News for 'Zero'

Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG: Where Power Meets CNG

Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG: Where Power Meets CNG

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Mahindra & Mahindra has officially expanded its popular compact SUV lineup with the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG, its first-ever mainstream CNG passenger vehicle at an introductory starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

85% of Maha declared drought-hit; farmers to get Rs 5,000 aid

85% of Maha declared drought-hit; farmers to get Rs 5,000 aid

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Maharashtra is grappling with an escalating drought crisis, with 305 talukas now declared drought-hit, prompting the state government to announce Rs 5,000 in financial aid for farmers before Diwali and extend comprehensive relief measures.

Sridhar Vembu Calls Universal Basic Income 'Dystopian'

Sridhar Vembu Calls Universal Basic Income 'Dystopian'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has criticised the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI), calling it an 'unimaginative and dystopian' vision. He argues that while AI threatens intellectual jobs, humans have endless tasks related to nature, nurture, culture, and spirituality that can provide purpose and sustenance, rejecting the idea of dependency on handouts.

Muzaffar Ali: 'When I Saw Nana Patekar, Then Just 25...'

Muzaffar Ali: 'When I Saw Nana Patekar, Then Just 25...'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

'Nana Patekar gave Gaman a powerful flavour of the soil, an authenticity that could not have been manufactured or imagined. There was an anger in him, a restlessness, a turmoil that belonged to the streets and the people he embodied. He was not merely playing a character; he was bringing an entire world into the film.'

Rahi Sarnobat's Asian Games Dream Dented By Disputed Shot

Rahi Sarnobat's Asian Games Dream Dented By Disputed Shot

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Indian shooter Rahi Sarnobat's Asian Games campaign was marred by a controversial scoring decision in the 25m sports pistol qualification. A shot she believed was on target was ruled to have hit the frame, resulting in a zero and severely impacting India's team medal chances. Sarnobat questioned the decision and the evidence, highlighting the need for a more effective challenge mechanism in competitive shooting.

Gorakhpur Police Investigate CISF Jawan's Mysterious Death

Gorakhpur Police Investigate CISF Jawan's Mysterious Death

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Police in Gorakhpur have launched a murder investigation into the death of a 38-year-old CISF jawan, Karamveer Yadav, whose body was found near an embankment with a severe head injury. A case was registered after the post-mortem findings, and authorities are examining evidence and the deceased's recent contacts.

'Don't Push Me For Non-Veg... Veg Market Is Too Huge'

'Don't Push Me For Non-Veg... Veg Market Is Too Huge'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

How India's Jumbo King Is Taking On McDonalds And Burger King Without Selling Chicken Burgers.

Fresh Engineers Face Toughest Job Crunch

Fresh Engineers Face Toughest Job Crunch

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

There are 9.5 candidates for every engineering job at the zero-to-three-year level.

Punjab activist murder: Accused held, house razed, mob torches his shop

Punjab activist murder: Accused held, house razed, mob torches his shop

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The owner of a medical store, Ashwani Kumar, accused of fatally shooting anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab's Mansa, has been arrested from Rajasthan. Following his arrest, angry mobs set his medical store ablaze and authorities razed a portion of his house, while Jhota's father has called for a statewide bandh on October 15.

Indian Factories Pull Back on New Investments in FY25, Prioritising Employment Growth

Indian Factories Pull Back on New Investments in FY25, Prioritising Employment Growth

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Indian factories saw an 8 per cent decline in gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) in FY25, marking the first drop since the pandemic, despite achieving record high employment generation, according to the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data.

Salman Khan: 'If You Want To Make A Comedy On My Life...'

Salman Khan: 'If You Want To Make A Comedy On My Life...'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

'...then David Dhawan. If you want to make a traditional, tragic love story, it would be Sanjay Leela Bhansali.' 'If you want to make this beautiful love story after love story, it would be Sooraj Barjatya, and if you want to make an action kind of love story, then Kabir Khan.' 'All the things that have happened in my life.'

'Bharat Rice' for troops: Army upgrades rations, eases supply to remote posts

'Bharat Rice' for troops: Army upgrades rations, eases supply to remote posts

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Indian Army has launched 'Bharat Rice', a superior-quality rice for defence forces, aimed at improving ration quality and logistics. This initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport, involves direct supply to Army Supply Depots, including remote areas, and an MoU with FCI for infrastructure utilisation during contingencies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted its significance for soldier welfare, operational readiness, and national security, emphasising logistics as combat power.

