News for 'FIRST'

New Venture Targets Gig Worker Welfare

New Venture Targets Gig Worker Welfare

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The physical centres will operate on a monthly subscription model, where access would be limited to verified active gig workers and platform verification.

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.

At least 32 killed in coal mine explosion in Pakistan's Quetta

At least 32 killed in coal mine explosion in Pakistan's Quetta

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Rescue teams have recovered 32 bodies overnight from two coal mines in the Sorange coalfield near Quetta after a methane gas explosion, while search operations remain underway to find two more miners, according to a report by Dawn citing an official.

Commonwealth Games 2026: India Schedule for Day 9

Commonwealth Games 2026: India Schedule for Day 9

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Following is the schedule of Indian athletes on the ninth day of Commonwealth Games on Friday.

Harjinder, Gulveer silver adds sheen to India's Commonwealth Games medal tally

Harjinder, Gulveer silver adds sheen to India's Commonwealth Games medal tally

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian athletes delivered a strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, with weightlifter Harjinder Kaur and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh securing silver medals. Additionally, three Indian boxers, Priya Ghanghas, Preeti Pawar, and Jadumani Singh, advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing at least bronze medals for the country.

'We Are Seeing A Lot More Male Fertility Cases'

'We Are Seeing A Lot More Male Fertility Cases'

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Doctors attribute the rise in male infertility to obesity, diabetes, smoking, chronic stress, inadequate sleep and sedentary lifestyles.

Indian Racing Prodigy Atiqa Mir Shows Promise In Euro Series Karting

Indian Racing Prodigy Atiqa Mir Shows Promise In Euro Series Karting

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir showcased remarkable talent at the Champions of the Future Euro Series Round 4 in Kristianstad, Sweden. Despite an untimely crash and penalties, the 11-year-old delivered strong qualifying and heat race performances, gaining valuable experience for the upcoming FIA European Championship.

Twin poison incidents rock MP police stations; man dies, woman critical

Twin poison incidents rock MP police stations; man dies, woman critical

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A 22-year-old woman in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly consumed poison inside a police station, prompting an inquiry. Her family claims police ignored their repeated complaints regarding an ongoing feud and threats from a rival group. The incident, captured on video and CCTV, occurred while police were verifying a new complaint. The woman is stable but remains under medical observation.

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.

'I made so many sacrifices...': How Mirabai Chanu Clinched Gold In Glasgow

'I made so many sacrifices...': How Mirabai Chanu Clinched Gold In Glasgow

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

An emotional Mirabai Chanu said her historic third successive gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games came only after a 'lot of sacrifices', as the Olympic medallist battled stress and injuries over the past couple of years.

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) reported a 9.1 per cent year-on-year decline in net profit for the April-June quarter of 2026-27, marking its second consecutive quarterly fall. This dip occurred despite a significant 29.3 per cent jump in sales volume, primarily due to escalating commodity prices, increased energy costs, and logistics disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict.

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

How did a melancholic Kishore Kumar classic from 1964, remixed decades later, become the unlikely soundtrack to a Gen Z protest?

Mizoram CM Sets Ambitious Futsal Goals For State

Mizoram CM Sets Ambitious Futsal Goals For State

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has called for the state to become a hub for Indian futsal, producing players capable of leading the national team to the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Speaking at a felicitation for Tlangnuam Futsal Club, he emphasised nurturing talent for international success and highlighted government investment in sports infrastructure.

'Need to understand chronology': RSS leader on CJP protest

'Need to understand chronology': RSS leader on CJP protest

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

RSS leader Atul Limaye has sparked controversy by alleging that foreign and political elements infiltrated the Cockroach Janata Party's NEET-UG paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar.

Norris snatches Hungarian GP pole as Mercedes domination ends

Norris snatches Hungarian GP pole as Mercedes domination ends

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

McLaren's Lando Norris secured pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, narrowly beating Lewis Hamilton, who is now under investigation for potentially impeding another driver during qualifying.

3 Big Lessons From Main Vaapas Aaunga

3 Big Lessons From Main Vaapas Aaunga

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'Making a film -- good or bad -- is extremely hard work, involving hundreds of people and at least two years from idea to release. When the audience rejects it, it is known to push makers into depression. And then there is the danger of theatres stopping the screenings after week one if footfalls don't improve.'

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.

So close! NZ miss historic first FIFA World Cup win

So close! NZ miss historic first FIFA World Cup win

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

New Zealand's football coach Darren Bazeley lauded his team's performance in a 2-2 draw against Iran at the World Cup, where they came close to securing their first-ever win. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran equalised late, leaving all Group G teams with one point.

How Boxer Jaismine Fought Illness To Win CWG Gold

How Boxer Jaismine Fought Illness To Win CWG Gold

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

World champion boxer Jaismine Lamboria clinched a gold medal in the women's 57kg category at the Commonwealth Games, overcoming a severe illness that included high fever, concussion, and hospitalisation just weeks before the event. Her victory marks a remarkable comeback, improving on her previous bronze medal, and highlights her resilience despite disrupted training and mental challenges.

Arshad Nadeem Slammed In Pakistan After CWG Flop Show

Arshad Nadeem Slammed In Pakistan After CWG Flop Show

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem faced criticism after a disappointing ninth-place finish at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Christopher Nolan's Odyssey Is 'Gimmicky', 'Abysmal'

Christopher Nolan's Odyssey Is 'Gimmicky', 'Abysmal'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'None of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words. There are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible.'

