News for 'The Association'

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.

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.

Woman tied to pillar for 10 days in 'faith healing' ritual dies

Woman tied to pillar for 10 days in 'faith healing' ritual dies

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A woman in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly died after being tied to a pillar for 10 days as part of "faith healing" rituals for her mental illness. Her husband, a self-styled godman, and an associate have been arrested following a complaint from her father.

Got underworld threats over 'Kala Hiran', says filmmaker

Got underworld threats over 'Kala Hiran', says filmmaker

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Filmmaker Amit Jani has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's order to remove the teaser and promotional material for his film 'Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy', following a plea by Salman Khan alleging violation of his personality rights. Jani asserts the film does not feature Salman Khan or Lawrence Bishnoi and argues against judicial censorship.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned 114 items of literature from terrorist organisations like Islamic State and Al Qaeda, citing their role in glorifying extremism, promoting radicalisation, and threatening India's sovereignty and public order. The ban, issued via a gazette notification, follows intelligence inputs and ATS investigations into the circulation of such propaganda material.

Arsenal open championship defence with rivals reshaped and Premier League reborn

Arsenal open championship defence with rivals reshaped and Premier League reborn

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence as the hunted, facing heightened expectations and a reshaped league featuring new managers, major departures and ambitious rivals challenging their supremacy.

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

From Sanjay Leela Bhansali and S S Rajamouli to Sundar C and Ayan Mukerji, these 15 filmmakers took a wild detour from their comfort zones, with wildly different results.

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Newly appointed BJP Minority Morcha national president Kunwar Basit Ali announced a strategic focus on approximately 100 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, aiming to connect the Muslim community with the BJP by highlighting government welfare schemes and dispelling "misconceptions" about the party.

Australian Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test

Australian Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, from a sample taken during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June. The volatile Australian owned up to his "huge mistake" in a public apology, citing the physical and mental toll of recent injuries.

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.

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Lack of women in Karnataka's new council of ministers has put the spotlight once again on women's under-representation in politics and policy.

'It's like chess': Gilmour on modern badminton's demands

'It's like chess': Gilmour on modern badminton's demands

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

European women's singles champion Kirsty Gilmour discusses the evolving nature of badminton, emphasising its mental aspect akin to a game of chess. Despite her early exit from the World Championships, she praised the improved arrangements at the New Delhi venue, particularly the availability of sanitary products, and contrasted it with the issues faced during the India Open.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to commercialise its events and offer stakes to external investors, has drawn significant criticism from governing bodies like UEFA and CONCACAF, who accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency and attempting to 'sell the soul of football'.

India broadens crude sourcing to Latin America, Venezuela becomes key supplier

India broadens crude sourcing to Latin America, Venezuela becomes key supplier

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India is significantly expanding its crude oil sourcing to Latin America, with Venezuela emerging as a major supplier, as geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz compel the world's third-largest oil consumer to diversify its energy supplies.

Gunmen Target Singer's Associate In Gurugram, Cop Injured

Gunmen Target Singer's Associate In Gurugram, Cop Injured

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Two motorcycle-borne shooters allegedly linked to gangster Deepak Nandal opened fire at the residence of an event organiser working for singer Rahul Fazilpuria in Gurugram's Kanhai village, injuring a police constable deployed there for security, police said on Sunday.

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A veteran White House reporter has revealed that the Clinton administration used a decoy aircraft during President Bill Clinton's high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000, a security measure disclosed to journalists off-the-record due to the significant dangers involved.

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.

Mutiny Review: What A Dull Jason Statham Film!

Mutiny Review: What A Dull Jason Statham Film!

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mutiny is so painfully predictable that even Jason Statham's trademark mayhem struggles to keep it afloat.

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan panel and the Nandan Nilekani committee for institutionalising reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and improving NEET exam processes.

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Delhi's Ridge, encompassing areas like Kamla Nehru Ridge, played a pivotal strategic role during the 1857 Revolt against British rule, with sites like the Flagstaff Tower, Hindu Rao's house, and Pir Ghaib serving as crucial military positions and silent witnesses to the intense fighting.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned the literature of terrorist organisations such as Islamic State, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda (AQIS), citing its content glorifying violent extremism, promoting radicalisation, and providing information on bomb-making and lone-wolf attacks.

Colombia earthquake kills 132, injures 570; over 1500 buildings damaged

Colombia earthquake kills 132, injures 570; over 1500 buildings damaged

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has devastated parts of Colombia, claiming at least 132 lives and injuring 570 others, with the city of Pereira reporting 60 deaths alone. The quake caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings and suspended airport operations, prompting emergency response efforts led by President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Khalifa Review: Prithviraj Can't Save Bland Thriller

Khalifa Review: Prithviraj Can't Save Bland Thriller

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Khalifa wants to build a universe, but struggles to build a compelling film, leaving Prithviraj Sukumaran to carry a derivative thriller almost entirely on his shoulders laments Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Tata Sons AGM adjourned due to lack of quorum

Tata Sons AGM adjourned due to lack of quorum

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

A crucial annual general meeting (AGM) of Tata Sons, the primary holding company of the Tata conglomerate, was adjourned due to a lack of quorum, specifically the absence of representatives from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT). The SRTT is currently under restrictions from the Maharashtra Charities Commissioner, preventing it from making major decisions or holding meetings, which impacted its ability to participate.

