News for 'Middle India'

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Indian government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations for field trials, aiming to enhance durability. This move comes as the Finance Minister also addressed Parliament on declining retail inflation, GST reforms, and other fiscal measures taken to support the economy and household consumption.

India Working to Safely Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Amid Conflict

India Working to Safely Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Amid Conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the Indian government is actively working to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the volatile situation and the government's commitment to their safety.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Indian Para-Athletes Urgently Need Corporate Support And Permanent Jobs

Indian Para-Athletes Urgently Need Corporate Support And Permanent Jobs

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Soman Rana has highlighted the critical need for increased corporate support and permanent jobs for Indian para-athletes. He stressed that financial security is vital for athletes to focus on training and achieve consistent international success, including at events like the Paralympics and Para Asian Games. His views were echoed by PCI president Devendra Jhajharia and M3M Foundation chairperson Payal Kanodia, who noted the growing recognition and support for the Paralympic movement in India.

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Rewari's Kamaljeet, a 22-year-old pistol shooter, is set to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after an injury ended his athletics dream and he transitioned to shooting in 2019, overcoming financial struggles with strong family and institutional support.

Mehbooba holds national flag upside down during sit-in; legal action likely

Mehbooba holds national flag upside down during sit-in; legal action likely

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is facing potential legal action after she was seen holding the national flag upside down during a protest in Srinagar. The protest was against the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Officials are considering action for violating the Flag Code of India.

Sudharsan, Jurel lead India A charge despite Gaikwad injury scare

Sudharsan, Jurel lead India A charge despite Gaikwad injury scare

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Sai Sudharsan's brilliant 168 and useful contributions from Dhruv Jurel and Saransh Jain helped India A reach 541/8 and take a commanding 175-run lead over Sri Lanka A in the second unofficial Test in Galle.

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur's rapid 56 helped India post 170 for four against Australia in a must-win Women's T20 World Cup match. Despite a strong start from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the middle order struggled for acceleration, leaving Harmanpreet to boost the total in the final overs.

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'It is not because of the war in West Asia, which began on February 28.' 'Petroleum product prices are already going through the roof. They are bound to have a serious inflationary impact.' 'A country's leadership is tested in trying times. It is here that the current leadership is failing.'

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma struck well-timed fifties but regular strikes helped England bundle out India for 285 on the opening day of the one-off women's Test at Lord's on Friday.

IMF Lowers India's FY27 Growth Outlook to 6.4% on Higher Energy Costs

IMF Lowers India's FY27 Growth Outlook to 6.4% on Higher Energy Costs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced India's growth forecast for FY27 to 6.4 per cent, citing the potential impact of higher energy prices offsetting the country's economic resilience. Despite this, India remains among the fastest-growing major economies.

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has called for Shreyas Iyer to assert his authority as captain in international cricket, criticising his tactical decisions in recent T20I losses against Ireland and England. Karim also suggested crucial batting order changes, advocating for Sanju Samson and Suryansh Shedge to be included in the playing XI to address India's struggles with English conditions and middle-order scoring.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

2nd ODI: Joe Root's unbeaten 99 helps England down India, level series 1-1

2nd ODI: Joe Root's unbeaten 99 helps England down India, level series 1-1

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Joe Root anchored England's chase with an unbeaten 99 as the hosts defeated India by four wickets in the second ODI to level the three-match series in Cardiff on Thursday.

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and working to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. Over 52,000 Indians have returned home following the partial opening of airspace.

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Vidarsa K Vinod, a 27-year-old shooter from Kerala, has secured a spot in India's Asian Games squad for the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events, overcoming significant financial hurdles and training setbacks through resilience and family support.

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Delhi's Ridge, encompassing areas like Kamla Nehru Ridge, played a pivotal strategic role during the 1857 Revolt against British rule, with sites like the Flagstaff Tower, Hindu Rao's house, and Pir Ghaib serving as crucial military positions and silent witnesses to the intense fighting.

India's bowling lacks clarity in T20 World Cup: Mithali Raj

India's bowling lacks clarity in T20 World Cup: Mithali Raj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former India captain Mithali Raj has expressed concerns over the Indian women's cricket team's bowling department, citing a lack of "role clarity" ahead of crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches. She believes bowling is India's weakest link, especially with Shreyanka Patil's injury and an out-of-form seam attack, while praising the batting strength led by Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh.

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

From guns to handlooms. From forest trails to a public runway. Women who had once been associated with that conflict walked into the spotlight wearing Bastar's traditional textiles.

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, joined the senior Indian team for the first T20I against Ireland but did not make his debut.

