News for '2025'

Meerut Court Convicts Couple In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Meerut Court Convicts Couple In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Meerut district court has found Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla guilty of the murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput in the infamous 'Blue Drum' case. The verdict concludes a 13-month trial, with sentencing scheduled in 15 days. The prosecution successfully presented evidence detailing how the couple killed Rajput and concealed his dismembered body in a cement-filled drum.

Muskan Rastogi And Sahil Shukla Found Guilty Of Saurabh Rajput's Murder

Muskan Rastogi And Sahil Shukla Found Guilty Of Saurabh Rajput's Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Meerut district court has convicted Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla for the murder of Muskan's husband, merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, in the sensational "Blue Drum" case. The court found them guilty of murder and body concealment, with sentencing to be announced in 15 days.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy CM Removes OSD Amidst Rs 1 Crore Bribery Scandal

Madhya Pradesh Deputy CM Removes OSD Amidst Rs 1 Crore Bribery Scandal

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda removed his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Deepam Raichura, following allegations of accepting a Rs 1 crore bribe related to liquor contracts in Bhopal. The allegations were made by Mohit Gogiya, an accused in a large fraud case, who claimed Raichura facilitated liquor contracts and helped secure a fake bank guarantee. Devda has ordered a probe into the matter.

Uttar Pradesh Boosts Anti-Narcotics Drive, Seizes Rs 78.5 Crore In Assets

Uttar Pradesh Boosts Anti-Narcotics Drive, Seizes Rs 78.5 Crore In Assets

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Uttar Pradesh has significantly ramped up its efforts against narcotics trafficking, confiscating properties worth approximately Rs 78.5 crore in 69 cases this year. This marks a more than fourfold increase from the previous year, with authorities also initiating detention proceedings under the PIT-NDPS Act to dismantle drug networks and target assets acquired through illegal trade.

NIA foils Bangladeshi terror group plot; nabs 13 from Assam, Bengal, Kerala

NIA foils Bangladeshi terror group plot; nabs 13 from Assam, Bengal, Kerala

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested 13 individuals across Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala for their alleged involvement in a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the proscribed Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The group aimed to radicalise youth and expand its extremist network in eastern and northeastern India through online modules, clandestine meetings, and propaganda.

Power Bank Fires On Flights: Dos And Don'ts

Power Bank Fires On Flights: Dos And Don'ts

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Follow these guidelines to reduce the potential of a power bank fire on a flight.

Delhi Court Rules Against Bail For MCOCA Accused

Delhi Court Rules Against Bail For MCOCA Accused

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

A Delhi court rejected the bail plea of Hariom, accused under the stringent MCOCA, stating that prolonged incarceration alone is not sufficient grounds for bail under special laws. The court emphasised balancing individual liberty with societal protection and legislative objectives.

Maini Stays With Alpine F1 Despite No Race Seat

Maini Stays With Alpine F1 Despite No Race Seat

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Indian driver Kush Maini has extended his association with the Alpine Formula 1 team until 2027, despite not securing a race seat for the upcoming seasons. Maini, currently in his final Formula 2 season, will continue in a yet-to-be-defined role, likely involving simulator work, as Alpine values his contributions. He remains optimistic about his Formula 1 aspirations.

Australia return to SA 8 years after sandpaper scandal

Australia return to SA 8 years after sandpaper scandal

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Australia and South Africa are set to begin a three-match Test series in Durban, with both teams looking for a boost after recent setbacks. The pitch at Kingsmead is expected to favour spinners, a departure from South Africa's usual seamer-friendly conditions, potentially influencing team selections.

How Much Did FPIs Sell In September?

How Much Did FPIs Sell In September?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

They had bought Rs 29,631 crore worth of shares in August.

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

India is deeply concerned by the growing consolidation of Pakistan-backed jihadi and radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly in the strategically vital Chittagong Hill Tracts, which experts warn is transforming the country into a new safe haven for these networks and posing a direct threat to India's security.

Numbers that define an era: Harmanpreet Kaur's historic India captaincy legacy

Numbers that define an era: Harmanpreet Kaur's historic India captaincy legacy

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur ended her India captaincy after a historic nine-year tenure, highlighted by the 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, two Asian Games gold medals and record 155 T20I appearances.

Top Lashkar terrorist Mohammed Asif killed, was part of Musharraf's team

Top Lashkar terrorist Mohammed Asif killed, was part of Musharraf's team

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Mohammed Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist and a retired havildar from the Pakistan Army's elite Special Services Group (SSG) who once served in former president Pervez Musharraf's security convoy, was killed in a gunfight in central Kashmir's Budgam district.

India's Office Leasing Market Shows Resilience Amidst Supply Constraints

India's Office Leasing Market Shows Resilience Amidst Supply Constraints

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Net office space leasing in India's top eight cities declined by 20 per cent in the January-September period to 36.7 million sq ft, primarily due to limited fresh supply of quality workspaces and a high base effect from the previous year, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. Despite this, gross leasing saw a 1 per cent increase, reaching a record 64.6 million sq ft, indicating strong underlying market activity.

