News for 'new states'

Gyanesh Kumar asked...: Trump cites India's voter ID system to push SAVE America Act

Gyanesh Kumar asked...: Trump cites India's voter ID system to push SAVE America Act

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

President Donald Trump has advocated for stricter electoral laws in the US, praising India's election system and its requirement for photo identification. He highlighted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's questioning of the lack of voter ID in American polls and used India's high voter turnout with minimal postal ballots as an example. Trump is pushing for the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship and nationwide voter ID, though the bill faces division in Congress.

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Congress party has strongly condemned the 'purification' of a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public meeting addressed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging it reflects an 'anti-Dalit' mindset of the BJP and RSS.

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making 'working knowledge of Marathi language' mandatory for cab drivers, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or revocation of driving licences.

NeoGeoInfo Secures USD 20 Million For Global Expansion

NeoGeoInfo Secures USD 20 Million For Global Expansion

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

NeoGeoInfo Technologies, a spatial intelligence solutions provider, has secured a Series A investment of approximately USD 20 million from Neev II Fund and Aavishkaar Capital. This funding will fuel the company's R&D, expand its international presence in the Middle East and Americas, and strengthen its team for complex projects.

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The PM CARES Fund experienced a 30 per cent decrease in domestic donations and an 18 per cent drop in foreign contributions during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Despite this, the total balance in the fund increased to Rs 8,452 crore, primarily held in fixed deposits and savings accounts. The fund's expenditure on the PM CARES for Children Scheme also saw a sharp reduction.

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.

How Indian Athletes Are Preparing For Asian Games In Japan

How Indian Athletes Are Preparing For Asian Games In Japan

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The Indian athletics team will undergo an acclimatisation camp at the University of Tsukuba near Tokyo before the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. This follows an MoU between SAI and the University. Athletes are also returning from Czech Republic for a training stint and an event in Bhubaneswar, though Neeraj Chopra will not participate. The Athletics Federation of India has already submitted a list of over 72 athletes for the Games to the Indian Olympic Association.

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has decided to form a high-powered committee, including retired judges and former top police officials, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters in Delhi. The committee will examine video evidence and complaints, particularly from female protesters, and the court may quash FIRs against students without grave criminal antecedents, upholding the right to peaceful protest.

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, labelling it a "Frankenstein state" for its alleged support of terrorism. The remarks came after Pakistan and the OIC raised the Kashmir issue, which India firmly rejected, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir's integral status. India also deemed the Indus Water Treaty "outdated" given Pakistan's policies.

Young Table Tennis Stars Shine In UTT National Quarterfinals

Young Table Tennis Stars Shine In UTT National Quarterfinals

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Rajvardhan Tiwari and Debanshu Chakraborty secured quarterfinal victories in the Under-11 Boys category at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Kanpur. The tournament also saw thrilling five-game matches and a remarkable comeback by unseeded Inaaya in the girls' section, highlighting emerging talent.

Blue Colts Gear Up For AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers With Yemen Friendlies

Blue Colts Gear Up For AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers With Yemen Friendlies

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Indian U20 men's football team is set to play two friendly matches against Yemen in Bengaluru as part of their preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. These matches follow two recent victories against Singapore and precede their travel to Tashkent for the qualifiers against Syria, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh.

Underdog Indian Chain Dominates Formidables To Win East Zone Bridge Championship

Underdog Indian Chain Dominates Formidables To Win East Zone Bridge Championship

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Indian Chain, an unfancied team, secured a dominant victory over favourites Formidables in the team event at the fifth Balarampur Chini East Zone Bridge Championship in Kolkata, also winning a significant prize purse.

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.

ISS Antenna Replacement Delayed After Spacewalk Challenges

ISS Antenna Replacement Delayed After Spacewalk Challenges

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Astronauts Anil Menon and Sophie Adenot encountered unexpected delays during a spacewalk to replace a critical space-to-ground antenna on the International Space Station. Despite successfully removing the failed antenna, they ran out of time to install the replacement, rescheduling the task for a future spacewalk. Menon, of Indian origin, and Adenot, the first French woman to spacewalk, faced challenges with tight connectors and bolting during the six-hour mission.

