News for 'Central'

Why UP Cricketers Are Demanding Three Ranji Teams

Why UP Cricketers Are Demanding Three Ranji Teams

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

"Gen Z" cricketers and their parents in Uttar Pradesh have protested at Ekana Stadium, demanding the formation of three Ranji Trophy teams to ensure equitable opportunities across the state. They cite the state's large population and alleged sidelining of players from certain regions in current leagues.

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sikkim has identified 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, with 16 at the highest risk of catastrophic outbursts. Following a devastating GLOF in 2023, the state is developing India's first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, using advanced monitoring and interdisciplinary approaches to protect downstream settlements and serve as a model for other Himalayan regions.

NTA gets two new directors amid reforms following NEET fiasco

NTA gets two new directors amid reforms following NEET fiasco

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Centre has appointed two directors and a joint director to the National Testing Agency (NTA) amidst ongoing reforms and scrutiny over issues like the NEET paper leak. These appointments are part of a broader overhaul of the NTA's examination system.

Gold Rally: Should Investors Buy Now?

Gold Rally: Should Investors Buy Now?

Rediff.com5 days ago

Investors should cap gold allocation at 10-15 per cent and consider staggered purchases through gold ETFs.

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

Rediff.com4 days ago

A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals a precise connection between individual breath patterns and neural activity in the brain. Researchers found that subtle variations in each breath, such as longer inhales or slower exhales, are directly reflected in corresponding brain activity patterns. This goes beyond traditional measures of breathing rate, offering a richer understanding of how respiration influences cognition, emotion, and memory, and could have implications for conditions like SUDEP and SIDS.

GST Mop-up Jumps 15% to Rs 2 Lakh Crore in August

GST Mop-up Jumps 15% to Rs 2 Lakh Crore in August

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections saw a significant 14.8 per cent year-on-year increase in August, reaching approximately Rs 2 lakh crore, with import revenue contributing substantially to this growth.

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's international football friendly against Panama in Bengaluru has been advanced by a day to September 25 due to the Bengaluru Marathon. The match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers against a 2026 World Cup participant, preceding other high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.

CISF Partners With DFI To Strengthen Counter-Drone Defences At Vital Installations

CISF Partners With DFI To Strengthen Counter-Drone Defences At Vital Installations

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has signed an MoU with the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to enhance its counter-drone capabilities. This partnership aims to strengthen security at vital installations like airports, nuclear facilities, and oil refineries by fostering engagement with Indian drone startups and technology companies for capacity building, research, and operational readiness against aerial threats.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has what it takes to rule world cricket: Srikkanth

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has what it takes to rule world cricket: Srikkanth

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Kris Srikkanth backs 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to become a world cricket superstar, citing his fearless batting, Duleep Trophy heroics, IPL dominance and potential across all three formats.

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court will consider the Centre's plea for clarification on the applicability of its March 11 judgement regarding OBC creamy-layer criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The government highlights practical difficulties and potential unequal treatment of candidates if the ruling is applied retrospectively, as the CSE 2025 selection process concluded before the verdict. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation based on the pre-March 11 criteria to avoid disruption to training schedules and ensure fairness for candidates.

Iran attacks US bases after attack on its Larak Island

Iran attacks US bases after attack on its Larak Island

Rediff.com5 days ago

The United States launched military action against two Iranian launch systems on Larak Island, prompting Iran to claim retaliation with ballistic missile launches targeting two US air bases in Jordan.

Birthday Boy Shami Eyes India Test Comeback

Birthday Boy Shami Eyes India Test Comeback

Rediff.com2 days ago

Mohammed Shami, despite being out of international contention since 2025, is making a strong case for a Test team comeback through his exceptional performances in domestic cricket.

Longer life for clean-fuel vehicles may improve ownership costs

Longer life for clean-fuel vehicles may improve ownership costs

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian government's proposal to extend the operating life of certain battery-electric, CNG, and hydrogen vehicles under national permits by five years could significantly improve their total cost of ownership (TCO) and residual values, according to industry experts.

Why age fraud is India's next big sports scandal

Why age fraud is India's next big sports scandal

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's sporting landscape is grappling with a pervasive age fraud issue, as evidenced by hundreds of disqualifications in recent championships. Experts highlight the systemic nature of the problem, driven by a chaotic birth registration system and the allure of early career advantages. While the BCCI has implemented bone density tests, limitations persist, prompting calls for stricter measures, including criminal deterrence and a comprehensive national database, to safeguard the integrity of youth sports.

