News for 'Understand India'

Yogi Adityanath's English speech at India-Japan conclave goes viral

Yogi Adityanath's English speech at India-Japan conclave goes viral

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath surprised social media by delivering a speech in English at the India-Japan Business Conclave, with a video clip of his address quickly spreading online and drawing widespread reactions.

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian and Chinese armies held their first high-level commanders' flag talks in the Arunachal Pradesh sector, following Special Representatives dialogue. These talks, aimed at maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control, occurred amidst reports of aggressive military posturing and just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit.

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'India is trying to project that it can engage with the world in a different way too.'

India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar says in Kyiv

India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar says in Kyiv

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Kyiv, reiterating India's readiness to assist in ending the Ukraine-Russia war. He emphasised that solutions would not emerge from the battlefield and highlighted Prime Minister Modi's call for an end to the conflict. Discussions also covered humanitarian aid, the impact on commercial shipping, and bilateral trade, with Jaishankar inviting his Ukrainian counterpart to India for further talks.

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, backed by India, to correct the world map for a more accurate representation of continental landmasses. The resolution addresses the distortions caused by the widely used Mercator projection, which minimises the perceived sizes of regions like Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, promoting an unbalanced global view. India supports the move towards more accurate cartographic practices, specifically endorsing broader use of Equal Area map projections.

'I feel a little bad. I am not a machine': Sanju Samson

'I feel a little bad. I am not a machine': Sanju Samson

Rediff.com7 days ago

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson admits that external criticism affects him, but he has developed the maturity and experience to manage it, while also supporting the team's leadership for making difficult selection decisions in the best interest of the squad.

Senshu Rule Denies Chetan Bhatt Asian Games Karate Bronze

Senshu Rule Denies Chetan Bhatt Asian Games Karate Bronze

Rediff.com1 days ago

Indian karateka Chetan Bhatt narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at the Asian Games, losing to Chinese Taipei's Meng-yu Chung by Senshu in the men's Kumite 84kg playoff after the bout ended 1-1.

Ishan Kishan details how he adapts from long-format cricket to T20s

Ishan Kishan details how he adapts from long-format cricket to T20s

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Ishan Kishan explained how he switches from long-format cricket to T20s within days, stressing quick adaptation, a calm mindset and understanding his role during partnerships with teammates.

Why MP Fuel Pumps Will Stop Accepting High-Value UPI Payments

Why MP Fuel Pumps Will Stop Accepting High-Value UPI Payments

Rediff.com4 days ago

Fuel pump dealers in Madhya Pradesh plan to stop accepting UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000 for petrol and diesel from October 16, citing concerns over the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged the government to reconsider the MDR imposition, warning it could hinder digital payment adoption and impact traders' profits.

Why AI Sovereignty Is Key To India's National Cybersecurity

Why AI Sovereignty Is Key To India's National Cybersecurity

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Gaganyaan astronaut Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair stressed the critical importance of AI sovereignty for national cybersecurity, citing the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake content due to AI. Speaking at the Kerala Cyber Suraksha Summit, Nair highlighted that future conflicts and industries would involve a 'whole-of-nation approach,' blurring physical and digital boundaries. He urged greater awareness of digital threats and emphasised India's need to build on its technological capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, drawing parallels with the success of Chandrayaan-3. Other speakers also underscored the rising threat of cyberattacks and the potential for Kerala to contribute to national technology requirements.

Can India help bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end?

Can India help bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India is in continuous dialogue with both Ukraine and Russia, seeking ideas and suggestions to mitigate or cease the ongoing conflict. Following his visit to Kyiv, Jaishankar reiterated India's stance that the war must end through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasising that trade decisions like oil purchases are not the solution to the conflict.