Anup Saha appointed Kotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEO, effective 2027

Anup Saha appointed Kotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEO, effective 2027

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Anup Saha, currently a Wholetime Director at Kotak Mahindra Bank, has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2027, with the Reserve Bank of India's approval.

Hyundai Bets $15.5 Billion on India, Plans 26 Models

Hyundai Bets $15.5 Billion on India, Plans 26 Models

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

India remains one of the Hyundai Motor group's most important and strategic markets globally. The initiative positions India as a strategic core market for the group's growth, emerging market expansion, and next-generation automotive innovation.

Top Athletes Eye Records And Comebacks At National Open Athletics

Top Athletes Eye Records And Comebacks At National Open Athletics

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The 65th National Open Athletics Championships begins on Thursday in New Delhi, featuring hammer thrower Nirbhay Choudhary aiming to improve his national record and sprinter Manikanta Hoblidhar making a comeback from injury. Other prominent athletes like race walker Servin Sebastian, Olympians Paramjeet Singh Bisht and Suraj Panwar, and long-distance runner Abhishek Pal are also set to compete, alongside several Asian Games medallists.

NRI Deposits See Massive 678% Jump to $36.24 Billion in April-July FY27

NRI Deposits See Massive 678% Jump to $36.24 Billion in April-July FY27

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes witnessed a staggering 678.2 per cent increase, reaching $36.24 billion in the April-July period of FY27, primarily driven by strong FCNR(B) deposit flows and a concessional swap facility introduced by the RBI.

Blue Drum Murder: Convicts Counselled After Emotional Verdict

Blue Drum Murder: Convicts Counselled After Emotional Verdict

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla, convicted in the sensational Blue Drum murder case of Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput, are undergoing counselling in jail after becoming emotional and refusing food post-verdict. Their sentencing is scheduled for October 14, and the case continues to impact properties in Meerut.

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Following a successful campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, India women's boxing head coach Santiago Nieva is prioritising securing as many Olympic quotas as possible at the earliest for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, starting with the World Championships 2027 in Kazakhstan.

How Marquee Players Will Ignite Tennis Premier League Competition

How Marquee Players Will Ignite Tennis Premier League Competition

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Former world No. 1 Rohan Bopanna and Australian Open winner Rinky Hijikata have been announced as marquee players for the upcoming Tennis Premier League (TPL). The league, featuring a mix of international and Indian talent, will hold its player auction on October 12, with matches scheduled from December 8-13. Other notable international players include Roman Burruchaga, Terence Atmane, Dalibor Svrcina, Dino Prizmic, Adam Walton, and Alexandre Muller.

India's academic freedom severely restricted, claims report

India's academic freedom severely restricted, claims report

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, highlighting the alleged use of the UGC as a vehicle for state influence.

How To Protect Inherited Jewellery From Tax Disputes

How To Protect Inherited Jewellery From Tax Disputes

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The assessee must explain the nature and source of jewellery and support the explanation with evidence, tax experts say.

US moves to strip citizenship of 40, including Indian-origin man

US moves to strip citizenship of 40, including Indian-origin man

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The US Department of Justice has initiated its largest denaturalisation effort in modern history, targeting 40 individuals for various serious offences, including fraud and espionage. Among those facing citizenship revocation is Balwinder Singh of California, accused of using a fraudulent identity, and Jinchao Wei, a former US Navy sailor convicted of espionage for China.

Hurkacz ends Djokovic's Shanghai reign; Zverev eyes World No. 1

Hurkacz ends Djokovic's Shanghai reign; Zverev eyes World No. 1

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Hubert Hurkacz secured his first-ever victory over Novak Djokovic, eliminating the four-time champion from the Shanghai Masters with a dominant 6-4, 6-3 win. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev advanced, continuing his pursuit of the year-end world number one ranking.

'Monetary Policy Can Bring Inflation To The Target'

'Monetary Policy Can Bring Inflation To The Target'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'In fact, when monetary policy has been deployed, it does not distinguish between types of shocks. It goes straight for the kill.'

India's services sector growth hits 3-month high in September on strong domestic demand

India's services sector growth hits 3-month high in September on strong domestic demand

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

India's services sector experienced its strongest growth in three months in September, with the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rising to 55.2, driven by a sharp increase in new orders and strengthening domestic demand.

Tata Trusts Propose Merger to Keep Tata Sons Unlisted, Shed NBFC Tag

Tata Trusts Propose Merger to Keep Tata Sons Unlisted, Shed NBFC Tag

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Tata Trusts, the majority shareholders of Tata Sons, have proposed merging two operating companies, Tata Electronics Systems Solutions Pvt Ltd (TESS) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), with Tata Sons. This restructuring aims to shed Tata Sons' classification as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and a core investment company (CIC), thereby allowing it to retain its status as an unlisted private company and resolve ongoing disputes regarding its future ownership.

