News for 'Country'

Boxer Jaismine Lamboria Named India's Flag-Bearer For CWG Closing Ceremony

Boxer Jaismine Lamboria Named India's Flag-Bearer For CWG Closing Ceremony

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

World champion boxer Jaismine Lamboria, a two-time Commonwealth Games medalist, has been chosen as India's flag-bearer for the closing ceremony in Glasgow. India is also set to host the next edition of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, with a cultural handover segment planned.

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

China has deployed 72 "robot employees" across Beijing's municipal parks to perform various tasks like cleaning, patrolling, guiding visitors, and pest control. This initiative is part of China's "Robot Plus" strategy, driven by an ageing population and labour shortages, and showcases the growing domestic service robot market. These AI-powered robots enhance efficiency and visitor experience in popular attractions like the Summer Palace and Zizhuyuan Park.

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met with AI major Anthropic to discuss a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption across governance, education, healthcare, research, and the state's startup ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on deploying AI solutions responsibly, ensuring data privacy, and developing AI-focused skilling programmes and an AI University.

Preity Zinta: 'I Didn't Miss Movies'

Preity Zinta: 'I Didn't Miss Movies'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'I was enjoying having a family. It was new to me. Having kids. I was focusing on my personal life.' 'However big my career milestones might be, my greatest milestone was to have children and a family.'

Top Indian Amateur Golfers Eye Glory At Malaysia Ladies Open

Top Indian Amateur Golfers Eye Glory At Malaysia Ladies Open

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Two promising Indian amateur golfers, Guntas Kaur Sandhu and Ceerat Kang, are set to represent India at the Malaysia Ladies Open Amateur. Ceerat, ranked No. 1 in the IGU merit list, and Guntas, ranked No. 2, bring strong track records to the international competition, which features around 40 golfers from 20 countries.

Why India Has No Hockey Umpire or Official at 2026 World Cup

Why India Has No Hockey Umpire or Official at 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

For the first time since 1998, no Indian umpire or technical official will be present at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, a situation that has left former international officials disappointed and calling for a structured pathway to develop and support Indian officiating talent.

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'At the end of the day, it is just another technology produced by the human mind.'

Bangladesh fumes over Hasina's media interaction in India

Bangladesh fumes over Hasina's media interaction in India

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Bangladesh on Wednesday expressed outrage over deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, saying the event has hurt the sentiments of its people and could adversely affect efforts to improve bilateral ties with India.

India's Best Female Golfers Converge For Hero Women's Pro Tour Leg In Hosur

India's Best Female Golfers Converge For Hero Women's Pro Tour Leg In Hosur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The 11th Leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour is set to begin in Hosur, featuring all previous winners and a strong field of 53 players, including top amateurs and seasoned professionals. The tournament at Clover Greens Golf Course will see Vidhatri Urs, Vani Kapoor, Tvesa Malik, and others compete for honours.

'I'd be good at it': Stokes eyes England job

'I'd be good at it': Stokes eyes England job

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former England captain Ben Stokes has expressed his desire to coach the national team one day, believing his experience as a player and captain would make him successful. He is currently pursuing his Level 3 coaching qualification and has an understanding of the responsibilities involved in leadership. Stokes also commented on Harry Brook not being made Test captain despite being vice-captain, questioning the message it sent.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the recent World Cup, accusing critics of spreading 'hate and false narratives' and overlooking the tournament's success in promoting unity, safety, and inclusion.

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

Trump's New Tariffs Face Legal Heat

Trump's New Tariffs Face Legal Heat

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

'Tariff action relating to the excess-capacity investigation will be even more susceptible to judicial overturn.'

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?

India's record-breaking Day at CWG: Boxers bag 7 gold; judokas, para athletes shine

India's record-breaking Day at CWG: Boxers bag 7 gold; judokas, para athletes shine

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

India achieved its most productive day at the Commonwealth Games, securing a record-breaking seven gold medals in boxing, along with significant successes in judo and para track and field, propelling the nation to fourth place in the medal table.