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Trump honours teen lifeguard who saved Indian American kid from surf waves

Trump honours teen lifeguard who saved Indian American kid from surf waves

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump honoured 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams at the White House for his heroic act of saving 10-year-old Indian-origin boy Nathaniel Rai from drowning at a California beach. The daring rescue, captured on video, earned Williams praise from the President, who also met Nathaniel and his family.

One In 10 Staff At California Unicorns Works In India

One In 10 Staff At California Unicorns Works In India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

One in 10 employees at California-headquartered technology unicorns now work from India, surpassing other major US tech hubs and several countries, driven by US visa restrictions and substantial cost savings.

India's Hockey Coach Marijne Demands More Precision From Team

India's Hockey Coach Marijne Demands More Precision From Team

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

India's women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed satisfaction with the team's 6-1 victory over South Africa at the FIH Women's World Cup but emphasised the need for improved precision in passing and finishing. Despite topping their group, Marijne cautioned against complacency, highlighting the upcoming crucial match against England. He also praised forward Lalremsiami, who found added motivation from her Arjuna Award nomination.

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's 544-page memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', is set to be published in November, offering an intimate account of her life, from her childhood in Italy to her experiences in India and her eventual entry into politics following personal tragedies.

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Eyes Top Spot In Pool D Against England

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Eyes Top Spot In Pool D Against England

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team, unbeaten in the FIH Women's World Cup, faces England in their final Pool D match. A draw secures India's top spot, but England desperately needs a win to advance. India's strong attacking and defensive performances have built confidence, though coach Sjoerd Marijne warns against complacency, highlighting England's previous victory over India and their strong play. The team aims to continue its impressive run and potentially secure a podium finish.

Indian Shuttler Ayush Shetty Creates Major Upset, Sindhu Advances

Indian Shuttler Ayush Shetty Creates Major Upset, Sindhu Advances

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty caused a major upset on the opening day of the BWF World Championships by defeating world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu also comfortably advanced to the second round in women's singles, while other Indian doubles pairs, Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun, secured their spots in the next round.

UP judge hands down 22 death sentences in 10 cases over 4 months

UP judge hands down 22 death sentences in 10 cases over 4 months

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

An additional district and sessions judge in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced 22 individuals to death across 10 different cases within the last four months. These verdicts cover serious offences including murder, abduction, and highway robbery, highlighting the court's rigorous approach to severe crimes.

Egyptian Players Claim Men's And Women's Titles At HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour

Egyptian Players Claim Men's And Women's Titles At HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Egyptian squash players Seif Refaay and Sohayla Hazem secured the men's and women's titles, respectively, at the HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour. Refaay, the third seed, overcame top seed Mohamed Gohar, while third seed Hazem defeated second seed Menna Walid in their respective finals.

'Next 20 Years Are Very Critical For India'

'Next 20 Years Are Very Critical For India'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'... to see that young people are gainfully employed. After that, it will become very difficult as we will start ageing much more rapidly.' 'We have a huge proportion of Gen Z. After 2030, every year, we will start seeing a gradual shift towards a slightly older society.'

How Researchers Uncovered A Unique Earthworm Eel In The Gangetic Basin

How Researchers Uncovered A Unique Earthworm Eel In The Gangetic Basin

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

An international research team has discovered a new species of subterranean earthworm eel, named Gangaichthys indonepalicus, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar. This small, colourless fish, adapted to life in dark underground aquifers, is the first stygobitic fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin. The discovery followed a TikTok video and involved challenging manual pumping of borewell water to secure samples for scientific analysis.

