News for 'General Service'

MMA Fighter Varun Sanyal's Unforgettable Asian Games Debut

MMA Fighter Varun Sanyal's Unforgettable Asian Games Debut

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal faced a challenging Asian Games debut, marked by logistical issues and a medical disqualification due to a weight-cutting incident. Despite the setback, Sanyal, an Indian citizen with Singapore PR, shares his journey in MMA, his 'fighting nomad' lifestyle, and his aspirations for Indian fighters.

'Your Emotional Quotient Is Your Investing Superpower'

'Your Emotional Quotient Is Your Investing Superpower'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'The most effective investment approach is one that aligns with an investor's temperament, risk tolerance, and decision-making style.'

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's October 7 meeting will focus on 'GST 2.0' process reforms, including e-invoicing and input tax credit rules, while also addressing complex issues surrounding the taxation of the digital economy and cryptocurrency.

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

Rediff.com4 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has moved to a new office and deployed CISF security to safeguard confidential areas, following a major controversy over the NEET paper leak and administrative lapses. This move aims to implement foolproof security arrangements and restore public trust in the examination system.

Want to Study at Leiden University On A Scholarship?

Want to Study at Leiden University On A Scholarship?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Selected applicants may receive a fee reduction of 10,000 to 15,000 euros in tuition costs.

Dog walking row: SC stays reinstatement of IAS officer

Dog walking row: SC stays reinstatement of IAS officer

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed the reinstatement of IAS officer Rinku Dhugga, who was compulsorily retired by the Centre following a controversy involving the Thyagaraj Stadium. The Centre challenged the Delhi High Court's decision to set aside her compulsory retirement, which was initially ordered after allegations of misusing the stadium for dog walking and unauthorised absence.

Rising Inflation? Protect Your Money Now

Rising Inflation? Protect Your Money Now

Rediff.com3 days ago

'Separate needs from wants and minimise discretionary spending.'

SC refuses to stay MDR on UPI, seeks govt's response

SC refuses to stay MDR on UPI, seeks govt's response

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has refused to grant an interim stay on the imposition of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, which is set to take effect from October 15. The court has agreed to examine the challenge to this new fee and has issued notices to the Centre, RBI, and NPCI, seeking their responses within four weeks. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) argues that the levy lacks statutory safeguards, transparency, and public consultation, and could adversely affect merchants and consumers.

US embassy conveys Trump's birthday wishes for Modi

US embassy conveys Trump's birthday wishes for Modi

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was marked by a flurry of greetings from global leaders, including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, all underscoring strengthening bilateral ties and India's increasing stature on the world stage.

COAI And British High Commission Ink Pact For AI, Digital Trust

COAI And British High Commission Ink Pact For AI, Digital Trust

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Telecom industry body COAI and the British High Commission signed an MoU to boost cooperation in AI, connectivity, and digital trust, fostering responsible tech innovation. The pact, signed at the CO.AI 2026 event, focused on AI's role in intelligent networks, security, and public services. Discussions highlighted AI's importance in combating fraud, improving network efficiency, and ensuring secure digital services. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti and Acting British High Commissioner Ben Mellor emphasised the need for balanced governance and international collaboration to ensure secure, inclusive, and responsible digital transformation.

'Shocked' SC seeks report on deaths in Manipur camp

'Shocked' SC seeks report on deaths in Manipur camp

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed shock over numerous deaths, including unnatural ones, in relief camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. It directed the state's chief secretary to explain steps taken for investigation, criminal proceedings, and ensuring safety, questioning low compensation and incomplete post-mortems. The court also sought a report from MSLSA and urged expeditious trials in violence-related cases.

Buying A Used Car On Loan? Know The Cost

Buying A Used Car On Loan? Know The Cost

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Used-car financing has seen significant growth, but borrowers must be aware of higher interest rates, conservative loan-to-value ratios, shorter tenures, and the risk of owing more than the car's depreciated value. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions.

How To Pick The Right Broker

How To Pick The Right Broker

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Investors opening new brokerage accounts must choose a broker suited to their style.

SC modifies order giving relief to Noida DM in NSA case

SC modifies order giving relief to Noida DM in NSA case

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court has modified its interim order, staying the strictures and compensation directive passed by the Allahabad High Court against Noida DM Medha Roopam. The High Court had ordered Roopam to pay Rs 5 lakh from her salary for the detention of student Akriti Chaudhary under the NSA, criticising the DM's conduct. The Supreme Court's interim order specifically stays paragraphs 27 to 33 of the High Court judgment, which contained the strictures and cost award, but does not stay the quashing of Chaudhary's detention.

