News for '-habitat'

Feasts, farewells aboard ISS as Shuks, crew end 18-Day mission

Feasts, farewells aboard ISS as Shuks, crew end 18-Day mission

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

After 18 days of experiments, Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew are set to return to Earth, marking the end of their mission at the International Space Station.

Still looks saare jahan se accha: Shuks at ISS farewell

Still looks saare jahan se accha: Shuks at ISS farewell

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla concludes his 18-day stay at the International Space Station, praising India's ambition, confidence, and pride as seen from space. He echoes Rakesh Sharma's iconic words and expresses gratitude to all involved in the Axiom-4 mission.

What Shux Did In His 1st Week In Space

What Shux Did In His 1st Week In Space

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Shubhanshu Shukla's first seven days in space have combined science, ceremony, and moments of levity.

World Wildlife Day: 8 Rare Animals Only Seen In India

World Wildlife Day: 8 Rare Animals Only Seen In India

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

There are certain exotic species of wildlife that can only be viewed in their natural habitat in India.

World Wildlife Day: 8 Rare Animals Only Seen In India

World Wildlife Day: 8 Rare Animals Only Seen In India

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

There are certain exotic species of wildlife that can only be viewed in their natural habitat in India.

Kunal Kamra summoned by Mumbai Police for joke on Shinde

Kunal Kamra summoned by Mumbai Police for joke on Shinde

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Kamra has been asked to appear before the Khar police in Mumbai in connection with the case registered against him, an official said.

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The true measure of Project Tiger's success is not just rising tiger numbers, but our ability to ensure harmonious human-wildlife coexistence'

FIR against Kamra for 'gaddar' remark on Shinde; 12 Sena workers arrested

FIR against Kamra for 'gaddar' remark on Shinde; 12 Sena workers arrested

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Mumbai police have registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a show. The police also registered a case against nearly 40 Shiv Sena workers for allegedly vandalizing the studio where Kamra's show was filmed. The incident took place after a video went viral showing Kamra allegedly using defamatory words against Shinde. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a police complaint, leading to the FIR against Kamra under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including for statements conducing to public mischief and defamation. Meanwhile, the Khar police registered an FIR against 19 Shiv Sena functionaries, including Rahul Kanal (Yuva Sena), Vibhag Pramukh Kunal Sarmarkar and Akshay Panvelkar, for vandalizing the studio and the hotel premises. The incident has sparked controversy, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemning the vandalism and questioning the state's law and order situation.

Mumbai police issue second summons to Kamra in Shinde remark case

Mumbai police issue second summons to Kamra in Shinde remark case

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been issued a second notice by Mumbai police to appear for questioning in a defamation case filed against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The case was filed based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who accused Kamra of making defamatory statements during a recent show. Kamra's show had sparked controversy with his satirical comments about Shinde's political career and the 2022 rebellion that brought down the MVA government. The notice comes after the police had issued a previous notice to Kamra on Tuesday and sought his presence. Following the first notice, sources said Kamra had requested a week's time to appear before the police.

Breach of privilege notice against Kunal Kamra in Maha assembly

Breach of privilege notice against Kunal Kamra in Maha assembly

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

BJP legislator Pravin Darekar filed a breach of privilege notice against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Darekar accused Kamra of performing a song with insulting references to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Andhare of supporting the performance with objectionable language. He claimed their actions constituted contempt of the House. Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Bornare also submitted a breach of privilege notice against Andhare for allegedly mocking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Speaker will decide on the notices.

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after his arrival from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening.

Fearing arrest, Kunal Kamra files for anticipatory bail

Fearing arrest, Kunal Kamra files for anticipatory bail

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing backlash for his jokes on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has moved the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail. Kamra, who hails from Tamil Nadu's Vullupuram district, fears arrest by Mumbai Police after being summoned twice for his comments during a recent show.

