News for 'alones'

Caste alone not enough to invoke SC/ST Act: Allahabad HC

Caste alone not enough to invoke SC/ST Act: Allahabad HC

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the SC/ST Act cannot be invoked merely because a complainant belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Justice Santosh Rai observed that specific ingredients of the offence must be present, quashing proceedings under the Act in a property dispute where no caste-based abuse occurred.

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

There is a strong opinion within the BJP in Punjab that the party must now stand on its own two feet and dump the badly compromised SAD baggage.

Once afraid to leave home alone, Savita Punia now guides India's young hockey players

Once afraid to leave home alone, Savita Punia now guides India's young hockey players

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Savita Punia's journey from a shy youngster dependent on her mother to a confident veteran goalkeeper and mentor reflects hockey's profound impact on her life.

'Mother was swept away': Nepal flood leaves 5-year-old girl alone

'Mother was swept away': Nepal flood leaves 5-year-old girl alone

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Five-year-old Ishara Tamang lies in a hospital bed in Kathmandu, injured and separated from her family, after surviving the flash floods that devastated Rasuwa district on the Nepal-Tibet border.She was rescued from the floodwaters in Khalte, a village in Rasuwa, after being trapped in a net.

Kerala woman vlogger faced arrest during solo trip to Afghanistan

Kerala woman vlogger faced arrest during solo trip to Afghanistan

Rediff.com5 days ago

A Keralite woman travel vlogger, Arunima, faced threats of arrest in Bamyan, Afghanistan, for violating local laws that prohibit women from travelling alone. She recounted being questioned by authorities and needing assistance to proceed, highlighting the challenges faced by solo female travellers in the region.

Delhi Man Killed Over Matchbox Refusal; Three Accused Arrested

Delhi Man Killed Over Matchbox Refusal; Three Accused Arrested

Rediff.com4 days ago

A minor dispute over a matchbox in northwest Delhi escalated into a fatal stabbing, leaving a 30-year-old construction worker dead and another man injured. Police have arrested three individuals, including the main accused, in connection with the incident.

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Rediff.com6 days ago

Denied permission for his hunger strike in Mumbai, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday announced he would head to the Maharashtra capital alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan.

Gurgaon To Goa: Bappa Brings Hope, Positivity

Gurgaon To Goa: Bappa Brings Hope, Positivity

Rediff.com6 days ago

Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.

Tragedy Strikes Gorakhpur As Student Murdered While Family Away

Tragedy Strikes Gorakhpur As Student Murdered While Family Away

Rediff.com3 days ago

A 19-year-old student, Shubham Mishra, was allegedly stabbed to death in his home in Jayantipur village, Gorakhpur, while his family was away for his father's kidney treatment. The incident occurred early Thursday morning. Police have registered a case and are investigating to identify and trace the assailant.

HCLTech Report Reveals Integration As Semiconductor Industry's Biggest Hurdle

HCLTech Report Reveals Integration As Semiconductor Industry's Biggest Hurdle

Rediff.com2 days ago

A global research report by HCLTech indicates that integration has surpassed supply chain constraints as the primary challenge for the semiconductor industry. The study, which surveyed 300 senior leaders, highlights increasing dependency on semiconductors across industries, with 98% of enterprises more reliant now than three years ago and 99% expecting further increases. AI is also driving the strategic importance of semiconductor architecture.

European Football Unites For Nepal Flood Victims

European Football Unites For Nepal Flood Victims

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

European football's governing body, UEFA, announced a moment of silence and a solidarity banner at all Champions League matches this week to support victims of devastating flash floods in Nepal, where the death toll has risen and thousands remain missing.

Oversupply Looms: India's Cement Sector Braces for Pricing Pressure

Oversupply Looms: India's Cement Sector Braces for Pricing Pressure

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's cement industry is on the brink of an oversupply situation as aggressive capacity expansion by major players is set to outpace demand growth over the next two financial years, potentially leading to pricing pressures and moderated utilisation rates.

