News for 'India First'

OpenAI Strengthens India Presence With New Managing Director

OpenAI Strengthens India Presence With New Managing Director

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh as its Managing Director for India, a key market for the AI company. Singh, formerly President of Uber India and South Asia, will oversee consumer growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships, and regulatory engagement, reinforcing OpenAI's commitment to India's rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson heads into the second T20I against England with his place under the spotlight, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waits in the wings after another underwhelming outing from the India opener.

Neeru Dhanda wins women's trap gold in Shotgun World Cup

Neeru Dhanda wins women's trap gold in Shotgun World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Asian Championships gold medallist Neeru Dhanda has secured her first individual ISSF World Cup title in the women's trap event in Lonato, Italy.

Don't shorten ODIs to 40 overs, play more triangular series: Shubman Gill

Don't shorten ODIs to 40 overs, play more triangular series: Shubman Gill

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill has strongly rejected the idea of pruning ODIs to 40 overs, instead advocating for more triangular or quadrangular series to revive the struggling format amidst the rise of T20Is.

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's premier long-distance runner, Gulveer Singh, is confident of improving his bronze medal performance from the 2022 Asian Games in the upcoming edition. Holding national records in multiple events, Singh is preparing for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, focusing on strategic training under his US-based coach and utilising advanced sportswear technology.

Yastika joins Indian greats with landmark Lord's Test century

Yastika joins Indian greats with landmark Lord's Test century

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's, smashing 113 against England as India moved to the brink of a famous victory in the one-off Test.

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Beijing clearly intends to extend the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Bangladesh as part of its larger Maritime Belt and Road Initiative to boost its Indian Ocean presence.

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur's rapid 56 helped India post 170 for four against Australia in a must-win Women's T20 World Cup match. Despite a strong start from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the middle order struggled for acceleration, leaving Harmanpreet to boost the total in the final overs.

Ashwin: 'Test cricketers should earn their place through first-class cricket'

Ashwin: 'Test cricketers should earn their place through first-class cricket'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin has called for urgent measures to safeguard Test cricket, stressing the importance of first-class cricket as the pathway to the longest format and warning that young players need stronger incentives to pursue red-ball careers.

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's possible T20I debut and India's batting struggles after the Ireland whitewash dominate the build-up to the five-match series against England, where testing conditions await Shreyas Iyer's side.

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced stringent measures, including the establishment of fast-track courts, to combat exam paper leaks and protect the future of India's youth, following widespread protests over the NEET paper leak.

Box Office: The Odyssey Takes Superb Start, Dhamaal 4 Is A HIT

Box Office: The Odyssey Takes Superb Start, Dhamaal 4 Is A HIT

Rediff.com3 days ago

The box office is buzzing with activity as the Hollywood blockbuster The Odyssey makes a superb debut, while the Bollywood comedy Dhamaal 4 continues its successful run.

6 Breakthroughs Put India In Missile Elite

6 Breakthroughs Put India In Missile Elite

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Successful interceptor, anti-ship, MIRV and hypersonic technology tests have strengthened India's position among a select group of advanced missile powers.

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India has been eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's. Despite a strong batting performance led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia successfully chased down India's target of 171, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner scoring crucial half-centuries. This marks India's second consecutive group-stage exit from the tournament.

SEE: Yastika Bhatia relives her maiden Test century at Lord's

SEE: Yastika Bhatia relives her maiden Test century at Lord's

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

In a video clip posted by BCCI on X, Yastika relives her struggles before her historic Test ton at Lord's on Sunday.

India's T20 World Cup Exit: Harmanpreet Kaur Calls For Rethink

India's T20 World Cup Exit: Harmanpreet Kaur Calls For Rethink

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India's campaign in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup ended after a six-wicket loss to Australia at Lord's. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur admitted the team did not play to its standards and called for a "rethink" on their performance against top teams. Australian captain Sophie Molineux praised Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner for their match-winning partnership.

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

Rediff.com1 days ago

A Kargil War Hero looks back at the victory of Tiger Hill and the men who didn't return.

Q1 Earnings, West Asia Tensions, Crude Oil to Drive Market Movement This Week

Q1 Earnings, West Asia Tensions, Crude Oil to Drive Market Movement This Week

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian stock markets this week will be primarily influenced by a series of corporate Q1 earnings, the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, and fluctuations in crude oil prices, according to market analysts.

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has implemented a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for its personnel in Manipur, mandating the use of bulletproof vehicles and restricting stray movements, following recent ambushes on Assam Rifles troops. Concurrently, two elite CoBRA battalions have been deployed to conduct operations against armed miscreants, aiming to strengthen security and restore peace in the violence-hit state.

NEET Topper Panshul Bansal: 'Why Protest When You Can Study?'

NEET Topper Panshul Bansal: 'Why Protest When You Can Study?'

Rediff.com1 days ago

Panshul Bansal, who secured All India Rank 2 in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, advised protesting students to 'Don't protest. Go, study,' stating he focused on improving his performance after the original exam was cancelled due to a paper leak.

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Rediff.com2 days ago

Four Indian nationals have been killed in an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo during departure from the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening, while one is critically injured.

Matt Damon On The Odyssey: 'Happy To Keep Getting Lost'

Matt Damon On The Odyssey: 'Happy To Keep Getting Lost'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'This project is like six movies in one. And it's all been captured on the largest format that's ever been done on. So it's definitely one to see at the cinema.'

Oriental Cup: G.D. Goenka, Bharti Public School Crowned Champions

Oriental Cup: G.D. Goenka, Bharti Public School Crowned Champions

Rediff.com6 days ago

G.D. Goenka School, Dwarka and Bharti Public School have clinched their maiden boys' and girls' titles, respectively, at the fourth edition of the Oriental Cup. The tournament also introduced a scholarship programme for 10 student-athletes, recognising their outstanding performances.

