News for 'FREE'

Carbon Majors' Past Emissions To Shape Earth's Future For Centuries

Carbon Majors' Past Emissions To Shape Earth's Future For Centuries

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

A new study reveals that past emissions from major oil, gas, coal, and cement producers will continue to impact Earth's environment for centuries, even if emissions cease today. The research highlights that the planet will remain significantly warmer than pre-industrial levels, leading to persistent climate damages and increasing the likelihood of future extreme weather events, forming the basis for accountability lawsuits against these "carbon majors."

MT El Gaia attack: India reiterates safe navigation in international waters

MT El Gaia attack: India reiterates safe navigation in international waters

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

India on Tuesday reiterated the call for free and safe navigation in international waters and the unhindered flow of commerce through international waterways in the region after the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT El Gaia came under attack off the coast of Oman, with 13 of the 14 Indian nationals on board rescued while search operations are underway for one missing seafarer.

Bhupinder Hooda Slams UPI Fees, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

Bhupinder Hooda Slams UPI Fees, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has criticised the newly introduced fees on UPI payments, stating they will lead to increased inflation for the common man. He dismissed government claims that customers would not be burdened, arguing that merchants would pass on the costs. Hooda demanded the immediate withdrawal of these fees, highlighting that the government's move contradicts its 'Digital India' initiative.

CNN reporter's White House access blocked amid Trump's media ban

CNN reporter's White House access blocked amid Trump's media ban

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

A CNN reporter was denied entry to the White House and had her press pass seized on Saturday (local time), as the Trump administration began enforcing President Donald Trump's announced ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House premises.

Are Botox And Fillers Worth The Hype?

Are Botox And Fillers Worth The Hype?

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Thinking about Botox or fillers? Dr Shilpi Bhadani explains how they work, how long they last, the risks, side effects, maintenance and why your doctor matters.

RBI Deputy Governor Dismisses MDR Concerns, Clarifies Cash Paradox

RBI Deputy Governor Dismisses MDR Concerns, Clarifies Cash Paradox

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

RBI Deputy Governor Shirish Chandra Murmu has dismissed concerns that the new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 will increase cash transactions. He also clarified the 'cash paradox' of rising digital payments alongside cash in circulation, explaining cash's dual role. Murmu further detailed the RBI's extensive regulatory changes aimed at reducing compliance burdens and emphasised that accountability for AI-driven decisions in finance will remain with institutional boards.

EPL: Brilliant Brighton Rout Champions Arsenal

EPL: Brilliant Brighton Rout Champions Arsenal

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Brighton and Hove Albion delivered a stunning 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, ending the Premier League champions' perfect start to the season with goals from Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas, and Chema Andres.

Drought grips 74% of Maharashtra as 265 talukas declared affected

Drought grips 74% of Maharashtra as 265 talukas declared affected

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra government has declared 265 out of 358 talukas as drought-affected, covering 74% of the state, due to significant rainfall deficit. This declaration activates 'Trigger-1' of the state's drought management framework, leading to the announcement of various relief measures for farmers and residents, including loan restructuring, revenue concessions, and provisions for water and fodder.

Paytm CEO Foresees Increased Profitability From New UPI Charges

Paytm CEO Foresees Increased Profitability From New UPI Charges

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma stated that the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on large-value UPI transactions will significantly increase the company's revenue and profitability. The 0.4% fee on UPI transfers exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants, effective October 15, is expected to give Paytm a competitive edge. Sharma also highlighted the company's focus on generating free cash flow, expanding internationally, and developing proprietary artificial intelligence capabilities to drive future growth.

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The opposition has intensified its criticism of the government's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh allege the move is a result of US pressure, particularly from American card companies, and demand an immediate rollback, warning of increased costs for consumers.

UPI MDR: 75% Of Merchants May Be Unaffected

UPI MDR: 75% Of Merchants May Be Unaffected

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

75% of India's 60 million digital-payment merchants have never recorded a transaction above 2,000.

Zoho Launches Unified AI Interface Zia Chat And Seven New Vertical SaaS Products

Zoho Launches Unified AI Interface Zia Chat And Seven New Vertical SaaS Products

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Zoho has launched Zia Chat, a unified AI interface designed to streamline business operations across various functions by providing a single conversational platform for information, lead generation, and data analysis. Concurrently, the company has expanded into vertical SaaS with seven new industry-specific applications for sectors like retail, automotive, healthcare, and education, reinforcing its position as a homegrown alternative to global tech giants.

