News for 'Modern India'

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony blending Scottish heritage and a strong message of sustainability. King Charles III declared the Games open, highlighting efforts to combat plastic pollution. The event featured a unique indoor setting, an early athletes' parade including the Indian contingent, and diverse musical and cultural performances, setting a new precedent for the multi-sport event.

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'Saransh is a very keen observer, he wants to keep learning.' 'He has the skills to be a top off-spinner, the way he releases the ball that is very good.' 'He is also mentally tough because he has played so much of domestic cricket.'

Bira 91 Founder Ankur Jain Exits Board, Executive Roles Following Settlement

Bira 91 Founder Ankur Jain Exits Board, Executive Roles Following Settlement

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bira 91 founder Ankur Jain and his family have stepped down from the board and executive positions of B9 Beverages, the parent company, after reaching a settlement with the craft beer maker's lenders and investors.

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Set in the crucial 21 days between 25 July and 14 August 1947, Josy Joseph's upcoming book The Birth of a Nation: The Twenty-One Days That Made India uncovers the dramatic story of how India nearly fragmented into multiple independent states before independence.

Sonakshi Sinha, Jyotika's System Trailer Out: Glimpse Into Justice And Inequality

Sonakshi Sinha, Jyotika's System Trailer Out: Glimpse Into Justice And Inequality

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The trailer for System, a compelling courtroom drama starring Sonakshi Sinha and Jyotika, directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, has been unveiled, promising an intense exploration of justice, privilege, and inequality in modern society.

Dropping Fertility Rates: Chance For India To Be Pandavas

Dropping Fertility Rates: Chance For India To Be Pandavas

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The falling Total Fertility Rate offers India a chance to become the Pandavas -- fewer in number, but each citizen genuinely empowered, educated, and capable of contributing to a civilisation worth building, asserts Amberish K Diwanji.

10 Things That Originated In India

10 Things That Originated In India

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Do you know some of the thoughts, ideas, disciplines and items India has given the world?

Made-in-India drone swarms pass battlefield trial

Made-in-India drone swarms pass battlefield trial

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The autonomous, edge-native drone swarms are capable of continuing operations even when some lose connectivity, run low on battery, or return to base.

'Federer is my favourite; Alcaraz's drop shot reminds me of my short-arm jab': Shubman Gill

'Federer is my favourite; Alcaraz's drop shot reminds me of my short-arm jab': Shubman Gill

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Indian cricketer Shubman Gill draws parallels between Carlos Alcaraz's deceptive drop shot and his own short-arm jab, expressing admiration for Roger Federer and revealing his dream dinner guests.

Rahul Dravid in race for England Test coach job?

Rahul Dravid in race for England Test coach job?

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid is reportedly a contender for the England Test coach position, following Brendon McCullum's removal. Dravid, known for his meticulous approach, is considered an attractive candidate despite his stated preference against full-time coaching. Other prominent names like Andy Flower and Richard Dawson are also in consideration for the role.

Hindu law not based on Manu Smriti: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

Hindu law not based on Manu Smriti: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta elaborated on the origins of Hindu law, stating it emanates from the 'Smritis' and highlighting the two prominent schools of thought, Mitakshara and Dayabhaga. He emphasised the dynamic interpretation possible within Hindu legal texts and the foresight of ancient scholars in formulating concepts like prohibited relationships.

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has urged the United Nations to update its sanctions regime against Afghanistan, arguing that it must reflect the changed political reality and focus on incentivising positive actions rather than solely relying on punitive measures. India highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and development support for the Afghan people.

Wangchuk's health worsens further as fast enters 15th day

Wangchuk's health worsens further as fast enters 15th day

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly on the 15th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is protesting alleged examination irregularities. Wangchuk's blood pressure has dropped and he has lost 7.8 kg, while the protest is drawing support from political leaders and public intellectuals.

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.

Meet the new Tata Sierra, India's fastest EV!

Meet the new Tata Sierra, India's fastest EV!

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

At an aggressive starting price of 18.79 lakh, the Tata Sierra.ev has a real-world range of 510 to 530 km with the 75 kWh battery pack on a single charge while the smaller 63 kWh battery coughs out a real-world range of 440 to 460 km, plus lifetime battery warranty as standard. And with the intelligent Quad-Wheel Drive system pushing out 504 Nm of torque, the EV flies from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, says Rajesh Karkera.

