News for 'Amidst India'

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

SEE: Malaysian PM sings Kishore song at BRICS gala dinner

SEE: Malaysian PM sings Kishore song at BRICS gala dinner

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's impromptu rendition of Kishore Kumar's classic 'Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat' has captivated audiences online, with a video of his performance garnering over a million views and widespread appreciation.

Rohit Breaks Silence On 2027 World Cup Future

Rohit Breaks Silence On 2027 World Cup Future

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has responded to speculation about his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating that "October 2027 is far away." BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also dismissed concerns, highlighting Sharma's current form.

How a 1973 World Cup semifinal defined India-Pakistan hockey rivalry

How a 1973 World Cup semifinal defined India-Pakistan hockey rivalry

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Wagener Stadium, site of a historic 1973 India-Pakistan hockey World Cup semifinal, is set to host another clash between the arch-rivals. Former captain M P Ganesh recounts the intense 1-0 victory for India in 1973, highlighting the fierce competition and political undertones of the era.

Oracle Layoffs: 'He worked through Holi and Diwali... then locked out'

Oracle Layoffs: 'He worked through Holi and Diwali... then locked out'

Rediff.com6 days ago

A LinkedIn post by Pooja Sahu, detailing her husband Sourabh's sudden layoff from Oracle after 12 years of dedicated service, including working through holidays and even from a hospital, has gone viral, capturing the emotional toll of the tech giant's latest job cuts.

West Asia crisis: Putin assures India of steady energy, fertiliser supplies

West Asia crisis: Putin assures India of steady energy, fertiliser supplies

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Russia on Monday assured India of uninterrupted supply of energy and fertilisers amid disruption caused by the West Asia crisis, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held talks with his key interlocutors.

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit, offering a potential opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to address the long-standing border dispute and recurring tensions, with both sides emphasising the importance of peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations amidst recent reports of aggressive Chinese posturing in Arunachal Pradesh.

'Shocked' SC seeks report on deaths in Manipur camp

'Shocked' SC seeks report on deaths in Manipur camp

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court has expressed shock over numerous deaths, including unnatural ones, in relief camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. It directed the state's chief secretary to explain steps taken for investigation, criminal proceedings, and ensuring safety, questioning low compensation and incomplete post-mortems. The court also sought a report from MSLSA and urged expeditious trials in violence-related cases.

Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Dips in July; IndiGo and Air India See Market Share Rise

Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Dips in July; IndiGo and Air India See Market Share Rise

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Domestic air passenger traffic in India decreased by 4.80 per cent in July 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching 1.20 crore, with major airlines experiencing a drop in load factor, according to DGCA data. Despite the overall dip, IndiGo and Air India Group increased their market share.

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has indicated that its judges may personally visit the National Testing Agency (NTA) to examine its upgraded facilities aimed at preventing recurring NEET paper leaks. This unusual move underscores the court's emphasis on institutional strengthening and permanent solutions. The NTA informed the bench that it has overhauled its system, while a high-powered panel is also working on structural reforms to ensure foolproof examination processes.

Ahead of Modi-Xi meet, Beijing bats for proper handling of differences

Ahead of Modi-Xi meet, Beijing bats for proper handling of differences

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

China emphasises proper handling of differences and a long-term perspective for bilateral ties ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to stabilise relations following the 2020 Ladakh standoff and strengthen BRICS cooperation.

Modi hails Lovlina for taking stand on India map

Modi hails Lovlina for taking stand on India map

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lovlina Borgohain for her quick action in objecting to a distorted map of India at a Glasgow restaurant, highlighting her thoughtful gesture during a celebratory moment.

Why not deny bow-and-arrow symbol to both Sena factions, SC asks EC

Why not deny bow-and-arrow symbol to both Sena factions, SC asks EC

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court has questioned the Election Commission's decision to allot the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction, asking if the possibility of denying the symbol to both factions was adequately considered. The court also raised concerns about using legislative majority as a test while disqualification proceedings against MLAs were pending. The Shinde faction argued for the validity of the legislative majority test, citing significant vote share and legal precedents.

Can Food Prices Cool Before 2026 Ends?

Can Food Prices Cool Before 2026 Ends?

Rediff.com5 days ago

'I don't really expect the August increase in food prices, which was close to 6 per cent, to persist as we go close to the end of this year.'