Opposition MPs Did Not Back UPI MDR, Says Congress

Opposition MPs Did Not Back UPI MDR, Says Congress

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Congress party has strongly refuted claims by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance Chairperson Bhartruhari Mahtab that opposition MPs supported levying a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. Congress MP Manish Tewari termed Mahtab's remarks "erroneous and fallacious," clarifying that the committee's recommendation was to "explore" revenue models, not to implement MDR. The party accused Mahtab of misleading due to his recent switch to the BJP.

Queue of bulldozers to welcome BJP chief Nitin Nabin in UP

Queue of bulldozers to welcome BJP chief Nitin Nabin in UP

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

BJP National President Nitin Nabin was welcomed by a fleet of brightly painted bulldozers at a Meerut toll plaza, marking the start of his significant two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh focused on Assembly election preparations, organisational meetings, and temple visits.

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Major General Faisal Naseer, infamously dubbed 'Dirty Harry' for his controversial tenure in the ISI, has been appointed national co-ordinator of Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Authority.

India's Geospatial Sector Gets Boost With Mirai-GreenValley LiDAR Partnership

India's Geospatial Sector Gets Boost With Mirai-GreenValley LiDAR Partnership

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

GIS intelligence solutions provider Mirai Aerospace Systems and Software Solutions has signed an MoU with US-based GreenValley International Inc to strengthen India's geospatial and LiDAR remote sensing manufacturing base. The collaboration focuses on local assembly, manufacturing, technical support, and the development of AI-driven LiDAR applications, aiming to meet India's growing demand across various sectors.

Supreme Court ensures coach Bilquis Mir joins Asian Games team

Supreme Court ensures coach Bilquis Mir joins Asian Games team

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has intervened to allow international water sports coach Bilquis Mir to join the Indian National Kayaking and Canoeing Team for the Asian Games in Japan. Overruling a Jammu and Kashmir administration order that denied her permission due to pending inquiries, the apex court emphasised the time-sensitive nature of sports administration and directed the issuance of a No Objection Certificate by September 15, 2026.

Global Uncertainty, Rising US Yields Drive FPIs to Withdraw Rs 13,138 Cr from Indian Equities

Global Uncertainty, Rising US Yields Drive FPIs to Withdraw Rs 13,138 Cr from Indian Equities

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew Rs 13,138 crore from Indian equities in the first half of September, driven by heightened global uncertainty, rising crude oil prices, firm US bond yields, and a strong dollar, impacting risk appetite.

Why Left Parties Demand Withdrawal Of UPI Charges

Why Left Parties Demand Withdrawal Of UPI Charges

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Left parties have strongly condemned the government's decision to impose charges on UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, with CPI General Secretary D Raja alleging the move was made under "US pressure" to favour foreign payment companies. Both CPI and All India Forward Bloc demand the withdrawal of this "anti-people decision," arguing it burdens consumers and merchants while undermining UPI's role as a public digital infrastructure. They highlight concerns that the charges weaken India's digital sovereignty and serve commercial interests of foreign corporations like Visa and Mastercard.

Will challenge HC order quashing activist's NSA detention: SG

Will challenge HC order quashing activist's NSA detention: SG

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that an appeal would be filed against an Allahabad High Court decision that quashed the detention of Delhi University student Akriti Chaudhary under the National Security Act. The High Court had also awarded Rs 5 lakh compensation to Chaudhary and criticised the "despotic" conduct of the Gautam Buddha Nagar DM. The Supreme Court also expressed displeasure over a Greater Noida executive magistrate's notice to another student for protest participation.

CPI(ML) Slams New UPI MDR Framework As 'UPI Tax'

CPI(ML) Slams New UPI MDR Framework As 'UPI Tax'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has strongly criticised the newly introduced Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions, labelling it a "UPI tax" and demanding its immediate rollback. He drew parallels with demonetisation, arguing that the new framework would negatively impact small shopkeepers, MSMEs, and ordinary citizens by increasing prices.

LIC Scholarship Class 10, Class 12 Students: Get Upto Rs 50,000

LIC Scholarship Class 10, Class 12 Students: Get Upto Rs 50,000

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme is offered by the LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections by providing financial assistance for higher education and improving their future employment opportunities.

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Rediff.com5 days ago

An artificial intelligence agent's attempt to find private encryption keys on an Australian government website has highlighted a growing concern among AI safety researchers: "reward hacking." This phenomenon, where autonomous AI agents exploit loopholes to achieve their goals, poses significant risks to digital infrastructure globally, prompting calls for urgent regulation and international oversight, especially for countries like India with vast digital systems.