Just 0.040 points! Suraj narrowly misses wushu medal in Asian Games

Just 0.040 points! Suraj narrowly misses wushu medal in Asian Games

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's Suraj Singh Mayanglambam secured the 11th position in the men's changquan wushu final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Banks will take 3-4 months to deploy FCNR(B) flows: Setty

Banks will take 3-4 months to deploy FCNR(B) flows: Setty

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

State Bank of India Chairman C S Setty stated that banks will take three to four months to deploy the significant funds mobilised through foreign currency non-resident (bank), or FCNR(B), deposits, which is unlikely to cause "abnormal lending". He also highlighted the need for agentic artificial intelligence (AI) costs to fall sharply for its widespread deployment in India, envisioning its role in transforming banking from fraud detection to personalised financial assistance.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

Modern Marriage: 'We Don't Compete With Each Other'

Modern Marriage: 'We Don't Compete With Each Other'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'The biggest difference between our marriage and that of our parents' generation is not simply that times have changed. It is that modern marriages require two people to continuously understand, support and adapt to each other while navigating a much more demanding world,' says Rahul Kulkarni.

India's UPI Ecosystem Sees Record Growth In August

India's UPI Ecosystem Sees Record Growth In August

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded an unprecedented 24.51 billion transactions valued at Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August, largely propelled by the Raksha Bandhan festival. This surge marks a 22% annual increase in volume and 20% in value, highlighting the expanding reach and depth of the UPI ecosystem. Experts anticipate further growth during the upcoming festive season, while UPI's international acceptance now spans 11 countries.

How India U-20 Prepared For AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

How India U-20 Prepared For AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The India U-20 men's football team has concluded its preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers with an unbeaten run in four friendly matches, securing three wins and a draw without conceding any goals. The team is now heading to Uzbekistan for the crucial qualifiers, aiming for a strong performance.

London police cancels Vijay's event citing safety reasons

London police cancels Vijay's event citing safety reasons

Rediff.com7 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's fan event in London was cancelled by Metropolitan Police due to safety concerns, disappointing hundreds who had gathered. The CM is in the UK leading a delegation to attract investments, having already secured MoUs worth Rs 12,300 crore, aiming to create over 9,400 jobs and position Tamil Nadu as a manufacturing and technology hub.

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.

Why NCP (SP) Calls UPI MDR A 'Betrayal'

Why NCP (SP) Calls UPI MDR A 'Betrayal'

Rediff.com1 days ago

The NCP (SP) has demanded a complete rollback of the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. The party termed the move a "direct assault" on small traders and shopkeepers, accusing the Modi government of "double standards" by burdening small merchants while large industrialists benefit from loan write-offs.

Neetal Narang India's First Asian Games Safeguarding Officer For Asian Games

Neetal Narang India's First Asian Games Safeguarding Officer For Asian Games

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Neetal Narang has been appointed as India's first Safeguarding Officer for the upcoming Asian Games, a role mandated by the Olympic Council of Asia.

Why age fraud is India's next big sports scandal

Why age fraud is India's next big sports scandal

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

India's sporting landscape is grappling with a pervasive age fraud issue, as evidenced by hundreds of disqualifications in recent championships. Experts highlight the systemic nature of the problem, driven by a chaotic birth registration system and the allure of early career advantages. While the BCCI has implemented bone density tests, limitations persist, prompting calls for stricter measures, including criminal deterrence and a comprehensive national database, to safeguard the integrity of youth sports.

SC rejects plea against 2018 amendment to SC/ST Act

SC rejects plea against 2018 amendment to SC/ST Act

Rediff.com9 hours ago

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the constitutional validity of the 2018 amendment to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The amendment had restored restrictions on anticipatory bail and removed requirements for preliminary inquiry and prior approval before arrest. The court cited its 2020 verdict which had already upheld these amended provisions, rejecting arguments about potential misuse and "reverse discrimination."

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.

How India Overcame Late-Game Vulnerability Against Pakistan

How India Overcame Late-Game Vulnerability Against Pakistan

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh states that the Indian hockey team has overcome its past late-game vulnerabilities against Pakistan, attributing this to significant improvements in fitness, game awareness, and decision-making. He notes that matches against Pakistan are no longer as challenging as they once were, though he stresses the need for defensive discipline against stronger European teams in the upcoming World Cup.

India's UPI Transactions Soar In August, Nearing All-Time Peak

India's UPI Transactions Soar In August, Nearing All-Time Peak

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August, approaching record levels. Volume also hit a new high of 24.51 billion transactions, driven by festive activities like Raksha Bandhan. The digital payment system continues its rapid growth, expanding its global presence to 11 countries, with further growth anticipated during the upcoming festive season and new use cases like credit on UPI.

