News for 'Sunday Times'

In a first, 92 Maoist-free Bastar villages to celebrate I-Day

In a first, 92 Maoist-free Bastar villages to celebrate I-Day

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ninety-two remote villages in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, once a Maoist stronghold, will hoist the national flag for the first time since Independence on August 15. This historic event signifies the end of left-wing extremism in these areas, with the state government leading an extensive campaign to foster national pride.

Historic! Mitchell Starc becomes most successful left-arm bowler in Test history

Historic! Mitchell Starc becomes most successful left-arm bowler in Test history

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Mitchell Starc surpassed Rangana Herath to become the most successful left-handed bowler in Test history with 434 wickets.

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'Ultimately, everything has to be shared. That's why you have that talent. To share it. Unless you share, it won't continue.'

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Change of guard in some states and evolving El Nino dynamics are triggering fresh actions on raging water-sharing disputes in several states.

Shelton, Nakashima set up all-American final at Canadian Open

Shelton, Nakashima set up all-American final at Canadian Open

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Defending champion Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima have advanced to the Canadian Open final in Montreal, setting up an all-American clash.

SkyDrive Aims For India Launch Of EVTOL Aircraft By 2028

SkyDrive Aims For India Launch Of EVTOL Aircraft By 2028

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Japanese 'flying car' manufacturer SkyDrive Inc plans to commercialise its eVTOL aircraft in India by 2028, initially focusing on medical logistics, particularly organ transportation. The company, backed by Suzuki, has signed an agreement with Air India and Suzuki for this purpose and is considering future manufacturing in India.

'Dream come true': India's hockey debutants open up

'Dream come true': India's hockey debutants open up

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Five young Indian women's hockey players - Ishika, Lalthantluangi, Sakshi Rana, Shilpi Dabas, and Sunelita Toppo - are set to make their World Cup debut, having overcome various challenges and long waits to reach this significant milestone.

Pannun murder plot: US court to announce sentence on Nov 20

Pannun murder plot: US court to announce sentence on Nov 20

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A US federal court has postponed the sentencing of Nikhil Gupta, who admitted guilt in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, to November 20. The delay was requested by the "intended murder victim" to allow for their participation in the sentencing hearing.

Ranbir Kapoor's Complex Daddy Issues On Screen

Ranbir Kapoor's Complex Daddy Issues On Screen

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Ranbir Kapoor's filmography frequently explores complex father-son relationships, from rebellious youth seeking approval to sons grappling with loss and dysfunctional dynamics, culminating in his latest role as an exiled prince honouring his father's promise in Ramayana.

Hollywood Star Brad Pitt Weighs In On AI's Impact On Filmmaking

Hollywood Star Brad Pitt Weighs In On AI's Impact On Filmmaking

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt believes artificial intelligence could be a boon for mid-budget filmmaking by making visual effects more accessible. However, he expresses caution regarding AI's use in replicating actors' performances and raises concerns about body scanning and digital likeness ownership. Pitt also shared his thoughts on AI-generated music and his upcoming film projects.

Rajasthan: Schoolchildren turn journalists to bridge rural news gap

Rajasthan: Schoolchildren turn journalists to bridge rural news gap

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A government school in Raholi, Tonk, Rajasthan, has launched its own student-run newspaper, 'Raholi Shiksha Samachar' and 'Raholi Education Times', to address the lack of newspaper access in rural areas and provide students with a platform for creativity and journalism skills.

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has defended the CoE against criticism regarding slow player recovery, stating that cricketers are not 'machines' and rehabilitation timelines can vary.

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

'Gill Will Be Questioned Whatever He Does'

'Gill Will Be Questioned Whatever He Does'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

'There's a lot of pressure on him, and there's a lot of pressure on this series as well, because it's crucial for India's chances in the WTC.'

Shiprocket to use IPO funds for AI push, eyes broader merchant operating system

Shiprocket to use IPO funds for AI push, eyes broader merchant operating system

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Shiprocket plans to allocate a significant portion of its IPO proceeds towards artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to evolve its e-commerce enablement platform into a comprehensive operating system for merchants, enabling conversational commands and reducing manual tasks.

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court to challenge an Allahabad High Court order that directed the CBI and ED to verify allegations of disproportionate assets against him. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on August 17. The Allahabad High Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's progress and ordered a fresh affidavit, also allowing the ED to proceed if illegality was found during its inquiry. The case stems from a plea by a BJP worker alleging disproportionate assets and dual citizenship.

Times Square turns yoga hub as thousands join global event

Times Square turns yoga hub as thousands join global event

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Thousands of Yoga enthusiasts and practitioners assembled at the iconic Times Square here on Sunday for a day-long session of the ancient Indian practice to commemorate International Day of Yoga.

'36 Years Ago Today': Spin Great Anil Kumble Reflects His First Test Wicket

'36 Years Ago Today': Spin Great Anil Kumble Reflects His First Test Wicket

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble reflected on the 36th anniversary of his international debut, expressing deep gratitude for his 'truly special journey' that began with his first Test wicket, Allan Lamb.

Rape convict ex-MP Prajwal Revanna found with phone in prison

Rape convict ex-MP Prajwal Revanna found with phone in prison

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

An Android mobile phone was seized from former MP Prajwal Revanna's barrack during a CCB raid at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. An Assistant Superintendent has been suspended, and an inquiry is underway.

