News for 'India First'

India invokes Gen Z in statement condemning PoK elections

India invokes Gen Z in statement condemning PoK elections

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

India has strongly criticised the local body elections in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), labelling them as a facade to conceal Pakistan's illegal occupation and severe human rights violations in the region. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance that all of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, including PoK, are integral parts of India. He also dismissed Pakistan's claims to a shared cultural legacy, citing its history of promoting terrorism and fundamentalism.

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned "unverified claims" regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.

India's CWG Medal Count Rises With Boxing, Athletics Success

India's CWG Medal Count Rises With Boxing, Athletics Success

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian athletes have delivered a strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, with boxers securing at least nine bronze medals by advancing to the semifinals. In athletics, Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill qualified for the shot put final, and Animesh Kujur reached the 200m semifinals. While weightlifting and mainstream swimming saw some setbacks, para swimmers also advanced.

Hockey India defends new saffron jersey for World Cup teams

Hockey India defends new saffron jersey for World Cup teams

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Hockey India has defended its decision to change the national men's and women's hockey teams' jerseys to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing technical feedback and the symbolic value of the colour.

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Polish envoy Piotr Antoni Switalski stated that Poland stands with India in the fight against terrorism, asserting his country's support for India's right to pursue terrorists globally, while also highlighting strong cultural and defence ties between the two nations.

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Kuldeep Yadav will look towards the Sri Lanka series as his big opportunity to finally seal his place as India's No 1 spinner in Tests.

Test cricket is my ultimate goal, so I model my game around red ball: Devdutt Padikkal

Test cricket is my ultimate goal, so I model my game around red ball: Devdutt Padikkal

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal on Tuesday asserted that Test cricket remains his "ultimate goal", and subtle technical adjustments to his batting has helped him make an instant impact in the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Satwik-Chirag crash out of BWF Worlds after China's stunning show

Satwik-Chirag crash out of BWF Worlds after China's stunning show

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, were defeated in straight games by China's Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships, ending their bid for a third medal at the event.

Google Asked To Urgently Remove Fake Bank Web Sites

Google Asked To Urgently Remove Fake Bank Web Sites

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Phishing sites mimicked SBI, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank to steal card details and OTPs.

Top Seeds Face Early Challenges At Asian Junior Classical Chess

Top Seeds Face Early Challenges At Asian Junior Classical Chess

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Asian Junior Classical Championship in Mumbai saw top seed Mayank Chakraborty win his opening match, while other leading contenders Vignesh Advaith Vemula and Akhilbay Imangali were held to draws. The girls' section witnessed several upsets, with lower-rated players securing draws or victories against higher-rated opponents. The tournament features a strong field of 85 players from nine federations, including International Masters and FIDE Masters.

Harjinder's Heroics Earn India Another CWG Silver

Harjinder's Heroics Earn India Another CWG Silver

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's Harjinder Kaur won a silver medal in the women's 69kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games, setting new Games records in both snatch and clean and jerk. Her exceptional performance contributed to India's strong showing in weightlifting, which now boasts seven medals. However, fellow Indian debutant Nirupama Devi had a forgettable outing, failing to register a total in the 63kg category.

India's Youth Hockey Teams Maintain Unbeaten Streak In Asia

India's Youth Hockey Teams Maintain Unbeaten Streak In Asia

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

India's sub-junior men's and women's hockey teams secured impressive victories at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, extending their unbeaten runs. The women's team thrashed Kazakhstan 10-0, while the men's team defeated Bangladesh 8-3, showcasing strong performances in the tournament which serves as a World Cup qualifier.

Pant Has Made Sixes His Test Signature

Pant Has Made Sixes His Test Signature

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Watch Rishabh Pant closely and one can see that his ability to clear the boundary comes from his hand speed, powerful wrists, swing of the bat and remarkable balance. Above all, he has the courage to play those shots despite the fact that Test batting manuals never demand them.

Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Journey To 2026 Commonwealth Games Bronze

Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Journey To 2026 Commonwealth Games Bronze

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Jhandu Kumar, an Indian para powerlifter, secured a bronze medal in the men's heavyweight category at the Commonwealth Games.

Sharmila Dhankar wins Commonwealth Games gold in women's Shot Put F57

Sharmila Dhankar wins Commonwealth Games gold in women's Shot Put F57

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sharmila Dhankar of India has won a gold medal in the women's shot put F57 event at the Commonwealth Games, achieving a season-best throw of 9.81m.

Cricket Club of India, MIG Cricket Club lose food licences after FDA action

Cricket Club of India, MIG Cricket Club lose food licences after FDA action

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of the Cricket Club of India (CCI), MIG Cricket Club in Bandra East, and three other clubs in the city for alleged violations of food safety and hygiene norms, officials said on Tuesday.

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Veteran athletics coach Parveer Singh, who guided athletes like Seema Punia, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Annu Rani to international medals, has been named for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. The article details his extensive career spanning over two decades, his role as a coach educator, and his academic contributions to sports coaching.

Did Gambhir's Absence In Zimbabwe Help India? Fans Think So

Did Gambhir's Absence In Zimbabwe Help India? Fans Think So

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Following India's dominant T20I victory over Zimbabwe, social media erupted with fan discussions, with many attributing the team's relaxed performance to Gautam Gambhir's absence and V V S Laxman's oversight, while others cautioned against overreacting to a single match.

