News for '2025'

Meerut Court Convicts Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Meerut Court Convicts Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla have been found guilty by a Meerut district court in the sensational "Blue Drum" murder case, involving the killing of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput. The court, citing a Supreme Court order on strict punishment for serious crimes, will announce the sentence after 15 days. The prosecution presented 22 witnesses and sought maximum punishment for the accused.

Jyothi Surekha Vennam Sets Sights On 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Success

Jyothi Surekha Vennam Sets Sights On 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Success

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

India's top compound archer, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, discusses her recent performance at the Asian Games, including a women's team gold and an early individual exit. She expresses her determination to compete in the 2028 Olympics, where the compound mixed team event will debut, and shares her strategies for maintaining focus.

Meerut blue drum murder case: Wife, lover convicted

Meerut blue drum murder case: Wife, lover convicted

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 'Blue Drum' murder case. The court will announce the punishment after 15 days, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty for the heinous crime.

Justice Served: Muskan Rastogi And Sahil Shukla Found Guilty In 'Blue Drum' Murder Case

Justice Served: Muskan Rastogi And Sahil Shukla Found Guilty In 'Blue Drum' Murder Case

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Meerut district court has convicted Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla for the murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput in the sensational 'Blue Drum' case. The court emphasised the need for strict punishment in serious crimes, with the order on sentencing to be announced in 15 days. The prosecution presented 22 witnesses, detailing the gruesome dismemberment and concealment of Rajput's body in a cement-filled blue drum.

Vir Das Gets Third Emmy Nomination For Fool Volume

Vir Das Gets Third Emmy Nomination For Fool Volume

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Vir Das has achieved his third International Emmy nomination for his Netflix special Vir Das: Fool Volume, making him the first Indian performer to receive three such nominations.

Key Nirav Modi Aide Sandeep Mistry Deported From UAE, Arrested In PNB Fraud Case

Key Nirav Modi Aide Sandeep Mistry Deported From UAE, Arrested In PNB Fraud Case

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Sandeep Mistry, a key associate of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, has been arrested by the CBI after his deportation from the UAE. Mistry is implicated in the Rs 6,498.20 crore Punjab National Bank scam, where he allegedly facilitated forged documents, coerced dummy directors, and siphoned funds. He has been remanded to judicial custody.

Zoho Launches AI-Powered Zia Chat And Industry-Specific SaaS Solutions

Zoho Launches AI-Powered Zia Chat And Industry-Specific SaaS Solutions

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Homegrown software company Zoho has launched Zia Chat, a unified AI interface designed to streamline business operations across various functions. Alongside this, Zoho announced its entry into vertical SaaS with seven industry-specific applications for sectors like retail, automotive, healthcare, and education, reinforcing its position as a 'Swadeshi' alternative to global tech giants.

Police Investigate Revenge Angle In Delhi Gym Trainer's Murder

Police Investigate Revenge Angle In Delhi Gym Trainer's Murder

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Police are investigating a revenge angle in the recent murder of a gym trainer in South Delhi's Aya Nagar. The killing is suspected to be part of an ongoing feud between two families, with alleged gang involvement and a social media claim of responsibility by a foreign-based gangster.

Alexander Zverev leads Team Europe to sixth Laver Cup crown

Alexander Zverev leads Team Europe to sixth Laver Cup crown

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Alexander Zverev secured Team Europe's sixth Laver Cup title by defeating American Learner Tien in straight sets, leading to a dominant 13-5 victory over Team World at London's O2 Arena. This marks Zverev's fourth time clinching the winning points for Europe in the prestigious team tennis tournament.

Arunachal activist booked over foreign funds for anti-dam protests

Arunachal activist booked over foreign funds for anti-dam protests

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The CBI has registered a case against Arunachal Pradesh environmental activist and lawyer Bhanu Tatak for allegedly receiving Rs 20.94 lakh in foreign funds without mandatory FCRA registration or prior permission. The agency claims these funds were used to organise and sustain protests against two hydropower projects in the state. A preliminary enquiry indicated Tatak received foreign contributions directly into her personal account and did not file income tax returns declaring these funds.

