News for 'india friendly'

Ahead of Modi-Xi meet, Beijing bats for proper handling of differences

Ahead of Modi-Xi meet, Beijing bats for proper handling of differences

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

China emphasises proper handling of differences and a long-term perspective for bilateral ties ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to stabilise relations following the 2020 Ladakh standoff and strengthen BRICS cooperation.

Gurnoor Brar added to North Zone squad as selectors push for more red-ball exposure

Gurnoor Brar added to North Zone squad as selectors push for more red-ball exposure

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Gurnoor Brar has joined North Zone for the Duleep Trophy semifinal, with selectors using the opportunity to boost the India pacer's red-ball exposure ahead of New Zealand Tests.

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: SSC pitch might offer equal chance to batters and bowlers

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: SSC pitch might offer equal chance to batters and bowlers

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Sri Lankan cricket officials are considering a balanced pitch for the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), moving away from a spin-friendly track. This decision aims to provide equal opportunities for both batters and bowlers, similar to the Galle pitch, and support their young batting lineup. The SSC pitch character has evolved over the years, with less home advantage since the retirement of legendary players.

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

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.

Indian Junior Hockey Squads Ready For AHF Asia Cup Challenge

Indian Junior Hockey Squads Ready For AHF Asia Cup Challenge

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

India's under-21 men's and women's hockey teams are set to begin their AHF Junior Asia Cup campaigns in Moqi, China. The men's team aims for a record-extending sixth title, while the women's team seeks a hat-trick of trophies, both having undergone extensive preparations and exposure tours.

Big Wins, Selfies, Tears And Kisses At The Emmys

Big Wins, Selfies, Tears And Kisses At The Emmys

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the year's top television achievements, creating unforgettable moments.

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remains an "essential" basis for the development of India-China relations, even as the two leaders welcomed "steady progress" in bilateral ties during their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India's position appears to be anchored around three red lines: Hasina's safety and the guarantee of a fair trial; assurances that Bangladeshi territory will not be used for activities hostile to India; and the restoration of an inclusive democratic process in Bangladesh.

DUSU polls: 40.46% turnout recorded; ABVP, NSUI battle for key posts

DUSU polls: 40.46% turnout recorded; ABVP, NSUI battle for key posts

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The first phase of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) polls recorded a 36% voter turnout, with a keen contest between ABVP, NSUI, and the AISA-SFI alliance. Student concerns like accountability, affordable accommodation, and accessible administration were prominent, influenced by past protests. The election also saw allegations between student groups and extensive security arrangements.

Punjab Lions Bowler Takes Field After Grandfather's Death

Punjab Lions Bowler Takes Field After Grandfather's Death

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Ludhiana Lions' Krish Bhagat played an important Sher-E-Punjab T20 League match against Amritsar Soormas, dedicating a crucial wicket to his late grandfather, Chunni Lal Bhagat, a former Cabinet Minister. Krish shared how his grandfather's journey from Pakistan inspired him and spoke about his own early start in cricket, his family's support, and his focus on team goals in the league.

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.

Blue Colts Aim For Historic Win Against Syria In U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers Opener

Blue Colts Aim For Historic Win Against Syria In U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers Opener

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

India's U20 football team, the Blue Colts, is set to kick off their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers campaign against Syria in Tashkent. This opening match is crucial as India aims to secure their first-ever win against Syria and qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time since 2006, navigating a tough group that also includes Uzbekistan and Bangladesh.

What Brings Cristiano Ronaldo's Sister To Kerala?

What Brings Cristiano Ronaldo's Sister To Kerala?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'An experience I will never forget, what a welcoming, friendly, and welcoming people.'

BJP Faces West Bengal Investment Test

BJP Faces West Bengal Investment Test

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

West Bengal could be the Bharatiya Janata Party's real test case of its business-friendly policies, points out Kanika Datta.

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking a political row. The Congress party has labelled it a "Modi tax" and accused the government of succumbing to US pressure, while the BJP has defended the move, clarifying that consumers will not be charged and small vendors are protected. The finance ministry reiterated that the charge is on merchants, not customers.

My Incredible Mother Vijaya Mehta

My Incredible Mother Vijaya Mehta

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'She was not burdened by the knowledge of her craft and the world. She just was a child till her last days.' 'When she smiled, everybody in the room would light up.'

'Sexism at Its Finest': Powerlifter Keyaa Banerji Breaks Silence On Online Harassment

'Sexism at Its Finest': Powerlifter Keyaa Banerji Breaks Silence On Online Harassment

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji has spoken out about the severe online harassment and sexualisation she endured following her silver medal win at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships.

80s Trend Turns Nostalgia Into Memory

80s Trend Turns Nostalgia Into Memory

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The retro hair, the vintage clothing, that's not the real charm of these images. It's the ability to look at a screen and create the one thing modern technology has never been able to give us: the tactile, imperfect feeling of memory, points out Kaleem Ullah Fasihi.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.

