News for 'New Normal'

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and oil companies amidst volatile international oil markets.

Komalika Bari Determined To Revive Olympic Dream After Setbacks

Komalika Bari Determined To Revive Olympic Dream After Setbacks

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Indian archer Komalika Bari, once a rising star, is determined to revive her career and Olympic dream after facing setbacks and a drop in world rankings.

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict action against black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, registering FIRs and seizing hundreds of cylinders to ensure adequate supply for citizens.

Usha Vijayan Dismisses Sabotage Claims, Focuses on UDF Unity

Usha Vijayan Dismisses Sabotage Claims, Focuses on UDF Unity

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

UDF candidate Usha Vijayan addresses allegations of internal sabotage within the Congress party, asserting that such claims will only strengthen the UDF alliance ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

India's Economic Outlook: S&P ups India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.1%

India's Economic Outlook: S&P ups India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.1%

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

S&P Global Ratings has increased India's GDP growth forecast for the next fiscal year to 7.1 per cent, citing private consumption, investment, and exports as key drivers. However, the agency also cautioned that the conflict in the Middle East could strain India's fiscal position due to higher energy prices.

West Asia War Clouds RBI Outlook

West Asia War Clouds RBI Outlook

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Markets will look for clear guidance on how the MPC interprets the uncertainty and what it implies for the future course of monetary policy, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Kerala CM Vijayan Accuses Rahul Gandhi and Congress of Aiding BJP

Kerala CM Vijayan Accuses Rahul Gandhi and Congress of Aiding BJP

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi of acting as the 'B-team' of the BJP, criticising their stance on various issues and alleging a tacit alliance between the two parties.

Italy STUNNED! Bosnia end World Cup hopes again

Italy STUNNED! Bosnia end World Cup hopes again

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Italy's World Cup drought continues after a playoff loss to Bosnia, while the Czech Republic and Sweden secured their spots in the tournament with dramatic victories over Denmark and Poland, respectively.

Highway miracle? 'Brain-dead' woman revives as ambulance hits pothole

Highway miracle? 'Brain-dead' woman revives as ambulance hits pothole

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A woman in Uttar Pradesh, declared brain-dead, showed signs of life after her ambulance hit a pothole. Doctors attribute her recovery to treatment for a suspected toxic bite, not a miracle.

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Revenue collection next financial year may be affected, and, along with this, subsidies on food and fertilisers can go up if the war in West Asia drags for long, according to experts.

Chiraiya Review: Thought-Provoking Yet Inconsistent

Chiraiya Review: Thought-Provoking Yet Inconsistent

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Chiraiya could have been a powerful, hard-hitting series but it ends up feeling scattered and emotionally uneven, observes Divya Nair.

Haryana Government Takes Action Against LPG Black Marketing, Seizes Hundreds of Cylinders

Haryana Government Takes Action Against LPG Black Marketing, Seizes Hundreds of Cylinders

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict measures to combat the black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, registering FIRs and seizing hundreds of cylinders. Officials assure citizens of sufficient LPG supply despite global concerns.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Around one full month of supply is firmly arranged with additional procurement being continuously finalised, and oil companies are successfully delivering over 5 million cylinders every day.

Conrad Sangma Urges Action After Northeast Residents Attacked in Delhi

Conrad Sangma Urges Action After Northeast Residents Attacked in Delhi

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has condemned the alleged assault of two people from Manipur and Assam in Delhi, calling for stringent action against racial bullying.

EPL: Welbeck strikes twice as Brighton hand Liverpool season's 10th defeat

EPL: Welbeck strikes twice as Brighton hand Liverpool season's 10th defeat

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Danny Welbeck scored a goal in each half as Brighton & Hove Albion put a dent in Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes with a deserved 2-1 Premier League victory at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

'No Fuel Shortage, Only Panic'

'No Fuel Shortage, Only Panic'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

'There is no shortage of fuel whatsoever.' 'India is stock surplus as far as petrol and diesel are concerned.'

Gas Cylinder For Rs 10,000. Are You Joking?

Gas Cylinder For Rs 10,000. Are You Joking?

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A disruption in the supply of LPG cylinders caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz is impacting Indian kitchens, leading to restaurant closures, price hikes and a surge in demand for electric cooktops.

Meghalaya CM Briefs Governor on Garo Hills Law and Order

Meghalaya CM Briefs Governor on Garo Hills Law and Order

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma briefed Governor CH Vijayashankar on the law and order situation in the Garo Hills region following recent violence related to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

Meet Atiqa Mir: India's 11-Year-Old F1 Hope

Meet Atiqa Mir: India's 11-Year-Old F1 Hope

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Eleven-year-old Atiqa Mir is exceeding expectations in her first year of karting in Europe, competing in the 12-14 age category and holding her own against older, male competitors.

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The government has introduced a mandatory 25-day gap between LPG cylinder bookings due to supply concerns arising from global disruptions and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This measure aims to prevent hoarding and prioritise essential non-domestic sectors, while domestic LPG production is being increased to mitigate shortages.

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

New business premium of life insurance companies grew 18 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 35,417 crore in February, driven by robust growth at the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) due to a favourable base.

Bumrah called 'fast bowling's Usman Tariq' !!!

Bumrah called 'fast bowling's Usman Tariq' !!!

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Former Pakistani pacer Aaqib Javed has drawn criticism for comparing Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq, despite their vastly different experience and achievements.

NIA Court Denies Elgar Parishad Accused Hany Babu's Travel Request

NIA Court Denies Elgar Parishad Accused Hany Babu's Travel Request

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A special NIA court in Mumbai has denied Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case accused Hany Babu permission to visit Kerala, citing previous similar rejections and readily available medical facilities in Mumbai.

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

Policeman Found Dead in Nadia District, West Bengal

Policeman Found Dead in Nadia District, West Bengal

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

A sub-inspector was found dead at his residence in Nadia district, West Bengal. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

How AI is Deciphering the Secrets of Intricate Kolam Designs

How AI is Deciphering the Secrets of Intricate Kolam Designs

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Researchers have developed an AI algorithm capable of generating intricate 'sikku' kolam patterns, traditionally drawn by hand in South India. This innovative approach transforms a cultural art form into a complex computational challenge, with potential applications in various fields.

AI Algorithm Cracks the Code of Intricate Kolam Art

AI Algorithm Cracks the Code of Intricate Kolam Art

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Researchers have developed an AI algorithm capable of generating intricate 'sikku' kolam patterns, an ancient Indian art form traditionally drawn by hand. The algorithm transforms this cultural practice into a complex computational challenge with potential applications in various technical fields.

'Dhurandhar 2 Will Make 2,000 Crores'

'Dhurandhar 2 Will Make 2,000 Crores'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Ramgopal Varma: 'Even if they think it's a horrible film, it'll do 2,000 crores'.

IPL 2026: Kumble urges Abhishek to emulate Sehwag's balance of aggression and consistency

IPL 2026: Kumble urges Abhishek to emulate Sehwag's balance of aggression and consistency

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Former India captain Anil Kumble advises Abhishek Sharma to balance his aggressive batting style with consistency, drawing parallels with Virender Sehwag's career progression.

LPG Shortage Triggers Small Business Crisis

LPG Shortage Triggers Small Business Crisis

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

'Why are the political leaders saying everything is normal?'

Leakage Or Seepage? Know Your Rights

Leakage Or Seepage? Know Your Rights

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Buyers should understand the distinction between the losses the policy covers, those that need add-ons, and those it excludes.

Indian Athletes Adjust to Indoor Challenges at National Championships

Indian Athletes Adjust to Indoor Challenges at National Championships

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Athletes and officials adjusted to the unfamiliar setting at the inaugural National Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar, with shot putters modifying their techniques and runners adapting to a curvy track.

Iran War Burns India's Exporters: Stranded at Sea, Billed For A War They Never Started

Iran War Burns India's Exporters: Stranded at Sea, Billed For A War They Never Started

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

'Every day the meter is ticking. Like a time bomb.' Shipping giants are billing Indian exporters up to $3,000 per container in war surcharges -- on cargo that sailed before the war began -- as the Strait of Hormuz shuts down.

Stalin Sitting Pretty In Tamil Nadu, But...

Stalin Sitting Pretty In Tamil Nadu, But...

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Tamil Nadu will elect a new government on April 23.
Will the DMK retain power? Can the AIADMK spring a surprise? And what about Vijay's TVK? A Ganesh Nadar surveys the election landscape a day after the Election Commission announced the poll schedule.

How Sugar Metabolism in Brain Tumour Immune Cells Fuels Growth

How Sugar Metabolism in Brain Tumour Immune Cells Fuels Growth

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A new study reveals that immune cells within brain tumours may be manipulating sugar metabolism, specifically breaking down fructose, to suppress immune responses and promote tumour growth. Blocking fructose breakdown in these cells could improve immunotherapy outcomes for glioblastoma patients.

Dhurandhar: Storytelling In The Age Of Restless Viewers

Dhurandhar: Storytelling In The Age Of Restless Viewers

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

If the stories are food for the mind then our digestive system has changed. If they are a piece of art, our gaze has altered. This calls for a change not in stories, but in the grammar of storytelling so that it can cut through the deluge and gluttony and force people to savour, appreciate and re-visit it. That is what the creators of Taskaree or Dhurandhar are trying, points out Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.

Study Reveals How Cells Sense Their Environment Beyond Direct Contact

Study Reveals How Cells Sense Their Environment Beyond Direct Contact

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A new study reveals that human cells, including cancer cells, possess the ability to sense their environment far beyond their immediate point of contact, potentially influencing cell movement and cancer spread.