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INDIA leaders meet at Rahul Gandhi's home, 'vow to reclaim' Jantar Mantar

INDIA leaders meet at Rahul Gandhi's home, 'vow to reclaim' Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com6 days ago

The INDIA bloc, comprising 17 opposition parties and civil society members, met at Rahul Gandhi's residence to strategize against alleged "vote chori" and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, vowed to continue their united political and people's resistance, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and asserting that those responsible for undermining democracy would be held accountable.

Anti-drug activist shot dead by medical shop owner in Punjab

Anti-drug activist shot dead by medical shop owner in Punjab

Rediff.com7 days ago

An anti-drug activist, Parvinder Singh alias Jhota, was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner in Mansa, Punjab, after confronting the owner about the illegal sale of intoxicating substances.

'Every Time The Rains Fail, We Talk About Drought; By Next June We Have Forgotten About It'

'Every Time The Rains Fail, We Talk About Drought; By Next June We Have Forgotten About It'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Without that one critical irrigation, the entire crop can be lost.'

Alert issued for Indians in Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Alert issued for Indians in Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant and stay indoors due to an escalating security situation involving Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure, including airports. The advisory also cautions against circulating related news and confirms the normal functioning of Indian diplomatic missions. Flight services from India to Riyadh have been cancelled by Air India and Air India Express until October 10 following the attacks.

Kapur's Flawless 62 Sets Pace At IGPL Invitational

Kapur's Flawless 62 Sets Pace At IGPL Invitational

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Indian golfer Shiv Kapur, leveraging his UAE residence, shot a flawless 10-under 62, including a hole-in-one, to lead the opening event of the AM Green IGPL Invitational 2026. He holds a four-shot lead over a competitive field.

Anushka Kumari Shines As India U17 Women Secure Crucial Win Over Syria

Anushka Kumari Shines As India U17 Women Secure Crucial Win Over Syria

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The India U17 women's team secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Syria in their second Group E match of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. Anushka Kumari scored both goals, bringing her qualifiers tally to seven. This win gives the Young Tigresses six points ahead of their final group encounter against hosts Malaysia on October 11, with only group winners qualifying.

Blue Colts Secure Resounding Win Against Myanmar U17

Blue Colts Secure Resounding Win Against Myanmar U17

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The India U17 men's football team secured a dominant 4-0 victory over hosts Myanmar in their second friendly match on Wednesday, concluding their tour on a high note. Captain Dallalmoun Gangte, an own goal, Kamgouhao Doungel, and Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi contributed to the scoreline, marking head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo's first win. Both teams are preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Nashik-Palghar Tremors: Cause For Alarm?

Nashik-Palghar Tremors: Cause For Alarm?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

'Hydro-seismicity is a phenomenon that typically shows up during and just after the monsoon.' 'Heavy rain causes water to percolate deep into the rock, and where there are fractures, that water fills the pores and builds up what we call pore water pressure.' 'That pressure can widen existing cracks, and eventually the rock gives way -- which surfaces as tremors.'

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for the security clampdown in central Delhi against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, calling it "worse than Emergency" and alleging dictatorship. He also accused Prime Minister Modi of being scared and protecting "vote chori" by crushing democracy, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Premier League: Arsenal, Chelsea win; Spurs hold Manchester Utd

Premier League: Arsenal, Chelsea win; Spurs hold Manchester Utd

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The Premier League resumed after the international break with Arsenal securing a 2-1 comeback victory over Leeds United. Chelsea thrashed Bournemouth 5-1, while Tottenham salvaged a late draw against Manchester United. The return of the league was overshadowed by Manchester City's alleged financial breaches, which the club denies.

Supreme Court Overturns POCSO Conviction Due To Flawed Evidence

Supreme Court Overturns POCSO Conviction Due To Flawed Evidence

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has acquitted a man previously convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl with intellectual disability. The apex court cited "woefully short" evidence, including the mother's "unnatural conduct," delayed FIR, and the victim's failure to identify the accused, as reasons for overturning the conviction and setting aside judgments from the Meghalaya High Court and a trial court.

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to ensure all roads have properly demarcated, encroachment-free spaces for pedestrians, emphasising that the right to walk on a footpath is a fundamental right.

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The UN human rights office expressed concern over mass detentions during protests in Delhi on Saturday, urging India to respect peaceful assembly rights and release detainees. India rejected these concerns as "misplaced" and "unwarranted interference." The protests, organised by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded electoral reforms and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list manipulation, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Nana Patekar's anger and intensity were as real in life as they were in his performances. He was as brutally honest as the characters he portrayed.

Sri Lankan Court Remands Controversial Monk Gnanasara After Pardon Overturned

Sri Lankan Court Remands Controversial Monk Gnanasara After Pardon Overturned

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, a prominent Sinhala-Buddhist nationalist figure, has been remanded after his arrest. This follows weeks in hiding since the Supreme Court overturned his 2019 presidential pardon, restoring his original six-year jail term for contempt of court and criminal intimidation. Gnanasara's organisation, Bodu Bala Sena, is known for its campaigns against the Muslim minority.

CEC row: Opposition parties to march to SC on Monday to meet CJI

CEC row: Opposition parties to march to SC on Monday to meet CJI

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Opposition parties, led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, plan to march to the Supreme Court on Monday to meet the Chief Justice of India. They aim to submit a memorandum regarding alleged 'vote chori' and demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, halting of SIR, and a return to paper ballots. The protest follows widespread detentions during previous demonstrations, which the opposition condemns as an assault on democracy.

Rising US Bond Yields Pressure on Indian Equities, FPIs Withdraw Capital

Rising US Bond Yields Pressure on Indian Equities, FPIs Withdraw Capital

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Rising bond yields in the US and other advanced economies are making it increasingly difficult for Indian equities to attract foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), leading to pressure on valuations and potentially lower returns for domestic investors.

Dupahiya 2 Review: Less Humour, More Mayhem

Dupahiya 2 Review: Less Humour, More Mayhem

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Dupahiya 2 offers a chaotic yet engaging follow-up to its first season, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Finance Minister Explains UPI MDR Structure And Impact

Finance Minister Explains UPI MDR Structure And Impact

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select high-value UPI transactions is not a tax or cess, and its collections will not go to the government. She explained that MDR is a charge within the digital payments ecosystem, shared among participants to maintain infrastructure, and will not be passed on to consumers. The NPCI's new framework, effective October 15, applies a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, with most transactions remaining free and small merchants exempt.

Para-Shooters Demand Probe Into Alleged Extortion For Asian Games Selection

Para-Shooters Demand Probe Into Alleged Extortion For Asian Games Selection

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Para-shooters have accused the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee (STC) of financial corruption, extortion, and manipulation in the selection process for the upcoming Para Asian Games. They allege demands for a 20% commission from cash awards and manipulation of quota places, while the PCI denies all charges, asserting a merit-based selection.

'Dear PM Ambani': Musk's latest swipe at Reliance, BJP

'Dear PM Ambani': Musk's latest swipe at Reliance, BJP

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Elon Musk has escalated his criticism of Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani, sharing media reports that alleged Reliance-funded firms helped boost BJP campaigns on social media and made large political donations. This comes amidst a persistent delay in the launch of Starlink satellite broadband services in India, with Musk accusing Ambani of protecting a monopoly. The Indian government maintains its telecom framework is fair and non-discriminatory, while Reliance has not publicly responded to Musk's allegations.

Emergency imposed in country: CJP decries security curbs

Emergency imposed in country: CJP decries security curbs

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have strongly criticised the Centre's security measures in New Delhi, including metro and train cancellations, ahead of their planned protest at Jantar Mantar. They accuse the government of imposing an "emergency" and being afraid of Gen Z, while demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities. The Supreme Court has intervened, directing authorities to ensure regulated movement.

Khalin Joshi Fires Career-Low 61 To Dominate Bengaluru Open

Khalin Joshi Fires Career-Low 61 To Dominate Bengaluru Open

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Khalin Joshi, fresh off a win, shot a career-low 11-under 61 to take a four-shot lead at the Bengaluru Open 2026. The local golfer's bogey-free round included an eagle and nine birdies. Teenager Manoj S is in second place, while the tournament is crucial for players to retain their playing rights on the DP World PGTI tour.

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to maintain zero-fee UPI transactions for several more years, arguing that the benefits of UPI as a public good outweigh the costs. This comes amidst the government's recent decision to introduce a 0.4% fee on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, a move that has drawn criticism.

Asencio walks free in sex-video case as Real Madrid open disciplinary proceedings

Asencio walks free in sex-video case as Real Madrid open disciplinary proceedings

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was acquitted after prosecutors dropped sex-video sharing charges, while three former youth players received suspended sentences and the club opened disciplinary proceedings.

CJP stir: Ensure Metro, Internet; no illegal detentions, SC tells Centre

CJP stir: Ensure Metro, Internet; no illegal detentions, SC tells Centre

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court on Sunday directed that people gathering peacefully should not be illegally detained and issued a notice to the Centre regarding alleged violations of its earlier order during a CJP protest in Delhi. The court also asked the Solicitor General to ensure normal metro services and no internet disruption, while addressing concerns about widespread detentions and transport closures.

Uttar Pradesh Boosts Anti-Narcotics Drive, Seizes Rs 78.5 Crore In Assets

Uttar Pradesh Boosts Anti-Narcotics Drive, Seizes Rs 78.5 Crore In Assets

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Uttar Pradesh has significantly ramped up its efforts against narcotics trafficking, confiscating properties worth approximately Rs 78.5 crore in 69 cases this year. This marks a more than fourfold increase from the previous year, with authorities also initiating detention proceedings under the PIT-NDPS Act to dismantle drug networks and target assets acquired through illegal trade.