'I want to be like Mary Kom': Pakistan's boxing hero

'I want to be like Mary Kom': Pakistan's boxing hero

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Pakistan's first female Commonwealth Games boxing medallist, Fatima Zahra, credits Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom as her primary inspiration, having watched the Bollywood biopic on Kom's life and emulating her journey of overcoming adversity.

Sreeshankar conquers injury and history with 2nd Commonwealth Games podium finish

Sreeshankar conquers injury and history with 2nd Commonwealth Games podium finish

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Murali Sreeshankar has become the first Indian double medallist in Commonwealth Games long jump, securing a silver medal with a leap of 8.09 metres. This achievement marks an emotional comeback for the 27-year-old, who recovered from a career-threatening knee injury that forced him to miss his anticipated Olympic debut.

India's UPI Expands Global Reach With Maldives Integration

India's UPI Expands Global Reach With Maldives Integration

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have successfully integrated the Maldives' instant payment system 'Favara' with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This enables real-time fund transfers from Maldives to UPI-enabled Indian bank accounts, marking a significant step in cross-border digital financial connectivity and bilateral economic cooperation.

Mohith HS: From Accidental Goalkeeper To India's World Cup Hope

Mohith HS: From Accidental Goalkeeper To India's World Cup Hope

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Karnataka's Mohith HS, an accidental goalkeeper, is set to represent India at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The 24-year-old, who impressed in the FIH Pro League, will join Suraj Karkera as one of the team's custodians. Mohith's journey began by chance in school, evolving into a promising career that saw him play in the Junior World Cup and now the senior national team, driven by a dream to win for India.

'Sambhal violence an attempt to derail court-ordered survey'

'Sambhal violence an attempt to derail court-ordered survey'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A day after the Uttar Pradesh assembly tabled the judicial commission's report on the November 2024 Sambhal violence, court commissioner Ramesh Raghav alleged that the mob had intended to attack the survey team and prevent the court-ordered exercise, while the Hindu side called for a detailed debate on the panel's findings in the House.

Sreeshankar eyes Asian Games gold after Commonwealth silver

Sreeshankar eyes Asian Games gold after Commonwealth silver

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Having won silver in Birmingham in 2022, 27-year-old Murali Sreeshankar added another medal to his collection at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games after producing a best leap of 8.09 metres, capping an emotional comeback from the career-threatening knee injury that had nearly derailed his career.

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated it is "premature" to discuss the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for digital payments, advising a "wait-and-watch" approach. He emphasised that investment in public payment infrastructure is necessary and someone must bear the cost, whether through taxes or MDR. The government is currently working on amendments to relevant statutes, and the RBI is focused on strengthening this infrastructure.

CWG Gold Medallist Harsh Singh Targets Asian Games Success

CWG Gold Medallist Harsh Singh Targets Asian Games Success

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

After making history as the first Indian male judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold, Harsh Singh is now focused on securing a medal at the upcoming Asian Games.

Fresh talks 'last chance' for Iran: Trump as Tehran denies talks

Fresh talks 'last chance' for Iran: Trump as Tehran denies talks

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Donald Trump stated that Iran has been given a "last chance" to reach an agreement, revealing that the US paused a planned military strike after receiving requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran to pursue diplomacy instead.

Sharma, Lahiri To Lead Indian Charge At DP World India Championship

Sharma, Lahiri To Lead Indian Charge At DP World India Championship

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Indian golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri are set to lead the home challenge at the DP World India Championship, scheduled for October 15-18 at the Delhi Golf Club. The tournament will feature a star-studded international field including Major winner Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Ryan Fox, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, and Viktor Hovland. Both Sharma and Lahiri expressed excitement about competing on home soil, highlighting the event's significance for Indian golf.

