News for 'Express'

BRICS declaration backs India's stand on fighting terror

BRICS declaration backs India's stand on fighting terror

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The BRICS grouping has fully endorsed India's demand for zero-tolerance against terrorism and rejected double standards in combating the menace. Their declaration condemned terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed commitment to holding terrorists accountable under international law.

The Rationale Behind Government's UPI Fee Decision

The Rationale Behind Government's UPI Fee Decision

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian government has challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's criticism of levying fees on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants. The government highlighted that a parliamentary standing committee, which included Congress MPs, had previously backed a tiered Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI. This move aims to ensure the financial sustainability of the UPI ecosystem and reduce its dependence on government subsidies, a concern raised by the committee due to the significant funding gap between allocations and operational costs.

India Rejects US Influence Claims Over UPI MDR Policy

India Rejects US Influence Claims Over UPI MDR Policy

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Finance Ministry has dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions. It clarified that NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI and do not favour international cards. The ministry also asserted that the MDR, applicable to person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000, is unlikely to increase cash transactions or cause inflation, with measures in place to prevent burdening consumers.

Gambhir reveals why Samson was dropped for England tour

Gambhir reveals why Samson was dropped for England tour

Rediff.com4 days ago

India head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that dropping Sanju Samson from the England tour was his toughest decision, despite Samson being the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. Gambhir explained that while Samson was temporarily replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the team prioritised returning to their established World Cup-winning combination. He also addressed the issue of player injuries and the challenge of Shubman Gill not having a full-strength team, emphasising the importance of long-term performance and providing opportunities for new talent.

India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, urges regional stability

India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, urges regional stability

Rediff.com6 days ago

India has expressed serious concern over Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure and economic assets, stating that such actions threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the issue with his Saudi counterpart. India also condemned the targeting of commercial shipping after an Indian national went missing following an attack on a Panama-flagged ship off Oman.

Strain in J-K ruling allies? NC, Cong clash over Vande Mataram rendition

Strain in J-K ruling allies? NC, Cong clash over Vande Mataram rendition

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tensions have emerged within Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance between the National Conference and Congress over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an official state event. While the NC defends it as a "statutory obligation," the Congress expresses strong disapproval, citing historical resolutions and the need to respect India's pluralistic ethos.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Rediff.com7 days ago

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been granted three weeks' interim bail by a Delhi court in a case involving the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a Jantar Mantar protest. Bhardwaj was previously in judicial custody after being detained following public outrage over his claims of assault and political connections.

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Rediff.com5 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.

India's Forex Reserves Surge to New Lifetime High of $785.71 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Surge to New Lifetime High of $785.71 Billion

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by a record USD 44.903 billion to a new lifetime high of USD 785.706 billion for the week ended September 4, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's concessional forex swap initiatives.

EPL: Liverpool 'Lacked Freshness' As They Drop Points

EPL: Liverpool 'Lacked Freshness' As They Drop Points

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Liverpool's underwhelming start to the Premier League season continued with a drab 0-0 home draw against Fulham, leaving new coach Andoni Iraola unbeaten but with his side struggling to find form.

Sooraj Pancholi: 'Never met Disha Salian, Aaditya Thackeray'

Sooraj Pancholi: 'Never met Disha Salian, Aaditya Thackeray'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Actor Sooraj Pancholi has denied any connection to Disha Salian or Aaditya Thackeray, stating he has 'never met Late Disha Salian in my life, directly or indirectly' and 'never met Aditya Thackeray in my life,' following his name surfacing in the CBI's fresh FIR regarding Salian's death.

Dave Cousins: India's First Olympic Archery Medal Is Inevitable

Dave Cousins: India's First Olympic Archery Medal Is Inevitable

Rediff.com4 days ago

Dave Cousins, India's new national compound archery head coach, believes a historic first Olympic medal for India is inevitable. He is preparing the team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and has long-term plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, noting the changing Asian archery landscape and the impressive work ethic of Indian archers.

PAYD Motor Insurance: Is It Worth It?

PAYD Motor Insurance: Is It Worth It?

Rediff.com6 days ago

PAYD suits infrequent drivers who can estimate annual mileage.

US embassy conveys Trump's birthday wishes for Modi

US embassy conveys Trump's birthday wishes for Modi

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was marked by a flurry of greetings from global leaders, including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, all underscoring strengthening bilateral ties and India's increasing stature on the world stage.

Fabregas Hails 'Historic' Como Champions League Debut Win

Fabregas Hails 'Historic' Como Champions League Debut Win

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Italian club Como, managed by former midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas, secured a dream 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their Champions League debut, marking a historic milestone for the club and its fans.

GMCK Student Dr Komal Saluja Honoured With Researcher Of The Year Award

GMCK Student Dr Komal Saluja Honoured With Researcher Of The Year Award

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Dr Komal Verma Saluja, a final-year student at Government Medical College Kota (GMCK), has been awarded the "Researcher of the Year Award 2026" by the India chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP). She is the youngest and first medical student to receive this prestigious accolade. Saluja's research includes identifying an imaging biomarker for early cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes and developing a diagnostic method for fatty liver disease using echocardiography. Her achievements have brought pride to GMCK and highlight the need for more novel diagnostic and therapeutic research in India.

'That Was Some Tennis': Tendulkar On Shelton Win

'That Was Some Tennis': Tendulkar On Shelton Win

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded American tennis player Ben Shelton's thrilling five-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open quarter-finals, while also expressing sympathy for Alcaraz's tough luck after returning from injury.

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, is not expected to increase cash transactions or cause inflation. The ministry also dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the decision, asserting that the policy aims to promote RuPay credit cards within the UPI ecosystem, and a monitoring mechanism will ensure the MDR burden is not passed on to consumers.

Hull City hold Chelsea to 2-2 draw, extend unbeaten Premier League start

Hull City hold Chelsea to 2-2 draw, extend unbeaten Premier League start

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Newly promoted Hull City secured a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, extending their unbeaten start to the Premier League season to four matches, much to the delight of manager Sergej Jakirovic.

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has voiced concerns that the government's new 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 could reverse the progress of digital payment adoption among small retailers. This fee, effective October 15, places the burden on merchants operating on thin margins, potentially pushing them back to cash transactions and undermining the government's formalisation agenda, especially ahead of the festive season.

Asian Games a 'teaser' for Olympics, says India women's coach Amol Muzumdar

Asian Games a 'teaser' for Olympics, says India women's coach Amol Muzumdar

Rediff.com5 days ago

India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur view the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as crucial preparation and a 'teaser' for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where women's cricket will make its debut, aiming to carry their winning mindset into both global events.

Nagarjuna On Bigg Boss Telugu: 'Thought I'd Get Bored'

Nagarjuna On Bigg Boss Telugu: 'Thought I'd Get Bored'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'Now, here I am, doing my 10th season, and loving yet another opportunity to reach out to audienceS at home.'

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit: 'People Connected With The Characters'

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit: 'People Connected With The Characters'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'They felt familiar and real. At the same time, people wanted to share this experience with their loved ones.'

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri expressed a mix of excitement and 'a little jealousy' about the national team's unprecedented opportunity to play against football giants Brazil and Uruguay in October 2026, an experience he never had in his two-decade career.

HC grants interim protection from arrest to Abhishek Banerjee in 3 new FIRs

HC grants interim protection from arrest to Abhishek Banerjee in 3 new FIRs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in three FIRs, expressing frustration over the numerous cases against him. The court directed police not to take coercive action until November 30 and questioned the motive behind the complaints, noting they were filed by a political rival.

Asia Cup Trophy Shouldn't Be Political Casualty

Asia Cup Trophy Shouldn't Be Political Casualty

Rediff.com7 days ago

The trophy is supposed to be the full stop to a tournament, not another comma in an India-Pakistan controversy, points out K R Nayar.

Jamia forms fact-finding panel amid chameleon discovery in hostel food

Jamia forms fact-finding panel amid chameleon discovery in hostel food

Rediff.com7 days ago

Jamia Millia Islamia has established a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate CCTV footage allegedly showing a chameleon in a student's meal at a hostel mess. This comes amidst ongoing student protests regarding food quality and hygiene. The university is also seeking external agency assistance and will take action if deliberate wrongdoing or misinformation is found, while also installing more CCTV cameras to enhance monitoring.

