News for 'The Sunday Times'

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' annual sports festival will commence on September 5 in Bathinda, expecting around 10 lakh participants across 38 sports. The event, now in its fourth edition, aims to promote sports at block, district, and state levels, with competitions running until November 29.

SC to hear plea of journalist who blew lid off Ram temple theft

SC to hear plea of journalist who blew lid off Ram temple theft

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, who is challenging an FIR filed against him by Ghaziabad police in an alleged road rage case. Upadhyay claims the FIR is retaliatory, stemming from his reporting on alleged irregularities in donations to Ayodhya's Ram temple and corruption in Uttar Pradesh. He fears arrest and seeks quashing of the FIR or transfer of the investigation to an independent agency.

Unbeaten Spain eye Italy's all-time record in World Cup semi-final vs France

Unbeaten Spain eye Italy's all-time record in World Cup semi-final vs France

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Spain take a 36-match unbeaten run into their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against France, with Lamine Yamal calling it the biggest match of his career as La Roja chase Italy's all-time record.

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.

Voltas' New JV to Boost Localisation, Margin Trajectory Key for Future Growth

Voltas' New JV to Boost Localisation, Margin Trajectory Key for Future Growth

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Voltas has announced a joint venture with Atomberg Innovation to manufacture high-efficiency room air conditioner (RAC) compressors, aiming to strengthen localisation and supply-chain resilience. Despite significant volume growth in RACs, the company's margins remain a key concern for analysts.

RBI's concessional swap schemes fail to boost rupee despite large forex inflows

RBI's concessional swap schemes fail to boost rupee despite large forex inflows

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Despite large inflows of foreign funds mobilised through the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) concessional swap schemes, the rupee has seen little impact because the dollars have largely been absorbed into the central bank's reserves instead of being released into the spot market, according to market participants.

Floe AI Model Tackles India's Multilingual Communication Challenges

Floe AI Model Tackles India's Multilingual Communication Challenges

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Blue Machines AI has launched Floe, a context-aware language detection model designed for AI agents. Floe distinguishes between code-mixing and genuine language switches in multimodal interactions, supporting over 10 Indic languages with ultra-low latency. It aims to improve enterprise AI conversations by understanding user intent in multilingual settings.

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India's strong defensive start unravelled after half-time as three Dutch goals secured a 3-1 win, denting the team's World Cup semifinal hopes.

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Hull City marked their Premier League return after nine years with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United, exposing flaws in Michael Carrick's promising side.

Samantha Shows Baby Bump On Vietnam Holiday

Samantha Shows Baby Bump On Vietnam Holiday

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares glimpses of her Vietnam holiday with husband Raj Nidimoru, where her baby bump is clearly visible.

Who Is Saransh Jain, India's Oldest Test Debutant?

Who Is Saransh Jain, India's Oldest Test Debutant?

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Saransh Jain, the 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, made his India Test debut against Sri Lanka, replacing the injured Kuldeep Yadav, a testament to his consistent domestic performances.

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Chelsea is undergoing a significant close-season transformation under new manager Xabi Alonso, with major signings like Morgan Rogers.

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Press Club of India clarified it did not organise an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cutout was worshipped and a 'Modi Chalisa' was read. The event, organised by the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, was stopped by club authorities due to violation of rental terms. The organiser plans to build a temple for PM Modi in Bihar, citing his support for the transgender community.

Cincinnati Open: Bejlek shocks World No 1 Sabalenka, Paul ousts top seed Zverev

Cincinnati Open: Bejlek shocks World No 1 Sabalenka, Paul ousts top seed Zverev

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

World number one Aryna Sabalenka and top seed Alexander Zverev were dramatically knocked out of the Cincinnati Open, with Sabalenka losing to Sara Bejlek and Zverev falling to Tommy Paul after saving a match point.

How Chou Tien Chen Defies Age And Cancer On The Badminton Court

How Chou Tien Chen Defies Age And Cancer On The Badminton Court

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Chou Tien Chen, at 36, continues to achieve success in badminton, defying age and a recent colorectal cancer diagnosis. His physiotherapist attributes his longevity to a "miracle," while Chou himself credits his faith and enjoyment of the game. He recently secured another medal at the World Championships, preparing to face Japan's Kodai Naraoka.

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Government departments requested social media platforms to remove 2.44 lakh pieces of content between March and July, with states initiating 82% of these requests. The IT Intermediaries Rules 2021 were amended to reduce takedown time to three hours. The PIB Fact Check unit clarified its role in content moderation, refuting claims of automated blocking by Meta and emphasising the need to address lawlessness in cyberspace.

FIFA WC 2026: Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to make semis

FIFA WC 2026: Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to make semis

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Alexis MacAllister has puts Argentina ahead in the10th minute.

What Went Wrong For India At The Hockey World Cup

What Went Wrong For India At The Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

India's Hockey World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after a 5-3 defeat to Argentina, highlighting persistent defensive issues and a struggle to perform against top-ranked teams. The team's problems, including conceding early goals and a lack of intensity, had been building throughout the year.

