News for 'Besides India'

Why Harbhajan Wants Vicky Kaushal To Play His Role In Biopic

Why Harbhajan Wants Vicky Kaushal To Play His Role In Biopic

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh attributes his illustrious career, including over 400 Test wickets and India's first Test hat-trick, to divine will and the sacrifices of his family, stating, 'To think that I am important was such a big illusion. Because whatever I became was Waheguru's blessing'.

Chandigarh tense as march seeking Beant Singh assassin release turns violent

Chandigarh tense as march seeking Beant Singh assassin release turns violent

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Chandigarh police on Saturday used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who tried to breach barricades during a march towards Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others who faced charges for remarks about people with disabilities. The court lauded their subsequent efforts in organising events and raising awareness for specially-abled persons and those with rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

BCCI seeks new title partner for India's home cricket season

BCCI seeks new title partner for India's home cricket season

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The BCCI on Monday invited bids for the title sponsorship rights for its domestic and international home events, with the current agreement with IDFC FIRST Bank nearing the end of its tenure.

Sarla Aviation Secures Design Organisation Approval For Indigenous Electric Air Taxis

Sarla Aviation Secures Design Organisation Approval For Indigenous Electric Air Taxis

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bengaluru-based electric air taxi startup Sarla Aviation has received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a crucial step towards commercial production of its indigenous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company also inaugurated its new headquarters and announced partnerships, highlighting India's growing capabilities in advanced aerospace technology.

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India has actively engaged in cultural diplomacy over the past 12 years, providing grant assistance and expertise for the restoration and conservation of significant heritage sites, including temples and archaeological complexes, across multiple Asian countries, reinforcing shared civilisational ties.

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to replace a British-era law and allow digital and virtual records to be admissible as evidence in courts. This legislation aligns with contemporary digital banking practices and extends a uniform evidential framework to various financial entities, including NBFCs and fintech companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's role in strengthening public confidence and safeguarding customer privacy. The bill's passage, however, saw an Opposition walkout over unrelated issues.

Equity MF Inflows Fall 15% In July

Equity MF Inflows Fall 15% In July

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Net inflows into smallcap funds surged 39 per cent M-o-M to a record Rs 7,768 crore, while midcap fund inflows rose marginally to Rs 6,192 crore.

When The 'Jackfruit King' Met PM Modi

When The 'Jackfruit King' Met PM Modi

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'He wanted to know what products I'd brought along, so I showed him jackfruit flour, which research has linked to managing type 2 diabetes.' 'Then jackfruit seed flour, a strong source of protein that rural households have eaten for generations without it ever becoming a commercial product. I gave him ripe jackfruit chips too.'

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj following his controversial remarks describing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a 'war criminal' and questioning the Azad Hind Fauj's role in India's freedom struggle.

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding Chakan industrial belt in Pune district, and set up a mechanism for time-bound redressal of industrial grievances.

Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium Undergoes Major Renovation for Badminton World Championships

Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium Undergoes Major Renovation for Badminton World Championships

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Organisers of the upcoming BWF World Championships have undertaken extensive upgrades at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi, including anti-bird measures, non-toxic gels, and even 'monkey whisperers', to prevent a repeat of the hygiene and disruption issues experienced during the India Open earlier this year.

Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned due to Sir Ratan Tata Trust's regulatory issue

Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned due to Sir Ratan Tata Trust's regulatory issue

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Tata Sons, scheduled for Tuesday, is likely to be adjourned because the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), a major shareholder, cannot nominate a representative due to a regulatory restriction imposed by Maharashtra's Charity Commissioner.

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Nationalist Citizens Party of India leader Abu Taher attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for NDA allies but asserted that his party is not part of the ruling alliance. He stated his attendance was solely to raise public issues directly with the Prime Minister.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com5 days ago

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Arshdeep, 6 J&K stars picked for North Zone in Duleep Trophy

Arshdeep, 6 J&K stars picked for North Zone in Duleep Trophy

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has been named in the North Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, with Jammu and Kashmir's Kanhaiya Wadhawan appointed captain. The 15-member squad also includes six players from the Ranji Trophy-winning Jammu and Kashmir side and other promising talents.

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.

Maha FDA suspends licences of Domino's outlets over hygiene

Maha FDA suspends licences of Domino's outlets over hygiene

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of four Domino's Pizza outlets, including three in Mumbai, and several other chain restaurants like KFC and Pizza Hut, citing alleged violations of food safety and hygiene norms during a special drive.

