News for 'India First'

After dry June, IMD predicts below-normal rainfall in July

After dry June, IMD predicts below-normal rainfall in July

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The monthly average rainfall over India is expected to be below normal during July, the India Meteorological Department said on Tuesday in its monthly forecast.

India thrash Korea in U-18 Asia Cup Hockey, brighten semifinal prospects

India thrash Korea in U-18 Asia Cup Hockey, brighten semifinal prospects

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team secured a 4-1 victory against Korea in their third Pool A match of the U-18 Asia Cup, with Ketan Kushwaha scoring twice.

India's Strongest Bridge Contingent Ready For Asia Cup Challenge

India's Strongest Bridge Contingent Ready For Asia Cup Challenge

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India is set to field its strongest-ever contingent at the Asia Cup Bridge Championships 2026 in Goa, featuring top international stars and Asian Games medallists. The tournament, organised by the Bridge Federation of India, will host 46 elite teams from Asia and Oceania, highlighting India's growing prominence in intellectual sports.

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested to the United States after three merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked by the American military off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal and is developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while also maintaining focus on its rivalry with Pakistan.

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India men seal final berth with stunning win over Pakistan

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India men seal final berth with stunning win over Pakistan

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India beat Pakistan 5-3 in thrilling semi-final to enter U18 Men''s Asia Cup final

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

Aamir Khan Reunites With Ashutosh Gowariker For Next Film

Aamir Khan Reunites With Ashutosh Gowariker For Next Film

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Aamir Khan is set to bring the life of cricketing legend Lala Amarnath to the big screen in a biopic directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

Lost many nationals in attacks on ships in Gulf, India tells UN

Lost many nationals in attacks on ships in Gulf, India tells UN

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has expressed firm opposition to attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing Iran conflict, revealing that several Indian nationals have died or are missing due to these incidents. The nation also called for restraint, de-escalation, and prioritising civilian safety in the region.

J-K police register FIR over books glorifying separatists, raid publisher

J-K police register FIR over books glorifying separatists, raid publisher

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's Counter Intelligence wing has registered an FIR and conducted raids in connection with two controversial books allegedly glorifying separatists. The action follows objections from political groups and the suspension of education department officials.

India's Unity Cup Campaign Ends With Loss To Zimbabwe

India's Unity Cup Campaign Ends With Loss To Zimbabwe

Rediff.com30 May 2026

India's Unity Cup campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat against Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off, with Prince Dube's first-half penalty proving decisive.

Abby Wilson Double Sinks India In Series Opener

Abby Wilson Double Sinks India In Series Opener

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 1-2 defeat to Australia in the opening friendly in Perth after surrendering an early lead despite Navneet Kaur's first-quarter goal.

Devika Sihag, Rounak Chouhan, Kidambi Srikanth Reach US Open Semifinals

Devika Sihag, Rounak Chouhan, Kidambi Srikanth Reach US Open Semifinals

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Indian badminton players Devika Sihag, Rounak Chouhan, and Kidambi Srikanth have advanced to the semifinals of the US Open badminton tournament in Fullerton, USA. Sihag caused an upset by defeating third seed Riko Gunji, while Chouhan continued his strong performance. Srikanth's win sets up the possibility of an all-Indian final.

India A capitalise on stunning Lankan meltdown to win tri-series opener

India A capitalise on stunning Lankan meltdown to win tri-series opener

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's first outing for India A in one-day cricket ended with a muted 14 but his team hung in there till the end against a self-destructing Sri Lanka A to pull off an eight-run win in the tri-series opener in Dambulla on Tuesday.

Innovators Invited To Transform Agriculture With AI Solutions

Innovators Invited To Transform Agriculture With AI Solutions

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

IIT Ropar's ANNAM.AI, in collaboration with Syngenta and Google, has launched 'HACK CORE 2026', a national AI hackathon. It invites innovators to develop AI-driven solutions for critical agricultural challenges like crop health, pest management, and climate-resilient farming, offering significant prizes and mentorship.

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian squash veteran Joshna Chinappa, set to become the first Indian to compete in seven Asian Games, reveals she still has 'a little bit left in the tank' to add to her five continental medals and harbours hopes of participating in the sport's Olympic debut in 2028, provided her body holds up.

Murali Kartik dissects Ravi Bishnoi's no-ball issues, suggests run-up adjustment

Murali Kartik dissects Ravi Bishnoi's no-ball issues, suggests run-up adjustment

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India spinner Murali Kartik attributes Ravi Bishnoi's recent back-foot no-ball issues to his exaggerated semicircular run-up, which alters his alignment and forces him to cut the return crease, rather than a problem with his bowling action itself.

Smallcap Funds Surge; Experts Urge Discipline

Smallcap Funds Surge; Experts Urge Discipline

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Smallcap funds give investors access to businesses that can grow much faster than the broader economy.

FPIs pulled out Rs 49,340 crore from Indian equities in June

FPIs pulled out Rs 49,340 crore from Indian equities in June

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew Rs 49,340 crore (USD 5.16 billion) from Indian equities in June, driven by global risk aversion, a preference for developed markets, soaring US bond yields, and stretched domestic valuations, bringing total withdrawals to Rs 2.7 lakh crore so far in 2026.

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India's men's Under-18 hockey team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to win the Asia Cup title, with Ashish Purti scoring a hat-trick. Captain Ketan Kushwaha also scored, while Hockey India announced cash awards for the gold-winning men's team and the bronze-winning women's U-18 team.

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

After living in India's most palatial residence for 12 years, India's first President Dr Rajendra Prasad returned to his simple hut on the banks of the Ganga. He never owned a house of his lifetime.