Kunal Kamra jokes on Shinde, Sena workers vandalise his show venue

Kunal Kamra jokes on Shinde, Sena workers vandalise his show venue

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Kamra taunted Shinde using a modified version of a Hindi song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Is Kunal Kamra obsessed with controversies?

Is Kunal Kamra obsessed with controversies?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself at the center of a controversy, this time for his comments about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra has been a controversial figure for years, with his comedy often targeting politicians and other public figures. This latest incident has led to a backlash from Shinde's supporters, who have vandalized the venue of Kamra's show. Kamra has a history of making controversial remarks, including heckling a TV anchor on a flight and making comments about the judiciary.

Follow Balasaheb: Shinde's first reaction on Kamra's 'traitor' jibe

Follow Balasaheb: Shinde's first reaction on Kamra's 'traitor' jibe

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said he has followed the principle of '80 per cent social work and 20 per cent politics' of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in his career and pledged to continue working for the common man. Shinde's remarks came after the state assembly passed a unanimous resolution congratulating him for receiving the 'Adya Jagatguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Puraskar', a prestigious award from the Warkari (devotees of Lord Vitthal) community, earlier this month. The resolution comes amid a row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's alleged defamatory remarks against Shiv Sena leader Shinde, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demanding an apology from Kamra even as the opposition came out in his support.

Three more cases filed against Kunal Kamra in Mumbai

Three more cases filed against Kunal Kamra in Mumbai

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Three separate cases have been filed against Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra at Khar police station over his alleged controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

'Kunal Kamra will receive Shiv Sena-style welcome'

'Kunal Kamra will receive Shiv Sena-style welcome'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal has said that comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing a police case in Mumbai for making a derogatory remark against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will be welcomed in "Shiv Sena-style" when he comes to the city. Kanal also said the party has written to the Mumbai police demanding a probe against Kamra under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) over foreign funding and unaccounted money. Kamra was summoned to appear before the Mumbai police on March 31 in a case related to derogatory remarks against Shinde. The Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to the comedian on the condition that he execute a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu.

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'Even one accident can cause problems for the entire coastal system.'

Enjoy comedy, but...: Maha ministers warn Kunal Kamra

Enjoy comedy, but...: Maha ministers warn Kunal Kamra

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

If he doesn't apologise, we will speak to him in our own style. Shiv Sena won't leave him. We won't tolerate this insult

Fadnavis reacts to Kunal Kamra's 'gaddar' joke on Shinde

Fadnavis reacts to Kunal Kamra's 'gaddar' joke on Shinde

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Fadnavis said, "The 2024 assembly polls results have shown who is a gaddar (traitor) and who is a khuddar (self-respecting). People have put a stamp of approval on Shinde being the true inheritor of (Shiv Sena founder) Bal Thackeray's legacy."

Why a village near Lonavala remembers Jimmy Carter

Why a village near Lonavala remembers Jimmy Carter

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

For 100 low-income families near Lonavala, around 80 km from Mumbai, Jimmy Carter was a godsend as he had helped build their houses in 2006.

French Open PIX: Alcaraz advances; Osaka knocked out

French Open PIX: Alcaraz advances; Osaka knocked out

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Defending champions Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz powered into the second round of the French Open on Monday.

Bohras Launch Save Our Sparrows

Bohras Launch Save Our Sparrows

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

dawoodi Bohra volunteers distributed around 50,000 bird feeders to households, schools, parks and community centres across the country.

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

A group of retired forest officers has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the immediate scrapping of the 10,000-acre safari project in Haryana's Aravallis, arguing that it will harm the environment and wildlife. They highlight the "alarming destruction" of the Aravallis due to mining, quarrying, real estate development, and deforestation, and warn that the project could disturb aquifers crucial for water-starved districts. The retired officers also emphasize the importance of protecting the Aravallis, which is the only significant forest cover in Haryana, for its role in restoring humidity and rainfall in the region.

