News for 'national'

'I am only leaving...': Shehzad Poonawalla urges BJP to accept his resignation

'I am only leaving...': Shehzad Poonawalla urges BJP to accept his resignation

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has resigned from all his party positions and primary membership, citing pressing financial and personal circumstances. He had initially offered to resign on July 30, but the party requested him to reconsider. Poonawalla confirmed his final decision on Monday, stating he would move into the private sector but continue to support Prime Minister Modi's vision.

Heavy Rains Create Havoc In New Delhi

Heavy Rains Create Havoc In New Delhi

Rediff.com1 days ago

Heavy rains lashed Delhi, triggering waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several parts of the national capital.

BJP names new in-charges for poll-bound UP, Punjab, Gujarat

BJP names new in-charges for poll-bound UP, Punjab, Gujarat

Rediff.com7 days ago

BJP president Nitin Nabin has announced new in-charges for party affairs in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat, with Vinod Tawde, Satish Poonia, and Tarun Chugh taking on key roles respectively. These appointments are effective immediately.

Manchester United bolster midfield with Carlos Baleba signing

Manchester United bolster midfield with Carlos Baleba signing

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Manchester United have officially signed midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion on a contract until 2031, with an option for an additional year. The deal is reportedly worth an initial 60 million, plus add-ons, for the Cameroon international.

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payments Ecosystem

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payments Ecosystem

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed a decade since its launch, becoming the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem. It has seen exponential growth in transaction volume and value, expanding financial inclusion and setting a global benchmark for real-time payments.

NTA clarifies on Rs 200 answer key challenge fee, refund rules

NTA clarifies on Rs 200 answer key challenge fee, refund rules

Rediff.com4 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has clarified its 'answer key challenge' system, stating it is designed for fairness and that the fee charged is to deter frivolous challenges, with refunds issued for successful objections. This comes amidst recent criticism regarding exam conduct.

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

Rediff.com8 hours ago

An American Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft reportedly landed in Moscow on Monday morning, according to online air traffic monitoring systems, Russian news agency TASS reported.

Bangladesh captain urges Australia for more Test tours after tied series

Bangladesh captain urges Australia for more Test tours after tied series

Rediff.com2 days ago

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has urged Australia and cricket's powerbrokers to increase Test tours to the South Asian nation, emphasising its importance for his team to gain experience in diverse conditions and improve in the format.

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

Rediff.com4 days ago

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating Form I-485 for permanent residence, effective September 18, 2026, with no grace period for older versions. This change, aligning with public-charge inadmissibility rules, significantly impacts Green Card applicants, particularly Indian nationals facing visa backlogs, who must use the correct form version to avoid rejection.

'Vande Mataram' row escalates as BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi

'Vande Mataram' row escalates as BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have lodged a formal complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at the Urwa police station in Karnataka on Sunday, following a controversy during the recitation of the national song Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Independence Day.

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

This year's Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort uniquely featured the national song 'Vande Mataram', marking 150 years of its profound legacy and historical significance in India's freedom struggle.

Prime Minister Modi Praises UPI's Transformative Impact On India's Digital Payments

Prime Minister Modi Praises UPI's Transformative Impact On India's Digital Payments

Rediff.com17 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completing a decade, calling it a major turning point in India's digital payment journey. Launched in 2016, UPI has become the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem, showing exponential growth in transaction volume and value, and is a key pillar of the Digital Public Infrastructure.

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

Rediff.com13 hours ago

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies, including a customs broker and three other firms, for their involvement in importing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. This action is part of "Operation Economic Outcast," a broader US campaign to sever Iran's financial lifelines and prevent funding for its destabilising activities.

India Hosts BRICS Sports And Youth Ministers Meeting In Visakhapatnam

India Hosts BRICS Sports And Youth Ministers Meeting In Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a two-day meeting of BRICS Sports and Youth Ministers in Visakhapatnam, aiming to strengthen cooperation in youth affairs and sports, with a focus on sports manufacturing, indigenous disciplines, and youth development.

Singapore-bound vessel with 24 crew members sinks off Odisha coast

Singapore-bound vessel with 24 crew members sinks off Odisha coast

Rediff.com3 days ago

A Panama-flagged cargo ship, carrying iron ore and 24 crew members, sank in the Bay of Bengal approximately 240 nautical miles from the Paradip coast in Odisha, prompting a joint rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.

How India Can Achieve A USD 55 Trillion Economy By 2047

How India Can Achieve A USD 55 Trillion Economy By 2047

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Former Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy V Subramanian outlines India's strategy to become a USD 55 trillion economy by 2047. The plan hinges on leveraging its young demographic in AI, dominating sunrise sectors like space and defence tech, attracting FDI, and achieving sustained 8% GDP growth.

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

Rediff.com1 days ago

The rules require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security or a combination of both to cover civil liability for nuclear damage.

Delhi waterlogged after heavy rain, traffic goes out of gear

Delhi waterlogged after heavy rain, traffic goes out of gear

Rediff.com17 hours ago

Heavy rainfall in Delhi led to widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and a significant drop in minimum temperatures across the city. Key areas like Lutyens' Delhi, Supreme Court, and AIIMS were affected, while the air quality remained satisfactory.

IGU Partners With Golf New Zealand For High-Performance Ecosystem

IGU Partners With Golf New Zealand For High-Performance Ecosystem

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian Golf Union (IGU) has partnered with Golf New Zealand to enhance India's golf development and high-performance ecosystem. Gregg Thorpe, General Manager of High-Performance & Talent Development at Golf New Zealand, visited India to assess facilities and interact with stakeholders, aiming to build a strategy for future success, including potential Olympic hosting in 2036.

Team Nadda Vs Team Nabin: Who's In, Who's Out

Team Nadda Vs Team Nabin: Who's In, Who's Out

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party President Nitin Nabin has made his first significant mark on the BJP's national apparatus with a major organisational reshuffle, bringing back key figures like Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav while removing Nadda-era functionaries, signalling a strategic move ahead of crucial state elections.

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Rediff.com2 hours ago

A group of prominent seers in Ayodhya protested against former Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai, alleging embezzlement of offerings and demanding an impartial investigation. They also claimed police forcibly stopped their meeting, a charge denied by local authorities who stated the seers were asked to vacate a hotel room booked for stay, not a meeting. The seers vowed to launch a larger movement if their demands for action against those responsible are not met.

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event, sparking a political row. The Congress denied the charge, stating Gandhi was only seeking a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and clarified the historical context of the song's usage.

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Rediff.com6 days ago

Newly appointed BJP Minority Morcha national president Kunwar Basit Ali announced a strategic focus on approximately 100 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, aiming to connect the Muslim community with the BJP by highlighting government welfare schemes and dispelling "misconceptions" about the party.

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned "unverified claims" regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.

Many hospitalised after chlorine gas leak at Nagpur water plant

Many hospitalised after chlorine gas leak at Nagpur water plant

Rediff.com1 days ago

The gas spread to nearby residential areas, triggering panic. Many people experienced coughing and difficulty in breathing, it said.

Baloch militants are 'foreign-sponsored proxies', says Pak army chief

Baloch militants are 'foreign-sponsored proxies', says Pak army chief

Rediff.com4 days ago

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has described militants operating in Balochistan as 'foreign-sponsored proxies' actively working to destabilise the province and obstruct its development.

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

Rediff.com16 hours ago

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to grant a permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for government teachers appointed before August 23, 2010. This move aims to protect the job security and benefits of over 3.28 lakh experienced educators who face the risk of losing their positions due to the mandatory TET requirement.

Now, Tiangong Ultra Chinese robot runs 100 metres in 8.86 seconds!

Now, Tiangong Ultra Chinese robot runs 100 metres in 8.86 seconds!

Rediff.com4 hours ago

China's Tiangong Ultra humanoid robot has set a new 100-metre sprint record of 8.86 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, significantly surpassing Usain Bolt's human world record of 9.58 seconds.

NTA Faces Major Exam Process Overhaul

NTA Faces Major Exam Process Overhaul

Rediff.com7 days ago

The overhaul comes after a series of controversies surrounding the conduct of examinations administered by NTA, which has faced questions over examination security and its handling of irregularities.

Diamond League: Jefferson-Wooden beats Olympic champion Alfred to win women's 100m

Diamond League: Jefferson-Wooden beats Olympic champion Alfred to win women's 100m

Rediff.com1 days ago

World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden defeated Olympic gold medallist Julien Alfred in the women's 100 metres, while Oblique Seville secured victory in the men's sprint at the Silesia Diamond League.

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is undergoing significant reforms, including the removal of over 50 staff members and the onboarding of new leadership and domain specialists. This comes after recent issues like errors in UGC-NET papers, leading to re-tests, and the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026. The Education Ministry has directed a complete overhaul of exam protocols and a thorough audit of all processes to ensure integrity.

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.

Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, MP Advance To Junior Women's Hockey Semis

Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, MP Advance To Junior Women's Hockey Semis

Rediff.com5 days ago

Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have secured their spots in the Division A semifinals of the Junior Women National Hockey Championship in Pune. Jharkhand won a thrilling shootout against Odisha, while Haryana and Chhattisgarh recorded decisive victories. Madhya Pradesh also advanced after defeating Manipur, setting up exciting semifinal clashes.

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

Rediff.com2 days ago

North Zone coaches Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh are under scrutiny for controversially dropping Sanat Sangwan, the Ranji Trophy's third-highest run-scorer, for the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against West Zone, opting instead for Yash Dhull, who had a significantly poorer Ranji season.

Brazil Delegation Inspects Kolkata Ahead Of India Friendly

Brazil Delegation Inspects Kolkata Ahead Of India Friendly

Rediff.com4 days ago

A delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) visited Kolkata to inspect venues and infrastructure for the upcoming international friendly against India on October 3. The inspection covered the stadium, training facilities, accommodation, and security, with West Bengal's Sports Minister assuring world-class arrangements.

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's top women's singles players, including Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Vaidehee Chaudhari, have been excluded from the Asian Games tennis squad after the Sports Ministry pruned the list, leaving the national challenge without its leading singles contenders.

1998 Wandhama massacre: SIA reopens probe into killing of 23 Kashmiri Pandits

1998 Wandhama massacre: SIA reopens probe into killing of 23 Kashmiri Pandits

Rediff.com11 hours ago

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has reopened investigation into the 1998 Wandhama massacre in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, where 23 Kashmiri Pandits were shot dead by terrorists, officials said on Tuesday.

Team India Celebrates Independence Day in Galle

Team India Celebrates Independence Day in Galle

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The Indian cricket team marked the nation's 80th Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolour in Galle, Sri Lanka, ahead of their opening Test match against the host nation.

'We Travelled Peacefully By Road From Imphal To Guwahati'

'We Travelled Peacefully By Road From Imphal To Guwahati'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'People have been facing significant difficulties due to skyrocketing airfares, and road transportation was inaccessible until now.'

In 12 years, India developed on scale never seen before: Modi on I-Day

In 12 years, India developed on scale never seen before: Modi on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, declared that India is undergoing a rapid transformation across various sectors and is firmly on track to become a developed nation by 2047.