Rediff

The Indian government has notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026, establishing IST as the sole reference for all official purposes nationwide. These rules, effective in 180 days, aim to synchronise digital systems, reduce reliance on foreign time sources, and enhance coordination across critical sectors like banking, railways, and telecommunications.

Dev Ruparelia and Ishita Negi clinched the boys' and girls' singles titles, respectively, at the India Junior International Badminton Grand Prix in Pune. Indian pair Pavan and Punith Suresh also secured the boys' doubles crown, showcasing strong performances from young Indian shuttlers.

Tilak Varma is emerging as India's potential middle-order backup, offering left-handed batting variety and developing off-spin as selectors seek younger, flexible options ahead of the ODI World Cup.

India has become a significant supplier of gasoline to Russia, with Indian refiners providing 1 million barrels in the last two months, as Ukrainian drone attacks severely disrupt Russia's domestic fuel production.

India's U20 football team, the Blue Colts, is set to kick off their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers campaign against Syria in Tashkent. This opening match is crucial as India aims to secure their first-ever win against Syria and qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time since 2006, navigating a tough group that also includes Uzbekistan and Bangladesh.

India has provided 68.5 tonnes of relief materials to flood-hit Nepal and sent technical teams, forensic experts and equipment to assist in search and rescue operations, the Indian embassy said.

The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal has surged to 734, with nearly 2,500 people still missing. India has intensified its rescue and relief efforts, sending additional aid, technical teams, and forensic experts, while also working to locate and rescue over 275 missing Indian nationals.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to send separate teams for the U23 and Senior World Wrestling Championships due to the short time gap between the two events, forcing wrestlers to choose which tournament to compete in. This decision aims to ensure optimal preparation and performance for both Indian teams.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to send separate teams to the U23 Senior World Wrestling Championship and the Senior World Wrestling Championship due to the short interval between the two events, aiming to ensure optimal preparation and performance for Indian wrestlers.

The Centre has appointed two directors and a joint director to the National Testing Agency (NTA) amidst ongoing reforms and scrutiny over issues like the NEET paper leak. These appointments are part of a broader overhaul of the NTA's examination system.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-year grace period for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn functional Marathi. This decision comes after the Transport Department issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test, prompting driver organisations to request more time due to varying age groups and educational backgrounds. During this period, no action will be taken, and Marathi classes and study materials will be provided.

'The Aravalli engine will power HAL's upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter.'

The move is meant to enhance the operational capability of the armed forces, reduce import dependence and increase domestic value addition.

Professor Philip Maini, an Indian-origin academic at the University of Oxford, is pioneering the application of mathematical biology to understand and develop new cancer therapies. His work focuses on creating models that predict treatment outcomes and developing adaptive therapy strategies to combat drug resistance in tumours, offering a novel approach to improving patient care.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has affirmed that Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs) are manufactured by public sector companies and operate without internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring their security and reliability.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded UPI on its 10th anniversary, highlighting its role in India's digital transformation. Launched by NPCI in 2016, UPI has become the world's largest real-time payment system, witnessing a massive surge in transaction volume and value, demonstrating its success in empowering people with swift, seamless, and secure digital transactions.

It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.

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.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.