News for 'Focus'

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met with AI major Anthropic to discuss a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption across governance, education, healthcare, research, and the state's startup ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on deploying AI solutions responsibly, ensuring data privacy, and developing AI-focused skilling programmes and an AI University.

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

AI4Bharat at IIT Madras and Josh Talks AI have launched 'Voice of India', a multimodal AI evaluation platform designed to assess AI systems against Indian conditions, languages, accents, and dialects. This platform aims to provide scientifically rigorous, India-specific evaluations, covering areas like Voice AI, large language models, document processing, safety, cultural appropriateness, and Indian legal reasoning, to build trust and enable informed deployment decisions.

'Food poisoning cost me gold': Selva Prabhu

'Food poisoning cost me gold': Selva Prabhu

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Selva Prabhu attributes his failure to secure a gold medal in Glasgow to food poisoning, stating that a performance near his personal best would have been sufficient for the top spot. He is now focused on qualifying for the upcoming Asian Games.

Veteran educationist D Y Patil passes away at 92

Veteran educationist D Y Patil passes away at 92

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The veteran leader founded several educational institutions in the state.

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Punjab Kings' Nehal Wadhera said head coach Ricky Ponting personally approached him and offered reassurance at a time when his confidence was affected by his lack of runs during IPL 2026.

Why Ravindra Jadeja Could Be India's Key Weapon In Sri Lanka Tests

Why Ravindra Jadeja Could Be India's Key Weapon In Sri Lanka Tests

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Batting great Cheteshwar Pujara believes veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja's recent shift to a more aggressive, wicket-taking mindset in red-ball cricket will make him a vital player for India during the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Japan is deepening its defence relationship with India while simultaneously expanding its economic, infrastructure and security engagement with countries around India -- particularly Bangladesh. The result is an emerging Japanese conception of South Asia in which India remains the strategic anchor, but the geography surrounding India is becoming increasingly important, points out Varun Arya.

How Climate Change Will Intensify Daily Heat Exposure

How Climate Change Will Intensify Daily Heat Exposure

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A new study projects that by the end of the century, hot days could experience an additional four hours of extreme heat, with low and middle-income countries being disproportionately affected. The research highlights that traditional daily temperature metrics often overlook shorter, intense periods of heat, and hourly assessments are crucial for effective heat risk management and public health planning in a warming climate.

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Delhi's Ridge, encompassing areas like Kamla Nehru Ridge, played a pivotal strategic role during the 1857 Revolt against British rule, with sites like the Flagstaff Tower, Hindu Rao's house, and Pir Ghaib serving as crucial military positions and silent witnesses to the intense fighting.

Is AI Rejecting Your CV? 9 Mistakes To Avoid

Is AI Rejecting Your CV? 9 Mistakes To Avoid

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Highly capable professionals frequently lose out to candidates with similar qualifications simply because their applications are better structured, more relevant, and easier for both AI and recruiters to interpret, says Chetan Mangalwedhe, founder of TalentiFi-X.

Indira Gandhi Stadium Ready For Badminton World Championships

Indira Gandhi Stadium Ready For Badminton World Championships

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has expressed satisfaction with the extensive renovation and cleaning work at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, addressing previous criticisms regarding hygiene and facilities. Significant improvements have been made, including toilet renovations, deep cleaning, seat replacements, and pest control measures, ensuring the venue is ready for the upcoming World Championships.

Sreejesh: 'We have played in blue in almost every major tournament'

Sreejesh: 'We have played in blue in almost every major tournament'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Sankgeetha, wife of actor-politician C Joseph Vijay, has withdrawn her divorce petition filed against him in a family court. She had previously accused him of an extra-marital affair and mental cruelty, but confirmed her decision to withdraw the plea via video-conferencing.

Nightclub row: Graeme Swann slams ECB, says board focused on policing, not celebrating

Nightclub row: Graeme Swann slams ECB, says board focused on policing, not celebrating

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has questioned ECB's imposition of midnight curfew on players, and termed Ben Stokes a victim of the culture more interested in policing than celebrating an achievement.

Arshdeep Drops Heart Emoji On Samreen's Post

Arshdeep Drops Heart Emoji On Samreen's Post

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh and actor-model Samreen Kaur have sparked fan speculation with their latest social media exchange, following their relationship going Instagram official.

How does Ishan Kishan deal with the Abhishek, Sooryavanshi spotlight?

How does Ishan Kishan deal with the Abhishek, Sooryavanshi spotlight?

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan emphasises staying focused on his role amidst the buzz around young talents like Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating, "I don't give so much focus to what's happening outside." He also shared insights on his own comeback and the importance of mentoring young players.

Bengal roll deletions: SC directs EC to share data on disposed appeals

Bengal roll deletions: SC directs EC to share data on disposed appeals

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details on the disposal of appeals by tribunals concerning deletions from West Bengal's electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The court emphasised the need to track the progress of these appeals, which were set up to address irregularities. It also clarified that grievances regarding the denial of PDS benefits due to voter deletion should be taken up with the Calcutta High Court.

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For these startups, qcom is emerging as a launch and discovery platform, not simply a fulfilment channel.

Rajesh Ramesh: India's Relay Star Ready for Commonwealth Games Debut

Rajesh Ramesh: India's Relay Star Ready for Commonwealth Games Debut

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Rajesh Ramesh, a key figure in India's 4x400m relay teams, is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, aiming to contribute to the team's success and make the nation proud.

'Everybody Wants A Player Like Hardik Pandya'

'Everybody Wants A Player Like Hardik Pandya'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'A player like Hardik Pandya is needed in every franchise. He is a proper three dimensional player.'

