News for 'Key Points Centre'

Canadian author Anne Carson awarded 2026 Literature Nobel

Canadian author Anne Carson awarded 2026 Literature Nobel

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Canadian author Anne Carson has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature for her "bold and inventive oeuvre" that blends classical tradition with contemporary forms. The Swedish Academy highlighted her distinctive work spanning poetry, translation, and literary scholarship, noting her unique approach to language and ancient texts. Carson's career is marked by her ability to create new literary forms by placing classical authors alongside modern writers and transforming mythological figures into contemporary narratives.

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced that over 200 taluks are likely to be declared drought-affected after phased assessments. The state has convened a special legislative session to discuss the crisis, farmer assistance, and seek significant financial relief and loan waivers from the Union government, while also alleging a "step-motherly attitude" from the Centre regarding fund releases.

17-YO Kumkum eyes Olympics after Asian Games gold

17-YO Kumkum eyes Olympics after Asian Games gold

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old archer from Amravati, has achieved significant success at the Asian Games, securing a gold and a silver medal. Her father and coach highlight her journey from a bamboo bow to international competitions, overcoming financial challenges, and her ultimate dream of representing India at the Olympics. Her performance, particularly against South Korea, has brought pride to her family, hometown, and the nation.

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Nana Patekar's anger and intensity were as real in life as they were in his performances. He was as brutally honest as the characters he portrayed.

Can top professionals fall for cyber fraud? IIT Madras study says...

Can top professionals fall for cyber fraud? IIT Madras study says...

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

An IIT Madras study reveals that financial cybercrime victims in India are often highly educated professionals, challenging the notion that only careless or financially unaware individuals are targeted. The research highlights that digital literacy doesn't guarantee protection, as fraudsters exploit stress and emotional vulnerabilities.

ED Probes Ex-Bengal Minister Indranil Sen In Durga Puja Fund Irregularity Case

ED Probes Ex-Bengal Minister Indranil Sen In Durga Puja Fund Irregularity Case

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at 15 locations connected to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen and others, probing alleged financial irregularities in Durga Puja preview shows organised by massArt, an organisation headed by Sen's wife. The investigation under PMLA focuses on the alleged collection and diversion of Rs 50-60 crore and potential links to a private art gallery.

Sikh trucker stabbed 17 times days after US govt's hate poster

Sikh trucker stabbed 17 times days after US govt's hate poster

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A Sikh truck driver was brutally stabbed multiple times in a Wyoming rest area, an incident occurring amidst a reported rise in anti-South Asian rhetoric in the US. The attacker has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Farmer's Son Salman Khan Secures India's First Men's Double Sculls Medal

Farmer's Son Salman Khan Secures India's First Men's Double Sculls Medal

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Salman Khan, a 28-year-old farmer's son from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, has won a historic bronze medal in men's double sculls rowing at the Asian Games in Nagoya. This marks India's first-ever podium finish in this event, bringing pride to his hometown and inspiring young athletes.

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The plea argues that the levy was introduced without adequate statutory safeguards, transparency, or public consultation, and questions its constitutional validity and potential adverse effects on merchants and consumers.

Suryakumar Yadav's Ranji snub: Mumbai captain backs selectors

Suryakumar Yadav's Ranji snub: Mumbai captain backs selectors

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad has stated that he respects the selectors' decision to exclude Suryakumar Yadav from the Ranji Trophy season opener, emphasising that players who have prepared well will always be considered.

Union Minister Assures Boost To Mizoram Sports Talent And Infrastructure

Union Minister Assures Boost To Mizoram Sports Talent And Infrastructure

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has pledged support for promoting sporting talent and improving infrastructure in Mizoram, particularly for boxers. This assurance came during a meeting with BJP youth wing leaders who highlighted the state's sporting potential and the need for modern facilities, including a boxing hall, especially with India's 2036 Olympic bid in mind.

HCLTech to invest Rs 15,000 crore in AI data centre, global tech hub in Odisha

HCLTech to invest Rs 15,000 crore in AI data centre, global tech hub in Odisha

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

HCLTech, India's third-largest IT services company, announced plans to establish a global technology centre and an AI-optimised data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with a total investment of approximately Rs 15,000 crore, marking its entry into the AI infrastructure business.

Bain Report: AI Market Must Hit $6 Trillion Annually By 2031 To Justify Investment

Bain Report: AI Market Must Hit $6 Trillion Annually By 2031 To Justify Investment

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

A Bain & Company report projects the global AI market must reach nearly USD 6 trillion annually by 2031 to sustain massive infrastructure investments. This growth will largely depend on new innovations beyond productivity gains, with a significant gap needing to be filled by emerging revenue streams like autonomous vehicles, physical AI, and new AI-driven products. The report also highlights the surge in hardware and semiconductor industries due to AI compute demand and the importance of AI absorption for Indian companies.