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have vowed to escalate their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, expanding protests nationwide after their release from detention. They allege an "emergency-like situation" created by the Modi government, illegal detentions, and harassment of protesters, drawing parallels to the 1975 Emergency. The CJP is protesting alleged irregularities in voter rolls and demanding Kumar's resignation, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent.

The Nana Patekar You Didn't Know

The Nana Patekar You Didn't Know

Rediff.com5 days ago

'I had narrated a script to Nana Patekar, and four days before the end, he told me that once he returned from Goa, he would take the project forward. I still can't believe he is never coming back. He was always so fit, proudly flexing his muscles and urging me to work out.'

High Drama As Para-Shooters Protest Alleged Corruption At Asian Games Send-Off

High Drama As Para-Shooters Protest Alleged Corruption At Asian Games Send-Off

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Indian para-shooters staged a protest during the send-off ceremony for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games contingent, alleging widespread corruption, manipulation, and financial extortion in the selection process.

'Hammer to kill a fly': SC slams curbs imposed in Delhi ahead of protests

'Hammer to kill a fly': SC slams curbs imposed in Delhi ahead of protests

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the closure of 57 Metro stations and cancellation of trains in Delhi ahead of protests, stating the Centre 'cannot use a hammer to kill a fly' and ordered against complete prohibition of transport services.

The plan that helped Mirabai Chanu win Asian Games silver

The plan that helped Mirabai Chanu win Asian Games silver

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu secured a silver medal in the women's 49kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, completing her collection of major international medals. Her chief coach, Vijay Sharma, revealed that a meticulously designed training programme focused on injury prevention was crucial to her success, especially after previous Asian Games disappointments due to injury. Chanu lifted a combined 198kg, adding this prestigious medal to her Olympic silver, Commonwealth Games golds, and World Championships title.

Debate Rages Over New UPI MDR Charges

Debate Rages Over New UPI MDR Charges

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has voiced concerns over the Centre's decision to introduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, urging protection for small traders and common people. This move has sparked a political debate, with the BJP defending the charges as beneficial for digital infrastructure and largely not impacting consumers, while the Congress and traders' associations criticise it as an additional burden.

Rashtrapati Bhavan rolls out all-veg Kashmiri banquet for Swiss president

Rashtrapati Bhavan rolls out all-veg Kashmiri banquet for Swiss president

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

President Droupadi Murmu hosted Swiss President Guy Parmelin at a banquet featuring exquisite delicacies from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The curated menu highlighted unique regional ingredients and culinary traditions, serving as a cultural exchange alongside significant bilateral discussions on trade, migration, nuclear energy, and defence.

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance to register an FIR under the anti-graft law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. The court stated that information provided by the Enforcement Directorate contains sufficient material to show commission of cognizable offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, ruling out the need for a preliminary enquiry. The court also deemed illegal the state government's decision to form a Special Investigation Team for a preliminary enquiry.

Mumbai lawyers offer free legal support to student protesters

Mumbai lawyers offer free legal support to student protesters

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Bombay Bar Association and senior lawyer Satish Maneshinde have strongly criticised the use of police force against students protesting the NEET leak issue in Mumbai. Maneshinde has offered pro bono legal assistance to any student facing legal action, while the BBA emphasised the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and dissent.

Shai Hope's 102 Powers West Indies to Record Chase Against India

Shai Hope's 102 Powers West Indies to Record Chase Against India

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Shai Hope's explosive 45-ball century led the West Indies to a six-wicket win over India after they chased down 250 in 18.3 overs to level the five-match T20I series 1-1.

New UPI Merchant Fee Sparks Volatility In Fintech Shares

New UPI Merchant Fee Sparks Volatility In Fintech Shares

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transfers above Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective October 15, ending nearly six years of free merchant payments. This move led to initial rallies in fintech stocks like Paytm and Mobikwik, though some later pared gains. Person-to-person transactions and small payments remain free for customers, with the fee being a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).

Mayawati reappoints nephew Akash Anand as BSP national convenor

Mayawati reappoints nephew Akash Anand as BSP national convenor

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has reappointed her nephew Akash Anand as the party's national convenor, reversing an earlier decision to remove him. This move comes after Anand's expression of desire to return and considering party members' views, with Mayawati emphasizing the decision was made in the interest of the party and the movement.

Neeru Dhanda's borrowed gun story ends with Asian Games gold

Neeru Dhanda's borrowed gun story ends with Asian Games gold

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Neeru Dhanda made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual shotgun gold at the Asian Games in women's trap. Her inspiring journey began with a borrowed gun and practice at a pond, overcoming financial hurdles and recent illness, culminating in a record-breaking triumph. She dedicated her medal to soldiers and late champion Raja Ranjit Singh.