'She will be my outside advisor': Trump's Press Secy Karoline Leavitt quits

'She will be my outside advisor': Trump's Press Secy Karoline Leavitt quits

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down from her role at the end of the month to prioritise her young children and family.

Crude oil, West Asia developments, inflation data to dictate market trends this week

Crude oil, West Asia developments, inflation data to dictate market trends this week

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Analysts predict that crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and upcoming inflation data will be the primary drivers of the Indian stock market this week, alongside foreign investor activity and domestic quarterly earnings.

No VIP treatment to anyone, says Tukharam Mundhe on cleaning up Mumbai's eateries

No VIP treatment to anyone, says Tukharam Mundhe on cleaning up Mumbai's eateries

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Meet the man who is on mission mode to enforce hygiene standards in eateries and restaurants.

'Gaslighting': Oppn slams Modi's 'forgiveness' call to protesters

'Gaslighting': Oppn slams Modi's 'forgiveness' call to protesters

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to 'forgive' young protesters who used abusive language, accusing him of deflecting from issues of alleged police action and a 'broken education system'.

Difficult to think of cricket without ODIs: Jonty Rhodes

Difficult to think of cricket without ODIs: Jonty Rhodes

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes that while bilateral ODI series may become fewer in the future, the 50-over format is unlikely to disappear entirely, with passionate fans continuing to support their teams.

Gold prices increasingly driven by inflation, monetary policy, not just war: Report

Gold prices increasingly driven by inflation, monetary policy, not just war: Report

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A new report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFSL) indicates that inflation, interest rates, and monetary policy have become more significant drivers of gold prices than traditional geopolitical conflicts, with markets increasingly focusing on these economic factors.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.

Fresh talks 'last chance' for Iran: Trump as Tehran denies talks

Fresh talks 'last chance' for Iran: Trump as Tehran denies talks

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Donald Trump stated that Iran has been given a "last chance" to reach an agreement, revealing that the US paused a planned military strike after receiving requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran to pursue diplomacy instead.

Para Athlete Gavit Targets 100m, 400m World Records At Asian Games

Para Athlete Gavit Targets 100m, 400m World Records At Asian Games

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Para athlete Dilip Gavit, fresh off a Commonwealth Games gold in the 100m, is now focused on breaking world records in both the 100m and 400m events at the upcoming Para Asian Games in Japan. Gavit, who competes in the T47 category, also shared insights into his training, his past achievements in able-bodied events, and the crucial role of his coach, Vaijanath Kale, in his journey.

One Hospitalisation Can Ruin Your Retirement Goals

One Hospitalisation Can Ruin Your Retirement Goals

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

If you do not insulate your retirement corpus from the true cost of modern critical care, you don't have a retirement plan -- you have a fragile strategy waiting for an expensive medical emergency to break it

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Having analysed the break up of the hospital billing structure the committee believes that rationalising of room charges needs to be done on an emergent basis.'

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'We often lament that even now no mainstream actor wants to come out as openly gay. But Chapal Bhaduri has not hidden his sexuality. He has been open about his relationship with a man for decades. He could well be our first out mainstream actor.'

Anahat Singh Puts Harvard Dreams on Hold To Chase Olympic Glory

Anahat Singh Puts Harvard Dreams on Hold To Chase Olympic Glory

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Newly-crowned junior squash World champion Anahat Singh has decided to defer her admission to Harvard University to fully dedicate herself to preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming for a medal in squash's Olympic debut.

'We can stop India': Pakistan's hockey World Cup warning

'We can stop India': Pakistan's hockey World Cup warning

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan's chief selector Samiullah Khan believes a draw against arch-rivals India will be crucial for the national hockey team to advance past the group stage in the upcoming World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan, participating after an eight-year hiatus, has announced a 20-member squad, with foreign coaches assisting the team.

Manush Shah: UTT success provides 'perfect platform' for Asian Games

Manush Shah: UTT success provides 'perfect platform' for Asian Games

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's top paddler Manush Shah believes the Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) campaign has significantly boosted team chemistry and momentum, providing a 'perfect platform' for the upcoming Asian Games.

We may apply for universal banking licence within a year

"We may apply for universal banking licence within a year"

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) Managing Director and CEO P N Vasudevan stated, "We may end up applying within a year" for a universal banking licence, while also targeting a nearly threefold increase in advances to Rs 1.2 trillion over the next five years.

In a 1st, 'Vande Mataram' to be sung at Red Fort on I-Day

In a 1st, 'Vande Mataram' to be sung at Red Fort on I-Day

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

For the first time in history, the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung at the Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Six faculty members from IIT Madras have been awarded the prestigious ANRF J C Bose Grant, recognising their outstanding research contributions in engineering and science. The highly competitive grant provides Rs 25 lakh annually for five years to support frontier research.

Jobs, Not Exams, Hold Key To Youth Anger

Jobs, Not Exams, Hold Key To Youth Anger

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

If the government wishes that protests like the one that took place at Jantar Mantar during the last few weeks should not recur, it must refocus its energies on jobs, not just the examination system, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Vote! Who Wore It Best? Urofi, Samantha, Uorfi, Ananya Or Radhika?

Vote! Who Wore It Best? Urofi, Samantha, Uorfi, Ananya Or Radhika?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

One dress. Four women. Four completely different moods. Kresha Bajaj's signature cut-out dress has become a celebrity favourite, with everyone from Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Ananya Panday to Uorfi Javed and Radhika Seth putting their own spin on the statement silhouette.