News for 'Sunday Times'

Amit Shah's warning to Rahul Gandhi: 'Be prepared for...'

Amit Shah's warning to Rahul Gandhi: 'Be prepared for...'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the opposition amidst ongoing protests for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and scrapping of SIR. Shah predicted a "crushing defeat" for the Congress in the 2029 general elections, citing the BJP's and NDA's strong public support and the Congress's dismal performance in recent bypolls and local body elections across several states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tripura. He urged the Congress to introspect instead of engaging in "negative politics" and "fabricated media events."

Jaffer backs Tilak Varma as ideal successor to Virat Kohli at No. 3

Jaffer backs Tilak Varma as ideal successor to Virat Kohli at No. 3

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes young batter Tilak Varma is the ideal candidate to replace Virat Kohli at the crucial No. 3 position in One-Day Internationals once Kohli retires after the 2027 World Cup, citing Varma's versatility and strong first-class record.

'Sorry boys, I let you down': Hamilton's costly mistake

'Sorry boys, I let you down': Hamilton's costly mistake

Rediff.com7 days ago

Lewis Hamilton apologised to Ferrari after missing a crucial pit entry during a Virtual Safety Car period at the Singapore Grand Prix, which prevented the team from securing a double podium. His decision to stay out led to significant tyre degradation and a drop to sixth place, costing valuable points. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur confirmed there was no miscommunication and acknowledged the missed opportunity.

'CJP violated undertaking': Officials justify clampdown

'CJP violated undertaking': Officials justify clampdown

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The CJP allegedly violated an undertaking for a June 20 protest on the NEET paper leak, leading the Union Home Ministry and Delhi Police to implement heightened security for its upcoming demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. Police cited past breaches of conditions, including a 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20 without permission, as reasons for denying permission for the new protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

MCC Head of Cricket Fraser Stewart addresses player exodus to T20 leagues, pink ball trials

MCC Head of Cricket Fraser Stewart addresses player exodus to T20 leagues, pink ball trials

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Fraser Stewart, Head of Cricket at MCC, expressed concern over cricketers retiring early from Tests for franchise T20 leagues but acknowledged players' desire for higher earnings with less play. He also welcomed the ICC's decision to trial pink balls in day-time Tests to mitigate fading light issues and boost spectator interest.

Top Athletes Eye Records And Comebacks At National Open Athletics

Top Athletes Eye Records And Comebacks At National Open Athletics

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The 65th National Open Athletics Championships begins on Thursday in New Delhi, featuring hammer thrower Nirbhay Choudhary aiming to improve his national record and sprinter Manikanta Hoblidhar making a comeback from injury. Other prominent athletes like race walker Servin Sebastian, Olympians Paramjeet Singh Bisht and Suraj Panwar, and long-distance runner Abhishek Pal are also set to compete, alongside several Asian Games medallists.

Army personnel found dead in Meerut hotel's bathroom

Army personnel found dead in Meerut hotel's bathroom

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

A 34-year-old Army Havaldar, Parvinder Singh, was found dead in a hotel bathroom in Meerut. Police suspect cardiac arrest as the cause of death, but the exact reason will be confirmed after the postmortem report. Singh had recently been discharged from a military hospital.

3 wickets on debut but Naman Dhir is still waiting...

3 wickets on debut but Naman Dhir is still waiting...

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

India all-rounder Naman Dhir made an impressive T20I debut, contributing significantly with his off-spin bowling to help India secure a win against West Indies. Despite his bowling success, Dhir, whose primary strength is batting, is eager for an opportunity to showcase his skills with the bat. He credited the IPL for preparing him for international cricket and expressed his joy at fulfilling his dream of representing India.

'Fantastic ten years': Mandhana salutes Harmanpreet's decade of leadership

'Fantastic ten years': Mandhana salutes Harmanpreet's decade of leadership

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Smriti Mandhana, the newly-appointed India women's cricket team captain, praised Harmanpreet Kaur's "fantastic" decade-long leadership after Kaur stepped down from the role. Mandhana expressed her desire to continue their journey together, while Harmanpreet will remain a part of the team for the upcoming Zimbabwe series.

