News for '-southern'

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.

Alzheimer's Disease: Cognitive Decline Varies Significantly, Study Finds

Alzheimer's Disease: Cognitive Decline Varies Significantly, Study Finds

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A US study has revealed three trajectories of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease -- stable, slow decline, and fast decline -- based on scans of over 1,100 people with elevated amyloid protein levels.

When Iranian Missiles Hit Israel Hard

When Iranian Missiles Hit Israel Hard

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Dimona and Ahad came under intense Iranian missile fire over the weekend as the conflict entered a far more volatile phase. These photographs capture the aftermath of the strikes -- thick smoke rising over the cities, emergency teams rushing to the scenes and residents caught in the chaos that followed.

Kerala UDF victory loses sheen amid CM decision delay

Kerala UDF victory loses sheen amid CM decision delay

Rediff.com13 May 2026

An IUML MLA has stated that the delay in the Congress party's decision on who should be the Chief Minister of Kerala has diminished the UDF's victory and is making it difficult for workers and MLAs to engage with the public.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

DMK to move SC against delimitation bill, if passed in Parl

DMK to move SC against delimitation bill, if passed in Parl

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Thursday said that it will move the Supreme Court against the delimitation bill, if it is passed in the Parliament.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Northern states in India are experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 46.6 degrees Celsius. The heatwave has impacted daily life, leading to a decline in tourism and increased power demand. Authorities have issued advisories and implemented measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.

How Delhi Police Returned Over 100 Lost Mobile Phones to Owners

How Delhi Police Returned Over 100 Lost Mobile Phones to Owners

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has successfully traced and returned over 100 lost or stolen mobile phones to their owners through coordinated efforts.

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

Villages Attacked Near Myanmar Border, Residents Flee

Villages Attacked Near Myanmar Border, Residents Flee

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Heavily armed militants attacked villages in Manipur's Kamjong district near the India-Myanmar border, torching houses and forcing residents to flee. The attack targeted Tangkhul Naga villages, with allegations pointing to Myanmar-based militant groups.

Human Smuggling Conspiracy: Bangladeshi Man Extradited to US

Human Smuggling Conspiracy: Bangladeshi Man Extradited to US

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A Bangladeshi national has been extradited from Brazil to the United States to face charges related to a human smuggling conspiracy.

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's electoral chessboard, governments are rarely made in the hills of North Bengal or the forested region of Jangalmahal. Power is usually decided in the crowded plains of South Bengal, where elections are won less by momentum and more by mathematics.

150 Israeli Airstrikes Across Lebanon In 2 Hours Kill 254 People

150 Israeli Airstrikes Across Lebanon In 2 Hours Kill 254 People

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A massive wave of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon killed 254 people, overwhelming hospitals.

'Thiru Joseph Vijay enum naam': Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM

'Thiru Joseph Vijay enum naam': Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM

Rediff.com10 May 2026

C Joseph Vijay, leader of the TVK, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, with the oath of office administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath in a ceremony held at Nehru Stadium. The event was attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

India likely to witness above-normal rainfall in May: IMD

India likely to witness above-normal rainfall in May: IMD

Rediff.com1 May 2026

India is likely to witness a mixed temperature pattern along with wetter-than-usual conditions in May, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating that rainfall across the country is "most likely to be above normal" at over 110 per cent of the long period average (LPA).

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.

Beef Season 2 Review: Binge-worthy

Beef Season 2 Review: Binge-worthy

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The second season of Beef delves into a new, class-driven conflict at an elite Southern California country club, in a compelling narrative of escalating domestic disputes, blackmail, and corporate intrigue, notes Deepa Gahlot.

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'The Supreme Court stated that once the delimitation plan is approved by Parliament and receives assent of the President, it cannot be undone. Nor can it be modified.'

Why Gold Loan Boom Needs Caution

Why Gold Loan Boom Needs Caution

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Rapid growth in personal gold loans has raised concerns over borrower leverage, large-ticket exposure and volatility in gold prices, points out Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India.

India blasts China's 'fake names' for Arunachal, warns of strain on ties

India blasts China's 'fake names' for Arunachal, warns of strain on ties

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

India has strongly criticised China's practice of assigning 'fictitious names' to areas within Indian territory, stating that such actions are futile attempts to alter reality and negatively impact efforts to normalise bilateral relations.