Woman, Chinese worker rescued in Nepal 10 days after devastating floods

Woman, Chinese worker rescued in Nepal 10 days after devastating floods

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Amidst the widespread devastation caused by Nepal's deadly flash floods, a 60-year-old woman and a Chinese worker have been miraculously survived after days of being trapped, offering a beacon of hope in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

Nepal floods: Govt under fire for inadequate relief coordination

Nepal floods: Govt under fire for inadequate relief coordination

Rediff.com23 hours ago

A preliminary government report reveals that devastating flash floods in Nepal have affected over 32,000 people, caused 1,295 deaths, and severely damaged infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Senior Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsing KC has criticised the government's coordination of rescue and relief operations and called for international action on climate justice.

Roger Federer: From Ball Boy To Hall Of Famer

Roger Federer: From Ball Boy To Hall Of Famer

Rediff.com5 days ago

Tennis legend Roger Federer described his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as one of the greatest honours of his life, expressing his joy at immersing himself in the sport's history and finding his place among his heroes.

Duleep Trophy: Sooryavanshi turns hero with ball after rare batting failure

Duleep Trophy: Sooryavanshi turns hero with ball after rare batting failure

Rediff.com7 days ago

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a batter for East Zone, unexpectedly took two crucial wickets with his left-arm spin after failing with the bat, helping his team secure an innings victory over North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal. He expressed his enjoyment in contributing to the team's win through his bowling.

Keralam: 8 TN engg students killed as car rams illegally parked lorry on NH

Keralam: 8 TN engg students killed as car rams illegally parked lorry on NH

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Eight engineering students from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, were killed in Thrissur, Keralam, when their car, travelling at high speed, rammed into a lorry illegally parked on NH-66. The accident occurred near a diverted section of the highway, leading to immediate fatalities and a police investigation into the lorry driver.

India vs Brazil: Where and how to buy match tickets

India vs Brazil: Where and how to buy match tickets

Rediff.com3 days ago

The All India Football Federation has announced a series of high-profile international friendly matches for the Indian men's national team. India will host Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru, followed by five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata. These matches represent a significant step for Indian football, offering the team a chance to compete against top-ranked global opponents.

Nepal floods: Death toll surges to 1,344; around 5,000 still missing

Nepal floods: Death toll surges to 1,344; around 5,000 still missing

Rediff.com1 hour ago

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has reached 1,344, with rescue teams continuing to search for approximately 5,000 missing individuals, including foreign nationals, as identification of victims proves challenging due to the condition of recovered bodies.

No proof, no case: HC drops plea against Rahul's Indian citizenship

No proof, no case: HC drops plea against Rahul's Indian citizenship

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship. The petitioners failed to provide concrete evidence to support their claim that Gandhi is a British citizen, leading to the withdrawal of the plea.

InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy merger to deepen India reach, eyes IPO

InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy merger to deepen India reach, eyes IPO

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The merged InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy entity aims to significantly expand its distribution network across India, offering insurance, mutual funds, and loans, with a strong focus on 'Bharat' (rural India), according to CEO Ankit Agarwal.

'Timure is completely gone, nothing is left'

'Timure is completely gone, nothing is left'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Massive flash floods in Nepal, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, have devastated the border town of Timure and other central districts, leaving a rising death toll and hundreds missing. The disaster, described by witnesses as feeling like an earthquake, has claimed entire families and caused widespread destruction to infrastructure. Rescue efforts are underway, with a significant number of missing individuals identified as tourists, including nearly 300 Indian nationals.

2 MLAs among 6 injured after car rams into SUV in Delhi

2 MLAs among 6 injured after car rams into SUV in Delhi

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Two Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including Anil Jha from Kirari and Abhay Patil from Karnataka, were among six people who sustained minor injuries in a car collision in central Delhi. The accident involved a car hitting a divider and then colliding with an Innova carrying the MLAs. All injured are stable and further investigation is underway.

Messi's Mother: 'Father always used to say...'

Messi's Mother: 'Father always used to say...'

