News for 'Welcome Group'

Modi reaches Colombo, 10 ambitious outcomes expected

Modi reaches Colombo, 10 ambitious outcomes expected

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is expected to yield at least 10 ambitious outcomes, including a defense cooperation agreement and frameworks for deeper engagement in the energy sector. The visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, with India providing significant financial assistance. Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will also dedicate several projects built with India's assistance and virtually inaugurate the Sampur solar energy project.

Saudi open to LGBTQ fans but no booze a 2034 WC

Saudi open to LGBTQ fans but no booze a 2034 WC

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Last year, Saudi announced the opening of an alcohol shop in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh to combat the black market and illegal imports. The store is only for non-Muslim diplomats, who must present diplomatic identification before they buy.

Topley welcomes death bowling role

Topley welcomes death bowling role

Rediff.com19 Jun 2024

England's Topley ready for death-overs bowling duties

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Caste census politics took centre stage on Thursday with the Congress terming the government's decision as a 'diversionary tactic' and a move for headlines management and the Bharatiya Janata Party saying it has exposed the difference between the Centre's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the opposition party.

Anti-terror ops launched after attack on tourists in J-K's Pahalgam

Anti-terror ops launched after attack on tourists in J-K's Pahalgam

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

To support tourists affected by the attack or in need of information, Jammu and Kashmir police set up a dedicated help desk at the Police Control Room.

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

India fully utilised its military modernisation budget in 2024-2025 -- the first time in five years -- and signed a record Rs 2 trillion defence contracts.

With Old Visa Doors Closing, Indians Forge New Paths

With Old Visa Doors Closing, Indians Forge New Paths

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Australia, Canada, US and UK are restricting immigration, but other countries are opening their doors.

'This Year, We Will Commence Full Refit Of B787s'

'This Year, We Will Commence Full Refit Of B787s'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'That refresh programme -- because they are big aircraft and we cannot ground them all at the same time -- will last well into 2027.'

Study Abroad: Are US, UK Losing Out To Germany, NZ?

Study Abroad: Are US, UK Losing Out To Germany, NZ?

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

With stricter policies dampening the US/UK dream, Germany, Ireland and New Zealand are emerges as new study abroad destinations for Indian students.

Mark Wood ruled out, will miss India Test series?

Mark Wood ruled out, will miss India Test series?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Wood has had issues with his left knee for a year and the 35-year-old experienced "increased stiffness and discomfort" during England's Champions Trophy

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'I said, fellas, come on, let's make a deal, let's do some trading, let's not trade nuclear missiles, let's trade the things that you make so beautifully, and they both have very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, smart leaders, and it all stopped.'

Revenue up, but TaMo profit down 51%

Revenue up, but TaMo profit down 51%

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Automotive (auto) major Tata Motors posted a 51 per cent drop in consolidated net profit for the January-March quarter (Q4) of 2024-25 (FY25), to Rs 8,470 crore, due to a deferred tax asset of almost Rs 9,000 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year and an exceptional item of Rs 566 crore during the quarter. Revenue was up just 0.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) at Rs 1.18 trillion for Q4FY25.

World Champ Gukesh, Pragg, Anand Dance!

World Champ Gukesh, Pragg, Anand Dance!

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

To the surprise of many, Anand led the group in a lively dance, encouraging the younger GMs to join in.

Centre announces caste census; BJP, allies hail move

Centre announces caste census; BJP, allies hail move

Rediff.com1 May 2025

In a significant move, the Centre on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be part of the next population census, with the inclusion of caste details for the first time since independence hailed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies as a historic step to help design truly equitable and focused policies.

Harsh Goenka's 12 Tips For Spreading Workplace Cheer

Harsh Goenka's 12 Tips For Spreading Workplace Cheer

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Fostering kindness doesn't require grand gestures; even the smallest acts can create a ripple effect, cultivating a more harmonious and effective work culture.

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed India's expectation to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that Colombo will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and conduct provincial council elections. The issue was discussed during wide-ranging talks between Modi and Dissanayake. Modi also met with Tamil leaders from Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, reaffirming India's commitment to supporting the community's well-being. The Tamil community has been advocating for the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which provides for devolution of power. Modi expressed hope that Sri Lanka will fully implement its constitution and conduct provincial council elections.

Haldiram inks pact with Temasek as strategic investment partner

Haldiram inks pact with Temasek as strategic investment partner

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Haldiram has entered into an agreement with Temasek as part of which the Singapore-headquartered global investment firm will "acquire an equity stake from the existing shareholders" of India's largest packed snack and sweets company and restaurant operator, according to a statement issued on Sunday. It did not disclose details of the deal or the valuation at which Temasek acquired the equity stake, but this is the first official confirmation of the deal from Haldiram.

Axar Patel to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

Axar Patel to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

In the 82 matches he has donned the red and blue of the Capitals, Patel scored 967 runs and picked up 62 wickets, at an impressive economy of 7.09.

Tharoor hails Rana extradition, says 26/11 plotters must face justice

Tharoor hails Rana extradition, says 26/11 plotters must face justice

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor welcomed the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 case, and said everyone associated with the conspiracy of the Mumbai terror attacks must face the court of justice. He described Rana's extradition as a "step forward for justice." Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, is being brought to India after his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition failed. Tharoor expressed hope that the interrogation of Rana would provide more details about the Mumbai attacks and said he was "very glad" that Indian authorities managed to get Rana's custody.

'You Can Piss Everyone Off'

'You Can Piss Everyone Off'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'If you respect people, if you accommodate people, these are good attributes to have.' 'Like the whole world is a mixed bag of people, our industry is the same.'

