News for 'Times of India'

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

Rediff.com3 days ago

Bhagwanrao Dipke, father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, described Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister as 'a very good step' to soothe the growing anger among protesting students and their families across the nation.

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

Rediff.com1 days ago

These nations officially top the list when it comes to maximum number of official days off.

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

Rediff.com6 days ago

Mobile payments pioneer Paytm reported significant growth in its UPI payments business for Q1 FY27, driven by app simplification, AI investments, and a focus on attracting Gen Z customers. The company saw a 45% year-on-year increase in Consumer UPI Gross Transaction Value and a rise of 60 lakh in Monthly Transacting Users, outpacing the industry. Paytm's strategy prioritises customer retention and product innovation, leading to a profitable quarter with strong revenue and EBITDA growth, further supported by AI-led operational efficiencies and an India-focused language model.

Tilak Varma: 'Just a matter of one match or one series to get back the momentum'

Tilak Varma: 'Just a matter of one match or one series to get back the momentum'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian batter Tilak Varma has defended his batting approach during the recent tours of Ireland and England, stating that his strike rate was dictated by match situations and team requirements rather than personal preference. He emphasised his commitment to adapting his game, whether it means aggressive hitting or anchoring the innings, based on the team's needs, especially when wickets were falling frequently.

India women's team need to rethink T20 strategy: Muzumdar

India women's team need to rethink T20 strategy: Muzumdar

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's head coach Amol Muzumdar has acknowledged the need for a complete strategic overhaul in the T20 format following the women's team's disappointing group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.

Lovlina Borgohain Eyes Commonwealth Games Gold After Guaranteed Medal

Lovlina Borgohain Eyes Commonwealth Games Gold After Guaranteed Medal

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has secured a medal at the Commonwealth Games after receiving a direct entry into the women's 75kg semifinals. With the pressure of a podium finish lifted, Borgohain is now solely focused on winning the gold medal, crediting her recent training and renewed confidence.

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's first Olympic boxing medallist, Vijender Singh, expresses deep concern over the future of male pugilists, citing a lack of competitions and a selection system he claims promotes 'sycophancy'. He argues that women boxers are currently outperforming men and are brighter medal prospects for the 2028 Olympics. Singh is highly critical of the new grading system, advocating for a return to the traditional trials-based selection process.

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.

Domestic Air Traffic Sees 12% Monthly Drop in June

Domestic Air Traffic Sees 12% Monthly Drop in June

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Domestic air traffic in India experienced a nearly 12 per cent decline in June, falling to 1.35 crore passengers from 1.53 crore in May, with IndiGo increasing its market share to 66.3 per cent.

India's Doping Crisis: Why The Nation Tops Global Offenders List

India's Doping Crisis: Why The Nation Tops Global Offenders List

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India continues to lead the Athletics Integrity Unit's (AIU) global list of dope offenders with 162 names, highlighting a significant problem in the country's sports. The nation has been re-categorised to 'Category A' by the AIU, indicating an "extremely high" doping risk and requiring more stringent anti-doping measures.

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier verdict that a person from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community loses their SC status upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, effective from the moment of conversion.

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

90 per cent of institutions recorded no improvement in international student metrics, despite government initiatives such as the Study in India programme, UGC regulations on internationalisation, and efforts to attract foreign students.

AIIMS doctors write to Prez, seek probe into police violence

AIIMS doctors write to Prez, seek probe into police violence

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS, Delhi, has appealed to President Droupadi Murmu for an independent, time-bound inquiry into the alleged use of force against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar and raised concerns over activist Sonam Wangchuk's reported inability to leave Safdarjung Hospital.

1st T20I: Skipper Shreyas Iyer opens account with crushing victory over Zimbabwe

1st T20I: Skipper Shreyas Iyer opens account with crushing victory over Zimbabwe

Rediff.com5 days ago

India captain Shreyas Iyer hailed his bowlers for making the most of the lively conditions here on Thursday and said the comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I would give his side the confidence it needs for the remainder of the series.

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.

Ex-IPS officer, injured protesters move SC against pellet guns

Ex-IPS officer, injured protesters move SC against pellet guns

Rediff.com1 days ago

A former IPS officer and two individuals injured during a recent protest in Delhi have filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies for crowd dispersal. The petitioners argue that pellet guns are an arbitrary and dangerous tool, violating the right to freedom of assembly and failing the test of necessary and proportional force. They also seek compensation and medical treatment for victims.

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court was strongly urged to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge to investigate alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak across various states. The court, while issuing interim directions, restrained states from coercive action against protesters and ordered the release of minors without criminal antecedents.

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Rediff.com3 days ago

Student organisations across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attributing it to their nationwide protests against alleged NEET irregularities. While welcoming the move as a victory, groups like NSUI, AISA, and SFI affirmed their commitment to continue agitations until broader demands for accountability, transparency, and education reforms, including scrapping the NTA and NEP, are met.

GenAI Talent Shortage Hits India

GenAI Talent Shortage Hits India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

GenAI recorded the widest talent gap, followed by AI deployment engineering (72.4 per cent), AI governance (70 per cent), and MLOps (68 per cent).

Shastri says Rohit gave critics a 'tight slap with the bat'

Shastri says Rohit gave critics a 'tight slap with the bat'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rohit Sharma's century at Lord's not only secured a victory for India but also effectively ended speculation about his ODI future.

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called off its 36-day agitation following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amidst widespread protests over irregularities in the exam system and the NEET paper leak. The government also agreed to the CJP's demands for 1 crore compensation to families of students who died by suicide and no action against protesters.

