News for 'India First'

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's private sector activity saw a significant recovery in April, driven primarily by robust growth in manufacturing output and sales, following a three-year low in March attributed to the West Asia conflict.

Raja Shivaji Review: Riteish Deshmukh Fares Better As Director Than Actor

Raja Shivaji Review: Riteish Deshmukh Fares Better As Director Than Actor

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Riteish Deshmukh's Shivaji may not be a flawless portrayal, but still remains engaging throughout, applauds Mayur Sanap.

Rupee breaches 93/dollar for the first time, down 19 paise

Rupee breaches 93/dollar for the first time, down 19 paise

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened to a record intra-day low against the US dollar due to a strengthening greenback, continuous foreign capital outflows, and elevated global crude oil prices amidst the West Asia conflict.

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The 4th India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) showcases athletic gear and equipment from 75 exhibitors, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting sports goods manufacturing in India.

Teenage Archer Payal Nag Clinches Gold, India Dominates World Archery Para Series

Teenage Archer Payal Nag Clinches Gold, India Dominates World Archery Para Series

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Teenage quadruple amputee archer Payal Nag defeated world number one Sheetal Devi to win gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, leading India to a dominant performance with seven gold medals.

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The measures announced by it risk backfiring, disrupting the foreign exchange market, and intensifying the very pressures they seek to contain, with broader consequences for the economy points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

India U20 secure SAFF Championship semi-final spot after draw with Bangladesh

India U20 secure SAFF Championship semi-final spot after draw with Bangladesh

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Indian U20 men's team played out a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh in their second match of the SAFF U20 Championship 2026, securing their place as Group B toppers and advancing to the semi-finals.

Bhuvneshwar defends Hazlewood, explains RCB tactics in GT loss

Bhuvneshwar defends Hazlewood, explains RCB tactics in GT loss

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar backs Josh Hazlewood after RCB's loss to Gujarat Titans, explaining tactical calls and insisting it was just an off day in a long IPL season.

'If they can, we can too': Shreyas on PBKS' record chase vs DC

'If they can, we can too': Shreyas on PBKS' record chase vs DC

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Shreyas Iyer explains Punjab Kings' mindset behind record 265 chase vs Delhi Capitals, hailing KL Rahul's 152.

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.

'We Will Soon Have Another Election In Tamil Nadu'

'We Will Soon Have Another Election In Tamil Nadu'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'Even if they align with the TVK now, I don't think the AIADMK leadership will completely surrender to the dominance of Vijay.'

India Prepares for Billie Jean King Cup with Blend of Youth and Experience

India Prepares for Billie Jean King Cup with Blend of Youth and Experience

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's Billie Jean King Cup team is preparing for the Asia/Oceania Group I tournament in Delhi, with a focus on team unity and a blend of experienced players and rising stars.

Is The Tata Legacy Losing Its Shine?

Is The Tata Legacy Losing Its Shine?

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Three disappointing experiences with Tata companies made me question whether the group's historic values of customer focus and accountability are slowly fading, notes Dr N Ravichandran.

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 to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue with representatives of agitating Ladakh groups on May 22, according to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Sachdeva, Hossain Share Lead At DP World Players Championship

Sachdeva, Hossain Share Lead At DP World Players Championship

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Teenager Harman Sachdeva and 41-year-old Jamal Hossain carded matching scores of five-under 67 to share a one-shot lead after the opening round of the DP World Players Championship here on Tuesday.

IPL 2026: Why Lucknow Super Giants can't crack the Ekana pitch

IPL 2026: Why Lucknow Super Giants can't crack the Ekana pitch

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer has compared the Ekana pitch to the Perth track, admitting that the home team has been unable to adapt to the pace and bounce on offer. LSG have lost all three matches at home.

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If West Bengal does not begin to reclaim its lost pride, the state would have lost -- perhaps irreversibly, this time, notes Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Science today is very interconnected, and that helped me become part of the Muon g-2 team.'

10 Iconic Mammootty-Mohanlal Movies

10 Iconic Mammootty-Mohanlal Movies

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Malayalam cinema legends Mammootty and Mohanlal are set to reunite on screen in Mahesh Narayanan's espionage thriller 'Patriot' after 18 years, with Mammootty in the lead and Mohanlal in an extended cameo.