T20 is here to stay, not too sure about ODIs, says Ashwin

T20 is here to stay, not too sure about ODIs, says Ashwin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is a necessary addition in the existing assortment of franchise-based tourneys as the format is here to stay unlike ODIs, said Indian spin bowling legend Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday.

Can India complete historic double at women's T20 WC?

Can India complete historic double at women's T20 WC?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The 10th edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, starting on June 12 in England, offers several exciting possibilities. Take a look at the contenders and challengers.

FIFA World Cup: Remember the name 'Cabo Verde'

FIFA World Cup: Remember the name 'Cabo Verde'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Cabo Verde on X, urging fans to "Remember the name" after their spirited performances.

Herman Kruis Joins Pakistan Hockey As Coaching Advisor

Herman Kruis Joins Pakistan Hockey As Coaching Advisor

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed 70-year-old Dutchman Herman Kruis as their National Hockey Coaching Advisor on a two-year contract. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to revive Pakistan hockey after a series of poor performances, including 15 consecutive losses in the FIH Pro League. Kruis will focus on developing young talent and preparing teams for international events, working alongside Director of High Performance Tahir Zaman and current head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan.

Indian Swimmer Sajan Prakash Targets Podium Finish In Final Commonwealth Games Season

Indian Swimmer Sajan Prakash Targets Podium Finish In Final Commonwealth Games Season

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Ace Indian swimmer Sajan Prakash is set for his final season, targeting a podium finish and a personal best at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Having qualified for both the CWG and Asian Games, Prakash is undergoing intensive training, focusing on recovery and strategic preparation with new coach Sandeep Sejwal, as he aims to make a significant impact in his last major international appearances.

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has filed a reply in a legal matter concerning her inclusion in the voter list, which is alleged to have occurred before she became an Indian citizen. The case, initiated by Advocate Vikas Tripathi, seeks the registration of an FIR against Gandhi and is currently pending before a sessions court.

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Mumbai and Pune are grappling with severe monsoon weather, triggering an 'orange' alert, widespread disruptions, school closures, and tragic fatalities from landslides and wall collapses.

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Items include luxury watches, jewellery, carpets, shawls, silverware and collectible artefacts with bidding prices reaching up to Rs 20 lakh.

Sarvesh Kushare Sets New High Jump National Record, Eyes Asian Games Gold

Sarvesh Kushare Sets New High Jump National Record, Eyes Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Star Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare has set a new national record by clearing 2.31m at the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar, becoming the first Indian to breach the 2.30m mark.

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

Rediff.com27 May 2026

API Holdings, the parent company of online pharmacy PharmEasy, has significantly reduced its debt from 1,800 crore to 1,050 crore and refinanced it at lower interest rates under CEO Rahul Guha, shifting its focus from 'growth at any cost' to profitability and aiming for a debt-free balance sheet before a potential stock market listing.

Tata Electronics overtakes Foxconn by assembling $26.3 bn iPhones for exports

Tata Electronics overtakes Foxconn by assembling $26.3 bn iPhones for exports

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Tata Electronics has surpassed Taiwanese giant Foxconn in assembling iPhones for export from India during the FY22-FY26 PLI scheme period, with exports valued at $26.3 billion compared to Foxconn's $25.6 billion.

Tri-nation series: India A go down to Afghanistan A via DLS method despite posting 349

Tri-nation series: India A go down to Afghanistan A via DLS method despite posting 349

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Afghanistan A caused a major upset by eking out a four-run win over star-studded India A via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-marred tri-nation series match in Dambulla on Thursday.

Indian Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 25% in June, Driven by Maruti, Tata, M&M

Indian Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 25% in June, Driven by Maruti, Tata, M&M

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Passenger vehicle sales in India are estimated to have surged by nearly 25 per cent in June 2024, reaching approximately 4 lakh units, with Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors PV, and Mahindra & Mahindra leading the growth, despite concerns over geopolitical tensions and monsoon impact.

Oriental Cup Returns With Expanded Format And Scholarships For Young Footballers

Oriental Cup Returns With Expanded Format And Scholarships For Young Footballers

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The fourth edition of the Oriental Cup, an inter-school football tournament, is scheduled from July 7 to 16 in New Delhi. It will feature over 45 school teams, 1,500 student-athletes, and offer scholarships worth Rs 2.5 lakh to encourage young talent. Organisers aim to make it India's leading school football competition, with growing participation, especially among girls' teams.

Six Operation Sindoor heroes' names added to National War Memorial

Six Operation Sindoor heroes' names added to National War Memorial

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Six military personnel, who died in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor last year, have been officially recognised and their names inscribed on a wall at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. This marks the first public release of their names since the operation in May 2025, which was conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Under the lens over serious lapses in the donation management system at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Govind Dev Giri, has said that all audit reports were "safe" and that he had no role in the daily donation collection process at the temple.

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Equestrian Federation of India's (EFI) selection process for the Asian Games dressage team, dismissing petitions from riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela. The court found no arbitrariness or procedural impropriety, reinforcing the principle that judicial interference in expert selection bodies is limited. Challenges regarding Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs), criteria interpretation, and bias were all rejected.

How Indian Shuttlers Began Their US Open Campaign With Dominant Wins

How Indian Shuttlers Began Their US Open Campaign With Dominant Wins

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Indian badminton stars Tanvi Sharma and Kidambi Srikanth, along with other compatriots, secured comfortable victories in their opening matches at the US Open badminton tournament. The wins mark a strong start for the Indian contingent in both singles and mixed doubles categories.