News for 'Nations'

Putin to brief Modi on Ukraine war at New Delhi summit

Putin to brief Modi on Ukraine war at New Delhi summit

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to India for the BRICS summit, Russia has expressed support for New Delhi's peace initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Discussions between Putin and PM Modi will cover defence, energy, technology, and the repatriation of Indian nationals from the Russian military, alongside addressing trade and investment ties.

Sri Lanka set to lose $20 million after ICC snub

Sri Lanka set to lose $20 million after ICC snub

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket is set to lose an estimated USD 20 million in revenue after the ICC stripped it of the hosting rights for the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy.

NSE IPO likely to open on Sep 18, list on Sep 25

NSE IPO likely to open on Sep 18, list on Sep 25

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The National Stock Exchange's initial public offering (IPO), expected to raise around Rs 30,000 crore, is likely to open for public subscription on September 18 and list on September 25, potentially becoming India's largest IPO.

Regulatory Changes Trigger 23% Drop in Derivatives Trading Volumes

Regulatory Changes Trigger 23% Drop in Derivatives Trading Volumes

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's derivatives market experienced a significant 23 per cent fall in average daily contracts traded in August, reaching a 13-month low of 224 million. This decline is primarily attributed to regulatory changes, including a higher securities transaction tax (STT) and enhanced collateral requirements, alongside the introduction of a closing auction session.

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has voiced concerns that the government's new 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 could reverse the progress of digital payment adoption among small retailers. This fee, effective October 15, places the burden on merchants operating on thin margins, potentially pushing them back to cash transactions and undermining the government's formalisation agenda, especially ahead of the festive season.

Indian Olympic Association Set To Approve Key Constitutional Changes

Indian Olympic Association Set To Approve Key Constitutional Changes

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is poised to approve significant constitutional amendments to comply with the National Sports Governance Act 2025. These changes, already endorsed by the executive committee, will be formalised at a Special General Body Meeting. Key areas of reform include age and tenure guidelines for office bearers, which differ from the existing IOA rules, and a potential reduction in the Executive Committee's size. The General House will also discuss the upcoming December elections.

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

High Court Calls For Fairer WFI Maternity Policy For Athletes

High Court Calls For Fairer WFI Maternity Policy For Athletes

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has urged the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to establish clear guidelines and timelines for female athletes returning to competitive sports after maternity leave. The court's observations came during a hearing for grappler Vinesh Phogat, who is seeking permission to participate in selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships after her maternity break. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma highlighted the unfairness faced by women athletes post-childbirth and criticised the WFI's current policies, hinting at the need for a balanced framework.

Sandeshkhali violence: BJP worker's remains exhumed after court order

Sandeshkhali violence: BJP worker's remains exhumed after court order

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Skeletal remains of a BJP worker, Astik Chandra Das, allegedly killed in post-poll violence in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali in 2021, have been exhumed following a court order. His family claims he was assaulted by TMC supporters, denied medical help, and forced to bury the body without a post-mortem. The exhumation was conducted for forensic examination to determine the cause of death, with the family seeking a CBI probe.

Cyber attack behind disruptions at UK's airports?

Cyber attack behind disruptions at UK's airports?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has ruled out a cyberattack as the cause of the recent massive disruption across UK airports, which led to thousands of flight cancellations and affected tens of thousands of passengers, including those on flights to and from India. An investigation is underway, and the incident marks the third major air traffic collapse under the current CEO's tenure.

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that adults, including those in non-heterosexual relationships, should be allowed to nominate partners for medical decision-making in cases of incapacity. This submission comes in response to a petition seeking recognition of same-sex partners as medical representatives, with the government stating this approach aligns with existing legal and ethical frameworks, respecting patient autonomy and ensuring continuity of care.

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Major General Faisal Naseer, infamously dubbed 'Dirty Harry' for his controversial tenure in the ISI, has been appointed national co-ordinator of Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Authority.

Key Weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Misses Asian Games Due To Knee Injury

Key Weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Misses Asian Games Due To Knee Injury

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Commonwealth silver medallist Rishikanta Singh, India's only male weightlifter in the Asian Games squad, has been ruled out of the upcoming continental event due to a knee injury, leaving the team with only four female lifters.

Sitharaman Slams 'Naraz Foofa Jis' Questioning India's Growth

Sitharaman Slams 'Naraz Foofa Jis' Questioning India's Growth

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised commentators who express pessimism about India's demographic dividend, asserting that the country's youth are actively driving economic growth and innovation. She also highlighted the dual nature of AI and the need for robust safeguards in emerging technologies like quantum computing to balance innovation with safety.

