News for 'small nations'

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to adopt austerity measures, including avoiding destination weddings abroad and reducing edible oil consumption, to mitigate the impact of the West Asia crisis on India's economy.

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

Rediff.com15 May 2026

'22 students are fighting over 35,000 seats. In that situation, when someone tells a desperate parent there is a shortcut, and the shortcut costs Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh versus Rs 1.5 crore -- the maths is seductive.'

AI Chatbots Learn From State-Controlled Media: Analysis

AI Chatbots Learn From State-Controlled Media: Analysis

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An analysis reveals that content from state-controlled media can significantly influence the information environments that AI chatbots learn from, shaping their responses to user requests.

Hantavirus poses no immediate threat to India, says virologist

Hantavirus poses no immediate threat to India, says virologist

Rediff.com8 May 2026

An expert from the ICMR's National Institute of Virology addresses concerns about hantavirus cases detected on a cruise ship, stating there is no immediate public health threat to India and that the cases appear isolated.

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The gems and jewellery industry anticipates challenging times following the government's decision to increase gold import duty to 15 per cent, a move that exporters warn could fuel the grey market and heighten smuggling risks.

My Friend, Chief Minister V D Satheesan

My Friend, Chief Minister V D Satheesan

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'The most enduring part of Satheesan's personality is he is good at heart. That is the reason why everybody, from the old to small children, get attracted to him.'

How Modi's Jhalmuri Purchase Could Influence Bengal Elections

How Modi's Jhalmuri Purchase Could Influence Bengal Elections

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur believes PM Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' in Jhargram will influence the West Bengal Assembly polls, contrasting it with CM Mamata Banerjee's actions. He also criticised the TMC government for blocking central schemes and failing to ensure women's safety.

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

Rediff.com23 May 2026

A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.

Wrestler Deepak Punia Seeks Career Revival After Protest Disruption

Wrestler Deepak Punia Seeks Career Revival After Protest Disruption

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia discusses the impact of the wrestlers' protest on his career and his aspirations for the upcoming Asian Games.

How Goa Police Nabbed Bangladeshi Dacoity Gang In Delhi

How Goa Police Nabbed Bangladeshi Dacoity Gang In Delhi

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Goa Police have arrested five Bangladeshi nationals, part of an inter-state gang, for their alleged involvement in dacoities reported last year in Goa. The arrests followed a year-long investigation across multiple states.

Deposit Rate Cuts Tough For Banks As Govt Retains Small Savings Rates

Deposit Rate Cuts Tough For Banks As Govt Retains Small Savings Rates

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The government's decision to keep interest rates unchanged on small savings schemes will certainly constrain banks' ability to cut deposit rates further.'

IPL 2026: Meet Madhav Tiwari, DC's New Match-Winner

IPL 2026: Meet Madhav Tiwari, DC's New Match-Winner

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Madhav Tiwari, a 22-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, delivered a Player of the Match performance on his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals, showcasing his talent with both bat and ball.

'If We Hadn't Passed An Order Against Ranveer...'

'If We Hadn't Passed An Order Against Ranveer...'

Rediff.com27 May 2026

'If we had not passed an order against Ranveer Singh, the film industry would have collapsed.'

Dowry Deaths: Why Justice Is Still Elusive For Indian Women

Dowry Deaths: Why Justice Is Still Elusive For Indian Women

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A look into the tragic deaths of three young women in India, allegedly due to dowry-related harassment, highlights the persistent social and legal challenges in addressing this issue.

Are 200+ Scores Ruining Brand IPL?

Are 200+ Scores Ruining Brand IPL?

Rediff.com20 May 2026

200+ scores are IPL's sugar rush. Great for TRPs, dangerous as a full diet. BCCI -- don't kill the golden goose, cautions Sandeep Goyal.

Why Ricky Ponting Believes Shreyas Iyer Should Captain India's T20 Team

Why Ricky Ponting Believes Shreyas Iyer Should Captain India's T20 Team

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings head coach, has endorsed Shreyas Iyer as a potential T20 captain for India, highlighting Iyer's maturity and leadership qualities despite recent team setbacks.

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticises the AAP-led Punjab government for political instability and lack of industrial development, while promoting Haryana's investor-friendly policies and industrial growth initiatives.

Delhi Police Nets Hundreds In Organised Crime Crackdown

Delhi Police Nets Hundreds In Organised Crime Crackdown

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Delhi Police arrested 482 alleged gangsters and associates, including nine operatives linked to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti, during a 48-hour pan-Delhi operation.

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Once the currency goes out of the hand, then possibly your major challenge is that it will not come back.'

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Is Bhutan merely experimenting with digital finance -- or is the Himalayan kingdom punching far above its weight, quietly playing one of the most sophisticated strategic games in Asia today? asks Varun Arya.

