News for 'Main Stand'

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

National security advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit to take part in the Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary question with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A heated parliamentary showdown unfolded as NDA and INDIA bloc MPs clashed at Parliament's main gate.

Novak Djokovic crashes out of US Open in first round to unseeded Navone

Novak Djokovic crashes out of US Open in first round to unseeded Navone

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Novak Djokovic, a four-time champion, suffered a shock first-round exit at the US Open, losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match, marking his earliest Grand Slam departure since 2006.

Nepal tunnel workers recount harrowing ordeal, dramatic escape

Nepal tunnel workers recount harrowing ordeal, dramatic escape

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Flash floods in Nepal, triggered by an ice and rock collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, have devastated hydropower projects, leaving hundreds of workers stranded. Survivors recount terrifying escapes from rising floodwaters and tunnels, while international teams assist in ongoing rescue operations to locate those still missing.

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to quash criminal proceedings against a man accused of repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The court ruled that even if a marriage was solemnised under Muslim religious rites, it would not protect the accused from criminal liability under the POCSO Act, reinforcing that the Act applies when one party is a minor, irrespective of personal law.

Manas Dhamne gets maiden Davis Cup call-up for South Korea tie

Manas Dhamne gets maiden Davis Cup call-up for South Korea tie

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Manas Dhamne has received his first call-up to India's main Davis Cup squad for the Qualifiers Round 2 tie against South Korea in Seoul on September 18-19, joining a core team that recently secured a historic win over the Netherlands.

Star Duo Djokovic-Sabalenka Crash Out Of US Open Mixed Doubles

Star Duo Djokovic-Sabalenka Crash Out Of US Open Mixed Doubles

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were eliminated from the U.S. Open mixed doubles in their opening match, losing to Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova. Despite winning the first set, the star-studded pair could not hold on, with Siniakova sealing the upset with an ace.

Mahabharat Actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies

Mahabharat Actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Actress Aasha Singh Jaiswal, known for her roles in films and television, has passed away in Mumbai.

Sebi to overhaul SME listing framework, tighten AI/ML accountability in financial markets

Sebi to overhaul SME listing framework, tighten AI/ML accountability in financial markets

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is set to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the small and medium enterprise (SME) listing framework and tighten accountability around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in financial markets, Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced.

Bollywood's Rakhi Bonds You Didn't Know About

Bollywood's Rakhi Bonds You Didn't Know About

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Several prominent Bollywood and television personalities, including Salman Khan, Bipasha Basu, Alia Bhatt, and Nia Sharma, celebrate Raksha Bandhan with industry colleagues, proving that strong sibling-like connections can form beyond biological ties.

Alcaraz back with a bang; Tsitsipas shocks Arthur Fils

Alcaraz back with a bang; Tsitsipas shocks Arthur Fils

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made a strong return to competitive tennis after a five-month wrist injury layoff, defeating Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the US Open, showcasing his powerful forehand with over 20 winners.

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Researching Japan was like going down a rabbit hole. There is just so much to see and do, but I finally decided we would stick to the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, notes Radhika Mittal.

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has tragically risen to 903, with 4,247 people still reported missing, including security personnel and foreigners. India has dispatched an 18-member team of forensic experts to assist with DNA analysis and identification of victims.

Nepal's Devastating Flood Aftermath

Nepal's Devastating Flood Aftermath

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The death toll in the massive flash floods in Nepal on Thursday rose to 270, as authorities in Nepal race against time to find thousands of missing people, including 288 Indian tourists, in one of the country's worst disasters in recent years.

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court will consider the Centre's plea for clarification on the applicability of its March 11 judgement regarding OBC creamy-layer criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The government highlights practical difficulties and potential unequal treatment of candidates if the ruling is applied retrospectively, as the CSE 2025 selection process concluded before the verdict. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation based on the pre-March 11 criteria to avoid disruption to training schedules and ensure fairness for candidates.

