News for 'India First'

Billie Jean King Cup: Confident India Bank On Home Advantage Against Thailand

Billie Jean King Cup: Confident India Bank On Home Advantage Against Thailand

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

India is set to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group I ties, aiming for promotion to the 2026 play-offs. Despite a setback with Shrivalli Bhamidipaty's withdrawal, the team hopes to capitalise on home advantage.

Why Rashid Khan may not play upcoming Test match against India

Why Rashid Khan may not play upcoming Test match against India

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Rashid Khan considers stepping back from Test cricket after medical warnings over his back injury, with the Afghanistan star prioritising fitness and ODI longevity.

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticises the AAP-led Punjab government for political instability and lack of industrial development, while promoting Haryana's investor-friendly policies and industrial growth initiatives.

Why Ashwin rates Dhoni as the best 'keeper to spinners...

Why Ashwin rates Dhoni as the best 'keeper to spinners...

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded MS Dhoni's wicketkeeping skills, highlighting his glovework and clarity of thought. Ashwin also reflected on his IPL career, expressing regret over not winning a title with Rajasthan Royals.

Shambhavi, Divyanshu shatter world record at ISSF Junior World Cup

Shambhavi, Divyanshu shatter world record at ISSF Junior World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Indian shooters Shambhavi Kshirsagar and Divyanshu Dewangan won gold in the 10m air rifle mixed team event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Cairo, setting a new world record score. India now leads the medal tally with four gold medals.

Vinay Kumar Yadav Secures First Title at PGTI NexGen After Playoff Thriller

Vinay Kumar Yadav Secures First Title at PGTI NexGen After Playoff Thriller

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Vinay Kumar Yadav of Delhi emerged victorious at the PGTI NexGen tournament in Gurugram, securing his maiden title after a thrilling playoff against Arjunveer Shishir of Chandigarh.

Vaishnavi Adkar Leads India to Victory Against New Zealand in Billie Jean King Cup

Vaishnavi Adkar Leads India to Victory Against New Zealand in Billie Jean King Cup

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Young Vaishnavi Adkar's impressive win against Aishi Das gives India a 1-0 lead against New Zealand in the Billie Jean King Cup. This victory follows India's 1-2 defeat to Thailand, where Adkar faced challenges in her debut match.

India's Shooting Contingent Faces Tough Competition at Granada World Cup

India's Shooting Contingent Faces Tough Competition at Granada World Cup

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Indian shooters are set to compete in the Rifle/Pistol World Cup in Granada, Spain, facing a strong international field in both 10m air rifle and air pistol events. The competition serves as a crucial assessment opportunity ahead of the Asian Games and the World Championships, where Olympic quotas will be awarded.

Umrao Jaan Goes To UK Asian Film Fest, Rekha Reacts

Umrao Jaan Goes To UK Asian Film Fest, Rekha Reacts

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Umrao Jaan, featuring Rekha's iconic performance, is set for a special 4K restored screening at the prestigious UK Asian Film Festival, where director Muzaffar Ali will also be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Why Mirabai Chanu Is Skipping Asian Championships

Why Mirabai Chanu Is Skipping Asian Championships

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Mirabai Chanu will miss the Asian Championships due to a shoulder injury sustained during the National Championships. Komal Kohar is expected to replace her in the Indian team.

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Phase I: Touch And Go Seats

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Phase I: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The polling for the Tamil Nadu Elections will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Out of the 294 assembly seats, 152 seats in West Bengal will go to polls in the first phase on Thursday.

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar to discuss the West Asia crisis, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'Root Causes Of Infertility Remain Overlooked'

'Root Causes Of Infertility Remain Overlooked'

Rediff.com1 May 2026

'Infertility and reproductive health challenges, much like other chronic conditions, are rising globally.'

'Call Klaasen now' for WC 2027: Pietersen urges

'Call Klaasen now' for WC 2027: Pietersen urges

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has urged the South African team management to get Heinrich Klaasen out of international cricket retirement in their bid to lift the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 title on home soil.

Deepti Sharma credits self-belief for stellar show vs SA in 4th T20I

Deepti Sharma credits self-belief for stellar show vs SA in 4th T20I

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma attributes her return to form, including an unbeaten 36 and a five-wicket haul against South Africa, to renewed self-belief and strategic bowling adjustments, easing selection concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Diksha Dagar Starts Well At MCB Ladies Classic In Mauritius

Diksha Dagar Starts Well At MCB Ladies Classic In Mauritius

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Diksha Dagar began strongly at the MCB Ladies Classic in Mauritius, carding a 4-under 68, highlighted by a hole-in-one. Agathe Laisne leads the field with an 8-under 64.

Harmanpreet on defeat: 'Better now than World Cup time'

Harmanpreet on defeat: 'Better now than World Cup time'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Indian women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes the team's performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing them to address shortcomings before the T20 World Cup.

Manu Bhaker Determined To Reignite Competitive Spark

Manu Bhaker Determined To Reignite Competitive Spark

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker is preparing for the Asian Games and World Championships, aiming to reignite her competitive edge after a quiet spell following the Paris Games. She also expressed excitement about shooting's return to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India.

