News for 'Country'

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Chandigarh is set to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or digital rupee, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on August 14. This initiative makes Chandigarh the first Union Territory to fully roll out CBDC-based DBT for food subsidy, enhancing transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, will be purpose-bound for purchasing foodgrains from authorised merchants.

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the country's youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a "high" for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life "low".

Tiger Shroff Pulls Out Of Mumbay FC's Durand Cup Match In Shillong

Tiger Shroff Pulls Out Of Mumbay FC's Durand Cup Match In Shillong

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff will not be participating in Mumbay FC's Durand Cup match against Nongkseh SS&CC due to a last-minute work commitment.

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Where is the official record? Media bytes are not parliamentary records. What matters is what is recorded on the floor of Parliament. I am not denying that we had a heated exchange.'

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused anti-India forces of using social media to spread rumours and mislead society, calling it a 'medium' for conspiracies against the country. He also criticised the alleged historical neglect of Indian revolutionaries in favour of one political family.

How SBI Is Revolutionising Banking With Artificial Intelligence

How SBI Is Revolutionising Banking With Artificial Intelligence

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

State Bank of India (SBI) is extensively using artificial intelligence to underwrite nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in MSME loans and automate the processing of cheques up to Rs 10,000. This AI adoption aims to enhance efficiency, free up employee bandwidth, and improve customer service across various banking functions.

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has resigned from his position as head coach of the England Lions, opting to focus on his coaching commitments with Australia's Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

India's Trade Deficit Widens to $31.98 Billion in July Amid Import Surge

India's Trade Deficit Widens to $31.98 Billion in July Amid Import Surge

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's trade deficit reached a six-month high of $31.98 billion in July, driven by a sharp increase in imports, particularly crude oil, electronic goods, coal, and fertilisers. Both merchandise exports and imports recorded their second-highest levels during the same period.

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised the Congress for allegedly 'unfairly disrupting' the recent monsoon session.

Foreign citizen can't be deported unless...: Centre to SC

Foreign citizen can't be deported unless...: Centre to SC

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that foreign nationals with unverified nationality cannot be deported unless their home country confirms their identity and agrees to accept them. This submission was made in response to a plea challenging indefinite detention of declared foreigners in Assam.

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

AIFF Super Cup winners FC Goa are set to face Turkmenistan's dominant FC Arkadag in a single-leg qualifying match for the AFC Champions League Two group stage. This crucial encounter marks former India defender Gouramangi Singh's debut as head coach for FC Goa, who enter the playoff with a depleted squad. The winner advances to the group stage, while the loser drops to the AFC Challenge League.

Rishabh Pant seeks Uttarakhand land for home, CM Dhami assures help

Rishabh Pant seeks Uttarakhand land for home, CM Dhami assures help

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has appealed to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for assistance in acquiring land to build a home and shift his base from Delhi to his native state. CM Dhami has assured Pant of all possible help, stating that the matter has been referred to concerned officials.

Sarin, Erigaisi secure quarter-final berths at Esports World Cup Chess

Sarin, Erigaisi secure quarter-final berths at Esports World Cup Chess

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Arjun Erigaisi have successfully navigated the lower bracket of the Esports World Cup chess tournament in Paris, securing their spots in the quarter-finals. The duo will now compete in the knockout stage, aiming for the US$1.5 million prize pool.

'I was at the airport': Nabi recalls India call-up moment

'I was at the airport': Nabi recalls India call-up moment

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi and Madhya Pradesh's Saransh Jain, both uncapped players, have been drafted into the Indian Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, replacing injured Jasprit Bumrah.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

'Real chance': Savita backs India for World Cup medal

'Real chance': Savita backs India for World Cup medal

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Indian women's hockey team captain Savita Punia believes their recent FIH Nations Cup triumph has instilled the confidence needed to challenge top teams and secure a podium finish at the upcoming World Cup.

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Punjab Kings' Nehal Wadhera said head coach Ricky Ponting personally approached him and offered reassurance at a time when his confidence was affected by his lack of runs during IPL 2026.

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's standing in red-ball cricket faces a crucial test as the team embarks on a two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media interaction in New Delhi, stating it played no role in the event nor endorsed her comments regarding the Bangladesh government. This comes after Bangladesh expressed outrage over the permitted interaction, which saw Hasina announce her determination to return to Bangladesh to restore democracy.

'Bohot badhiya banda': Harbhajan reveals Gambhir's true side

'Bohot badhiya banda': Harbhajan reveals Gambhir's true side

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his bewilderment at the continuous criticism directed towards Gautam Gambhir since he assumed the role of national head coach, acknowledging that Gambhir's direct approach might not appeal to everyone.