'Current Players Need Freedom; Coaches Need To Adapt To Their Style'

'Current Players Need Freedom; Coaches Need To Adapt To Their Style'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Newly-appointed Karnataka head coach R Vinay Kumar believes his primary challenge will be understanding and adapting to the mindset of current generation players, who he feels 'need more freedom' to perform effectively.

'Nanaji Cooked Mutton For Us With So Much Love'

'Nanaji Cooked Mutton For Us With So Much Love'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Olympic medallist Gagan Narang has paid an emotional tribute to fellow shooter Nana Patekar, who passed away in Goa, remembering him as 'a dear friend and a truly great human being' who deeply loved the sport.

India's Forex Kitty Soars to All-Time High of $729.3 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Soars to All-Time High of $729.3 Billion

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by $12.42 billion, reaching a new all-time high of $729.33 billion for the week ended August 21, driven by increases in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.

'You should play him': Wasim Jaffer backs Mohammed Shami for India ODI return

'You should play him': Wasim Jaffer backs Mohammed Shami for India ODI return

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer wants Mohammed Shami back in India's ODI team, backing a Bumrah-Shami-Siraj pace attack ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

PV Sindhu Secures Second Round Berth At Arctic Open; Other Indians Face Tough Challenges

PV Sindhu Secures Second Round Berth At Arctic Open; Other Indians Face Tough Challenges

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced to the second round of the Arctic Open Super 500 tournament in Finland. While Sindhu secured a comfortable win, other Indian shuttlers like Unnati Hooda, Ashmita Chaliha, and Malvika Bansod faced defeats, marking a mixed day for the contingent. Tharun Mannepalli and Rounak Chouhan, however, successfully entered the men's singles main draw.

After shock loss, Rybakina pulls out of Wuhan Open

After shock loss, Rybakina pulls out of Wuhan Open

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a foot injury, following a recent defeat at the China Open. Despite ongoing struggles with a lower leg and foot problem, Rybakina had a successful season, securing her third Grand Slam title and qualifying for the WTA Finals. She plans to rest and recover before her next scheduled competition in Ningbo.

Punjab Government Forms SIT To Probe Rape Case Against Ex-SGPC Member

Punjab Government Forms SIT To Probe Rape Case Against Ex-SGPC Member

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Punjab government has established a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a rape case in Anandpur Sahib involving former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The SIT, headed by Gurbans Singh Bains, aims to answer critical questions surrounding the woman's arrival from Bahrain, her stay at an SGPC lodge, and the circumstances of the alleged incident. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured a transparent and time-bound investigation.

Chola Chiefs And Prithviraaj Yodhas Clinch Crucial Victories

Chola Chiefs And Prithviraaj Yodhas Clinch Crucial Victories

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Chola Chiefs and Prithviraaj Yodhas secured their inaugural victories in Archery Premier League Season 2 on Friday, while Chero Archers maintained their perfect record with a second consecutive win. Key performances from international archers like Alejandra Usquiano and Atanu Das highlighted the day's intense competition.

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Following a successful campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, India women's boxing head coach Santiago Nieva is prioritising securing as many Olympic quotas as possible at the earliest for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, starting with the World Championships 2027 in Kazakhstan.

When Nana Patekar Joined The Army During Kargil

When Nana Patekar Joined The Army During Kargil

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

'There, the bodies of martyred soldiers were brought in. It was deeply distressing, as many of the bodies were in a bad state.'

Mandaviya Highlights Cultural Identity At BRICS Traditional Sports Event

Mandaviya Highlights Cultural Identity At BRICS Traditional Sports Event

Rediff.com6 days ago

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad, emphasising the role of traditional sports in reflecting cultural identity and fostering international cooperation. The one-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, brought together delegations from BRICS and partner countries to showcase indigenous sporting practices like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu from India, alongside Wushu from China and Sambo from Russia. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also highlighted India's rich sporting heritage and proposed initiatives for global promotion and preservation of traditional sports.