Big boost to Aatmanirbharta! India to develop 1000-kg aerial bomb

Big boost to Aatmanirbharta! India to develop 1000-kg aerial bomb

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Indian defence ministry has initiated a project to indigenously design and develop a 1000-kg aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force (IAF), aiming to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector.

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Payal Kapadia, celebrated for her Grand Prix win at Cannes, has been appointed jury president for the 65th Cannes Critics Week.

Chhattisgarh to Host Khelo India Tribal Games Annually After Successful Inaugural Edition

Chhattisgarh to Host Khelo India Tribal Games Annually After Successful Inaugural Edition

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the Khelo India Tribal Games will be held annually in the state following the success of the inaugural edition. The event aims to provide a platform for tribal athletes to showcase their talent and gain national recognition.

IPL 2026: Why Wankhede Crowd Cheered CSK...

IPL 2026: Why Wankhede Crowd Cheered CSK...

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sanju Samson's electrifying second century not only led to a dominant victory over the Mumbai Indians but also sparked a remarkable surge in CSK fan support, transforming the Wankhede stadium into a sea of yellow.

Tesla throws down the gauntlet with the Model Y L

Tesla throws down the gauntlet with the Model Y L

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Tesla's Model Y L signals a serious push to disrupt India's luxury EV market with more space, power, and aggressive pricing. Priced just 2 lakh above the standard version, it undercuts expectations significantly.

India Women's Hockey Team Gears Up for World Cup with Argentina Tour

India Women's Hockey Team Gears Up for World Cup with Argentina Tour

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Indian senior women's hockey team will tour Argentina for a four-match series in Buenos Aires, offering crucial preparation for the FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games later this year.

Dawood Ibrahim Aide Dola In NCB Custody Till May 8

Dawood Ibrahim Aide Dola In NCB Custody Till May 8

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola, a close aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, has been remanded in the Narcotics Control Bureau's custody until May 8 in connection with a 2023 drugs seizure case.

India U-23 Football Team Falls Short Against Tajikistan in Tri-Nation Championship

India U-23 Football Team Falls Short Against Tajikistan in Tri-Nation Championship

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The India U23 men's national team lost 1-0 to Tajikistan in the final match of the U23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026, held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Tajikistan secured the championship title with the win.

Bishop, Mukund question Holder's controversial catch

Bishop, Mukund question Holder's controversial catch

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Ian Bishop and Abhinav Mukund question the legality of Jason Holder's catch to dismiss Rajat Patidar, saying there was enough evidence to rule it not out.

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'We are staying away from making forward-looking statements on when we will reach 1 trillion, etc. But growth will be rapid; it's only a matter of time.'

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

India has refuted claims of payment issues hindering crude oil imports from Iran, clarifying that refiners have the flexibility to source oil from various global suppliers. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed reports of a tanker rerouting to China, emphasising standard industry practices and secured oil requirements.

Aditi Ashok Struggles At Chevron Championship; Nelly Korda Leads

Aditi Ashok Struggles At Chevron Championship; Nelly Korda Leads

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Aditi Ashok had a disappointing start at The Chevron Championship, while Nelly Korda leads the tournament after the first day.

'Lucky To Have Shared Dressing Room With Sachin'

'Lucky To Have Shared Dressing Room With Sachin'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

'I was able to witness why he was successful. His dedication and discipline are what made him the greatest to have played the game.'

'Impact of the spike in energy prices will be transient'

'Impact of the spike in energy prices will be transient'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'As re-industrialisation gathers pace across regions like Asia, Europe and the US, a wide range of products and inputs will see demand.'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Player unrest, poor show: Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva faces ouster

Player unrest, poor show: Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva faces ouster

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket board has called for a special Executive Committee meeting to formally seal the ouster of current chief Shammi Silva on directive from country's president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

IPL 2026: 'Cut him some slack': Pollard backs struggling Bumrah

IPL 2026: 'Cut him some slack': Pollard backs struggling Bumrah

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Mumbai Indians' batting coach Kieron Pollard has defended Jasprit Bumrah after the bowler's expensive spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad, urging fans and critics to remember his past achievements and allow for off days.

Farmer arrested after tiger electrocuted in MP; toll touches 25 this year

Farmer arrested after tiger electrocuted in MP; toll touches 25 this year

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A sub-adult tiger was found electrocuted and dumped in a well in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. The farmer who owns the well has been arrested. This incident brings the total number of tiger deaths in the state to 25 since January, raising concerns about wildlife protection.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Young Swimmers Complete Open Water Challenge In Arabian Sea

Young Swimmers Complete Open Water Challenge In Arabian Sea

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Two young swimmers from Thane, Vanshika Girish Iyer and Swaraj Sneha Gaurav Phadnis, have successfully completed a 21-kilometre open water swim in the Arabian Sea, setting a new record for the route.

Krunal Pandya recalls Virat Kohli's emotional night in RCB glory

Krunal Pandya recalls Virat Kohli's emotional night in RCB glory

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Krunal Pandya calls RCB's 2025 title win deeply emotional

IPL 2026, MI vs LSG: Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants in battle for survival

IPL 2026, MI vs LSG: Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants in battle for survival

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Mumbai Indians, struggling in the current IPL season, will face Lucknow Super Giants, hoping for key players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav to perform well. Both teams are grappling with batting failures, impacting their chances of reaching the playoffs.