News for 'India First'

Why India Is Now A High-Risk Doping Nation

Why India Is Now A High-Risk Doping Nation

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

India has been designated as a country with an 'extremely high' risk of doping by World Athletics, leading to more stringent anti-doping measures for Indian athletes.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty Win Thrilling Opener At Thailand Open

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty Win Thrilling Opener At Thailand Open

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Top seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overcame a tough challenge to defeat Indonesia's Muh Putra Erwiansyah and Bagas Maulana in their opening men's doubles match at the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament.

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Several sports teams around the world have paid a hefty price for spying on their opponents over the years but the potential financial cost to English soccer club Southampton for their infraction could be the heaviest.

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

Jwala Gutta Donates 60 Litres Of Breast Milk

Jwala Gutta Donates 60 Litres Of Breast Milk

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Badminton player Jwala Gutta is raising awareness about the importance of breast milk donation, revealing she donated nearly 60 litres to hospitals in Hyderabad and Chennai.

Miraculous Escape For Tourists From Rhino

Miraculous Escape For Tourists From Rhino

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The incident took place during a routine jungle safari inside the UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam.

Ashwin Urges Patience As CSK Enter Post-Dhoni Transition

Ashwin Urges Patience As CSK Enter Post-Dhoni Transition

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his support for Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, acknowledging the pressures of IPL leadership and the team's transition phase after MS Dhoni's captaincy.

Bharat Singh Chauhan Re-Elected As CCA Chairman

Bharat Singh Chauhan Re-Elected As CCA Chairman

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Bharat Singh Chauhan has been unanimously re-elected as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Chess Association (CCA) for another four-year term.

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Tamil invocation song was rendered last during the swearing-in of new ministers. Left parties have criticised the decision to sing the Tamil anthem after Vande Mataram and the national anthem.

Petrol, diesel prices hiked again within a week, up by 90 paise

Petrol, diesel prices hiked again within a week, up by 90 paise

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased for the second time in a week, following a long freeze on revisions. The increase comes as global crude prices surge and state-run oil firms look to recoup losses.

India Remembers Victims Of Pahalgam Terror Attack

India Remembers Victims Of Pahalgam Terror Attack

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India remembers the victims and reaffirms its commitment to fighting terrorism. Families of the deceased mourn their loss, while political leaders reiterate the nation's resolve to stand united against terror.

St Stephen's College To Focus On AI Under New Principal

St Stephen's College To Focus On AI Under New Principal

Rediff.com12 May 2026

St Stephen's College is set to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) under its newly-appointed principal, Susan Elias, the first woman to hold the position in the college's 145-year history. Elias aims to equip students with AI and quantum computing skills, introducing certification courses for students and alumni.

Kohli on captaincy era: 'Everyone felt ownership'

Kohli on captaincy era: 'Everyone felt ownership'

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Virat Kohli discusses his time as captain of the Indian Test cricket team and how a shared sense of responsibility among players contributed to their success.

In UAE, Modi offers help to end West Asia crisis

In UAE, Modi offers help to end West Asia crisis

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered India's support to bring peace to West Asia during talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both countries signed agreements to strengthen strategic collaborations in energy and defence.

Gandhis, Congress And The Kaikeyi Principle

Gandhis, Congress And The Kaikeyi Principle

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Gandhis have served both the Congress and India. But it has been 12 years since the 2014 verdict, and the returns have been diminishing. It is time for them to step aside, let the party find its own footing, and allow someone else to make the hard calls. That is what the Congress needs. And frankly, it is what India needs too, points out Harishchandra.

Inflation, weak rupee drag Indian markets lower; fuel price hike adds to concerns

Inflation, weak rupee drag Indian markets lower; fuel price hike adds to concerns

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed lower due to investor caution over rising bond yields, a weaker rupee, and fresh fuel price hikes, which have revived inflation concerns.

Shabnim Ismail Returns To South Africa Squad For T20 World Cup

Shabnim Ismail Returns To South Africa Squad For T20 World Cup

Rediff.com12 May 2026

South African pacer Shabnim Ismail reverses her international retirement to join the squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in the UK, bringing valuable experience to the team.

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

koda Auto Volkswagen India aims to capture a 5 per cent share of India's passenger vehicle market by 2030, driven by new product launches, including alternate fuel vehicles, and a potential entry into the high-volume sub-4 metre SUV segment.

Odisha Doctor Killed In Family Property Row

Odisha Doctor Killed In Family Property Row

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A homoeopathic doctor was allegedly killed by his elder brother and other family members over a property dispute in Odisha's Kendrapara district, police said on Friday.

'Tremendous Belief': Virat Kohli Decodes Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Success In IPL 2026

'Tremendous Belief': Virat Kohli Decodes Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Success In IPL 2026

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Virat Kohli praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar's resurgence in IPL 2026, highlighting his 'uncomplicated consistency' and technical abilities. Kumar's impressive wicket haul and economy rate have been crucial for RCB's success.

How Satwik-Chirag Overcame Setbacks To Reach Thailand Open Final

How Satwik-Chirag Overcame Setbacks To Reach Thailand Open Final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty progressed to the Thailand Open Super 500 final after defeating Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin. The Indian duo attributed their success to mental fortitude gained from overcoming injuries and setbacks.

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh has launched India's first quantum reference facility, aiming to build a sovereign hardware ecosystem and boost indigenous manufacturing of advanced computing systems.

Balrampur Chini's Bio-Plastic Plant To Generate 2,000 Crore Revenue

Balrampur Chini's Bio-Plastic Plant To Generate 2,000 Crore Revenue

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd anticipates annual revenue of approximately Rs 2,000 crore from its new bio-plastic plant in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for commissioning in the December quarter. The company is investing over Rs 3,000 crore in the Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) plant with a capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum.

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Vijay's electoral triumph in Tamil Nadu is poised to dramatically revive the fortunes of his much-anticipated final film, Jana Nayagan, which has been plagued by release delays, censorship battles, and a cancelled streaming deal.

Nikhat Zareen Laments Boxers 'Crushed' In BFI-SAI Tussle

Nikhat Zareen Laments Boxers 'Crushed' In BFI-SAI Tussle

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Nikhat Zareen expresses her disappointment over the administrative issues between the Boxing Federation of India and the Sports Authority of India, which she believes negatively impacted the boxers' preparations for major events.

Delhi To Establish Anti-Narcotics Task Force Police Station

Delhi To Establish Anti-Narcotics Task Force Police Station

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Delhi is set to establish its first dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) police station as part of a broader initiative to make the city drug-free by 2027, according to LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has launched digital tools for its upcoming fully digital Census 2027, including mobile apps and a self-enumeration portal, aiming for efficient and accurate data collection.

India U17 Women's Team Loses Final Friendly To Russia

India U17 Women's Team Loses Final Friendly To Russia

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The India U17 women's team concluded their series of friendlies in Sochi with a third defeat to Russia, losing 3-0. This series was part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026.

How Modi's Praise Fuels Indian Women's Hockey Team

How Modi's Praise Fuels Indian Women's Hockey Team

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed gratitude and motivation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his contribution to the sport during a visit to the Netherlands, highlighting the team's World Cup aspirations.

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Advance To Thailand Open Final

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Advance To Thailand Open Final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed resilience and skill to reach the men's doubles final at the Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament, overcoming Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in a thrilling three-game match.

Bhavish Aggarwal's Second Coming? Ola Bets Big On Electric Motorcycles

Bhavish Aggarwal's Second Coming? Ola Bets Big On Electric Motorcycles

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Ola Electric is making a renewed push into the electric motorcycle market with aggressive pricing and in-house battery manufacturing, aiming to replicate its earlier success in electric scooters while addressing past quality and service issues.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has permitted euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs to mitigate the threat to human life. The ruling includes several directives to manage the rising stray dog population, emphasising public safety and animal welfare.

Paternity Leave For Private Sector On Cards?

Paternity Leave For Private Sector On Cards?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Male central government employees are entitled to 15 days under service rules and provisions in the private sector depends on the company's policy.

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Iran was the chance to arrange a concert of nations, to actually be a Vishwaguru. Instead, we are watching from the sidelines as Pakistan, the same country that is apparently still at war with Afghanistan, hosts talks between US-Israel and Iran. The irony is hard to miss, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

How Gaurav Gill Conquered The South India Rally

How Gaurav Gill Conquered The South India Rally

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Gaurav Gill marked his return to rally action with a dominant performance at the 49th South India Rally, showcasing his skill and precision.

Veer Chotrani Bows Out Of Squash World Championships

Veer Chotrani Bows Out Of Squash World Championships

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's Veer Chotrani was defeated by Egypt's Mostafa Asal in the second round of the World Squash Championships, ending India's participation in the tournament.

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India is one of the few nations, and perhaps the only nation, that has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. Knowing that a war in the Gulf would damage our economy, hurt supply of fertilisers and fuel, and cause general chaos, we should have tried to ensure this war did not begin, asserts Aakar Patel.

Customs Busts Luxury Car Smuggling Ring, Seizes SUVs

Customs Busts Luxury Car Smuggling Ring, Seizes SUVs

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Customs Commissionerate (Preventive), Kochi, has seized multiple SUVs and arrested a used luxury car showroom owner as part of 'Operation Numkhor', an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of luxury vehicles from Nepal and Bhutan.