New US policy restricts visas for 'birth tourism'

New US policy restricts visas for 'birth tourism'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals who engage in or facilitate "birth tourism." This move aims to prevent the exploitation of the US immigration system, which allows foreign nationals to travel to the US to give birth, thereby securing US citizenship for their children. The restrictions apply to facilitators, visa "fixers," and medical providers involved in these networks.

India Inc's credit quality robust in H1FY27, but global risks loom

India Inc's credit quality robust in H1FY27, but global risks loom

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Indian corporate sector demonstrated strong credit quality in the first half of FY27, driven by robust balance sheets and healthy liquidity, despite facing risks from elevated crude prices, inflation, and global interest rates.

Police Uncover Decades-Long Abuse In Veeramani POCSO Case

Police Uncover Decades-Long Abuse In Veeramani POCSO Case

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

In a high-profile POCSO case, Chennai police have discovered more minor victims of sexual harassment allegedly by granite businessman R Veeramani, with investigators suspecting the abuse spans over two decades. Additional victims' statements have been recorded, and the case involves charges under POCSO, IT, and SC/ST Acts.

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively courting Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist party with strong Sinhalese nationalist roots, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations despite ideological differences. This engagement, highlighted by a recent high-profile visit by JVP leader Tilvin Silva, aims to foster cooperation on economic projects and address New Delhi's concerns over slow progress in India-aided initiatives in the island nation.

Global Interest Rate Hikes to Make FY27 Second Half Challenging: CEA Nageswaran

Global Interest Rate Hikes to Make FY27 Second Half Challenging: CEA Nageswaran

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that the second half of the current fiscal year (FY27) is expected to be challenging due to increased downside risks to global growth and rising interest rates worldwide.

SKM ends dharna after Punjab govt's assurance on key demands

SKM ends dharna after Punjab govt's assurance on key demands

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has ended its protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after receiving written assurances from the Punjab government. The government has pledged to convene a state Assembly session within a month to address issues concerning river waters, agriculture, and farmer loans, including resolutions against old water agreements and certain central bills.

Poovamma's golden revenge at Asian Games after doping ban

Poovamma's golden revenge at Asian Games after doping ban

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Indian quarter-miler MR Poovamma, 36, secured her third Asian Games 4x400m relay gold, marking a triumphant return after a two-year doping ban. She expressed immense satisfaction in proving her critics wrong and credited her family and husband for their unwavering support during her challenging comeback journey.

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.

Milne, Bracewell return as New Zealand announce squad for T20I series against India

Milne, Bracewell return as New Zealand announce squad for T20I series against India

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

New Zealand recalled Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell for their upcoming T20 series against India, while Rachin Ravindra remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained during a promotional shoot.

Form 6 row: About 2.37 crore young voters added to rolls since SIR began

Form 6 row: About 2.37 crore young voters added to rolls since SIR began

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has introduced a mandatory declaration for new voters, requiring them to provide parental details from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. This move, aimed at streamlining voter mapping, has sparked controversy, with some Election Commissioners deeming it "illegal" and "unauthorised" due to potential negative impacts on young voters.

17-YO Kumkum eyes Olympics after Asian Games gold

17-YO Kumkum eyes Olympics after Asian Games gold

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old archer from Amravati, has achieved significant success at the Asian Games, securing a gold and a silver medal. Her father and coach highlight her journey from a bamboo bow to international competitions, overcoming financial challenges, and her ultimate dream of representing India at the Olympics. Her performance, particularly against South Korea, has brought pride to her family, hometown, and the nation.

Were These Biopics Done Right?

Were These Biopics Done Right?

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

From Azhar and Sanju to Thackeray and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Bollywood has often struggled to tell controversial true stories without turning their subjects into heroes.

ONGC strikes gas off Odisha coast, discovery boosts India's energy security

ONGC strikes gas off Odisha coast, discovery boosts India's energy security

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has made a significant gas discovery in the deep waters of the Mahanadi Basin off the Odisha coast, recording encouraging flow and sustained reservoir pressure, a breakthrough for India's deepwater exploration programme.

India face rain threat in Asian Games cricket opener

India face rain threat in Asian Games cricket opener

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

India's men's cricket team is set to begin its Asian Games campaign against Afghanistan, but heavy rain is forecast, potentially leading to a washout. If the match is abandoned, India would advance to the semifinals due to higher seeding. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, features a strong contingent of international players aiming for a gold medal, following the women's team's recent victory.