End of an era: Bulldozers tear down Delhi Race Club; Centre takes over

End of an era: Bulldozers tear down Delhi Race Club; Centre takes over

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Demolition work at the Delhi Race Club commenced in the morning hours on Thursday, shortly after the Centre took possession of the club's 53-acre premises, marking a dramatic end to horse racing activities at the century-old institution.

How K L Rahul's advice helped this UP batter overcome tough times

How K L Rahul's advice helped this UP batter overcome tough times

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Kashi Rudras captain Karan Sharma revealed that a conversation with KL Rahul during his Lucknow Super Giants stint profoundly influenced his cricketing philosophy, with Rahul's advice to prioritise the process over results helping him navigate challenging phases and slumps.

Rapid Chess Tournament Kicks Off Global Chess League Excitement In Bengaluru

Rapid Chess Tournament Kicks Off Global Chess League Excitement In Bengaluru

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Bengaluru is set to host a FIDE-rated Rapid Chess tournament featuring up to 1000 players, serving as a prelude to Season 4 of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL). The tournament offers a Rs 4 lakh prize purse and a chance for participants to experience the build-up to the GCL, which will feature top chess stars like Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand.

Djokovic: 'My Whole Body Starts to Collapse' in US Open Exit

Djokovic: 'My Whole Body Starts to Collapse' in US Open Exit

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Novak Djokovic, hampered by illness and injuries, suffered a shocking first-round exit at the U.S. Open, losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match, marking his earliest Grand Slam departure since 2006.

42 workers trapped? Nepal Army races to reach buried Trishuli project tunnel

42 workers trapped? Nepal Army races to reach buried Trishuli project tunnel

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Nepali Army engineers are intensifying rescue efforts for hundreds of workers trapped in hydropower project tunnels in flood-hit Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. International teams from India and China have joined the complex operation, which involves heavy equipment and blasting to reach those out of contact, particularly at the Upper Trishuli-3A project.

Maha auto, taxi drivers welcome Marathi learning deadline extension

Maha auto, taxi drivers welcome Marathi learning deadline extension

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire working knowledge of Marathi by one year, a decision welcomed by unions who say it removes the immediate threat to their livelihoods.

'Timure is completely gone, nothing is left'

'Timure is completely gone, nothing is left'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Massive flash floods in Nepal, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, have devastated the border town of Timure and other central districts, leaving a rising death toll and hundreds missing. The disaster, described by witnesses as feeling like an earthquake, has claimed entire families and caused widespread destruction to infrastructure. Rescue efforts are underway, with a significant number of missing individuals identified as tourists, including nearly 300 Indian nationals.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold With 8-Inch Super Actua Flex Display, 4,806 mAh Battery

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold With 8-Inch Super Actua Flex Display, 4,806 mAh Battery

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Google has added a new foldable to its premium Pixel line-up. The handset combines an expansive 8-inch Super Actua Flex display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Tensor G6 processing, a triple rear camera system.

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Whether it's a five-star banquet hall, a school lunch supplier, a blood bank, or a Bollywood actors' surrogate advertisements, Tukaram Mundhe seems to have an opinion, a bye-law, and very possibly an inspection team on standby.

Nepal floods: 1,050 dead, search on for 4,000 missing as rivers swell

Nepal floods: 1,050 dead, search on for 4,000 missing as rivers swell

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has surged to 1,050, with nearly 4,000 people, including foreigners and security personnel, still missing. Rescuers are struggling with intermittent rainfall, rising river levels, and difficult terrain, while expert teams from India and China assist in operations, particularly at hydropower project sites where many workers are believed to be trapped in tunnels.

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a four-year deal. He has pledged to implement an attractive, dominant style of play while instilling a strong desire to win. Xavi aims to build a cohesive team from talented players and is ready to face the pressure of his new role, starting with a Nations League match against Germany.

