News for '-validate'

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has completed one year, leading to the deletion of nearly six crore voters across 19 states and Union territories. This exercise, which began in Bihar, has faced opposition criticism but was upheld by the Supreme Court. The purification drive has significant implications, including linking voter data to social security benefits in some states.

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Sunday saw the entire opposition staging a symbolic walkout over the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs and a demand for a discussion on the issues of Ram temple donation 'theft', NEET paper leak and mixing of ethanol in petrol.

UK court orders Nirav Modi to pay over $11.5 million to Bank of India

UK court orders Nirav Modi to pay over $11.5 million to Bank of India

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi has been ordered by a UK High Court to pay Bank of India over USD 11.5 million, including accruing interest, for a personal loan guarantee related to his Dubai-incorporated firm, Firestar Diamond FZE.

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Many students who do well in the NEET exams miss out on a medical seat because they didn't get their documentation in order. You don't want to be that student, says Ashok Hegde.

BrahMos Missile Gets Lethal Upgrade

BrahMos Missile Gets Lethal Upgrade

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The next-generation missile is expected to be substantially smaller and lighter than the current BrahMos, which weighs around 3 tonnes. The reduction in weight could allow fighter aircraft to carry more missiles per sortie, enhancing combat effectiveness.

Somanath Joins Agnikul Ahead Of Mission 02

Somanath Joins Agnikul Ahead Of Mission 02

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The appointment comes as Agnikul prepares for Mission 02, a flight that will attempt, for the first time on Indian soil, the recovery of an orbital-class rocket booster and the extension of a rocket's upper stage into an on-orbit platform.

Mission Aagaman Gets Boost As Vikram-1 Readies For Historic Liftoff

Mission Aagaman Gets Boost As Vikram-1 Readies For Historic Liftoff

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'With Vikram-1, we take our biggest step yet towards a reliable, high-cadence launch programme built in India, for India and the world.'

How India's Indigenous Quantum Refrigerator Achieved A Major Milestone

How India's Indigenous Quantum Refrigerator Achieved A Major Milestone

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India's indigenous Dilution Refrigerator, developed by AQV, has successfully reached four Kelvin (-269C) at the Quantum Reference Facility in Amaravati, marking a significant milestone in the country's quantum technology development and cryogenic engineering capabilities.

'Rats, flies': FDA suspends licence of Mumbai's iconic Rustom ice cream over hygiene

'Rats, flies': FDA suspends licence of Mumbai's iconic Rustom ice cream over hygiene

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Maharashtra FDA has suspended the license of Mumbai's renowned 'Rustom' ice cream outlet due to serious food safety and hygiene violations, including live rats, houseflies, and expired food items.

India's First OptoSAR Mission Ends in Failure

India's First OptoSAR Mission Ends in Failure

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

While recovery efforts are ongoing, the likelihood of recovery currently appears low.

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.

Modi to flag off India's first hydrogen train from Jind on July 17

Modi to flag off India's first hydrogen train from Jind on July 17

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the country's first hydrogen train from the Jind railway station in Haryana on July 17, sources in the railway ministry said.

Actor Mohanlal discloses 10 elephant tusks, 13 idols amid legal battle

Actor Mohanlal discloses 10 elephant tusks, 13 idols amid legal battle

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Actor Mohanlal has declared possession of 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols to the Kerala Forest Department under an amnesty scheme. This new disclosure comes as he continues to face trial for alleged illegal possession of wildlife articles, a case that originated in 2011 and has seen the Kerala High Court direct the continuation of legal proceedings against him.

Why You MUST Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Why You MUST Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Young adults in India are increasingly grappling with high blood pressure, a condition once thought to affect mainly the older demographics. Cardiologists point to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, chronic stress and unhealthy diets as primary drivers of this silent epidemic.

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a fabricated social media post attributed to former US President Donald Trump, captioned 'If only!', to highlight his demand for the restoration of J&K's statehood, drawing significant criticism online.

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Kerala high court has ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oath strictly as prescribed by law, invalidating oaths that included names beyond "God" or solemn affirmation. The court directed affected councillors to retake their oaths within four weeks, clarifying that while their elections remain valid, actions by a panchayat member whose oath was invalid are also invalid.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

IIT-Guwahati Researchers Uncover Algae's Potential To Clean Lead From Water

IIT-Guwahati Researchers Uncover Algae's Potential To Clean Lead From Water

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT-Guwahati have identified a type of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that can effectively remove lead from contaminated water. The study highlights the role of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by the algae in absorbing lead, with laboratory experiments showing up to 66.2% removal. This discovery offers a promising, naturally abundant solution for water purification, though further validation is needed before commercial application.

Maharashtra restricts 'Sting' energy drink sales near schools

Maharashtra restricts 'Sting' energy drink sales near schools

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has announced a ban on the sale of 'Sting' energy drink and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius of schools. This decision comes amidst concerns about the health impact of such beverages on schoolchildren, with the Food and Drug Administration directed to enforce the new restriction and schools urged to conduct awareness programmes.

CMFRI Scientists Identify New Deep-Sea Fish, Cyttopsis Indica

CMFRI Scientists Identify New Deep-Sea Fish, Cyttopsis Indica

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Scientists at the ICAR-CMFRI have identified a new species of deep-sea fish, named Cyttopsis indica (Indian dory), in the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast. This discovery, based on specimens collected from the eastern Lakshadweep Sea, corrects a long-standing taxonomic misidentification and highlights the rich marine biodiversity of India's southwest coast.

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian government has allocated an additional 2 million tonnes of surplus broken rice from FCI stocks for its ethanol blending programme, while simultaneously issuing a detailed rebuttal to widespread misinformation regarding the E20 fuel, addressing concerns from water consumption to engine damage and environmental impact.

