News for 'Focus'

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

Rediff.com6 days ago

Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and Nahuel Molina a seven-game ban from FIFA for their involvement in a brawl after the World Cup final against Spain, with both players also fined $90,000 each. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a $321,000 fine for multiple disciplinary breaches, including a controversial banner display and team misconduct.

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Rediff.com7 days ago

Government departments requested social media platforms to remove 2.44 lakh pieces of content between March and July, with states initiating 82% of these requests. The IT Intermediaries Rules 2021 were amended to reduce takedown time to three hours. The PIB Fact Check unit clarified its role in content moderation, refuting claims of automated blocking by Meta and emphasising the need to address lawlessness in cyberspace.

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Rediff.com7 days ago

Varun Dhawan has made a significant investment in agricultural farmland, declaring it his 'biggest achievement', highlighting a growing trend among celebrities to embrace organic farming and rural living over urban luxury.

5 High Growth Business Ideas for First-Time Women Entrepreneurs

5 High Growth Business Ideas for First-Time Women Entrepreneurs

Rediff.com3 days ago

The companies that grow are the ones that adapt quickly, embrace technology thoughtfully and never lose sight of the customer.

Shashank Singh Steps Up Bowling Work, Eyes India Call-Up

Shashank Singh Steps Up Bowling Work, Eyes India Call-Up

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Punjab Kings all-rounder Shashank Singh is intensifying his bowling practice and rebuilding his fielding confidence during the off-season camp, aiming for an India call-up by excelling in his all-rounder role in the upcoming domestic season.

How Cashfree Payments Achieved Significant Loss Reduction And Revenue Growth In FY26

How Cashfree Payments Achieved Significant Loss Reduction And Revenue Growth In FY26

Rediff.com7 days ago

Fintech company Cashfree Payments India Private Limited has significantly reduced its consolidated net losses to Rs 118.5 crore in FY26 from Rs 154 crore in FY25. The firm also saw a substantial revenue growth of over 51 per cent, reaching Rs 967.4 crore. Co-founder & CEO Akash Sinha highlighted achieving EBITDA profitability in March 2026 and outlined plans for full-year profitability in FY27, driven by growth in SMB and cross-border payments.

Indian Fencers Dominate Commonwealth Championship With 3 Golds

Indian Fencers Dominate Commonwealth Championship With 3 Golds

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Indian fencing team achieved remarkable success on the third day of the Commonwealth Championship in Lagos, Nigeria, securing three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in senior individual events. This impressive performance boosted India's overall medal tally to 29, including 8 gold, 7 silver, and 14 bronze, showcasing the nation's growing dominance in the sport.

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

The Big Boom In Gold Loans

The Big Boom In Gold Loans

Rediff.com5 days ago

Gold loans accounted for 41 per cent of retail loan disbursements in FY26, up sharply from 18 per cent in FY23 and 20 per cent in FY24.

Can TCS Survive Chandra's Exit?

Can TCS Survive Chandra's Exit?

Rediff.com3 days ago

N Chandrasekaran's exit marks a major shift for TCS, leaving its leadership to navigate AI disruption without the group chairman's deep expertise.

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Rediff.com7 days ago

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has hinted at a potential re-alliance with the BJP, expressing a desire for "agreements" that bring progress to Punjab from Delhi. This follows a recent meeting between SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reigniting speculation about the former allies rejoining forces after their 2020 split over farm laws.

Financial Sector Can't Wait for AI Risks to Emerge, Says CEA

Financial Sector Can't Wait for AI Risks to Emerge, Says CEA

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran has stressed the urgent need for India's financial sector to proactively address the safety and security risks of artificial intelligence, stating that waiting for problems to materialise is not an option.

Aditya Birla Capital targets 1,000 gold loan branches in three years

Aditya Birla Capital targets 1,000 gold loan branches in three years

Rediff.com7 days ago

Aditya Birla Capital has entered the gold loan business, aiming to establish 1,000 branches within three years, capitalising on the strong structural growth and surge in demand for gold-backed credit in India.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.

Does Shubman Gill Have Weakness Against Left Arm Spin?

