News for '2025'

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet secretaries of key Union ministries and departments to review their performance, focusing on ease of living, ease of doing business, and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, amidst strong speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle.

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A day after his resignation was accepted by the Ram temple trust, its former general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday said he would respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the SIT submits its final report, even as opposition parties alleged a "cover-up" and stepped up the demand for its dissolution.

Trent Charts Aggressive Growth Path with New Stores, Formats

Trent Charts Aggressive Growth Path with New Stores, Formats

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Retail major Trent is embarking on a robust expansion plan, aiming for significant growth through new store additions for Westside and Zudio, diversification into new formats like Samoh and Burnt Toast, and a projected recovery in like-for-like (LFL) growth.

RBI Report: Counterfeit Currency Detections Up 5.7% in FY26, Rs 500 Notes Most Faked

RBI Report: Counterfeit Currency Detections Up 5.7% in FY26, Rs 500 Notes Most Faked

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported a 5.7 per cent increase in counterfeit currency notes detected in the banking system during 2025-26, with fake Rs 500 notes showing the sharpest rise, becoming the most detected denomination.

Zomato, Zepto, Swiggy, Urban Company, Porter Challenge Karnataka Gig Workers Act

Zomato, Zepto, Swiggy, Urban Company, Porter Challenge Karnataka Gig Workers Act

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

'If there are different laws governing the same subject, it can increase the compliance burden on platforms. The process would be easier and more transparent if there were a singular national-level law.'

Air India enters Pak air space; DGCA acts against Amritsar ATC, flight crew

Air India enters Pak air space; DGCA acts against Amritsar ATC, flight crew

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistan airspace during a go-around manoeuvre at Amritsar airport. India's aviation regulator, DGCA, has taken interim action against an air traffic controller and the operating crew for failing to report the incident, which is now under internal investigation by Air India.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek eased past former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova to reach the Wimbledon third round, while Amanda Anisimova battled back to defeat Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought all-American contest.

'We need doctors': SC rejects plea against medical college fee structure

'We need doctors': SC rejects plea against medical college fee structure

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the exorbitant fee structure in private medical colleges in Rajasthan, stating that self-financing institutions cannot be expected to charge the same fees as government institutions. The court emphasised the country's need for doctors and upheld the Rajasthan High Court's decision.

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India was on Friday accorded the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, for the first time.

RBI dismisses gold sale rumours, confirms physical reserves steady at 880.52 tonnes

RBI dismisses gold sale rumours, confirms physical reserves steady at 880.52 tonnes

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has debunked reports of gold sales, stating that its physical stock of gold remains unchanged at 880.52 tonnes, countering claims of selling approximately USD 12 billion to protect foreign-currency reserves.

No reason why Kohli, Rohit shouldn't play 2027 ODI World Cup: Ashwin

No reason why Kohli, Rohit shouldn't play 2027 ODI World Cup: Ashwin

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying their experience and presence would make India a stronger side.

HC upholds death sentences for 38 IM men in 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts

HC upholds death sentences for 38 IM men in 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Gujarat High Court has upheld the death sentences for 38 Indian Mujahideen operatives and life imprisonment for 11 others involved in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts, which killed 56 people. The court also directed the state government to pay significant compensation to victims' families and those grievously injured.

Pegula stuns World No 1 Sabalenka in Berlin

Pegula stuns World No 1 Sabalenka in Berlin

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

World number one Aryna Sabalenka was defeated by American Jessica Pegula in the Berlin Open semi-finals. Sabalenka struggled with her rhythm

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to permanently retain Aadhaar update histories related to date-of-birth changes and to restrict such modifications after a significant period. This move is part of WFI's intensified crackdown on age fraud in wrestling, which has seen numerous disqualifications and suspensions, aiming to ensure fair play and transparency in age-group competitions.

Trump to present trophy at 2026 FIFA World Cup final, says Infantino

Trump to present trophy at 2026 FIFA World Cup final, says Infantino

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump will be on hand to present the World Cup final trophy on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday.

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.

Modi calls Japan PM Takaichi his 'younger sister'

Modi calls Japan PM Takaichi his 'younger sister'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi as his 'younger sister' and hailed her as a 'visionary and popular leader' during a joint press meet, where both leaders unveiled initiatives to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Forward Deployed Engineers In High Demand

Forward Deployed Engineers In High Demand

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

In the first three quarters of 2025, FDE job demand jumped by nearly 800 per cent.

Telegram being used for terror activities, leaked papers, Centre tells HC

Telegram being used for terror activities, leaked papers, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi high court that the Telegram messaging app was being exploited for illegal activities ranging from cybercrime and financial frauds to terrorism and circulation of leaked examination papers.

Tata Motors CV business pivots to logistics, mobility platforms for resilient growth

Tata Motors CV business pivots to logistics, mobility platforms for resilient growth

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Tata Motors' commercial vehicle (CV) business is strategically repositioning itself from a traditional truck manufacturer to a comprehensive logistics and mobility platform, aiming to reduce dependence on cyclical vehicle demand by accelerating growth in digital, international, and services segments.

AI171 crash: Life is 'far more difficult' for lone survivor

AI171 crash: Life is 'far more difficult' for lone survivor

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Viswashkumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of Flight 171 which crashed a year ago in Ahmedabad, has spoken out about his ongoing struggles with 'sleep, anxiety and difficult memories,' highlighting the profound and lasting impact of the disaster.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

High Stakes: Supreme Court To Decide Legality Of Transgender Sports Bans

High Stakes: Supreme Court To Decide Legality Of Transgender Sports Bans

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The US Supreme Court is poised to rule on the legality of state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that ban transgender student athletes from female sports teams. This contentious issue, deeply embedded in the nation's culture wars, challenges federal anti-discrimination laws and the Constitution's equal protection clause.

Neeraj Chopra to compete in Asian Games in Japan, confirms Athletics Federation of India

Neeraj Chopra to compete in Asian Games in Japan, confirms Athletics Federation of India

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Neeraj Chopra will compete in the Asian Games in Japan in September-October in his bid to defend the title.

Assam Police Foil Terror Plot

Assam Police Foil Terror Plot

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Police say timely operation prevented a possible mass-casualty attack.

Police to quiz former TMC minister Aroop Biswas in Messi event chaos

Police to quiz former TMC minister Aroop Biswas in Messi event chaos

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas has been summoned by police in connection with a case related to chaos at a Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium last year. The summons follows an FIR lodged by event organiser Shatadru Dutta, accusing Biswas of black-marketing tickets, extortion, and cheating.

Premier League 2026-27: Arsenal open title defence against returning Coventry

Premier League 2026-27: Arsenal open title defence against returning Coventry

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Premier League champions Arsenal will begin their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City when the 2026-27 season kicks off on August 21.

OpenAI Strengthens India Presence With New Managing Director

OpenAI Strengthens India Presence With New Managing Director

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh as its Managing Director for India, a key market for the AI company. Singh, formerly President of Uber India and South Asia, will oversee consumer growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships, and regulatory engagement, reinforcing OpenAI's commitment to India's rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.25%, cites West Asia crisis and inflation risks

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.25%, cites West Asia crisis and inflation risks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept its key lending rate, the repo rate, unchanged at 5.25 per cent for the second consecutive time, citing concerns over rising energy prices, supply disruptions from the West Asia crisis, and potential inflationary pressures.

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) met in New Delhi to discuss key issues including the Indian Super League (ISL), the AIFF's Constitution, and compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The AFC assured AIFF of continued support for Indian football.

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's premier long-distance runner, Gulveer Singh, is confident of improving his bronze medal performance from the 2022 Asian Games in the upcoming edition. Holding national records in multiple events, Singh is preparing for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, focusing on strategic training under his US-based coach and utilising advanced sportswear technology.

Mercedes open to expanding plug-in hybrids for more models

Mercedes open to expanding plug-in hybrids for more models

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Mercedes-Benz India is exploring a larger role for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in its portfolio, with plans to potentially introduce the technology in more models beyond the newly launched S-Class plug-in hybrid. This strategy aims to cater to luxury car buyers who are hesitant about fully electric vehicles due to concerns over charging infrastructure and range.

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India has successfully negotiated the protection of its steel export interests under the free trade agreement with the UK, ensuring 85 per cent of its outbound shipments remain outside Britain's steel safeguard measures. This consensus addresses a key sticking point ahead of the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) coming into force on July 15.

Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce's NYC Wedding: All The Details

Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce's NYC Wedding: All The Details

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Singer Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are reportedly already married after a private ceremony, with their grand Madison Square Garden celebration now underway.

Beyond Naukri, Info Edge finds new growth engine

Beyond Naukri, Info Edge finds new growth engine

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Info Edge (India), the company behind Naukri.com, has seen its startup investment portfolio, spanning AI, deeptech, and consumer tech, grow to Rs 41,300 crore from an investment of Rs 4,900 crore since 2007. This significant valuation increase comes despite headwinds in its core recruitment business, which has been impacted by weak hiring trends and IT sector uncertainty.

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Residents of Meghaninagar vividly remember the explosion that shook the neighbourhood on the afternoon of June 12, 2025. An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London had crashed into the hostel blocks of B J Medical College. A massive fire broke out, sending clouds of smoke into the sky.

Pandian's wife, ex-IAS officer Sujata joins Biju Janata Dal

Pandian's wife, ex-IAS officer Sujata joins Biju Janata Dal

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, wife of former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian, has formally joined the BJD. Naveen Patnaik welcomed her, emphasising her experience as an IAS officer and her work with women. Patnaik also clarified that he would continue to lead the BJD in the next elections, despite speculation about Sujata taking over. Sujata expressed her dedication to serving the people of Odisha under Patnaik's leadership. Her entry into politics follows her husband's withdrawal after the BJD's recent electoral defeat.

Al-Qaeda operative gets 31-year jail term in Pakistan

Al-Qaeda operative gets 31-year jail term in Pakistan

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan's Punjab province has sentenced Al-Qaeda operative Sadiq Akbar to 31 years in jail for plotting a terror attack. Akbar was arrested in Sahiwal with explosive materials and IED components, having travelled from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to carry out the attack on his group's orders.