News for '2026'

Punjab Launches Mega Sports Event To Nurture Talent

Punjab Launches Mega Sports Event To Nurture Talent

Rediff.com6 days ago

Punjab has launched the fourth season of its state-level sports event, 'Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan', aiming to identify and nurture sporting talent from grassroots to global levels. The event, featuring 39 disciplines and nearly 10 lakh participants, offers Rs 12.50 crore in prize money, including cash awards for veteran players for the first time. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the games, highlighting the state's commitment to sports infrastructure development and financial assistance for athletes.

Putin to reach India on Friday to attend key BRICS Summit

Putin to reach India on Friday to attend key BRICS Summit

Rediff.com1 days ago

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India for a three-day trip to attend the 18th BRICS Summit and engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit will focus on strengthening strategic partnerships and addressing international issues, with Putin also scheduled to meet other world leaders.

Kerala: Needle found in infant's body, medical negligence alleged

Kerala: Needle found in infant's body, medical negligence alleged

Rediff.com7 days ago

Parents of a one-year-old girl have alleged medical negligence after a needle was found lodged near her ribs, suspected to have been left during treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital in June 2025. The needle was surgically removed in July 2026 at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, prompting the family to file a complaint and seek action from the State Health Minister. Hospital authorities have initiated an inquiry into the matter.

BJP to launch month-long campaign on Modi's birthday

BJP to launch month-long campaign on Modi's birthday

Rediff.com2 days ago

The BJP has announced a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign, starting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, September 17, to commemorate his 25 years in public life. The initiative includes various programmes like 'Seva Diwas', 'Ashirwad Ka Diya', 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra', youth yatras, and innovation challenges, all aimed at public participation and promoting the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

West Asia Disruption Keeps Oil Prices Firm, $100/bbl Risk Looms

West Asia Disruption Keeps Oil Prices Firm, $100/bbl Risk Looms

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Oil prices are expected to remain elevated due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with both the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) and Rabobank International forecasting firm prices and a potential surge above $100 a barrel if disruptions worsen.

Nepal: New Lake Raises Fresh Flood Fears

Nepal: New Lake Raises Fresh Flood Fears

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

This might lead to a further outburst, flooding downstream if left unchecked.

Agarkar absent as BCCI reviews England, Ireland failures; tenure extension still unclear

Agarkar absent as BCCI reviews England, Ireland failures; tenure extension still unclear

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the senior men's selection committee, was notably absent from a BCCI review meeting discussing India's recent limited-overs tour performances against Ireland and England, citing travel issues. The meeting, attended by captains and coaches, did not address his contract extension, which is due to expire soon.

'Sound during Hindu festivals....': Maha ministers clash over DJ sound

'Sound during Hindu festivals....': Maha ministers clash over DJ sound

Rediff.com5 days ago

Maharashtra ministers are divided over the use of high-decibel DJ systems during Hindu festivals. While Minister Yogesh Kadam asserts that festival sound will not be stopped, his colleagues Sanjay Shirsat and Meghana Bordikar advocate for adherence to noise pollution norms, with Bordikar citing a personal tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also called for a return to traditional celebrations and a consensus on restricting DJ systems.

Delhi building collapse: PIL in HC seeks Rs 1cr compensation

Delhi building collapse: PIL in HC seeks Rs 1cr compensation

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Delhi High Court has allowed urgent listing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the recent building collapse in Satya Niketan, Delhi, which resulted in seven deaths. The PIL seeks compensation for victims, a safety audit of PGs and hostels, and an independent inquiry, while police have issued a lookout notice for the building owner.

India's UPI Ecosystem Sees Record Growth In August

India's UPI Ecosystem Sees Record Growth In August

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded an unprecedented 24.51 billion transactions valued at Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August, largely propelled by the Raksha Bandhan festival. This surge marks a 22% annual increase in volume and 20% in value, highlighting the expanding reach and depth of the UPI ecosystem. Experts anticipate further growth during the upcoming festive season, while UPI's international acceptance now spans 11 countries.

Narrow escape for Punjabi singer Ammy Virk in Canada gun attack

Narrow escape for Punjabi singer Ammy Virk in Canada gun attack

Rediff.com2 days ago

Punjabi singer Ammy Virk's concert convoy was targeted in a shooting incident in Abbotsford, Canada, though he escaped unhurt. Police are investigating the targeted attack and a connected vehicle fire.

Bumrah back! Harshit Rana out as Yash Thakur gets call

Bumrah back! Harshit Rana out as Yash Thakur gets call

Rediff.com1 days ago

Yash Thakur replaces injured Harshit Rana in India's T20I squad for the Afghanistan series and Asian Games. Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Reddy, and Washington Sundar have been cleared for both assignments after recovering from injuries. India's T20I series against Afghanistan begins September 13, followed by the Asian Games campaign starting September 28.