From 1932 to 600 Tests: India's Remarkable Test Evolution

From 1932 to 600 Tests: India's Remarkable Test Evolution

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

India completed their 600th Test with a 165-run win over Sri Lanka. Here's how India evolved from early struggles into a modern Test cricket powerhouse.

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The BJP has announced its new national organisational team, with eight leaders from Uttar Pradesh receiving key appointments. These include two national vice-presidents, two general secretaries, two secretaries, and the chiefs of the OBC and Minority Morchas. The appointments reflect a strategic focus on youth, social diversity, and experienced campaigners, particularly after the party's recent electoral setbacks in the state.

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Seventeen Indian sportspersons, including World Cup winning chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, and shuttler Gayatri Gopichand, have been named for the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2025.

A Sarpanch Who Is Changing Lives

A Sarpanch Who Is Changing Lives

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Smriti Singh was alarmed to learn that several girls and women in her village were using ash, wheat stubble and tattered rags during menstruation because they could not afford or access sanitary pads.

Tata power struggle deepens as Chandra, other Ratan Tata allies step away

Tata power struggle deepens as Chandra, other Ratan Tata allies step away

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, announced he would not seek reappointment when his term ends in February 2027, following a series of departures by senior figures closely associated with former chairman Ratan Tata, including Vijay Singh and Mehli Mistry, amid a deepening power struggle and governance dispute within the Tata Group.

AIFF picks Bibiano, Ranjit Bajaj for U-15 World Cup

AIFF picks Bibiano, Ranjit Bajaj for U-15 World Cup

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accelerated India's preparations for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup by appointing Bibiano Fernandes as head coach and Ranjit Bajaj as team manager. The tournament, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan, will feature an 8vs8 format with direct entry for all FIFA member associations. The AIFF also addressed other matters, including the Santosh Trophy format and budget approvals.

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Skoda Auto is strategically navigating the competitive Indian automotive market by prioritising profitable growth, exploring new powertrain options like CNG and a limited diesel return, and gearing up for a locally produced electric SUV, all while expanding its retail footprint.

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.

Ugandan footballer David Owori dies after assault in Kampala

Ugandan footballer David Owori dies after assault in Kampala

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

David Owori, the 28-year-old captain of Ugandan football club SC Villa and an international player, has died after being critically injured in an assault by unidentified assailants in Kampala.

Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on death threats, police investigating

Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on death threats, police investigating

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly addressed the alleged death threats received by him and his family over the past six months, stating that the matter has been reported to the police and expressing confidence in their action.

Jharkhand student leader begins hunger strike as CJP lends support to protest

Jharkhand student leader begins hunger strike as CJP lends support to protest

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Students in Jharkhand are protesting alleged irregularities in various recruitment examinations, including JPSC and JSSC. A student leader has launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding a federal probe and cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The Cockroach Janta Party has extended support, and a march to the Assembly is planned for August 7.

Arrested JeM operative was tasked with tracking WB CM Adhikari's movements

Arrested JeM operative was tasked with tracking WB CM Adhikari's movements

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative, Hamim Mondal, was arrested for allegedly reconnoitering West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's residence in Kolkata. The plot, directed by Pakistan-based handlers, involved tracking the CM's movements and identifying security vulnerabilities, with investigators probing potential links to ISI and a larger conspiracy for sabotage.

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused anti-India forces of using social media to spread rumours and mislead society, calling it a 'medium' for conspiracies against the country. He also criticised the alleged historical neglect of Indian revolutionaries in favour of one political family.

British OCI cardholder booked for conversion attempts in Pune

British OCI cardholder booked for conversion attempts in Pune

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder from the UK has been booked by Pune Police for allegedly attempting to induce people to convert to Christianity. The individual is accused of using religious gatherings to spread misconceptions about Hindu traditions and make superstitious claims to attract followers, violating the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 and the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The global players' union, FIFPRO, has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'profound abuse of presidential power' following the secretive development and subsequent shelving of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which aimed to privatise the FIFA World Cup.

Tamil Nadu Government Funds Chennai Open's Return

Tamil Nadu Government Funds Chennai Open's Return

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Chennai Open, a WTA 250 tennis tournament, is scheduled to return in November after the Tamil Nadu government allocated Rs 10 crore for its conduct. The event, which was absent in 2023 and 2024, will be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium.