News for 'India First'

Ravindra Jadeja to play for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy opener

Ravindra Jadeja to play for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy opener

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to play for Saurashtra in their opening Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh, with Jaydev Unadkat retaining captaincy, as the team aims for a strong start to the 2026-27 season.

India Hockey Team Eye Redemption At Asian Games After World Cup Disappointment

India Hockey Team Eye Redemption At Asian Games After World Cup Disappointment

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton discusses the team's preparations for the Asian Games, aiming to defend their title and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

BCCI invites applications for men's selection committee role

BCCI invites applications for men's selection committee role

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for a position on the men's selection committee. This follows the departure of former chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, whose tenure ended on October 4. Pragyan Ojha is currently serving as the interim chairman.

How Kumkum Mohod's Asian Games Gold Reshapes Indian Archery's Future

How Kumkum Mohod's Asian Games Gold Reshapes Indian Archery's Future

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Kumkum Mohod, 17, made history by becoming the first Indian to win an individual recurve gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, also securing an Olympic quota for LA 2028. Her victory over South Korea's Oh Yejin in a tense shoot-off has boosted India's confidence to challenge the long-standing Korean dominance in recurve archery. Mohod attributes her success to mental preparation, visualisation, and family sacrifices, and is now focused on securing her individual spot for the 2028 Olympics.

'You can't beat experience': Kotak explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar's T20I recall

'You can't beat experience': Kotak explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar's T20I recall

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak explained the recall of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India's T20I squad for the New Zealand series, citing his experience and strong IPL performances. Kotak also addressed questions regarding Mohammed Shami's absence and the reported involvement of VVS Laxman in selection meetings, while discussing India's ongoing winning streak and bench strength development.

Ram Temple trust to get first CEO on Wednesday amid donation theft row

Ram Temple trust to get first CEO on Wednesday amid donation theft row

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to appoint the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. A selection committee is expected to submit three shortlisted names on Wednesday, following an extensive search process that reviewed approximately 5,500 applications. This move comes after the Trust acknowledged that donation theft had harmed its image, aiming to ensure superior management and restore devotee faith.

Asian Games 2026: India vs Pakistan In TT; Check Out Full Schedule For September 21

Asian Games 2026: India vs Pakistan In TT; Check Out Full Schedule For September 21

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

India will take on Pakistan in the table tennis men's and women's team event at the Asian Games on Monday.

Atiqa Mir's big break: Joins team that shaped F1 stars

Atiqa Mir's big break: Joins team that shaped F1 stars

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir, 11, has signed with Kart Republic (KR), a prestigious team led by Dino Chiesa, known for nurturing Formula 1 champions like Lewis Hamilton. This move provides Mir a significant platform to advance her career in the OKJ category, with Chiesa praising her raw speed and potential to achieve great things for India.

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Following a successful campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, India women's boxing head coach Santiago Nieva is prioritising securing as many Olympic quotas as possible at the earliest for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, starting with the World Championships 2027 in Kazakhstan.

Olympic Medallist Bhaker, Shot Put Champion Toor Named India's Flag-Bearers

Olympic Medallist Bhaker, Shot Put Champion Toor Named India's Flag-Bearers

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and defending shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been selected as India's flag-bearers for the Asian Games opening ceremony. This decision highlights the significant contributions of shooting and athletics to India's medal tally, with a 158-strong contingent participating in the event.

Opposition leaders stage sit-in at Rajghat on Day 3 of protests against CEC

Opposition leaders stage sit-in at Rajghat on Day 3 of protests against CEC

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Opposition INDIA bloc leaders staged a sit-in at Rajghat, alleging a 'criminal conspiracy of vote chori' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding Kumar's resignation and seeking a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.

Asian Games: India's Women Shooters Win Silver In 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team Event

Asian Games: India's Women Shooters Win Silver In 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team Event

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Indian women's 50m rifle 3 positions team, comprising Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod, and Ashi Chouksey, secured a silver medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya.

RBI net bought $561 mn in June, first purchase since Feb

RBI net bought $561 mn in June, first purchase since Feb

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) net bought $561 million in June, marking its first net purchase since February, following three consecutive months of net sales. This move coincided with a series of government and RBI measures to attract foreign capital, leading to a 0.36 per cent appreciation of the rupee against the dollar.

12 Reasons To Love Ireland

12 Reasons To Love Ireland

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

And plan your trip to the Republic.

PIX: Abhishek, Arshdeep power India to big win over Afghanistan

PIX: Abhishek, Arshdeep power India to big win over Afghanistan

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Abhishek Sharma roared back to form with a blistering 84 off 32 balls, while Arshdeep Singh's superb 3 for 19 helped India cruise to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the opening T20I in Delhi on Sunday.

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, have been granted regular bail by a Goa court in a case involving the alleged manipulation of a Health Department NOC to obtain an excise licence. The alleged forgery came to light after a devastating fire at the nightclub in December 2025 killed 25 people. Despite the bail, the brothers will remain in custody due to a separate High Court order in the fire tragedy case, with stringent conditions imposed by the court.

SC orders SIT probe into lawyers' assault complaint against police

SC orders SIT probe into lawyers' assault complaint against police

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi police commissioner to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a complaint filed by lawyers who were allegedly assaulted during a protest demanding the resignation of Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. This directive comes after the Delhi High Court had dismissed a similar plea, stating it was not maintainable.

India Crushes Pakistan 19-0 To Reach Junior Asia Cup Semi-Finals

India Crushes Pakistan 19-0 To Reach Junior Asia Cup Semi-Finals

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

India's Women's Junior Hockey team delivered a dominant performance, defeating Pakistan 19-0 to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Women's Junior Asia Cup. The team showcased relentless attacking prowess, scoring consistently throughout the match and converting multiple penalty corners.

Australia return to SA 8 years after sandpaper scandal

Australia return to SA 8 years after sandpaper scandal

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Australia and South Africa are set to begin a three-match Test series in Durban, with both teams looking for a boost after recent setbacks. The pitch at Kingsmead is expected to favour spinners, a departure from South Africa's usual seamer-friendly conditions, potentially influencing team selections.

Mirabai Chanu Secures Elusive Asian Games Silver Medal

Mirabai Chanu Secures Elusive Asian Games Silver Medal

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in the women's 49kg event at the Asian Games, ending a 12-year wait for this prestigious honour. This marks India's first Asian Games weightlifting medal since 1998, adding to Chanu's impressive collection of Olympic, World, and Commonwealth medals.

85% of Maha declared drought-hit; farmers to get Rs 5,000 aid

85% of Maha declared drought-hit; farmers to get Rs 5,000 aid

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Maharashtra is grappling with an escalating drought crisis, with 305 talukas now declared drought-hit, prompting the state government to announce Rs 5,000 in financial aid for farmers before Diwali and extend comprehensive relief measures.

Flintoff's Four-Wicket Burst Crushes India A in T20I Series Opener

Flintoff's Four-Wicket Burst Crushes India A in T20I Series Opener

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Pacer Tess Flintoff's exceptional four-wicket haul dismantled India A's batting line-up, leading Australia A to a comfortable six-wicket victory in the opening match of the women's unofficial T20I series.

Mirabai Chanu's Asian Games Silver Completes Her Medal Collection

Mirabai Chanu's Asian Games Silver Completes Her Medal Collection

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has finally secured an Asian Games medal, winning silver in the women's 49kg event in Nagoya. This achievement marks India's first weightlifting medal at the Asian Games since 1998 and completes Chanu's impressive collection of accolades, including an Olympic silver and World Championship titles.

Indian Shooters Clinch Two Bronze Medals At Asian Games

Indian Shooters Clinch Two Bronze Medals At Asian Games

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's men's and women's skeet shooting teams have both secured bronze medals at the Asian Games in Nagoya. While the teams celebrated podium finishes, individual shooters Raiza Dhillon, Parinaaz Dhaliwal, and Anantjeet Singh Naruka, despite reaching the finals, narrowly missed out on individual medals. This marks India's first-ever Asian Games medal in the women's team skeet event.

'A tenure marked by some truly special moments': BCCI hails Agarkar

'A tenure marked by some truly special moments': BCCI hails Agarkar

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and head coach Gautam Gambhir have lauded former chief selector Ajit Agarkar for his highly successful three-year tenure, which saw India win three ICC trophies and achieve significant white-ball dominance.

Jio Platforms IPO Set for October End Listing, Valued at $143-146 Billion

Jio Platforms IPO Set for October End Listing, Valued at $143-146 Billion

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Digital services major Jio Platforms is anticipated to list on the stock exchange by the end of October, with an estimated enterprise valuation of USD 143-146 billion, making it India's largest public offer at around USD 3.8 billion.

Asian Games Badminton: Sindhu, Unnati bow out in quarters as India draw blank in singles

Asian Games Badminton: Sindhu, Unnati bow out in quarters as India draw blank in singles

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Indian badminton players, including PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda, were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games individual competitions, failing to secure any medals.

MS Dhoni's Timeless Advice Powered Shai Hope's Record Chase

MS Dhoni's Timeless Advice Powered Shai Hope's Record Chase

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

West Indies batter Shai Hope credited former India captain MS Dhoni's advice for helping him stay patient and break down a massive 352-run chase against India, leading to his unbeaten 162 and a stunning five-wicket victory.

Manali Soars With Paragliding Pre-World Cup

Manali Soars With Paragliding Pre-World Cup

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The four-day Paragliding Accuracy Pre-World Cup has commenced at Solang Nala in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, featuring 42 pilots from multiple countries. The event, inaugurated by Minister Rajesh Dharmani, aims to promote adventure sports and tourism in the region, with strict safety standards in place.