Who's Arijit Singh Cheering For On Bigg Boss 20?

Who's Arijit Singh Cheering For On Bigg Boss 20?

Rediff.com1 days ago

The heartwarming story of Arijit Singh supporting his Fame Gurukul rival Qazi Touqeer on Bigg Boss 20.

Lord Ganesha, God Of New Beginnings, Is Here!

Lord Ganesha, God Of New Beginnings, Is Here!

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

It's two weeks to Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, and the God Of New Beginnings is already making his way home to many pandals in Mumbai.

HC refuses to stop Jarange's Maratha quota march to Mumbai

HC refuses to stop Jarange's Maratha quota march to Mumbai

Rediff.com10 hours ago

The Bombay High Court has declined to issue a prohibitory order against Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's proposed protest march to Mumbai, stating that the Maharashtra government is fully capable of managing any potential law and order situation. The court emphasised the right to protest in a democratic country and directed the government to ensure Jarange receives medical assistance if needed.

Gains for power stocks depend on execution, valuations

Gains for power stocks depend on execution, valuations

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's power sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a planned shift towards renewable energy and ambitious capacity expansion targets, with major players like NTPC, JSW Energy, Adani, and Tata Power prioritising predictable returns. However, execution challenges and valuation concerns remain critical factors for sustained growth.

BRICS Ministers Forge Stronger Sports Cooperation

BRICS Ministers Forge Stronger Sports Cooperation

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

BRICS Sports Ministers adopted a Joint Declaration in Visakhapatnam, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen sports cooperation through dialogue and mutual respect. The meeting, held under India's 2026 Chairship, saw Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya call for a BRICS Sporting Partnership and introduce three key initiatives: a Working Group on Sports Technology, a Sports Manufacturing Conclave in Udaipur, and Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games in Ahmedabad in 2026.

BCCI confirms Indian cricketers' accommodation for Asian Games in Japan

BCCI confirms Indian cricketers' accommodation for Asian Games in Japan

Rediff.com3 days ago

BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla has confirmed that Indian cricketers participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will stay in designated accommodation provided by the Organising Committee, which, while comfortable, will not be five-star hotels due to scarcity in Nagoya. Both BCCI and IOA have addressed the arrangements, ensuring player comfort and suitable facilities.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, bringing Reece James and Djed Spence into the defence, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni makes one switch, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul.

Rajasthan local body polls hit by EVM snags; voter turnout touches 70%

Rajasthan local body polls hit by EVM snags; voter turnout touches 70%

Rediff.com2 hours ago

The second and final phase of urban local body elections in Rajasthan was marked by EVM-related glitches and voter issues, with a 57.38 per cent turnout recorded by 3 pm. Prominent leaders like Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot cast their votes, while several incidents of disputes and alleged bogus voting were reported across various polling stations.

PhonePe Charts Ambitious Decade-Long Digital Progress Roadmap

PhonePe Charts Ambitious Decade-Long Digital Progress Roadmap

Rediff.com2 days ago

PhonePe, at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, unveiled its strategic vision for the next decade, focusing on inclusive digital progress for individuals, households, and businesses across India. The roadmap details innovations in financial inclusion, wealth creation, credit access, and merchant solutions.

Apple's iPhone 18 Series, Foldable Duo See Significant Price Hikes in India

Apple's iPhone 18 Series, Foldable Duo See Significant Price Hikes in India

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 lineup is set to cost 20 to 43 per cent more in India, primarily due to rising global memory component costs and a depreciating rupee, while the new foldable iPhone Duo will be priced between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4.5 lakh, matching the cost of some hatchback cars.

Avinash Sable Confident Of Asian Games Gold After Injury Battle

Avinash Sable Confident Of Asian Games Gold After Injury Battle

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian steeplechase athlete Avinash Sable details his arduous journey back to fitness after an ACL and meniscus injury in July 2025, which forced him to miss the Commonwealth Games. Despite a challenging recovery period filled with self-doubt, Sable has trained intensely at high-altitude facilities and the SAI Smart Track, expressing strong confidence in retaining his Asian Games 3000m steeplechase gold in 2026. He is set to compete in his first steeplechase event in a year, affirming his readiness for the upcoming continental challenge.

RBI launches UPI tap-to-pay, multi-currency forex on Bharat Connect

RBI launches UPI tap-to-pay, multi-currency forex on Bharat Connect

Rediff.com8 hours ago

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new features for India's digital payment ecosystem, including UPI tap-to-pay for PIN-less transactions up to 5,000 and multi-currency capabilities for forex on Bharat Connect, supporting Euro, British Pound, and other major currencies.

