News for 'Reading India'

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's private sector activity saw a significant recovery in April, driven primarily by robust growth in manufacturing output and sales, following a three-year low in March attributed to the West Asia conflict.

The Rediff Podcast: Ajit Balakrishnan: The Man Who Put India On The Web

The Rediff Podcast: Ajit Balakrishnan: The Man Who Put India On The Web

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Technology doesn't decide its destiny-humans do. We choose whether it becomes a weapon or a tool for progress.' 'Every breakthrough looks like a miracle at first, a disappointment later -- and finally, just another useful tool.'

Jobs, Gates & Me: Silicon Valley Dhurandhar Kanwal Rekhi's Memoirs

Jobs, Gates & Me: Silicon Valley Dhurandhar Kanwal Rekhi's Memoirs

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kanwal Rekhi is a peaceful techie who ardently believes in competitive market economics and democracy, despite the trauma his family suffered during Partition and his narrow escape from violent mobs in 1984.

India flags maritime security, energy concerns at UK-led West Asia meet

India flags maritime security, energy concerns at UK-led West Asia meet

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday participated in a high-level meeting hosted by the United Kingdom on the evolving situation in West Asia, underlining concerns over maritime security, energy supply disruptions and the need for diplomatic de-escalation.

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The central bank is yet to consider actions such as a rate hike or mobilising dollar inflows from non-resident Indians to boost forex reserves as it cannot afford to continue with them for long when the rupee's internationalisation tops its agenda, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Auqib Nabi eyes India call-up after bagging big bucks at IPL auction

Auqib Nabi eyes India call-up after bagging big bucks at IPL auction

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Jammu and Kashmir's Auqib Nabi discusses his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals and his ambition to represent India on the international stage.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

'Trump mulled nuclear weapon option during Iran tensions, but was stopped'

'Trump mulled nuclear weapon option during Iran tensions, but was stopped'

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Former CIA Analyst, Larry Johnson, said on Friday that US President Donald Trump asked US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Dan Caine, if they could use the nuclear weapons, but the latter denied.

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21, with plans to transition to a computer-based test from next year. This decision follows allegations of irregularities in the original exam, prompting strict action and a commitment to ensuring fairness for students.

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, tumbled nearly 2 per cent for the fourth consecutive session, driven by elevated crude oil prices, escalating US-Iran tensions, unabated foreign fund outflows, and a depreciating rupee.

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, tumbled nearly 2 per cent for the fourth consecutive session, driven by elevated crude oil prices, escalating US-Iran tensions, unabated foreign fund outflows, and a depreciating rupee.

Karnataka Congress MLA Disqualified Following Murder Conviction

Karnataka Congress MLA Disqualified Following Murder Conviction

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has officially disqualified Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni after his conviction in the murder case of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. Kulkarni is currently serving a life sentence.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

'I Never Told Anyone I Had Cancer'

'I Never Told Anyone I Had Cancer'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

'I didn't tell anyone in the film industry. I used to think people might assume that if he has cancer, he might die, and they would probably not offer me any work. So I didn't tell anyone.'

Mercedes says demand stays strong despite supply disruptions

Mercedes says demand stays strong despite supply disruptions

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Despite the ongoing West Asia conflict causing global trade route disruptions, Mercedes-Benz India reports resilient customer demand, particularly for its new electric CLA sedan, though it faces challenges with component supply delays and escalating shipping costs.

Mother's Day: 10 Simple Rules To Live By

Mother's Day: 10 Simple Rules To Live By

Rediff.com10 May 2026

This Mother's Day, Aditi Govitrikar, actor, supermodel, wellness expert and India's first Mrs World encourages all women to prioritise themselves and embrace self-care without guilt.

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar at a swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal. Sarkar, 98, is an early grassroots figure associated with the nationalist movement. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister after defeating Mamata Banerjee.

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

Mohammed Shami opens up about retirement, questions India snub

Mohammed Shami opens up about retirement, questions India snub

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Mohammed Shami says he will retire only when "bored", questions India snub and lack of clarity after strong domestic form and return to fitness.

Exit Iran 'Expeditiously': India Issues Fresh Advisory

Exit Iran 'Expeditiously': India Issues Fresh Advisory

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The embassy also said that the exit must be undertaken in coordination with the mission.

