News for 'Understand India'

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan's comments that his 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu was not based on Sonam Wangchuk has triggered reactions from politicians, activists and social media users, with some accusing the actor of distancing himself from the educationist, who is currently on a hunger strike.

New India Foundation Book Fellowship To Be Annual

New India Foundation Book Fellowship To Be Annual

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The New India Foundation (NIF) Book Fellowship, previously awarded every two years, will now be an annual event, offering consistent support to nonfiction writers exploring post-1947 India.

Ravi Bishnoi Determined to End Stop-Start India Career, Targets 2028 T20 World Cup Spot

Ravi Bishnoi Determined to End Stop-Start India Career, Targets 2028 T20 World Cup Spot

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Ravi Bishnoi opens up on missing three T20 World Cups, his desire to become a permanent fixture in India's T20 side, and his goal of securing a place in the 2028 World Cup squad.

'Dalai Lama Loved Repairing Mechanical Watches'

'Dalai Lama Loved Repairing Mechanical Watches'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

'Only the Dalai Lama could have kept the Tibet issue alive the way he did.'

'Rohit's leadership experience rubs off on Shubman Gill'

'Rohit's leadership experience rubs off on Shubman Gill'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Rohit Sharma remains an important member of the Indian ODI team not just for his batting but also for his leadership abilities, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The best time to buy health insurance is when you don't think you need it.

Wayanad landslide: Contractor blames heavy rain for tragedy

Wayanad landslide: Contractor blames heavy rain for tragedy

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Dilip Buildcon Ltd, the contractor for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel project in Wayanad, attributed a recent fatal landslide to exceptionally heavy rainfall. The company stated that the project adheres to all safety and environmental protocols, despite allegations from Kerala Ministers of a "man-made disaster."

The Odyssey: An Evening With Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon Tom Holland

The Odyssey: An Evening With Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon Tom Holland

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Odyssey has begun its journey, and Mumbai was fortunate to be to be among its earliest chapters, Mayur Sanap documents the film's premiere in the city.

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The population is gripped by anxiety against arbitrariness and the cruelty of a state that sells its actions as minimum government, asserts Aakar Patel.

Indian Badminton Adopts New 3x15 Scoring System Domestically

Indian Badminton Adopts New 3x15 Scoring System Domestically

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is implementing the new BWF 3x15 scoring format across all domestic tournaments from this month. This change aims to familiarise Indian shuttlers with the revised system before its international adoption next year, impacting all age groups and national championships.

Nepal dials down border row, backs bilateral path with India

Nepal dials down border row, backs bilateral path with India

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The Nepalese foreign minister was speaking to the media a day after holding wide-ranging talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar that focused on ways to further expand ties in diverse sectors, including trade, critical technology, connectivity and energy.

Mission Aagaman Gets Boost As Vikram-1 Readies For Historic Liftoff

Mission Aagaman Gets Boost As Vikram-1 Readies For Historic Liftoff

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'With Vikram-1, we take our biggest step yet towards a reliable, high-cadence launch programme built in India, for India and the world.'

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Kargil War Hero looks back at the victory of Tiger Hill and the men who didn't return.

Should You Buy 30-Year Government Bonds?

Should You Buy 30-Year Government Bonds?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Long-duration bonds allow investors to match investment tenure with long-term liabilities and also stabilise their long-duration portfolios.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The dramatic postponement came while members were voting on the committee's five principal recommendations, making it an unprecedented moment in the functioning of a parliamentary committee.

Manufacturing activity moderates in June as demand softens: PMI

Manufacturing activity moderates in June as demand softens: PMI

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's manufacturing sector experienced a moderation in growth during June, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) falling to 54.2 from 55.0 in May. This slowdown is attributed to softer increases in new business orders and international sales, leading to reduced expansions in buying levels, employment, and output.

How Self-Fertilisation Drives Plant Invasions: IISc Study Reveals Key Trait

How Self-Fertilisation Drives Plant Invasions: IISc Study Reveals Key Trait

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A recent study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has identified self-fertilisation, or uniparental reproduction, as a critical trait enabling plants to become invasive. Researchers examined 28 species from the daisy family, finding that all 11 invasive species studied could reproduce uniparentally, unlike most native and non-invasive alien species. This ability allows a single plant to establish new populations, displacing local flora and altering ecosystems, highlighting the importance of reproductive strategy in weed-risk assessment.

UPI Transactions See Monthly Dip But Annual Growth Remains Robust

UPI Transactions See Monthly Dip But Annual Growth Remains Robust

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions moderated slightly in June from a record high in May, reaching Rs 28.9 lakh crore. Despite a month-on-month decrease in volume, the daily average transactions hit a new high, indicating UPI's strong adoption for low-value payments. The platform also demonstrated significant annual growth and expanding international presence.

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'Exploration should be made easier and companies should be given operational flexibility.'