Black Sea attack victim's remains reach Kanpur; family refuses last rites

Black Sea attack victim's remains reach Kanpur; family refuses last rites

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The mortal remains of Merchant Navy chief officer Sagar Gupta, who was killed in a Black Sea attack amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, were brought to his native place in Kanpur on Wednesday, 18 days after the incident, with his family demanding 'martyr' status and compensation.

'Shivakumar Is The Richest Politician In The Country'

'Shivakumar Is The Richest Politician In The Country'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'In the (election) affidavit, he had declared Rs 1,400 crores as his assets. He has educational institutions, real estate, malls, etc.'

India's CWG Weightlifting Heroes Return To Rousing Welcome

India's CWG Weightlifting Heroes Return To Rousing Welcome

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Indian weightlifters, including Olympic medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and silver medallist Lovepreet Singh, received a hero's welcome upon their return to New Delhi after a successful Commonwealth Games campaign, where they secured eight medals.

Shakib ready to return to Bangladesh, but sets big condition

Shakib ready to return to Bangladesh, but sets big condition

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Bangladeshi cricket legend Shakib Al Hasan, an ally of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, is willing to return from exile in the US to face charges, including murder, if the government guarantees his safety. He hopes to play a farewell series and represent Bangladesh in the 2027 World Cup, highlighting the challenges faced by Hasina's allies after her government's fall.

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with a World Bank delegation to discuss advancing Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, and skill development in the state. The discussions focused on leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, with plans to showcase Haryana's AI Sandbox globally and develop a dedicated AI model for the state.

Diksha Dagar Aims To Consolidate Top Position At PIF London Championship

Diksha Dagar Aims To Consolidate Top Position At PIF London Championship

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar, currently sixth on the LET Order of Merit, is set to lead the Indian contingent at the PIF London Championship. She aims to strengthen her position among the Tour's top players, with other Indian golfers like Avani Prashanth, Pranavi Urs, Aditi Ashok, and Hitaashee Bakshi also participating.

Neeraj Chopra Doesn't Deserve Scrutiny After One Silver: Sumariwalla

Neeraj Chopra Doesn't Deserve Scrutiny After One Silver: Sumariwalla

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Athletics Federation of India's selection committee chairman Adille Sumariwalla has dismissed concerns over Neeraj Chopra's recent silver medal, stating that the "country's greatest athlete" should not be scrutinised for an occasional silver after consistently delivering gold for a decade.

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Air India has announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Campbell Wilson. This strategic appointment comes as the airline navigates expansion amidst significant challenges.

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

AI4Bharat at IIT Madras and Josh Talks AI have launched 'Voice of India', a multimodal AI evaluation platform designed to assess AI systems against Indian conditions, languages, accents, and dialects. This platform aims to provide scientifically rigorous, India-specific evaluations, covering areas like Voice AI, large language models, document processing, safety, cultural appropriateness, and Indian legal reasoning, to build trust and enable informed deployment decisions.

Brig Ponwar, 1971 War hero, architect of India's jungle warfare, dies at 77

Brig Ponwar, 1971 War hero, architect of India's jungle warfare, dies at 77

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Brigadier Basant Kumar Ponwar (Retd), a distinguished veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the visionary behind India's modern jungle warfare strategies against Maoist insurgency, has passed away at 77. His extensive career spanned over five decades, contributing significantly to national defence through both the Indian Army and police forces, including founding the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College.

Willie Walsh assumes charge as IndiGo CEO, eyes global expansion

Willie Walsh assumes charge as IndiGo CEO, eyes global expansion

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Willie Walsh, former IATA Director General and CEO of British Airways, has officially taken charge as the CEO of IndiGo, India's largest airline, with a mandate to drive global expansion and operational excellence.

India rewrites Commonwealth Games judo history with two golds and a silver

India rewrites Commonwealth Games judo history with two golds and a silver

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

India's judokas scripted history at the Commonwealth Games on Friday as Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh clinched the country's first-ever gold medals in the sport, while Yamini Mourya added a silver to cap the nation's best-ever judo campaign.