News for '-don'

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday took note of setting up of a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S to probe alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to also include a forensic auditor in the probe team.

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

At a function in Anand, ministers and the chief minister all in attendance, Varghese Kurien called the IAS lobby termites.

Norris snatches Hungarian GP pole as Mercedes domination ends

Norris snatches Hungarian GP pole as Mercedes domination ends

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

McLaren's Lando Norris secured pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, narrowly beating Lewis Hamilton, who is now under investigation for potentially impeding another driver during qualifying.

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'It would have never crossed anybody's mind where life would have taken us or that Irrfanji would fall sick.'

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

'I thought this generation was no good, will not be able to do much with all this social media etc. But then, they surprised us.'

Jana Nayagan: Why Thalapathy Fans Are 'Super Excited'

Jana Nayagan: Why Thalapathy Fans Are 'Super Excited'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'We are super excited and very emotional as it is his last film. We have been waiting for two hours for the screen to open.'

OTT's 10 Best K-Dramas Of 2026 So Far

OTT's 10 Best K-Dramas Of 2026 So Far

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

It's only July but the South Korean drama scene is brimming with action and adrenalin.

Alia Bhatt: 'Last Few Days Have Broken My Heart'

Alia Bhatt: 'Last Few Days Have Broken My Heart'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'In solidarity with every student demanding accountability, justice and hope for a future they can believe in.'

Why Cricket's Olympic Inclusion At LA 2028 Is A Game-Changer!

Why Cricket's Olympic Inclusion At LA 2028 Is A Game-Changer!

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a strategic move by Olympic leaders to tap into India's massive fan base and commercial power, aiming to attract billions of new viewers and strengthen the Games' appeal in key markets.

Belgian Grand Prix: Alonso just wants to get home in time for World Cup final

Belgian Grand Prix: Alonso just wants to get home in time for World Cup final

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Fernando Alonso's main focus for the Belgian Grand Prix weekend will be making sure he gets home in time to watch Spain play Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India's first Olympic boxing medallist, Vijender Singh, expresses deep concern over the future of male pugilists, citing a lack of competitions and a selection system he claims promotes 'sycophancy'. He argues that women boxers are currently outperforming men and are brighter medal prospects for the 2028 Olympics. Singh is highly critical of the new grading system, advocating for a return to the traditional trials-based selection process.

Captain Raza Warns India Against Taking Zimbabwe Lightly In T20I Series

Captain Raza Warns India Against Taking Zimbabwe Lightly In T20I Series

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Zimbabwe T20 captain Sikandar Raza believes the upcoming three-match T20I series against India will be a closely contested affair, with both teams having an equal chance of victory.

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Interim All India Tennis Association (AITA) President Chintan Parikh has accused court-appointed administrator Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal of financial exploitation and procedural bias, alleging that her actions are draining the sports body's finances and compromising its autonomy.

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The United States military is scheduled to complete its withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a 23-year deployment that began with the 2003 invasion and later focused on combating the Islamic State group.

The India Story Review: Not Brave Enough!

The India Story Review: Not Brave Enough!

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The India Story adopts a very soap opera-like approach, piling on ham-fisted melodrama along with plenty of unevenness, sighs Sreeju Sudhakaran

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.

'It destroyed our game' Switzerland coach slams 'unacceptable' VAR rule

'It destroyed our game' Switzerland coach slams 'unacceptable' VAR rule

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the rule behind Breel Embolo's controversial red card as "unacceptable" after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory ended the Swiss team's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run.

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Smriti Mandhana is more suited to lead India in the longer formats after Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure ends while the much younger Shafali Varma can be handed the reins of the T20 side following another pre-mature exit from the World Cup, former captain legendary Mithali Raj said.

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed into the ages on July 17, would have turned 90 today, July 28. Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam remembers a dear friend who he believes was 'undoubtedly the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.'

Maruti Brezza Targets First-Time SUV Buyers

Maruti Brezza Targets First-Time SUV Buyers

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The refreshed Brezza will target first-time, replacement and additional-car buyers as Maruti responds to changing preferences and intensifying competition in compact SUVs.

NEET Topper Panshul Bansal: 'Why Protest When You Can Study?'

