News for 'India First'

'Take Me To IPL': Jaiswal-Dickwella Banter Goes Viral

'Take Me To IPL': Jaiswal-Dickwella Banter Goes Viral

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Standing at square leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal kept urging Niroshan Dickwella to play his shots, reminding him of the aggressive 80 he had scored in the first innings.

Will Pant keep wickets? Jurel gives fitness update

Will Pant keep wickets? Jurel gives fitness update

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel provided an update on Rishabh Pant's right shoulder injury, which led to Jurel taking over wicketkeeping duties during the second Test against Sri Lanka. Jurel also highlighted Pant's significant influence on his own game and their effective batting partnership.

What's Azharuddin Doing In London?

What's Azharuddin Doing In London?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin is enjoying a summer holiday in London, reflecting on his special connection with England, where he made a historic Test debut with three consecutive centuries in 1984-1985 and later scored memorable knocks.

India's Lawn Bowls Duo Clinches Dramatic Tie-Break Win

India's Lawn Bowls Duo Clinches Dramatic Tie-Break Win

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's men's pairs team, Navneet Singh and Dinesh Kumar, secured a hard-fought victory against the Cook Islands in their opening lawn bowls match at the Commonwealth Games, winning a tie-break after being locked 1-1.

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Gambhir strongly advocates three-Test series, arguing they give teams that lose the opening match a genuine opportunity to recover, compete harder and still win the series.

Vedanta targets $10 billion Ebitda by FY27, plans to cut debt by over Rs 20,000 crore

Vedanta targets $10 billion Ebitda by FY27, plans to cut debt by over Rs 20,000 crore

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Metals and mining conglomerate Vedanta aims to achieve $10 billion in group Ebitda by FY27, a significant increase from $6 billion in FY26, and plans to reduce its overall debt by more than 20,000 crore during the same period, according to CFO Ajay Goel.

NRI Deposit Inflows Drop 23% in Q1 FY27, RBI Data Reveals

NRI Deposit Inflows Drop 23% in Q1 FY27, RBI Data Reveals

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Inflows into non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes decreased by 23.24 per cent to $2.78 billion during the first quarter of FY27, down from $3.61 billion in the previous year, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.

Indian Chess Star Divya Deshmukh Set For Global Chess League Debut

Indian Chess Star Divya Deshmukh Set For Global Chess League Debut

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, an Arjuna Award recipient, is set to make her debut in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 4 with defending champions Alpine Pipers. She will join a star-studded team including Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, and Vidit Gujrathi, expressing excitement for the rapid chess format and playing in front of a home crowd.

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA leaders reviewed India's progress in international sports and significant growth in youth employment opportunities at their weekly parliamentary meeting.

Dinesh Chandimal suffers concussion, replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara

Dinesh Chandimal suffers concussion, replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Veteran Sri Lankan batter Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the ongoing first Test against India in Galle due to concussion, sustained while fielding on day four. Pasindu Sooriyabandara has been approved as his concussion substitute.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh to start from Aug 1

India-China border trade via Lipulekh to start from Aug 1

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India-China border trade via Uttarakhand's Lipulekh Pass is set to resume on August 1 after a gap of more than six years, with the neighbouring country granting permission to 20 Indian traders to visit Purang (Taklakot), according to officials.

'Nepal Flood Is A Warning'

'Nepal Flood Is A Warning'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

'There needs to be a monitoring of glaciers in high altitude areas and one needs to check regularly how geological changes are taking place.' 'We can mitigate that by regular monitoring but unfortunately, hardly any monitoring is happening.' 'And without monitoring those higher altitudes of Himalayas, people are suffering.'

What Gandhi's Passport Application Looked Like

What Gandhi's Passport Application Looked Like

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Gandhi's 1931 passport for his travel to London was issued in Bombay. It was the last time the Mahatma travelled abroad.

Duleep Trophy: Yash Dhull's selection blunder comes back to haunt North

Duleep Trophy: Yash Dhull's selection blunder comes back to haunt North

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

North Zone secured a crucial 64-run first-innings lead against West Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, largely due to exceptional bowling from Abid Mushtaq (5/39) and Arshdeep Singh (3/53). However, controversial selection Yash Dhull failed to score, raising questions about his inclusion over specialist opener Sanat Sangwan. North Zone ended day two with a 171-run overall lead, aiming to extend it further.

Duleep Trophy: Shahbaz Ahmed stars with bat and ball for East Zone

Duleep Trophy: Shahbaz Ahmed stars with bat and ball for East Zone

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed scored a career-best 167 and took three wickets, helping East Zone enforce a follow-on against North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final. East Zone posted 467, then bowled out North East for 111, with Abhijit Sarkar claiming five wickets.

10 Must Watch Taapsee Pannu Films

10 Must Watch Taapsee Pannu Films

Rediff.com3 days ago

From Pink and Thappad to Aadukalam and Game Over, these 10 films showcase Taapsee Pannu at her most powerful and versatile.

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed confidence in his team's readiness for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15. Gambhir also welcomed new squad members Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, emphasising the team's preparation for their first ICC World Test Championship assignment since a previous home defeat.

Indian Men's Hockey Team Suffers Defeat Against Olympic Champions Netherlands

Indian Men's Hockey Team Suffers Defeat Against Olympic Champions Netherlands

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Indian men's hockey team lost 1-3 to Olympic champions the Netherlands in a critical second-round match of the FIH World Cup in Amstelveen. The Netherlands scored three field goals in the second half, while India's sole goal came from a Harmanpreet Singh penalty corner.

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Rediff.com7 days ago

Security agencies have uncovered a new operational tactic by terror groups and Pakistan's ISI, who are now using pornography websites and niche encrypted applications to communicate secretly and recruit in Jammu and Kashmir. These platforms, including Tor-based apps and privacy-focused messengers, help them evade surveillance, posing significant challenges for intelligence efforts.

2nd Test: Batting coach explains Kuldeep's omission, rejects fake-illness theory

2nd Test: Batting coach explains Kuldeep's omission, rejects fake-illness theory

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified Kuldeep Yadav missed the second Test due to genuine viral fever, rejecting speculation that the team had any reason to fake illness.

Brazil to face India in historic friendly in Kolkata on October 3

Brazil to face India in historic friendly in Kolkata on October 3

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Almost five decades after Pele ignited Kolkata's romance with Brazilian football, the iconic yellow jersey is set to return to the City of Joy, with the record five-time World Cup champions Brazil scheduled to face India in a landmark international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.

Asian Games Gold Medallist Swapna Barman Faces Provisional Suspension

Asian Games Gold Medallist Swapna Barman Faces Provisional Suspension

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former Asian Games gold-winning heptathlete Swapna Barman has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for the banned anabolic-androgenic steroid Boldenone. Barman, who recently announced her retirement, won gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and represented India in the 2016 Olympics.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com6 days ago

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

RBI's New Data Rules Force Banks, NBFCs to Rework Fintech Partnerships

RBI's New Data Rules Force Banks, NBFCs to Rework Fintech Partnerships

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Indian banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are undertaking a comprehensive review and reset of their engagement terms with fintech firms, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) draft Guidance on Regulatory Expectations for Data Governance and the stringent compliance requirements of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and its 2025 Rules.

Can India's New Mobile Scheme Beat China?

Can India's New Mobile Scheme Beat China?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Apple Inc, which had planned to shift only 10 per cent of its global production base from China to India with respect to iPhones at the end of FY26, is currently churning out one out of every four iPhones in the world from India.

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

YR Sadashiva Reddy, Co-Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has called for the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, citing alleged irregularities in appointments, diversion of Council funds, financial dealings with law colleges, and other governance issues. Mishra has dismissed the allegations as 'baseless'.

