News for 'General'

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event, sparking a political row. The Congress denied the charge, stating Gandhi was only seeking a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and clarified the historical context of the song's usage.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Centre has established a committee to draft an agreement and finalise modalities for a 'permanent political solution' to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas, following a tripartite meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders, and the West Bengal government.

Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand clinch maiden World Championship bronze after fighting semi-final loss

Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand clinch maiden World Championship bronze after fighting semi-final loss

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand lost to China's World No 1 pairing Tan Ning and Liu Shengshu in the semi-finals of the women's doubles event at the BWF Badminton World Championships in New Delhi on Saturday.

Sri Lanka face big selection dilemma ahead of India Test

Sri Lanka face big selection dilemma ahead of India Test

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts will struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India without upsetting the team's overall balance, especially given their batting struggles.

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

Karnataka BJP MLA's daughter booked for assaulting police officer at temple

Karnataka BJP MLA's daughter booked for assaulting police officer at temple

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

An FIR has been registered against Aishwarya, daughter of Karnataka BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda, for allegedly abusing and assaulting a woman police sub-inspector at a temple in Mandya. The incident occurred when Aishwarya reportedly sought to bypass a queue, leading to an altercation. While Aishwarya has also filed a counter-complaint, her father has apologised for her conduct and called for an inquiry into the matter, advocating for an end to VIP protocols at temples.

How To Claim Unclaimed Bank Deposits

How To Claim Unclaimed Bank Deposits

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A savings or current account with no customer-induced transaction for more than 24 months is classified as inoperative.

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit for 2024-25 has highlighted Indian Railways' concerning trend of repaying lease charges to its borrowing arm, IRFC, from budgetary grants instead of internal resources, alongside significant delays in safety-centric works.

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has decided to form a high-powered committee, including retired judges and former top police officials, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters in Delhi. The committee will examine video evidence and complaints, particularly from female protesters, and the court may quash FIRs against students without grave criminal antecedents, upholding the right to peaceful protest.

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India is poised to secure its first overseas Test series victory in three years as they face Sri Lanka in the second and final match, with skipper Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal under pressure to deliver substantial knocks.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned due to Sir Ratan Tata Trust's regulatory issue

Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned due to Sir Ratan Tata Trust's regulatory issue

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Tata Sons, scheduled for Tuesday, is likely to be adjourned because the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), a major shareholder, cannot nominate a representative due to a regulatory restriction imposed by Maharashtra's Charity Commissioner.

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Traffic between Assam and Meghalaya was disrupted after Guwahati-based cab operators blocked National Highway-27, protesting alleged attacks on people from Assam during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) rally in Shillong, which saw 31 vehicles damaged and several pedestrians assaulted.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Probe report on Justice Varma tabled in RS amid removal proceedings

Probe report on Justice Varma tabled in RS amid removal proceedings

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

An inquiry committee's report into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, who faced removal proceedings over unaccounted cash found at his residence, was tabled in Rajya Sabha. The report details the investigation into the alleged discovery of burnt currency following a fire at his official residence. Justice Varma has since resigned, rendering the removal proceedings infructuous, though his resignation is yet to be formally notified.

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

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

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

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.

India Inc's foreign borrowing intent surges to $6 billion in June

India Inc's foreign borrowing intent surges to $6 billion in June

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Indian companies, including NBFCs, filed proposals with the RBI to raise $6.08 billion through external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) in June, marking a significant increase from the previous month.

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is undergoing significant reforms, including the removal of over 50 staff members and the onboarding of new leadership and domain specialists. This comes after recent issues like errors in UGC-NET papers, leading to re-tests, and the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026. The Education Ministry has directed a complete overhaul of exam protocols and a thorough audit of all processes to ensure integrity.