Davis Cup: Dhakshineswar Leads India's Charge Against Korea

Davis Cup: Dhakshineswar Leads India's Charge Against Korea

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's Davis Cup team is set for a high-stakes Qualifier Round 2 clash against South Korea in Seoul, with players like Dhakshineswar Suresh and Sumit Nagal aiming to secure a historic Final 8 berth under the current format.

'Being a Sportsman Helped Me Fight Cancer': Muhammad Saqlain

'Being a Sportsman Helped Me Fight Cancer': Muhammad Saqlain

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Former Pakistan defensive hockey player Muhammad Saqlain has revealed his battle with stage four B oral cancer, stating that his sports background provided him with the fighting spirit needed to overcome the dreaded disease. He underwent an eight-hour surgery and is now undergoing immunotherapy for a full recovery, having kept his health issues private until now.

Davis Cup: India Prepares To Counter Korea's Home Court Advantage

Davis Cup: India Prepares To Counter Korea's Home Court Advantage

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's singles players Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh face challenging conditions in their Davis Cup Qualifier Round 2 tie against South Korea. The hosts have prepared a slow, low-bounce court with heavy balls to negate India's strengths. Captain Rohit Rajpal is confident in the team's ability to adapt and strategize, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and exposing younger players to high-pressure situations.

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.

Parelcha Raja's Tribute to Lord Vitthal

Parelcha Raja's Tribute to Lord Vitthal

Rediff.com7 days ago

For its 80th year, Mumbai's Parelcha Raja Narepark pays tribute to Maharashtra's Warkari tradition of worshipping Lord Vitthal with a towering 23 feet Ganesha idol, for which water was brought in from Pandharpur's Chandrabhaga river.

Will Pakistan fight Iran to defend Saudi?

Will Pakistan fight Iran to defend Saudi?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning that the Makkah Defence Alliance, a newly formed pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, stands ready to activate its collective defence provisions in response to escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Pramod Bhagat Secures Gold, Sukant Kadam Achieves 100th Medal Milestone

Pramod Bhagat Secures Gold, Sukant Kadam Achieves 100th Medal Milestone

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Tokyo Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat clinched a gold medal in men's singles SL3 and a silver in men's doubles SL3-SU5 at the Japan Para Badminton International. Fellow Indian shuttler Sukant Kadam marked a significant career milestone by securing his 100th medal, alongside a silver in men's singles SL4 and men's doubles.

10 IPO Checks Before You Invest

10 IPO Checks Before You Invest

Rediff.com5 days ago

Dig into the prospectus. Use the prospectus to understand the business and its risks.

From 'pointless' to US Open final: Zverev's incredible revival

From 'pointless' to US Open final: Zverev's incredible revival

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Alexander Zverev has made a remarkable turnaround at the U.S. Open, progressing from early struggles to reach his second final at Flushing Meadows. After being pushed to five sets in his initial matches, he has since won four consecutive matches without dropping a set, setting the stage for a potential second Grand Slam title.

Harmanpreet Hails All-Round Show as India Enter Asia Cup Final

Harmanpreet Hails All-Round Show as India Enter Asia Cup Final

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India's women's cricket team secured a spot in the Women's T20 Asia Cup final after a comprehensive 40-run victory over Bangladesh in the first semi-final, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur praising the team's all-round performance.

Modern Marriage: 'We Don't Compete With Each Other'

Modern Marriage: 'We Don't Compete With Each Other'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'The biggest difference between our marriage and that of our parents' generation is not simply that times have changed. It is that modern marriages require two people to continuously understand, support and adapt to each other while navigating a much more demanding world,' says Rahul Kulkarni.

Driver arrested from Rajasthan in Gurugram biker hit-and-run case

Driver arrested from Rajasthan in Gurugram biker hit-and-run case

Rediff.com7 days ago

Gurugram police have escalated charges to attempt to murder against Kalyan Bainsla after woman biker Shivani Chauhan (Sia) released a new video alleging deliberate targeting in a hit-and-run incident, raising serious road safety concerns.