NEET Topper Panshul Bansal: 'Why Protest When You Can Study?'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Panshul Bansal, who secured All India Rank 2 in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, advised protesting students to 'Don't protest. Go, study,' stating he focused on improving his performance after the original exam was cancelled due to a paper leak.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan's comments that his 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu was not based on Sonam Wangchuk has triggered reactions from politicians, activists and social media users, with some accusing the actor of distancing himself from the educationist, who is currently on a hunger strike.

Kyunki... Shagun Sharma Will Make You Blush

Kyunki... Shagun Sharma Will Make You Blush

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Shagun Sharma may have bid goodbye to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 after the show's 10-year leap but don't worry, her Instagram is more than ready to fill the void.

Comeback from injury was very difficult and challenging, says Mayank Yadav

Comeback from injury was very difficult and challenging, says Mayank Yadav

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India pacer Mayank Yadav has described the two-year injury-enforced absence from international cricket as the most difficult phase of his young career, admitting that battling repeated setbacks at the age of 22-23 tested him mentally.

NEET protests turn violent in Bihar, several hurt; police open fire in air

NEET protests turn violent in Bihar, several hurt; police open fire in air

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Many students and at least 14 police personnel were injured in clashes during protests over NEET paper leak across several districts of Bihar on Thursday, prompting the security forces to fire in the air and baton-charge to disperse the agitators, officers said.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Can't Be Demoralised By Anyone

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Can't Be Demoralised By Anyone

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has not just won a match. He has led from the front, lifted a struggling side, and announced -- loudly and clearly -- that he is here to stay, applauds R K Nayar.

'Today's Children Are Not Slaves Of Anyone'

'Today's Children Are Not Slaves Of Anyone'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'This generation decides on their own what is good or bad for them.' 'They got an outlet to vent their anger against this government through CJP and they did that.' 'They felt how can the government control us or lathi charge us?'

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.

'Battles Of Tololing And Tiger Hill Were Among The Toughest Battles Ever Fought'

'Battles Of Tololing And Tiger Hill Were Among The Toughest Battles Ever Fought'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

'I was fortunate enough to be associated with two of the most important battles fought by the Indian Army, the Battle of Tololing and Battle of Tiger Hill.' 'Sometimes, I think how I survived those battles on Tololing and on Tiger Hill.'

India's Women Boxers Poised for Medals at Commonwealth Games, Says Former Coach Qamar

India's Women Boxers Poised for Medals at Commonwealth Games, Says Former Coach Qamar

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Former Indian boxing coach Mohammed Ali Qamar believes the country's women's boxing squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is one of its best ever, with each of the seven members capable of securing a medal, though he cautioned that draws would be crucial.

You can never write a champion off: Saina hails Sindhu

You can never write a champion off: Saina hails Sindhu

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Badminton legend Saina Nehwal has lauded PV Sindhu's significantly improved attacking game, stating that her Japan Open Super 750 victory demonstrates her enduring championship quality and potential for more titles, despite recent injury challenges.

Akanksha Chamola's Third Secret Is...

Akanksha Chamola's Third Secret Is...

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Akanksha Chamola has already dropped two bombshell secrets inside the Lock Upp 2 house and we've cracked her third one.

11-Year-Old Atiqa Mir Stuns F1 Juniors To Claim Pole Position In Italy

11-Year-Old Atiqa Mir Stuns F1 Juniors To Claim Pole Position In Italy

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Eleven-year-old Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir demonstrated exceptional talent by securing pole position in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Round 3 in Viterbo, Italy, out-qualifying two Mercedes F1 junior drivers.

'Intimacy Inside The Bedroom Starts Outside It'

'Intimacy Inside The Bedroom Starts Outside It'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Intimacy is not just physical, explains rediffGURU Anu Krishna.

Messi's Dark Blue Shirt: A World Cup Good Luck Charm?

Messi's Dark Blue Shirt: A World Cup Good Luck Charm?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Argentina's dark blue away jersey holds significant historical and superstitious value for the team, particularly in World Cup encounters against England. The team will wear this kit in their upcoming semi-final, hoping to replicate past successes from 1986 and 1998, where the blue jersey was worn during famous victories over England. Both coaches acknowledge the role of superstition in high-level sports, though Argentina's coach downplays the specific jersey choice. The jersey also features cultural motifs.

Manpreet Singh Targets World Cup Medal, Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Manpreet Singh Targets World Cup Medal, Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh, despite numerous accolades including Olympic medals, is determined to win a World Cup medal before concluding his illustrious career after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.