NTA gets two new directors amid reforms following NEET fiasco

NTA gets two new directors amid reforms following NEET fiasco

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Centre has appointed two directors and a joint director to the National Testing Agency (NTA) amidst ongoing reforms and scrutiny over issues like the NEET paper leak. These appointments are part of a broader overhaul of the NTA's examination system.

'Carnage': SC on 10x markup on cancer drugs, bats for 16pc margin

'Carnage': SC on 10x markup on cancer drugs, bats for 16pc margin

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the exorbitant markup on cancer drugs by hospitals, calling it "carnage" and "broad daylight dacoity." The court highlighted a case where a cancer drug was marked up ten times its retail price and urged the Centre to implement a uniform 16% margin on all medicines. It also raised concerns about hospitals forcing patients to buy medicines from their in-house chemists.

China's Communist Party Expels 2 Generals

China's Communist Party Expels 2 Generals

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

China's communist party has expelled two senior military officials, including General Zhang Youxia, the highest-ranking People's Liberation Army officer, for serious discipline and law violations.

Cong takes a dig at Modi after BRICS declaration cites Nehru

Cong takes a dig at Modi after BRICS declaration cites Nehru

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Congress party, through leader Jairam Ramesh, took a veiled swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by invoking a Bollywood song and sharing Jawaharlal Nehru's notes from the 1955 Bandung Conference. This move came after the BRICS Delhi Declaration referenced the Bandung Conference, which advocated for a fairer and more inclusive multilateral system, amidst Modi's frequent criticism of Nehru.

Digital Credit Surges In Tier-2 Cities, Salaried Women Borrow More

Digital Credit Surges In Tier-2 Cities, Salaried Women Borrow More

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A new report, the Digital Credit and Inclusion Index (DCII) 2026, reveals that Tier-2 cities are spearheading digital credit adoption in India. The study, a collaboration between Pahle India Foundation and Amazon Pay, highlights that salaried women are borrowing more than men and that digital credit is primarily used for consumption, with limited productive use.

Saudi Arabia's Pipeline Closure Raises Cost Of India's Crude

Saudi Arabia's Pipeline Closure Raises Cost Of India's Crude

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline shutdown could make crude costlier for India as refiners face fewer supply routes and rising freight and insurance costs.

Delhi pollution: Construction, vehicles, parking to face curbs from Nov 1

Delhi pollution: Construction, vehicles, parking to face curbs from Nov 1

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Delhi government has announced a series of stringent measures to combat air pollution in the national capital ahead of winter. These include prohibiting construction activities, restricting entry of non-BS-VI vehicles, doubling parking charges, implementing staggered office timings, and strengthening public transport, alongside public awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements.

Calcutta HC overturns relief for Congress's Nandigram candidate

Calcutta HC overturns relief for Congress's Nandigram candidate

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Calcutta High Court's division bench set aside a single-bench order that had granted interim protection to Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan from coercive action in a 2007 criminal case. The court ruled that there is no provision in criminal law for such interim protection, meaning Pradhan's judicial remand will remain effective ahead of the bypoll.

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Modi's greater weakness is his inability since July when he directed the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan, to come up with a political counter strategy. Security measures and executive orders as seen in recent days will only likely further weaken him and make him as lame duck a premier as many prior to him, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh included, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

From Rohtas to Japan: Meet Abhishek Anand, Bihar's unlikely cricket export

From Rohtas to Japan: Meet Abhishek Anand, Bihar's unlikely cricket export

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Bihar-born Abhishek Anand's journey from tennis-ball cricket and IIT Kanpur to Japan's national team has culminated in a historic opportunity to face India on Tuesday.

Tragedy Strikes Gorakhpur As Student Murdered While Family Away

Tragedy Strikes Gorakhpur As Student Murdered While Family Away

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

A 19-year-old student, Shubham Mishra, was allegedly stabbed to death in his home in Jayantipur village, Gorakhpur, while his family was away for his father's kidney treatment. The incident occurred early Thursday morning. Police have registered a case and are investigating to identify and trace the assailant.

Nose bite, roof jump: UP couple's bizarre fight

Nose bite, roof jump: UP couple's bizarre fight

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

A woman in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, has accused her husband of biting off her nose during an argument, with her in-laws allegedly assisting. Police have detained the husband. The incident occurred after the woman, who had reportedly left her husband previously, returned unexpectedly. The husband's family, however, presents a conflicting account, alleging the woman attacked her husband and injured herself. Police are investigating both sides of the story.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games End With Spectacular Cultural Display

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games End With Spectacular Cultural Display

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring a dazzling light and musical show, celebrating Japan's culture and hospitality. The event saw over 350 records broken, including 50 world records, and marked the official handover to Doha for the 2030 Games. India finished fourth in the medal tally with 85 medals.

