News for 'The Idea of India'

K L Rahul Delighted To Overcome T20 Doubts

K L Rahul Delighted To Overcome T20 Doubts

Rediff.com5 May 2026

K L Rahul expresses satisfaction at breaking the perception of being a Test specialist.

Court Rejects Plea Of Couple Accused In Rs 122-Crore Fraud

Court Rejects Plea Of Couple Accused In Rs 122-Crore Fraud

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A Mumbai court has rejected a plea by a couple, former officials of New India Co-operative Bank, accused of a Rs 122-crore fraud, to appear via video conferencing from the UK, deeming their request as showing 'huge abysmal entitlement'. The couple cited a 'hostile environment' and 'threats to their lives' if they returned to India.

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Rediff.com2 May 2026

I wonder if I can rest assured -- before the election ink on my finger fades -- that my home state is at the threshold of a better future, wonders Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

How Indian Medic Profited From Fake AI Influencer Emily Hart

How Indian Medic Profited From Fake AI Influencer Emily Hart

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Indian youth creates fictional AI influencer, Emily Hart, who amasses millions of followers and earns him substantial income, exposing the deceptive potential of AI in the digital age.

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Why Asian Games Could Move To Odd-Numbered Years

Why Asian Games Could Move To Odd-Numbered Years

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Asian Games could shift to odd-numbered years after the 2026 edition, effectively moving to the year before the Olympics to serve as a key qualifying event across more sports, according to reports.

Shares of life insurers dip as DFS calls for end to exclusive bank tie-ups

Shares of life insurers dip as DFS calls for end to exclusive bank tie-ups

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Shares of Indian life insurance companies, particularly SBI Life Insurance and Canara HSBC Life Insurance, saw significant declines after the Department of Financial Services (DFS) secretary, M Nagaraju, stated that banks are being asked to avoid exclusive tie-ups with their own insurance subsidiaries and instead remain neutral.

'Whole World Is Waiting To Watch Ramayana'

'Whole World Is Waiting To Watch Ramayana'

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Actor Aadinath Kothare, set to appear as Bharat in Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated Ramayana, believes the film is a game-changer for Indian cinema on the global stage.

The Only Indian Film Competing At Cannes

The Only Indian Film Competing At Cannes

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'Cinema is such a powerful medium. It is not just the emotional impact, but some of these films are so strong that your entire body cannot help but react.'

How RBI Plans To Protect Your Money From Scams

How RBI Plans To Protect Your Money From Scams

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The proposed solution is a one-hour delay for digital transactions exceeding Rs 10,000, particularly when the transfer is made to a new or unverified beneficiary. The idea is simple -- give users a window to reconsider, detect fraud or alert their bank before the funds are irretrievably transferred.

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Indian government is actively developing a policy for flex-fuel vehicle adoption and aiming for 100 per cent ethanol blending in petrol to enhance energy self-reliance, particularly in light of supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

Pietersen, Cook In Public Spat Over Bethell's IPL decision

Pietersen, Cook In Public Spat Over Bethell's IPL decision

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Former England captains Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook are at odds over Jacob Bethell's decision to remain in the IPL despite not playing any matches, with Pietersen supporting the learning experience and Cook advocating for county cricket.

India's Telecom Subscriber Base Crosses 1.32 Billion Mark, Driven by Broadband Growth

India's Telecom Subscriber Base Crosses 1.32 Billion Mark, Driven by Broadband Growth

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's total telephone subscriber base reached 1,321.31 million by the end of February 2026, marking a 0.56 per cent monthly growth, primarily fuelled by a significant surge in broadband adoption.

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched an artificial intelligence and computational thinking curriculum for classes 3 to 8, aiming to integrate structured AI education into the school system.

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Balbir Punj, a former Rajya Sabha MP, journalist, and BJP leader, has died at the age of 76. Tributes have poured in from prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, recognising his contributions to the party and the world of media.

Influencer Breaks Silence on Kohli's Viral 'Like'

Influencer Breaks Silence on Kohli's Viral 'Like'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Virat Kohli's casual Instagram 'like' on a travel vlogger's post unexpectedly went viral, sparking social media buzz and bringing back his 'algorithm interaction' explanation.

Geopolitical Risks Could Push Jio Platforms IPO to H2 FY27

Geopolitical Risks Could Push Jio Platforms IPO to H2 FY27

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Reliance Industries' digital arm, Jio Platforms, may see its initial public offering (IPO) delayed to the second half of fiscal 2027, according to CreditSights. The delay is primarily attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which could impact market conditions and investor sentiment.

