News for 'alones'

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.

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian tennis player Dhakshineswar Suresh discusses the significant transition from collegiate tennis to the professional tour, highlighting the challenges of travelling alone, managing his body, and maintaining consistency. He shares insights on the importance of off-court preparation, physical fitness, and setting ambitious goals like breaking into the top 250.

'ISRO's Successes Must Not Be Privatised'

'ISRO's Successes Must Not Be Privatised'

Rediff.com3 days ago

Their message is blunt: Public scientific wealth should not be transferred at what they describe as 'throwaway prices'.capability, recruitment, promotional avenues and the voice of its employees.

China Dominates India's Electronics Imports

China Dominates India's Electronics Imports

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'The large number of tariff lines in the 90-99 per cent band highlights how deeply embedded Chinese sourcing has become in India's electronics imports.'

Iranian President urges BRICS to end Western dominance

Iranian President urges BRICS to end Western dominance

Rediff.com7 days ago

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged BRICS nations to expand trade in national currencies and build an inclusive global economic framework. He criticised "unilateral sanctions" by Western powers, stating they make emerging economies vulnerable and impact global food security. Pezeshkian emphasised BRICS' role in creating a balanced world order and highlighted Iran's geopolitical and energy capacities for cooperation.

How Social Media Is Destroying Your Retirement

How Social Media Is Destroying Your Retirement

Rediff.com2 days ago

Urban Indian millennials are caught in an algorithmically amplified consumption spiral where social media normalises spending patterns that systematically undermine retirement security.

US Open: Tiafoe's Jaddu Ki Jhappi Goes Viral

US Open: Tiafoe's Jaddu Ki Jhappi Goes Viral

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Frances Tiafoe reached the US Open semi-finals for the third time after a thrilling comeback against Alex Michelsen, but it was his gesture after the match that caught everyone's attention.

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Congress party has criticised the government's recent notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for users to be charged fees, particularly for transactions above Rs 2,000. The party claims the government lacks transparency and questions if the move is to benefit American firms. The government, however, states that charges are necessary for the system's sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, with the Finance Minister clarifying that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers.

Nandan Nilekani calls for population-scale tokenisation infrastructure in India

Nandan Nilekani calls for population-scale tokenisation infrastructure in India

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani stressed the need for India to develop population-scale tokenisation infrastructure capable of handling billions of transactions, rather than merely focusing on issuing tokens. He highlighted the importance of interoperability, liquidity, and high volumes for tokenisation to expand across various asset classes and use cases.

Former Delhi chief secy Rakesh Mehta dies by suicide at his residence

Former Delhi chief secy Rakesh Mehta dies by suicide at his residence

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta, who served under ex-chief minister Sheila Dixit, has allegedly died by suicide at his Noida residence. Police recovered a suicide note citing 'mental and health issues' as reasons. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, was 74 and had been credited with significant infrastructure projects in Delhi during his tenure from 2007 to 2010.

'When We Divert A River's Flow, We're Inviting Trouble'

'When We Divert A River's Flow, We're Inviting Trouble'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

'When a glacier collapse or a major flood event does occur, the water will simply reclaim its original path, and anything built in that path will be swept away.'

BRICS represents 50% of world population, 40% of GDP: Ramaphosa

BRICS represents 50% of world population, 40% of GDP: Ramaphosa

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday described BRICS as an important global forum, highlighting the grouping's growing demographic and economic weight and noting that its members account for around half of the world's population and 40 percent of global GDP.

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rediff.com5 days ago

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'When the women of India become unstoppable, India becomes unstoppable.'

Delhi: Niece held for murdering, robbing 60-year-old uncle

Delhi: Niece held for murdering, robbing 60-year-old uncle

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

A 60-year-old man was found dead in his Rohini home after a robbery. Police have detained his niece, a primary school teacher, and two associates, including a gym trainer and a student, suspecting her to be the mastermind behind the robbery-cum-murder. Stolen cash and jewellery have been partially recovered.

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'

What Will First India-China Corps Commander Talks in Arunachal Achieve?

What Will First India-China Corps Commander Talks in Arunachal Achieve?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

In July, tension emerged in Taksing, a remote village in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh after locals sighted PLA soldiers.

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar Review: Gripping Cop Drama

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar Review: Gripping Cop Drama

Rediff.com5 days ago

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar is a gripping cat-and-mouse game that benefits from smart writing.

UPI fee: Why govt is putting a price on big merchant payments

UPI fee: Why govt is putting a price on big merchant payments

Rediff.com4 days ago

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) stated that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) "is distributed only amongst the UPI ecosystem, to further invest into infrastructure resilience, innovation, cybersecurity (protecting the UPI infrastructure with banks and non-banks) and customer service."

Indonesian Airports Reopen After Anak Krakatau Eruption

Indonesian Airports Reopen After Anak Krakatau Eruption

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Indonesia's main airport in Jakarta, Soekarno-Hatta international airport, has resumed operations after a two-day closure caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, with winds pushing the ash away from the airport's airspace.

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Rediff.com7 days ago

The CPI and CPI(M) have announced they will contest one Assembly segment each in the upcoming Tamil Nadu bypolls, while continuing their outside support for the ruling TVK. This decision creates a five-cornered contest and highlights the Left parties' independent stance, aimed at preventing indirect BJP influence and addressing public issues.

Delhi playschool horror: '3-year-old tied up, touched inappropriately'

Delhi playschool horror: '3-year-old tied up, touched inappropriately'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The father of a three-year-old boy, who allegedly endured hours of physical abuse inside his playschool in northeast Delhi, has claimed that CCTV footage showed his son tied to a chair for nearly three hours, beaten and kicked repeatedly, and, in one instance, a person placing hands on the child's private parts.