Sudharsan Century Puts India A In Strong Position

Sudharsan Century Puts India A In Strong Position

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India A took firm control on the opening day of their unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A, posting 333 for four. Sai Sudharsan scored a fluent century, while skipper Dhruv Jurel and Shaik Rasheed contributed unbeaten half-centuries, frustrating the Sri Lankan bowlers in Galle.

No buzz yet, but Glasgow gears up for Commonwealth Games

No buzz yet, but Glasgow gears up for Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com1 days ago

Despite a subdued atmosphere in Glasgow ahead of the Commonwealth Games, with limited public buzz, preparations are underway, and athletes are arriving. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga, fresh off a Diamond League win, is a strong contender for gold, offering a significant medal hope for his nation.

Chhoti SIP Growth Faces High Exit Rates

Chhoti SIP Growth Faces High Exit Rates

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Periods of heightened volatility, driven by global events such as tariffs and geopolitical tensions over the past year-and-a-half, can make some investors pause or discontinue their investments.'

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Rediff.com1 days ago

Indian farmers staged a significant protest at the Shambhu border against a proposed India-US trade deal, fearing its detrimental effects on the domestic agricultural sector and demanding its immediate abandonment. They later ended their agitation after assurances from the Haryana Agriculture Minister regarding the release of detained farmers and a meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister.

Govt Unveils Rs 1.9 Lakh Cr Push for Semiconductor, Mobile Manufacturing

Govt Unveils Rs 1.9 Lakh Cr Push for Semiconductor, Mobile Manufacturing

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has approved two major manufacturing initiatives worth nearly Rs 1.9 lakh crore (USD 22 billion) to expand the country's semiconductor ecosystem and scale up mobile phone production, aiming to strengthen its position as a global electronics manufacturing hub.

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Rediff.com1 days ago

Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court has made strong observations on systemic corruption in India, suggesting the death penalty for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He criticised the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and the Uttar Pradesh government's "bulldozer actions," highlighting the normalisation of corruption and the state's complicity in unauthorised constructions.

Rohit Sharma's ODI Career Nears End As BCCI Plans For Future

Rohit Sharma's ODI Career Nears End As BCCI Plans For Future

Rediff.com6 days ago

BCCI selectors have reportedly informed Rohit Sharma that they plan to move on from him after the ODI series against England.

'They Cannot Touch Virat and Rohit': Ashwin's Big Claim

'They Cannot Touch Virat and Rohit': Ashwin's Big Claim

Rediff.com2 days ago

Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's future, asserting that players like Rohit and Virat Kohli are "untouchable" due to their immense body of work and massive fan following. Ashwin highlighted that dropping such star batters would cause a significant uproar, unlike the reaction to bowlers being left out. This comes as Rohit recently silenced critics with a century at Lord's amidst retirement rumours.

How India's U-19 Boys Clinched A World Youth Table Tennis Spot

How India's U-19 Boys Clinched A World Youth Table Tennis Spot

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's U-19 boys' table tennis team defeated Hong Kong 3-1 in the Asian Youth Championships quarterfinals, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal and a direct qualification for the 2027 World Youth Table Tennis Championships. The team will now face top seeds China in the semifinals. In contrast, the Indian U-19 girls' team lost to Hong Kong and will need to qualify through a separate process, while the U-15 teams also faced defeats in their respective quarterfinal matches.

How Brand USA Is Capitalising On World Cup To Boost Tourism

How Brand USA Is Capitalising On World Cup To Boost Tourism

Rediff.com2 days ago

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has launched a new social-first series called 'More to Love'. This campaign aims to leverage the success of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which was hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, to encourage international fans to return and explore more of the country's diverse attractions, including its national parks and various states. The campaign is being amplified globally, including in India.

Virat Kohli creates history with record 30th SENA ODI half-century

Virat Kohli creates history with record 30th SENA ODI half-century

Rediff.com6 days ago

Virat Kohli has added another landmark to his remarkable ODI career by becoming the Indian batter with the most half-centuries in SENA countries -- South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.

Gill's India Begin Afghanistan Test Preparations, Bahutule Joins Coaching Staff

Gill's India Begin Afghanistan Test Preparations, Bahutule Joins Coaching Staff

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Team India began preparations for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, with Shubman Gill leading the side and new spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule joining the support staff.

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling FIH Pro League match in London, extending their decade-long unbeaten streak against them in international hockey. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India rallied with goals from Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma, Sukhjeet Singh, and Rajinder Singh. Pakistan mounted a late comeback in the final quarter, but India held on for a crucial victory, moving up to seventh in the standings.

Axar Patel Breaks Into Top-10 Of ICC ODI Rankings For All-Rounders

Axar Patel Breaks Into Top-10 Of ICC ODI Rankings For All-Rounders

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has surged into the top 10 of the ICC ODI rankings for all-rounders, reaching ninth position following his impressive performance against England.

'Every 2-3 games...': Gill explodes over injury crisis

'Every 2-3 games...': Gill explodes over injury crisis

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's ODI captain Shubman Gill has voiced strong concerns over the recurring injury issues plaguing his bowlers, questioning their fitness commitment ahead of next year's World Cup. Following a 1-2 series loss to England, Gill highlighted that multiple key players were sidelined due to injuries, impacting team combinations and raising doubts about their ability to sustain performance through a long tournament.

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

Rediff.com15 hours ago

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday deferred the selection of its first chief executive officer (CEO) by a month after receiving 5,200 applications for the post and decided to appoint a secretary in the interim to meet growing administrative requirements.

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a nostalgic moment with former Australia captain Steve Waugh during a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, presenting him with a photograph from their first meeting more than two decades ago when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.