News for 'India First'

Saransh Jain's IPL Sacrifice for Red-Ball Cricket Leads to India Test Cap

Saransh Jain's IPL Sacrifice for Red-Ball Cricket Leads to India Test Cap

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Saransh Jain, India's Test cap No. 320, prioritised red-ball cricket over an IPL contract, a decision lauded by his coach Chandrakant Pandit, which ultimately led to his Test debut against Sri Lanka.

Team India Celebrates Independence Day in Galle

Team India Celebrates Independence Day in Galle

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The Indian cricket team marked the nation's 80th Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolour in Galle, Sri Lanka, ahead of their opening Test match against the host nation.

India's Sharmila Dhankar Clinches Historic Commonwealth Games Gold

India's Sharmila Dhankar Clinches Historic Commonwealth Games Gold

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sharmila Dhankar, a para-athlete who overcame polio and personal adversity, has made history by becoming India's first para-athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the women's shot put F57 event. Her season's best throw of 9.81m ended a two-decade wait for India in para-athletics at the CWG, with compatriot Shilpa Shyla also securing a bronze.

India's hockey World Cup hopes on line against South Africa

India's hockey World Cup hopes on line against South Africa

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's Women's Hockey team, buoyed by a draw against China, is set to face South Africa in their second World Cup match. A win is crucial for their qualification hopes for the second round. Coach Sjoerd Marijne acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in ball possession, despite strong performances from key players like Deepika and Navneet Kaur.

India Vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup Match Is A Sell-Out

India Vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup Match Is A Sell-Out

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen is a complete sell-out, with tickets having been sold online in phases since September 2025.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

After 10 Years, India May Import Sugar

After 10 Years, India May Import Sugar

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India is set to import 1 million tonnes of raw sugar at zero duty after domestic stocks fell sharply and prices surged ahead of the festival season.

Treesa Jolly And Gayatri Gopichand Secure Maiden World Championships Bronze

Treesa Jolly And Gayatri Gopichand Secure Maiden World Championships Bronze

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Indian badminton pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured a historic bronze medal at the World Championships after a hard-fought loss to world No. 1 Chinese duo Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in the women's doubles semifinals. This marks India's first women's doubles medal at the BWF World Championships since 2011.

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.

GDP data, crude oil prices, US jobs report to dictate market trends

GDP data, crude oil prices, US jobs report to dictate market trends

Rediff.com5 days ago

Analysts predict that the Indian stock market's sentiment this week will be primarily influenced by the domestic GDP data announcement, crude oil prices, and the crucial US non-farm payrolls report.

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, joined the senior Indian team for the first T20I against Ireland but did not make his debut.

India Inc Sees Fastest Revenue Growth in 15 Quarters

India Inc Sees Fastest Revenue Growth in 15 Quarters

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian listed companies experienced their fastest revenue growth in 15 quarters during Q1FY27, with combined net sales rising 18.4% year-on-year, while net profit grew 16%, primarily driven by mining, metals, and banking sectors, despite a contraction in operating margins due to higher input costs.

1st Test: Pant leads the charge, bowlers strike as India move closer to victory vs Sri Lanka

1st Test: Pant leads the charge, bowlers strike as India move closer to victory vs Sri Lanka

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

India set Sri Lanka a daunting target of 372 before reducing the hosts to 84-4 on day four of the opening Test in Galle on Tuesday, remaining firmly on course for victory.

Gavaskar praises India's team-first approach vs Afghanistan in first ODI

Gavaskar praises India's team-first approach vs Afghanistan in first ODI

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar praised India's team-first approach and clinical chase against Afghanistan in the opening ODI, highlighting KL Rahul's selfless batting and the contributions of Nitish Kumar Reddy and debutant Gurnoor Brar. Former England spinner Graeme Swann warned of a tougher challenge in the second ODI in Lucknow due to Afghanistan's strong spin attack.

1st Test: Dinusha's maiden ton gives Sri Lanka hope, but India remain firmly in charge

1st Test: Dinusha's maiden ton gives Sri Lanka hope, but India remain firmly in charge

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Sonal Dinusha's maiden Test hundred sparked Sri Lanka's fightback in Galle, but India retained firm control after bowling out the hosts for 284 to secure a 178-run lead.

1st Test: India on course for victory in Galle after Sri Lanka lose early wickets

1st Test: India on course for victory in Galle after Sri Lanka lose early wickets

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

India put themselves course for a big win in the series opener after reducing Sri Lanka to 84/4 at stumps on day four of the first Test in Galle on Tuesday.

India all-rounder Mahipal Lomror signs with Surrey

India all-rounder Mahipal Lomror signs with Surrey

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror has signed with Surrey for the remainder of the County Championship season. He becomes the second player from Rajasthan to join the English side this season, filling a gap left by injuries and international call-ups.

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: SSC pitch might offer equal chance to batters and bowlers

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: SSC pitch might offer equal chance to batters and bowlers

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Sri Lankan cricket officials are considering a balanced pitch for the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), moving away from a spin-friendly track. This decision aims to provide equal opportunities for both batters and bowlers, similar to the Galle pitch, and support their young batting lineup. The SSC pitch character has evolved over the years, with less home advantage since the retirement of legendary players.

Understanding The Impact Of New MDR On India's UPI Ecosystem

Understanding The Impact Of New MDR On India's UPI Ecosystem

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

India's UPI system continues its rapid growth, dominating retail payments. Recent amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act allow for targeted Merchant Discount Rates (MDR) on high-value merchant transactions, aiming to create a self-sustaining revenue model for the ecosystem while keeping P2P and low-value payments free. This move could generate significant revenue and encourage ecosystem participation.