'They Fought To The Last Man, Last Bullet, Last Breath'

'They Fought To The Last Man, Last Bullet, Last Breath'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

I had found spending one night at 14,500 feet inside a cottage difficult to get by -- struggling to breathe in the cold, thin, mountain air. Here, our soldiers had fought a ferocious battle at much greater heights in bone-chilling weather, worse than I had encountered. 114 men were killed in action in a 16-hour epic battle against China in Rezang La, the farthest outpost along India's border with China.

Tirumala Tirupati temple to insure devotees for Rs 2 lakh

Tirumala Tirupati temple to insure devotees for Rs 2 lakh

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced several new initiatives for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including Aadhaar-based devotee insurance for Rs 2 lakh, the establishment of an SV Museum by TCS Trust, and the introduction of electric buses donated by Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech. The plans also include global expansion of Srivari temples, improved Annadanam, integrated hospital services, and significant infrastructure development in Tirupati to make it a services and wedding destination with a Net Zero concept.

SC refuses to reconstitute panel probing police action during CJP protest

SC refuses to reconstitute panel probing police action during CJP protest

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has rejected pleas to reconstitute a high-powered committee investigating alleged police excesses against student protesters in Delhi, stating that the allegations against the panel were based on conjecture. The court emphasised the committee's role in ensuring fairness and transparency, and directed it to proceed with its inquiry into various issues including the use of pellet guns, targeted violence, and property destruction, while ensuring protection and confidentiality for vulnerable witnesses.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani Predicts AI Will Revolutionise Cinema Production

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani Predicts AI Will Revolutionise Cinema Production

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani believes artificial intelligence will entirely transform the film industry, making production more cost-effective and efficient. He highlights AI's potential as a "game changer" while also cautioning that its effective use requires extensive research and adaptation.

'A Journey Filled with Hard Work, Challenges': A Special Century For Shami

'A Journey Filled with Hard Work, Challenges': A Special Century For Shami

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Veteran Indian pace bowler Mohammed Shami is set to play his 100th first-class match, leading East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone in Chennai.

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A third generation murtikar and probably one of the first in her family, Manaswi Bagwe, a self-taught sculptor, is quietly pushing the boundaries of idol-making.

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

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.

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.com15 Sep 2026

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.

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

As India prepares for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15, the team management faces critical decisions regarding their playing XI to bolster their World Test Championship 2027 final aspirations.

Law And Order Review: Criminally Bad!

Law And Order Review: Criminally Bad!

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Law And Order not only delivers an outdated and amateurish gangster drama, but also manages to drag Mammootty's iconic Black character into the mess.

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.

Nepal floods: 'We only want information about our son'

Nepal floods: 'We only want information about our son'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A Thane family is desperately searching for their 28-year-old son, Abhishek Ghone, who went missing in Nepal after flash floods struck during his Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. Despite using AI tools to track his location, the family seeks official verification and urges authorities to provide concrete information about his whereabouts.

'OG' to 'flex': Modi uses GenZ lingo in SRCC address

'OG' to 'flex': Modi uses GenZ lingo in SRCC address

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi employed Gen Z-friendly phrases like "OG" and referenced the film 'Dhurandhar' during his address at Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce. This move, 13 years after a previous impactful speech at the same venue, is part of a broader strategy by the BJP to connect with younger audiences, contrasting India's past challenges with its current global standing.

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over a notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees, especially on transactions above Rs 2,000. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is surrendering to American pressure, while Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the potential burden on common citizens amidst inflation. The government's notification prohibits charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 but remains silent on higher amounts, sparking fears of a "Digital Payments Tax."

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Sculptor Akash Tirmal explains how he designed the 22 feet idol of Ganesh Galli's MumbaiCha Raja using Plaster of Paris, without any readymade moulds.

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The family of Chongtham Vikram Singh, a Manipuri musician beaten to death in south Delhi, has appealed for justice and an impartial probe, stating they seek accountability, not revenge, for his sudden loss.

AIFF in trouble? Brazil clash creates ASEAN Cup mess

AIFF in trouble? Brazil clash creates ASEAN Cup mess

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is in a difficult situation regarding India's participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and a proposed friendly against Brazil, as both events clash on October 3. FIFA regulations prohibit fielding an understrength team in a sanctioned competition, forcing the AIFF to seek clarification from FIFA on its plan for separate squads.

What Makes Miss India Nikita Porwal Very Angry

What Makes Miss India Nikita Porwal Very Angry

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

In a no-filter conversation with Rediff's Rishika Shah, Miss India World Nikita Porwal has a few confessions to make.

Congress Labels New UPI Charges As 'Modi Tax', Alleges US Pressure

Congress Labels New UPI Charges As 'Modi Tax', Alleges US Pressure

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the government's new 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, terming it a "Modi tax". Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, allege that this move will ultimately burden consumers through price hikes and accuse the government of succumbing to American pressure to dilute India's zero-MDR policy. The government states the charge will support banks and fintechs.

The Revolutionaries Review: Flawed Portrayal Of Independence Struggle

The Revolutionaries Review: Flawed Portrayal Of Independence Struggle

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Revolutionaries never draws you into its world nor explains the mind and motivation of its heroes or even the mood within a nation they're going through so much trouble for, observes Sukanya Verma.