News for 'Focus'

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former member of the board of Engineers India Limited, has been appointed as the new head of the BJP's social media department, taking over from Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further strengthen the party's digital communication.

Indian Markets Marginally Higher Amid Crude Oil Spike, Geopolitical Uncertainty

Indian Markets Marginally Higher Amid Crude Oil Spike, Geopolitical Uncertainty

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark indices closed marginally higher, with the Sensex gaining over 43 points and the Nifty remaining flat, as a spike in crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties tempered risk appetite.

Can India Defend Chess Olympiad Double, End Winner's Curse?

Can India Defend Chess Olympiad Double, End Winner's Curse?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Being the defending champions certainly gives us confidence, but every Olympiad is a new event and starts from scratch.'

Minister's dogs have better facilities than govt schools: Dipke

Minister's dogs have better facilities than govt schools: Dipke

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has called for Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse's resignation, alleging that government schools are in a 'pitiable condition' and lack basic facilities, claiming 'ministers' dogs get better facilities' than students.

UP banker shoots wife dead over 'betrayal'; kills sister, ends life

UP banker shoots wife dead over 'betrayal'; kills sister, ends life

Rediff.com7 days ago

A bank employee in Lucknow allegedly shot dead his wife and sister before taking his own life, reportedly due to marital discord. The incident involved shootings outside an ICICI Bank branch and at his home, with the accused posting a WhatsApp status alleging 'betrayal' by his wife.

Tata Steel Details Player Support After Jamshedpur FC's ISL Withdrawal

Tata Steel Details Player Support After Jamshedpur FC's ISL Withdrawal

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Tata Steel has confirmed that Jamshedpur FC will honour all existing player contracts and assist footballers in finding new clubs following its withdrawal from the Indian Super League. The company also clarified that its commitment to grassroots football and youth development in Jamshedpur remains strong, with no plans to relocate the club's operations.

Joe Root: 'I Feel Ready As Captain'

Joe Root: 'I Feel Ready As Captain'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'I do not believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. You have got to be adaptable and play the situation.' 'It is never the same throughout five days, there is different challenges and you have got to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout.'

Polymer rupee notes may be a reality in FY28

Polymer rupee notes may be a reality in FY28

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced plans to launch long-lasting polymer currency notes by the next financial year. He also discussed the central bank's data-dependent approach to interest rates, its focus on aligning inflation with the 4 per cent target, and the orderly trajectory of the rupee amidst geopolitical tensions.

Arsenal open championship defence with rivals reshaped and Premier League reborn

Arsenal open championship defence with rivals reshaped and Premier League reborn

Rediff.com7 days ago

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence as the hunted, facing heightened expectations and a reshaped league featuring new managers, major departures and ambitious rivals challenging their supremacy.

BWF Worlds: Lakshya Sen Suffers Shock Exit

BWF Worlds: Lakshya Sen Suffers Shock Exit

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Lakshya Sen suffered a shock second-round exit at the BWF World Championships after losing to USA's 18-year-old Garret Tan in a thrilling three-game contest in New Delhi on Wednesday.

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised the Congress for allegedly 'unfairly disrupting' the recent monsoon session.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar 'Absolutely Ready' for India Recall, Eyes World Cup

Bhuvneshwar Kumar 'Absolutely Ready' for India Recall, Eyes World Cup

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has declared himself 'absolutely ready' for a potential recall to the Indian team, including for the World Cup, following spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin's endorsement for his return.

India must focus on long-term growth, not short-term challenges: Citi CEO

India must focus on long-term growth, not short-term challenges: Citi CEO

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Despite current headwinds, India remains the world's fastest-growing major economy and should not allow near-term challenges to obscure its long-term growth potential, said Jane Fraser, Citi Chair and Chief Executive Officer.

India Vs Pakistan In High-Stakes Hockey World Cup Clash

India Vs Pakistan In High-Stakes Hockey World Cup Clash

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, needing at least a draw to advance, while Pakistan must win to stay in the tournament.