Does Shubman Gill Have Weakness Against Left Arm Spin?

Rediff.com6 days ago

India captain Shubman Gill on Friday spent considerable time fine-tuning his game against that variation at the team's training session ahead of the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka, in Colombo.

'Real chance': Savita backs India for World Cup medal

'Real chance': Savita backs India for World Cup medal

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Indian women's hockey team captain Savita Punia believes their recent FIH Nations Cup triumph has instilled the confidence needed to challenge top teams and secure a podium finish at the upcoming World Cup.

What Miss India World Nikita Porwal Is Celebrating!

What Miss India World Nikita Porwal Is Celebrating!

Rediff.com7 days ago

Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVI turned into quite the fashion spectacle as national ambassadors from across the world took the stage during one of the most anticipated events of the 75th Anniversary Miss World celebration.

How AI Is Revolutionising Advertising For Indian Small Businesses

How AI Is Revolutionising Advertising For Indian Small Businesses

Rediff.com7 days ago

A study by Amazon Ads reveals that nearly 87% of Indian small and medium businesses (SMBs) believe AI has opened up new advertising opportunities, including streaming TV. The research indicates that 75% of surveyed SMBs attribute business growth to AI-enabled advertising, with 68% noting increased creativity. AI is also facilitating international trade for 59% of businesses, though human oversight remains crucial in decision-making.

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

As India marks a decade of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus is shifting towards enhancing efficiency through artificial intelligence, data sharing, and process simplification. The reform, which unified India's indirect tax system, has significantly broadened the tax base and boosted revenues, with future plans including a streamlined two-tier rate structure and continued technological integration to reduce compliance costs and combat evasion.

US body seeks sanctions against RSS, opposes Mohan Bhagwat's visit

US body seeks sanctions against RSS, opposes Mohan Bhagwat's visit

Rediff.com7 days ago

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and advised the US government against extending diplomatic courtesies to its leaders. This comes ahead of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's visit to the US, with USCIRF officials citing allegations of attacks on religious minorities by RSS sub-groups. India has consistently rejected USCIRF's reports as biased and selective.

'FY27 Should Be A Recovery Year For India'

'FY27 Should Be A Recovery Year For India'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'A favourable base, last year's policy measures, the carryover impact of a good monsoon and improving earnings should all help.'

Nepal PM meets Indian envoy in first diplomatic engagement

Nepal PM meets Indian envoy in first diplomatic engagement

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meeting with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, signalling a shift towards direct diplomacy after previously preferring group interactions. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, development partnerships, and mutual interests between India and Nepal.

Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Big Chance To Prove Red Ball Credentials

Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Big Chance To Prove Red Ball Credentials

Rediff.com5 days ago

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get a golden chance to improve upon his none too impressive first class numbers when East Zone take on the severely inexperienced North East Zone in the quarter-final of the Duleep Trophy.

Milky Mist Dairy Food shares list with nearly 18% premium on debut

Milky Mist Dairy Food shares list with nearly 18% premium on debut

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Shares of packaged food company Milky Mist Dairy Food Ltd listed with a premium of nearly 18 per cent against its issue price of Rs 140, reaching a market valuation of Rs 13,968.81 crore.

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Rediff.com2 days ago

Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.

How CII-IWN Is Empowering Women Through Practical AI Skills

How CII-IWN Is Empowering Women Through Practical AI Skills

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Confederation of Indian Industry-Indian Women Network (CII-IWN) organised a hands-on Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop in Chandigarh for women entrepreneurs and professionals. The session focused on practical applications of AI, including generative AI and LLMs, to address business challenges and enhance productivity across various functions like marketing, content creation, and data analysis.

My Job Is To Win Trophies, I Don't Care About Likes: Gambhir

My Job Is To Win Trophies, I Don't Care About Likes: Gambhir

Rediff.com5 days ago

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, dismisses criticism over recent poor results, stating his sole focus is on winning trophies for the country.