Syrian Woman Seeking Medical Aid For Husband Questioned By Meerut Police

Syrian Woman Seeking Medical Aid For Husband Questioned By Meerut Police

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A Syrian woman seeking financial assistance for her husband's medical treatment in Meerut was questioned by local police after being seen asking for donations. Her documents, including a valid medical visa, were verified, and she was subsequently reunited with her husband in Delhi.

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Mission Embrace aims to perform the world's first in-orbit demonstration of soft robotic capture for future active debris removal missions

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.

Queen Maxima Praises India's Digital Infrastructure For Financial Health

Queen Maxima Praises India's Digital Infrastructure For Financial Health

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health, visited Mumbai to understand India's digital public infrastructure, including UPI and AI, in improving financial health for salaried individuals. She interacted with healthcare professionals and SalarySe leaders, praising India's advancements in financial inclusion and technology's role in empowering individuals.

NFRA Probes Rajesh Exports Over Rs 15.5 Lakh Crore Revenue Discrepancies

NFRA Probes Rajesh Exports Over Rs 15.5 Lakh Crore Revenue Discrepancies

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has initiated a probe into Rajesh Exports following capital markets regulator Sebi's findings of Rs 15.5 lakh crore in revenue misstatements. NFRA chairperson Nitin Gupta also emphasised the critical need for genuine board independence in promoter-driven companies and human oversight in financial reporting, especially with the increasing integration of AI.

NFRA Probes Rajesh Exports Over Rs 15.5 Lakh Crore Revenue Discrepancies

NFRA Probes Rajesh Exports Over Rs 15.5 Lakh Crore Revenue Discrepancies

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has initiated a probe into Rajesh Exports following capital markets regulator Sebi's findings of Rs 15.5 lakh crore in revenue misstatements. NFRA chairperson Nitin Gupta also emphasised the critical need for genuine board independence in promoter-driven companies and human oversight in financial reporting, especially with the increasing integration of AI.

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is sending reminders for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination admit cards while cautioning candidates against fraudulent messages and fake communications, urging them to use only official channels for information.

Hyderabad Police Apprehend Seven Bangladeshi Nationals For Illegal Residency

Hyderabad Police Apprehend Seven Bangladeshi Nationals For Illegal Residency

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Hyderabad police apprehended seven Bangladeshi nationals, including four women, for illegally residing in India without valid documents. The individuals, some living in India for years, were found in a rented house in Jeedimetla and were working petty jobs. Their deportation process has been initiated.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

IISc Study Reveals Ultrasound Can Selectively Attack Oral Cancer

IISc Study Reveals Ultrasound Can Selectively Attack Oral Cancer

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have discovered that oral cancer cells are vulnerable to low-frequency ultrasound, a technique that can selectively destroy them while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This vulnerability is linked to reduced levels of the mechanosensory protein Tropomyosin 2.1. The study suggests ultrasound mechanostimulation could offer a safer, more targeted treatment for oral and other accessible cancers.

Asus ProArt PZ14: Unveiling The Snapdragon X2 Elite-Powered 2-in-1 Laptop

Asus ProArt PZ14: Unveiling The Snapdragon X2 Elite-Powered 2-in-1 Laptop

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Asus ProArt PZ14, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite processor and featuring a 3K OLED touchscreen, is now available for pre-order in India, offering a versatile 2-in-1 design and exclusive benefits.

RBI Proposes AI Risk Management Framework

RBI Proposes AI Risk Management Framework

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Recognising the growing use of AI/ML models by regulated entities across business and decision-making processes, the RBI said weaknesses in governance, oversight, risk management, and controls could expose institutions to financial, operational, compliance, and reputational risks.

Mumbai Police Nab Nigerian National With Cocaine Worth Rs 2 Crore

Mumbai Police Nab Nigerian National With Cocaine Worth Rs 2 Crore

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A 46-year-old Nigerian national, Eze Samuel Nweze, has been arrested in Mumbai by the Anti-Narcotics Cell with 203 grams of cocaine valued at Rs 2.03 crore. Nweze, who was reportedly living illegally in Nalasopara without a valid visa, was apprehended in Worli after attempting to flee and confessed to supplying drugs.

5 diamonds weighing 1.22 carats found during exploration in Chhattisgarh

5 diamonds weighing 1.22 carats found during exploration in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Five diamonds, including two of gem quality, have been discovered during scientific exploration in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district. This significant find in the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block could establish a new diamond-bearing region, promising future investments, revenue generation, and employment opportunities for the state and strengthening India's domestic diamond resources.

Sebi Cuts Paperwork for Investor Heirs

Sebi Cuts Paperwork for Investor Heirs

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

These new provisions are expected to help heirs access securities faster.

25 Year Old Building India's Spaceplane

25 Year Old Building India's Spaceplane

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

'ISRO is planning to build a Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2030. So, our goal is to create a vehicle that can supply modules to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and bring the products back.'

Swiss, Myanmar Nationals Held For Illegal Entry Into India

Swiss, Myanmar Nationals Held For Illegal Entry Into India

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Police in Bihar's East Champaran district have arrested a Swiss woman and a Myanmarese boy for illegally entering India from Nepal without valid travel documents. Legal action is underway, though their identities remain undisclosed.

15 Documents Insufficient To Prove Citizenship Claim

15 Documents Insufficient To Prove Citizenship Claim

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Gauhati high court observed that merely producing a number of documents does not automatically establish citizenship unless they are legally admissible and capable of proving the person's linkage to Indian ancestors.

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the status of rebel factions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the Monsoon session of Parliament begins on July 20, following demands for their disqualification by their parent parties.