Asian Games: Shafali blitz, Charani magic send India into semis

Asian Games: Shafali blitz, Charani magic send India into semis

Rediff.com2 days ago

Shafali Verma produced a stunning 15-ball blitz as India crushed Japan by eight wickets with 15 overs to spare and stormed into the Asian Games semi-finals.

Tata Trusts firm on keeping Tata Sons unlisted, board to explore alternatives

Tata Trusts firm on keeping Tata Sons unlisted, board to explore alternatives

Rediff.com2 days ago

Tata Trusts, the majority shareholder of Tata Sons, has stated its firm opposition to the holding company's public listing, revealing that the Tata Sons board will meet again to explore all available alternatives to listing.

Nithari accused Surendra Koli murdered? Victim's father says.....

Nithari accused Surendra Koli murdered? Victim's father says.....

Rediff.com2 days ago

The father of a Nithari case victim has questioned the death of Surendra Koli, alleging he was murdered and did not die by suicide. Koli, who was acquitted in all Nithari cases, was found hanging in Haridwar. Police are investigating, while the victim's father claims Koli was about to reveal important information and points to Moninder Singh Pandher as the main culprit.

How UPI MDR Charges Could Push Consumers Back To Cash

How UPI MDR Charges Could Push Consumers Back To Cash

Rediff.com4 days ago

A new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, could force small merchants and price-sensitive consumers to revert to cash, according to economic think tank GTRI. The move, which introduces a 0.4 per cent MDR with a Rs 300 cap and concessional rates for specific categories, is questioned by GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava, who suggests it's not a revenue issue for the government but potentially a response to US pressure regarding UPI and RuPay's preferential market position.

August IPOs Hit Jackpot With 100% Listing Gains

August IPOs Hit Jackpot With 100% Listing Gains

Rediff.com5 days ago

Eighteen mainboard IPOs raised Rs 28,976 crore and carry Rs 2.48 trillion of market value -- 8.6 times the capital raised.

Jarange heads to Mumbai despite denial of protest nod

Jarange heads to Mumbai despite denial of protest nod

Rediff.com5 days ago

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has proceeded towards Mumbai despite police denying permission for his protest at Azad Maidan. Jarange, who has been on a hunger strike for 17 days demanding OBC quota for Marathas, is travelling with a small group amid tight security, citing a Bombay High Court ruling that supports democratic agitation. He also alleged a conspiracy to kill him.

New York Tragedy: 2 Desi Students Run Over By Train

New York Tragedy: 2 Desi Students Run Over By Train

Rediff.com5 days ago

Tragedy struck two New Jersey families with Rutgers University graduates Navam Kaul and Malaika Chitre, both 24, hit by a subway train in Manhattan.

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters alone during the last five state assembly elections, more than seven times the Rs 207 crore in net receipts reported by the Congress across its central and state units, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission.

Passenger Vehicle Exports Fall 17% in August Amid Domestic Sales Boom

Passenger Vehicle Exports Fall 17% in August Amid Domestic Sales Boom

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's passenger vehicle (PV) exports saw a 17 per cent year-on-year decline in August, contrasting sharply with a 36.5 per cent surge in domestic dispatches, which reached a record high for the month as automakers prepared for the festive season.

Criticism Of RBI's Swap Scheme Is Uncalled For

Criticism Of RBI's Swap Scheme Is Uncalled For

Rediff.com4 days ago

It is important to understand that the rupee's appreciation, driven by the 2013 special swap scheme, reduced India's import costs for petroleum, oil, and gold, points out Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian government has mandated that banks and payment providers cannot levy charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made via RuPay debit cards. This directive follows an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, aiming to sustain and expand the digital payments ecosystem.

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.com5 days ago

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.

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was made independently, refuting claims of foreign influence. The ministry stated the policy aims to build a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem, with MDR funding infrastructure and supporting small merchants.

India's Semiconductor Sector Attracts $1.4 Billion in Equity Funding

India's Semiconductor Sector Attracts $1.4 Billion in Equity Funding

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's semiconductor sector has garnered USD 1.4 billion in total equity funding across 281 companies, with a substantial USD 701 million raised since 2025 alone, according to Tracxn data.