Indian eves secure Hockey World Cup second round spot after goalless draw with England

Indian eves secure Hockey World Cup second round spot after goalless draw with England

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team advanced to the second round of the FIH World Cup after a goalless draw against England in their final Pool D match. Despite a challenging performance and facing numerous penalty corners, India's goalkeepers played a crucial role in preserving the draw and securing qualification.

Indian Eves Secure World Cup Second Round Berth

Indian Eves Secure World Cup Second Round Berth

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured qualification for the second round of the Women's Hockey World Cup by drawing goalless against England in their final Pool D match. This result placed India second in their pool, behind China, with five points.

FIH Hockey World Cup: What makes India's attack so dangerous?

FIH Hockey World Cup: What makes India's attack so dangerous?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Indian men's hockey team's forward line, including Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shilanand Lakra, is meticulously preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. They are focusing on chemistry, consistency, and the evolving role of modern forwards, which now includes being the first line of defence. Senior players like Mandeep are mentoring younger talents, emphasising teamwork, mental fortitude, and converting chances.

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The failure of the State when it directly affects our lives, through a corrupt exam system, has produced this current anger, points out Aakar Patel.

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Press Club of India clarified it did not organise an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cutout was worshipped and a 'Modi Chalisa' was read. The event, organised by the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, was stopped by club authorities due to violation of rental terms. The organiser plans to build a temple for PM Modi in Bihar, citing his support for the transgender community.

TCS inks 1.25 billion Porsche deal, acquires German auto giant's IT unit MHP

TCS inks 1.25 billion Porsche deal, acquires German auto giant's IT unit MHP

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced a five-year strategic deal with German automaker Porsche AG worth 1.25 billion (nearly 14,000 crore), which includes the acquisition of Porsche's wholly-owned subsidiary MHP Management- und IT-Beratung GmbH for 320 million (around 3,574 crore). This move is set to significantly expand TCS's consulting footprint in Germany and the broader European market, giving it access to MHP's customer base and specialised talent.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

Pucovski Sues School Over Concussion Protocol Failures

Pucovski Sues School Over Concussion Protocol Failures

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former Australian cricketer Will Pucovski has initiated legal proceedings against his former school, Brighton Grammar, alleging that the institution failed to adhere to proper concussion protocols after he sustained a head injury during a football training session in 2014. His lawyers claim this incident led to a traumatic brain injury, making him vulnerable to subsequent concussions and ultimately forcing his early retirement from professional cricket at age 27.

How Researchers Uncovered A Unique Earthworm Eel In The Gangetic Basin

How Researchers Uncovered A Unique Earthworm Eel In The Gangetic Basin

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

An international research team has discovered a new species of subterranean earthworm eel, named Gangaichthys indonepalicus, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar. This small, colourless fish, adapted to life in dark underground aquifers, is the first stygobitic fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin. The discovery followed a TikTok video and involved challenging manual pumping of borewell water to secure samples for scientific analysis.

Why have Promoters Borrowed Rs 7 Trillion?

Why have Promoters Borrowed Rs 7 Trillion?

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The absolute amount of money raised is more than three times the 2 trillion seen before the pandemic (June 2019).

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has quashed all FIRs against students who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests, stating the cases should not affect their future, while the government affirmed its commitment to youth welfare.

'The ultimate goal is the Olympics': Arundhati after CWG gold

'The ultimate goal is the Olympics': Arundhati after CWG gold

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian pugilists Arundhati Choudhary and Jaismine Lamboria, both Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medallists, shared their experiences and overwhelming reception following their historic victories in Glasgow, with Choudhary setting her sights on an Olympic medal.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Gain On Rally In IT Stocks

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Gain On Rally In IT Stocks

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, rebounded in early trade after two days of losses, driven by strong buying in blue-chip IT stocks and a rally in global markets.

'Kangana Ranaut Doesn't Express View Of The Entire Country'

'Kangana Ranaut Doesn't Express View Of The Entire Country'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'The first thing is to make an approximate calculation about how many people are actually offended by the content and then only move forward with a decision.'