Shubman Gill Powers India To Victory Against Afghanistan In Rain-Hit First ODI

Shubman Gill Powers India To Victory Against Afghanistan In Rain-Hit First ODI

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Pacer Gurnoor Brar impressed on his international debut before captain Shubman Gill played a regal knock to set up India's seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the rain-hit series opener.

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

North Zone coaches Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh are under scrutiny for controversially dropping Sanat Sangwan, the Ranji Trophy's third-highest run-scorer, for the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against West Zone, opting instead for Yash Dhull, who had a significantly poorer Ranji season.

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

R Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India's 2027 ODI World Cup Squad

R Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India's 2027 ODI World Cup Squad

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Ashwin wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India's 2027 World Cup squad, saying the veteran seamer's swing bowling could be crucial in South African conditions.

'Test cricket is dying'

'Test cricket is dying'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas has called on cricket authorities to actively work towards preserving Test and 50-over formats, warning that they are 'dying' amidst the growing global preference for T20s and franchise leagues.

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The move is meant to enhance the operational capability of the armed forces, reduce import dependence and increase domestic value addition.

Modern Marriage: 'I Thought Marriage Would Change My Husband'

Modern Marriage: 'I Thought Marriage Would Change My Husband'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Meera tells Rishika Shah/Rediff how a relationship that seemed perfect from the outside turned into a marriage she walked away from within a year.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been sworn in as Bangladesh's 23rd President, following a contested parliamentary election that saw him defeat Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed. Alamgir, a longtime secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will serve a five-year term.

India's Women's Pairs Secure Thrilling Bowls Victory At Commonwealth Games

India's Women's Pairs Secure Thrilling Bowls Victory At Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

India's Women's Pairs team, comprising Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh, secured a thrilling tie-break victory against Malta in their opening Bowls event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The Indian duo showcased resilience after Malta fought back, ultimately winning the decisive final bowl.

AI drives demand for flexible office spaces as firms seek agility

AI drives demand for flexible office spaces as firms seek agility

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly increasing the demand for flexible office spaces in India, as enterprises prioritise agility, speed-to-market, and struggle with forecasting workforce requirements. AI-native startups are a primary driver, while established companies are adopting 'core-plus-flex' strategies to balance stability with adaptability.

Rayhan Thomas, Mahanth Chirravuri Make Strong Start At Korn Ferry Event

Rayhan Thomas, Mahanth Chirravuri Make Strong Start At Korn Ferry Event

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India's Rayhan Thomas and Indian-origin Mahanth Chirravuri delivered impressive opening rounds at the AdventHealth Championship, a key Korn Ferry Tour event. Thomas shot an 8-under 64, placing him fifth, while Chirravuri's 9-under 63 put him in fourth, both in strong contention.

Who Should Avoid F&O Trading?

Who Should Avoid F&O Trading?

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Futures and options (F&O) trading suits investors with good market knowledge, sufficient risk capital, a tested strategy and strong discipline.

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.

Irdai's crackdown on insurer operating costs signals stricter compliance

Irdai's crackdown on insurer operating costs signals stricter compliance

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India's (Irdai) recent actions against insurers for breaching expense of management (EoM) limits indicate a serious commitment to enforcing operating and distribution cost controls, according to industry experts.

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Researchers at CSIR-CIMFR have developed India's first mobile Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), an innovative air-purification system using microalgae to absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Designed for polluted urban areas, this compact unit offers a sustainable solution where conventional tree planting is challenging, also providing public utility features.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday.

Sai Sudharsan Misses India's Departure To Sri Lanka, Recovery Underway at CoE

Sai Sudharsan Misses India's Departure To Sri Lanka, Recovery Underway at CoE

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has not joined the Indian team in Colombo for their two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury. He is undergoing recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, with his availability for the series to be decided in the coming days.

Subtle variations with accuracy: KL Rahul highlights Manav Suthar's most dangerous weapons

Subtle variations with accuracy: KL Rahul highlights Manav Suthar's most dangerous weapons

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

India vice-captain KL Rahul said Manav Suthar's impressive ability to vary his speed without noticeable change in action, and unerring accuracy make the young left-arm spinner a massive threat across the conditions.

How India's Lawn Bowls Duo Secured A Crucial Win At Commonwealth Games

How India's Lawn Bowls Duo Secured A Crucial Win At Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

India's lawn bowls team has made an impressive start at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The men's pairs duo of Navneet Singh and Dinesh Kumar secured a hard-fought victory against Namibia, coming from behind to win their second successive group stage match. Additionally, Nayanmoni Saikia delivered a commanding performance in the women's singles, defeating Caroline Whitehead of Isle of Man in straight sets.

Basant Kumar, Shahnavaz Khan Script History With Medals At U-20 World Athletics

Basant Kumar, Shahnavaz Khan Script History With Medals At U-20 World Athletics

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Basant Kumar Meghwal and Shahnavaz Khan became the first Indians to win a medal each in high jump and long jump at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships.

Top Seeds Face Early Challenges At Asian Junior Classical Chess

Top Seeds Face Early Challenges At Asian Junior Classical Chess

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Asian Junior Classical Championship in Mumbai saw top seed Mayank Chakraborty win his opening match, while other leading contenders Vignesh Advaith Vemula and Akhilbay Imangali were held to draws. The girls' section witnessed several upsets, with lower-rated players securing draws or victories against higher-rated opponents. The tournament features a strong field of 85 players from nine federations, including International Masters and FIDE Masters.