BJP fields slain Suvendu aide's mother from Nandigram

BJP fields slain Suvendu aide's mother from Nandigram

Rediff.com6 days ago

The BJP has announced Hasirani Rath, mother of slain former aide to Suvendu Adhikari, as its candidate for the Nandigram bypoll, aiming for an emotive campaign. The party also named Sakharav Sarkar for the Rejinagar seat. These bypolls are set against a backdrop of multi-cornered contests and internal TMC disputes, with voting scheduled for October 6.

Let Us Salute India's Complete Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja!

Let Us Salute India's Complete Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja!

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Ravindra Jadeja is a captain's delight and has delivered with the bat when needed most, destroyed batting line-ups, taken breathtaking catches and pulled off brilliant run-outs. His feats are an inspiration.

Why Opposition Calls UPI MDR A Betrayal And US Appeasement

Why Opposition Calls UPI MDR A Betrayal And US Appeasement

Rediff.com5 days ago

The opposition has strongly criticised the government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15. They allege the move is a result of US pressure and will lead to increased commodity prices, calling it a "betrayal" of the common man. The government, however, clarifies that customers will not be charged, and the MDR applies only to merchants for larger transactions.

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking a political row. The Congress party has labelled it a "Modi tax" and accused the government of succumbing to US pressure, while the BJP has defended the move, clarifying that consumers will not be charged and small vendors are protected. The finance ministry reiterated that the charge is on merchants, not customers.

Jamia forms fact-finding panel amid chameleon discovery in hostel food

Jamia forms fact-finding panel amid chameleon discovery in hostel food

Rediff.com7 days ago

Jamia Millia Islamia has established a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate CCTV footage allegedly showing a chameleon in a student's meal at a hostel mess. This comes amidst ongoing student protests regarding food quality and hygiene. The university is also seeking external agency assistance and will take action if deliberate wrongdoing or misinformation is found, while also installing more CCTV cameras to enhance monitoring.

SC to hear plea on denying perks to resigning officials, judges

SC to hear plea on denying perks to resigning officials, judges

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking to deny retirement perks and benefits to constitutional functionaries, including judges, who resign to avoid removal proceedings. The petition argues that such a practice undermines the Rule of Law and constitutional principles.

Sena row: Can legislative majority decide disqualification cases? SC asks

Sena row: Can legislative majority decide disqualification cases? SC asks

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has questioned the reliability of legislative majority as the sole determinant for political party ownership, especially when disqualification proceedings are pending against the very legislators forming that majority. This query arose during arguments concerning the Shiv Sena faction dispute between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, called for a united front against terrorism and its financing, rejecting double standards. He emphasised resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not battlefields. Modi also highlighted that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's vision for SCO rests on security, connectivity, and opportunity.

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.

Criticism Of RBI's Swap Scheme Is Uncalled For

Criticism Of RBI's Swap Scheme Is Uncalled For

Rediff.com5 days ago

It is important to understand that the rupee's appreciation, driven by the 2013 special swap scheme, reduced India's import costs for petroleum, oil, and gold, points out Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

BRICS summit begins at 2.35 pm on Saturday, ends with New Delhi declaration on Sunday

BRICS summit begins at 2.35 pm on Saturday, ends with New Delhi declaration on Sunday

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

India is hosting the BRICS summit, leveraging the platform to address global trade tensions and champion the developmental priorities of the Global South, including food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit, attended by leaders like President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, with India aiming to strengthen intra-BRICS collaboration and discuss global matters. The expanded BRICS grouping represents a significant portion of the world's population and GDP, making its discussions crucial for global economic stability.

Astrobase Unveils India's First Private FFSC Rocket Engine

Astrobase Unveils India's First Private FFSC Rocket Engine

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based startup, has unveiled 'EVEREST', India's first privately built full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine. This advanced engine, designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles, aims to enhance India's position in the global space economy by providing high-performance propulsion systems for future satellite deployments.

Market Cap of Four Top Firms Erodes by Rs 87,960 Crore; Airtel Takes Biggest Hit

Market Cap of Four Top Firms Erodes by Rs 87,960 Crore; Airtel Takes Biggest Hit

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The combined market valuation of four of India's top-10 most valued firms eroded by Rs 87,960.29 crore last week, with Bharti Airtel experiencing the largest decline, amidst a bearish trend in the equities market.

Education Minister Highlights NCERT's Role In Viksit Bharat

Education Minister Highlights NCERT's Role In Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that revised NCERT textbooks for classes 10 to 12 are being prepared in "mission mode," while textbooks for classes 1 to 9 under the new National Curriculum Framework have already been released. He emphasised NCERT's role in building a 'Viksit Bharat' and highlighted the need for curricula to evolve with AI advancements and the importance of India's young population as a global asset.

