News for 'General'

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.

Shivakumar heads to Delhi amid cabinet portfolio talks, reshuffle buzz

Shivakumar heads to Delhi amid cabinet portfolio talks, reshuffle buzz

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is in New Delhi to discuss the allocation of portfolios among newly inducted ministers and address discontent among legislators who missed out on cabinet berths. Speculation also surrounds a potential minor cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of a woman minister to the lone vacant position, with the CM aiming to finalise these decisions before the state Legislature's monsoon session.

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Gujarat government has imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. Citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers and the dairy sector, the decision follows detections of substandard artificial dairy products during inspections. Legal action will be taken against violators.

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India's position appears to be anchored around three red lines: Hasina's safety and the guarantee of a fair trial; assurances that Bangladeshi territory will not be used for activities hostile to India; and the restoration of an inclusive democratic process in Bangladesh.

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

An Indian-origin chief financial officer of a US spinal implant company has been sentenced to a four-month jail term for his role in a scheme to bribe surgeons. Aditya Humad conspired to pay over USD 540,000 in sham consulting fees to surgeons to induce them to use SpineFrontier's products, leading to millions in revenue for the company and undermining healthcare safeguards.

Churning reels not enough, youth need jobs: Congress slams Modi

Churning reels not enough, youth need jobs: Congress slams Modi

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Congress party has accused the Modi government of creating a "deep crisis" in India's job market due to its "flawed" economic and employment policies. Citing a media report on a 27% decline in new jobs at major companies, the opposition party stated that the government is engaged in "headline management" and "politics of distraction" instead of addressing the youth employment crisis.

New Delhi Assures World-Class Badminton Championships After India Open Criticism

New Delhi Assures World-Class Badminton Championships After India Open Criticism

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

New Delhi organisers are confident of delivering a 'world-class spectacle' for the upcoming Badminton World Championships, having addressed previous concerns regarding venue cleanliness, air quality, and animal control that marred the India Open earlier this year.

Jio Financial formalises general insurance foray with Allianz

Jio Financial formalises general insurance foray with Allianz

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Jio Financial Services and Munich-based Allianz Group have signed a binding agreement to establish a 50:50 joint venture for general and health insurance in India, building on an earlier reinsurance partnership.

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A veteran White House reporter has revealed that the Clinton administration used a decoy aircraft during President Bill Clinton's high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000, a security measure disclosed to journalists off-the-record due to the significant dangers involved.

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated it is "premature" to discuss the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for digital payments, advising a "wait-and-watch" approach. He emphasised that investment in public payment infrastructure is necessary and someone must bear the cost, whether through taxes or MDR. The government is currently working on amendments to relevant statutes, and the RBI is focused on strengthening this infrastructure.

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Congress party has strongly condemned the 'purification' of a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public meeting addressed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging it reflects an 'anti-Dalit' mindset of the BJP and RSS.

What Makes Crypto Rise Or Fall?

What Makes Crypto Rise Or Fall?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Crypto can rise or fall for many reasons. Here's a simple guide to what gives digital assets value and drives their prices.

FPIs Pour Rs 12,921 Crore into Indian Markets in Early August

FPIs Pour Rs 12,921 Crore into Indian Markets in Early August

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) injected Rs 12,921 crore into Indian equities during the first week of August, extending their buying spree, driven by improving macroeconomic conditions, expectations of US rate cuts, lower crude oil prices, and a stable rupee.

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.

Australia meet Bangladesh in rare home winter Tests

Australia meet Bangladesh in rare home winter Tests

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Australia is set to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in the country's tropical north, marking the first time since 2003.

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that replacing him would be a 'terrible mistake' and that the sport would 'never be as successful or profitable' without him, despite Infantino facing significant backlash and a battle to retain his position ahead of next year's presidential elections.

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India and China held diplomatic talks to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), discussing boundary delimitation, border management, and trans-border cooperation. Both nations stressed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations and agreed to continue using existing channels to resolve outstanding issues.

'The Next Chairman Does Not Need To Build Tata'

'The Next Chairman Does Not Need To Build Tata'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

'... that work is done. The task is to reallocate what has been built, with the courage of a founder and the discipline of an owner.'