Shaurya Bhattacharya Dominates Opening Round Of Kapil Dev Invitational

Shaurya Bhattacharya Dominates Opening Round Of Kapil Dev Invitational

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Shaurya Bhattacharya opened with a sizzling six-under 66 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship in Greater Noida. The 23-year-old, a three-time winner on the DP World PGTI, made seven birdies and one bogey. Shubhankar Sharma is in second place, while other golfers like Jamal Hossain, Dhruv Sheoran, and Manoj S share third. The tournament features a unique Pro-Am format.

TCS Reports Strong Q2 Earnings: Net Profit Up 15% to Rs 13,884 Crore

TCS Reports Strong Q2 Earnings: Net Profit Up 15% to Rs 13,884 Crore

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced a 15 per cent increase in net profit, reaching Rs 13,884 crore for the September quarter, driven by an 11.22 per cent rise in revenue from operations.

Archer Dhiraj Bommadevara's Unwavering Focus On Los Angeles Olympics

Archer Dhiraj Bommadevara's Unwavering Focus On Los Angeles Olympics

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Dhiraj Bommadevara, India's top recurve archer, expresses no regrets despite missing an individual medal at his second Asian Games. He highlights his Games-record qualification score and team silver medals, viewing the experience as crucial for his preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Bommadevara emphasizes learning from past failures, the importance of a positive team environment, and the need to focus on improvement rather than dwelling on mistakes.

Should have won Nobel Prize 8 times: Trump

Should have won Nobel Prize 8 times: Trump

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Former US President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Norway and the Nobel Peace Prize committee for not awarding him the prize. Speaking at a rally on Friday, Trump asserted he deserved the award multiple times for his alleged role in settling conflicts and preventing a war between India and Pakistan, while criticising the actual recipient, Navi Pillay.

Archery Premier League: Royals Make Winning Start; Knights Stun Mighty Marathas

Archery Premier League: Royals Make Winning Start; Knights Stun Mighty Marathas

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Defending champions Rajputana Royals defeated Prithviraaj Yodhas 5-3 in the opening match of the second Archery Premier League season. Led by Ojas Deotale, Ella Gibson, and Mete Gazoz, the Royals secured a hard-fought victory despite a strong comeback attempt by the Yodhas, who ultimately faltered with a costly error in the final moments.

Rory McIlroy Supports DP World Tour's Strategic Decisions Amidst LIV Golf Uncertainty

Rory McIlroy Supports DP World Tour's Strategic Decisions Amidst LIV Golf Uncertainty

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Golf star Rory McIlroy has voiced strong support for the DP World Tour's recent decisions concerning players involved with LIV Golf. He backed the Tour's move to restrict LIV players from its 2027 season and its right to protect business interests, while also highlighting the Tour's opportunity to showcase international golf during less crowded periods in the PGA Tour schedule. McIlroy, a DP World global ambassador, expressed his commitment to the Tour and shared his thoughts on returning to the Delhi Golf Club.

Can Maaya follow Sania Mirza? Teen star wins pro title

Can Maaya follow Sania Mirza? Teen star wins pro title

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

India's teenage tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran has made a significant mark on the professional circuit by winning the W35 Lagos tournament in Portugal, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve a pro singles title since Sania Mirza. The 17-year-old, who also secured the doubles crown, views this as just the beginning of her professional journey, aiming to compete in more senior events and improve her world ranking. She recently moved her training base to France and plans to focus on physical and technical improvements in the coming months.

'Winning gold medal at Asian Games a matter of great pride for Indian cricket': V V S Laxman

'Winning gold medal at Asian Games a matter of great pride for Indian cricket': V V S Laxman

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Head coach V V S Laxman hailed the Indian team's 'champion's mindset' after they beat Pakistan to win the gold medal in the men's T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Harmanpreet Kaur hopes gold medal opens floodgates for India at Asian Games

Harmanpreet Kaur hopes gold medal opens floodgates for India at Asian Games

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Indian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her joy and hope after securing a gold medal at the Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka. She believes this victory will inspire other Indian athletes to win more medals and highlighted the team's focus on adapting to conditions despite initial concerns about facilities in Japan. Kaur also reflected on the unique experience of winning a medal for the country compared to traditional trophies.

Rahul Gandhi in Chennai for 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event, to meet Vijay

Rahul Gandhi in Chennai for 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event, to meet Vijay

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Chennai on Saturday for the sixth edition of 'Chhatron Ki Goonj,' a youth outreach programme. He is scheduled to meet Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, marking their first interaction since the formation of the SSJV alliance and TVK joining the INDIA bloc. The visit includes an unscripted interaction with students at Island Grounds, focusing on critical issues, amidst tight security arrangements.

Japan aims for cricket growth with historic India T20 match

Japan aims for cricket growth with historic India T20 match

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Japan's cricket captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and all-rounder Charlie Hara-Hinze believe the upcoming historic T20 match against India on September 22 can serve as a crucial springboard for the sustained growth of cricket in Japan, a country traditionally dominated by baseball.