News for 'Besides India'

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'Peninsular Indians could ask 'Why should we contribute half of India's tax revenues if we account for only a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha?'.' 'The rest of the country seems likely to counter that 'democracy means one vote per person irrespective of where that person resides in India'.' 'With no easy answers to this thorny debate, the south's economic ascendancy could end up creating a Hobson's choice.' A revealing excerpt from Nandita Rajhansa and Saurabh Mukherjea's book, Behold the Leviathan: The Unusual Rise of Modern India.

TOPS shake-up: Neeraj Chopra retained but big names axed

TOPS shake-up: Neeraj Chopra retained but big names axed

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is among only three track and field athletes retained in the sports ministry's revamped TOPS core group.

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Trump's sweeping tariffs and penalties on China-built ships have turned global shipping into the front line of economic war, observes Shyam G Menon.

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

In 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet flew the world's first official airmail, carrying over 6,500 letters and postcards, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, now Prayagraj. The flight, which covered five miles in 13 minutes, marked a significant milestone in aviation and postal history. The mail included letters to Jawaharlal Nehru and King George V, and special commemorative postcards signed by Pequet are now prized collector's items. The event, which coincided with the Kumbh Mela, highlights the intersection of spiritual and technological advancements in India's history.

NCLAT admits Meta, Whatsapp pleas against CCI's Rs 213.14-cr penalty

NCLAT admits Meta, Whatsapp pleas against CCI's Rs 213.14-cr penalty

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Appellate tribunal NCLAT on Thursday admitted the petitions filed by Meta Platforms and Whatsapp against an order passed by fair trade regulator CCI which imposed a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore for abuse of market dominance.

Govt hopes to put Maha Kumbh Mela on global tourism map

Govt hopes to put Maha Kumbh Mela on global tourism map

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The Ministry of Tourism is inviting people from around the world to visit Prayagraj and experience the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth. The event, which begins on January 13th and runs for 45 days, will feature an "Incredible India Pavilion" showcasing cultural heritage, luxury tent accommodations, and enhanced air connectivity. The ministry is also launching a major social media campaign to generate buzz about the event, encouraging people to share their experiences and moments from the Maha Kumbh.

Saif identifies attacker, narrates entire incident

Saif identifies attacker, narrates entire incident

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Mumbai police have recorded Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's statement in connection with the knife attack on him by an intruder at his residence last week, officials said on Friday.

Pant to play Delhi's next Ranji match, no word from Kohli yet

Pant to play Delhi's next Ranji match, no word from Kohli yet

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

According to ESPNCricinfo, Shubman Gill has also confirmed his availability for Punjab's upcoming Ranji Trophy sixth-round fixture against Karnataka, set to begin on January 23.

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India as a sovereign democratic republic completed 75 years of its eventful journey on Sunday, with the stage set at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi for the ceremonial parade during which the country will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage.

SC uploads probe report, with photos, video of 'cash recovery' at judge home

SC uploads probe report, with photos, video of 'cash recovery' at judge home

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has released an inquiry report into the alleged discovery of a large amount of cash at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The report, which includes photos and videos, was uploaded on the court's website. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has formed an in-house committee to investigate the matter and has asked the Delhi High Court Chief Justice to not assign any judicial work to Justice Varma. Justice Varma has denied the allegations, claiming they are part of a conspiracy to frame him. The inquiry report, submitted by the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, has been made public and calls for a deeper probe into the incident. The incident has raised concerns about judicial accountability and has prompted the Congress party to call for strong measures to uphold public trust in the judiciary.

How Samson's working on his batting flaws

How Samson's working on his batting flaws

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Samson had new batting batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and throwdown specialists for company.

Modi-led panel to meet next week to pick new poll panel chief

Modi-led panel to meet next week to pick new poll panel chief

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet early next week to finalise the name of the next chief election commissioner. The panel will recommend a name from among the candidates shortlisted by a search committee. The president will then appoint the next CEC based on the recommendation. The panel comprises the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and a Union Cabinet minister nominated by the prime minister.