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 19.90 lakh debited from a widow's fixed deposit to recover her deceased husband's personal loan. The court deemed the bank's action an "abominable" breach of banking practice and also directed SBI to pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation to the woman.

SC intervenes in Mumbai Film City tree felling for creative tech institute

SC intervenes in Mumbai Film City tree felling for creative tech institute

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Maharashtra government and other parties regarding a plea to fell and transplant trees for a proposed National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality in Mumbai's Film City. The project, deemed of "eminent national importance," requires the felling of 124 trees and transplanting 333, with compensatory afforestation planned. The court's intervention follows a previous order restricting tree felling in the Aarey colony.

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

After a significant 9.9% depreciation in FY26, the Indian rupee has shown comparative stability in the first half of FY27, depreciating by only 1.1%, attributed to regulatory interventions and measures to attract foreign capital, despite ongoing global pressures from rising crude oil prices and foreign investor outflows.

'Full respect for India': Ancelotti's message before clash

'Full respect for India': Ancelotti's message before clash

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed respect for the Indian team ahead of their match in Kolkata, viewing it as an opportunity for his squad rather than a test. He discussed the challenges of managing a national team, the importance of commitment and joy in football, and the ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including significant squad changes and the blend of youth and experience. Ancelotti also reflected on Brazil's recent World Cup disappointment and the evolving nature of football.

Dhoni-Zaheer reunion at CSK: Former pacer named successor to Stephen Fleming

Dhoni-Zaheer reunion at CSK: Former pacer named successor to Stephen Fleming

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have announced former India pace bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the IPL 2027 season, replacing long-serving Stephen Fleming.

Passenger Vehicle Dispatches Surge 36.5% in August, Driven by Strong Demand

Passenger Vehicle Dispatches Surge 36.5% in August, Driven by Strong Demand

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches in India surged by 36.5 per cent year-on-year to 4,39,309 units in August, marking the highest ever sales for the month, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Lamine Yamal: 'I deserve Ballon d'Or this year'

Lamine Yamal: 'I deserve Ballon d'Or this year'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal believes his World Cup success with Spain and LaLiga title with Barcelona should give him the advantage over Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe in the race for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

BRICS declaration condemns Pahalgam terror attack

BRICS declaration condemns Pahalgam terror attack

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration condemned the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for zero tolerance towards state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The declaration also addressed global terror, illegal financial flows, cyber fraud, and emphasised accountability for those involved in terror activities.

Tax Defaulters Won't Be Arrested

Tax Defaulters Won't Be Arrested

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

'Tax recovery will continue through attachment and sale of assets and other recovery mechanisms, but personal arrest will no longer form part of the prescribed recovery process.'

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's annual defence production has reached an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, marking a significant 15.6 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year. This achievement reflects a 110 per cent increase since 2020-21 and highlights the country's expanding defence industrial base, driven by policy support and increased private sector participation.

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.

Kolkata Gears Up For Historic India Vs Brazil Football Clash

Kolkata Gears Up For Historic India Vs Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Five-time world champions Brazil are set to play India in an invitational friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, marking their first-ever international meeting. The match, while a spectacle for Indian fans, has drawn criticism regarding its cost and impact on Indian football development, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioning its value over long-term investment. For Brazil, it's part of a rebuilding process, while India aims to gain invaluable experience against a top-tier team.

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'

AITA Sets November 27 For Fresh Elections After Legal Battle

AITA Sets November 27 For Fresh Elections After Legal Battle

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced fresh elections for November 27, concluding a prolonged legal dispute over its governance. This decision follows an interim administrative arrangement and constitutional amendments in line with new sports governance legislation. Rajeev Sharma has been appointed Election Commissioner, and a task force will address AITA Trust issues.

J-K government removes 4700 books from colleges for objectionable content

J-K government removes 4700 books from colleges for objectionable content

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government has removed over 4,700 books, including banned publications, from colleges across the Union Territory after a comprehensive review of nearly 2.2 million publications. This action follows a controversy over objectionable content and aims to uphold constitutional values and national integrity in higher education institutions.

SKY Prays To Lalbaugcha Raja

SKY Prays To Lalbaugcha Raja

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Suryakumar Yadav worships at Mumbai's iconic Lalbaugcha Raja.