Scottie Scheffler Dominates FedEx St. Jude; Indian-Origin Golfers Advance

Scottie Scheffler Dominates FedEx St. Jude; Indian-Origin Golfers Advance

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has taken a commanding three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the FedEx St. Jude Championship with a stunning nine-under 61. Meanwhile, Indian-origin golfers Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Aaron Rai are well-positioned to advance to the next playoff event, the BMW Championship, by staying within the crucial Top-50 standings.

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former board member of Engineers India Limited, as the new head of its social media department. He replaces Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Mhaskey, who holds a state minister-rank and is a permanent invitee of the BJP's Chhattisgarh unit, expressed gratitude for the significant responsibility.

Pallaburusu Director Uday Chauhan: 'Have Seen Parents Neglected In Villages'

Pallaburusu Director Uday Chauhan: 'Have Seen Parents Neglected In Villages'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'I was thinking how can I do something for these lonely, aging people in the villages. The parents stay and the children leave for a better future.'

Rishikesh mother saves son, is electrocuted with infant

Rishikesh mother saves son, is electrocuted with infant

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

A tragic incident in Rishikesh saw a mother and her two-year-old daughter electrocuted in a waterlogged area due to a snapped power line. The mother, Suman Jethudi, managed to save her 12-year-old son before her death. Following public outcry and a complaint, a Junior Engineer of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) has been suspended, and a high-level inquiry committee has been formed. UPCL has also launched a statewide safety inspection drive.

'The Core Issue Was Chandrasekaran's Tenure'

'The Core Issue Was Chandrasekaran's Tenure'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

'Chandrasekaran wanted a five-year extension, but the Tata Group has a policy of 65 years as the retirement age for its executive chairman.'

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court has established a five-member high-powered committee, led by former top court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel during recent demonstrations in Delhi.

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress MLA and former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh has criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's national jersey colour from blue to saffron, alleging it reflects the BJP's mindset of 'giving everything a particular colour' and urging a focus on sports development instead.

Badminton World Championships: Satwik-Chirag progress, PV Sindhu eliminated

Badminton World Championships: Satwik-Chirag progress, PV Sindhu eliminated

Rediff.com7 days ago

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the men's doubles quarterfinals at the World Championships, securing a potential third medal. However, India faced a setback with the elimination of two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and Ayush Shetty in their respective singles matches. The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also reached the quarterfinals.

NEET UG Counselling 2026: Govt Vs Private MBBS College: Which Is Better?

NEET UG Counselling 2026: Govt Vs Private MBBS College: Which Is Better?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

High fees do not automatically translate into better teaching or stronger clinical exposure, points out Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360.

Swedish Shuttler Gustav Bjorkler's Remarkable Return To Badminton After Cancer Battle

Swedish Shuttler Gustav Bjorkler's Remarkable Return To Badminton After Cancer Battle

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Swedish badminton player Gustav Bjorkler shares his inspiring journey of returning to professional badminton after battling myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of blood cancer. He discusses the physical and mental challenges of recovery, losing 17 kilos, and his renewed perspective on life and the sport, as he aims to break into the top 100 and develop his game further.

SC says revisit CBSE's 3-language policy, don't put pressure on children

SC says revisit CBSE's 3-language policy, don't put pressure on children

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has urged the CBSE to reconsider the implementation of its three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasising that children should not be subjected to undue pressure. The court highlighted concerns about infrastructure, the starting point of the policy, and the definition of 'native' languages.

How Owais Yaqoob's Victory United A Nation

How Owais Yaqoob's Victory United A Nation

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Mixed martial arts fighter Owais Yaqoob received a hero's welcome in his native Pulwama village after defeating Bulgarian Delyan Georgiev. Yaqoob expressed gratitude for national support, highlighting that over 1.6 million Indians watched his fight live. Despite pre-fight injuries and illness, he secured the victory and is now preparing for a grappling match in Istanbul featuring UFC fighters. He also spoke about representing Kashmiri culture.