SIT To Probe Ex-SGPC Member Rape Case In Anandpur Sahib

SIT To Probe Ex-SGPC Member Rape Case In Anandpur Sahib

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Punjab government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a rape case in Anandpur Sahib involving former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The SIT aims to address several unanswered questions regarding the alleged incident, including the complainant's arrival from Bahrain and her stay at an SGPC-managed lodge. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured a swift, transparent, and in-depth investigation.

Anrich Nortje set for surprise Test return against Australia amid injury crisis

Anrich Nortje set for surprise Test return against Australia amid injury crisis

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

South Africa's fast bowler Anrich Nortje is on the verge of a surprising return to Test cricket after nearly four years, potentially bolstering an injury-hit Proteas attack against Australia in the first Test starting Friday in Durban.

RBI Governor expects surplus liquidity to drain by FY27

RBI Governor expects surplus liquidity to drain by FY27

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that surplus liquidity in the banking system is expected to drain within the current financial year, utilising tools like currency leakage, sell-buy swaps, open market operations (OMOs), and variable rate operations.

Husband Forces 'Purification Ritual' On Wife In Gujarat

Husband Forces 'Purification Ritual' On Wife In Gujarat

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

In a shocking incident from Gujarat's Surendranagar, a woman was forced by her husband and others to undergo a 'punishment-cum-purification ritual' involving sexual assault by her live-in partner. Police revealed the husband had previously chained her to prevent her from fleeing. Ten people, including the husband and the woman's stepson who uploaded a video of the incident, have been arrested. The accused claimed this was a 'common practice' in their community for eloping women.

Rower Satnam Singh: 'This medal is for 1.4 billion people'

Rower Satnam Singh: 'This medal is for 1.4 billion people'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Rower Satnam Singh, who clinched a historic bronze medal in the men's double sculls at the 2026 Asian Games, stated the achievement belonged not just to him but to India's 1.4 billion people, marking the country's first medal in the event since 1951.

Asian Games gold done, India turn focus to LA 2028

Asian Games gold done, India turn focus to LA 2028

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

India's men's hockey team has secured a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by winning the Asian Games gold. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and other players emphasize focusing on the process and utilizing the extended preparation time to perform well at the Games, reflecting on their successful Asian Games campaign, including a tough semifinal against Pakistan.

Mighty Marathas Dominate Chola Chiefs For First APL Victory

Mighty Marathas Dominate Chola Chiefs For First APL Victory

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Mighty Marathas secured their first victory in the second season of the Archery Premier League, defeating Chola Chiefs 6-0 on Saturday. Led by Mike Schloesser and Dhiraj Bommadevara, the Marathas showcased strong performances, bouncing back after two initial losses. The Chiefs, despite tactical efforts, couldn't match the Marathas' precision, suffering their second defeat in three matches.

Suryakumar Yadav's Ranji snub: Mumbai captain backs selectors

Suryakumar Yadav's Ranji snub: Mumbai captain backs selectors

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad has stated that he respects the selectors' decision to exclude Suryakumar Yadav from the Ranji Trophy season opener, emphasising that players who have prepared well will always be considered.

KL Rahul focused on improving old ball play to push India's ODI totals past 370

KL Rahul focused on improving old ball play to push India's ODI totals past 370

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Indian batter K L Rahul is actively working on improving his game against the old ball to ensure the middle overs generate more runs, aiming for India to consistently score in excess of 370 in ODIs amidst the growing trend of high targets being chased down.

Swift Justice: Man Gets Life Imprisonment In Amroha POCSO Case

Swift Justice: Man Gets Life Imprisonment In Amroha POCSO Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

A Special POCSO Court in Amroha has sentenced a man named Bunty to life imprisonment for raping a minor girl. The verdict was delivered within eight months of the trial, and a fine of Rs 50,000 was also imposed, with 90% directed to the victim.