When Is The India-Pakistan Hockey World Cup Clash?

When Is The India-Pakistan Hockey World Cup Clash?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is set to begin on August 15, with India featuring in both the men's and women's tournaments. Here is the complete India schedule, fixtures and squad details for the World Cup.

Devdutt Padikkal falls five runs short of Rahul Dravid's record in Galle Test

Devdutt Padikkal falls five runs short of Rahul Dravid's record in Galle Test

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal's match aggregate of 211 runs is the second-highest by an Indian No. 3 in a Test against Sri Lanka. Dravid holds the record with 215 runs in the 2009 Ahmedabad Test, where he made 177 and 38.

India Prepares For Crucial FIH Hockey World Cup Clash Against England

India Prepares For Crucial FIH Hockey World Cup Clash Against England

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India is set to face England in a critical FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, aiming to overcome a 32-year World Cup drought against their European rivals. Following an opening win against Wales, India seeks to improve its performance, particularly in open play finishing, against a strong England side that started with a dominant victory over Pakistan. The outcome of this match is crucial for both teams' progression to the knockout stages.

'India late for 2036 Olympics, winning 30-40 medals is...'

'India late for 2036 Olympics, winning 30-40 medals is...'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Former Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi believes India's ambitious target of 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics is a 'distant prospect', citing significant delays in talent identification, scouting, and critical infrastructure improvements.

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India played an impressive opening match at the Women's Hockey World Cup, securing a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China, with goals from Navneet Kaur and Deepika.

'Coach's Favourites': Badrinath's Dig at Gambhir's Choices

'Coach's Favourites': Badrinath's Dig at Gambhir's Choices

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Former India batter S Badrinath has expressed concerns regarding India's T20I squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series, particularly questioning the consistent inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy. He suggested that some selections might be influenced by team management preferences. Badrinath also welcomed Jasprit Bumrah's potential return, calling it a significant boost for the team ahead of the Asian Games.

JK Tyre Invests In Future Of Indian Motorsport With Atiqa Mir Sponsorship

JK Tyre Invests In Future Of Indian Motorsport With Atiqa Mir Sponsorship

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

JK Tyre has signed 11-year-old racing sensation Atiqa Mir, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing young talent in Indian motorsport. Atiqa, who has already achieved significant international success, joins an elite list of drivers supported by the company, including F1 legends Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. Her journey also highlights the increasing presence of women in motorsport.

Nerves, missed chances cost India women's hockey team World Cup semi-final spot: Coach Marijne

Nerves, missed chances cost India women's hockey team World Cup semi-final spot: Coach Marijne

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

India women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne attributed his side's goalless draw against Australia, which led to their World Cup semi-final exit, to nerves and an inability to convert opportunities, despite calling the fifth-sixth place playoff a 'significant achievement'.

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Skoda Auto is strategically navigating the competitive Indian automotive market by prioritising profitable growth, exploring new powertrain options like CNG and a limited diesel return, and gearing up for a locally produced electric SUV, all while expanding its retail footprint.

Bangladesh Break India, Pakistan's Record With Historic Test Win In Australia

Bangladesh Break India, Pakistan's Record With Historic Test Win In Australia

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by defeating Australia by nine wickets in Darwin, marking their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil and becoming the fastest Asian team to do so.

'Congratulations to my friend...': Modi hails Meloni's historic milestone

'Congratulations to my friend...': Modi hails Meloni's historic milestone

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Forty-nine-year-old Meloni has been Italy's prime minister since October 22, 2022.

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.'

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.

Badminton star Antonsen says India Open should be played outside Delhi winter

Badminton star Antonsen says India Open should be played outside Delhi winter

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

World No. 4 badminton player Anders Antonsen has called for the India Open tournament to be moved from its traditional January-February slot due to severe winter pollution in New Delhi. He described the conditions as "insane" and "not pleasant to play in," causing a burning sensation and poor visibility. Antonsen believes the current time of year is much better for hosting such events.

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

As India prepares for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15, the team management faces critical decisions regarding their playing XI to bolster their World Test Championship 2027 final aspirations.

Kashmir's Underwater Tiranga Rally

Kashmir's Underwater Tiranga Rally

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Kashmir witnessed its first-ever underwater Tiranga rally, as water sports athletes carried the national flag beneath Pokribal lake ahead of Independence Day.

How JK Tyre Is Fueling The Next Generation Of Indian Motorsport Talent

How JK Tyre Is Fueling The Next Generation Of Indian Motorsport Talent

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

JK Tyre has signed 11-year-old racing sensation Atiqa Mir, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young talent in Indian motorsport. Mir, who has already achieved significant success on the international karting circuit, including podium finishes and victories in Europe, is the first Indian supported by the F1 Academy and the highest-ranked female in her category. This sponsorship highlights her potential as an emerging talent and JK Tyre's legacy in supporting top Indian drivers.

Lakshya Sen leads India's charge at BWF World Championships in New Delhi

Lakshya Sen leads India's charge at BWF World Championships in New Delhi

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Indian badminton stars Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and Ayush Shetty are preparing for the BWF World Championships in New Delhi. Sen, a former bronze medallist, aims for a deep run despite an inconsistent year, while the doubles pair focuses on adapting to court conditions. Rising star Ayush Shetty faces a tough opening challenge against world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, with all players expressing excitement about playing in front of a home crowd and noting improved venue conditions.

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.

One In 10 Staff At California Unicorns Works In India

One In 10 Staff At California Unicorns Works In India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

One in 10 employees at California-headquartered technology unicorns now work from India, surpassing other major US tech hubs and several countries, driven by US visa restrictions and substantial cost savings.