Man Arrested With Country-Made Pistol In Latur

Man Arrested With Country-Made Pistol In Latur

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A man was arrested in Latur, India, for possession of a country-made pistol as part of intensified security measures ahead of upcoming festivals.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'After announcing that she will return to Bangladesh, if she does not, her credibility will suffer.'

'Maini will need to choose between Formula E and Formula 1'

'Maini will need to choose between Formula E and Formula 1'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Mahindra Racing CEO Frederic Bertrand has stated that while Indian reserve driver Kush Maini has the potential to become a Formula E driver, the team will not compromise its competitive ambitions for nationality.

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision follows a request from the victim's mother, now a BJP MLA, and includes a separate probe into alleged cremation irregularities. Adhikari criticised previous police handling and vowed to ensure justice, despite a CBI investigation having already led to a conviction.

India considers Bangladesh's extradition plea for Sheikh Hasina

India considers Bangladesh's extradition plea for Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

India is currently examining Bangladesh's request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her government's collapse in August 2024, with New Delhi confirming the issue is being processed according to established procedures.

'They may kill me, but I'll return home': Hasina vows December comeback

'They may kill me, but I'll return home': Hasina vows December comeback

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing a death sentence and the risk of arrest. Speaking from India, she stated her goal is to restore democracy and justice, criticising the current state of affairs in Bangladesh and alleging that her government's collapse was due to organised violence. Her son also claimed Bangladesh is a "failed state" and a concern for India.

How AI Is Revolutionising Patient Care In India

How AI Is Revolutionising Patient Care In India

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A new report by Philips indicates that Artificial Intelligence is significantly enhancing healthcare in India, with 71% of professionals reporting increased patient capacity and 85% believing it improves patient outcomes. AI is also seen as a tool to improve access to quality healthcare in rural areas, with patients also embracing its benefits for more meaningful interactions with doctors.

NASA invites ISRO to join humanity's first Moon Base mission

NASA invites ISRO to join humanity's first Moon Base mission

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

NASA has invited ISRO to join its ambitious Moon Base mission to establish a permanent lunar outpost near the Moon's South Pole, aiming for scientific discoveries and future deep space exploration. This invitation follows discussions at the Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru, where both nations also advanced cooperation under the Artemis Accords and the TRUST initiative.

Maruti Suzuki poised for sustained sales growth in FY27 despite Q1 margin contraction

Maruti Suzuki poised for sustained sales growth in FY27 despite Q1 margin contraction

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) reported a mixed Q1 FY27, with record quarterly sales driving strong revenue growth, but operating performance was below expectations due to higher commodity and other costs impacting margins. Brokerages anticipate sustained sales growth for the company in the current fiscal year, supported by new launches, robust demand, and significant capacity expansion.

Retail inflation climbs to 4.45% in July, driven by soaring food prices

Retail inflation climbs to 4.45% in July, driven by soaring food prices

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 4.45 per cent in July, up from 4.38 per cent in June, primarily due to higher food prices, particularly onions and ginger. This marks the second consecutive month the inflation rate has remained above the Reserve Bank's median target.

'18 years ago today...': Abhinav Bindra reflects on historic Olympic gold

'18 years ago today...': Abhinav Bindra reflects on historic Olympic gold

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, reflected on the 18th anniversary of his historic win at the Beijing Olympics, stating, 'Life since has taught me that the spaces between the peaks matter just as much.'

Air India Phuket-Delhi Incident Probe Widens

Air India Phuket-Delhi Incident Probe Widens

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

=The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's sudden altitude variation and the actions of the flight crew.

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has launched an online petition urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address India's youth on critical issues like education, unemployment, and the rising cost of living during his Independence Day speech. This initiative follows CJP's successful 36-day agitation against NEET irregularities, which led to the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The CJP is now broadening its campaign with a nationwide "Kya Bolti Public" tour to gather youth views for a comprehensive Youth Reform Charter.

'I hate Narendra': Berwal tells Modi Pak boxer's remark

'I hate Narendra': Berwal tells Modi Pak boxer's remark

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Indian boxer Narender Berwal shared a humorous anecdote with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about a Pakistani opponent who, after being defeated, exclaimed his hatred for the name 'Narendra' due to its repeated presence in Berwal's life, including his coach and the Prime Minister.

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Kuldeep Yadav will look towards the Sri Lanka series as his big opportunity to finally seal his place as India's No 1 spinner in Tests.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Crosses Rs 400 Crore In India

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Crosses Rs 400 Crore In India

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung into the exclusive Rs 400 crore club at the Indian box office, captivating audiences with its remarkable performance.

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.

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.