News for 'The Associated Press'

ISRO staring at privatisation? Employee associations seek clarity

ISRO staring at privatisation? Employee associations seek clarity

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Nine employee associations at ISRO have written to Chairperson V Narayanan, seeking official clarification on the proposed transfer of manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. They raised concerns about ISRO's future role, employee consequences, and recruitment, following comments by IN-SPACe chairperson Pawan Goenka regarding ISRO's eventual exit from launch vehicle manufacturing.

Banking services impacted as unions go on nationwide strike to press for 5-day workweek

Banking services impacted as unions go on nationwide strike to press for 5-day workweek

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Banking services, particularly at public sector banks across India, were impacted by a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to demand the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolution of pending wage-related issues.

CNN reporter's White House access blocked amid Trump's media ban

CNN reporter's White House access blocked amid Trump's media ban

Rediff.com2 days ago

A CNN reporter was denied entry to the White House and had her press pass seized on Saturday (local time), as the Trump administration began enforcing President Donald Trump's announced ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House premises.

Maha FDA suspends licences of 5 Mumbai Cricket Association eateries

Maha FDA suspends licences of 5 Mumbai Cricket Association eateries

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of five outlets at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises over the alleged violation of food safety norms, flagging deficiencies in food handling, storage, refrigeration and sanitation.

BCCI office-bearers authorised to take call on Ajit Agarkar's future

BCCI office-bearers "authorised" to take call on Ajit Agarkar's future

Rediff.com4 days ago

The BCCI's member units have authorised office-bearers to make a decision regarding the extension of chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract, which is set to expire early next month, and to fill vacancies in the junior selection committee.

ISRO Staff Unhappy With Narayanan's Speech

ISRO Staff Unhappy With Narayanan's Speech

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

'He didn't touch upon the core questions raised by the nine employee associations.'

West Bengal bypoll: After Cong's Nandigram pick, Independent candidate arrested

West Bengal bypoll: After Cong's Nandigram pick, Independent candidate arrested

Rediff.com2 days ago

An Independent candidate for the Rejinagar assembly bypoll in West Bengal, Saiful Islam, was arrested in a five-year-old case related to a clash during the 2021 state elections. This follows another bypoll nominee's arrest, highlighting pre-election tensions. The AJUP chief also faces a notice, and a party secretary was arrested with illegal arms and fake currency.

Why Jharkhand Businesses Are Concerned About New UPI MDR Charges

Why Jharkhand Businesses Are Concerned About New UPI MDR Charges

Rediff.com4 days ago

A trade body in Jharkhand, FJCCI, has urged the Union Finance Minister to withdraw the proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants. The body argues that this charge will significantly increase operating costs for businesses, especially MSMEs and retailers, who rely on the current zero-MDR regime for digital payments.

Ajit Agarkar opts out of 2nd stint as BCCI chief selector, search for successor underway

Ajit Agarkar opts out of 2nd stint as BCCI chief selector, search for successor underway

Rediff.com4 days ago

Ajit Agarkar has informed the BCCI he will not continue as chief selector, prompting the board to begin searching for his successor as his contract ends October 4.

Juergen Klopp calls on Germans to 'reclaim the flag' from far-right extremism

Juergen Klopp calls on Germans to 'reclaim the flag' from far-right extremism

Rediff.com5 days ago

Germany coach Juergen Klopp has urged citizens to reclaim expressions of national pride from 'the wrong people,' in a clear rebuke to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) following their recent election victory.

VHP slams Bar Association's ban on defending Ram Temple fund scam accused

VHP slams Bar Association's ban on defending Ram Temple fund scam accused

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly criticised the Faizabad Bar Association's resolution to prevent advocates from representing those accused in the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, calling the move 'unethical and unlawful' and a violation of constitutional principles and professional ethics.