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A new report indicates a rise in 'red alert' constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with a significant number of candidates facing criminal charges.

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

IRCTC Bets Big on Payments Play

IRCTC Bets Big on Payments Play

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

IRCTC is expanding its payments arm, IRCTC Payments, to handle transactions across its ticketing platform and tap government clients, aiming to scale its annual payment processing to approximately 1 trillion.

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'We were in a heavily nuclearised environment. China had tested for Pakistan in the 1980s and helped their missile programme stay just one step behind us.'

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is shifting its focus from individual athletes to the criminal networks that supply performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), recognising that athletes are often victims of sophisticated doping operations.

Mark Mobius: The Champion of Emerging Markets

Mark Mobius: The Champion of Emerging Markets

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'Mobius made EMs investable and India his most enduring belief.'

Kara Review: Dhanush Anchors a Flawed Heist-Thriller

Kara Review: Dhanush Anchors a Flawed Heist-Thriller

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Kara had the makings of a fine heist thriller anchored by a superlative Dhanush, but a slack screenplay in crucial stretches and an overdose of melodrama ensure it only works in patches, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

India Slams Pakistan Over Air Strikes in Afghanistan, Cites Sovereignty Concerns

India Slams Pakistan Over Air Strikes in Afghanistan, Cites Sovereignty Concerns

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's air strikes within Afghan territory, emphasising the need to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity following civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

IPL 2026: 'Complete performance... but,' Gill flags key concern

IPL 2026: 'Complete performance... but,' Gill flags key concern

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Gujarat Titans secured a convincing victory against Chennai Super Kings in their IPL match, with Shubman Gill highlighting the need for improvement in finishing innings.

Manpreet Singh Denies Fallout with Hockey India Chief, Eyes Record

Manpreet Singh Denies Fallout with Hockey India Chief, Eyes Record

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh refutes rumours of a rift with Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, expressing his desire to surpass Tirkey's record and continue playing until the Asian Games.

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'All this talk about women's reservation and Nari Shakti is a mirage.' 'It is a classic Trojan horse to bring about an alteration in the structure of political competition -- to the enduring advantage of the BJP.'

Rouble Nagi, Winner, Global Teacher Prize: 'A Single Teacher's Faith Can Alter The Trajectory Of A Child's Life'

Rouble Nagi, Winner, Global Teacher Prize: 'A Single Teacher's Faith Can Alter The Trajectory Of A Child's Life'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Many of the children I work with had never attended school before and had never been given the right environment or opportunity to learn.'
'When education became accessible -- through flexible learning spaces, creative methods and community-based classrooms -- these same children began to thrive.'
'Over time, many who had never stepped into a formal classroom not only entered the education system but continued their studies further, with some going on to university.'

LIK: Love Insurance Kompany Review: Colourful Futuristic Romcom

LIK: Love Insurance Kompany Review: Colourful Futuristic Romcom

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

LIK: Love Insurance Kompany is an ambitious film for its setting, but underscores in both the romance and the humour departments. The world-building is vibrant, the ideas are relevant, but the storytelling lacks the depth and conviction needed to bring them together meaningfully

LA Knight Riders stadium to host Olympic cricket

LA Knight Riders stadium to host Olympic cricket

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta hailed the ground breaking of the cricket venue for the 2028 Olympics as a historic moment, fulfilling a long-awaited promise to bring the sport to the global stage.

Haryana CM Saini Lauds Ambedkar's Advocacy for Women's Education and Social Justice

Haryana CM Saini Lauds Ambedkar's Advocacy for Women's Education and Social Justice

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini commemorated B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, highlighting his contributions to women's empowerment and social justice. Saini and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticised the Congress party for allegedly disrespecting Ambedkar, while praising the current government's efforts to honour his legacy.

Cricket Venue Breaks Ground For 2028 Olympics Return

Cricket Venue Breaks Ground For 2028 Olympics Return

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta marked the ground breaking of the cricket venue for the 2028 Olympics as a historic moment, fulfilling a 128-year promise to bring cricket back to the global stage. The venue, also home to the Los Angeles Knight Riders, signifies cricket's growing global appeal and its integration into the Olympic movement.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer reveals dressing room secret behind Punjab's six-hitting spree

IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer reveals dressing room secret behind Punjab's six-hitting spree

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer reveals a light-hearted six-hitting contest in the dressing room is behind their batting success in the IPL, after their dominant win against Lucknow Super Giants.

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'In a volatile global market, India is pursuing a low-risk, low-return policy, akin to a SIP -- slow, steady investment.' 'Pakistan is following a high-risk, high-return policy.'

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.