News for 'India on Thursday'

At $92 bn, India Fifth-Largest Military Spender In 2025

At $92 bn, India Fifth-Largest Military Spender In 2025

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's defence expenditure surged to $92.1 billion in 2025, making it the world's fifth-largest military spender, according to SIPRI data. This 8.9 per cent year-on-year rise was primarily driven by operational and procurement needs following heightened regional tensions with Pakistan in May 2025.

3 US nationals get 'Leave India' notice for 'propagating religion'

3 US nationals get 'Leave India' notice for 'propagating religion'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Police in Pune have issued 'Leave India' notices to three American nationals for allegedly engaging in religious propagation activities and violating tourist visa norms.

Look, Who Received The Padma Awards Today

Look, Who Received The Padma Awards Today

Rediff.com25 May 2026

On Monday, May 25, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards for the year 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

What's Rihanna Doing In India?

What's Rihanna Doing In India?

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Grammy-winning superstar Rihanna has made a high-profile return to Mumbai, captivating fans at the airport.

From US to China to Lashkar: NIA traces GoPro camera trail in Pahalgam probe

From US to China to Lashkar: NIA traces GoPro camera trail in Pahalgam probe

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Indian investigators are tracing the supply chain of a US-manufactured GoPro camera found with Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, revealing a potential external logistics network supporting terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir.

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty turn flat after falling in early trade

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty turn flat after falling in early trade

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The BSE benchmark traded 44.43 points up at 76,521.93, and the Nifty quoted 17.20 points higher at 24,048.85. Track Stock markets on May 26.

Why Is India On US Priority Watch List For IP Rights?

Why Is India On US Priority Watch List For IP Rights?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

India is among six countries on the priority watch list in a US report addressing the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

How India Brought Back Dawood Aide Salim Dola

How India Brought Back Dawood Aide Salim Dola

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully secured the return of Mohammad Salim Dola, a known international drug trafficker and associate of Dawood Ibrahim, from Turkiye.

Global Firms Invest Rs 963 Crore In Paytm Parent Company

Global Firms Invest Rs 963 Crore In Paytm Parent Company

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Global financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, have invested Rs 963 crore in One 97 Communications (Paytm's parent company) through open market transactions, acquiring a 1.34 per cent stake from SAIF Partners and Elevation Capital.

Trademark Applications Filed For Cockroach Janata Party

Trademark Applications Filed For Cockroach Janata Party

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Three separate trademark applications have been filed seeking rights over the name Cockroach Janata Party, official records showed.

How NIA Uncovered The Red Fort Blast Conspiracy

How NIA Uncovered The Red Fort Blast Conspiracy

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The NIA's investigation into the Delhi Red Fort blast case has revealed that the main accused used a false identity to obtain chemicals for making explosives.

ED raids on Kerala ex-CM Vijayan's homes in CMRL case; violence erupts

ED raids on Kerala ex-CM Vijayan's homes in CMRL case; violence erupts

Rediff.com7 days ago

CPI(M) workers clashed with security personnel outside former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in Kerala during Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches related to the alleged CMRL monthly payment case involving his daughter.

How Anti-Doping Act Amendments Will Change Enforcement

How Anti-Doping Act Amendments Will Change Enforcement

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Proposed amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act in India could significantly alter enforcement procedures, granting officers greater authority to search and detain individuals suspected of involvement with banned substances.

Cricket And Yoga Mark Indian Diaspora Event In Shanghai

Cricket And Yoga Mark Indian Diaspora Event In Shanghai

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Indian Consul General in Shanghai inaugurated the annual East China Indian Diaspora Cricket Tournament and a curtain-raiser event for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, highlighting the community's strong cultural presence and global outreach.

India, New Zealand sign FTA to boost trade, investment

India, New Zealand sign FTA to boost trade, investment

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

India and New Zealand have signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at significantly boosting bilateral commerce and investments, providing duty-free access for 100 per cent of India's exports to New Zealand and securing duty-free inputs for India's manufacturing sector.

60 Ranji Wickets, Yet Auqib Nabi Was Ignored!

60 Ranji Wickets, Yet Auqib Nabi Was Ignored!

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Auqib Nabi ended the Ranji tournament with an incredible 60 wickets in just 10 matches at an average of 12.56, numbers that made him one of the most talked-about bowlers in the domestic circuit.

'He feels very deeply for KKR': Nayar hails Varun Chakravarthy

'He feels very deeply for KKR': Nayar hails Varun Chakravarthy

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar has praised Varun Chakravarthy's resilience and commitment to the franchise, highlighting his determination to play through multiple injuries this season.

Yuki Bhambri And Michael Venus Finish Runners-Up At Geneva Open

Yuki Bhambri And Michael Venus Finish Runners-Up At Geneva Open

Rediff.com23 May 2026

India's Yuki Bhambri and his New Zealand partner Michael Venus finished runners-up at the Geneva Open after suffering a defeat in the ATP 250 doubles final.