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu pushes for 15-20% growth, urges proactive governance

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu pushes for 15-20% growth, urges proactive governance

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set an ambitious target for district collectors to achieve a 15-20 per cent growth rate, building on the state's 13.4 per cent growth in Q1 FY27, the highest in India.

Selectors push for KL Rahul, Mohd Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal in Duleep final

Selectors push for KL Rahul, Mohd Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal in Duleep final

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Veteran Indian cricketers KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Devdutt Padikkal have been asked to play in the Duleep Trophy final for South Zone against East Zone. The participation of other T20I players like Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Ishan Kishan depends on Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir's approval. Additionally, chief selector Ajit Agarkar will attend the final, and the BCCI is arranging visas for net bowlers for the Asian Games.

Fortis Healthcare moves Supreme Court against Delhi HC forensic audit order

Fortis Healthcare moves Supreme Court against Delhi HC forensic audit order

Rediff.com4 days ago

Hospital chain Fortis Healthcare has filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order directing a forensic audit into the alleged erosion of assets by its former promoters, Malvinder and Shivinder Singh, during enforcement proceedings initiated by Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo.

Asian Fencing Championships: India Shows Promise Amidst South Korea, Japan Dominance

Asian Fencing Championships: India Shows Promise Amidst South Korea, Japan Dominance

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

South Korea and Japan secured gold medals in the men's sabre and women's foil team events, respectively, at the Asian Senior Fencing Championships. Indian teams, despite facing strong competition, demonstrated grit and finished 10th overall, showing promising developmental strides for the future of Indian fencing.

Nepal floods: 'We only want information about our son'

Nepal floods: 'We only want information about our son'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A Thane family is desperately searching for their 28-year-old son, Abhishek Ghone, who went missing in Nepal after flash floods struck during his Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. Despite using AI tools to track his location, the family seeks official verification and urges authorities to provide concrete information about his whereabouts.

Congress Slams Government Over New UPI Charges, Cites US Pressure

Congress Slams Government Over New UPI Charges, Cites US Pressure

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Congress party has accused the Indian government of imposing new charges on UPI transactions due to pressure from the United States, specifically to benefit American card companies. The opposition party demanded the withdrawal of the decision, calling it "anti-national" and alleging it fills the coffers of US firms while burdening Indian citizens. The government, however, clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges apply only to commercial transactions above Rs 2,000 and are not levied on consumers, a stance supported by the BJP which accused Congress of spreading "fake news".

India Inc Sees Fastest Revenue Growth in 15 Quarters

India Inc Sees Fastest Revenue Growth in 15 Quarters

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian listed companies experienced their fastest revenue growth in 15 quarters during Q1FY27, with combined net sales rising 18.4% year-on-year, while net profit grew 16%, primarily driven by mining, metals, and banking sectors, despite a contraction in operating margins due to higher input costs.

How A 15-Year-Old Indian Climber Conquered A Challenging Himalayan Peak

How A 15-Year-Old Indian Climber Conquered A Challenging Himalayan Peak

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Bengaluru's Ujaan Shivarama, a 15-year-old mountaineer, has successfully summited the 6,250-metre Kang Yatse II peak in Ladakh, making him one of the youngest Indians to achieve this feat. He faced extreme weather conditions and was part of a team where only three out of 14 experienced climbers reached the summit.

Former Captain Asunta Lakra Questions Hockey India Ethics Committee's Jurisdiction

Former Captain Asunta Lakra Questions Hockey India Ethics Committee's Jurisdiction

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has formally challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denies all allegations as "false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory," and highlights issues with the committee's constitution and the incomplete documentation provided. This challenge comes amidst a broader context of sexual harassment allegations in Jharkhand hockey and institutional intimidation claims.

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India is poised to secure its first overseas Test series victory in three years as they face Sri Lanka in the second and final match, with skipper Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal under pressure to deliver substantial knocks.

SC asks CBSE to exempt Class 6 from three-language policy this year

SC asks CBSE to exempt Class 6 from three-language policy this year

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has urged the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider exempting Class 6 students from its three-language policy for the current academic year. The policy, which mandates the study of three languages including two native Indian languages, is challenged by petitioners who question CBSE's jurisdiction over classes 6-8. The court emphasized finding a solution that avoids student pressure and suggested a potential deferral for Class 6.