Rediff.com4 days ago

Lionel Messi's mother, Celia, shared an emotional statement reflecting on the deep connection her late husband, Jorge Messi, shared with their son's footballing journey, noting the bittersweet timing of Messi's international retirement just weeks after his father's passing.

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak met with students leading a "reservation reform" movement, assuring them that their demands would be presented to the BJP's central leadership and a Union minister. The movement, led by anti-reservation activists, seeks equal opportunities, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the "reform" as a plot against the PDA community, asserting the permanence of reservation rights.

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Rediff.com15 hours ago

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said the United States could "hit" Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain "very soon", days after Washington targeted Iranian military targets.

'No fire safety': After ransack, Abhishek office floors face eviction

'No fire safety': After ransack, Abhishek office floors face eviction

Rediff.com1 days ago

The West Bengal Fire Department has ordered the evacuation of the basement and two floors of a high-rise building in central Kolkata, which houses TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's office, due to a lack of fire safety measures. The order follows the expiry of the building's fire safety certificate and non-compliance with mandatory regulations, posing a threat to life and property.

Varanasi on alert after Ganga rises above warning mark

Varanasi on alert after Ganga rises above warning mark

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Ganga river in Varanasi has surpassed its warning level, leading to the suspension of all boat operations and heightened monitoring by district authorities. The rising water levels, also affecting the Varuna river, have partially impacted 11 localities and displaced hundreds of families, who are now housed in relief camps as rescue efforts intensify.

Ishan Kishan praises Mohammed Shami's drive for India return

Ishan Kishan praises Mohammed Shami's drive for India return

Rediff.com8 hours ago

East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan has lauded veteran pacer Mohammed Shami's unwavering hunger and motivation to make a comeback to the Indian cricket team. Shami's impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy semifinal, where he took five wickets, has convinced Kishan that age is just a number when it comes to the 36-year-old's drive to succeed.

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

Rediff.com6 days ago

"Everything was here before, but now there is nothing left," said Nayan Tiwari, one of many residents returning to flood-hit Galchhi in central Nepal to recover whatever belongings remain and to restore homes that once held their everyday lives.

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's fertiliser ministry has introduced a new analytical tool and a national-to-retail dashboard to monitor fertiliser dispatches, movement, and inventories in real time, aiming to prevent localised shortages and ensure equitable access for farmers.

'AI Shouldn't Trigger Cognitive Surrender'

'AI Shouldn't Trigger Cognitive Surrender'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'My suggestion to Nandan Nilekani is that it would be worthwhile for him to take a holistic review in a manner in which examination is just one critical component.'

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

Rediff.com1 days ago

'India is trying to project that it can engage with the world in a different way too.'

India rescues five-year-old kid among three more nationals in Nepal

India rescues five-year-old kid among three more nationals in Nepal

Rediff.com23 hours ago

India has rescued three more nationals, including a child, from Nepal's flood-hit Trishuli Bazaar, bringing the total evacuees to 169, while 275 Indians remain missing. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 1,907 Indians safely crossed into Nepal from China and India continues to provide extensive relief materials and expert teams to assist Nepal in its recovery efforts following the devastating flash floods.

'Why should I even respond?' Aaditya Thackeray on Disha Salian case

'Why should I even respond?' Aaditya Thackeray on Disha Salian case

Rediff.com2 days ago

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday dismissed the Bombay High Court's directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation to register an FIR in the Disha Salian death case, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running a smear campaign against him for the last six years.

Court rejects Delhi Race Club's plea for stay on eviction order

Court rejects Delhi Race Club's plea for stay on eviction order

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A Delhi court has dismissed the Delhi Race Club's plea for an interim stay on an eviction order issued by the central government, ruling that the club failed to establish a prima facie case in its favour and did not renew its lease after 1994.

Nepal floods: MEA sets up round-the-clock control room in Delhi

Nepal floods: MEA sets up round-the-clock control room in Delhi

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

In view of the flood situation in Nepal, the ninistry of external affairs has set up a round-the-clock control room here to assist people.

Delhi's Nepali workers anxiously await news of loved ones

Delhi's Nepali workers anxiously await news of loved ones

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

As devastating flash floods swept through parts of Nepal, triggered by torrential rains and a surge in the Bhote Koshi River, Nepali residents and workers in Delhi spent Wednesday anxiously trying to reach family and friends back home, with reports of deaths and hundreds missing causing widespread worry.