India's Services PMI Hits 6-Month High in May Amid Robust Demand

India's Services PMI Hits 6-Month High in May Amid Robust Demand

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

India's services sector experienced its strongest growth in six months in May, with the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rising to 59.8. This expansion was driven by healthy demand, new client acquisitions, and improved new business intakes, alongside a softer rise in cost burdens.

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Earlier, people used to hand money directly to priests after a ritual, and priests would keep it in their own pockets. We completely stopped that practice.'

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

...and 3 lakh for harassment.

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Having observed Rohit Sharma up close during his stint with Mumbai Indians, Afghanistan's rising spin star AM Ghazanfar is eager to put those learnings to the test when he takes on the Indian batting great in the upcoming ODI series.

Sarvam AI becomes unicorn with $234 million Series B funding, HCLTech acquires 10.46% stake

Sarvam AI becomes unicorn with $234 million Series B funding, HCLTech acquires 10.46% stake

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Sarvam AI, an Indian full-stack sovereign artificial intelligence company, has achieved unicorn status after raising $234 million in a Series B funding round led by HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners, with HCLTech acquiring a 10.46 per cent stake.

India to get hotter? Heat stress to surge with 2C warming, warns study

India to get hotter? Heat stress to surge with 2C warming, warns study

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new study indicates that India's monsoon season could experience a significant increase in uncompensable heat stress under a 2 degrees Celsius global warming scenario, extending the duration of extreme heat conditions.

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Vijaya Mehta, a pioneering figure in modern Indian theatre and cinema, has passed away at the age of 91.

Shreyas Iyer Refuses To Blame Ravi Bishnoi For England T20I Defeat

Shreyas Iyer Refuses To Blame Ravi Bishnoi For England T20I Defeat

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer defended leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi after his expensive 29-run over proved pivotal in India's four-wicket defeat to England in the second T20I. Iyer acknowledged the momentum shift but refused to pinpoint blame, while England's Jacob Bethell was lauded for his match-winning unbeaten 76.

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has lauded young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his talent to that of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Dev emphasised that Sooryavanshi's ability, not his age, should be the primary factor in his selection for the national team, while also cautioning against excessive hype around the 15-year-old.

'Hard work in domestic cricket paid off': Manav Suthar on India debut

'Hard work in domestic cricket paid off': Manav Suthar on India debut

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

It's a dream come true for young Manav Suthar. His maiden India call up for the one-off Test against Afghanistan came after learning the ropes through street cricket and ignoring constant discouragement from people not to pick the game as career option.

INDIA bloc meet: Oppn leaders seek unity; DMK, AAP skip

INDIA bloc meet: Oppn leaders seek unity; DMK, AAP skip

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Leaders from several opposition parties within the INDIA bloc convened in New Delhi, stressing the critical need for unity to safeguard democratic values and address pressing issues like people's livelihoods, despite recent internal differences and electoral setbacks.

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian squash veteran Joshna Chinappa, set to become the first Indian to compete in seven Asian Games, reveals she still has 'a little bit left in the tank' to add to her five continental medals and harbours hopes of participating in the sport's Olympic debut in 2028, provided her body holds up.

'Ireland outplayed us completely': Shreyas Iyer admits

'Ireland outplayed us completely': Shreyas Iyer admits

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Ireland for their exceptional performance and strategic execution in securing a historic 2-0 T20I series victory. Ireland defeated India by 34 runs in the first match and then by a solitary run in the second, showcasing their understanding of local conditions and strong teamwork. Irish skipper Lorcan Tucker expressed disbelief and pride in his team's character, while player of the series Moondra highlighted the importance of sticking to basics.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached a record high in March, driven by increased adoption and global expansion. The system now accounts for 85% of digital transactions in India and is live in eight countries.

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Top leaders of opposition parties including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, besides Left leaders and those from smaller parties, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital.

When Raakh Reminded Me Of Horrific College Memory

When Raakh Reminded Me Of Horrific College Memory

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ramesh is not in our class group photo. He had already vanished from school by the time it was taken. We didn't know why then. A few weeks later, we did, recalls Binu Alex.

How To Choose A Retail Algo

How To Choose A Retail Algo

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Algo strategies must be registered with stock exchanges.

Delhi Hospital Performs India's First Robot-Assisted Splenorenal Bypass

Delhi Hospital Performs India's First Robot-Assisted Splenorenal Bypass

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A Delhi hospital has successfully performed a robot-assisted splenorenal bypass surgery on a 67-year-old woman with a single functioning kidney, marking a first for India.

Delhi Hospital Performs India's First Robot-Assisted Splenorenal Bypass

Delhi Hospital Performs India's First Robot-Assisted Splenorenal Bypass

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A Delhi hospital has successfully performed a robot-assisted splenorenal bypass surgery on a 67-year-old woman with a single functioning kidney, marking a first for India.