News for 'new states'

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra FDA has taken action against Blink Commerce, suspending its food licence due to severe hygiene issues including cockroach infestation. Separately, Reliance Retail is under investigation after a complaint of live larvae in a sweet product, highlighting increased enforcement of food safety standards across the state.

India Dominates U-23 Commonwealth Fencing With 17 Medals

India Dominates U-23 Commonwealth Fencing With 17 Medals

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's fencing contingent achieved remarkable success at the U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Lagos, Nigeria, securing a total of 17 medals, including four gold, four silver, and nine bronze. Indian fencers dominated both men's and women's individual events across Sabre, Foil, and Epee categories.

Al-Qaeda behind Red Fort terror attack that killed 15: UN report

Al-Qaeda behind Red Fort terror attack that killed 15: UN report

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A new UN Security Council report has 'officially attributed' the November 2025 Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi, which killed about 15 people, to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The report highlights AQIS's evolution into a regional terrorist entity and its efforts to establish networks.

Mahua Moitra seeks privilege action against Bengal officials over eviction

Mahua Moitra seeks privilege action against Bengal officials over eviction

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has moved a privilege notice before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against three senior officials, alleging a serious breach of protocol and contemptuous conduct after she was asked to vacate a circuit house in West Bengal's Krishnanagar late in the night on August 14.

RBI shuts FCNR(B) swap facility early as inflows hit $52.3 billion

RBI shuts FCNR(B) swap facility early as inflows hit $52.3 billion

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prematurely closed its swap facility for foreign currency non-resident (bank) deposits, FCNR(B), one month ahead of schedule, after banks mobilised $52.3 billion under the scheme by August 13, indicating sufficient foreign currency reserves.

Indian Markets Marginally Higher Amid Crude Oil Spike, Geopolitical Uncertainty

Indian Markets Marginally Higher Amid Crude Oil Spike, Geopolitical Uncertainty

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark indices closed marginally higher, with the Sensex gaining over 43 points and the Nifty remaining flat, as a spike in crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties tempered risk appetite.

Mahindra Racing Faces Uphill Battle In Formula E Finale

Mahindra Racing Faces Uphill Battle In Formula E Finale

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Mahindra Racing's pursuit of a third-place finish in the Formula E Teams' championship was hampered after a challenging penultimate race in London. Despite Edoardo Mortara's impressive recovery from 18th to seventh, Nyck De Vries struggled, leaving Mahindra 13 points behind Andretti heading into the season finale. Poor qualifying performance due to tyre issues was cited as a key factor. The Drivers' Championship remains open for three contenders, while Jaguar TCS leads the Teams' standings.

What Makes Padikkal's Test Ton So Special?

What Makes Padikkal's Test Ton So Special?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A maiden Test century is never just about three figures. It is a reflection of patience, perseverance, self-belief and the courage to wait for the right moment.

Veteran Golfer Eleanor Givens Claims First LET Victory In Switzerland

Veteran Golfer Eleanor Givens Claims First LET Victory In Switzerland

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Indian golfer Pranavi Urs finished tied-38th at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies event, while England's Eleanor Givens secured her maiden Ladies European Tour title after 15 seasons and 210 starts, rallying from behind on the final day.

East Bengal eye Durand Cup semis after AFC Champions League win

East Bengal eye Durand Cup semis after AFC Champions League win

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

East Bengal, fresh from their AFC Champions League Two qualifying play-off victory, are set to face a formidable Indian Army Football Team in the Durand Cup quarterfinals. The match, crucial for a spot in the semi-finals, will test East Bengal's momentum against the Army's disciplined play. Another quarterfinal features unbeaten SC Delhi against debutants FC Raengdai.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

INDIA bloc skips LS speaker's tea party, DMK attends

INDIA bloc skips LS speaker's tea party, DMK attends

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Major opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and SP, boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die, while some opposition leaders attended a similar event in the Rajya Sabha.

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A government adviser has called for India to reintroduce a petrol variant with a lower ethanol blend, such as E10, alongside the current E20 fuel. This move aims to protect millions of older vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, which may experience performance issues and damage from the higher 20 per cent ethanol blend.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for the immediate passage of the women's reservation bill and the delimitation bill, advocating for a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for all states to ensure fair and equitable representation.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned due to Sir Ratan Tata Trust's regulatory issue

Tata Sons AGM likely to be adjourned due to Sir Ratan Tata Trust's regulatory issue

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Tata Sons, scheduled for Tuesday, is likely to be adjourned because the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), a major shareholder, cannot nominate a representative due to a regulatory restriction imposed by Maharashtra's Charity Commissioner.

Babar Azam suffers injury scare ahead of England Tests

Babar Azam suffers injury scare ahead of England Tests

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam sustained a hand injury during a warm-up match, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.