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan panel and the Nandan Nilekani committee for institutionalising reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and improving NEET exam processes.

FPIs inject Rs 16,621 crore into Indian equities in early August

FPIs inject Rs 16,621 crore into Indian equities in early August

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have injected Rs 16,621 crore into Indian equities during the first half of August, continuing a buying spree driven by improving relative valuations, resilient corporate earnings, and expectations of softer US interest rates.

Mary Kom, Jaismine and a coach who changed the game

Mary Kom, Jaismine and a coach who changed the game

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Chhote Lal Yadav, the recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya Award, has been instrumental in extending the career of boxing legend MC Mary Kom and transforming Jaismine Lamboria into a world champion, attributing his success to a personalised coaching philosophy.

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology have developed 'MutAIverse', a generative AI platform designed to decode DNA damage and identify potential causes of cancer. Tested on head and neck cancer patients in Guwahati, the platform successfully traced exposure to smokeless tobacco as a contributing factor. This innovation aims to shift focus from just diagnosis to understanding causative factors, potentially aiding in prevention and protection.

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'Applying AI to change the lives of Indians and at population scale -- just like we did with DPI [digital public infrastructure] -- is really where it's going to go.'

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The BJP has announced its new national organisational team, with eight leaders from Uttar Pradesh receiving key appointments. These include two national vice-presidents, two general secretaries, two secretaries, and the chiefs of the OBC and Minority Morchas. The appointments reflect a strategic focus on youth, social diversity, and experienced campaigners, particularly after the party's recent electoral setbacks in the state.

Tata Steel Explains Why Jamshedpur FC Pulled Out of the ISL

Tata Steel Explains Why Jamshedpur FC Pulled Out of the ISL

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC's withdrawal from the Indian Super League was a pre-planned strategic decision to refocus on grassroots football development, independent of the league's commercial uncertainties, according to Tata Steel Vice President D B Sundara Raman.

What If the Biggest Bank Fraud Risk Is An Employee?

What If the Biggest Bank Fraud Risk Is An Employee?

Rediff.com7 days ago

Bank fraud is no longer just an external cyber threat -- insiders with legitimate access can exploit banking systems, trusted credentials and institutional blind spots to quietly siphon money.

AI training to free coaching: Modi's big youth push on I-Day

AI training to free coaching: Modi's big youth push on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a comprehensive plan to empower India's youth, including training one crore youngsters in artificial intelligence skills and providing free online coaching for competitive examinations, aiming to position them at the forefront of the nation's journey to become a developed nation by 2047.

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Mundhe said the FDA was examining advertisements for products other than tobacco-related items and would act wherever misleading claims or other violations were found.

Dhruv Jurel repays Gambhir-Gill's faith with timely fifty against Sri Lanka

Dhruv Jurel repays Gambhir-Gill's faith with timely fifty against Sri Lanka

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Dhruv Jurel on Sunday said he was not under any "pressure" despite failing to notch up a fifty in his last seven innings, and thanked head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill for giving him confidence during the lean phase.

Beware! Are You Using Your Phone In The Dark?

Beware! Are You Using Your Phone In The Dark?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Ophthalmologist Dr Ravindra Mohan explains the potential risks of prolonged screen exposure and how excessive screen use in the dark can affect your eyes.

Goa govt moves SC seeking enhanced sentence for Tarun Tejpal

Goa govt moves SC seeking enhanced sentence for Tarun Tejpal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Goa government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court seeking enhanced sentence for journalist Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 sexual assault case, contending the case warrants imprisonment for life.

Amazon Boosts India Investment To USD 48 Billion, Focus On AI And Cloud

Amazon Boosts India Investment To USD 48 Billion, Focus On AI And Cloud

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced an additional USD 13 billion investment in India, bringing the company's total capital commitment to USD 48 billion by 2030. This significant investment will primarily focus on expanding AI and cloud infrastructure, supporting job creation, boosting e-commerce exports, and digitising small businesses, aligning with India's growing digital economy.