Coach Marijne Defends Pre-World Cup Leave, Reflects On Team's Performance

Coach Marijne Defends Pre-World Cup Leave, Reflects On Team's Performance

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

India women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne addressed concerns regarding his pre-World Cup leave, asserting his continuous involvement in the team's preparations. He reflected on the team's creditable fifth-place finish at the World Cup, emphasising the need for sustained hunger and improvement. Marijne also discussed the advantages of his second stint, his focus on team discipline, and the positive impact of the Women's Hockey India League on player development.

Sacred Mace Leaves For Amarnath Shrine

Sacred Mace Leaves For Amarnath Shrine

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Umar Ganie captures glimpses from the Chhari-Mubarak procession as sadhus and devotees begin the final journey to the Amarnath cave shrine.

Court rejects Delhi Race Club's plea for stay on eviction order

Court rejects Delhi Race Club's plea for stay on eviction order

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A Delhi court has dismissed the Delhi Race Club's plea for an interim stay on an eviction order issued by the central government, ruling that the club failed to establish a prima facie case in its favour and did not renew its lease after 1994.

NTA clarifies on Rs 200 answer key challenge fee, refund rules

NTA clarifies on Rs 200 answer key challenge fee, refund rules

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has clarified its 'answer key challenge' system, stating it is designed for fairness and that the fee charged is to deter frivolous challenges, with refunds issued for successful objections. This comes amidst recent criticism regarding exam conduct.

Roger Federer: An icon returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium

Roger Federer: An icon returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Tennis icon Roger Federer made an emotional return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for an exhibition event, marking his first appearance since 2019. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired without a formal farewell in New York, delighted fans in singles and doubles matches alongside fellow legends.

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak met with students leading a "reservation reform" movement, assuring them that their demands would be presented to the BJP's central leadership and a Union minister. The movement, led by anti-reservation activists, seeks equal opportunities, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the "reform" as a plot against the PDA community, asserting the permanence of reservation rights.

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

"Everything was here before, but now there is nothing left," said Nayan Tiwari, one of many residents returning to flood-hit Galchhi in central Nepal to recover whatever belongings remain and to restore homes that once held their everyday lives.

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Insurers are bracing for claims worth nearly 5,000 crore from the recent floods in Gujarat, predominantly for property losses, though they do not foresee an increase in premiums within the competitive property insurance market.

'Sugar Prices Have Begun To Ease'

'Sugar Prices Have Begun To Ease'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'With factories starting early for the next season, fresh sugar will enter market 10-15 days earlier than usual, and sugar price are expected to remain affordable in near term.'

Now, Tiangong Ultra Chinese robot runs 100 metres in 8.86 seconds!

Now, Tiangong Ultra Chinese robot runs 100 metres in 8.86 seconds!

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

China's Tiangong Ultra humanoid robot has set a new 100-metre sprint record of 8.86 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, significantly surpassing Usain Bolt's human world record of 9.58 seconds.

Pakistan-Turkiye-Saudi Pact: Should India Be Concerned?

Pakistan-Turkiye-Saudi Pact: Should India Be Concerned?

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Any military response to a cross-border terror attack from Pakistan will have to take into account the new alignments beginning to take shape in the region, points out former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Mumbai Couple Wins Battle Against Builder

Mumbai Couple Wins Battle Against Builder

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered Rizvi Estates and Hotels Pvt. Ltd. to either rectify defects in a flat or pay 1,50,000 for repairs, along with 50,000 for mental agony and 25,000 for litigation costs, after a couple reported cracks, leakage, and unfulfilled amenities.

Haiwaan Trailer: Akshay Kumar Goes Psycho

Haiwaan Trailer: Akshay Kumar Goes Psycho

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunite in Priyadarshan's dark thriller Haiwaan where Kumar portrays a psychopathic villain and Khan a visually impaired hero.

UP school sealed after video of 'burqa dance' on I-Day goes viral

UP school sealed after video of 'burqa dance' on I-Day goes viral

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A private school in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, has been sealed by the Basic Education Department after a video showing Hindu girl students in burqas dancing at an Independence Day event went viral. An inquiry revealed the school was operating without official recognition.