News for '-pti'

Bengal encounter: Arms sent for forensic tests, officers' claim to be verified

Bengal encounter: Arms sent for forensic tests, officers' claim to be verified

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The firearms used by police officers during the encounter killing of one of the prime accused in the Baruipur rape-murder case on Wednesday will be sent for forensic tests, and their versions will be recorded and cross-checked, an officer said.

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Researchers at CSIR-CIMFR have developed India's first mobile Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), an innovative air-purification system using microalgae to absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Designed for polluted urban areas, this compact unit offers a sustainable solution where conventional tree planting is challenging, also providing public utility features.

Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar detained in Oman

Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar detained in Oman

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Sourabh Chandrakar, the absconding founder of the Mahadev betting app, has been detained in Oman based on an Interpol Red Notice. Indian agencies are now working to extradite or deport him. The ED's investigation into the syndicate has revealed alleged proceeds of crime worth Rs 6,000 crore and links to high-ranking politicians and bureaucrats.

'He sacrificed his career, life for Ram temple': Brother defends Champat Rai

'He sacrificed his career, life for Ram temple': Brother defends Champat Rai

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The brother of Champat Rai, who resigned as the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, on Monday defended him against allegations of embezzling donations for the Ram temple, saying his brother had sacrificed both his personal life and career for the Ram temple movement and the service of the nation.

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Meta-owned WhatsApp has submitted its reply to the government's notice on the "username" feature and the response is being examined, sources said on Thursday.

Six fishermen missing off Andhra coast after boat caprizes, one rescued

Six fishermen missing off Andhra coast after boat caprizes, one rescued

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Six fishermen are missing off the Visakhapatnam coast after their boat is believed to have capsized due to rough weather. One fisherman was rescued by a cruise ship, and extensive search operations are being conducted by the Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, and Navy. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the rescue efforts and directed officials to intensify the search.

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A day after his resignation was accepted by the Ram temple trust, its former general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday said he would respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the SIT submits its final report, even as opposition parties alleged a "cover-up" and stepped up the demand for its dissolution.

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary Champat Rai has reportedly resigned, stating his "service in Ayodhya is complete" due to the donation embezzlement controversy. He feels "betrayed," and his future, along with that of Trust member Anil Mishra, will be decided at a July 6 meeting. The controversy began with allegations from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, leading to an SIT investigation, arrests, and Rai's resignation offer.

Indian Gymnasts Fine-Tune Preparations In London For Commonwealth Games

Indian Gymnasts Fine-Tune Preparations In London For Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India's artistic gymnastics squad is undergoing a three-week training camp in London before heading to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games. The camp, funded by SAI, aims to fine-tune preparations for both men's and women's teams, including Olympian Pranati Nayak. The team will travel directly to Glasgow on July 20.

Honda to add 3,800 jobs, expand capacity to 80 lakh units by 2028

Honda to add 3,800 jobs, expand capacity to 80 lakh units by 2028

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) plans to create over 3,800 jobs and expand its annual two-wheeler production capacity to 80 lakh units by 2028, reinforcing India's role as a global manufacturing and export hub for Honda.

How Preeti Pawar Balances Boxing Ambition With Artistic Hobbies

How Preeti Pawar Balances Boxing Ambition With Artistic Hobbies

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Preeti Pawar, a 22-year-old Indian bantamweight boxer, has emerged as a promising talent, securing an Olympic quota and winning multiple international medals despite facing health setbacks. She is now focused on achieving gold at the Commonwealth Games and refining her skills for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, balancing her aggressive boxing style with calming hobbies like quilling and Mandala art.

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Eight individuals have been arrested in Ayodhya in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple. The arrests follow an FIR lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, based on recommendations from a Special Investigation Team. The accused were involved in counting cash and valuables and face charges including theft and criminal breach of trust.

Punjab Cong rift widens as Channi vs Warring showdown continues

Punjab Cong rift widens as Channi vs Warring showdown continues

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Despite claims from Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel that there are no objections to Amrinder Singh Raja Warring's continuation as Punjab unit president, a significant faction of leaders, including Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi, are actively pushing for his replacement, citing the need for an 'uncompromised' leader.

