News for 'national interest'

NTA stumbles again: UGC-NET retest ordered after massive errors in 3 papers

NTA stumbles again: UGC-NET retest ordered after massive errors in 3 papers

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Sunday announced the retest for three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination -- English, Commerce and Sociology -- following complaints about several errors in these papers.

India poised to become global esports powerhouse, says Esports Foundation COO

India poised to become global esports powerhouse, says Esports Foundation COO

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Mike McCabe, COO and Deputy CEO of the Esports Foundation, believes India has "more potential than any country on the planet" for esports, citing its enormous fan base, improving competitive ecosystem, and evolving policy environment as key drivers for rapid acceleration in the sport.

Hy'bad law university students object to CJI as chief guest

Hy'bad law university students object to CJI as chief guest

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Students at NALSAR University of Law have written to the university administration, opposing the proposal to invite the Chief Justice of India as the chief guest for their convocation. Their objection stems from the CJI-led Supreme Court bench's refusal to urgently list a plea concerning alleged police brutality during a 'Chalo Sansad' protest, which students feel contradicts the university's values.

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'It is not because of the war in West Asia, which began on February 28.' 'Petroleum product prices are already going through the roof. They are bound to have a serious inflationary impact.' 'A country's leadership is tested in trying times. It is here that the current leadership is failing.'

Before Yash's Toxic, 10 Warring Father-Son Duos

Before Yash's Toxic, 10 Warring Father-Son Duos

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Yash's Toxic continues a fascinating trend in Indian cinema where a single star portrays both father and son, often leading to intense on-screen conflicts.

Cricket Scotland, Dutch Cricket Association slam ICC over 2027 World Cup format changes

Cricket Scotland, Dutch Cricket Association slam ICC over 2027 World Cup format changes

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association have strongly criticised the International Cricket Council's decision to implement significant structural changes to the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification pathway and tournament format, stating it 'risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket'.

ICTS Professor Deepak Dhar Honoured With 2026 Dirac Medal

ICTS Professor Deepak Dhar Honoured With 2026 Dirac Medal

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Professor Deepak Dhar of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal for his significant contributions to statistical mechanics and complex systems. He shares the honour with three other scientists for their pioneering work extending statistical mechanics into diverse fields like AI and theoretical neuroscience.

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday that the world soccer's governing body has abandoned its controversial plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, following widespread backlash from major confederations and internal dissent.

'The Next Chairman Does Not Need To Build Tata'

'The Next Chairman Does Not Need To Build Tata'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

'... that work is done. The task is to reallocate what has been built, with the courage of a founder and the discipline of an owner.'

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Torn between loyalty to their comrades and disillusionment towards the cause for which they are fighting, they are beginning to cave in. Morale has been the casualty, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A heated parliamentary showdown unfolded as NDA and INDIA bloc MPs clashed at Parliament's main gate.

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prashant Kishor and Dr Jahnavi Das first met while working on a United Nations public health initiative.

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

It is plain to see that the US senate bill's real objective is to derail India's time-tested strategic partnership with Russia, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Ramayana Director Nitesh Tiwari's Films, Ranked

Ramayana Director Nitesh Tiwari's Films, Ranked

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

From the record-breaking Dangal to the divisive Bawaal, here's a look at Nitesh Tiwari's five films ranked from worst to best.

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Japan is deepening its defence relationship with India while simultaneously expanding its economic, infrastructure and security engagement with countries around India -- particularly Bangladesh. The result is an emerging Japanese conception of South Asia in which India remains the strategic anchor, but the geography surrounding India is becoming increasingly important, points out Varun Arya.

Judges Cycle To Court In Lucknow Following Modi's Appeal

Judges Cycle To Court In Lucknow Following Modi's Appeal

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Judicial officers in Lucknow, including District and Sessions Judge Malkhan Singh, cycled to court on Friday, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve fuel.

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced stringent measures, including the establishment of fast-track courts, to combat exam paper leaks and protect the future of India's youth, following widespread protests over the NEET paper leak.

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha introduced four significant bills on Monday, including amendments to mines and minerals regulations, the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, and the renaming of Kerala to Keralam, all while facing continuous protests from opposition members demanding a discussion on the July 20 police crackdown on students.

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the brand ambassador for the Pro Govinda League (PGL) -- India's first professional human-pyramid league.

Cricket Scotland, KNCB Slam ICC's 'Setback' World Cup Qualification Changes

Cricket Scotland, KNCB Slam ICC's 'Setback' World Cup Qualification Changes

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) have jointly criticised the International Cricket Council's (ICC) significant structural changes to the Men's 50-over World Cup qualification pathway, calling it a 'setback to Associate Member cricket' and expressing disappointment over the lack of consultation.