Zoho Launches AI-Powered Zia Chat And Industry-Specific SaaS Solutions

Zoho Launches AI-Powered Zia Chat And Industry-Specific SaaS Solutions

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Homegrown software company Zoho has launched Zia Chat, a unified AI interface designed to streamline business operations across various functions. Alongside this, Zoho announced its entry into vertical SaaS with seven industry-specific applications for sectors like retail, automotive, healthcare, and education, reinforcing its position as a 'Swadeshi' alternative to global tech giants.

Shooting gold, Gulveer silver sparkle as India's medal hunt gets major boost

Shooting gold, Gulveer silver sparkle as India's medal hunt gets major boost

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

India experienced a day of mixed results at the Asian Games, securing a gold medal in shooting through Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet, and a silver in men's 10,000m with Gulveer Singh. However, a major setback occurred with the unexpected early exit of top badminton men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The nation also added several bronze medals in pole vault, shot put, table tennis, and assured more in squash, pushing its total medal count to 23.

Traders call for 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest new MDR levy

Traders call for 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest new MDR levy

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Trade and business associations across India are organising a 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest the upcoming 0.4 per cent merchant discount rate (MDR) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeding 2,000, effective from October 15.

'Nobody can...': SC seeks report on minor girl's harassment charges at CJP protest

'Nobody can...': SC seeks report on minor girl's harassment charges at CJP protest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has taken a serious view of allegations of harassment against a minor girl who participated in the July Cockroach Janta Party protests. The court emphasised that nobody should be allowed to intimidate a victim or her family from pursuing criminal proceedings and directed the Solicitor General to ensure action on the girl's FIR, seeking reports from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments.

Dhoomakethu Review: Fun But Flawed Comedy

Dhoomakethu Review: Fun But Flawed Comedy

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Dhoomakethu has a fun time-loop premise, a game Sajin Gopu and some genuinely funny moments, but runs out of steam long before Kuttan can break free.

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was made independently, refuting claims of foreign influence. The ministry stated the policy aims to build a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem, with MDR funding infrastructure and supporting small merchants.

What Infinix Xpad 30 Pro Offers

What Infinix Xpad 30 Pro Offers

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Infinix has expanded its tablet portfolio with the global debut of the Xpad 30 Pro. The new model sports an 11-inch panel with 2.5K resolution and comes in three colour variants.

Some give, some take for Indian automakers in EU FTA

Some give, some take for Indian automakers in EU FTA

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

India-EU FTA opens a bigger European market for Indian carmakers while giving European brands greater access to India.

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has refuted allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments. The ministry clarified that the NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI to promote domestic alternatives and ensure a self-sustaining revenue model for smaller domestic companies, countering claims of favouring foreign payment providers.

India Rejects US Influence Claims Over UPI MDR Policy

India Rejects US Influence Claims Over UPI MDR Policy

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

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.

What Modi's Chintan Shivir Is About

What Modi's Chintan Shivir Is About

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Chintan Shivir is expected to discuss the progress of government schemes, policy implementation, time management, inter-ministerial coordination, and public service delivery, among others.

Sports Ministry Unveils National Sports Election Panel For Fair Polls

Sports Ministry Unveils National Sports Election Panel For Fair Polls

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Sports Ministry has established a 20-member National Sports Election Panel, including former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies as mandated by the National Sports Governance Act. Concurrently, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal, which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.

Gujarat Vs Kerala: A Tale Of Two States

Gujarat Vs Kerala: A Tale Of Two States

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Comparing the two states is comparing an apple to an orange. I ate apples for years. Then I felt I needed some citrus, and I moved to oranges. That doesn't make the apple a lesser fruit, reflects Binu Alex.

PIX: Atletico down 10-man Real in fiery Madrid derby

PIX: Atletico down 10-man Real in fiery Madrid derby

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Atletico Madrid defeated 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 in a heated LaLiga derby at the Metropolitano. Goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David secured the win, moving Atletico above Real in the standings. Real's Dean Huijsen was sent off, and Antonio Ruediger scored a late consolation goal.

Tirumala Tirupati temple to insure devotees for Rs 2 lakh

Tirumala Tirupati temple to insure devotees for Rs 2 lakh

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced several new initiatives for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including Aadhaar-based devotee insurance for Rs 2 lakh, the establishment of an SV Museum by TCS Trust, and the introduction of electric buses donated by Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech. The plans also include global expansion of Srivari temples, improved Annadanam, integrated hospital services, and significant infrastructure development in Tirupati to make it a services and wedding destination with a Net Zero concept.