2 more BJP MPs included in 'one nation, one poll' JPC

2 more BJP MPs included in 'one nation, one poll' JPC

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The government has moved to increase the strength of the joint committee of Parliament that will scrutinise the two bills proposing simultaneous elections from 31 MPs to 39, giving representation to more parties.

Will Kuldeep gatecrash Varun, Bishnoi's party?

Will Kuldeep gatecrash Varun, Bishnoi's party?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

According to Dainik Jagran, Kuldeep, who is currently at the NCA in Bengaluru, is likely to be fit by the end of this month, which could likely see him being named for the ODI series against England, which will begin on February 6.

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A group of around 130 Dalit families in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district have been facing discrimination for centuries, being denied access to a local temple. The families, belonging to the traditional community of cobblers and weavers, have been ostracized and face economic hardship due to this caste-based practice. Despite recent attempts by the administration to resolve the issue, the situation remains tense and the families are left with few options.

Rohit's sweetest birthday message for wife Ritika

Rohit's sweetest birthday message for wife Ritika

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

India's captain Rohit Sharma celebrated his wife Ritika Sajdeh's birthday with a heartfelt message on Instagram.

Air India to cancel 60 US flights in Nov-Dec due to aircraft shortage

Air India to cancel 60 US flights in Nov-Dec due to aircraft shortage

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Air India, in a statement, said it has cancelled a "small" number of flights between November and December on account of delayed return of some aircraft from heavy maintenance and supply chain constraints, without naming the destinations.

Wholesale price inflation eases to 2.31% in Jan

Wholesale price inflation eases to 2.31% in Jan

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Wholesale price inflation moderated to 2.31 per cent in January due to the decline in prices of food items especially vegetables, government data released on Friday showed. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation was 2.37 per cent in December 2024. It was 0.33 per cent in January 2024.

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has questioned the Chief Justice of India's involvement in executive appointments, specifically citing the selection of the CBI director. He believes this practice undermines democratic principles and calls for revisiting the existing norms. Dhankhar also raised concerns about the "doctrine of basic structure", suggesting it has a debatable jurisprudential basis. He emphasized the importance of each institution operating within its constitutional boundaries and highlighted the need for coordinated autonomy. The vice president also discussed the need for a balanced approach to judicial review and the importance of judges focusing on judgments rather than other forms of expression. He stressed the need to revisit the current state of affairs to restore the judiciary's sublimity.

Goodbye Paddy!

Goodbye Paddy!

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

It was amazing to see how he used to hoodwink batsmen with subtle changes in flight, loop and deliver his doomsday ball -- the dangerous armer.

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The $22.8 billion CK Hutchison ports deal intensifies geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Chinese media has already called it 'a betrayal of all Chinese people'. Shyam G Menon explains how the proposed sale will reshapes global trade infrastructure.

And the next Chief Election Commissioner is...

And the next Chief Election Commissioner is...

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The sources in the government said the notification announcing the name of the next CEC could be issued "in the next few hours".

'Nobody has won the IPL trophy on the auction table'

'Nobody has won the IPL trophy on the auction table'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Arvinder and the franchise feel satisfied with the troops assembled before the tournament, just like in 2022.

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'Brazil, China, Colombia and India each had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstaying student/exchange visas, with India having the highest number (7,000).'

Was watching movie when I was told I was playing: Iyer

Was watching movie when I was told I was playing: Iyer

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

A surprise late night call from India captain Rohit Sharma alerted Shreyas Iyer about replacing Virat Kohli in Thursday's first ODI against England.

CWG 2026: 'All the sports in which India does well removed'

CWG 2026: 'All the sports in which India does well removed'

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Former World No 1 doubles shuttler Chirag Shetty termed the exclusion of badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games curriculum a wrong decision.