IPL form should not decide Test role: Kaif on Rishabh Pant's vice-captaincy snub

IPL form should not decide Test role: Kaif on Rishabh Pant's vice-captaincy snub

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has defended Rishabh Pant after he was removed as India's Test vice-captain following a disappointing IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants. Kaif said Pant should not be judged on his IPL performances alone and insisted he remains India's biggest match-winner in Test cricket.

Bihar man arrested for links to Pakistan arms smuggler

Bihar man arrested for links to Pakistan arms smuggler

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Bihar Police's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a Muzaffarpur resident for his alleged links with Pakistan-based arms smuggler Shahzad Bhatti's gang, seizing digital evidence indicating anti-India activities.

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concerns over attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing its importance to India's energy and economic security. Ambassador Yojna Patel highlighted the need to respect international law and ensure the safety of seafarers, while also addressing broader Middle East issues including the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.

'Never Seen A Kid Like Him': Shanaka In Awe Of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Never Seen A Kid Like Him': Shanaka In Awe Of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has praised Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his maturity and composure, while also backing Riyan Parag as a future leader for India.

Guns-N-Rose Take The Lead At All India Bridge Championship

Guns-N-Rose Take The Lead At All India Bridge Championship

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Guns-N-Rose are leading the team event at the All India Bridge Championship after the fourth round, followed by Shri Rade and Challengers. Defending champions Formidable are currently in ninth place.

Kiran More sees shades of Sachin Tendulkar in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Kiran More sees shades of Sachin Tendulkar in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Former India chief selector Kiran More compared Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to a young Sachin Tendulkar, calling the 15-year-old batting sensation a special talent destined to bring great glory to Indian cricket.

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of its money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter.

Dawood's associate Salim Dola extradited to India from Turkiye

Dawood's associate Salim Dola extradited to India from Turkiye

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Salim Dola, a close associate of mafia kingpin Dawood Ibrahim and a key figure in his drug empire, has been deported to India from Istanbul following an intelligence operation.

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that 217 Indian nationals reportedly joined the Russian armed forces, with 49 fatalities amid the Russia-Ukraine war, and efforts are underway to repatriate those who were misled.

8 Hottest Places On Earth Are In India This April!

8 Hottest Places On Earth Are In India This April!

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The scorching summer heat is frying these Indian towns and cities.

Supreme Court Seeks Status Report On Manipur Violence Trial

Supreme Court Seeks Status Report On Manipur Violence Trial

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court has called for an expedited trial in the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence case and requested a status report from authorities, highlighting the need for confidence-building measures for victims.

Why Customer Experience Is Key For Indian Banks

Why Customer Experience Is Key For Indian Banks

Rediff.com21 May 2026

An EY India report suggests that banks must compete on customer experience and evolve physical branches into phygital advisory hubs. The report highlights the importance of anticipating customer needs and blending digital tools with human interaction.

Why ED Raided Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Residences

Why ED Raided Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Residences

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of a money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter, Veena Vijayan.

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the Srinagar Khel Sankalp document, outlining a national vision to strengthen sports culture through cooperative federalism, focusing on athlete-centric development and infrastructure expansion.

India Ready For ISSF World Cup Shotgun Stage In Almaty

India Ready For ISSF World Cup Shotgun Stage In Almaty

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A 12-member Indian shotgun squad is set to participate in the ISSF World Cup Shotgun stage in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with competitions beginning on Monday, May 4.

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders, including Brinda Karat and M A Baby, were detained during a protest outside the ED headquarters in Delhi against searches at the residence of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Priya Patil: The MensWear Designer Who Debuted At Paris Fashion Week

Priya Patil: The MensWear Designer Who Debuted At Paris Fashion Week

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Mumbai-based menswear designer Priya Patil who recently showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2026, talks about her inspiration to design and transform menswear fashion in India.

Family Stress Driving Suicide Surge

Family Stress Driving Suicide Surge

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Suicides in India have increased one-and-a-half times since 2000, with daily wage earners and family problems being the leading causes.

Blackstone's Neysa Networks Stake Acquisition Gets CCI Nod

Blackstone's Neysa Networks Stake Acquisition Gets CCI Nod

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a stake in AI acceleration cloud provider Neysa Networks by Blackstone-backed private equity funds and other investors, following Neysa's announcement of a USD 1.2 billion capital raise.

Divya Deshmukh finds success with confession box at Norway Chess

Divya Deshmukh finds success with confession box at Norway Chess

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Divya Deshmukh has embraced the 'confession box' at Norway Chess, highlighting its potential to enhance player clarity and viewer engagement, despite its slow adoption among Indian grandmasters.

Why Rahul Gandhi Wants A Probe Into CBSE Exam Contract

Why Rahul Gandhi Wants A Probe Into CBSE Exam Contract

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent judicial probe and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged irregularities in the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, claiming a company with a questionable past was awarded the contract.