Gujarat University Ex-VC Returns Rs 14 Crore Amid Financial Irregularity Allegations

Gujarat University Ex-VC Returns Rs 14 Crore Amid Financial Irregularity Allegations

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Former Gujarat University Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta resigned as Principal Investigator for the PMJVK scheme and returned over Rs 14 crore to the university. This comes amidst allegations of financial irregularities and a multi-crore rupee scam by the NSUI, which also led to the suspension of 10 temporary appointees made by Gupta. An audit is pending for the remaining Rs 2 crore.

9% students reported suicidal thoughts, 15% felt overwhelmed: SC panel

9% students reported suicidal thoughts, 15% felt overwhelmed: SC panel

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A nationwide survey by a Supreme Court-appointed panel reveals that 15% of higher education students felt overwhelmed or distressed, and 9% experienced suicidal thoughts in the past six months. The findings, part of an upcoming report, highlight deep-rooted social discrimination, academic pressures, and inadequate counselling services contributing to mental health concerns and rising student suicides in Indian Higher Educational Institutions.

Siang Project: Can India Turn Challenge Into Opportunity?

Siang Project: Can India Turn Challenge Into Opportunity?

Rediff.com5 days ago

The objective should be clear: Energy security without abandoning environmental responsibility; water security without ignoring local concerns; and strategic resilience without sacrificing public confidence, notes Varun Arya.

Watch: Samantha's Traditional Baby Shower

Watch: Samantha's Traditional Baby Shower

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Samantha shares pictures from her baby shower ceremony at the Isha Foundation.

India Coach Khalid Jamil Urges Team To Embrace Brazil Challenge

India Coach Khalid Jamil Urges Team To Embrace Brazil Challenge

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India's head coach Khalid Jamil is preparing his team for a historic football match against five-time world champions Brazil. Jamil emphasizes handling pressure, keeping things simple, and giving their best, despite the significant gap in rankings. Defender Anwar Ali also stresses the importance of staying calm and following the coach's plan for the high-stakes encounter.

El Nio threatens rabi crops, may affect foodgrain output

El Nio threatens rabi crops, may affect foodgrain output

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

India's Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra has warned that the upcoming rabi (winter) crop season is likely to be challenging for rainfed areas due to the strengthening El Nio weather pattern, potentially affecting foodgrain production. This comes as Maharashtra declares drought in nearly 74 per cent of its talukas, highlighting the immediate impact of climate change.

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A laboratory technician in Siberia died from 'pneumonia of unknown aetiology' at an Anti-Plague Research Institute, sparking fears of pneumonic plague, with the US now monitoring the situation and urging Russia for transparency.

Xi concludes US visit, says talks with Trump added 'new substance' to ties

Xi concludes US visit, says talks with Trump added 'new substance' to ties

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his three-day visit to the US, stating that his discussions with President Donald Trump had injected "new substance" into the China-US relationship. Both leaders expressed optimism for future cooperation, with agreements reached on certain trade goods and discussions held on AI capabilities.

How foreign varsities modified campuses to prevent suicides

How foreign varsities modified campuses to prevent suicides

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Indian educational institutions are adopting physical modifications like "anti-suicide" fans and barriers to prevent student suicides, drawing parallels with measures taken by foreign universities such as Houston, Cornell, Harvard, and NYU. While these measures are seen as "bandaid solutions" by some, experts suggest restricting access to lethal means is a valid part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy, alongside crucial mental health support.

Contempt plea in SC against security clampdown in Delhi

Contempt plea in SC against security clampdown in Delhi

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and DMRC chairperson D Thara. The plea alleges that authorities violated the apex court's October 9 order by imposing a "blanket shutdown" on metro and train services in Delhi on October 10, despite the court's directive for only regulated movement during a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The petitioner claims personal experience of metro station closures and seeks immediate revocation of prohibitory orders.

Put nation first, shoulder responsibility, Sitharaman tells Gen Z, Gen Alpha

Put nation first, shoulder responsibility, Sitharaman tells Gen Z, Gen Alpha

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called upon 'Gen Z' and 'Gen Alpha' to assume leadership, prioritise the nation, and contribute to its growth, rather than questioning what the country has done for them.

India To Unveil AI Regulation Paper Soon

India To Unveil AI Regulation Paper Soon

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government will release a consultation paper on AI regulations within a month. This framework will address critical aspects like AI safety, deepfakes, and a human-first approach, emphasising the industry's primary responsibility in ensuring safe AI deployment. The move comes amidst growing global concerns over AI risks and the need for robust safeguards.

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.

Infosys SVP Urges India To 'Invent In India' For Semiconductor Growth

Infosys SVP Urges India To 'Invent In India' For Semiconductor Growth

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Infosys Senior Vice President Vikram Meghal stated that India is experiencing a significant demand window in the semiconductor market and must evolve from merely engineering products to inventing complete systems. He highlighted the massive shifts driven by AI and supply chain challenges, urging a focus on "Invent in India" to capture higher value and leverage decades of investment in the ecosystem.