Poll duty keeps buses off roads in Kolkata, commuters face hardships

Poll duty keeps buses off roads in Kolkata, commuters face hardships

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Commuters in Kolkata and surrounding areas are experiencing significant difficulties due to a shortage of buses, as many vehicles remain engaged in election duties related to the West Bengal polls. Normal service is not expected to resume until after the counting process on May 4.

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 Set to Overtake Baahubali 2 at Worldwide Box Office

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 Set to Overtake Baahubali 2 at Worldwide Box Office

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 is on track to surpass Baahubali 2's worldwide box office record. Released in March 2026, the spy thriller has garnered significant demand, with collections nearing Rs 1,788.06 crore. The film's success has also revived Ranveer Singh's career after a period of underperforming movies.

How BJP Secured a Foothold In Kerala

How BJP Secured a Foothold In Kerala

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP has made significant gains in the Kerala Assembly elections, securing three seats and marking a potential breakthrough in a state where it has traditionally struggled.

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay did not defeat Dravidian politics from outside. He entered the Dravidian field and claimed ownership of it. 'His argument was not that the room should be destroyed. It was that the present occupants no longer deserved to remain in it.'

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The BJP and opposition parties are engaged in a political battle over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act, with the BJP defending it as historic and the opposition accusing the government of delaying its notification and using it to push an unconstitutional delimitation exercise.

Bengal poll: TMC MP attacked, CISF jawan shot ahead of 2nd phase

Bengal poll: TMC MP attacked, CISF jawan shot ahead of 2nd phase

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A TMC MP was allegedly attacked and a CISF jawan was shot in separate incidents of violence in southern West Bengal, ahead of the second phase of elections. The incidents have sparked political accusations and investigations.

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Intense lobbying is underway in Kerala as V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala vie for the chief minister's post, with their camps citing popularity, MLA support, and experience as key factors for the Congress high command's decision.

New Era Emerging In Persian Gulf After US 'Failure': Iran's Supreme Leader

New Era Emerging In Persian Gulf After US 'Failure': Iran's Supreme Leader

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claims a new chapter is emerging in the Persian Gulf due to the 'shameful failure' of the United States in the region, citing shifting regional dynamics and weakening foreign influence.

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has claimed victory for the state after the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha. Stalin criticised the Centre's handling of the Women's Reservation Bill and delimitation process, accusing the BJP of prioritising political gain over fairness and consultation.

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India has voiced its deep concern over reports of increasing civilian casualties in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, emphasising the protection of civilians and the importance of international law.

India Condemns Attack On UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon

India Condemns Attack On UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

India has condemned the killing of a French soldier serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon and called on all parties to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Inspiring Chhattisgarh's Youth

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Inspiring Chhattisgarh's Youth

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised Sachin Tendulkar's visit to the Bastar region, highlighting its inspirational impact on children and youth. Tendulkar's visit to Dantewada district, as part of a grassroots sports initiative, signifies the region's transformation from a Maoist stronghold to a hub of development and opportunity.

Modi 'guarantees' no injustice in delimitation, seeks Opposition support

Modi 'guarantees' no injustice in delimitation, seeks Opposition support

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the opposition to support the government's bills for implementing the women's reservation law, cautioning against politicisation and assuring that delimitation will be fair to all states.

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced in 142 constituencies for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with significant security measures in place. The outcome will determine whether the TMC maintains its dominance or if the BJP can gain ground in the state.

How actor Vijay transformed his popularity into political power

How actor Vijay transformed his popularity into political power

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Actor Vijay's political party, TVK, has significantly impacted the Tamil Nadu political landscape in its debut election, challenging established political norms and achieving notable success.

Puri Jagannath Temple Plans New Dress Code: No jeans, shirt

Puri Jagannath Temple Plans New Dress Code: No jeans, shirt

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

According to the recommendations, reviewed by Business Standard, any dress code shall always be akin to Hindu culture.

Maruti Suzuki discontinues Ignis hatchback amid weak sales, supply woes hit S-Presso and WagonR

Maruti Suzuki discontinues Ignis hatchback amid weak sales, supply woes hit S-Presso and WagonR

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Maruti Suzuki has discontinued its Ignis hatchback due to weak sales and a shift towards SUVs, while simultaneously facing supply chain issues for its popular S-Presso and WagonR models, leading to booking halts at some dealerships.