News for 'Country'

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

China sailed through the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz relatively unscathed even as the impact of its steps shielded other consuming nations from having to pay high crude oil prices.

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India launched 'Suryapath Tiranga', a unique initiative involving over 50 Indian missions globally, to digitally relay images of the tricolour across multiple time zones, starting from Fiji, to mark the country's 80th Independence Day.

'Dimagi Naxal Party' emerges online amid row over Modi's remark

'Dimagi Naxal Party' emerges online amid row over Modi's remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A new satirical Instagram page, 'Dimagi Naxal Party,' has emerged following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' remark.

Habitual Offender Caught With Country-Made Pistol In J&K

Habitual Offender Caught With Country-Made Pistol In J&K

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Police in Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, arrested Balwinder Singh alias "Goru", a habitual offender, after intercepting him on a motorcycle. A country-made pistol and a mobile phone were recovered from him. Singh has a history of at least 10 criminal cases under the Arms Act and NDPS Act.

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Restaurants dish out special Independence Day menus

Restaurants dish out special Independence Day menus

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, hotels and restaurants across Delhi and other states are rolling out a diverse array of special offerings. These include themed culinary festivals showcasing regional Indian cuisines, fusion menus, live music performances, and attractive discounts. From royal Wazwan feasts to contemporary global blends and staycation packages, establishments are providing unique experiences for patrons to commemorate the occasion over the long weekend.

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

Rediff.com7 days ago

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana recused herself from a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers. This development follows a report by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria, which revealed over 4,000 pending criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), including chief ministers from 14 states. The Supreme Court has previously issued directives to high courts to establish special benches to monitor and fast-track these trials.

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Axis Bank has opened 50 new branches across India, while Abakkus Mutual Fund has surpassed Rs 10,000 crore in AUM. YES Bank launched a new credit card for women, and J&K Bank partnered with HDFC Life to enhance its insurance offerings, showcasing significant growth and strategic developments in the Indian financial sector.

Modi announces overhaul of civil defence in Independence Day address

Modi announces overhaul of civil defence in Independence Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to modernise India's civil defence volunteer force, stating that the existing system, designed for conventional wars, is inadequate against contemporary threats targeting critical infrastructure like refineries, banks, and data centres.

India's Hockey Coach Marijne Demands More Precision From Team

India's Hockey Coach Marijne Demands More Precision From Team

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed satisfaction with the team's 6-1 victory over South Africa at the FIH Women's World Cup but emphasised the need for improved precision in passing and finishing. Despite topping their group, Marijne cautioned against complacency, highlighting the upcoming crucial match against England. He also praised forward Lalremsiami, who found added motivation from her Arjuna Award nomination.

Sports Ministry To Initiate National Awards Nominations

Sports Ministry To Initiate National Awards Nominations

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Sports Ministry is set to commence the nomination process for the National Sports Awards next month, following a delayed announcement of the 2025 awards. The delay was due to a re-evaluation process aimed at preserving the integrity of the honours, which resulted in no Khel Ratna awardee for 2025 and fewer Arjuna awardees than recommended. The article also details the criteria for these prestigious awards and highlights some of the notable Arjuna awardees for 2025.

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A heated parliamentary showdown unfolded as NDA and INDIA bloc MPs clashed at Parliament's main gate.

'His calendar full': TISS replaces CJI as chief guest

'His calendar full': TISS replaces CJI as chief guest

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has announced Dr C S Pramesh, director of Tata Memorial Hospital, as the new chief guest for its 86th Convocation on August 22, replacing Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, who was unavailable due to a full calendar.

Badminton Worlds: PV Sindhu's sixth World Championships medal bid ends in quarters

Badminton Worlds: PV Sindhu's sixth World Championships medal bid ends in quarters

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former world No. 1 PV Sindhu bowed out of the BWF Badminton World Championships in New Delhi on Thursday after losing to China's Wang Zhi Yi in the Round of 16.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS) have signed an MoU to explore setting up a coal gasification plant near AMNS's Paradip pellet plant in Odisha. This initiative aims to produce synthesis gas for cleaner steel production, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and align with India's goal of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, supported by a Rs 37,500-crore government incentive scheme.

SC says revisit CBSE's 3-language policy, don't put pressure on children

SC says revisit CBSE's 3-language policy, don't put pressure on children

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has urged the CBSE to reconsider the implementation of its three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasising that children should not be subjected to undue pressure. The court highlighted concerns about infrastructure, the starting point of the policy, and the definition of 'native' languages.

India's Men's Hockey Team Aim to Break 51-Year World Cup Jinx

India's Men's Hockey Team Aim to Break 51-Year World Cup Jinx

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Indian men's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, is determined to end a 51-year World Cup drought, beginning their campaign against Wales with genuine optimism following recent Olympic bronze medals and an Asia Cup title.

We're taking shape as Test team, but need to turn it into a performance: Gary Kirsten

We're taking shape as Test team, but need to turn it into a performance: Gary Kirsten

Rediff.com6 days ago

Sri Lanka's head coach Gary Kirsten expressed satisfaction with his team's developing approach to Test cricket despite a loss to India. He highlighted the team's fight and resilience, particularly after a poor start in their first innings, and praised young batter Sonal Dinusha. Kirsten also provided an update on key player injuries ahead of the next Test.

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Rediff.com6 days ago

Newly appointed BJP Minority Morcha national president Kunwar Basit Ali announced a strategic focus on approximately 100 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, aiming to connect the Muslim community with the BJP by highlighting government welfare schemes and dispelling "misconceptions" about the party.

'Misquoted with malicious intent': CJI Surya Kant on 'cockroach' remark row

'Misquoted with malicious intent': CJI Surya Kant on 'cockroach' remark row

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Voicing concern over the circulation of clips of court proceedings on social media without adequate context, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has said that his oral remarks were "misquoted" and misused with "malicious intent" to mislead the youth of the country.

Barcelona win Rodri race: Ballon d'Or winner arrives from Manchester City in $88.56m deal

Barcelona win Rodri race: Ballon d'Or winner arrives from Manchester City in $88.56m deal

Rediff.com7 days ago

Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga champions announced on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard's glittering, trophy-laden spell with the Premier League club in a major coup for the Catalan side.

Jharkhand student leader on hunger strike stopped from joining Tiranga Yatra

Jharkhand student leader on hunger strike stopped from joining Tiranga Yatra

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto was allegedly prevented by police from joining a Tiranga Yatra while on his 14th day of an indefinite hunger strike against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured the public that his government is committed to ensuring transparency in examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com5 days ago

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

Independence Day Spirit Fuels Indian Hockey Fans At World Cup Opener

Independence Day Spirit Fuels Indian Hockey Fans At World Cup Opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian hockey fans, including a significant diaspora presence and supporters from abroad, created a vibrant, festive atmosphere in Amstelveen for the World Cup opener against Wales on Independence Day, driven by increased expectations following recent Olympic successes.

Guess who is wishing India from space ahead of Independence Day

Guess who is wishing India from space ahead of Independence Day

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station have conveyed special greetings to the people of India as the nation prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day, holding the Indian tricolour and underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries in space exploration.

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

Rediff.com6 days ago

Members of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have indicated that interest rate hikes may be necessary sooner rather than later, as headline inflation is projected to rise from its current benign levels in the coming months, according to the minutes of the August review.

SC asks govt to clarify on compensation in case of nuclear accidents

SC asks govt to clarify on compensation in case of nuclear accidents

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a limited notice to the Centre, seeking clarification on whether courts can grant fair compensation under the SHANTI Act in nuclear accidents, despite liability caps. The court also questioned potential conflicts of interest in appointing members to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Body under the Act, following a plea challenging the law's constitutionality.

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Iran has strongly rejected former US President Donald Trump's assertion that the Strait of Hormuz is 'NEW U.S. TERRITORY', with top officials warning that his 'delusions' would be 'corrected' and highlighting the gap between Washington's claims and its actual influence over the strategic waterway.

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed academic Deepak Mhaskey as the new head of its social media department, succeeding Amit Malviya who led the party's digital outreach for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further enhance the BJP's digital communication and public discourse.

Aaleina Sen Wins Gold At All India Independence Cup Karate

Aaleina Sen Wins Gold At All India Independence Cup Karate

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Durgapur's Aaleina Sen, an Under-11 karateka, won a gold medal in Kumite and a bronze in Kata at the 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship.

'Some forces want to disturb Punjab peace': Badal after Nanded attack

'Some forces want to disturb Punjab peace': Badal after Nanded attack

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal underwent a 90-minute surgery for a 'kirpan' attack injury sustained inside a gurdwara in Nanded and is now stable, with doctors repairing a tendon and ulnar artery nerve.

Can India Defend Chess Olympiad Double, End Winner's Curse?

Can India Defend Chess Olympiad Double, End Winner's Curse?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Being the defending champions certainly gives us confidence, but every Olympiad is a new event and starts from scratch.'

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

This year's Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort uniquely featured the national song 'Vande Mataram', marking 150 years of its profound legacy and historical significance in India's freedom struggle.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com7 days ago

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.

28 years on, Pritam hopes son Yashdeep can realise her unfulfilled World Cup dream

28 years on, Pritam hopes son Yashdeep can realise her unfulfilled World Cup dream

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former India hockey star Pritam Siwach will watch son Yashdeep make his World Cup debut in the Netherlands, 28 years after her own World Cup appearance.

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former member of the board of Engineers India Limited, has been appointed as the new head of the BJP's social media department, taking over from Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further strengthen the party's digital communication.

Private Banks Intensify FCNR(B) Push as RBI Swap Window Nears Closure

Private Banks Intensify FCNR(B) Push as RBI Swap Window Nears Closure

Rediff.com6 days ago

Private banks in India are aggressively mobilising Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR(B), deposits by raising interest rates and using website countdowns, as the Reserve Bank of India's swap window is set to close on August 31, earlier than initially planned.

How Max Hospital Performed North India's First Four-Way Paired Kidney Transplant

How Max Hospital Performed North India's First Four-Way Paired Kidney Transplant

Rediff.com7 days ago

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, successfully performed North India's first four-way paired kidney transplant, involving four patients and four donors from different states. This complex procedure addressed blood-group and immunological incompatibilities, offering a new avenue for patients needing transplants.

How AI Weather Forecasts Are Transforming Farming In Telangana

How AI Weather Forecasts Are Transforming Farming In Telangana

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A World Bank report highlights how Artificial Intelligence-powered weather forecasts have enabled small farmers in Telangana, India, to save up to USD 560 by adapting their farming practices to specific risks. The report, "The Promise of Artificial Intelligence," advocates for developing countries to rapidly adopt small, low-cost AI tools to enhance productivity, improve government services, and avoid missing out on the AI revolution.