SkyDrive Aims For India Launch Of EVTOL Aircraft By 2028

SkyDrive Aims For India Launch Of EVTOL Aircraft By 2028

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Japanese 'flying car' manufacturer SkyDrive Inc plans to commercialise its eVTOL aircraft in India by 2028, initially focusing on medical logistics, particularly organ transportation. The company, backed by Suzuki, has signed an agreement with Air India and Suzuki for this purpose and is considering future manufacturing in India.

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The third edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) has commenced with a quiz contest, leading to a national finale in January 2027 where young leaders will present their ideas for a developed India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The multi-stage event includes essay challenges, district championships, and state-level dialogues, aiming to foster youth participation in nation-building across various thematic areas.

Alphabet Realigns AI Leadership To Accelerate AGI Development

Alphabet Realigns AI Leadership To Accelerate AGI Development

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Alphabet has announced a significant leadership reshuffle within its artificial intelligence division, appointing Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis as Chief Scientist to intensify its focus on artificial general intelligence (AGI). Koray Kavukcuoglu will become Senior Vice President of Google DeepMind, overseeing Gemini development and frontier AI research. Additionally, Google veterans Jeff Dean and Sanjay Ghemawat are launching a new public benefit corporation for ML and science discoveries, supported by Google.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Prioritises Asian Games Over Diamond League

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Prioritises Asian Games Over Diamond League

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Pakistan's Olympic gold-medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem will skip the upcoming Diamond League meet in Lausanne to concentrate on his preparation for the Asian Games and another international event. He will undergo a training camp in South Africa under coach Terseus Liebenberg, aiming to improve his performance after recent struggles.

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Rediff.com5 days ago

Hull City marked their Premier League return after nine years with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United, exposing flaws in Michael Carrick's promising side.

'Test cricket is dying'

'Test cricket is dying'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas has called on cricket authorities to actively work towards preserving Test and 50-over formats, warning that they are 'dying' amidst the growing global preference for T20s and franchise leagues.

Kaith's shootout heroics help Mohun Bagan set up Durand Cup final against East Bengal

Kaith's shootout heroics help Mohun Bagan set up Durand Cup final against East Bengal

Rediff.com7 days ago

Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated NorthEast United 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the Durand Cup semi-final. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was the hero, making two crucial saves to send Mohun Bagan into the final, where they will face arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby.

Tata Sons Listing: Suspense Continues

Tata Sons Listing: Suspense Continues

Rediff.com6 days ago

Tata Sons approached the RBI in 2024 seeking de-registration after becoming debt-free, a move that would allow it to remain a privately held, unlisted company. The application has remained pending.

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

KL Rahul's patient half-century in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka highlights his evolving role as a consistent and strategic anchor for the Indian team. Despite a slower strike rate, his ability to stonewall spinners and build partnerships has been crucial, earning praise from coaches and teammates. This performance underscores his growing importance, especially after the departure of senior batters, as he aims to make a significant impact in the current Test series.

Tata Motors PV: Margin Pressures May Dampen Strong Volume Growth

Tata Motors PV: Margin Pressures May Dampen Strong Volume Growth

Rediff.com5 days ago

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) reported Q1FY27 results showing significant margin pressures at both Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its domestic operations, despite strong volume growth in the India business. Analysts expect these margin headwinds to persist, potentially offsetting gains from increased sales and new launches.

15 Movies To Watch Before Avengers: Doomsday

15 Movies To Watch Before Avengers: Doomsday

Rediff.com1 days ago

Marvel has unveiled its list of essential movies and one show to watch before the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday.

Sinner's Cincinnati Withdrawal Raises US Open Concerns

Sinner's Cincinnati Withdrawal Raises US Open Concerns

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury, impacting his preparations for the upcoming U.S. Open. This follows his earlier withdrawal from the Canadian Open and raises concerns about his fitness for the final Grand Slam of the year.

ICMR's Nationwide Study On Car Chemicals To Conclude By May 2027

ICMR's Nationwide Study On Car Chemicals To Conclude By May 2027

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that its nationwide study investigating cancer-causing chemicals in car interiors is projected to be completed by May 2027. This study follows a media report highlighting the presence of flame retardants like TCIPP, TDCIPP, and TCEP in car cabin air, which are considered potential carcinogens.