News for 'The India Program'

SA20 head Smith eager to learn from IPL's success

SA20 head Smith eager to learn from IPL's success

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Smith couldn't hide his emotions while recalling their work in the early days that paved the way for the entry of six IPL franchises in the league.

'We Expect 1 Million Start Ups By 2035'

'We Expect 1 Million Start Ups By 2035'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

'Binary fission will happen -- startups will lead to more startups.'

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized the BJP for its allegations that elements in the American "deep state" were behind attempts to destabilize India, saying this "attack-dog" behavior is an embarrassment to India. Tharoor's comments come after the US rejected the BJP's allegations, describing them as "disappointing" and asserting that the US government is a champion of media freedom. The BJP had alleged that the US deep state colluded with the media portal OCCRP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to "damage" India's image.

'Trump Deep Down Admires Modi'

'Trump Deep Down Admires Modi'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'When compared to many of America's treaty allies in Asia, Modi 3.0 is on a much stronger footing.'

'Daddy' Tan returns: Can he lead Sat-Chi to gold?

'Daddy' Tan returns: Can he lead Sat-Chi to gold?

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Tan Kim Her's voice was tinged with emotion as he reflected on the journey of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the two men he paired and who fondly call him "Daddy".

'Trump will pick up from where he left off with India'

'Trump will pick up from where he left off with India'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Lisa Curtis, who served as deputy assistant to President Trump and as National Security Council senior director for South and Central Asia from 2017 to 2021, said she expected the same bumps for India and the US, as in Trump's first term, including tariff, dependence on Russia over arms supply and oil purchase from Iran. Curtis, however, said both countries could never enter an alliance but develop a partnership that is "short of an alliance". She hoped them to achieve a cooperation that deters China, but also prepares both countries in case of a crisis or conflict, be it in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, or another flare-up on the India-China border.

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

In a significant policy shift aimed at boosting agri-productivity and rural prosperity, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced six new agricultural schemes while increasing the subsidised Kisan Credit Card loan limit to Rs 5 lakh from the existing Rs 3 lakh, benefiting 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Indian government's announcement of 10,000 additional seats in medical colleges next year, part of a plan to add 75,000 seats over five years, has been welcomed by education experts and stakeholders. The move aims to address the shortage of medical professionals and reduce the outflow of Indian medical students to other countries. The budget also includes infrastructure expansion at five new IITs to accommodate 6,500 more students and an allocation of Rs 500 crore to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education.

TCS to drive next phase of Passport Seva Program

TCS to drive next phase of Passport Seva Program

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Tata Consultancy Services on Friday said it has been selected by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the second phase of the Passport Seva Program. In the next phase of the programme, TCS will refresh existing facilities and systems, and develop innovative solutions to enable the issuance of e-passports and further enhance the citizen experience, using technologies, such as biometrics, artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, chatbots, auto-response, natural language processing, and the cloud, a statement said. Launched in 2008, the Passport Seva Program saw TCS transforming the delivery of passport-related services, digitising the processes, and setting global benchmarks in timeliness, transparency, and reliability.

Will ICC adopt a new system for Test cricket?

Will ICC adopt a new system for Test cricket?

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

'I've been a firm believer in that if you want Test cricket to survive and be alive and thriving, I think that's the way to go.'

'Trump Will Unite America Provided...'

'Trump Will Unite America Provided...'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'...he keeps his campaign promises, does what he said he will do which led to his huge victory.'

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Elon Musk, who has previously vowed to "go to war" to defend the H-1B visa program, has reignited debate surrounding the program by labeling it "broken" and in urgent need of "major reform." Musk, along with Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tapped by Trump to lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Musk acknowledges the need for foreign workers in the tech industry, he believes the current H-1B system needs significant changes, including raising the minimum salary and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the visa. The H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, has been a subject of debate for years. The tech industry advocates for more H-1B visas to attract highly skilled workers, while some argue that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

Satish-Aadya: Climbing rankings while embracing trials

Satish-Aadya: Climbing rankings while embracing trials

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Just 18 months after pairing up, the young mixed doubles pair of Sathish Kumar Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath rise to World No 33.

Child porn: SC nudges Parliament to amend POCSO Act

Child porn: SC nudges Parliament to amend POCSO Act

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday suggested that Parliament should seriously consider bringing an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for substituting the term 'child pornography' with 'child sexual exploitative and abuse material' with a view to reflect more accurately the reality of such offences.

What Jay Shah told IOC boss Bach...

What Jay Shah told IOC boss Bach...

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

The duo met at the IOC's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland and discussed about cricket's future in the Olympic programme.

Had Bumrah not been there, BGT series would've been one-sided: McGrath

Had Bumrah not been there, BGT series would've been one-sided: McGrath

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Jasprit Bumrah's incredible performance has prevented the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series from becoming completely lopsided in Australia's favour, said pace great Glenn McGrath, lauding the India spearhead for his ball-control and ability to adapt quickly.

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In Kerala's society, known for its high material standard of living, plunging into a state of having nothing overnight can be terrible for one's social standing and sense of self-esteem. Rehabilitation entails piecing a community back together after a disturbance and while its aim is noble, the act of reassembling will bring alive disparities and inequalities, explains Shyam G Menon.

Google Unveils AI For India's Developers

Google Unveils AI For India's Developers

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

Developers in India now have expanded access to Google's powerful AI models with the 2 million token context window in Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemma 2, the next generation of open models.

Jaipur Lit Fest: Words Against War

Jaipur Lit Fest: Words Against War

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

'Our fractured world has been embroiled in wars and hatred, and many sessions reflect these concerns.'