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of 'destroying' India's education system, expressing full support for protesting students and their demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Aneet Padda Is A Breath Of Fresh Air

Aneet Padda Is A Breath Of Fresh Air

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Aneet Padda is bringing the fire to the screen with Hunkkar: The Roar, but her personal style is a completely different story.

BRICS declaration backs India's stand on fighting terror

BRICS declaration backs India's stand on fighting terror

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The BRICS grouping has fully endorsed India's demand for zero-tolerance against terrorism and rejected double standards in combating the menace. Their declaration condemned terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed commitment to holding terrorists accountable under international law.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

Esha Singh Battles Through Pain For Asian Games Silver

Esha Singh Battles Through Pain For Asian Games Silver

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Indian shooter Esha Singh secured a silver medal in the women's 25m pistol event at the Asian Games, overcoming pain, exhaustion, and five shoot-offs. Her remarkable resilience and fighting spirit were highlighted in a dramatic final, making it India's only individual shooting medal on the day. The article also details the disappointing performances of Manu Bhaker and Rahi Sarnobat, including a costly mishap for Sarnobat.

13 of 18 suspects in Vizag's Pak spy ring are navy personnel

13 of 18 suspects in Vizag's Pak spy ring are navy personnel

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested a naval staffer and a civilian driver in connection with an alleged espionage conspiracy involving Pakistan Intelligence Operatives, raising serious national security concerns.

Microsoft Expands India Footprint With New Hyderabad Cloud Region

Microsoft Expands India Footprint With New Hyderabad Cloud Region

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Microsoft has officially launched its fourth cloud region in India, located in Hyderabad, as part of its USD 20.5 billion investment in the country's digital and AI infrastructure. This new facility, which became available on August 6, features zero-water cooling technology and aims to enhance capacity and resilience for organisations in India and Asia, supporting the nation's rapid digital growth and projected increase in data centre capacity.

UPI MDR Charges: Merchants Cannot Pass On Fees To Customers

UPI MDR Charges: Merchants Cannot Pass On Fees To Customers

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Punjab & Sind Bank MD and CEO Swarup Kumar Saha clarified that merchants cannot pass on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges to customers for UPI payments, ensuring consumers only pay the displayed price. The new MDR structure, effective October 15, applies a 0.4% charge on P2M transactions above Rs 2,000, with specific flat rates for certain sectors, but small-value transactions remain free.

Why Jharkhand Businesses Are Concerned About New UPI MDR Charges

Why Jharkhand Businesses Are Concerned About New UPI MDR Charges

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A trade body in Jharkhand, FJCCI, has urged the Union Finance Minister to withdraw the proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants. The body argues that this charge will significantly increase operating costs for businesses, especially MSMEs and retailers, who rely on the current zero-MDR regime for digital payments.

UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants to attract 0.4% MDR from Oct 15

UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants to attract 0.4% MDR from Oct 15

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends nearly six years of fully free UPI payments, though person-to-person (P2P) transfers and small P2M payments remain free. The charges aim to bolster investment in UPI infrastructure, with specific exemptions and caps for essential sectors.

Nana Patekar: 'Never Seen Rs 1 lakh In My Life'

Nana Patekar: 'Never Seen Rs 1 lakh In My Life'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

'People started fearing Nana Patekar's frankness. Kuchh bhi bol sakta hai yeh. He once pointed to a major respected politician's belly and asked 'Kya hai yeh?''

Boeing 737 MAX Glitch Has No Impact: Akasa

Boeing 737 MAX Glitch Has No Impact: Akasa

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Our fleet remains absolutely safe

Manjunath echoes:IndianOil officer murdered during inspection in Maha; 4 held

Manjunath echoes:IndianOil officer murdered during inspection in Maha; 4 held

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

An IndianOil officer, Mahesh Shelke, was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon while inspecting a petrol pump in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Indian Oil Corporation have called for swift and strict action against those responsible. The incident draws parallels to the 2005 killing of another IOC officer, S Manjunath.

Government Firm On UPI MDR Charges Above Rs 2,000

Government Firm On UPI MDR Charges Above Rs 2,000

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has confirmed there will be no rollback of the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective from October 15. Despite opposition, officials state the decision aims to make the UPI ecosystem self-sustainable and secure, with charges applying only to merchant payments, not person-to-person transactions.

Why RBI Should Increase Rates In October

Why RBI Should Increase Rates In October

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A 25-basis-point increase would restore some real monetary restraint when expected inflation has risen, liquidity remains easy and growth is strong, points out Amarendu Nandy.

Soundarya Shetty Is A Baddie Bigg Boss

Soundarya Shetty Is A Baddie Bigg Boss

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

While Soundarya Shetty is currently busy making waves inside the Bigg Boss 13 Kannada house, her fashion game is already doing plenty of damage outside it.

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, strongly criticised Pakistan for its support of terrorism, asserting India's right to self-defence and stating that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism. He also highlighted India's global responsibilities, contributions to the Global South, and its stance on reformed multilateralism and AI.

BRICS declaration condemns Pahalgam terror attack

BRICS declaration condemns Pahalgam terror attack

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration condemned the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for zero tolerance towards state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The declaration also addressed global terror, illegal financial flows, cyber fraud, and emphasised accountability for those involved in terror activities.

India keeps Russia-Ukraine peace effort alive, says Jaishankar

India keeps Russia-Ukraine peace effort alive, says Jaishankar

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.

Young cricketer Vansh Bedi reports corrupt approach in Delhi Premier League

Young cricketer Vansh Bedi reports corrupt approach in Delhi Premier League

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Young Delhi cricketer Vansh Bedi reported an alleged corrupt approach during the Delhi Premier League (DPL) to the league's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has informed the BCCI and initiated an inquiry into the unverified allegations, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Calls For Government To Reconsider UPI Transaction Fee

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Calls For Government To Reconsider UPI Transaction Fee

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has urged the government to reconsider imposing a merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, arguing that the costs do not warrant such a move. This comes after the government announced a 0.4 per cent fee on merchant transfers over Rs 2,000 from October 15, while assuring that person-to-person and small payments remain free. SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan highlighted that banks have not demanded MDR and that UPI has reduced their transaction costs.

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The government is introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends the zero-MDR regime, aiming to fund UPI infrastructure and sustainability, as the previous government subsidy was insufficient to cover operational costs. Payments between individuals and most everyday merchant transactions will remain free.

Parveen Hooda's Asian Games Gold: A Story Of Redemption And Resilience

Parveen Hooda's Asian Games Gold: A Story Of Redemption And Resilience

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Boxer Parveen Hooda secured an Asian Games gold medal, marking a significant redemption after her previous bronze was stripped due to a whereabouts failure and a subsequent 22-month suspension. Her victory, achieved with a narrow win over Chen Nien-chin, is dedicated to her ailing father and represents a powerful personal comeback fueled by resilience and philosophical reflection.

Irdai proposes phased reduction in insurer expense limits, new commission framework

Irdai proposes phased reduction in insurer expense limits, new commission framework

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has proposed a phased reduction in the expenses of management (EoM) limits for insurers, aiming to lower the overall cost of insurance and enhance returns for policyholders. The proposals also include a new framework for commissions, stricter measures against mis-selling, and mandatory cost audits.

India Declares Shahzad Bhatti Network A Terrorist Organisation

India Declares Shahzad Bhatti Network A Terrorist Organisation

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has officially declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This action, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, targets a group involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives, and narcotics, as well as inciting youth into terrorism and spreading hateful digital content. SBN is accused of threatening India's democratic structure, communal harmony, and internal security.

Kolkata Police Arrest Youth In POCSO Case After Minor Delivers Child

Kolkata Police Arrest Youth In POCSO Case After Minor Delivers Child

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

A youth has been arrested in Kolkata under the POCSO Act after a minor girl gave birth to a child. Hospital authorities alerted police when they discovered the mother's age during admission. The girl alleged repeated sexual relations with the 19-year-old accused, leading to her pregnancy. Police are investigating the circumstances, including potential marriage and involvement of others, following a recent government warning on strict action in such cases.

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.

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.com20 Sep 2026

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