Top Tennis Talent To Compete At Fenesta Open Nationals

Top Tennis Talent To Compete At Fenesta Open Nationals

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The 31st Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship will feature two-time champion Vaidehee Chaudhari and defending men's champion Manish Sureshkumar leading a highly competitive field. The tournament, held from October 5 to 17, will include top national players across men's, women's, boys', and girls' categories.

Doping Scandal: Indian Tennis Star Parikshit Somani Receives Four-Year Ban

Doping Scandal: Indian Tennis Star Parikshit Somani Receives Four-Year Ban

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Indian tennis player Parikshit Somani has been handed a four-year ban by an independent tribunal after testing positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the suspension, which will last until September 2029. Somani's explanation of food contamination was deemed "scientifically implausible" by the tribunal, leading to the full ban without mitigating circumstances.

TN hospitals halt medicine covers after Hindi printing sparks row

TN hospitals halt medicine covers after Hindi printing sparks row

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the distribution of trilingual medicine covers in government hospitals, with the DMK alleging a covert implementation of a three-language policy, while the ruling TVK accuses the opposition of political opportunism.

'Why can't NHAI track parked vehicles electronically on highways?' SC asks

'Why can't NHAI track parked vehicles electronically on highways?' SC asks

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has questioned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on the lack of electronic surveillance to track stationary vehicles on highways, citing a recent fatal accident. The court is hearing a suo motu case related to road safety and has previously issued directions against unauthorised parking and commercial structures on highways.

Zidane's unbeaten France start fuels optimism despite lingering questions in attack

Zidane's unbeaten France start fuels optimism despite lingering questions in attack

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Zinedine Zidane began his France reign unbeaten across four Nations League matches, combining encouraging results with squad experimentation while admitting his team must improve its attacking penetration and cutting edge.

Bhadohi Court Sentences Man For Child Rape

Bhadohi Court Sentences Man For Child Rape

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

A court in Bhadohi has sentenced Rajkamal alias Kariya to 20 years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 1.10 lakh for the abduction and rape of a nine-year-old Dalit girl. The incident occurred on July 11, 2025, and the fine amount is directed towards the victim's medical treatment.

My Twin Won Gold, Silver, Bronze And Broke A Record

My Twin Won Gold, Silver, Bronze And Broke A Record

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Vithya Ramraj won three medals at the Asian Games and broke P T Usha's 42-year-old record. Her twin Nithya, an international athlete herself, ruled out of the Games by an injury, looks back at their journey from a rented home to a podium finish.

SME IPOs struggle with negative returns as mainboard issues thrive

SME IPOs struggle with negative returns as mainboard issues thrive

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Small and medium enterprise (SME) initial public offerings (IPOs) in India are significantly underperforming mainboard listings, with 81 out of 161 SME IPOs trading below their issue price this year, and a median return of -0.2 per cent compared to a 24 per cent gain for mainboard issues.

Delhi riots: Tahir Hussain gets second conviction; sentence on Nov 16

Delhi riots: Tahir Hussain gets second conviction; sentence on Nov 16

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A Delhi court has convicted former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain for abetment to rioting in a case related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots in the Dayalpur area. While Hussain was convicted, 12 other co-accused were acquitted of all charges. Sentencing for Hussain is scheduled for November 16.

Super El Nino Could Cause Thousands Of Heat-Related Deaths In India

Super El Nino Could Cause Thousands Of Heat-Related Deaths In India

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

A report by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute projects approximately 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India over the next six months due to the 'super El Nino' phenomenon. Globally, nearly 451,000 additional deaths are anticipated. Experts in India emphasize the need for swift action, including implementing Heat Action Plans and focusing on vulnerable populations, while also urging caution regarding model-based projections.

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Notorious gangster Mainpal Dhilla, currently jailed, was granted 12-hour custody parole to marry his Cambodian partner, Meta Chan, in Jhajjar. Dhilla had met Chan in Cambodia after fleeing India in 2018 using a fake identity, where they had children. He was extradited last year after an international operation involving CBI and Interpol.

Gujarat CID-Crime Registers FIRs Against Three Political Outfits In Rs 314 Crore Poll Donation Scam

Gujarat CID-Crime Registers FIRs Against Three Political Outfits In Rs 314 Crore Poll Donation Scam

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Gujarat CID-Crime has registered FIRs against three political outfits Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party, Satyavadi Rakshak Party, and Garib Kalyan Party for allegedly orchestrating a 'poll donation scam' amounting to Rs 314 crore in tax evasion. These parties reportedly collected donations, returned money after deducting commissions, and facilitated tax rebates for donors, with chartered accountants also implicated. The scam involved submitting false contribution reports to the Election Commission.