BJD MP Santrupt Misra Criticises UPI MDR Fee, Proposes Funding Alternatives

BJD MP Santrupt Misra Criticises UPI MDR Fee, Proposes Funding Alternatives

Rediff.com3 days ago

BJD MP Santrupt Misra has voiced strong concerns over the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, arguing that the government or large financial institutions could easily absorb the costs of maintaining the digital payment network instead of burdening merchants and consumers.

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

India and China have agreed to advance discussions on an "Early and Substantial Harvest" of boundary delimitation and border management during the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Both sides reached an eight-point consensus, committing to the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement. Key outcomes include enhancing border management, improving understanding of the Line of Actual Control, establishing new meeting points and hotlines, and continuing cooperation on trans-border rivers and pilgrimage.

Shreyas Iyer excited to interact with top athletes at Asian Games

Shreyas Iyer excited to interact with top athletes at Asian Games

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

India's T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed his excitement about participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, highlighting the opportunity to interact with top athletes and understand their mindset, while also focusing on the team's immediate T20I challenges.

From 1932 to 600 Tests: India's Remarkable Test Evolution

From 1932 to 600 Tests: India's Remarkable Test Evolution

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

India completed their 600th Test with a 165-run win over Sri Lanka. Here's how India evolved from early struggles into a modern Test cricket powerhouse.

Nepal Floods: 'Himalayas At Risk Of Cascading Disasters'

Nepal Floods: 'Himalayas At Risk Of Cascading Disasters'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A senior Geological Survey of India official warns that the Himalayas are vulnerable to cascading disasters, where one high-altitude event can trigger a chain of destructive events downstream, as evidenced by Nepal's recent floods. He stresses the need for integrated monitoring using satellite data and ground investigations to identify high-risk areas and improve preparedness in the Indian Himalayas.

Gulf tensions drive NRI luxury home investments back to India

Gulf tensions drive NRI luxury home investments back to India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Non-resident Indians are increasingly investing in luxury homes in India, driven by geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the Iran war. This trend is observed across major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and the National Capital Region, with developers noting a significant rise in NRI pre-sales. While some see it as a temporary shift, others believe India is becoming a stable, long-term investment destination for NRIs, especially those from West Asia.

Conscientious objectors should not be punished: SC on Vande Mataram plea

Conscientious objectors should not be punished: SC on Vande Mataram plea

Rediff.com15 hours ago

The Supreme Court has indicated that individuals with a conscientious objection should not face criminal consequences for declining to sing Vande Mataram, while asking the Centre to consider a 1986 judgment protecting similar rights concerning the national anthem.

Shreyas Iyer: 'Gautam Gambhir builds a lot of trust and confidence within the team'

Shreyas Iyer: 'Gautam Gambhir builds a lot of trust and confidence within the team'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Gautam Gambhir builds a lot of trust and confidence within the team, and every player knows their role and has clarity, said Shreyas Iyer, praising his head coach's man-management skills.

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

'Xi is conveying that China is a pre-eminent power, and India should modulate its actions or approaches accordingly.'

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Indian government has expanded its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by signing agreements with four spiritual organisations. These partnerships aim to enhance grassroots awareness, prevention, recovery, and social mobilisation efforts against substance abuse, leveraging the extensive reach of these groups.

What Will The iPhone Duo, Apple's First Foldable Phone, Cost In India?

What Will The iPhone Duo, Apple's First Foldable Phone, Cost In India?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

While the iPhone Duo grabbed the spotlight at Apple's September event, the biggest takeaway is how the company's hardware, software and AI are becoming more closely connected across its entire lineup.

India's Manufacturing PMI Slips to 5-Year Low in August on Weak Demand

India's Manufacturing PMI Slips to 5-Year Low in August on Weak Demand

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India's manufacturing sector growth decelerated to a five-year low of 52.8 in August, down from 53.5 in July, as output and new orders moderated due to softer demand conditions, according to the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI).

10 IPO Checks Before You Invest

10 IPO Checks Before You Invest

Rediff.com5 days ago

Dig into the prospectus. Use the prospectus to understand the business and its risks.