News for 'The People of India'

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Rediff.com7 days ago

The opposition has intensified its criticism of the government's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh allege the move is a result of US pressure, particularly from American card companies, and demand an immediate rollback, warning of increased costs for consumers.

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a three-day visit to attend the BRICS summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and energy cooperation amidst global geopolitical challenges.

Kiran Bedi seeks role in Satya Niketan hostel collapse case, HC says...

Kiran Bedi seeks role in Satya Niketan hostel collapse case, HC says...

Rediff.com6 days ago

Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi on Thursday approached the Delhi high court seeking to be made a party in a matter concerning the hostel building collapse in Satya Niketan that left seven people dead, saying she wanted to bring forth "critical public domain disclosures" and the "nexus" in the operation of PG hostels.

After Commonwealth and Kurash heartbreaks, Suchika Tariyal finds Asian Games redemption

After Commonwealth and Kurash heartbreaks, Suchika Tariyal finds Asian Games redemption

Rediff.com2 days ago

Suchika Tariyal has made history by becoming India's first Asian Games medal winner in Mixed Martial Arts, securing a bronze in the women's traditional 60kg event. The 36-year-old fighter, who hails from Haryana, expressed immense joy and dedicated her medal to her family, acknowledging the financial struggles and personal sacrifices made throughout her career. Despite initially considering retirement, her performance has inspired her to continue her professional fighting journey.

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

Allahabad HC warns against forcing employees to wear Santa Claus cap

Allahabad HC warns against forcing employees to wear Santa Claus cap

Rediff.com14 hours ago

The Allahabad High Court has ruled against compelling employees to wear Santa Claus red caps, stating such actions can hurt religious sentiments and are not permitted in India's democratic system. The court partly allowed a plea challenging criminal proceedings against an individual accused of forcing subordinates to wear the caps, clarifying how such cases should be treated under law.

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com13 hours ago

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com14 hours ago

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

'Nobody Looks At Clothes As Waste'

'Nobody Looks At Clothes As Waste'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'You can't be selfish when you're thinking about nature. It has to be good karma.' 'If we prevent textile waste from going to the landfills, it's good karma.'

On Trump's UNGA Agenda: Mamdani, Macron and Zelenskyy

On Trump's UNGA Agenda: Mamdani, Macron and Zelenskyy

Rediff.com2 days ago

US President Donald Trump is set to engage in a series of high-profile meetings during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, including discussions with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Mariners End Eight-Year Drought With Dramatic CFL Victory

Mariners End Eight-Year Drought With Dramatic CFL Victory

Rediff.com4 days ago

Mohun Bagan secured their 31st Calcutta Football League Premier Division title, their first since 2018, with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Mohammedan Sporting despite being down to 10 men. Sahal Abdul Samad scored a brace, and Sayan Banerjee netted the winner, ending an eight-year title drought for the Mariners.

'Next 20 Years Are Very Critical For India'

'Next 20 Years Are Very Critical For India'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'... to see that young people are gainfully employed. After that, it will become very difficult as we will start ageing much more rapidly.' 'We have a huge proportion of Gen Z. After 2030, every year, we will start seeing a gradual shift towards a slightly older society.'

Solicitor General's 'Naxalite' remark sparks heated exchange in SC

Solicitor General's 'Naxalite' remark sparks heated exchange in SC

Rediff.com1 days ago

A heated exchange occurred in the Supreme Court between senior advocate S Muralidhar and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta over Mehta's use of the term "Naxalites" during a hearing on the national song Vande Mataram. Muralidhar strongly objected to the remark, demanding its withdrawal, while Mehta defended his statement, referring to an ideology rather than individuals. The bench intervened, emphasising decorum and constitutional issues.

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remains an "essential" basis for the development of India-China relations, even as the two leaders welcomed "steady progress" in bilateral ties during their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

PM Modi said UP will be divided into 4 states: Minister

PM Modi said UP will be divided into 4 states: Minister

Rediff.com2 days ago

SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has revived the long-standing discussion about dividing Uttar Pradesh, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him the state could be split into four parts after a caste census. Rajbhar's statement, made at a rally in Deoria, links the division to the 27% reservation issue and suggests a Rajbhar could become chief minister of a new Purvanchal state. The demand for UP's division has historical precedents, notably from former Chief Minister Mayawati.

Mamata to back Congress in Nandigram after candidate pulls out

Mamata to back Congress in Nandigram after candidate pulls out

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mamata Banerjee's faction of the Trinamool Congress announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll after its own candidate withdrew. This decision comes amidst a bitter dispute with the Election Commission over the freezing of TMC's traditional symbol and name, which Banerjee termed "arbitrary" and accused the BJP of trying to destroy opposition parties.

'Don't waste energy': Manu Bhaker's message to athletes

'Don't waste energy': Manu Bhaker's message to athletes

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian shooting star Manu Bhaker, a flagbearer at the Asian Games, has called upon her fellow athletes to concentrate on their performance and not be distracted by the organisational challenges and logistical issues marring the event's build-up. She emphasised that the opportunity is rare and should be seized with full dedication.

SAI Guwahati Hosts Nepal Boxing Team For Asian Games Prep

SAI Guwahati Hosts Nepal Boxing Team For Asian Games Prep

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati is hosting the Nepal boxing team for a high-performance training camp. This camp, running until September 15, provides Nepalese athletes access to India's elite sporting facilities and coaching ahead of the Asian Games, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's IT services industry is witnessing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, particularly among mid-cap companies, as AI-led pricing pressure and macroeconomic uncertainty compel firms to seek scale, capabilities, and broader market reach. This trend is exemplified by the recent merger of Happiest Minds Technologies and ITC Infotech, aiming to offer end-to-end solutions and compete for larger transformation programmes.