India, US sign key defence agreement

India, US sign key defence agreement

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The two countries also signed a 'Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers', which will facilitate the posting of one military officer from each country with the military of the other.

10 Must Watch Stories From Across The World

10 Must Watch Stories From Across The World

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

This year's Sundance Film Festival was rich with films and the theatres were warm, even as temperatures outside dipped to below freezing point. It snowed only once but the sidewalks remained slippery for a few days.

LG orders probe against AAP's 'Mahila Samman' scheme

LG orders probe against AAP's 'Mahila Samman' scheme

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has ordered an inquiry against private persons allegedly gathering personal details of women in the name of Mahila Samman Yojana, his office said on Saturday.

Increase in room rates, higher occupancy to drive gains for Indian Hotels

Increase in room rates, higher occupancy to drive gains for Indian Hotels

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Indian Hotels reported strong consolidated revenue growth of 29 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in the third quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY25), led by revenue per available room, or RevPAR, growth of 15 per cent. The average room rate, or ARR, was up 13 per cent and occupancy improved 120 basis points (bps) Y-o-Y on a standalone business. Like-for-like revenue growth was 15 per cent Y-o-Y, while TajSats (airline catering) grew by 18 per cent Y-o-Y.

Indian pharma improves compliance with USFDA; fewer OAI cases in 2024

Indian pharma improves compliance with USFDA; fewer OAI cases in 2024

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Indian pharmaceutical companies have made major strides in adhering to stringent US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) norms in 2024, with data suggesting a decline in the number of adverse classification outcomes of inspections across biologics, drugs, and devices. In 2023, the USFDA conducted 225 inspections, which led to 18 cases of Official Action Indicated (OAI) and 117 cases of Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI).

Narang hails modern reforms in India's shooting scene

Narang hails modern reforms in India's shooting scene

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Seasoned marksman Gagan Narang applauds the systematic selection process, government investment, and improved infrastructure for India's impressive haul of 15 shooting quota places for the Paris Olympics

Olympic boxing crisis deepens: India's fate uncertain

Olympic boxing crisis deepens: India's fate uncertain

Rediff.com1 Sep 2024

Boxing's already uncertain Olympic future was thrown into further jeopardy after the sport's Asian governing body voted against leaving the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA) to join the rival association.

Drowning In A Sea Of Entertainment

Drowning In A Sea Of Entertainment

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'There is simply too much to watch, read and absorb.' 'Just online consumption (news, entertainment, social media) in India was 2.5 hours a day in November 2024.' 'Add TV (just under 4 hours), other media, and the figure is closer to 7 to 8 hours a day for over one-third of Indians,' points out Vanita Kohli Khandekar.

SEE: Here's how India gears up for Paris Olympics

SEE: Here's how India gears up for Paris Olympics

Rediff.com24 May 2024

'Let's Move India' encourages people of all ages and abilities to embrace the joy of movement and celebrate the Indian athletes heading to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

India had a policy to maintain distance, but now...: Modi in Poland

India had a policy to maintain distance, but now...: Modi in Poland

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Modi, who is visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that he will share with the Ukrainian leader perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.

Average cost of data breaches in India hits $2.18 million: RBI report

Average cost of data breaches in India hits $2.18 million: RBI report

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

The average cost of data breaches in India reached $2.18 million in 2023, marking a 28 per cent increase since 2020, according to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Currency and Finance report for 2023-24. The report said that India's average data breach cost was still below the global average. The most common attacks in India are phishing which was at 22 per cent and stolen or compromised credentials was 16 per cent. The automotive industry is highly vulnerable to cyber attacks, whereas the banking and financial services sector, benefiting from stringent regulations, enjoys comparatively stronger protection.

20 EV Launches In 2025

20 EV Launches In 2025

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai and MG Motors are gearing up to introduce EVs in India.

'No one is his enemy, he is his own enemy'

'No one is his enemy, he is his own enemy'

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw missed training sessions regularly after showing up at the team hotel at "six in the morning" being out for most of the night.

And The Most Popular Movie Is...

And The Most Popular Movie Is...

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD! Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi is number one on OTT.

Wenger stresses on importance of grassroots program to scout talent

Wenger stresses on importance of grassroots program to scout talent

Rediff.com14 Sep 2023

'Overall, it's based on two things. First, it's identifying talent. And then the quality of the educational programme and the coaching is absolutely vital. The AIFF has to take charge of the education with us and we need good cooperation.'

Why India Will Like Shigeru Ishiba

Why India Will Like Shigeru Ishiba

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

Shigeru Ishiba is expected to prioritise strengthening Japan's military capabilities and fostering deeper international partnerships, particularly with India, with whom Japan shares significant strategic interests, explains Dr Rajaram Panda.

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'But when we actually express ourselves, sometimes our parents can surprise us, because they just love their children.' 'Sometimes it's just that simple. That is what I wanted to show in this film.'

Ratan Tata: Rare Glimpses

Ratan Tata: Rare Glimpses

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

Snapshots from his illustrious life through the lens of Photographer Gopal Shetty including images with the legendary J R D Tata.

'Pushpa 2 May Inaugurate 700 Cr Club'

'Pushpa 2 May Inaugurate 700 Cr Club'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Pushpa 2's advance bookings have set a new record, with advance bookings standing at Rs 50 crore on Day One.

2024 Belongs To Payal Kapadia!

2024 Belongs To Payal Kapadia!

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

All We Imagine as Light has been on several critics' best of the year lists, including Sight and Sound (Payal Kapadia appeared on the magazine's cover, perhaps a first for an Indian filmmaker), to The New York Times, Time and it is the number one film recommended by Barack Obama. The future certainly belongs to Payal Kapadia, asserts Aseem Chhabra.