News for 'Stage'

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development initiatives in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, concluded after police cleared the agitation site and dispersed protesters. While police denied arrests, protesters alleged their leader, Amit Bhatnagar, was detained amidst claims of project irregularities and corruption. The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.

'Don't waste our time': SC refuses urgent hearing on police action at CJP protest

'Don't waste our time': SC refuses urgent hearing on police action at CJP protest

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court refused an urgent hearing for a plea challenging police action against students during a protest march in Delhi. The Chief Justice of India declined to review video evidence of alleged police brutality, stating the court was not interested in watching videos. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, saw thousands of students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, leading to clashes with security personnel.

FIFA WC Final: Fans come out in numbers as Messi sets milestone

FIFA WC Final: Fans come out in numbers as Messi sets milestone

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, while Spain's Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player ever to start the tournament's showpiece match, highlighting a generational clash.

Shreyas Iyer Expresses Confidence Ahead Of Zimbabwe T20I Series

Shreyas Iyer Expresses Confidence Ahead Of Zimbabwe T20I Series

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer has expressed confidence in the team's preparations ahead of the T20I series against Zimbabwe, aiming for his first series win as captain. The tour is seen as a crucial opportunity for the team to acclimatise and perform, with young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma also in the spotlight.

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

Rediff.com14 hours ago

The Supreme Court has issued interim directions regarding nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, ordering the release of minor student protesters without criminal records and directing states to preserve all digital evidence. The court also called for a fair and independent investigation into allegations of police excesses against students, while also acknowledging concerns for injured police personnel.

'They first said they were doctors and took Sonam Wangchuk away'

'They first said they were doctors and took Sonam Wangchuk away'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Amidst escalating tensions at Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike, sparking widespread protests from supporters.

India vs England: Gill opens up on India's costly middle-order collapse

India vs England: Gill opens up on India's costly middle-order collapse

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Joe Root's patient, unbeaten 99 anchored England's chase of 234 against India, securing a four-wicket victory and levelling the three-match ODI series 1-1. India captain Shubman Gill attributed his side's defeat to a middle-order collapse, which saw them slump from 178 for 3 to 193 for 7.

VS Rathanvel secures Grandmaster title as India nears historic 100th GM mark

VS Rathanvel secures Grandmaster title as India nears historic 100th GM mark

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

V S Rathanvel has become India's 99th Grandmaster, fulfilling a five-year dream after crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026. His achievement brings India closer to the landmark 100th GM milestone, marking a significant moment for Indian chess.

'Leave Abhishek's hand': Madan Mitra gives Mamata one-month ultimatum

'Leave Abhishek's hand': Madan Mitra gives Mamata one-month ultimatum

Rediff.com7 days ago

Senior Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra on Tuesday gave party supremo Mamata Banerjee a one-month ultimatum to "leave Abhishek's hand" and reconnect with grassroot workers, while asking the Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to admit his "mistakes".

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Rediff.com6 days ago

The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina garnered nearly 63 million viewers in the United States, setting new viewership records and highlighting football's increasing popularity in the country.

Vikram-1, India's first privately-built orbital rocket, to lift off on July 18

Vikram-1, India's first privately-built orbital rocket, to lift off on July 18

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Skyroot Aerospace is set to launch the maiden test flight of its orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, from SDSC-SHAR on July 18, marking a significant milestone for India's private sector in the global launch business.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi becomes youngest batter to score T20I fifty

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi becomes youngest batter to score T20I fifty

Rediff.com5 days ago

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion, becoming the youngest batter to score a T20I half-century with a stunning 18-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in the first T20I in Harare on Thursday.

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'For the rest of his tenure, people will start with the assumption that even Modi can be forced to bow down'

PV Sindhu Out Of China Open, Criticises Match Scheduling

PV Sindhu Out Of China Open, Criticises Match Scheduling

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian badminton star P V Sindhu was defeated by China's Chen Yufei in the second round of the China Open. Sindhu expressed frustration over the tournament's scheduling, which she felt gave her inadequate recovery time compared to her opponent.

Indian Bowlers Shine With Consecutive Wins In Glasgow

Indian Bowlers Shine With Consecutive Wins In Glasgow

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's lawn bowls contingent showcased a dominant performance at the Commonwealth Games, with the women's pairs team securing their second consecutive victory against South Africa and Putul Sonowal winning a tense singles match against Falkland Islands. The women's pairs, featuring Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh, now lead their section, building on their previous tie-break win against Malta. Sonowal, who had earlier defeated a world champion, fought hard to overcome his opponent in a tie-break, highlighting India's strong presence in the competition.

Indian Bowlers Shine With Consecutive Wins In Glasgow

Indian Bowlers Shine With Consecutive Wins In Glasgow

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's lawn bowls contingent showcased a dominant performance at the Commonwealth Games, with the women's pairs team securing their second consecutive victory against South Africa and Putul Sonowal winning a tense singles match against Falkland Islands. The women's pairs, featuring Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh, now lead their section, building on their previous tie-break win against Malta. Sonowal, who had earlier defeated a world champion, fought hard to overcome his opponent in a tie-break, highlighting India's strong presence in the competition.

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against Standard Chartered Bank and one of its officers in a 1991-92 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case, citing an extraordinary 23-year delay in prosecution and the Enforcement Directorate's failure to comply with mandatory procedural safeguards.

What Ananya Panday Did Before The FIFA Final

What Ananya Panday Did Before The FIFA Final

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Between cheering at Wimbledon and attending the FIFA final, Ananya Panday took to the runway as Gaurav Gupta's showstopper.

Noah Lyles: The King Of American Track Strikes Again!

Noah Lyles: The King Of American Track Strikes Again!

Rediff.com3 days ago

Noah Lyles secured a world-leading 9.79 seconds in the 100 metres final at the U.S. Championships, equalling his personal best, while Sha'Carri Richardson dominated the women's 100m, clinching the title in 10.77.

Is Rohit Sharma Being Forced Out?

Is Rohit Sharma Being Forced Out?

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

If Rohit Sharma's ODI exit is coming, it should be announced with dignity and not through rumours and leaks. You don't whisper exits for great players -- you announce them with respect, asserts K R Nayar.

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court on Monday took note of setting up of a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S to probe alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to also include a forensic auditor in the probe team.

Nadda invites CJP again for talks, protesters stick to neutral venue

Nadda invites CJP again for talks, protesters stick to neutral venue

Rediff.com5 days ago

Union Minister J P Nadda has expressed the government's readiness for further talks with the protesting Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding the NEET paper leak, offering his office or residence as venues. However, the CJP, leading protests at Jantar Mantar and demanding the Education Minister's resignation, insists on a neutral venue or the protest site itself for any future discussions, having previously rejected Nadda's invitations.

Indian Women's Compound Team Clinches Silver At Archery World Cup

Indian Women's Compound Team Clinches Silver At Archery World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

India's women's compound archery team, comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep, and Chikitha Taniparthi, secured a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 after losing to Colombia in the final. Despite the team's struggle, teenager Prithika Pradeep emerged as a standout performer, and India remains in contention for more medals in both compound and recurve categories.

Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams To Perform At FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams To Perform At FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem.

Confident Kujur ignores fastest-man tag, targets Commonwealth, Asian Games glory

Confident Kujur ignores fastest-man tag, targets Commonwealth, Asian Games glory

Rediff.com6 days ago

Focused on success at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, Animesh Kujur is unconcerned by the fastest-man debate, believing his performances on the biggest stages will speak for themselves.

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.

PV Sindhu Knocked Out Of China Open, Criticises Tournament Scheduling

PV Sindhu Knocked Out Of China Open, Criticises Tournament Scheduling

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu was defeated by local favourite Chen Yufei in the second round of the China Open. Sindhu, who recently won the Japan Open, lost a close three-game match. Following her exit, she publicly criticised the tournament's scheduling, highlighting the inadequate recovery time she received compared to her opponent. Other Indian shuttlers Ayush Shetty and Lakshya Sen also exited the men's singles.

WCA 'concerned' by ICC's World Cup format changes without player consultation

WCA 'concerned' by ICC's World Cup format changes without player consultation

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed 'concern' over the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to revise the format of next year's 50-over World Cup without consulting the players, stating that such significant changes deserve genuine consultation and transparency.

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

Rediff.com11 hours ago

After six days of stalemate, a discussion on the anti-paper leak bill began on Tuesday in Lok Sabha with the government describing it as a reaffirmation of ruling dispensation's commitment to safeguard the welfare of students but opposition hit back over the lathi-charge on protesters, saying every blow on them hurt the government's prestige more than the backs of the youth.

India banks on boxing, weightlifting, athletics for top-five finish at 2026 Commonwealth Games

India banks on boxing, weightlifting, athletics for top-five finish at 2026 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com6 days ago

India is relying heavily on its boxing, weightlifting, and athletics contingents to maintain its two-decade streak of top-five finishes at the Commonwealth Games, which opens in Glasgow.

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 20th day, with doctors warning of his critical health condition. Despite this, Wangchuk is resolute in his call for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the Monsoon Session's opening, to protest alleged examination irregularities and demand the Union education minister's resignation.

Trump, FIFA Chief Booed at World Cup Final Ceremony

Trump, FIFA Chief Booed at World Cup Final Ceremony

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino were booed by spectators as they took to the field for the World Cup trophy ceremony at the New York New Jersey stadium, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.

Young Indian Boxers Shine, Assure Six Medals In Asian Championships

Young Indian Boxers Shine, Assure Six Medals In Asian Championships

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

India has secured six medals in the U-19 men's category at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships in Jakarta. Six Indian boxers advanced to the semifinals after impressive quarterfinal victories, showcasing the nation's emerging talent in the sport.

Global Chess League Unveils Road2GCL Ahead Of Season 4

Global Chess League Unveils Road2GCL Ahead Of Season 4

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Global Chess League (GCL) has launched Road2GCL, a six-week community engagement initiative, to build excitement for its fourth season in Bengaluru. The programme includes competitions like Road2GCL Contenders, offering aspiring players a chance to compete with GCL stars, alongside activities for clubs, schools, and content creators. Season 4 will feature 36 Grandmasters, including Magnus Carlsen and debutant Divya Deshmukh.

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Rediff.com5 days ago

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Opposition of setting pre-conditions for a debate on the critical NEET paper leak issue, stating that the government is ready for a comprehensive discussion.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh believes his side is capable of ending the country's five-decade-long World Cup medal drought, drawing parallels with the team's success at the Tokyo Olympics.

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

Rediff.com5 days ago

The government introduced the SHANTI Act, 2025, to support the mission and open the sector to private participation.

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's Neeraj Chopra will face reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in a highly anticipated men's javelin clash at the Commonwealth Games, as India aims to surpass its previous medal tally in athletics.