From Punjab to Australia: Nikhil Chaudhary's Unforeseen Cricket Journey

From Punjab to Australia: Nikhil Chaudhary's Unforeseen Cricket Journey

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Nikhil Chaudhary, who once dreamt of an IPL contract and playing for Punjab, made his international debut for Australia in a T20I against Bangladesh in June, a turn of events he describes as his "life's biggest moment" after being stranded in Australia during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown.

Sensex Plunges 1,045 Points, Nifty Hits 52-Week Low Amid FII Selling, RBI Tightening

Sensex Plunges 1,045 Points, Nifty Hits 52-Week Low Amid FII Selling, RBI Tightening

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Indian stock market experienced a significant downturn, with the Sensex crashing over 1,000 points and the Nifty hitting a fresh 52-week low, driven by sustained selling from foreign institutional investors, the RBI's monetary policy tightening, and elevated Brent crude prices.

BJP Mahila Morcha To Protest Rahul Gandhi's 'Protection' Of Accused MP

BJP Mahila Morcha To Protest Rahul Gandhi's 'Protection' Of Accused MP

Rediff.com7 days ago

The BJP's women's wing announced a protest march against the Congress, alleging that Rahul Gandhi is protecting Inner Manipur MP Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who was dismissed from JNU over sexual harassment allegations involving 11 students. The BJP Mahila Morcha will organise a 'Nari Shakti Hunkar Andolan' on Monday, demanding Akoijam's expulsion and resignation.

Smriti Mandhana named India captain at last, but has the elevation come too late?

Smriti Mandhana named India captain at last, but has the elevation come too late?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Smriti Mandhana takes over the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation. The article discusses the timing of this elevation for Mandhana, who is considered the country's best batter, and the history of leadership transitions within the team, highlighting potential challenges and the team's aspirations for major tournament victories.

Was Kohli Left Bitter by How His Test Exit Was Handled?

Was Kohli Left Bitter by How His Test Exit Was Handled?

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes Virat Kohli's sudden Test retirement in May 2025 stemmed from bitterness over how the situation was handled, suggesting the star player could have continued in the format.

Can Tight Rubber Bands Cause Hair Fall?

Can Tight Rubber Bands Cause Hair Fall?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

'Tight hairbands pulled into a ponytail can cause hair fall,' warns rediffGURU Dr Deepa Suvarna, a paediatrician with 25 years of experience.

Maha students end 10-day stir as Tukaram Mundhe gets key role

Maha students end 10-day stir as Tukaram Mundhe gets key role

Rediff.com7 days ago

MPSC aspirants in Maharashtra have ended their 10-day protest after the state government formed a committee, led by ex-judge Dilip Bhosale and senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, to investigate alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, within the recruitment body. Following this, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar announced he has proceeded on leave until the inquiry is completed.

HSBC emerges as top international bank for Indian corporate fundraising

HSBC emerges as top international bank for Indian corporate fundraising

Rediff.com7 days ago

HSBC has emerged as the leading international bank in facilitating fundraising for Indian companies through bonds, syndicated loans, and IPOs during January-September 2026, according to Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India.

Top Seed Janice Tjen Returns To Defend Chennai Open Title

Top Seed Janice Tjen Returns To Defend Chennai Open Title

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Indonesian tennis star Janice Tjen will return as the top seed to defend her title at the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships 2026, a WTA 250 event. The tournament, India's highest international women's ranking event, will feature players from 22 countries, with Tjen being the first Asian top seed.

INDIA Bloc MPs march to Supreme Court, file petition against CEC over 'vote chori'

INDIA Bloc MPs march to Supreme Court, file petition against CEC over 'vote chori'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched to the Supreme Court to file a petition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging 'vote chori' and irregularities in electoral rolls.