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Prabhsimran Singh credited mentor Yuvraj Singh's tactical guidance and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting's unwavering faith for his growth, saying both played a pivotal role in earning his maiden India T20I call-up.

8 killed, 24 injured as bus crashes, catches fire on Delhi-Mumbai expressway

8 killed, 24 injured as bus crashes, catches fire on Delhi-Mumbai expressway

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

A bus-truck collision on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Dausa, Rajasthan, resulted in eight fatalities and 24 injuries. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, with five victims burnt alive. The injured are stable, and authorities are working to identify the deceased.

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Congress leaders on Monday termed the reorganisation of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board with the inclusion of two Hindu members as "inappropriate" and said they would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

BCCI to hold review meeting after India's dismal T20 series against England, Ireland

BCCI to hold review meeting after India's dismal T20 series against England, Ireland

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The BCCI will conduct a review meeting after India's T20 series against England concludes on July 19, following poor performances against both England and Ireland, but has stated it will not make any 'knee-jerk' decisions regarding head coach Gautam Gambhir's future.

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Mumbai and Pune are grappling with severe monsoon weather, triggering an 'orange' alert, widespread disruptions, school closures, and tragic fatalities from landslides and wall collapses.

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A post-mortem report for the 15 victims of the Lucknow Aliganj fire revealed that they died from suffocation due to smoke inhalation, not major burn injuries. Doctors found soot in nasal passages and swelling around faces, indicating heavy smoke exposure. The tragedy has led to a high-level probe, arrests, and a directive for fire safety inspections across Uttar Pradesh.

Mehbooba Mufti to travel to Iran for Khamenei's funeral

Mehbooba Mufti to travel to Iran for Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has received an official invitation to attend the state funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. She will travel to Iran as a distinguished guest of India to pay her final respects, highlighting the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.

Ram Temple trust to discuss SIT report, pick new CEO

Ram Temple trust to discuss SIT report, pick new CEO

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to convene in Ayodhya to discuss the preliminary report of the SIT investigating the Ram Temple donation theft. The agenda includes reviewing the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, considering the appointment of a CEO, and approving financial statements. The meeting comes amidst ongoing police and SIT investigations, with eight arrests made in connection with the theft.

All valuables donated to Ram Temple are safe: Trust

All valuables donated to Ram Temple are safe: Trust

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has displayed over 30 kg of gold-like items and 1,518 kg of silver-like items, asserting all 2,926 valuable articles donated by devotees are 'safe' and accounted for, amid an ongoing probe into alleged embezzlement of donations.

Mahua Moitra alleges BJP workers hurled eggs at her during protest

Mahua Moitra alleges BJP workers hurled eggs at her during protest

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra alleged that BJP workers hurled eggs and raised slogans against her during a protest in West Bengal's Nadia district. She accused the BJP of orchestrating the incident, which occurred outside a party MLA's residence. This follows a similar incident in June where BJP Mahila Morcha workers allegedly attempted to attack her.

WhatsApp gets more time to reply on usernames; no India rollout now

WhatsApp gets more time to reply on usernames; no India rollout now

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted more time to submit its response on the contentious 'username' feature and assured the government that it will not roll it out in India until discussions are complete, according to sources.

Ram temple donation embezzlement case: SIT submits preliminary report

Ram temple donation embezzlement case: SIT submits preliminary report

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple has submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government. The SIT, formed on June 13 following requests from the temple trust, is continuing its investigation and expects to submit a final report within 10-15 days. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had previously raised concerns about missing donations and demanded transparency in the probe.

Delhi scooter rider killed in Mercedes hit-and-run; driver held after 2 days

Delhi scooter rider killed in Mercedes hit-and-run; driver held after 2 days

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

In a hit-and-run case, a scooter rider was killed after being struck by a Mercedes car in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri area, the police said on Tuesday. The driver of the luxury car was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the accident that took place on July 5 near the foot overbridge at the Jahangirpuri Bus Stand on the Outer Ring Road.

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson has been dropped from the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, making way for Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh.