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A lesson for India is to clearly define objectives beforehand, so that the adversary or other parties do not attempt to mitigate them midway.

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's foreign policy establishment is adjusting with alacrity in real time -- an extraordinary spectacle in itself, considering the manifest reluctance to indulge in public diplomacy critical of American moves, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.

INS Mahendragiri Set To Boost Naval Power

INS Mahendragiri Set To Boost Naval Power

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

With over 75 per cent indigenous content, the frigate is among the most self-reliant frontline warships built in India.

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal and is developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while also maintaining focus on its rivalry with Pakistan.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Captain Shahidi Shoulders Afghanistan's Test Hopes Against India

Captain Shahidi Shoulders Afghanistan's Test Hopes Against India

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi is the batting fulcrum around whom Afghanistan's Test ambitions revolve.

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Cyril Radcliffe drew India's border without ever visiting it. Turns out our environmental clearance system learned the same trick -- and the Western Ghats are paying for it, points out Binu Alex.

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'When you are standing for what the Constitution guarantees you, you are not alone.'

Antibiotic Resistance Threatens Safe Surgery

Antibiotic Resistance Threatens Safe Surgery

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'As bacteria become increasingly resistant, preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics is everyone's responsibility.'

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Under the Odisha state premature release policy, prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment become eligible for remission after completing 25 years in prison, subject to recommendations by the Odisha State Sentence Review Board and approval by the state government. Dara Singh has now spent more than 26 years in prison.

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Centre is committed to curbing unnatural demographic growth caused by abnormal factors, such as infiltration, with a ruthless approach and a quadrangular security grid has been created for the purpose, transforming India's approach from reactive to proactive.

India: World's Biggest Plastic Polluter

India: World's Biggest Plastic Polluter

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, nearly 20 per cent of the world's total.

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A Solapur court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Pandharpur temple committee from applying a chemical protective coating on the idol of Lord Vitthal. The decision came after devotees argued that modern chemicals violate religious traditions, while the committee cited preservation needs ahead of the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. The court emphasised the idol's ownership by devotees and the lack of immediate emergency for the controversial coating.

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Vijaya Mehta, a pioneering figure in modern Indian theatre and cinema, has passed away at the age of 91.

What Does Karwa Chauth Mean To Modern India?

What Does Karwa Chauth Mean To Modern India?

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

What do modern Indian women think about Karwa Chauth? Rediff.com speaks to two young working women who express their views on celebrating the festival.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

Assam's Bihmari Bongaon Village Gets Electricity After 78 Years

Assam's Bihmari Bongaon Village Gets Electricity After 78 Years

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

After 78 years of living with kerosene lamps, the remote village of Bihmari Bongaon in Assam has finally received electricity, marking a significant transformation for its residents and opening new opportunities for education and comfort.

India ready for 'Operation Sindoor 2.0' if...: Army Chief:

India ready for 'Operation Sindoor 2.0' if...: Army Chief:

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the armed forces are fully prepared for 'Operation Sindoor 2.0' if the need arises, emphasising enhanced synergy across all three services for modern multi-domain warfare.

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian government has allocated an additional 2 million tonnes of surplus broken rice from FCI stocks for its ethanol blending programme, while simultaneously issuing a detailed rebuttal to widespread misinformation regarding the E20 fuel, addressing concerns from water consumption to engine damage and environmental impact.

Itel Aqua Debuts In India With IP67 Rating

Itel Aqua Debuts In India With IP67 Rating

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The India-manufactured Itel Aqua is a tough, everyman phone at a very economical price.

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that any attempts to undermine India's sovereignty through 'threats of sanctions' would 'boomerang immediately' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting India's sovereign decision-making and strong national interests.

Pakistan Hockey Federation To Revamp Structure After FIH Pro League Debacle

Pakistan Hockey Federation To Revamp Structure After FIH Pro League Debacle

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is undertaking a significant restructuring of its national hockey programme following a dismal performance in the FIH Pro League, where the team failed to win any matches, including two losses to India. The PHF plans to hire foreign coaches and trainers from countries like Australia, Netherlands, or Germany to develop players at all levels and modernise the sport in Pakistan.