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reshuffled Iran's political and national-security establishment, appointing former SNSC Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political adviser and veteran IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative on the Supreme National Security Council, consolidating power amid the West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Pakistani Boxer Qudratullah Vanishes From Team Hotel After Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Pakistani Boxer Qudratullah Vanishes From Team Hotel After Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah has reportedly disappeared from the team hotel in Glasgow following the Commonwealth Games, marking another incident of a Pakistani athlete vanishing during an international event.

India Inc navigates West Asia conflict: Rising costs, price hikes, and margin pressures

India Inc navigates West Asia conflict: Rising costs, price hikes, and margin pressures

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

India Inc's first-quarter earnings season was significantly impacted by the West Asia conflict, leading to rising costs, calibrated price increases, and margin pressures across various sectors including FMCG, automotive, steel, and cement. Companies are implementing price hikes to protect profitability, with many anticipating further escalations if input costs remain elevated.

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'Ultimately, everything has to be shared. That's why you have that talent. To share it. Unless you share, it won't continue.'

UPI payments to remain free, charges to apply only on...: Govt

UPI payments to remain free, charges to apply only on...: Govt

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Indian government has clarified that consumers will not be charged for UPI transactions, and most merchant transactions will also remain free. This comes amidst speculation following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Any future merchant discount rate (MDR) would be nominal, threshold-based, and aimed at ensuring UPI's long-term sustainability and infrastructure development.

Why Ranjit Bajaj Rejected India Manager Role For FIFA U-15 World Cup

Why Ranjit Bajaj Rejected India Manager Role For FIFA U-15 World Cup

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ranjit Bajaj has declined the manager role for the India U-15 men's national team for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup, citing fundamental differences in footballing philosophy with head coach Bibiano Fernandes.

Know More About Mohanlal's Daughter Vismaya Before Her Thudakkam Debut

Know More About Mohanlal's Daughter Vismaya Before Her Thudakkam Debut

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

As Vismaya Mohanlal makes her acting debut with Thudakkam, here's what you need to know about Mohanlal's daughter, from her Muay Thai training to her life away from the spotlight.

Andaz Apna Apna To Ghayal: Rajkumar Santoshi's Top 10 Films

Andaz Apna Apna To Ghayal: Rajkumar Santoshi's Top 10 Films

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Rajkumar Santoshi's best films prove that few Bollywood filmmakers could mix hard-hitting drama, action, comedy and sheer masala madness quite like him.

Will Mourinho return to Real Madrid add spice to La Liga?

Will Mourinho return to Real Madrid add spice to La Liga?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The upcoming LaLiga season promises an intense battle as Barcelona defends its title against a revamped Real Madrid, led by returning manager Jose Mourinho, and a turbulent Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid has made significant signings and brought back Mourinho after two trophyless seasons, while Barcelona relies on continuity and its World Cup-winning core. Atletico Madrid faces pressure on manager Diego Simeone and a potential transfer saga involving Julian Alvarez, setting the stage for a dramatic season.

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has constituted a high-powered committee headed by the director general of health services (DGHS) to formulate a mechanism for conducting a comprehensive audit of the existing system of admission through the NEET-PG examination.

BCCI Secretary To Meet VVS Laxman Over Player Injuries

BCCI Secretary To Meet VVS Laxman Over Player Injuries

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is set to meet Head Of Cricket VVS Laxman to review the rehabilitation management programme at the Centre of Excellence (COE) following a spate of injuries to key Indian players. The meeting aims to address concerns regarding player fitness and the effectiveness of the COE's injury management protocols.

Harbhajan Singh seeks united push to end protests over NEET paper leak

Harbhajan Singh seeks united push to end protests over NEET paper leak

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying dialogue and trust are better than confrontation to resolve the crisis pertaining to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan Test spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised the current generation of Pakistani cricketers for prioritising financial gain, particularly through leagues like the PSL, over dedicated skill development and game awareness, attributing this to a lack of vision among selectors and a general disinterest among young players.

Jaishankar raises market access, trade imbalance in talks with Yi

Jaishankar raises market access, trade imbalance in talks with Yi

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila, reiterating that peace and tranquillity in border areas are prerequisites for normal India-China relations. He stressed the importance of mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity, while also raising concerns about market access, trade imbalance, and supply chain uncertainties.

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

These nations officially top the list when it comes to maximum number of official days off.

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj following his controversial remarks describing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a 'war criminal' and questioning the Azad Hind Fauj's role in India's freedom struggle.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Australia's players union has joined global criticism of FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup and other events, citing a lack of transparency and pressure on member associations to approve the $20 billion plan.

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Julian Quinones continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign with his third goal as Mexico defeated Ecuador to reach the last 16, ending a 40-year knockout drought and inspiring fresh belief among the home fans.

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed rumours of his shift to national politics, asserting his commitment to the state. He also commented on the NEET paper leak issue, supporting the Union government's actions and criticising Uddhav Thackeray's remarks.