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha passed two Bills, including one to rename Kerala as Keralam, without debate as Opposition members continued their protests, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's presence to address police excesses against student protesters and alleged Ram temple fund irregularities.

ITR Filed? Here's When You Can Expect Your Income Tax Refund

ITR Filed? Here's When You Can Expect Your Income Tax Refund

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The income tax department has significantly reduced refund processing times over the past few years. But while some taxpayers receive refunds within days, others may wait several weeks or even longer. Here's why.

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.'

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Airports Authority of India has received a request for a waiver from contractual restrictions that prevent airport concessionaires and their group entities from holding equity in scheduled airlines, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed in the Rajya Sabha. This comes amid reports of the Adani group's interest in the airline business, despite their denial.

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex against alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and "police excesses" against student protesters. The INDIA bloc vowed to continue their agitation, demanding accountability from the government, particularly Home Minister Amit Shah, on these issues.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident in which three murder accused were tied to the bonnet of a police vehicle and paraded through parts of Pune, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the state government and senior police officials.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.

J-K court orders probe into Rs 500-cr Vaishno Devi 'fake silver' scam

J-K court orders probe into Rs 500-cr Vaishno Devi 'fake silver' scam

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A court in Jammu has ordered a detailed inquiry into an alleged Rs 500 crore 'fake silver' matter at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The Chief Judicial Magistrate directed authorities to preserve evidence following an application by advocate Deepak Sharma, who alleged adulteration and pilferage of silver offerings.

'75-25': Nakamura makes shock call on Gukesh's title defence

'75-25': Nakamura makes shock call on Gukesh's title defence

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

World champion D Gukesh is 'crumbling under the weight of expectations' and needs to 'shut out the noise' to regain his form ahead of his title defence, said American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. Nakamura also revealed that the 2028 Chess Olympiad could potentially be his last tournament featuring 'true classical' chess.

Are Your Investments Worth The Effort?

Are Your Investments Worth The Effort?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Many investors are working hard as their own fund managers, unaware whether their efforts have actually rewarded them for the job.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

Punjab police uncover ISI terror network, 4 juveniles among 9 arrested

Punjab police uncover ISI terror network, 4 juveniles among 9 arrested

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Punjab Police have successfully dismantled two ISI-backed cross-border terror modules, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including four juveniles. The modules were involved in recruiting local youth, conducting surveillance of security installations, and procuring illegal weapons under the direction of foreign-based ISI handlers.

'It will take time': Chadwick on women reaching F1

'It will take time': Chadwick on women reaching F1

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Jamie Chadwick, a triple W Series champion, believes that increasing female participation at grassroots levels is crucial for women to reach the top echelons of motorsport. She highlights the importance of creating welcoming environments for young girls in karting and addresses the historical disparity, noting that it has been 50 years since a woman last raced in Formula One. Chadwick is confident that new initiatives will lead to a higher quality of female drivers in the coming years, despite the overall growth in talent across the sport.

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Verify a content creator's Sebi registration, qualifications and certifications before acting on their advice.

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A suicide attack on a police station in Kabal, Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, killed at least 14 people, including five security personnel, and injured over a dozen. The attack occurred during a peace rally, with police intercepting the bomber at the compound gate, preventing a larger tragedy.

Salah hits the jackpot with Trabzonspor move

Salah hits the jackpot with Trabzonspor move

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah has officially signed a two-year deal with Turkish club Trabzonspor, reportedly worth 17 million euros per season. The move follows his departure from Liverpool after nine successful years, during which he won multiple titles. Salah's transfer includes a share from merchandise sales and performance-based bonuses, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.

India's EV Ambitions: MHI Boosts Incentives, Tackles Financing & Manufacturing Hurdles

India's EV Ambitions: MHI Boosts Incentives, Tackles Financing & Manufacturing Hurdles

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) anticipates disbursing approximately 4,700 crore in incentives under the automotive PLI scheme in FY27, more than double the previous two years, while also exploring financing mechanisms for electric buses and trucks and promoting domestic manufacturing of critical EV components.