Four dead, five soldiers missing after landslide, flash flood in Arunachal

Four dead, five soldiers missing after landslide, flash flood in Arunachal

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Five Army personnel are missing after a flash flood in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, while four people died in a landslide in Upper Subansiri district. Both incidents occurred on Friday evening, triggering extensive search and rescue operations involving multiple agencies.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

FIP Wants DGCA to Triple Drug Tests For Pilots

FIP Wants DGCA to Triple Drug Tests For Pilots

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested the DGCA to increase random drug testing for pilots, aiming to enhance aviation safety.

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Sports Ministry has suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to significant governance deficiencies, including delayed elections and failure to ensure athlete welfare. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been directed to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport until a proper governance structure is re-established.

Why The FRIENDS Experience Made Me Emotional

Why The FRIENDS Experience Made Me Emotional

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

What surprised Rishika Shah most wasn't the Friends sets. It was how emotional it felt to see something she's loved for so long made physical.

Partner held 7 months after Indian woman's murder in Toronto

Partner held 7 months after Indian woman's murder in Toronto

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Abdul Ghafoori has been arrested in Toronto for the alleged first-degree murder of his partner, Indian national Himanshi Khurana. Ghafoori was apprehended at a Toronto airport after being on the run for over seven months. Khurana was found dead in December last year, and police had identified Ghafoori as a suspect in her homicide.

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

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.

Fitch affirms India's 'BBB-' rating, flags debt and youth unemployment

Fitch affirms India's 'BBB-' rating, flags debt and youth unemployment

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Fitch Ratings has affirmed India's sovereign credit rating at 'BBB-' with a stable outlook, acknowledging robust growth prospects and strong external finances. However, the agency highlighted concerns over elevated government debt, lagging structural metrics, and potential fiscal spending pressures due to rising youth unemployment.

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.

Taekema: India Women Can Emulate China's Paris Olympics Rise

Taekema: India Women Can Emulate China's Paris Olympics Rise

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema believes the Indian women's hockey team possesses the talent to replicate China's remarkable journey to an Olympic silver medal, provided they focus on fundamental skills and secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.

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.

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.

Congress on Tharoor's remark: Leaders must avoid 'appeasing BJP'

Congress on Tharoor's remark: Leaders must avoid 'appeasing BJP'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has urged Congress leaders to exercise caution and avoid making statements that could 'please the BJP', in response to remarks attributed to Shashi Tharoor regarding Rahul Gandhi's student outreach programme.

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Former Indian Army Chief General Vishwa Nath Sharma, who led the Army from 1988 to 1990 and was a veteran of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, has passed away at the age of 96. He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the AVSM and PVSM, and came from a distinguished military family, being the younger brother of India's first PVC awardee, Major Som Nath Sharma.

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Review: Delightful Romcom

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Review: Delightful Romcom

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit offers a delightful and charming cinematic experience, blending trademark humour with a sweet, unconventional love story, gushes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Twisha Sharma died by suicide, no sign of assault: AIIMS

Twisha Sharma died by suicide, no sign of assault: AIIMS

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The AIIMS medical board has definitively concluded that former actor-model Twisha Sharma died by suicidal hanging.

2 MLAs defy Vaiko's order to resign, to function as DMK legislators

2 MLAs defy Vaiko's order to resign, to function as DMK legislators

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Two MDMK MLAs, T M Rajendran and R Senthil Selvan, have refused to resign from their Assembly seats despite demands from MDMK General Secretary Vaiko. They assert their status as DMK legislators, having won on the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol, and have pledged loyalty to DMK leadership, including M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The pilots testing positive have been removed from duty, with their samples sent for confirmatory testing.

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Veteran athletics coach Parveer Singh, who guided athletes like Seema Punia, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Annu Rani to international medals, has been named for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. The article details his extensive career spanning over two decades, his role as a coach educator, and his academic contributions to sports coaching.

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The top court was hearing a PIL of public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society seeking directions to the Centre, states and Union territories to implement mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on packaged foods.

UGC-NET June 2026 Provisional Answer Key To Be Out This Week: NTA

UGC-NET June 2026 Provisional Answer Key To Be Out This Week: NTA

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency advised candidates to regularly check its official website and rely only on official communications from the agency.