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the BJP's stance on women's reservation, challenging them to reject ideological texts like the Manusmriti. He accused the BJP of using the issue for political gains and misrepresenting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks.

Indian Shooters Ready For Action At ISSF Junior World Cup

Indian Shooters Ready For Action At ISSF Junior World Cup

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

India's junior shooting team is set to compete at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Cairo, with a strong contingent of 71 athletes participating in various events.

IPL 2026: 'Complete performance... but,' Gill flags key concern

IPL 2026: 'Complete performance... but,' Gill flags key concern

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Gujarat Titans secured a convincing victory against Chennai Super Kings in their IPL match, with Shubman Gill highlighting the need for improvement in finishing innings.

BAI Launches Mascot Design Contest For Badminton World Championships

BAI Launches Mascot Design Contest For Badminton World Championships

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a nationwide mascot design contest for the upcoming BWF World Championships 2026, inviting fans, artists, and creators to play a role in shaping the identity of one of badminton's most prestigious global events.

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

Indian Hockey Teams Focus On Physical And Mental Fortitude

Indian Hockey Teams Focus On Physical And Mental Fortitude

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Indian junior women's hockey coach Tim White emphasises the need for physical improvement to match international standards, while senior team coach Sjoerd Marijne highlights the importance of mental resilience and finishing skills.

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Monsoon is the pran (life) of our water system.' 'A weak monsoon will have a very negative impact on crops and people's lives.'

Jharkhand Athletes Dominate Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Jharkhand Athletes Dominate Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Jharkhand sprinters Shiv Kumar Soren and Prithvi Oraon emerged as the fastest athletes at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, while hosts Chhattisgarh secured medals in shot put and discus throw.

IPL 2026, MI vs CSK: Samson, Hosein script Chennai's biggest win over Mumbai

IPL 2026, MI vs CSK: Samson, Hosein script Chennai's biggest win over Mumbai

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Sanju Samson's unbeaten century propelled Chennai Super Kings to a competitive total against Mumbai Indians in their IPL clash.

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognisable offence was committed by BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma regarding alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi. The court upheld a previous decision by the Delhi High Court, stating that the speeches did not incite violence or target a specific community.

Office construction activity declines to four-quarter low

Office construction activity declines to four-quarter low

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

New completions in India's office real estate sector fell by 36 per cent to 9.7 million square feet in Q1 2026, the lowest in four quarters, primarily due to developers adopting a cautious stance amid global uncertainties, particularly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Despite this, office absorption increased by 20 per cent, indicating strong occupier demand.

BCCI Announces Massive Rs 131 Crore Bonus For India's T20 World Champions!

BCCI Announces Massive Rs 131 Crore Bonus For India's T20 World Champions!

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The BCCI has announced a Rs 131 crore cash reward for the Indian cricket team following their T20 World Cup victory, marking an increase from the previous reward in 2024.

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Rediff.com2 May 2026

I wonder if I can rest assured -- before the election ink on my finger fades -- that my home state is at the threshold of a better future, wonders Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

BJP's Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath faced protests by TMC workers when she visited a booth in the assembly constituency in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district where polling was underway. She also accused the ruling party activists of preventing her from leaving the booth premises, following an altercation with them over an allegation of influencing voters.

Is Dealer-Led Trading On The Way Out?

Is Dealer-Led Trading On The Way Out?

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Most active traders prefer mobile applications that provide real-time alerts, including price targets -- functions that dealers once delivered through client calls.

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.

Sachin Tendulkar at 53: Celebrations, records and legacy of a legend

Sachin Tendulkar at 53: Celebrations, records and legacy of a legend

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Sachin Tendulkar turns 53, celebrates his birthday with his 'Aai', and wife, Anjali, even as wishes pouring in from BCCI and ICC.

Minor Girl Allegedly Sexually Assaulted and Held Captive in Una, India

Minor Girl Allegedly Sexually Assaulted and Held Captive in Una, India

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Police in Una, Himachal Pradesh, are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a class 6 student who was reportedly abducted and held captive for several hours.

KKR players wear black armbands in memory of C D Gopinath

KKR players wear black armbands in memory of C D Gopinath

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders players wore black armbands during their IPL match against Chennai Super Kings to honour former Indian cricketer CD Gopinath, who passed away recently.

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Former Mumbai and Baroda first-class cricketer Kiran Powar has been appointed as the head coach of the Assam men's team for the 2026-27 domestic season.