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Reddit post about a hidden camera in a shared living room has reopened an old question -- how far can a landlord interfere in a home he no longer fully controls? Here's what two Mumbai lawyers have to say.

No HC relief for Rahul Gandhi in Modi defamation case summons

No HC relief for Rahul Gandhi in Modi defamation case summons

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court has dismissed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's petition challenging a 2019 summons issued by a magistrate court in a defamation complaint. The complaint, filed by a BJP member, pertains to Gandhi's alleged defamatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The High Court found no illegality in the magistrate's order but extended the deferment of the lower court hearing by six weeks to allow Gandhi to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Avinash Sable's Triumphant Return To Steeplechase After Career-Threatening Injury

Avinash Sable's Triumphant Return To Steeplechase After Career-Threatening Injury

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Indian steeplechaser Avinash Sable made an emotional and triumphant return to competition, winning the men's 3000m steeplechase at the Indian Athletics Series Final. This victory marks his first race in the distance since suffering a career-threatening ACL and meniscus injury in July 2025, which led to surgery and a challenging recovery period. Sable, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, expressed the immense struggle he faced but is now confident of winning a medal at the upcoming Asian Games.

NEET 2026: Why More Seats Are Available In Round 2

NEET 2026: Why More Seats Are Available In Round 2

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The comparisons show where last year's cutoffs are still a usable guide and where you need to reset your expectations before Round 2.

'Reservation Must Be Decided Purely On Economic Grounds'

'Reservation Must Be Decided Purely On Economic Grounds'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

'The day we start making rules purely along caste lines, we only divide society further. That's the conversation the government needs to have, and soon.'

Swear words, vulgar expletives alone do not amount to obscenity: SC

Swear words, vulgar expletives alone do not amount to obscenity: SC

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that mere swear words, profanities, and vulgar expletives, however offensive, do not amount to obscenity under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code. The court clarified that for an utterance to be considered obscene, it must be lascivious, appeal to prurient interests, and have the tendency to deprave and corrupt minds. This ruling came while hearing a plea challenging a high court order confirming a conviction under IPC Section 294.

Vinesh Phogat's World Championships Hopes Dashed By Delhi High Court Ruling

Vinesh Phogat's World Championships Hopes Dashed By Delhi High Court Ruling

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to grant wrestler Vinesh Phogat an interim exemption to participate in the women's selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. The court stated that eligibility criteria apply uniformly to all athletes and granting an interim relief to Phogat, who recently returned from maternity leave, would lead to unequal treatment without a full adjudication of the policy's validity. Phogat had sought to challenge the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) circular on eligibility, arguing it unfairly excludes athletes returning from maternity.

'Too loud': Swiatek speaks out on US Open noise

'Too loud': Swiatek speaks out on US Open noise

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Iga Swiatek expressed her preference for the more intimate Grandstand court over the boisterous Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open. Other players like Alexander Zverev, Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli also commented on the challenging noise levels and crowd interactions at Flushing Meadows, highlighting the unique atmosphere compared to other tour events.

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

An army personnel has been taken into custody in connection with the theft of service weapons and ammunition from an Army facility in Hyderabad. The theft, which included assault rifles, pistols, and night vision binoculars, was detected on August 31, prompting a joint investigation by Telangana Police and Army authorities.

Bipasha Basu flags worms in food packet, tags Tukaram Mundhe

Bipasha Basu flags worms in food packet, tags Tukaram Mundhe

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Actress Bipasha Basu has raised concerns over food safety and the quality of packaged food after claiming that she found several tiny worms inside a newly opened food container, prompting her to seek intervention from Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

Saiyaara Girl Aneet Padda's Next: 'Hunkkaar Is Our Battle Cry'

Saiyaara Girl Aneet Padda's Next: 'Hunkkaar Is Our Battle Cry'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'We feel strongly about so much injustice that is out there in the world. For us, it is very important that we take away this word called 'victim' and make something out of it. I want to celebrate survivors, always.'

Delhi SIR: Deleted votes exceed winning margin in 68 seats

Delhi SIR: Deleted votes exceed winning margin in 68 seats

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A report by 'Voter Adhikar Manch' has revealed that the number of excluded electors in Delhi's draft electoral roll under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exceeded the winning margin in 68 of 70 Assembly constituencies in the 2025 polls. The audit found over 47 lakh electors marked as absent, shifted, dead, or duplicate, raising serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the accuracy of voter lists.

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Salesforce President and CEO for South Asia, stated that cloud and AI are democratising capabilities, offering India a unique opportunity to leapfrog in technology. Speaking at the IMC Chamber of Commerce, she emphasised that AI will create more jobs and urged Indian businesses to transform using technology, rather than merely digitising. She also highlighted the significant economic potential of AI adoption for India.

How Cloud And AI Can Propel India's Economic Growth

How Cloud And AI Can Propel India's Economic Growth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Arundhati Bhattacharyya, Salesforce President and CEO for South Asia, highlighted how cloud and AI are democratising capabilities, offering India a unique opportunity to leapfrog in the technology revolution. Speaking at the IMC Chamber of Commerce, she emphasised that AI will create more jobs by addressing unmet business demands and could significantly boost India's GDP, with NITI Aayog estimating a USD 500-600 billion addition by 2035. She urged Indian businesses to transform using technology, focus on data, redesign work, and invest in skills, stressing that AI is not just for large corporations.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com6 days ago

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.