Keralam, following a resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly.

China steps up Nipah virus screening amid outbreak in India

China steps up Nipah virus screening amid outbreak in India

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

China has initiated screening procedures for travelers arriving from regions affected by the Nipah virus, including India. While no cases have been detected in China, health authorities are taking precautionary measures due to the ongoing outbreak in India.

UN report links JeM to Red Fort blast, warns of women-only terror wing

UN report links JeM to Red Fort blast, warns of women-only terror wing

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A UN Security Council report indicates that Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was reportedly linked to a terror attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi. The report also highlights JeM's activities, including the establishment of a women-only wing and its presence in the region.

Sensex jumps 650 points on buying in power, banking stocks

Sensex jumps 650 points on buying in power, banking stocks

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded sharply by nearly 1 per cent on Monday, driven by strong buying in power, banking, and financial stocks.

Why Love Is Good For Health: 8 Wonderful Benefits

Why Love Is Good For Health: 8 Wonderful Benefits

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Love+happiness brings less doctor visits, less anxiety, less stress, quicker healing, all things that are good for your body.

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Reiterating Sitharaman's statement that this is a youth power budget, Modi emphasised that the provisions made in the budget will prepare leaders, innovators and creators across different sectors.

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have elevated their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership,' with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. The leaders also inaugurated a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has stated it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the resulting mandate before addressing any existing issues. The country also affirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

India, Malaysia share affection for Tamil: Modi

India, Malaysia share affection for Tamil: Modi

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strong connection between India and Malaysia through their shared affection for the Tamil language, noting its vibrant presence in Malaysian education, media, and cultural life.

India's Davis Cup Heroes Felicitated After Dutch Win

India's Davis Cup Heroes Felicitated After Dutch Win

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) felicitated the Indian Davis Cup team for their victory over the Netherlands in the Davis Cup.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

Modi invited to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in, unlikely to attend

Modi invited to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in, unlikely to attend

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Bangladesh is reportedly planning to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other regional leaders to the swearing-in ceremony of its next prime minister, Tarique Rahman. Modi may not attend due to a prior engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The 2026-27 Budget, seeking to harmonise the government's imperative to grant certainty while ensuring a rational tax policy, had several notable announcements to usher in halcyon days, says Mukesh Butani.

Oppo K14x To Debut In India With 6,500 mAh Battery

Oppo K14x To Debut In India With 6,500 mAh Battery

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Oppo has announced that the Oppo K14x, the newest addition to its K series, will make its India debut on February 10. The device is set to strengthen the brand's presence in the budget-friendly 5G smartphone segment.

Will Cheaper European Cars Hurt Indian Automakers?

Will Cheaper European Cars Hurt Indian Automakers?

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Speculation about rising competition from global majors has led to shares of major Indian automobile manufacturers such as Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Maruti Suzuki India, and Tata Motors taking a hit on the BSE.

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

Chicken's Neck: Underground Rail Planned

Chicken's Neck: Underground Rail Planned

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

One of the underground lines will head towards Bagdogra, a location of strategic importance due to its role in India's air defence infrastructure.

Skoda Eyes Cleaner Fuel Options as Kylaq Drives New Buyers

Skoda Eyes Cleaner Fuel Options as Kylaq Drives New Buyers

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Skoda India is focusing on cleaner fuel options, including CNG and EVs, while compact SUV Kylaq drives volumes, expands first-time buyers and strengthens the brand in India's competitive market

Gains for HUL depend on pace of growth recovery

Gains for HUL depend on pace of growth recovery

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Hindustan Unilever Limited's (HUL's) standalone revenue grew 4.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), while volume rose 3.5 per cent during the third quarter of financial year 2026 (FY26).

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have renewed their 10-year defence cooperation agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint manufacturing of Hammer missiles in India, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership.

'LIC sets sights on sustained 60% plus market share'

'LIC sets sights on sustained 60% plus market share'

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'LIC will reduce but not fully exit its stake in IDBI Bank, which remains an important bancassurance partner,' says LIC of India' MD and CEO R Doraiswamy.

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

In 2025-26, the government allocated Rs 6,81,210 crore for defence budget.

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The proposals outlined in Budget 2026-27 represent a carefully crafted, multi-year strategy designed to strengthen India's big bets on the path to Viksit Bharat 2047, says Sameer Gupta.

Jaguar Land Rover to start production of premium cars at Tamil Nadu unit

Jaguar Land Rover to start production of premium cars at Tamil Nadu unit

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Jaguar Land Rover will begin assembling premium cars at its new Tamil Nadu plant on February 9, marking a step towards full-scale luxury car manufacturing in India.

Pakistan-India T20 World Cup: Will Naqvi break ice with Jay Shah in Colombo?

Pakistan-India T20 World Cup: Will Naqvi break ice with Jay Shah in Colombo?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will attend the Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match in Colombo and is expected to hold talks with ICC officials to ease tensions after a recent boycott threat.