How Robotic Surgery And Ceramic Implants Are Changing Knee Replacements

How Robotic Surgery And Ceramic Implants Are Changing Knee Replacements

Rediff.com5 days ago

Doctors in Delhi have pioneered a new knee replacement surgery combining an active robotic system with a non-metallic, ceramic implant. This world-first procedure, performed at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, aims to enhance precision and improve outcomes compared to conventional metal implants, potentially revolutionising future joint replacement surgeries.

Why UP Cricketers Are Demanding Three Ranji Teams

Why UP Cricketers Are Demanding Three Ranji Teams

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

"Gen Z" cricketers and their parents in Uttar Pradesh have protested at Ekana Stadium, demanding the formation of three Ranji Trophy teams to ensure equitable opportunities across the state. They cite the state's large population and alleged sidelining of players from certain regions in current leagues.

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced a new dress code of blue T-shirt and jeans for the party's student wing, Chhatra Sabha, along with a two-week student awareness campaign. The move aims to connect with young people in educational institutions, familiarise them with the party's ideology, and promote socialist values. Yadav explained the symbolism of the blue colour, associating it with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, and the 'Bahujan samaj', while jeans represent rebellion and workers. The initiative is part of the party's broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak, and also Prem, Daya, Apnapan) campaign to establish social justice.

3 teachers, 3 students killed in Thailand school shooting

3 teachers, 3 students killed in Thailand school shooting

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

At least six people, including three teachers and three students, were killed and 15 others injured in a school shooting in Thailand's Nonthaburi province. The suspected 14-year-old shooter is also dead.

Tata Listing Battle Enters New Phase

Tata Listing Battle Enters New Phase

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Within days of the RBI's letter to Tata Sons that its CIC deregistration application had been rejected, the regulator filed a caveat in the Bombay High Court so that it could be heard before any order is passed on the matter in case there's a petition challenging its listing directive.

IN-SPACe's Growing Role Raises ISRO Concerns

IN-SPACe's Growing Role Raises ISRO Concerns

Rediff.com6 days ago

'IN-SPACe like an octopus is stretching its tentacles everywhere and choking ISRO.'

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

Rediff.com5 days ago

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan's Facebook post criticising Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar's alleged anti-women remarks has disappeared, with the CMO citing a technical error. The incident has sparked political criticism from CPI(M) and BJP, who question the explanation and accuse the Congress of hypocrisy.

What's Special About Thirukkural Which Modi Gifted Putin?

What's Special About Thirukkural Which Modi Gifted Putin?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.

EPFO wage ceiling hiked to Rs 25,000, to benefit 51 lakh workers

EPFO wage ceiling hiked to Rs 25,000, to benefit 51 lakh workers

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Union Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the mandatory EPFO wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, a move expected to bring over 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory social security coverage.

Delhi: Niece held for murdering, robbing 60-year-old uncle

Delhi: Niece held for murdering, robbing 60-year-old uncle

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

A 60-year-old man was found dead in his Rohini home after a robbery. Police have detained his niece, a primary school teacher, and two associates, including a gym trainer and a student, suspecting her to be the mastermind behind the robbery-cum-murder. Stolen cash and jewellery have been partially recovered.

What Subhash Chandra Hopes For...

What Subhash Chandra Hopes For...

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Subhash Chandra hoped that the lenders would discuss the matter with the borrowers, reconcile the outstanding accounts, and get paid by the borrowers.

Rs 1 Crore Telangana Golconda Masters Set To Begin In Hyderabad

Rs 1 Crore Telangana Golconda Masters Set To Begin In Hyderabad

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The Telangana Golconda Masters, featuring top Indian and international golf professionals, is set to commence in Hyderabad with a prize purse of Rs 1 crore. The tournament is crucial for players aiming to qualify for the season-ending DP World India Championship.

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The family of Chongtham Vikram Singh, a Manipuri musician beaten to death in south Delhi, has appealed for justice and an impartial probe, stating they seek accountability, not revenge, for his sudden loss.