Understand satire, but...: Shinde on Kamra's 'gaddar' jab

Understand satire, but...: Shinde on Kamra's 'gaddar' jab

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

"This same person (Kamra) had commented on the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, (journalist) Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone," Shinde said.

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

With the summer approaching sooner than scheduled, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal have already started experiencing heat waves with temperatures soaring above 40°C.

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Jorhat has many attraction to offer for the discerning and offbeat traveller.

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

In a lengthy statement on X late Monday night, a defiant Kamra said those busy leaking his number on social media or calling him incessantly should know that it all goes to his voicemail where they will be subjected to "the very song" that they hate.

This is legal, mine...: Kangana on club demolition over Kamra's joke

This is legal, mine...: Kangana on club demolition over Kamra's joke

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticized comedian Kunal Kamra for his recent remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling them "disrespectful" and "in bad taste." Ranaut, who was speaking to reporters outside Parliament, said that Kamra's comedy was "disgracing" and that Shinde had earned his position through hard work. She also echoed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' call for Kamra to apologize for his "low level comedy." The controversy comes after Shiv Sena members damaged the comedy club where Kamra's show took place, in response to his jokes about Shinde's political career and recent developments in Maharashtra.

SC sets aside NGT order halting Auroville construction

SC sets aside NGT order halting Auroville construction

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has overturned an order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that halted construction activities at Auroville in Chennai. The court emphasized the need for a "golden balance" between the right to development and the right to a clean environment, upholding the principle of sustainable development. The decision comes as a victory for the Auroville Foundation, which had challenged the NGT order, and highlights the ongoing debate about balancing environmental concerns with economic growth in India.

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra continues to face backlash for his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The Legislative Council admitted a breach of privilege notice against him, while a state minister demanded his arrest. The controversy stems from Kamra's stand-up performance where he made satirical remarks about Shinde, leading to protests and vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters. The comedian has been summoned by the police and faces legal trouble, with even Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw justifying the action, emphasizing the need to uphold legal safeguards. Amid the controversy, Kamra lashed out at the mainstream media, calling it a "miscommunication arm" of the ruling party.

Army establishes modern habitat for troops in Ladakh

Army establishes modern habitat for troops in Ladakh

Rediff.com18 Nov 2020

The habitats have been provided with proper heating facilities as the region receives up to 40 feet of snow after November every year while temperatures fall up to minus 40 degree Celsius in the winter months.

Photographs To Amaze, Stun You!

Photographs To Amaze, Stun You!

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Sony World Photography Awards 2025 Winners Announced

The World Nature Photographs Of The Year

The World Nature Photographs Of The Year

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

From stunning animal portraits to captivating glimpses of behaviour in their natural habitat, the World Nature Photography Awards contest showcases the intricate relationship between animals, plants, fungi, and humans.

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra has been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in a case filed against him for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy show. Kamra, who resides in Tamil Nadu, was summoned by the Mumbai Police and feared arrest, prompting him to seek bail from the Madras HC. The court granted him bail until April 7, on the condition that he executes a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Dhoni set the template that Kohli carried forward: Vijay

Dhoni set the template that Kohli carried forward: Vijay

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Indian cricket is on an upward curve, definitely, other teams have to catch up with us and (the Champions Trophy) final is going to be crucial.'

4.0 magnitude quake hits Delhi, strong tremors rock NCR

4.0 magnitude quake hits Delhi, strong tremors rock NCR

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people in the region to stay calm and follow safety precautions while keeping alert for possible aftershocks.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

When Jimmy Carter Visited India

When Jimmy Carter Visited India

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, was the third American leader to visit India during which a village in Haryana was named Carterpuri in his honour.

Cheetahs face leopard challenge in Kuno, Gandhi Sagar

Cheetahs face leopard challenge in Kuno, Gandhi Sagar

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

Cheetahs have coexisted with leopards and lions in Africa, but some officials in India consider the high leopard population in Kuno and Gandhi Sagar a problem as it would "reduce the prey biomass for cheetahs".