Mourinho: Vinicius Jr faces 'bullying' from opponents and crowd

Mourinho: Vinicius Jr faces 'bullying' from opponents and crowd

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has accused opponents and supporters of 'bullying' Vinicius Jr, citing rough treatment in their 2-1 LaLiga win against Espanyol and calling it a 'pattern that repeats itself'.

Williams sisters beaten on doubles return at Cincinnati Open

Williams sisters beaten on doubles return at Cincinnati Open

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams made their return to doubles action at the Cincinnati Open, their first match together since 2022.

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Varun Dhawan has made a significant investment in agricultural farmland, declaring it his 'biggest achievement', highlighting a growing trend among celebrities to embrace organic farming and rural living over urban luxury.

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The rules require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security or a combination of both to cover civil liability for nuclear damage.

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned "unverified claims" regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.

Hyderabad To Host Eighth Season Of Tennis Premier League

Hyderabad To Host Eighth Season Of Tennis Premier League

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The eighth season of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) will take place in Hyderabad from December 8 to 13, featuring eight teams and a new partnership with Kia India. The event will be held at the LB Tennis Stadium with support from the Telangana government.

'Noel Tata May Want To Appoint Somebody'

'Noel Tata May Want To Appoint Somebody'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

'whom he believes in ... or whom he has faith in. But we don't know whether that person will be competent or not. This will lead to a lot of uncertainty in the minds of investors and shareholders of the Tata group companies.'

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Ten days after both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, the Monsoon session is yet to end formally, giving rise to speculation that the government wants to pass a key legislation without convening a new session.

Bangladesh captain urges Australia for more Test tours after tied series

Bangladesh captain urges Australia for more Test tours after tied series

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has urged Australia and cricket's powerbrokers to increase Test tours to the South Asian nation, emphasising its importance for his team to gain experience in diverse conditions and improve in the format.

Plea in SC seeks confiscation of assets of paper leak offenders

Plea in SC seeks confiscation of assets of paper leak offenders

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and state governments on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for the confiscation of movable and immovable property belonging to individuals and their family members involved in exam question paper leak cases. The plea also calls for invoking various anti-corruption and financial crime acts against perpetrators and suggests consecutive sentencing for such offences.

Not my habit to complain about my country: Omar on meeting US envoy

Not my habit to complain about my country: Omar on meeting US envoy

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced he would meet US Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the regional situation but firmly stated he would not raise internal issues with the US representative. Abdullah emphasised that solutions to J&K's problems lie with the central government, not with foreign entities, maintaining his stance against complaining about India to foreign diplomats.

Home Flooded? Avoid These Insurance Claim Mistakes

Home Flooded? Avoid These Insurance Claim Mistakes

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Flood insurance claims can be rejected or reduced if homeowners do not understand what their policy actually covers.

World No 7 Victor Lai sets sights on badminton's top spot

World No 7 Victor Lai sets sights on badminton's top spot

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Canadian badminton player Victor Lai, currently world No. 7, expresses his ambition to become world No. 1. He acknowledges the challenge from established stars and welcomes the rise of a new generation of young shuttlers. Lai highlights his recent Super 1000 title win and his breakthrough at the India Open as crucial steps in his mental and professional growth.

3 newborns killed in Maha govt hospital fire, 36 rescued; probe ordered

3 newborns killed in Maha govt hospital fire, 36 rescued; probe ordered

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, was reportedly caused by a sparking ventilator.

'Your anger is their satisfaction': Delhi cops told to stay calm at protests

'Your anger is their satisfaction': Delhi cops told to stay calm at protests

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Fresh guidelines issued to the Delhi police by a central agency advise personnel to remain calm during protests, avoid rising to provocation and being pictured as "villains" by the demonstrators filming them, police sources said on Sunday.

Smallcaps, Midcaps Race Ahead Of Largecaps

Smallcaps, Midcaps Race Ahead Of Largecaps

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Smallcap and midcap funds now account for nearly 30% of active equity MF folios, as stock-market gains revive investor appetite for high-growth segments.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.

BWF Worlds: Lakshya Sen knocked out; Sindhu, Shetty advance

BWF Worlds: Lakshya Sen knocked out; Sindhu, Shetty advance

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Lakshya Sen, a 2021 World Championships bronze medallist, faced a surprising second-round defeat to USA's Garret Tan at the BWF World Championships. Meanwhile, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and rising star Ayush Shetty successfully advanced to the pre-quarterfinals. Other Indian pairs also saw mixed results, with some progressing and others bowing out.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Gambhir strongly advocates three-Test series, arguing they give teams that lose the opening match a genuine opportunity to recover, compete harder and still win the series.

Shiprocket stock jumps 35% on market debut, valued at over Rs 9,900 crore

Shiprocket stock jumps 35% on market debut, valued at over Rs 9,900 crore

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

E-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket Ltd saw its shares list with a 35 per cent premium on its market debut, trading at Rs 129.50 on the BSE and Rs 131 on the NSE against an issue price of Rs 97, achieving a market valuation of Rs 9,901.60 crore.

Planning To Invest In A House? Check Rental Yield

Planning To Invest In A House? Check Rental Yield

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Rental yield can indicate whether a property is undervalued, overvalued or fairly valued.