Kharge 'purification' row: FIR against Rahul for giving 'casteist spin'

Kharge 'purification' row: FIR against Rahul for giving 'casteist spin'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

An FIR has been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani following a complaint from a Valmiki community member. The complaint alleges Gandhi gave a casteist interpretation to a religious ritual performed after an AICC chief's programme, hurting community sentiments. The case involves provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, stemming from a political row over a 'purification yajna' at a rally venue.

Prashant Singh To Lead SAI Gandhinagar Operations

Prashant Singh To Lead SAI Gandhinagar Operations

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has appointed Prashant Singh, a former Khelo India Scheme official with over a decade of experience, as the Regional Director for its Gandhinagar centre. He will also oversee operations across Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a focus on developing Para Sports.

Shreyas Iyer: 'Gautam Gambhir builds a lot of trust and confidence within the team'

Shreyas Iyer: 'Gautam Gambhir builds a lot of trust and confidence within the team'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Gautam Gambhir builds a lot of trust and confidence within the team, and every player knows their role and has clarity, said Shreyas Iyer, praising his head coach's man-management skills.

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The highlight of the successful BRICS Summit was its ability to deliver a joint statement that all members, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates, embroiled in the war in West Asia, signed.

BRICS joint declaration omits mention of US for Iran attacks

BRICS joint declaration omits mention of US for Iran attacks

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The BRICS grouping adopted a consensus joint declaration in New Delhi, successfully navigating differences on the West Asia conflict but notably omitting any direct mention of US strikes on Iran or Iranian military attacks on Gulf Arab nations. The declaration also criticised Israel's actions in Gaza and called for a concerted approach against terrorism.

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is set to release her memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in November. The book will cover her personal life, including her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, the tragedies she faced, her decision to decline the prime ministership in 2004, and her journey into politics. It promises an intimate look at her experiences within one of India's most powerful political families.

'Conspiracy to kill me': Jarange as Mumbai cops deny nod for hunger strike

'Conspiracy to kill me': Jarange as Mumbai cops deny nod for hunger strike

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has accused the Maharashtra government of conspiring to kill him and suppress his agitation, following Mumbai police's denial of permission for his indefinite hunger strike from September 19. Jarange stated he would proceed with the march to Mumbai despite the ban.

Sugar Prices May Ease Soon

Sugar Prices May Ease Soon

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Prices had started to ease following the government's decision to allow duty-free imports of 1 mt of raw sugar and would weaken further over the next 7 to 10 days.

Fuel-efficiency tool for trucks may be ready by Dec, launch likely in Feb

Fuel-efficiency tool for trucks may be ready by Dec, launch likely in Feb

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India is set to launch Bharat Vecto, its first certification tool for assessing the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions of medium and heavy commercial vehicles, by December, with a full launch targeted for the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in February 2027.

Modi at BRICS: Global South must be 'rule shaper, not follower'

Modi at BRICS: Global South must be 'rule shaper, not follower'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the BRICS summit, called for a fundamental shift in global governance, advocating for the replacement of the current 'pyramid of privilege' with a 'platform of partnership' where the Global South becomes a 'rule shaper' rather than a 'rule follower'.

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Two commercial vessels, an oil tanker and a cargo ship, carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals, were hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia. All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe, according to the latest information from the shipping ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.

India's AI Professionals Redefine Workflows, Outpacing Global Peers

India's AI Professionals Redefine Workflows, Outpacing Global Peers

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

A Microsoft Work Trend Index report reveals India has the highest share of "Frontier Professionals" globally, with 32% of its AI users employing AI agents in multi-step workflows, double the global average. Indian professionals are not just adopting AI but are actively redesigning work processes, demonstrating strong leadership alignment and a focus on human oversight and critical thinking. Major Indian IT firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro show rapid adoption and significant productivity gains with Microsoft 365 Copilot.

How a YouTube song led to Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan's murder

How a YouTube song led to Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan's murder

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna revealed that the murder of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan was a pre-planned conspiracy involving a network linked to the Gogi gang, with attackers tracking his movements and procuring weapons in advance.