Ribhav Saroha to lead India at Junior Davis Cup Finals

Ribhav Saroha to lead India at Junior Davis Cup Finals

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

India's Under-16 tennis star Ribhav Saroha will captain the national team at the upcoming junior Davis Cup Finals in Cairo, Egypt. The team, also featuring Hruthik Katakam and Tavish Pahwa, will compete against top international sides from November 2 to 8.

7 Scams That Can Empty Your Bank Account

7 Scams That Can Empty Your Bank Account

Rediff.com7 days ago

A frozen phone screen, a fake customer-care call, a screen-sharing request or even a duplicate SIM can give cybercriminals a route into your bank account.

Ramdev's associate Balkrishna acquitted in 15-year-old forged documents case

Ramdev's associate Balkrishna acquitted in 15-year-old forged documents case

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A CBI court in Dehradun has acquitted Acharya Balkrishna, general secretary of Patanjali Yogpeeth, in a 15-year-old passport forgery case. Co-accused Naresh Chandra Dwivedi was also acquitted. The case, initiated in 2011 by the CBI, alleged Balkrishna obtained an Indian passport using forged documents, claiming he was a Nepali national.

How India Is Investing Over Rs 700 Crore To Boost Asian Games Medal Prospects

How India Is Investing Over Rs 700 Crore To Boost Asian Games Medal Prospects

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Sports Ministry has invested over Rs 702 crore in the last three years to prepare Indian athletes for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, featuring 310 debutants.

Sourav Ganguly defends Shami, optimistic about Ishan Kishan's Test return

Sourav Ganguly defends Shami, optimistic about Ishan Kishan's Test return

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former captain Sourav Ganguly defends veteran pacer Mohammed Shami against claims of neglect by selectors, praising his domestic performances. Ganguly also expresses optimism about Ishan Kishan's potential return to Test cricket, highlighting his strong form in recent domestic finals.

Panel To Decide UPI Charges Above Rs 2,000 For Merchants

Panel To Decide UPI Charges Above Rs 2,000 For Merchants

Rediff.com7 days ago

A high-level committee, including representatives from banks and payment associations, is set to decide on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants. While person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions up to Rs 2,000 remain free, the move follows a recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, sparking debate and clarification from the Finance Minister that only certain high-value merchant transactions might incur charges.

Sports Minister Inspires Indian Athletes For Asian Games Success

Sports Minister Inspires Indian Athletes For Asian Games Success

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games, urging them to perform under pressure and continue the nation's impressive medal growth. He highlighted India's significant increase in medal tally from 2014 to 2023, attributing it to an improved sports ecosystem, and expressed confidence in the 503-member squad's potential.

Kadowaki-Fleming to captain Japan in one-off T20 International vs India

Kadowaki-Fleming to captain Japan in one-off T20 International vs India

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Japan's national cricket team, led by Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, will play a historic one-off T20 International against India on September 22 in Sano.

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian and Chinese armies held their first high-level commanders' flag talks in the Arunachal Pradesh sector, following Special Representatives dialogue. These talks, aimed at maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control, occurred amidst reports of aggressive military posturing and just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit.

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

Rediff.com6 days ago

India is making a significant push to establish itself as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, driven by strategic investments and policy support. The upcoming SEMICON India 2026 event will showcase the country's advancements and ambitions in this critical industry, which underpins virtually all modern electronic devices and has faced global supply chain vulnerabilities.

Asian Games Participants Face Strict Safeguarding Code Of Conduct

Asian Games Participants Face Strict Safeguarding Code Of Conduct

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has implemented a stringent Safeguarding Code of Conduct for athletes and officials participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The code prohibits inappropriate relationships, degrading language, and harassment, with violations leading to severe penalties including suspension. It also addresses social media use and places special emphasis on protecting minor athletes.

India-Afghanistan cricketing bond celebrated at 'Koh-E-Zafar'

India-Afghanistan cricketing bond celebrated at 'Koh-E-Zafar'

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Afghanistan Cricket Board hosted 'Koh-E-Zafar' in New Delhi to celebrate the strong cricketing friendship between India and Afghanistan.

NSE IPO size likely to shrink to Rs 25,000-27,000 crore as shareholders pull back from OFS

NSE IPO size likely to shrink to Rs 25,000-27,000 crore as shareholders pull back from OFS

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The National Stock Exchange's (NSE) initial public offering (IPO) is expected to shrink in size to Rs 25,000-27,000 crore, down from an earlier estimate of Rs 30,000 crore, as some shareholders are reducing their offer for sale (OFS) stake.

Internal Rift: Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey Strips DG Of All Powers

Internal Rift: Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey Strips DG Of All Powers

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has served a legal notice to Director General Cdr RK Srivastava, immediately stripping him of all powers. The move comes amidst an internal rift, with Tirkey citing the need to maintain discipline, accountability, and smooth functioning within the organisation. Srivastava has been directed to hand over all operational charge and official documents.

Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Backs Down On Asian Games Row

Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Backs Down On Asian Games Row

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has accepted the national federation's decision to drop her from the Asian Games squad due to an ACL tear.

UK sanctions West Bank settlers, Israel shuts British consulate

UK sanctions West Bank settlers, Israel shuts British consulate

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The UK has announced a comprehensive sanctions regime against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, banning the import of goods and targeting entities involved in settlement expansion. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned the "ethnic cleansing of Palestinians" and highlighted international support for the UK's stance, while Israel reacted strongly with counter-measures.

Davis Cup: India Prepares To Counter Korea's Home Court Advantage

Davis Cup: India Prepares To Counter Korea's Home Court Advantage

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's singles players Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh face challenging conditions in their Davis Cup Qualifier Round 2 tie against South Korea. The hosts have prepared a slow, low-bounce court with heavy balls to negate India's strengths. Captain Rohit Rajpal is confident in the team's ability to adapt and strategize, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and exposing younger players to high-pressure situations.

Tennis and military service: Korea's players face tough choice

Tennis and military service: Korea's players face tough choice

Rediff.com6 days ago

South Korean male professional tennis players face a unique challenge: mandatory military service, which interrupts their careers for 18 months. This article explores how players like Seong-chan Hong, Hyeon Chung, and Soonwoo Kwon adapt to this obligation, with some earning exemptions through sporting achievements while others navigate a return to the professional circuit after their service.

Cong questions all-vegetarian menu at BRICS gala dinner

Cong questions all-vegetarian menu at BRICS gala dinner

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The Congress party criticised the all-vegetarian menu served at the BRICS Summit gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Rahul Gandhi highlighting that 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. The party accused the BJP government of imposing its dietary preferences and questioned why India's diverse culinary culture was not showcased.

Dhiraj's historic gold sparks Asian Games medal hopes

Dhiraj's historic gold sparks Asian Games medal hopes

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's first Archery World Cup Final male gold-medallist, Dhiraj Bommadevara, has inspired the national team ahead of the Asian Games. Dola Banerjee, India's first World Cup Final gold-medallist, believes his triumph will boost confidence and help the team surpass its previous medal haul, despite a new-look squad.

Tanvi Patri beats Shaina Manimuthu, adds Asian U-17 crown to rising trophy cabinet

Tanvi Patri beats Shaina Manimuthu, adds Asian U-17 crown to rising trophy cabinet

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Tanvi Patri overcame compatriot Shaina Manimuthu in a three-game final to clinch the Asian U-17 title, adding another major trophy to her breakthrough 2026 season.

ED Director Navin Orders Stepped-Up Action Against IBC Fraud And Police FIR Delays

ED Director Navin Orders Stepped-Up Action Against IBC Fraud And Police FIR Delays

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director, Rahul Navin, has issued directives to intensify action against Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) frauds involving "large haircuts" and to address delays in police registering FIRs based on ED's requests. The agency also aims to fast-track high-profile trials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and enhance internal coordination and efficiency.

Nepal floods: 275 Indians remain missing

Nepal floods: 275 Indians remain missing

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 275 Indians remain missing following devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, while 166 others have been rescued. India has supplied 95 tonnes of relief material and deployed 54 personnel, including rescue and forensic experts, to assist Nepal. The death toll in Nepal has reached 1,295, with thousands still missing, and significant infrastructure damage reported. India has also highlighted the need for developed countries to lead in climate change action.

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Rediff.com7 days ago

China has called for stronger global governance of artificial intelligence, advocating for international cooperation to develop the technology for humanity's benefit while preventing it from getting out of control. This comes amidst warnings from leading AI researchers in the US about potential existential risks, with China emphasizing both rapid development and robust safeguards, including its new AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0. The issue is expected to be a key topic in upcoming US-China talks.

Family feud erupts over Hanuman Ansh saint's ancestral home

Family feud erupts over Hanuman Ansh saint's ancestral home

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A dispute has emerged over the ancestral home of 20th-century Hindu saint Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj in Akbarpur village, Uttar Pradesh. Six granddaughters have filed a complaint alleging illegal occupation by a Trust headed by their aunt, prompting the district administration to form an inquiry committee. The property, also a tourist attraction, is at the centre of a family feud following a recent incident where the granddaughters were allegedly denied lodging.

Satya Niketan collapse: Student bodies demand immediate safety audit

Satya Niketan collapse: Student bodies demand immediate safety audit

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

A building collapse in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University, has prompted student and teacher organisations to demand a comprehensive safety audit of paying guest accommodations across the city. The incident has highlighted concerns over structural compliance, fire safety, illegal constructions, and inadequate living conditions for students.