FATF Urges Fintech To Invest Against Emerging Tech Threats

FATF Urges Fintech To Invest Against Emerging Tech Threats

Rediff.com1 days ago

FATF Vice-President Vivek Aggarwal has urged the fintech industry to increase investments to combat emerging threats from AI, scam compounds, virtual digital assets, and quantum computing. He warned that these technological challenges pose a significant risk to India's rapid growth in the fintech sector, highlighting a current lack of adequate investment and risk realisation within the industry.

EPF Scheme 2026: What's Changed for You?

EPF Scheme 2026: What's Changed for You?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

For members, the message is simple: don't be misled by headlines about '100% withdrawal'. The basic purpose of the EPF remains unchanged -- to help employees build a financial cushion for retirement while allowing limited access to savings for genuine needs during their working lives.

Crisis deepens in Pakistan cricket as Rizwan, Imam face inquiry over dressing-room leaks

Crisis deepens in Pakistan cricket as Rizwan, Imam face inquiry over dressing-room leaks

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks involving senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam ul Haq. This follows a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) amidst disciplinary issues during a Test tour of England. The players' phones have been handed over, and they have requested more time to respond to queries.

Mumbai mall crasher used ChatGPT to fake PMO ID, boost social status: Police

Mumbai mall crasher used ChatGPT to fake PMO ID, boost social status: Police

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Two men, Rohan Parikh and Dilip Kunde, were arrested after attempting to enter a Mumbai mall with a firearm and a fake PMO identity card. Parikh confessed to fabricating the PMO ID using ChatGPT to enhance his social standing, while Kunde, a former Army man, was acting as his bodyguard with a personal weapon. Both have been remanded to judicial custody.

Avinash Sable makes winning comeback, opens up on tough road back from injury

Avinash Sable makes winning comeback, opens up on tough road back from injury

Rediff.com11 hours ago

Avinash Sable marked his winning steeplechase comeback after 14 months away, opening up about his ACL injury, lost confidence, difficult rehabilitation and renewed focus on Asian Games gold.

Stunning Solar Eclipse Images From Around The World

Stunning Solar Eclipse Images From Around The World

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Glimpses of the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse as the Moon crossed the Sun over Europe and beyond.

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

Rediff.com12 hours ago

UEFA is seeking evidence in a US court for a potential Swiss criminal case against FIFA President Gianni Infantino concerning his abandoned World Cup commercial-rights plan.

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian government has expanded its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by signing agreements with four spiritual organisations. These partnerships aim to enhance grassroots awareness, prevention, recovery, and social mobilisation efforts against substance abuse, leveraging the extensive reach of these groups.

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com12 hours ago

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.

IPL 2026 Sets New Viewership Records With 1.2 Billion Reach

IPL 2026 Sets New Viewership Records With 1.2 Billion Reach

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The recently concluded TATA IPL 2026 season achieved a record viewership of 1.2 billion, marking a seven per cent year-on-year growth. The final, where RCB secured their second consecutive title, became the most-watched IPL match ever, contributing to 870 billion minutes of watch-time and significant digital growth across platforms.

How RBI's Tokenisation Push Will Transform India's Financial Ecosystem

How RBI's Tokenisation Push Will Transform India's Financial Ecosystem

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to extend tokenisation to various financial asset classes, building on its successful trials with certificates of deposit (CDs). This move aims to enhance the efficiency of issuance, trading, and settlement of financial assets, leveraging blockchain technology and wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for atomic settlements.

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

FC Goa has been drawn into a challenging group for the AFC Challenge League 2026-27, Asia's third-tier men's club competition. They will face Qadsia SC of Kuwait, Fortis FC of Bangladesh, and FC Regar-TadAZ of Tajikistan in Group C, with matches hosted in Kuwait. This follows their recent exit from the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary stage.

Kimi Antonelli focused on winning, not F1 championship

Kimi Antonelli focused on winning, not F1 championship

Rediff.com1 days ago

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is pushing thoughts of the Formula One championship to the back of his mind, despite a commanding 66-point lead over teammate George Russell, preferring to focus on winning races.

How Hydration Breaks Are Reshaping Tactics at the 2026 World Cup

How Hydration Breaks Are Reshaping Tactics at the 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

FIFA's new hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup have sparked controversy, with coaches including Marcelo Bielsa and Gustavo Alfaro claiming they disrupt football's rhythm and serve commercial interests more than player welfare.

Hardik Pandya Set To Return To Action For India A

Hardik Pandya Set To Return To Action For India A

Rediff.com2 days ago

However, Hardik Pandya's inclusion is once again subject to getting fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence.

Krunal Pandya refuses to give up on India return after Afghanistan T20I omission

Krunal Pandya refuses to give up on India return after Afghanistan T20I omission

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Krunal Pandya kept his India comeback hopes alive after missing the Afghanistan T20I squad, following a strong IPL season where he impressed with bat and ball.