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the government's recent notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for users to be charged fees, particularly for transactions above Rs 2,000. The party claims the government lacks transparency and questions if the move is to benefit American firms. The government, however, states that charges are necessary for the system's sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, with the Finance Minister clarifying that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers.

Tech services to remain relevant in AI era: Nasscom

Tech services to remain relevant in AI era: Nasscom

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The technology services sector in India will continue to remain relevant to global enterprises transformation in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, the Nasscom US CEO Forum said, even though there will be changes in how services are delivered and scaled up. Chief executive officers of Indian technology companies, who attended the discussion, also said AI will expand the addressable market opportunity across enterprise modernisation, data, AI governance and intelligent operations.

HAL hands over LCA Tejas, HTT-40 trainer aircraft to IAF; Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans

HAL hands over LCA Tejas, HTT-40 trainer aircraft to IAF; Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, and Dhruv next-generation helicopters to Pawan Hans. This significant handover, witnessed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a crucial step in India's journey towards self-reliance in the aerospace sector, showcasing HAL's capabilities across military, civil rotary-wing, and pilot training aviation.

HAL Delivers Advanced Trainers And Helicopters To IAF And Pawan Hans

HAL Delivers Advanced Trainers And Helicopters To IAF And Pawan Hans

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

State-run defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered LCA Tejas Final Operational Clearance twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, along with Dhruv next-generation helicopters to Pawan Hans. This significant handover, witnessed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a crucial step in India's journey towards self-reliance in the aerospace sector, showcasing HAL's diverse capabilities in military, civil, and training aviation.

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court will consider the Centre's plea for clarification on the applicability of its March 11 judgement regarding OBC creamy-layer criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The government highlights practical difficulties and potential unequal treatment of candidates if the ruling is applied retrospectively, as the CSE 2025 selection process concluded before the verdict. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation based on the pre-March 11 criteria to avoid disruption to training schedules and ensure fairness for candidates.

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Volkswagen, a long-standing but minor player in India's fiercely competitive automotive sector, is now exploring a strategic partnership with the JSW group, aiming to revitalise its market presence, enhance profitability, and potentially establish India as a key export hub for electric vehicles.

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.

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.

India Inc's foreign funding intent surges to $7.7 billion in July

India Inc's foreign funding intent surges to $7.7 billion in July

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian companies, including NBFCs, filed proposals to raise $7.696 billion through external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) in July 2026, a significant increase from $6.09 billion in June.

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Retired police dogs in Maharashtra will now be allowed to stay with the security force for life rather than being sent to adoptive homes, following a directive by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, officials said on Sunday.

'Bank Customers Have Become Demanding'

'Bank Customers Have Become Demanding'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'Ultimately, banks are a channel for people to get some long-term return, and this means banks need to adjust their asset-liability mismatch.' 'Customers also need long-term deposits, say those of three-five years. How would they get them if returns on those deposits do not climb?' 'Otherwise, on fixed deposits, a senior citizen doesn't get anything.'

Hockey India DG Stripped Of Powers Amidst Jersey Row

Hockey India DG Stripped Of Powers Amidst Jersey Row

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Hockey India has issued a show-cause notice to its Director General, Cdr R K Srivastava, immediately stripping him of all powers. The notice lists eight charges, prominently featuring the controversial change in the Indian team's World Cup jersey and Srivastava's unauthorised travel to the event despite directives to focus on the Hockey India League. He has four weeks to respond, failing which further action will be taken.

6 IPOs Take Stage In Record Debut-Day Rush

6 IPOs Take Stage In Record Debut-Day Rush

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Six companies made their stock market debut on Thursday, setting a new record for the most mainboard listings on a single day since at least 1996.

Flood-hit Nepal's looming crisis: Trauma among survivors

Flood-hit Nepal's looming crisis: Trauma among survivors

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

With the death toll crossing 900 and nearly 4,000 people still missing, the trauma of loss, displacement and uncertainty is settling in among thousands of survivors, prompting the government to step up its mental health response.

Political Row Erupts Over UPI Fee Decision

Political Row Erupts Over UPI Fee Decision

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Congress party has strongly refuted government claims that its MPs on the Parliament Standing Committee on Finance supported a fee on high-value UPI payments. Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Manish Tewari, stated that the "UPI tax" proposal was not specifically discussed by the committee, accusing the Modi government of diverting attention from public backlash and appeasing US companies. The government, however, cited the committee's report which pressed for a tiered Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework.