News for 'Defending India'

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India has been eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's. Despite a strong batting performance led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia successfully chased down India's target of 171, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner scoring crucial half-centuries. This marks India's second consecutive group-stage exit from the tournament.

Brand USA Unveils 'More To Love' Campaign After World Cup

Brand USA Unveils 'More To Love' Campaign After World Cup

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has launched a new social-first series called 'More to Love'. This campaign aims to thank international fans who visited the US during the FIFA World Cup and encourage them to return to explore more of the country's diverse attractions, including its national parks and landmarks. The campaign is being amplified globally, including in India.

How India's Bridge Teams Began Their Asia Cup Campaign

How India's Bridge Teams Began Their Asia Cup Campaign

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India's senior bridge teams, both A and B, have made an impressive start at the fifth Asia Cup Bridge Championship in Goa, positioning themselves among the top contenders after the opening day. While the senior teams excelled, the women's teams faced a challenging start.

Should Harmanpreet continue as India's T20 captain?

Should Harmanpreet continue as India's T20 captain?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign ended in another group-stage exit, putting Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy under scrutiny and exposing issues with team selection, batting approach, bowling balance and fielding that could trigger a major reset.

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Former India captain Subrata Paul asserts that goalkeepers were instrumental in the success of teams at the recent FIFA World Cup, often outshining attacking players. He highlights specific goalkeepers like Vozinha, Unai Simon, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois for their exceptional performances and discusses the evolving role of modern goalkeepers in tactical play.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

After six days of stalemate, a discussion on the anti-paper leak bill began on Tuesday in Lok Sabha with the government describing it as a reaffirmation of ruling dispensation's commitment to safeguard the welfare of students but opposition hit back over the lathi-charge on protesters, saying every blow on them hurt the government's prestige more than the backs of the youth.

Manpreet Singh Targets World Cup Medal, Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Manpreet Singh Targets World Cup Medal, Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh, despite numerous accolades including Olympic medals, is determined to win a World Cup medal before concluding his illustrious career after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday asserted that his government was committed to protecting the interests of the state's farmers and people on the Cauvery issue, while appealing to organisations to withdraw the proposed state-wide bandh.

How Brand USA Is Capitalising On World Cup To Boost Tourism

How Brand USA Is Capitalising On World Cup To Boost Tourism

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has launched a new social-first series called 'More to Love'. This campaign aims to leverage the success of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which was hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, to encourage international fans to return and explore more of the country's diverse attractions, including its national parks and various states. The campaign is being amplified globally, including in India.

Race To The Oval: Who Will Contest The 2027 WTC Final?

Race To The Oval: Who Will Contest The 2027 WTC Final?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Oval in London has been confirmed as the venue for the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final, scheduled from June 9-13. This marks the second time The Oval will host the final, having previously done so in 2023. Nine teams are currently competing in the ongoing WTC cycle, with Australia leading the standings, followed by South Africa and New Zealand, as the race intensifies with crucial upcoming series.

Ireland STUN India to seal historic series win

Ireland STUN India to seal historic series win

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Ireland produced one of the biggest wins in their T20I history, edging India by just one run in a thrilling second T20I in Belfast to complete a historic 2-0 series sweep.

'Gen Z Has Shown How The Government's Arrogance Can Be Broken'

'Gen Z Has Shown How The Government's Arrogance Can Be Broken'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

What remained at Shivaji Park was not Gen Z anger but of momentum -- a generation that had, in its own telling, made an emperor bow, and intends to keep singing and meme-ing about it.

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Personality rights violations are increasingly being used as vehicles for financial fraud, with unsuspecting consumers misled by fabricated endorsements.

Raman: Mature Harmanpreet Leading India's Most Complete Women's Team

Raman: Mature Harmanpreet Leading India's Most Complete Women's Team

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former India coach WV Raman believes the current women's team is the strongest in the country's history and has all the ingredients to win a maiden T20 World Cup, provided the pace attack delivers in key moments.

Asian Senior Fencing Championships: India's Prachi Lohan And Sachin Lead Home Challenge

Asian Senior Fencing Championships: India's Prachi Lohan And Sachin Lead Home Challenge

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

India's Prachi Lohan and Sachin achieved top-25 finishes at the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi. Japan's Kyosuke Matsuyama won gold in men's foil, while Kazakhstan's Irina Bakaldina secured gold in women's epee, marking a historic first for her country.

Manpreet Singh's Milestone As India Beats Germany 3-1

Manpreet Singh's Milestone As India Beats Germany 3-1

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India secured a 3-1 victory over Germany in the FIH Hockey Pro League, a match where Manpreet Singh became the most capped player for India. Goals from Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Nilakanta Sharma, coupled with a strong defensive performance, ensured the win, with Hardik Singh named Player of the Match.

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party of allowing the ancestral house of eminent hockey player KD Singh 'Babu' in Barabanki to go on sale, asserting that his government intervened to prevent it.

Balanced Indian Women's Hockey Squad Gears Up For World Cup

Balanced Indian Women's Hockey Squad Gears Up For World Cup

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Indian women's hockey squad for the upcoming World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands has been announced, featuring the same 20 players selected for the Asian Games. Led by Salima Tete and coached by Sjoerd Marijne, the team is described as well-balanced, combining experienced players with promising young talent, fresh off an unbeaten victory at the FIH Nations Cup.

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector MSK Prasad has questioned the consistent dropping of Sanju Samson from the T20I squad, calling it a 'big mistake' given his strong performances, while also defending head coach Gautam Gambhir against early criticism for recent series losses.

Big blow for India: Hardik ruled out of England series

Big blow for India: Hardik ruled out of England series

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of India's upcoming series against England due to a leg strain. This injury follows previous back spasms that affected his IPL performance. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is also sidelined with a hamstring injury and is awaiting a fitness test. The BCCI has announced the T20I squad, with the ODI squad announcement pending.

India's Women's Football Team Dominates To Win SAFF Championship

India's Women's Football Team Dominates To Win SAFF Championship

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

India's women's football team secured their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title, and their first in seven years, by defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final. The team maintained an all-win record throughout the tournament, scoring 18 goals and conceding only one, showcasing a dominant performance.

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling FIH Pro League match in London, extending their decade-long unbeaten streak against them in international hockey. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India rallied with goals from Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma, Sukhjeet Singh, and Rajinder Singh. Pakistan mounted a late comeback in the final quarter, but India held on for a crucial victory, moving up to seventh in the standings.

India Men Edge Netherlands To Clinch Thrilling Win In Hockey Pro League

India Men Edge Netherlands To Clinch Thrilling Win In Hockey Pro League

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in their final match of the FIH Pro League Rotterdam leg.

Durand Cup Expands To Five Cities, Welcomes Seven New Teams

Durand Cup Expands To Five Cities, Welcomes Seven New Teams

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Durand Cup football tournament will feature 24 teams, including seven debutants, across five cities from July 25 to August 23. Kolkata remains the primary hub, hosting the final, while Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati will also host matches, bringing together a diverse mix of Indian and overseas teams.

Tri-nation series: Sri Lanka A win fiery contest vs India A after Super Over showdown

Tri-nation series: Sri Lanka A win fiery contest vs India A after Super Over showdown

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Sri Lanka A finally found a way to get over the line against India A following a Super Over in an emotionally charged tri-series game in Dambulla on Monday.

Will take 'necessary steps' to ensure Pak share of water under IWT: Army

Will take 'necessary steps' to ensure Pak share of water under IWT: Army

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Pakistan's military leadership has committed to securing the country's "rightful share" of water under the Indus Water Treaty, following India's actions post-Pahalgam attack. The military also expressed concerns over militant activities from Afghan territory and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris, vowing continued operations against terrorism.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

'Advise Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be patient'

'Advise Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be patient'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is yet to make his India T20I debut despite all the hype and former India keeper Parthiv Patel reckons he will get his opportunity sometime in the ongoing series against England.

Women's T20 WC: Can India fix middle-order woes, fielding lapses?

Women's T20 WC: Can India fix middle-order woes, fielding lapses?

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in a critical T20 World Cup Group A match, aiming to address persistent middle-order batting struggles and fielding lapses. While openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have provided strong starts, the inability of the middle order to capitalise has put pressure on the lower order. India, currently second in their group, needs a strong performance to solidify their semi-final chances, especially after a recent loss to South Africa highlighted their vulnerabilities.

England defeat sparks BCCI rethink as Gambhir faces first real scrutiny

England defeat sparks BCCI rethink as Gambhir faces first real scrutiny

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The BCCI will review the performances of India's players and coaching staff after the T20I series defeat to England, with head coach Gautam Gambhir's role also coming under scrutiny following back-to-back series losses.

India's Junior Women's Hockey Squad Heads To UK For Crucial Exposure

India's Junior Women's Hockey Squad Heads To UK For Crucial Exposure

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian junior women's hockey team, led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu, will undertake an exposure tour of the United Kingdom from July 5 to 14. Under new coach Tim White, the 24-member squad will play seven matches against teams from Scotland, the United States, England, and Belgium, aiming to fine-tune strategies for upcoming international competitions like the Junior Asia Cup.

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against Standard Chartered Bank and one of its officers in a 1991-92 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case, citing an extraordinary 23-year delay in prosecution and the Enforcement Directorate's failure to comply with mandatory procedural safeguards.

Top Golfers Hovland And Fox Join DP World India Championship

Top Golfers Hovland And Fox Join DP World India Championship

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

PGA Tour winners Viktor Hovland and Ryan Fox are confirmed to participate in the second DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club from October 15-18. They will join other European Ryder Cup stars like Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose in the USD four million event, which is a key part of the Race to Dubai.

3rd ODI: Morkel confident Rohit Sharma will overcome slump in form

3rd ODI: Morkel confident Rohit Sharma will overcome slump in form

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to overcome his recent struggles in the ongoing ODI series against England, highlighting the calmness he brings to the team. Morkel also discussed the team's batting concerns, the need for middle-order breakthroughs, and his potential role in the 2027 World Cup.

Bhuvneshwar defends Hazlewood, explains RCB tactics in GT loss

Bhuvneshwar defends Hazlewood, explains RCB tactics in GT loss

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar backs Josh Hazlewood after RCB's loss to Gujarat Titans, explaining tactical calls and insisting it was just an off day in a long IPL season.

Neeraj Chopra to compete in Asian Games in Japan, confirms Athletics Federation of India

Neeraj Chopra to compete in Asian Games in Japan, confirms Athletics Federation of India

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Neeraj Chopra will compete in the Asian Games in Japan in September-October in his bid to defend the title.

No Indian link to Nijjar murder, says Canadian police, refutes Trudeau's claim

No Indian link to Nijjar murder, says Canadian police, refutes Trudeau's claim

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Canadian police have found no evidence linking Indian government officials to the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, directly contradicting earlier allegations by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that strained bilateral ties.

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

From intense gangster epics to tender slice-of-life dramas, these 10 films showcase why Dhanush remains one of Indian cinema's most versatile leading men.

Ram Temple Trust holds series of meetings; eyes administrative overhaul

Ram Temple Trust holds series of meetings; eyes administrative overhaul

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Amidst an ongoing SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri held a series of meetings in Ayodhya. These discussions followed the acceptance of resignations from former general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, and the Trust's decision to overhaul its administrative structure, including appointing a professional CEO. Rai, who has adopted a vow of silence, questioned the State Bank of India's role in the donation counting process, while Giri defended Rai but acknowledged his trust in the wrong people. The SIT probe is expanding to examine the Trust's financial transactions and administrative processes.