'We'll win medals, but gold?': Mary Kom's CWG prediction

'We'll win medals, but gold?': Mary Kom's CWG prediction

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Six-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom believes Indian pugilists will secure a 'reasonably good medal haul' at the Commonwealth Games, though gold might be elusive, while expressing less certainty for the Asian Games. She also criticised the Boxing Federation of India's functioning and selection policies.

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.

What Made Vijaya Mehta India's Theatre Czarina

What Made Vijaya Mehta India's Theatre Czarina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Vijaya Mehta's eyes were always twinkling, her smile was always warm, her sari usually a collector's piece. She put on no elder statesman airs. But when she was in director mode, she allowed her actors and technicians no slack. Deepa Gahlot doffs her hat to the undisputed doyenne of Marathi theatre and one of India's most influential directors and actors, who shaped the landscape of Indian experimental theatre.

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

Rediff.com19 hours ago

After six days of stalemate, a discussion on the anti-paper leak bill began on Tuesday in Lok Sabha with the government describing it as a reaffirmation of ruling dispensation's commitment to safeguard the welfare of students but opposition hit back over the lathi-charge on protesters, saying every blow on them hurt the government's prestige more than the backs of the youth.

Murali Sreeshankar: 'Big Jump' Coming, Eyes Commonwealth Games Gold

Murali Sreeshankar: 'Big Jump' Coming, Eyes Commonwealth Games Gold

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, who recently returned from a career-threatening injury, is confident of achieving a 'big jump' soon and aims to upgrade his silver medal to gold at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

How Axar ended his batting slump with one change

How Axar ended his batting slump with one change

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel attributed his match-winning half-century against England in the opening ODI to a renewed focus on timing the ball, a strategic shift from his previous T20 approach of hitting too hard.

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's premier long-distance runner, Gulveer Singh, is confident of improving his bronze medal performance from the 2022 Asian Games in the upcoming edition. Holding national records in multiple events, Singh is preparing for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, focusing on strategic training under his US-based coach and utilising advanced sportswear technology.

5 Young Underdogs Who Could Steal the Show At Badminton Worlds

5 Young Underdogs Who Could Steal the Show At Badminton Worlds

Rediff.com5 days ago

As New Delhi prepares to host the BWF World Championships from August 17-23, 2026, five young talents - Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Alwi Farhan, Tomoka Miyazaki, and Kalyana Nalbantova - are identified as potential breakout stars capable of challenging the sport's biggest names and redefining their careers.

Why Cricket's Olympic Inclusion At LA 2028 Is A Game-Changer!

Why Cricket's Olympic Inclusion At LA 2028 Is A Game-Changer!

Rediff.com2 days ago

Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a strategic move by Olympic leaders to tap into India's massive fan base and commercial power, aiming to attract billions of new viewers and strengthen the Games' appeal in key markets.

Youth divert birthday savings to Jantar Mantar protests

Youth divert birthday savings to Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com4 days ago

Young students are diverting their personal savings, originally intended for gadgets or college expenses, to fund their participation in the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, highlighting their commitment to issues affecting their future.

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's possible T20I debut and India's batting struggles after the Ireland whitewash dominate the build-up to the five-match series against England, where testing conditions await Shreyas Iyer's side.

How UPI Is Expanding Its Global Footprint And Securing Digital Payments

How UPI Is Expanding Its Global Footprint And Securing Digital Payments

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Parliament was informed that UPI has onboarded 55.49 crore users by June 2026, with transactions reaching 24,162 crore in volume and Rs 314 lakh crore in value in FY 2025-26. The platform, operated by NPCI, is expanding internationally through NIPL, facilitating cross-border payments and assisting other nations in building similar systems. Significant efforts are also underway by the Government, RBI, and NPCI to enhance the security and transparency of UPI transactions, including risk-based limits, security frameworks, and public awareness campaigns against cyber-crime.

Bollywood Bats For Youth: 'Our Students Need Hugs, Not Batons'

Bollywood Bats For Youth: 'Our Students Need Hugs, Not Batons'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'This is not the first time this government has show us the 'darkest day of democracy''

India's T20 World Cup Exit: Harmanpreet Kaur Calls For Rethink

India's T20 World Cup Exit: Harmanpreet Kaur Calls For Rethink

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India's campaign in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup ended after a six-wicket loss to Australia at Lord's. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur admitted the team did not play to its standards and called for a "rethink" on their performance against top teams. Australian captain Sophie Molineux praised Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner for their match-winning partnership.

When Being Malayali Came With A VIP Pass

When Being Malayali Came With A VIP Pass

Rediff.com4 days ago

As they say some doors open because of who you know, and some, it turns out, open just because of where you're from, recalls Binu Alex.

HDFC Bank Board Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Penalty on MD, CFO in MSRDC Case

HDFC Bank Board Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Penalty on MD, CFO in MSRDC Case

Rediff.com1 days ago

HDFC Bank's board has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1 lakh each on its Managing Director and CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, CFO Srinivasan Vaidyanathan, and Group Head (Retail Assets) Arvind Vohra for divergence from RBI directions in the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) case.

Intent of infiltrators hasn't changed since Kargil war: Rajnath

Intent of infiltrators hasn't changed since Kargil war: Rajnath

Rediff.com3 days ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the "intent of infiltrators" remains unchanged since the 1999 Kargil conflict, but assured that the Indian Army is "fully prepared" to meet any such challenges, emphasising the government's focus on armed forces modernisation.

I have Learnt So Much From Ashish Nehra; He Is My Mentor: Ashok Sharma

I have Learnt So Much From Ashish Nehra; He Is My Mentor: Ashok Sharma

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Rookie pacer Ashok Sharma credits the mentorship of Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, along with advice from Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, for his evolution as a bowler and his selection for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe.