News for 'The Times'

Sreejesh: 'We have played in blue in almost every major tournament'

Sreejesh: 'We have played in blue in almost every major tournament'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan secured their first away Test win in three years, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in Port of Spain to level the series 1-1 and end an eight-match losing streak away from home.

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'At the end of the day, it is just another technology produced by the human mind.'

NEET-UG paper leak chargesheet cites accused's gate control app, digital trail

NEET-UG paper leak chargesheet cites accused's gate control app, digital trail

Rediff.com7 days ago

The CBI has filed a charge sheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, relying heavily on digital forensic evidence including an access control app and call data records. The investigation revealed that three NTA subject experts allegedly exploited procedural gaps to leak confidential questions for money, involving a beautician and a coaching centre owner in the distribution of the leaked material to aspirants.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has responded to social media criticism following his disappointing ninth-place finish at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Nadeem attributed his poor performance to the extremely cold weather, which stiffened his muscles and hindered his throws. He emphasised his commitment to his country and his grounded nature, expressing confidence in his ability to return to winning form at the upcoming Athletissima event.

Shakib Al Hasan's Home Attacked After Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan's Home Attacked After Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan's ancestral home was attacked with petrol bombs and smashed windows after he participated in an online media interaction where ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowed to return to Bangladesh despite facing a death sentence.

Polymer rupee notes may be a reality in FY28

Polymer rupee notes may be a reality in FY28

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced plans to launch long-lasting polymer currency notes by the next financial year. He also discussed the central bank's data-dependent approach to interest rates, its focus on aligning inflation with the 4 per cent target, and the orderly trajectory of the rupee amidst geopolitical tensions.

Jos Buttler tips Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to break his record for most T20 runs

Jos Buttler tips Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to break his record for most T20 runs

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Jos Buttler goes past Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-getter T20s during the Men's Hundred match between Manchester Super Giants' (MSG) match against Welsh Fire.

How EVTOLs Can Revolutionise India's Medical Logistics

How EVTOLs Can Revolutionise India's Medical Logistics

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Air India, SkyDrive, and Suzuki Motor Corporation have signed an initial pact to conduct a joint feasibility study on using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for medical air logistics in India. This collaboration aims to address severe traffic congestion in major Indian cities, which poses challenges for time-critical medical transport, by developing last-mile emergency medical solutions.

'Firmly believe Fadnavis will become PM sooner or later': CM's uncle

'Firmly believe Fadnavis will become PM sooner or later': CM's uncle

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' paternal uncle, Balasaheb Fadnavis, expressed his firm belief that his nephew would "sooner or later" become the Prime Minister of India. This statement comes amidst growing speculation about Devendra Fadnavis' potential shift to national politics, especially following recent political developments and claims by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.

India's UPI Expands Global Reach With Maldives Integration

India's UPI Expands Global Reach With Maldives Integration

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have successfully integrated the Maldives' instant payment system 'Favara' with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This enables real-time fund transfers from Maldives to UPI-enabled Indian bank accounts, marking a significant step in cross-border digital financial connectivity and bilateral economic cooperation.

Playing The Victim Card Won't Work On Gen Z

Playing The Victim Card Won't Work On Gen Z

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Every day, the older men running our politics keep pushing Gen Z voters further away, observes Binu Alex.

Pakistani Boxer Qudratullah Vanishes From Team Hotel After Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Pakistani Boxer Qudratullah Vanishes From Team Hotel After Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah has reportedly disappeared from the team hotel in Glasgow following the Commonwealth Games, marking another incident of a Pakistani athlete vanishing during an international event.

Minor girl found guilty by UP JJB for five-year-old brother's murder

Minor girl found guilty by UP JJB for five-year-old brother's murder

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A Juvenile Justice Board in Bareilly has found a minor girl guilty of murdering her five-year-old brother. The boy was allegedly killed after he caught his sister in a compromising position with a man and threatened to tell their mother. The girl's alleged lover has already been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the same case. The board will issue a separate order on the quantum of punishment for the juvenile.

Rahane finds new cricket chapter after retirement

Rahane finds new cricket chapter after retirement

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has joined Amsterdam Flames as a marquee player in the inaugural European T20 Premier League, aiming to make a global impact and share his experience with other players.

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers, published in Nature Communications, reveals that urban growth patterns significantly influence future cooling demand in cities. The research highlights that a city's "thermal memory," shaped by decades of development decisions, impacts its heat burden and energy requirements, independent of global temperature rises. The study analysed 88 Indian cities and a global sample of 52 cities over two decades.

The Week's OTT Releases: Main Vaapas Aaunga, Governor, Operation Safed Sagar

The Week's OTT Releases: Main Vaapas Aaunga, Governor, Operation Safed Sagar

Rediff.com7 days ago

Discover the top OTT releases this week, featuring a compelling mix of Hindi dramas like Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga and Manoj Bajpayee's Governor, alongside regional and international titles.

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

VinFast has gone from an unknown brand to India's fifth-largest EV carmaker in just seven months, but its toughest battle is only beginning.

'Be Proactive': Rahane's Key Advice For Indian Batters To Counter Sri Lankan Spinners

'Be Proactive': Rahane's Key Advice For Indian Batters To Counter Sri Lankan Spinners

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane shares crucial advice for Indian batters facing Sri Lankan spinners in the upcoming Test series, emphasising a proactive approach.

The World No. 1 Who Lost A Leg In Combat

The World No. 1 Who Lost A Leg In Combat

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Subedar Hokato Sema lost his leg in a mine blast on the Line of Control. Today he is a champion para shot-putter and among the most decorated para soldier-athletes.

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

Rediff.com7 days ago

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has voted to cap the age for eligibility to its Executive Committee at 70 years, aligning its constitution with the National Sports Governance Act. This decision, approved by a narrow margin, allows elected members to complete their full four-year term even if they cross 70 during their tenure. The move is part of a broader constitutional overhaul overseen by the Delhi High Court, which also includes new tenure provisions and the election of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit.

BSP's lone UP legislator Umashankar Singh dies at 55

BSP's lone UP legislator Umashankar Singh dies at 55

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Umashankar Singh, the Bahujan Samaj Party's sole MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly from the Rasra constituency, has passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged illness. Political leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP president Mayawati, and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, have expressed their condolences.

Bangladesh court grants bail to Hindu monk, but will remain in jail

Bangladesh court grants bail to Hindu monk, but will remain in jail

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Bangladesh's High Court has granted bail to Hindu rights leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in two cases, though he remains in prison due to four other pending charges, including murder and treason. His arrest in November 2024 on sedition charges had sparked protests and communal tensions, drawing concern from India and occurring amidst strained India-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bumrah Setback Puts BCCI's Centre of Excellence Under Scanner

Bumrah Setback Puts BCCI's Centre of Excellence Under Scanner

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A significant communication breakdown between the Centre of Excellence's (CoE) sports science team and the senior national men's selection committee has been exposed by Jasprit Bumrah's unexpected absence from the Test series against Sri Lanka, alongside other player injury concerns.

Ajaraie's Hat-Trick Powers NorthEast United To Emphatic Durand Cup Victory

Ajaraie's Hat-Trick Powers NorthEast United To Emphatic Durand Cup Victory

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Defending champions NorthEast United FC secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Bodoland FC in their opening Group F fixture of the 135th Durand Cup. Alaaeddine Ajaraie led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by goals from Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Redeem Tlang, and Antonio Moyano, showcasing a commanding performance.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.

Pant seeks Dhoni's help ahead of Sri Lanka Tour

Pant seeks Dhoni's help ahead of Sri Lanka Tour

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant trained with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Ranchi ahead of the challenging Test tour of Sri Lanka.

8 Outstanding Monsoon Travel Ideas

8 Outstanding Monsoon Travel Ideas

Rediff.com7 days ago

Make the most of the monsoon with these hatke experiences.

I would like to play for India in all formats: Ravichandran Smaran

I would like to play for India in all formats: Ravichandran Smaran

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Ravichandran Smaran, the highest run-scorer in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, is focused on maintaining his form and securing a national call-up.

Neymar confirms Brazil retirement weeks after heartbreaking World Cup exit

Neymar confirms Brazil retirement weeks after heartbreaking World Cup exit

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Neymar appeared to confirm his retirement from international soccer, saying he no longer wanted to play for Brazil, weeks after suggesting his international career had ended following their World Cup last-16 loss to Norway.

Wasim Jaffer reveals KL Rahul's 'deep frustration' with Punjab Kings' losses

Wasim Jaffer reveals KL Rahul's 'deep frustration' with Punjab Kings' losses

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has revealed that KL Rahul was 'deeply frustrated' with Punjab Kings' performances during his IPL stint, particularly due to losing matches from winning positions and by close margins.

How AI Is Set To Revolutionise India's Power Generation By 2030

How AI Is Set To Revolutionise India's Power Generation By 2030

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by The Energy & Climate Initiative Society (ENCIS) predicts that AI adoption in India's power generation sector will surge from 35% to 65% by 2030, becoming a core operational capability. The study highlights that nearly seven out of ten professionals see power generation as offering the best opportunity for efficiency gains through AI, driven by India's expanding digital infrastructure and significant investments from energy giants. Predictive asset management and proactive maintenance are identified as key areas for AI application, with efficiency being the primary driver for AI investments.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has strongly denied reports of violating land lease conditions for the R K Khanna Tennis Complex, asserting that all facilities comply with government norms. The association suggested that the allegations are "mala fide" and strategically timed to influence the upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections. DLTA also defended its commercial subletting practices, stating they are approved by the L&DO and are essential for generating revenue as it receives no government funding for maintenance.

What Makes Miss India Nikita Porwal Very Angry

What Makes Miss India Nikita Porwal Very Angry

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

In a no-filter conversation with Rediff's Rishika Shah, Miss India World Nikita Porwal has a few confessions to make.

'I Am Not A Junior Anymore': World Jr Squash Champion Anahat Singh Targets More Senior Events

'I Am Not A Junior Anymore': World Jr Squash Champion Anahat Singh Targets More Senior Events

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Anahat Singh, the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships, discusses her historic victory and dismisses the notion of Egyptian players having a psychological advantage.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Has A Dhurandhar Opening!

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Has A Dhurandhar Opening!

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung into the Indian box office with unprecedented success, shattering records for Hollywood openers and setting its sights on the exclusive Rs 500 crore club.

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi's biggest strength lies in his ability to force top batters into errors while defending, rather than relying on raw pace.

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Student protests against alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand have intensified, with six demonstrators on hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe. The agitation, which has garnered political support from both opposition and ruling allies, is set to impact the Monsoon Assembly Session, even as a CID investigation progresses and prohibitory orders are issued.

Operation Safed Sagar Review: Eye In The Sky, Feet On Ground

Operation Safed Sagar Review: Eye In The Sky, Feet On Ground

Rediff.com7 days ago

Operation Safed Sagar is prime purpose may be to honour IAF warriors but it is an inadvertent reminder of how we went from a nation of Jung na hone denge to Ghar mein ghus ke marenge, observes Sukanya Verma.