Protest not to justify cheating but...: IIT Bombay students

Protest not to justify cheating but...: IIT Bombay students

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Students at IIT Bombay are demanding 'meaningful institutional reforms' and greater accountability following the death of Sahil Wakode, a second-year B Tech student. While condemning academic misconduct, students highlight systemic issues and have submitted a comprehensive set of demands to the Director, who has agreed to implement them. The protest also addresses the removal of Dean Suryanarayana Doolla during an investigation into alleged abetment to suicide and caste discrimination, emphasising the need for an independent probe.

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a landmark directive against immediate arrests in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases where the accused is a parent or family member living with the child, and a matrimonial dispute exists. The ruling mandates psychological evaluation of the child by experts before police or courts form an opinion to arrest, aiming to prevent the misuse of the law in estranged couple cases.

Champions League: Real Madrid, Manchester City off to winning starts

Champions League: Real Madrid, Manchester City off to winning starts

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Real Madrid, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Aston Villa, and AEK Athens all secured victories in their opening Champions League matches.

I Have To Thank The 1980s For...

I Have To Thank The 1980s For...

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

I have to thank the 1980s for its soul-stirring music. It added so much melody and cheer to my life -- there hasn't been so much lovely music like that since, recalls Vaihayasi Pande Daniel.

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'These limits will change. Very soon restrictions, restrictions will come.'

Sridhar Vembu: Why India Needs An Independent AI Strategy

Sridhar Vembu: Why India Needs An Independent AI Strategy

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Zoho cofounder Sridhar Vembu dismisses exaggerated fears about AI's catastrophic potential and global development pauses. He advocates for India to adopt an independent AI strategy, fostering partnerships while avoiding entanglement in US-China tech rivalry. Vembu stresses extensive investment in foundational R&D across sectors, distinguishing it from costly frontier AI model development. He also highlights concerns about AI's impact on human judgment, skill erosion, and job disruption, particularly in software engineering, while remaining optimistic about new economic opportunities.

Modi, Shah, CEC destroyed India's vote: Rahul

Modi, Shah, CEC destroyed India's vote: Rahul

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar 'deshdrohis' (traitors) for allegedly 'destroying' India's voting system and 'stealing elections'.

Brobbey 'tricks' for Sunderland, but Manchester City win eight-goal thriller

Brobbey 'tricks' for Sunderland, but Manchester City win eight-goal thriller

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Manchester City secured their position at the top of the Premier League table with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland. Despite a hat-trick from Sunderland's Brian Brobbey, City maintained their 100% start to the season, with Antoine Semenyo scoring a double and Erling Haaland sealing the win late on. Elsewhere, Liverpool secured a 1-0 win against Bournemouth, while Leeds United drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace.

Chelsea's woes continue as Brentford score historic home win

Chelsea's woes continue as Brentford score historic home win

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Brentford secured a historic 3-0 victory over Chelsea in a Premier League match, with second-half goals from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago, and Fabio Carvalho. This marks Chelsea's third consecutive league game without a win and Brentford's first home win against Chelsea since 1938.

Natural Calamities Trigger Property Insurance Rate Spike, Discounts Cut

Natural Calamities Trigger Property Insurance Rate Spike, Discounts Cut

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Property insurance premium rates are increasing by 25-30 per cent, primarily due to a reduction in discounts, following substantial claims from natural calamities like the Gujarat floods, which caused an estimated 5,000 crore in losses.

What It Was Like To Live In The '80s?

What It Was Like To Live In The '80s?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

For five Mumbaikars who were teenagers or in their 20s during the 1980s, the decade was not a sepia-toned Instagram filter. It was their everyday life, they tell Rediff's Rishika Shah. And while they remember its limitations, what they seem to miss most is something technology can't recreate -- the unhurried warmth of human connection.

Uddhav denies links to Disha Salian case, warns of legal action

Uddhav denies links to Disha Salian case, warns of legal action

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has threatened legal action if the "character assassination" campaign targeting his family over the 2020 Disha Salian death case does not cease. His son, Aaditya Thackeray, also denied any connection to Salian, whose death is now under CBI investigation following a Bombay High Court order.

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

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.