News for 'NEEDS'

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal's childhood coach, Mohammad Naseeruddin, revealed the rigorous training regimen the cricketer underwent, including practising with Kookaburra balls on turning pitches, to prepare for the Sri Lankan spin attack ahead of the Test series.

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi's biggest strength lies in his ability to force top batters into errors while defending, rather than relying on raw pace.

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.

Kuldeep Yadav rested in warm-up due to workload, says India's spin coach

Kuldeep Yadav rested in warm-up due to workload, says India's spin coach

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that Kuldeep Yadav's absence from bowling in the second innings of the warm-up game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI was a precautionary measure to assess his body after a significant workload, allaying fitness concerns.

WTC 2027 Final: India Face Crucial Series In Sri Lanka

WTC 2027 Final: India Face Crucial Series In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Two-time finalists India are placed fifth and face a challenging path to secure a top-two finish.

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem reveals why he struggled in Glasgow

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem reveals why he struggled in Glasgow

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem has expressed his disappointment over social media criticism following his poor performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He attributed his ninth-place finish to the extremely cold weather affecting his javelin throws and affirmed his commitment to return to winning form, stressing his grounded nature despite fame.

Vedika Pinto Looks So Captivating!

Vedika Pinto Looks So Captivating!

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Vedika Pinto may have everyone talking thanks to her performance in Musafir Cafe, but anyone who's been following her Instagram knows she's been serving main-character moments long before Netflix came calling.

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Protesting aspirants in Jharkhand have vowed to continue their agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment exams, despite talks with a five-member government panel. The protesters, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto who is on a fast, demand the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into irregularities.

SC to review Nandan Nilekani panel's suggestions on NEET

SC to review Nandan Nilekani panel's suggestions on NEET

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has stated it will consider the recommendations of the Nandan Nilekani-led task force regarding the online conduct of the NEET examination, emphasising the need for additional safeguards in cybersecurity and database protection. This follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam due to an alleged paper leak and subsequent re-test.

Sneha Singh Overcomes Late Drama To Win Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour

Sneha Singh Overcomes Late Drama To Win Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Indian golfer Sneha Singh secured a dramatic victory at the 11th Leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour in Hosur, overcoming a significant lead squandered in the final round to defeat Vani Kapoor in a play-off. This win ends her 18-month title drought.

How did an overweight player clear BCCI fitness test?

How did an overweight player clear BCCI fitness test?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The BCCI's fitness monitoring system is under scrutiny after pacer Harshit Rana was found overweight despite being cleared for selection for the England tour. This incident, coupled with other player injuries, has prompted the board to introduce stricter, uniform fitness benchmarks, including a fixed Bronco Test standard, to address inconsistencies and improve player fitness assessment.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned the literature of terrorist organisations such as Islamic State, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda (AQIS), citing its content glorifying violent extremism, promoting radicalisation, and providing information on bomb-making and lone-wolf attacks.

Israel doesn't need US aid, says Netanyahu, rejects Palestinian State

Israel doesn't need US aid, says Netanyahu, rejects Palestinian State

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a significant policy shift, declaring that Israel's robust economy no longer requires American financial assistance. He also reiterated strong opposition to Palestinian statehood, affirmed an aggressive national defence strategy, warned of pre-emptive strikes against Iran, and confirmed the continued military presence in southern Lebanon.

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan secured their first away Test win in three years, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in Port of Spain to level the series 1-1 and end an eight-match losing streak away from home.

Nandan Nilekani: Why Small Businesses Will Drive India's Job Growth

Nandan Nilekani: Why Small Businesses Will Drive India's Job Growth

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani predicts that large corporations in India will lose jobs due to automation and AI, while millions of small businesses will drive future employment growth. He advocates for deregulation, simplified business interfaces, and digital platforms to support small entrepreneurs and a gig economy workforce.

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has denied interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting a minor. While rejecting his plea for bail on health grounds for now, the court permitted him to engage a trained caretaker for round-the-clock assistance. The court noted that Asaram's counsel had previously moved for parole, and his health condition will be monitored.

Sai Sudharsan Misses India's Departure To Sri Lanka, Recovery Underway at CoE

Sai Sudharsan Misses India's Departure To Sri Lanka, Recovery Underway at CoE

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has not joined the Indian team in Colombo for their two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury. He is undergoing recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, with his availability for the series to be decided in the coming days.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

Taslima backs UCC in India, Bangladesh, Pak to end bias against women

Taslima backs UCC in India, Bangladesh, Pak to end bias against women

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has strongly advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, citing its importance in eliminating discrimination, especially against women. Her remarks come as the West Bengal government examines a draft UCC. Nasreen also expressed dismay over a disruption at her felicitation ceremony in Kolkata, where poet Joy Goswami was prevented from speaking.

Jasprit Bumrah Fit To Lead India's Pace Attack In Sri Lanka

Jasprit Bumrah Fit To Lead India's Pace Attack In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has received clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence to participate in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Bumrah had been recovering from an impact injury sustained during the recent ODI series against England, which forced him to miss the third ODI. His return is crucial for India's World Test Championship aspirations.

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'People don't like leaders who just crib and complain without offering a clear objective.' 'Theoretically and pragmatically, Rahul has to show an agenda beyond bad-mouthing Mr Modi on economic policies, foreign policy...'

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'Applying AI to change the lives of Indians and at population scale -- just like we did with DPI [digital public infrastructure] -- is really where it's going to go.'

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.

Super.money Unveils SplitStore For Gen Z Buyers

Super.money Unveils SplitStore For Gen Z Buyers

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Flipkart-backed Scapic Innovations, operating as super.money, has launched splitStore, a credit-linked e-commerce platform targeting Gen Z. It allows customers to split payments into interest-free installments, with the goal of contributing 20% to total revenue by December and transforming how India shops by providing instant access to products for new-to-credit users.

Didn't Expect To Win Title, Tanvi Sharma Says After Taipei Open Win

Didn't Expect To Win Title, Tanvi Sharma Says After Taipei Open Win

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Indian badminton prodigy Tanvi Sharma, 17, secured her first BWF World Tour title by defeating Vietnam's Thuy Linh Nguyen in straight games at the Taipei Open Super 300, becoming the youngest champion in the tournament's history.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has responded to social media criticism following his disappointing ninth-place finish at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Nadeem attributed his poor performance to the extremely cold weather, which stiffened his muscles and hindered his throws. He emphasised his commitment to his country and his grounded nature, expressing confidence in his ability to return to winning form at the upcoming Athletissima event.

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

GDN has a fascinating genius at its centre, but Madhavan's terrific performance is let down by a repetitive, overly familiar biopic treatment.

RBI extends loan recovery norms implementation to 2027, eases some rules

RBI extends loan recovery norms implementation to 2027, eases some rules

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the implementation date for its revised loan recovery and agent engagement directions to January 1, 2027, from the previously proposed October 1, 2026, following stakeholder feedback.

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers, published in Nature Communications, reveals that urban growth patterns significantly influence future cooling demand in cities. The research highlights that a city's "thermal memory," shaped by decades of development decisions, impacts its heat burden and energy requirements, independent of global temperature rises. The study analysed 88 Indian cities and a global sample of 52 cities over two decades.

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has rejected a CNN report claiming that the Pentagon's missile defence stockpiles have fallen to 'dangerously low levels' amid the conflict with Iran.

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said protest is a legitimate form of dialogue in a democracy and should be aimed at building consensus rather than creating divisions.

Ram temple theft: Accused's wife gets fresh document deadline

Ram temple theft: Accused's wife gets fresh document deadline

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has granted Supriya Mishra, wife of Luv Kush Mishra, who is accused in the Ram temple donation case, an additional week to provide documents for a house in her name that is under construction in Ayodhya's Saadatganj area, the police said.

6 Couple Lessons: Why Zendaya And Tom Holland Are So Amazing

6 Couple Lessons: Why Zendaya And Tom Holland Are So Amazing

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

In a world where celebrity relationships often play out on social media, Tom Holland and Zendaya have quietly built one of Hollywood's most-loved romances.

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India's CFO, Arnab Roy, has urged the central government to introduce an amnesty scheme or an 'as-is' settlement option to resolve past indirect tax disputes, aiming to clear legacy litigation and foster growth in the automotive industry. Roy emphasised the need for a 'smarter way to address the past' to provide long-term certainty for businesses.

How AI Is Set To Revolutionise India's Power Generation By 2030

How AI Is Set To Revolutionise India's Power Generation By 2030

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by The Energy & Climate Initiative Society (ENCIS) predicts that AI adoption in India's power generation sector will surge from 35% to 65% by 2030, becoming a core operational capability. The study highlights that nearly seven out of ten professionals see power generation as offering the best opportunity for efficiency gains through AI, driven by India's expanding digital infrastructure and significant investments from energy giants. Predictive asset management and proactive maintenance are identified as key areas for AI application, with efficiency being the primary driver for AI investments.

Marnus Labuschagne 'Optimistic' for Bangladesh Tests, Aims to Regain Form

Marnus Labuschagne 'Optimistic' for Bangladesh Tests, Aims to Regain Form

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne is 'extremely optimistic and well-prepared' for the upcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, believing that runs will flow if he trusts his game, despite a recent drought of Test centuries.

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Gujarat government has imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. Citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers and the dairy sector, the decision follows detections of substandard artificial dairy products during inspections. Legal action will be taken against violators.