UP's Ayush Malik, who converted to Islam, returns to Hinduism

UP's Ayush Malik, who converted to Islam, returns to Hinduism

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Ayush Malik, a resident of Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, who had converted to Islam earlier this year, has now returned to Hinduism. He stated that his decision was influenced by the distress his initial conversion caused his parents. This reconversion follows a police investigation into his initial conversion under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, where four people have been arrested.

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Families of the victims who perished in the massive Aliganj fire in Lucknow are mourning their losses, with several alleging that delayed rescue efforts contributed to the high death toll. Many victims, including young animation artists, were trapped, and some attempted to save themselves by jumping from the building.

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh has advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian playing eleven for the upcoming T20 series opener against England. Singh believes Sooryavanshi, who was in stellar form in the IPL and for India A, should be given an opportunity to debut, potentially becoming India's youngest cricketer.

How LPGA Tour Competition Is Sharpening Aditi Ashok's Game

How LPGA Tour Competition Is Sharpening Aditi Ashok's Game

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok, a two-time Olympian, discusses how regular competition on the LPGA Tour has elevated her game, with improving driving distance being her top priority. She is focused on achieving success at the upcoming Asian Games and other major tournaments, expressing confidence in the potential of India's women's golf team.

Oriental Cup Returns With Expanded Format And Scholarships For Young Footballers

Oriental Cup Returns With Expanded Format And Scholarships For Young Footballers

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The fourth edition of the Oriental Cup, an inter-school football tournament, is scheduled from July 7 to 16 in New Delhi. It will feature over 45 school teams, 1,500 student-athletes, and offer scholarships worth Rs 2.5 lakh to encourage young talent. Organisers aim to make it India's leading school football competition, with growing participation, especially among girls' teams.

Major Crackdown On Bishnoi Gang; 24 Arrested In US, Canada, Europe

Major Crackdown On Bishnoi Gang; 24 Arrested In US, Canada, Europe

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A coordinated international operation, 'Operation Hard Ball', led to the arrest of 24 alleged members and associates of three India-based criminal syndicates, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, across the US, Canada, and Europe.

Jamshedpur on edge after Karni Sena leader murder during brawl, 5 held

Jamshedpur on edge after Karni Sena leader murder during brawl, 5 held

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Karni Sena leader Himanshu Singh in Jamshedpur, who was stabbed after protesting alleged eve-teasing. Prohibitory orders have been imposed across parts of the city, and a Jamshedpur bandh has been called by opposition parties for July 3.

23 Oppn parties, including DMK, AAP, write to CJI on SIR

23 Oppn parties, including DMK, AAP, write to CJI on SIR

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Twenty-three political parties and an Independent MP have jointly written to Chief Justice Surya Kant regarding the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and other election-related issues, a move spearheaded by the INDIA bloc.

'Removed 1.6L India accounts': Meta details crackdown on child abuse content

'Removed 1.6L India accounts': Meta details crackdown on child abuse content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Meta on Tuesday published a detailed blog outlining its efforts to combat child sexual abuse material across its apps, citing AI-powered detection, ad review systems and large-scale enforcement actions, days after the government issued a notice to the social media giant over reports of Instagram advertisements promoting such content.

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend Ram temple accused; want Champat Rai, others to leave

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend Ram temple accused; want Champat Rai, others to leave

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Faizabad Bar Association in Ayodhya has resolved that its members will not represent the eight individuals accused of embezzling donations from the Ram Temple, imposing a Rs 5 lakh penalty on any lawyer who violates this decision. The association also demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao, associated with the temple management, leave Ayodhya within three days, threatening a city blockade if they do not comply.

Teejan Bai: From Outcast To Global Icon

Teejan Bai: From Outcast To Global Icon

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Despite international fame, she remained rooted in village traditions. Friends recalled that success never changed her lifestyle.

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian squash veteran Joshna Chinappa, set to become the first Indian to compete in seven Asian Games, reveals she still has 'a little bit left in the tank' to add to her five continental medals and harbours hopes of participating in the sport's Olympic debut in 2028, provided her body holds up.