Anupama Parameswaran On Her 2 Year 'Narcissistic Relationship'

Anupama Parameswaran On Her 2 Year 'Narcissistic Relationship'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Anupama Parameswaran has opened up about enduring two years of 'narcissistic abuse' in a past relationship, sharing her journey of healing and her commitment to raising awareness about this issue.

The End of Oak Street Review: Enjoyable Romp

The End of Oak Street Review: Enjoyable Romp

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Just suspend disbelief, grab some popcorn and enjoy the chaos. The End of Oak Street becomes much more fun that way, shares Mayur Sanap.

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the brand ambassador for the Pro Govinda League (PGL) -- India's first professional human-pyramid league.

Colombia Earthquake: CONMEBOL Postpones Club Matches, Expresses Support

Colombia Earthquake: CONMEBOL Postpones Club Matches, Expresses Support

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

CONMEBOL has postponed two continental club matches following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia that killed at least 164 people, with revised dates and venues to be announced later.

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has announced there will be no team curfew for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, expressing trust in his players to act responsibly. This decision comes amidst recent scrutiny over the team's culture following several off-field incidents and player suspensions. Root, who returned to captaincy after Ben Stokes' retirement, believes players should be self-policing.

Why Pakistan's Hangors Submarines Face India's ASW Shield

Why Pakistan's Hangors Submarines Face India's ASW Shield

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Hangors are effectively 'dead-on-arrival' with Pakistanis saddled with deadweights that displace around 3,000 tons. Last time it was near Vishakhapatnam. This time, barnacles will clog the Hangors in Karachi port itself, points out Dr Abhishek Puri.

Only 9 Women CEOs, 25 Women MDs in Top 500

Only 9 Women CEOs, 25 Women MDs in Top 500

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The top 500 listed companies had 860 women directors or board members overall.

World No. 1 Sabalenka knocked out of Canadian Open by Alexandrova

World No. 1 Sabalenka knocked out of Canadian Open by Alexandrova

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

World number one Aryna Sabalenka was defeated 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 by Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova in the fourth round of the Canadian Open, a significant setback in her U.S. Open preparations.

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Six Arab football federations, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, have publicly declared their "full support" and "confidence" in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This backing comes as Infantino faces significant backlash and withdrawals of support from European and Oceania federations over his failed $20 billion private investment plan for the World Cup, highlighting a growing schism within global football governance.

Difficult to think of cricket without ODIs: Jonty Rhodes

Difficult to think of cricket without ODIs: Jonty Rhodes

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes that while bilateral ODI series may become fewer in the future, the 50-over format is unlikely to disappear entirely, with passionate fans continuing to support their teams.

Sushmita Dev's 'lungiwala' slur against CPM MP Brittas rocks Rajya Sabha

Sushmita Dev's 'lungiwala' slur against CPM MP Brittas rocks Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned following an uproar over an alleged derogatory 'lungiwala' remark made by BJP MP Sushmita Dev against CPI(M)'s John Brittas, who had moved a privilege motion. Dev denied the accusation, stating she had not cast aspersions on any state's attire.

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reshuffled Iran's political and national-security establishment, appointing former SNSC Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political adviser and veteran IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative on the Supreme National Security Council, consolidating power amid the West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Only 39% productivity in monsoon session, rues RS chairman

Only 39% productivity in monsoon session, rues RS chairman

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan expressed "deep concern" over the persistent disorder and frequent disruptions that "derailed" the business of the House during the Monsoon Session, leading to a productivity of only 39 per cent.

Moises Henriques to captain Portugal in T20 World Cup qualifiers

Moises Henriques to captain Portugal in T20 World Cup qualifiers

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques, born in Madeira, will captain Portugal in their bid to qualify for the Twenty20 World Cup for the first time, leading a 14-man squad in the Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland.

Durand Cup: Shillong Lajong, East Bengal, Jamshedpur FC Advance to Quarter-Finals

Durand Cup: Shillong Lajong, East Bengal, Jamshedpur FC Advance to Quarter-Finals

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Shillong Lajong FC secured their place in the Durand Cup quarter-finals by topping Group E after a 3-3 draw with Langsning FC, while East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC also advanced as the best second-placed teams.

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

FICCI FLO and UP BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh are collaborating to train 100 women as 'drone pilots' in Lucknow. This initiative aims to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the burgeoning drone economy. The announcement was made at an event where MLA Singh also highlighted his efforts in public grievance redressal and establishing women's empowerment centres in his constituency.

Manappuram Finance transitions to professional leadership, names Ashish Singh CEO

Manappuram Finance transitions to professional leadership, names Ashish Singh CEO

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Manappuram Finance has announced the appointment of Ashish Singh as its new managing director and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2027, marking a significant shift from its family-led governance structure.

ODI cricket's future hinges on this major ICC plan

ODI cricket's future hinges on this major ICC plan

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The era of 'randomly' scheduling bilateral series is over, but the ODI format can continue to survive and thrive with its place 'inextricably' linked to the World Cup, said ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta in an interview to PTI.

'Kohli a great role model; lot of players want to emulate him': V V S Laxman

'Kohli a great role model; lot of players want to emulate him': V V S Laxman

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, lauded Virat Kohli as an 'exemplary professional' and 'great role model' for his consistent high standards.

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's World Cup goalkeeper Bichu Devi, inspired by cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasises the importance of composure under pressure.