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls For IPL Reforms After India's T20I Debacle

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls For IPL Reforms After India's T20I Debacle

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the Indian Premier League (IPL) for contributing to the national team's T20I struggles, particularly in overseas conditions. He urged selectors to pick players based on their suitability for international cricket rather than their IPL performance, highlighting issues like batting-friendly pitches and the 'Impact Player' rule.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

Travis Head makes history with back-to-back Allan Border Medals

Travis Head makes history with back-to-back Allan Border Medals

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Australian batter Travis Head has become only the fifth player to win consecutive Allan Border Medals, edging out Alex Carey by a single vote for the country's top men's individual cricket award.

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex against alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and "police excesses" against student protesters. The INDIA bloc vowed to continue their agitation, demanding accountability from the government, particularly Home Minister Amit Shah, on these issues.

RBI's Rate Decision, West Asia Tensions to Drive Indian Market Sentiment

RBI's Rate Decision, West Asia Tensions to Drive Indian Market Sentiment

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Analysts predict that the Reserve Bank of India's interest rate decision, the evolving situation in West Asia involving the US-Iran conflict, and crude oil prices will be the primary factors influencing investor sentiment in the Indian stock market this week.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

Auto Retail Sales Jump 26% in July, Alternative Fuels Closing on Petrol Share

Auto Retail Sales Jump 26% in July, Alternative Fuels Closing on Petrol Share

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Total automobile retail sales in India surged by 25.89 per cent year-on-year to 25,91,138 units in July, driven by GST rationalisation, ease of retail finance, and favourable festival timing, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). This marks the first time all vehicle categories recorded their best-ever July sales.

Indian Shuttler Ashmita Chaliha Storms Into Korea Masters Final

Indian Shuttler Ashmita Chaliha Storms Into Korea Masters Final

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha defeated compatriot Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj to reach her first-ever BWF World Tour final at the Korea Masters Super 300. Chaliha, returning from a knee injury, continued her impressive run, having previously upset the top seed.

'Fans Demanded Mirzapur The Movie'

'Fans Demanded Mirzapur The Movie'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'We thought if we made the show, people could get into it.'

India Shines With Gold And Four Other Medals At Asian U-23 Athletics

India Shines With Gold And Four Other Medals At Asian U-23 Athletics

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India made a strong start at the Asian U-23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China, securing five medals on the opening day. The haul included a gold in the mixed 4x400m relay, one silver, and three bronze medals, showcasing the nation's emerging talent in athletics.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

Indian Shuttler Tanvi Sharma Dominates To Secure Taipei Open Final Berth

Indian Shuttler Tanvi Sharma Dominates To Secure Taipei Open Final Berth

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Indian badminton prodigy Tanvi Sharma has secured her spot in the women's singles final of the Taipei Open Super 300 after a dominant straight-game victory. The 17-year-old will now compete for the title, continuing her impressive rise in the international badminton circuit.

Commonwealth Games: Yamini settles for silver after gritty fight against English judoka

Commonwealth Games: Yamini settles for silver after gritty fight against English judoka

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

India's Yamini Mourya had to settle for the women's 57kg judo silver medal after a valiant fight against England's vastly experienced Acelya Toprak, ending India's bid for a third gold in the discipline at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday.

Milky Mist Dairy Food IPO to open on Aug 11, targets Rs 1,553 crore

Milky Mist Dairy Food IPO to open on Aug 11, targets Rs 1,553 crore

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Milky Mist Dairy Food Ltd has set the price band for its Rs 1,553 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) at Rs 133-140 per share, with subscriptions opening on August 11 and closing on August 13.

Why Mirabai Chanu Should Receive The Arjuna Award

Why Mirabai Chanu Should Receive The Arjuna Award

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav has written to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, recommending Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu for the Arjuna Award. Despite having received higher honours like the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri, Chanu's childhood dream of the Arjuna Award remains unfulfilled, and Jadhav believes it would be a fitting recognition of her contributions to Indian sport.

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Researchers at CSIR-CIMFR have developed India's first mobile Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), an innovative air-purification system using microalgae to absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Designed for polluted urban areas, this compact unit offers a sustainable solution where conventional tree planting is challenging, also providing public utility features.

References to TVK, 'New India' muted in Vijay's Jana Nayagan

References to TVK, 'New India' muted in Vijay's Jana Nayagan

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed 12 modifications for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan', including muting references to 'TVK' and 'New India', and deleting a scene showing the Indian flag falling on the ground, according to the film's certification order.

Pralhad Joshi takes charge as education minister after Pradhan's exit

Pralhad Joshi takes charge as education minister after Pradhan's exit

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as the new Union Education Minister, taking over from Dharmendra Pradhan who resigned amidst student protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. Joshi will also retain his role as consumer affairs minister.

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

As the agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 14th day, talks between the state government and student protesters on Friday failed to break the deadlock, with students deciding to continue their protest and hunger strike until their demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, are met.

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

India's Neeraj Chopra will face reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in a highly anticipated men's javelin clash at the Commonwealth Games, as India aims to surpass its previous medal tally in athletics.