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's overall unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above decreased to 5.1 per cent in July 2026, down from 5.5 per cent in June 2026, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

Praggnanandhaa holds Wesley So to a draw, maintains joint second at Sinquefield Cup

Praggnanandhaa holds Wesley So to a draw, maintains joint second at Sinquefield Cup

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa drew with tournament leader Wesley So in the fifth round of the Sinquefield Cup, maintaining his joint second position with 3 points. This result keeps him on track for a podium finish and a strong chance to qualify for the Grand Chess Tour finale.

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Students and Alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.

Vidit Reveals what Gukesh must fix before title defence

Vidit Reveals what Gukesh must fix before title defence

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi discusses D Gukesh's mental strength challenge for his World Championship defence against Javokhir Sindarov, highlighting Gukesh's recent inconsistent form. Vidit also assesses India's strong prospects for the upcoming Chess Olympiad, praising the form of players like Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi, and Sarin, while cautioning against overconfidence. He also reflects on his Arjuna Award and the need for better organisation in chess formats.

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology have developed 'MutAIverse', a generative AI platform designed to decode DNA damage and identify potential causes of cancer. Tested on head and neck cancer patients in Guwahati, the platform successfully traced exposure to smokeless tobacco as a contributing factor. This innovation aims to shift focus from just diagnosis to understanding causative factors, potentially aiding in prevention and protection.

Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart face Maha FDA heat as 14 licences suspended

Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart face Maha FDA heat as 14 licences suspended

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 14 food business establishments linked to online platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart after a state-wide inspection drive found safety and hygiene violations, officials said on Friday.

How Yuvraj's prank nearly cost Ganguly his captaincy

How Yuvraj's prank nearly cost Ganguly his captaincy

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recounted an elaborate April Fool's Day prank in 2005 where he and Yuvraj Singh convinced then-captain Sourav Ganguly that he had publicly criticised his teammates, leading Ganguly to panic and offer to resign.

KL Rahul Says Galle Win Gives India Confidence Against Spin

KL Rahul Says Galle Win Gives India Confidence Against Spin

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

India's vice-captain KL Rahul expressed his delight at the team's comprehensive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle, stating that the team 'ticked most of the boxes' they had discussed prior to the match and gained significant confidence for future spin-dominated assignments.

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar released after Delhi HC intervenes

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar released after Delhi HC intervenes

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar, who was allegedly 'picked up' by plainclothes police officers, has been released, police informed the Delhi High Court. His family had filed a habeas corpus petition alleging illegal detention, claiming he was taken from his home while leading a protest for a murdered sanitation worker.

HC suspends Dabholkar murder convict's life sentence, grants bail

HC suspends Dabholkar murder convict's life sentence, grants bail

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has suspended the life sentence of Sachin Andure, a convict in the 2013 murder case of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, and granted him bail. The court cited "extremely weak" evidence against him, noting that eyewitness identification occurred eight years after the crime and there were loose ends regarding the weapon's recovery. Andure, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court in May 2024, can now walk free as he has also secured bail in the Govind Pansare killing case.

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Sports Ministry has suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to significant governance deficiencies, including delayed elections and failure to ensure athlete welfare. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been directed to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport until a proper governance structure is re-established.

Praggnanandhaa loses to Keymer, Wesley So takes lead at Sinquefield Cup

Praggnanandhaa loses to Keymer, Wesley So takes lead at Sinquefield Cup

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa suffered a defeat against Germany's Vincent Keymer in the Sinquefield Cup, part of the Grand Chess Tour, causing him to slip to joint fourth spot. Meanwhile, Wesley So of the United States emerged as the sole leader after a significant victory over Fabiano Caruana.

How GE Aerospace AI Is Revolutionising Aircraft Engine Maintenance

How GE Aerospace AI Is Revolutionising Aircraft Engine Maintenance

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

GE Aerospace is utilising artificial intelligence solutions, developed by its Bengaluru team, to significantly improve aircraft engine inspection, analytics, and maintenance. These innovations have reduced turnaround times by at least five days, enhancing engine durability, reliability, and time on wing, with specific tools like the AI-enabled Blade Inspection Tool cutting inspection times by 50%.