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Who is running the show in Dhaka? This kind of flip-flop, culminating in a last-minute decision to skip a maiden visit, can happen only when the remote is in the hands of one of the competing lobbies within the BNP -- one that appears determined to play a game of chess with India.

Tax relief on insurance drives higher policy purchases, expands coverage

Tax relief on insurance drives higher policy purchases, expands coverage

Rediff.com1 days ago

The removal of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on individual health and life insurance has led to a significant increase in new policy purchases and higher coverage levels, despite an initial surge moderating, according to industry experts.

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive discussions to strengthen bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and exploring avenues for peace and resolution, with Modi reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Modi Praises UPI's Transformative Impact On India's Digital Payments

Prime Minister Modi Praises UPI's Transformative Impact On India's Digital Payments

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completing a decade, calling it a major turning point in India's digital payment journey. Launched in 2016, UPI has become the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem, showing exponential growth in transaction volume and value, and is a key pillar of the Digital Public Infrastructure.

Accel's 11-Year Bet on RentoMojo Pays Off with Strong IPO Debut

Accel's 11-Year Bet on RentoMojo Pays Off with Strong IPO Debut

Rediff.com2 days ago

Accel's early investment in RentoMojo, a furniture and appliance rental platform, has paid off handsomely with the company's strong debut on the stock exchanges, listing nearly 19 per cent above its issue price after a significantly oversubscribed IPO.

EPF Ceiling Hike: Who Pays More?

EPF Ceiling Hike: Who Pays More?

Rediff.com1 days ago

EPF wage ceiling rising to Rs 25,000 could increase employer statutory contributions by Rs 1,200 monthly per employee.

Shane Watson reveals why India feels like 'second home'

Shane Watson reveals why India feels like 'second home'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has described India as his 'second home,' stating he felt more welcomed and supported by Indian cricket fans than in Australia, attributing this strong connection to his IPL career and the country's appreciation for the sport.

Why Opposition Calls UPI MDR A Betrayal And US Appeasement

Why Opposition Calls UPI MDR A Betrayal And US Appeasement

Rediff.com7 days ago

The opposition has strongly criticised the government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15. They allege the move is a result of US pressure and will lead to increased commodity prices, calling it a "betrayal" of the common man. The government, however, clarifies that customers will not be charged, and the MDR applies only to merchants for larger transactions.

Why I Refuse To Romanticise The 1980s

Why I Refuse To Romanticise The 1980s

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Some decades are worth remembering exactly as they were, unfiltered, because that's the only way the people who survived them get to be seen at all, points out Binu Alex.

No rush for PM Rahman's India visit, B'desh stresses national interests

No rush for PM Rahman's India visit, B'desh stresses national interests

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has stated there is "no rush" for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India, emphasising that Dhaka will not compromise its national interests. State Minister Humaiun Kobir indicated the visit would occur after sufficient bilateral progress. The visit is crucial for mending India-Bangladesh ties, which have been strained, particularly following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh's subsequent extradition request.

What Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry's Statement Says Between The Lines

What Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry's Statement Says Between The Lines

Rediff.com4 days ago

Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry's statement will be watched closely against the backdrop of the listing battle as well as the Tata leadership contest, with veto votes being cast over the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons for a third term.

80s Trend Turns Nostalgia Into Memory

80s Trend Turns Nostalgia Into Memory

Rediff.com5 days ago

The retro hair, the vintage clothing, that's not the real charm of these images. It's the ability to look at a screen and create the one thing modern technology has never been able to give us: the tactile, imperfect feeling of memory, points out Kaleem Ullah Fasihi.

SENSATIONAL! Who In Delhi Stopped The GSLV Launch?

SENSATIONAL! Who In Delhi Stopped The GSLV Launch?

Rediff.com6 days ago

'An instruction came from somebody in Delhi saying, "don't go with the launch".'

Iranian President urges BRICS to end Western dominance

Iranian President urges BRICS to end Western dominance

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged BRICS nations to expand trade in national currencies and build an inclusive global economic framework. He criticised "unilateral sanctions" by Western powers, stating they make emerging economies vulnerable and impact global food security. Pezeshkian emphasised BRICS' role in creating a balanced world order and highlighted Iran's geopolitical and energy capacities for cooperation.

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'All the glaciers will disappear!'

H1N1 cases rise in Delhi, North India; experts say virus not more virulent

H1N1 cases rise in Delhi, North India; experts say virus not more virulent

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

H1N1 influenza cases have seen a recent increase in Delhi and parts of North India. Experts confirm it's a known strain, not more virulent, and advise precautions, especially for high-risk individuals like the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. They stress the importance of rest, hydration, and medical consultation for severe symptoms, while also noting that most cases are mild and self-limiting.

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has indicated that its judges may personally visit the National Testing Agency (NTA) to examine its upgraded facilities aimed at preventing recurring NEET paper leaks. This unusual move underscores the court's emphasis on institutional strengthening and permanent solutions. The NTA informed the bench that it has overhauled its system, while a high-powered panel is also working on structural reforms to ensure foolproof examination processes.

SEE: US Ambassador Sergio Gor visits Lalbaugcha Raja

SEE: US Ambassador Sergio Gor visits Lalbaugcha Raja

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Political leaders and dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, joined devotees across the country in celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with traditional fervour, offering prayers and seeking blessings.

Neeraj Chopra Reflects On Missing Asian Games Due To Injury

Neeraj Chopra Reflects On Missing Asian Games Due To Injury

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra discusses the emotional and physical challenges of missing the Asian Games due to a ligament injury. He shares his process of accepting the setback, focusing on rehabilitation, and preparing for future competitions, while also offering advice to fellow athletes and aspiring javelin throwers.

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.