7 workers dead, 3 still missing in Chamoli tunnel collapse

7 workers dead, 3 still missing in Chamoli tunnel collapse

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Seven workers have died and three are currently missing after a tunnel under construction at a hydroelectric project site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, was inundated with water and debris following landslides and subsidence.

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-RSS, labelling them a "bunch of jokers" with no understanding of India, and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy as merely "hugging leaders." He also claimed the RSS has become an instrument of large capital, serving Adani and Ambani, and vowed that the Congress would keep pressure on the government until Modi and Shah resign. The BJP hit back, calling Gandhi immature and out of depth.

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Veteran striker Navneet Kaur believes the Indian women's hockey team is inspired by the cricket team's ODI World Cup triumph and aims to script a similar title-winning story at the FIH Women's World Cup.

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A 62-year-old cricket coach, Sumith Fernando, who mentored Kusal Mendis, died in Colombo following an altercation with two school players over drinking water during a match. A 17-year-old player has been arrested and placed under child probation custody.

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia have signed a trilateral defence pact, agreeing to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Analysts suggest this alliance could significantly diminish the United States' strategic influence in West Asia and elevate Pakistan's geopolitical standing, potentially acting as a deterrent in regional conflicts.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Thousands of job aspirants in Jharkhand clashed with police during a protest against alleged exam irregularities, demanding a CBI probe and comprehensive reforms in the state's public service commissions.

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Having analysed the break up of the hospital billing structure the committee believes that rationalising of room charges needs to be done on an emergent basis.'

Beware! Drinking water at railway stations can make you sick

Beware! Drinking water at railway stations can make you sick

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed the presence of E.coli bacteria in drinking water samples from water coolers at several Indian railway stations. The audit also highlighted unhygienic conditions in railway washrooms and significant deficiencies in Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) across 458 out of 512 non-suburban stations inspected.

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised the Congress for allegedly 'unfairly disrupting' the recent monsoon session.

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Two people were killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday, the police said.

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Protesting aspirants in Jharkhand have vowed to continue their agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment exams, despite talks with a five-member government panel. The protesters, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto who is on a fast, demand the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into irregularities.

NCERT, CBSE Face Major Staff Shortages

NCERT, CBSE Face Major Staff Shortages

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

A parliamentary panel flagged staffing shortages at NCERT and CBSE, inadequate education spending, falling enrolment and poor internet connectivity in government schools.

India's Trade Deficit Widens to $31.98 Billion in July Amid Import Surge

India's Trade Deficit Widens to $31.98 Billion in July Amid Import Surge

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's trade deficit reached a six-month high of $31.98 billion in July, driven by a sharp increase in imports, particularly crude oil, electronic goods, coal, and fertilisers. Both merchandise exports and imports recorded their second-highest levels during the same period.

Rahul Gandhi slams use of force against Jharkhand students

Rahul Gandhi slams use of force against Jharkhand students

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the use of force against students protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities in Jharkhand, urging the state government, of which Congress is a part, to engage in dialogue and resolve their issues immediately. Police in Ranchi had used water cannons, tear gas, and lathi-charged job aspirants attempting to reach the state assembly.

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The top court was hearing a PIL of public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society seeking directions to the Centre, states and Union territories to implement mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on packaged foods.

'Indian Cricket Should Be The Priority Not Any Individual': Gavaskar's Stern Warning For Team India

'Indian Cricket Should Be The Priority Not Any Individual': Gavaskar's Stern Warning For Team India

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has issued a stern warning to the Indian team ahead of their crucial Test series against Sri Lanka.

Indian Start-up Serendipity Space Achieves Drug Crystallisation In Near-Space

Indian Start-up Serendipity Space Achieves Drug Crystallisation In Near-Space

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Odisha-based Serendipity Space successfully demonstrated drug crystallisation processes on a satellite prototype in a near-space mission. This breakthrough aims to enable pharmaceutical manufacturing in low Earth orbit, leveraging microgravity to create superior drug crystal structures for enhanced solubility, stability, and effectiveness. The mission tested core technologies, including an autonomous pharmaceutical factory, and was inspired by advancements made on the International Space Station.

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei critical, hospitalised: Israeli media

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei critical, hospitalised: Israeli media

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Reports have surfaced in Israeli media claiming that Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in critical condition and has been rushed to a hospital.

India Aims To Break 32-Year Jinx Against England In World Cup Clash

India Aims To Break 32-Year Jinx Against England In World Cup Clash

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India faces a tough challenge against world No. 3 England in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match. India, coming off a win against Wales, needs to improve its open play finishing and overcome a 32-year World Cup jinx against England. The outcome will significantly impact their path to the knockout stages.