Govt to 'hand-hold' private miners for critical mineral security abroad

Govt to 'hand-hold' private miners for critical mineral security abroad

Rediff.com7 days ago

Union Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced that the Indian government is intensifying its support for private mining entrepreneurs seeking critical mineral opportunities abroad, working with the Ministry of External Affairs and appointing mineral officers in embassies to facilitate these efforts.

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.

High Court To Examine Balance Between Motherhood And Sports Career

High Court To Examine Balance Between Motherhood And Sports Career

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court is set to examine the complex issue of balancing motherhood and a sporting career, following a petition by wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Phogat, who became a mother, sought to participate in selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships but was denied interim relief. The court acknowledged the larger question of whether athletes should choose between motherhood and their careers, stating that the eligibility criteria cannot be relaxed for one athlete without a full adjudication of the policy.

GST Council Oct 7 Meet: What Businesses Want!

GST Council Oct 7 Meet: What Businesses Want!

Rediff.com4 days ago

Industry is pushing for GST reforms that would let companies use unused tax credits from one state to pay GST liabilities in another, potentially freeing up working capital trapped across state registrations.

LaLiga PIX: Yamal double powers Barcelona past Levante to preserve perfect record

LaLiga PIX: Yamal double powers Barcelona past Levante to preserve perfect record

Rediff.com7 days ago

Lamine Yamal's double propelled Barcelona to a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Levante, preserving their perfect LaLiga start with five wins and extending their winning run.

Panel To Decide UPI Charges Above Rs 2,000 For Merchants

Panel To Decide UPI Charges Above Rs 2,000 For Merchants

Rediff.com5 days ago

A high-level committee, including representatives from banks and payment associations, is set to decide on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants. While person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions up to Rs 2,000 remain free, the move follows a recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, sparking debate and clarification from the Finance Minister that only certain high-value merchant transactions might incur charges.

India's academic freedom severely restricted, claims report

India's academic freedom severely restricted, claims report

Rediff.com4 days ago

A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, highlighting the alleged use of the UGC as a vehicle for state influence.

Banking services impacted as unions go on nationwide strike to press for 5-day workweek

Banking services impacted as unions go on nationwide strike to press for 5-day workweek

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Banking services, particularly at public sector banks across India, were impacted by a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to demand the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolution of pending wage-related issues.

'Don't see Sanju Samson as back-up opener for 2027 World Cup'

'Don't see Sanju Samson as back-up opener for 2027 World Cup'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has expressed doubts about Sanju Samson's suitability as a backup opener for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, citing consistency issues in ODI cricket.

Wasim Akram Says Pakistan Cricket Problems Are 'Deep Rooted'

Wasim Akram Says Pakistan Cricket Problems Are 'Deep Rooted'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Wasim Akram explains why Pakistan continues to struggle, highlighting problems in batting, bowling, fielding and the domestic first-class structure.

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.

TN ruling partners form new alliance ahead of key bypolls, Vijay to lead

TN ruling partners form new alliance ahead of key bypolls, Vijay to lead

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu's ruling TVK and its post-poll allies have officially named their front the "Secular Social Justice Victory" alliance, with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay elected as its leader. The alliance, which includes Congress, VCK, and IUML, is preparing for upcoming bypolls on October 6, which will serve as an initial test of its strength. Leaders emphasised the alliance's ideological foundation rooted in secularism and social justice, aiming to protect constitutional values and oppose communal forces.

Amazon Now hits $1 billion annualised gross sales in India, eyes 100 cities by Diwali

Amazon Now hits $1 billion annualised gross sales in India, eyes 100 cities by Diwali

Rediff.com5 days ago

Amazon's ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now, has achieved $1 billion in annualised gross sales in India over the last three months, marking it as the fastest-growing e-commerce business in Amazon India's history, with orders doubling every quarter.

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

Rediff.com4 days ago

India is making a significant push to establish itself as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, driven by strategic investments and policy support. The upcoming SEMICON India 2026 event will showcase the country's advancements and ambitions in this critical industry, which underpins virtually all modern electronic devices and has faced global supply chain vulnerabilities.