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

From Sanjay Leela Bhansali and S S Rajamouli to Sundar C and Ayan Mukerji, these 15 filmmakers took a wild detour from their comfort zones, with wildly different results.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Virat Kohli creates history with record 30th SENA ODI half-century

Virat Kohli creates history with record 30th SENA ODI half-century

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Virat Kohli has added another landmark to his remarkable ODI career by becoming the Indian batter with the most half-centuries in SENA countries -- South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.

Sensex Climbs 374 Points on Heavyweight Buying, Nifty Ends Flat

Sensex Climbs 374 Points on Heavyweight Buying, Nifty Ends Flat

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Indian stock market indices closed on a mixed note, with the Sensex gaining 374 points driven by buying in Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank, while the Nifty remained flat. This divergence is attributed to a new Closing Auction Session (CAS) mechanism introduced by stock exchanges, impacting market liquidity and price discovery.

Middle East conflict: Indian airlines cancel 278 flights

Middle East conflict: Indian airlines cancel 278 flights

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Due to airspace restrictions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, Indian domestic carriers have cancelled 278 international flights. Some airlines are operating limited services and special flights to assist stranded passengers.

Ireland T20 Whitewash: What Went Wrong For Team India

Ireland T20 Whitewash: What Went Wrong For Team India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian cricket team suffered a surprising 2-0 series whitewash against Ireland in a two-match T20 series in Belfast.

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India's VALORANT esports team has successfully qualified for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 main event in Riyadh, emerging as one of two teams from the Asia regional qualifiers. The team, led by Sagnik Roy, overcame tough competition, including a crucial victory against Hong Kong, to secure their spot in the global tournament featuring a USD 1.5 million prize pool.

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has expressed profound satisfaction with his decision to retire from international cricket, stating he has 'no regrets at all' after giving his '200 per cent' on the field. Rahane also revealed his openness to venturing into coaching or mentorship roles in the future, aiming to share his extensive experience globally.

Sensex, Nifty tank nearly 1% as crude oil prices surge and bank stocks face selling pressure

Sensex, Nifty tank nearly 1% as crude oil prices surge and bank stocks face selling pressure

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled nearly 1 per cent for the third consecutive day, driven by a sharp spike in crude oil prices and significant selling in bank stocks, with Brent crude jumping to USD 95.27 per barrel.

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Prabhsimran Singh credited mentor Yuvraj Singh's tactical guidance and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting's unwavering faith for his growth, saying both played a pivotal role in earning his maiden India T20I call-up.

The Week's OTT Releases: Main Vaapas Aaunga, Governor, Operation Safed Sagar

The Week's OTT Releases: Main Vaapas Aaunga, Governor, Operation Safed Sagar

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Discover the top OTT releases this week, featuring a compelling mix of Hindi dramas like Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga and Manoj Bajpayee's Governor, alongside regional and international titles.

Rahane shares untold story of his bond with Kohli

Rahane shares untold story of his bond with Kohli

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane revealed that Virat Kohli would never share the 'secrets and calculations' behind his masterful white-ball chasing abilities, even with teammates. Rahane also highlighted the strong camaraderie and complementary playing styles that made their Test partnership successful.

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly defended India's decision to purchase Russian crude oil, stating that the country's energy choices are based on cost and availability, and highlighting the West's 'hypocrisy' in criticising India while historically supplying weapons used against it.

Kuldeep Should Be Playing Regularly: Harbhajan

Kuldeep Should Be Playing Regularly: Harbhajan

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

'If I was with the team, I would pick bowlers who I feel can pick wickets and win matches for me with the ball.'

Pujara Tells Retiring Rahane: 'It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you'

Pujara Tells Retiring Rahane: 'It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and Olympic medallist PV Sindhu congratulated Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket.

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from all formats of international cricket, stating that the time is right for him to 'move on' after a career spanning over a decade.

Forex Reserves Climb to $676.24 Billion Amidst Global Volatility

Forex Reserves Climb to $676.24 Billion Amidst Global Volatility

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 1.08 billion to USD 676.237 billion for the week ended July 17, primarily due to a significant rise in foreign currency assets, despite a drop in gold reserves.

'Trump Genuinely Likes India'

'Trump Genuinely Likes India'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'The flip side of this is that he won't hesitate to call out India if he thinks its policies are hurting US economic interests or border US foreign policy goals.'

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

'We may be able to wind back some of the schedule reductions we'd taken in recent months.'

India's Services Sector Growth Hits 17-Month Low Amidst Softer Domestic Demand

India's Services Sector Growth Hits 17-Month Low Amidst Softer Domestic Demand

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's services sector growth experienced a significant slowdown in June, reaching a 17-month low due to challenging market conditions and reduced domestic client interest, as indicated by the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index.