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Protests against the Waqf Act turned violent in parts of West Bengal on Friday, with demonstrators setting ablaze vehicles, disrupting traffic and rail movement, and injuring several policemen. The unrest erupted in Suti, Murshidabad district, where protesters defied prohibitory orders, hurled stones at security personnel, and torched police vans and public buses during processions. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas, while some officers were forced to seek refuge in a nearby mosque. Similar protests were held in Malda and Kolkata, prompting Governor C V Ananda Bose to direct the state government to take swift action against those responsible. The governor also contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah and held discussions with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was recently passed by both houses of Parliament, aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, safeguarding heritage sites and promoting social welfare.

Modi Look-Alike Graces India NZ Final

Modi Look-Alike Graces India NZ Final

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A few, acting like his followers, cheered him into the stadium while calling out, "Modi, Modi, welcome Modi."

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said he is "more than happy" to take responsibility for everything wrong the party did in its history, including the 1984 Sikh riots. He acknowledged that the party made "a lot of mistakes" when he was not there, but said he has publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was "wrong." The remarks were made during an interaction at Brown University in the US. The video of the interaction was uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs on Saturday. The BJP has criticized Gandhi for his remarks, accusing him of "ridiculing" the beliefs of Hindus and Sikhs.

Tension eases in HP as Muslims drop objection to Maharana Pratap statue

Tension eases in HP as Muslims drop objection to Maharana Pratap statue

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Muslim community in Sujanpur Tira town in Himachal Pradesh has withdrawn its objection to a proposed Maharana Pratap statue outside a mosque. The decision comes after a delegation of the community submitted a memorandum to the Hamirpur administration, asking it not to install the statue in the park being built outside the mosque. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) had called on the administration not to go back on its decision to install the statue at the approved spot.

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

'I am determined now to celebrate all festivals together.' 'People don't respond much when you try to convince them by talking about principles of secularism etc. But if we revive our shared cultural practices, specially food, we may get a better response.'

PIX: Cristiano Ronaldo gets rousing welcome in Iran

PIX: Cristiano Ronaldo gets rousing welcome in Iran

Rediff.com18 Sep 2023

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo received a warm reception in Iran on Monday, in the first visit of a Saudi team to Iran since 2016.

Russian, US Envoys Meet ISRO Chairman

Russian, US Envoys Meet ISRO Chairman

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra D Modi's meeting United States President Donald J Trump, Russia's ambassador to India and the US charge d'affaires met Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman Dr V Narayanan.

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan when Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology, Jaishankar acknowledged India's transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, while Pakistan has remained unchanged, continuing with what he termed as its "bad habits."

'At Some Point War May Be Thrust On You'

'At Some Point War May Be Thrust On You'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'I'm not accepting the 'any act of terrorism is an act of war' threshold.' 'I don't think this is sustainable because if you do this four or five times in a short duration, it will lose its edge.'

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

Govt signs peace pact with Manipur's oldest militant group

Govt signs peace pact with Manipur's oldest militant group

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF), an extremist group operating in Manipur, on Wednesday signed a peace agreement with the government and agreed to renounce violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced New Delhi.

Equity markets likely to trade in positive territory on Friday

Equity markets likely to trade in positive territory on Friday

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Domestic benchmark equity indices may see a positive trading sentiment on Friday thanks to a spectacular rally in world markets after the US President Donald Trump announced to put tariff hikes on hold for 90 days, excluding China from the reprieve. Indian stock markets were closed on Thursday for Shri Mahavir Jayanti. Trump has declared a three-month pause on reciprocal tariffs on non-retaliating countries marking a rather unexpected U-turn after record high levies he imposed led to global stock market meltdown.

Lighter, freer, and... Buttler opens up on IPL turnaround

Lighter, freer, and... Buttler opens up on IPL turnaround

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Jos Buttler, relieved after stepping down as England captain, is thriving in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Gujarat Titans.

Budget plans to complete 1 lakh homes in stalled projects

Budget plans to complete 1 lakh homes in stalled projects

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a fresh Rs 15,000 crore 'SWAMIH Fund' for completion of 1 lakh units in stalled housing projects across various cities, a move aimed at providing relief to distressed homebuyers whose investments are stuck. In November 2019, the Centre announced a stress fund named 'Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing' (SWAMIH), to complete stalled housing projects across India.

Who's The Guy In The Orange Suit?

Who's The Guy In The Orange Suit?

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

That's the 27 year old who shot an insurance CEO in New York and nearly got away with it...until he was spotted at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania by an alert employee who tipped off the cops...

Shardul Thakur to make County debut, push for India return

Shardul Thakur to make County debut, push for India return

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Thakur also claimed a hat-trick in the match against Meghalaya, in a bid to prove his form and fitness for a national team comeback, with his last appearance being at the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Who will succeed Biren Singh as Manipur CM?

Who will succeed Biren Singh as Manipur CM?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, following months of ethnic violence in the state. BJP leaders have begun closed-door meetings to decide the next course of action. The opposition welcomed Singh's resignation, while the BJP hopes the move will help restore peace in the region.

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Indian government's announcement of 10,000 additional seats in medical colleges next year, part of a plan to add 75,000 seats over five years, has been welcomed by education experts and stakeholders. The move aims to address the shortage of medical professionals and reduce the outflow of Indian medical students to other countries. The budget also includes infrastructure expansion at five new IITs to accommodate 6,500 more students and an allocation of Rs 500 crore to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education.

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

What is behind Jaiswal's shock domestic switch to Goa

What is behind Jaiswal's shock domestic switch to Goa

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Jaiswal has been part of Mumbai's Ranji squad since the 2018-19 season and in 34 Ranji Trophy matches he has a first-class average of 61.65.