Tesla throws down the gauntlet with the Model Y L

Tesla throws down the gauntlet with the Model Y L

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Tesla's Model Y L signals a serious push to disrupt India's luxury EV market with more space, power, and aggressive pricing. Priced just 2 lakh above the standard version, it undercuts expectations significantly.

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

Rediff.com15 May 2026

'22 students are fighting over 35,000 seats. In that situation, when someone tells a desperate parent there is a shortcut, and the shortcut costs Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh versus Rs 1.5 crore -- the maths is seductive.'

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'...appearing culturally coercive or administratively vindictive.' 'If it governs as a conquering force, resistance will build.'

Variations very important for bowlers in T20 cricket: Prasidh Krishna

Variations very important for bowlers in T20 cricket: Prasidh Krishna

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Gujarat Titans pacer Prasidh Krishna discusses the importance of bowlers developing variations to combat the dominance of batters in the high-scoring environment of T20 cricket, emphasising the need for adaptability and skill execution.

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, accompanied by party leaders, met with the Communist Party of India leaders at the CPI office in Chennai on Thursday, to garner the support for making goverment in Tamil Nadu.

Electric Motorcycles Gain Traction, But Scaling Remains A Challenge

Electric Motorcycles Gain Traction, But Scaling Remains A Challenge

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

India's electric motorcycle market is experiencing significant growth, with a 28 per cent year-on-year increase in volumes, as new product launches and improved total cost of ownership attract a broader base of riders beyond early adopters.

Mammootty: The Superstar Who Turned Flaws Into Firepower

Mammootty: The Superstar Who Turned Flaws Into Firepower

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Mammootty's greatness lies not in hiding his flaws, but in turning them into his most powerful acting tools, observes Sreehari Nair.

'Whole World Is Waiting To Watch Ramayana'

'Whole World Is Waiting To Watch Ramayana'

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Actor Aadinath Kothare, set to appear as Bharat in Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated Ramayana, believes the film is a game-changer for Indian cinema on the global stage.

MP challenges validity of 1935 princely order in Bhojshala case

MP challenges validity of 1935 princely order in Bhojshala case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has challenged the legal validity of a 1935 order from the former Dhar princely state concerning the religious status of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque, arguing it cannot be considered law.

Still Want To Buy Gold? 5 Tips To Reduce Your Cost

Still Want To Buy Gold? 5 Tips To Reduce Your Cost

Rediff.com15 May 2026

With duties at 15%, GST at 3%, and making charges running as high as 20% -- the gap between a smart purchase and a careless one can easily be Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 on every Rs 1 lakh invested. And most of that gap is entirely avoidable. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains the math.

Should You Fall In Developers' Flexible Payments Trap?

Should You Fall In Developers' Flexible Payments Trap?

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Deferred payment plans may come with a cost, which may not be immediately visible.

Is The Tata Legacy Losing Its Shine?

Is The Tata Legacy Losing Its Shine?

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Three disappointing experiences with Tata companies made me question whether the group's historic values of customer focus and accountability are slowly fading, notes Dr N Ravichandran.

Ashwin reveals Dhoni was 'annoyed' by his wild celebration

Ashwin reveals Dhoni was 'annoyed' by his wild celebration

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that his excessive celebration after dismissing Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Challenger Trophy early in his career had annoyed the iconic former captain. Ashwin believed that dismissing Dhoni could give him a chance to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

India now has two strong men's singles players in Ayush and Lakshya: Vimal Kumar

India now has two strong men's singles players in Ayush and Lakshya: Vimal Kumar

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

India's Ayush Shetty secured a spot in the Badminton Asia Championships final after defeating top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a thrilling three-game match.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

At Border Pillar 609 at Babliyan near Jaisalmer, the one thing that dominates the landscape is something entirely different, something central to our identity -- the Tiranga -- flying boldly above the blazing desert.

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

Rediff.com8 May 2026

As Vijay prepares for his next innings as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he would do well to learn from the life lessons of NTR.

NEET-UG 2006 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

NEET-UG 2006 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'

NEET-UG 2026 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

NEET-UG 2026 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'