Pralay missiles battlefield surveillance systems to debut on Republic Day

Pralay missiles battlefield surveillance systems to debut on Republic Day

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Ahead of Republic Day, the Indian Army announced on Thursday the addition of two new features to this year's parade: battlefield surveillance systems and a Defebce Research and Development Organisation tableau showcasing Pralay, short-range ballistic missiles.

BCCI to players: Obey new rules or face IPL ban, fee cuts

BCCI to players: Obey new rules or face IPL ban, fee cuts

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

BCCI unveils 10-point diktat: Domestic cricket must, restriction on personal staff, family stay on tours

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took a major step to implement its key plank of "one nation, one election" as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, sources said.

From Paris to Peru: Manu Bhaker's next big challenge

From Paris to Peru: Manu Bhaker's next big challenge

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Ace pistol shooter Manu Bhaker will lead a 35-member Indian team in the season-opening ISSF World Cups in April in South America.

What a turnaround for Mumbai Indians' Amanjot Kaur

What a turnaround for Mumbai Indians' Amanjot Kaur

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Amanjot Kaur, who was sidelined by a back stress fracture requiring surgery and a ligament tear in her hand after last year's WPL, claimed three wickets for 22 runs before blasting a 27-ball 34 to help MI chase down RCB's 167 with one ball to spare in the WPL match in Bengaluru on Friday.

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Debutant legislator Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi chief minister along with six ministers on Thursday in a grand show of strength full of colour and spectacle to mark the Bharatiya Janata Party's return to power in the city after more than 26 years.

Mandhana, Richa, Deepti in ICC Women's T20I Team of the Year

Mandhana, Richa, Deepti in ICC Women's T20I Team of the Year

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

Star opener Smriti Mandhana, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and all-rounder Deepti Sharma were on Saturday named in the ICC Women's T20I Team of Year 2024.

J-K mysterious disease: AIIMS to test samples for toxicity cause

J-K mysterious disease: AIIMS to test samples for toxicity cause

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

A five-member team of experts from AIIMS Delhi, including specialists in toxicology, is investigating a mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The team has spoken to 11 patients undergoing treatment and will collect samples from affected homes and surrounding areas to determine the cause of toxicity. Meanwhile, no new cases have been reported in the past nine days, and the village has been declared a containment zone with strict measures in place to prevent further spread.

Vehicle retail sales in India sees 32% rise Y-o-Y in Oct: FADA

Vehicle retail sales in India sees 32% rise Y-o-Y in Oct: FADA

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

The total vehicle retail sales in India witnessed a 32 per cent on-year rise in October to 28,32,944 units with all segments including two-wheelers and passenger vehicles registering strong growth, Federation of Automobile Dealers' Association (FADA) said on Wednesday. The total vehicle retail sales in October 2023 stood at 21,43,929 units, as per FADA. The strong growth in October this year was largely driven by the rural market, especially boosting two-wheeler and passenger vehicles sales, supported by increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops, FADA said.

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

There's clearly no limit to how dramatic a wedding can be.

Smriti, Deepti in ICC XI; no Indian men in ODI team

Smriti, Deepti in ICC XI; no Indian men in ODI team

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The all-star team announced by the ICC features four players from Sri Lanka, three each from Pakistan and Afghanistan and one from the West Indies.

Vettori to abandon Australia mid-Test for IPL

Vettori to abandon Australia mid-Test for IPL

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The IPL auction will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, clashing with the Perth Test scheduled from November 22.

My role is to be aggressive and bowl at the stumps: Chakravarthy

My role is to be aggressive and bowl at the stumps: Chakravarthy

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

India spinner Varun Chakravarthy on Friday equated the standards of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to the IPL.

'Kohli needs to pick himself up, he's still the best'

'Kohli needs to pick himself up, he's still the best'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Former West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has come out in support of Virat Kohli, who has been struggling for runs in recent times, saying the Indian batter is still the "best player in the world". Gayle said that Kohli's current form is just a "patch" and that the Indian captain will "pick himself up" and come back stronger.