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.

RBI likely to hold rates in August, maintain hawkish tone as inflation risks persist

RBI likely to hold rates in August, maintain hawkish tone as inflation risks persist

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is widely expected to keep its benchmark repo rate unchanged in the August monetary policy review, with economists citing elevated inflation risks and the pending closure of the FCNR(B) deposit scheme as key factors. Most anticipate a 'Neutral' policy stance but with a hawkish tone due to geopolitical tensions, high crude oil prices, and an uneven monsoon.

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.

Neeraj Chopra Makes CWG Javelin Final Despite Tricky Winds

Neeraj Chopra Makes CWG Javelin Final Despite Tricky Winds

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, along with Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, have successfully qualified for the men's javelin throw final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, ensuring a full Indian contingent in the medal round.

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical measures for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on Thursday and concludes on August 11. These include AI-enabled surveillance, additional security personnel, medical camps, dedicated control rooms, and traffic diversions, all aimed at ensuring a "zero incidents and zero accidents" pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.

English Club Cricket Rocked by 'Finger-Clicking' Cheating Scandal

English Club Cricket Rocked by 'Finger-Clicking' Cheating Scandal

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An English club cricket team, Saltburn Cricket Club second XI, is under investigation for alleged cheating after a slip fielder appeared to trick umpires by clicking his fingers to mimic an edge, leading to a batter being given out caught behind.

10 Hindi Movies/Shows That Told Kargil War Stories

10 Hindi Movies/Shows That Told Kargil War Stories

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

From Lakshya to Shershaah, revisit 10 Hindi films and shows that captured the courage, sacrifice and emotional cost of the 1999 Kargil War.

How Rishikanta battled injury to script CWG history

How Rishikanta battled injury to script CWG history

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

India's Rishikanta Singh secured a silver medal in the men's 60kg weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games, despite matching the Games record in snatch, due to two failed attempts in the clean and jerk, which allowed Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan to win gold.

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

RBI says polymer notes have a significantly longer lifespan, potentially reducing printing costs and replacement frequency.

Sreeshankar defies career threat with CWG silver

Sreeshankar defies career threat with CWG silver

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar secured his second consecutive Commonwealth Games silver medal in Glasgow with a leap of 8.09 metres. This achievement marks an emotional comeback for the athlete, who battled a career-threatening knee injury in 2024, forcing him to miss the Paris Olympics. Despite his disappointment at not winning gold, Sreeshankar views this medal as a crucial stepping stone for the upcoming Asian Games.

India's Sharmila Dhankar Clinches Historic Commonwealth Games Gold

India's Sharmila Dhankar Clinches Historic Commonwealth Games Gold

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sharmila Dhankar, a para-athlete who overcame polio and personal adversity, has made history by becoming India's first para-athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the women's shot put F57 event. Her season's best throw of 9.81m ended a two-decade wait for India in para-athletics at the CWG, with compatriot Shilpa Shyla also securing a bronze.

VIDA Becomes Title Partner For Kovai Kings In 2026 TNPL Season

VIDA Becomes Title Partner For Kovai Kings In 2026 TNPL Season

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Kovai Kings, a Tamil Nadu Premier League team, has secured VIDA as its title partner for the 2026 season. The team, now rebranded as VIDA Kovai Kings, also unveiled its new official jersey and will be led by M Shahrukh Khan and B Sai Sudharsan. This partnership aims to combine high performance with innovation and sustainability.

Sobhita Is An Absolute Goddess In...

Sobhita Is An Absolute Goddess In...

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The actor turned showstopper for Rahul Mishra's Devi collection at the India Couture Week 2026.

Jasprit Bumrah Fit To Lead India's Pace Attack In Sri Lanka

Jasprit Bumrah Fit To Lead India's Pace Attack In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has received clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence to participate in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Bumrah had been recovering from an impact injury sustained during the recent ODI series against England, which forced him to miss the third ODI. His return is crucial for India's World Test Championship aspirations.

Why AI Agents Can't Go Fully Autonomous Yet

Why AI Agents Can't Go Fully Autonomous Yet

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The biggest challenge to widespread deployment is no longer AI. It is the financial and commerce infrastructure that was built decades ago for deterministic software and human interactions -- not autonomous AI agents.

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from all formats of international cricket, stating that the time is right for him to 'move on' after a career spanning over a decade.

After Modi post row, Meta adds extra safeguards for top accounts

After Modi post row, Meta adds extra safeguards for top accounts

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Meta wrote to the government on Wednesday outlining the specifics of enhanced and rigorous safeguards it has now implemented for content posted by the Prime Minister and other prominent accounts, according to sources.

How Iyer's Leadership, Laxman's Mentorship Led India To Zimbabwe Sweep

How Iyer's Leadership, Laxman's Mentorship Led India To Zimbabwe Sweep

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

India's new-look T20 squad, led by Shreyas Iyer and mentored by interim coach VVS Laxman, secured a dominant 3-0 series sweep against Zimbabwe. Both Iyer and Laxman praised each other's contributions, highlighting Iyer's leadership and Laxman's inspiring guidance in the team's success.