Gautam Adani: Energy Security, Digital Infrastructure Key To Geopolitics

Gautam Adani: Energy Security, Digital Infrastructure Key To Geopolitics

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Gautam Adani emphasised the importance of energy security and digital infrastructure in shaping geopolitical power, urging India to develop sovereign capabilities across the AI value chain.

Why did Kharat's account see transaction spike on Jan 27, 28? Rohit Pawar asks

Why did Kharat's account see transaction spike on Jan 27, 28? Rohit Pawar asks

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged a link between a godman and the fatal plane crash involving his uncle, Ajit Pawar, and has demanded a CID interrogation.

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the importance of harnessing sports as a force for social transformation at a national 'Chintan Shivir' in Srinagar. He highlighted the need for collaboration between schools, communities, and families to create ecosystems where young athletes can discover their potential, and urged for greater support and resources for physical education teachers in schools.

8 Islamic nations agree to join Trump's 'Board of Peace'

8 Islamic nations agree to join Trump's 'Board of Peace'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Trump's 'Board of Peace' is being projected by Washington, DC as a new international body to usher in peace and stability in Gaza and beyond, triggering speculation that it could throw a challenge to the United Nations.

Cyber Fraud Racket Busted; Three Arrested In Delhi

Cyber Fraud Racket Busted; Three Arrested In Delhi

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested three individuals from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh for allegedly providing mule bank accounts used to route over Rs 1.22 crore in proceeds from various cyber fraud schemes.

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has maintained the interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF and NSC, for the eighth consecutive quarter, starting April 1, 2026.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

How Sushmita Krishnan Is Making Paper From Water Hyacinths

How Sushmita Krishnan Is Making Paper From Water Hyacinths

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A young ecologist from Tamil Nadu is transforming water hyacinth, a fast-spreading aquatic plant, into a sustainable solution for food packaging. Sushmita Krishnan has developed a unique, chemical-free paper from water hyacinth that can be used for food packaging, turning an ecological challenge into an innovative opportunity.

Why The UK Raised Its Terror Threat Level To Severe

Why The UK Raised Its Terror Threat Level To Severe

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The UK's terror threat level has been raised from 'substantial' to 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely, following antisemitic stabbings in north-west London. The decision was made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre due to rising Islamist and extreme right-wing threats.

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals a significant increase in West Bengal MLAs with declared criminal cases, rising from 49% in 2021 to 65% in the latest assembly. The report also highlights a rise in the number of 'crorepati' MLAs.

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in West Bengal, leading to accusations of political violence and demands for investigation.

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

Soaring LPG Costs May Force Restaurant To Hike Prices

Soaring LPG Costs May Force Restaurant To Hike Prices

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'If 5% of the total revenue was spent on LPG (pre-war), it is now expected to double. The overall food cost in restaurants is expected to rise by 4-6%.'

UK raises terror threat level to severe after London stabbings

UK raises terror threat level to severe after London stabbings

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The UK's terror threat level has been raised to 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely, following antisemitic stabbings in north-west London and a rise in broader Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorist threats.

Delhi Police Arrests Drug Supplier, Seizes Heroin

Delhi Police Arrests Drug Supplier, Seizes Heroin

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a proclaimed offender and seized 100 grams of heroin, disrupting a major narcotics network operating in the national capital.

India U17 Women Must Beat Lebanon To Advance

India U17 Women Must Beat Lebanon To Advance

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India U17 Women's team face Lebanon in a must-win game in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a chance to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.

While Security Forces Intercept Thousands Of Drones, The Psychological Toll Is Immense

While Security Forces Intercept Thousands Of Drones, The Psychological Toll Is Immense

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Occasionally, the silence of the night shift would be shattered by an ear-splitting alarm: 'ALERT, ALERT... This is a security warning.' We were drilled to move away from the windows and avoid the lifts, recalls Krishna Kumar NP, a veteran Dubai-based journalist.

How Mumbai Banker Was Duped Of 97 Lakh In Cyber Fraud

How Mumbai Banker Was Duped Of 97 Lakh In Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A senior bank executive in Mumbai was defrauded of 97.78 lakh by cyber criminals through a fake share market investment scheme.

Is Dealer-Led Trading On The Way Out?

Is Dealer-Led Trading On The Way Out?

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Most active traders prefer mobile applications that provide real-time alerts, including price targets -- functions that dealers once delivered through client calls.

From Vicky Donor to Andhadhun: 10 Best Ayushmann Khurrana Movies, Ranked

From Vicky Donor to Andhadhun: 10 Best Ayushmann Khurrana Movies, Ranked

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Ayushmann Khurrana, known for consistently breaking conventions with his choice of roles and projects since his 2012 debut in 'Vicky Donor', is gearing up for his new release 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do'. Ahead of its release, a list ranks his top 10 standout films, highlighting his unique contributions to Indian cinema.