News for 'FIRST'

Durand Cup: Samaleswari Sporting secure resounding win over Baghpat FC

Durand Cup: Samaleswari Sporting secure resounding win over Baghpat FC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Samaleswari Sporting bounced back from an opening defeat to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC. Basit Ahmed Bhat scored twice, supported by goals from Marat Tareck and Gnohere Krizo, while Crispin Cleetus netted Baghpat's lone goal. The Odisha-based team controlled the second half, extending their lead and comfortably seeing out the match.

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Clashes erupted during the first phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claiming 14 deaths, a figure disputed by law enforcement. India condemned the elections as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise its illegal occupation and human rights abuses in the region, while ongoing JAAC protests highlight deep-seated grievances.

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

As many as 274 fugitives have been repatriated from 36 countries in the last 7 years, an average of around 40 per year and a 10-fold jump from the 2004-13 period when around four fugitives were brought back every year, the government said on Tuesday.

Chhattisgarh: BJP man held in BSP iron scrap theft case; 17 arrests so far

Chhattisgarh: BJP man held in BSP iron scrap theft case; 17 arrests so far

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A ruling Bharatiya Janata Party functionary was held in connection with the alleged theft of iron scrap worth several crore rupees from the public sector Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 17, the police said on Sunday.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Samardeep Singh Gill Qualify For Shot Put Final

Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Samardeep Singh Gill Qualify For Shot Put Final

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian shot putters Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill have successfully qualified for the final round of the Commonwealth Games. Toor breached the 20m automatic qualification mark with a throw of 20.14m, while Gill secured his spot with a best throw of 19.95m, finishing fifth overall.

Harjinder, Gulveer Clinch Silver; Boxers Assure Medals At Commonwealth Games

Harjinder, Gulveer Clinch Silver; Boxers Assure Medals At Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian athletes delivered a strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, securing multiple medals. Weightlifter Harjinder Kaur and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh both clinched silver medals, with Harjinder setting new Games records and Gulveer making history in the 10,000m event. Additionally, three Indian boxers advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing at least bronze medals for the country.

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.

Anahat Singh clinches historic World Junior Squash Championship title

Anahat Singh clinches historic World Junior Squash Championship title

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Anahat Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, defeating Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in the final.

How Indian Badminton Stars Are Set To Shine At Korea Masters

How Indian Badminton Stars Are Set To Shine At Korea Masters

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Newly-crowned Taipei Open champion Tanvi Sharma and former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth will lead India's challenge at the Korea Masters Super 300 badminton tournament. Tanvi's recent historic win and Srikanth's return to full fitness set high expectations for the Indian contingent across singles and doubles categories.

39 medals! India exceed expectations at CWG 2026

39 medals! India exceed expectations at CWG 2026

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

India finished fourth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with 39 medals, overcoming the absence of traditional medal-winning sports. The contingent's success was driven by a record-breaking boxing campaign, a historic performance in judo, and strong contributions from para athletes, showcasing the country's expanding sporting depth.

Preeti Pawar storms into CWG semis, medal confirmed

Preeti Pawar storms into CWG semis, medal confirmed

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian boxer Preeti Pawar, an Asian Games bronze medallist, has secured India's second boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games by defeating Nicole Clyde of Northern Ireland in the women's 54kg quarterfinal. Her dominant unanimous-decision victory guarantees her at least a bronze medal, marking her first CWG medal.

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.

Ahmedabad Prepares To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games With International Training

Ahmedabad Prepares To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games With International Training

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

An Indian delegation, led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, is undergoing training in Glasgow to learn about staging a multi-sport event. This is part of Ahmedabad's preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the event's return to India after two decades. The training covers various aspects of Games operations, including venues, transport, accreditation, and athlete accommodation, and includes sports diplomacy sessions.

India's boxers rule the ring: 10 into Commonwealth Games finals!

India's boxers rule the ring: 10 into Commonwealth Games finals!

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

India's boxing contingent delivered a knockout day at the Commonwealth Games, with ten pugilists storming into the finals and keeping the gold rush alive.

Shooting at US restaurant leaves multiple dead, gunman killed

Shooting at US restaurant leaves multiple dead, gunman killed

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A shooting at a newly opened fast-food outlet in Twin Falls, Idaho, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The gunman is confirmed deceased, and authorities are investigating the motive and identity of the suspect. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of public shootings in the United States.

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A parliamentary standing committee on Information Technology has demanded a personal apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook. The committee also discussed potential legal action and the withdrawal of safe harbour protection, while questioning Meta officials on algorithmic bias and accountability.

CWG: Gurindervir crashes out of men's 100m; finishes 28th in heats

CWG: Gurindervir crashes out of men's 100m; finishes 28th in heats

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Gurindervir Singh failed to live up to expectations at the Commonwealth Games, crashing out of the men's 100m event after his underwhelming timing of 10.39 seconds left him 28th overall in the heats.

'Another bronze. I have mixed feelings about this one': Manu Bhaker

'Another bronze. I have mixed feelings about this one': Manu Bhaker

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Double Olympic-medallist Manu Bhaker expressed mixed feelings about her 25m pistol bronze at the Hangzhou World Cup, acknowledging room for improvement despite the podium finish.

Anahat Singh Crowned World Junior Squash Champion

Anahat Singh Crowned World Junior Squash Champion

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Anahat Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the world junior squash championship, defeating Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in the final. This victory follows her bronze medal performance last year.

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

West Bengal police have unearthed a sophisticated Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting state ministers, their families, and other high-profile individuals, leading to the arrest of a third suspect, Aditya Singh, an alleged associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Hamim Mondal.

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed into the ages on July 17, would have turned 90 today, July 28. Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam remembers a dear friend who he believes was 'undoubtedly the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.'

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are protesting alleged paper leaks in PSC and other recruitment exams, demanding an independent inquiry by retired high court judges from outside the state. They have lost faith in the ongoing CID investigation, citing past failures, and threaten to intensify their agitation if their demands for a CBI or independent judicial probe are not met. The protests have garnered support from various organisations, with one leader on an indefinite hunger strike.

Durand Cup: 10-man TRAU hold NEROCA in tense Imphal derby

Durand Cup: 10-man TRAU hold NEROCA in tense Imphal derby

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

TRAU FC and NEROCA FC played out a goalless draw in a high-intensity Imphal Derby during the Durand Cup. Both teams created numerous scoring opportunities, with goalkeepers making crucial saves. TRAU FC finished the match with ten men after Adriko Rogers received a red card, but NEROCA FC failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC players, including senior India footballers, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw the club from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the senior team, citing the impact on young players and the future of Indian football.

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India is set to host the Asian Senior Fencing Championships for the first time from June 19-24 in New Delhi, featuring athletes from 34 countries, including Olympic medallists. The event is a direct qualifier for the Asian Games and offers ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Indian Olympian Bhavani Devi leading the home challenge.

Why Indian Cricket Will Never Forget Ajinkya Rahane

Why Indian Cricket Will Never Forget Ajinkya Rahane

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Ajinkya Rahane, known as 'Jinx', has retired from international cricket at 38, leaving behind a legacy of quiet resolve, exceptional captaincy, and crucial innings that often came when India needed them most.

Anahat Singh Ends India's 18-Year Wait, Reaches World Junior Squash Final

Anahat Singh Ends India's 18-Year Wait, Reaches World Junior Squash Final

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 to reach the World Junior Squash Championship final.

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'Saransh is a very keen observer, he wants to keep learning.' 'He has the skills to be a top off-spinner, the way he releases the ball that is very good.' 'He is also mentally tough because he has played so much of domestic cricket.'

India's Lawn Bowls Duo Clinches Dramatic Tie-Break Win

India's Lawn Bowls Duo Clinches Dramatic Tie-Break Win

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's men's pairs team, Navneet Singh and Dinesh Kumar, secured a hard-fought victory against the Cook Islands in their opening lawn bowls match at the Commonwealth Games, winning a tie-break after being locked 1-1.

Joshua knocks out Prenga; sets up Fury showdown

Joshua knocks out Prenga; sets up Fury showdown

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua survived a first-round knockdown to defeat Kristian Prenga by knockout, clearing the path for his highly anticipated fight against fellow Briton Tyson Fury. Joshua, fighting for the first time since a personal tragedy, showed resilience to secure the win after being floored twice in the opening round.

Infantino's FIFA future in jeopardy after World Cup stake sale gamble backfires

Infantino's FIFA future in jeopardy after World Cup stake sale gamble backfires

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's ambitious plan to sell a 20% stake in a commercial entity managing the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors has been abandoned following widespread opposition, including a boycott threat from UEFA.

L&T to invest Rs 5,000 crore in EV components, targeting Tier-I supplier status

L&T to invest Rs 5,000 crore in EV components, targeting Tier-I supplier status

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is investing Rs 5,000 crore over five years to enter the automotive components sector, focusing on electric vehicle (EV) motors, safety systems, and connected-vehicle technologies, aiming to become a Tier-I auto supplier.

Adultery claims must be settled before interim maintenance: SC

Adultery claims must be settled before interim maintenance: SC

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that courts must first decide on allegations of adultery made by a husband before granting interim maintenance to the wife, stating that if adultery is proven, the wife is not entitled to maintenance.

Hooda And Sharma Secure Semifinal Berths At Taipei Open

Hooda And Sharma Secure Semifinal Berths At Taipei Open

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Indian badminton players Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma have successfully advanced to the women's singles semifinals of the Taipei Open. While Hooda secured a straight-game victory over fellow Indian Devika Sihag, Sharma triumphed in a tough three-game match against Thailand's Supanida Katethong. However, Kiran George faced defeat in the men's singles quarterfinal.

India's Grand Cultural Display At Commonwealth Games Handover

India's Grand Cultural Display At Commonwealth Games Handover

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's rich culture and shared Commonwealth values will be prominently featured during the Glasgow Commonwealth Games closing ceremony's handover segment on August 2. This event will welcome Ahmedabad as the host of the 2030 centenary edition, showcasing India's biggest music and dance stars, including a tribute to Vande Mataram, a unique sitar-pipes Jugalbandi, and a grand finale celebrating Gujarat's heritage.

Lovepreet wins weightlifting silver; Seema discus bronze

Lovepreet wins weightlifting silver; Seema discus bronze

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Heavyweight weightlifter Lovepreet Singh secured a record-breaking silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, while Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and two other Indian javelin throwers advanced to the final, marking an eventful day for India.

Disappointing end to Parul's CWG campaign

Disappointing end to Parul's CWG campaign

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Indian distance runner Parul Chaudhary finished 13th in the women's 5000m final at the Commonwealth Games, clocking 15:08.56. This result continues India's wait for a medal in this event at the Games. Chaudhary, a national record holder and Asian Games champion, had also missed a medal in her preferred 3000m steeplechase event.

'Ajinkya Rahane Never Got Support From The System'

'Ajinkya Rahane Never Got Support From The System'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

'If he had got the support, he would have finished in that legendary group of cricketers who have played 100 Tests for the country.' 'He never complained, but that might have gone against him because sometimes you have to be open and make your point clearly otherwise people take you for granted.'

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'Instead of choosing dialogue, the government chose repression... Force ought to be the last resort, not the first.'

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.