News for 'ACT'

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced a drive against auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers lacking a 'working knowledge' of Marathi, with penalties ranging from licence suspension to cancellation, sparking fears among non-Marathi speaking drivers.

SIT Formed In Shiv Sena Leader Pradeep Purnekar Murder Case

SIT Formed In Shiv Sena Leader Pradeep Purnekar Murder Case

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Thane police have established a 23-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar, who was shot and stabbed. One person has been arrested, and the victim's son has accused former mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, who deny the allegations.

What Went Wrong Between Chandra and Noel Tata?

What Went Wrong Between Chandra and Noel Tata?

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Even as lawyers on both sides study the pros and cons of a court battle, there are unanswered questions: When did Tata Trusts review its resolution of 2025 on backing Chandrasekaran for a third term?How will the shareholders of Tata Sons respond on listing and the leadership issue?

Esha Deol Has A New Name Now

Esha Deol Has A New Name Now

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Esha Deol shares the deeply personal reason behind adopting her legendary father's name.

India faces power crunch as coal stocks at thermal plants hit critical levels

India faces power crunch as coal stocks at thermal plants hit critical levels

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Coal inventories at nearly half of India's thermal power plants have fallen to less than 25 per cent of required stocks, with 80 out of 190 plants at critical levels as of September 24, prompting the Centre to invoke emergency provisions and consider mandating imported coal usage.

Indian-Origin Jurist Navi Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Indian-Origin Jurist Navi Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

South African jurist Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, of Indian origin, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her lifelong dedication to advancing human rights, peace, and international law, including her significant contributions to shaping international law on genocide and sexual violence.

ACB Nabs GHMC Town Planning Supervisor For Rs 4 Lakh Bribe

ACB Nabs GHMC Town Planning Supervisor For Rs 4 Lakh Bribe

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A Town Planning Supervisor with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while allegedly accepting a Rs four lakh bribe. The officer had demanded Rs eight lakh to overlook building construction orders and avoid harassing a complainant. Unaccounted cash of Rs 2.5 lakh was also seized from her.

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores, citing law-and-order concerns due to its ability to bypass communication restrictions. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the takedown demand under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000. The government also addressed the issue of banning minors from social media, indicating a search for a better solution than outright bans.

ACB Nabs Inspector, Guard For Taking Bribe In Navi Mumbai

ACB Nabs Inspector, Guard For Taking Bribe In Navi Mumbai

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Navi Mumbai has arrested an inspector and a security guard from the Grocery Markets and Shops Board for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 43,000 to issue a Mathadi worker registration receipt. The arrest followed a complaint from an autorickshaw driver seeking a worker appointment.

Administrative Error Alleged In Bail For Tribal Land Accused

Administrative Error Alleged In Bail For Tribal Land Accused

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Surguja district administration has challenged a subordinate court's order granting bail to an accused in a case involving the alleged illegal transfer of tribal land. Collector Ajeet Vasant wrote to the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Ambikapur, alleging that the bail was granted without hearing the prosecution and that the case falls under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, requiring a Special Court. The accused, Azad Iraqi, is implicated in fabricating documents to mutate tribal land into his name.

Kolkata Police Arrest Youth In POCSO Case After Minor Delivers Child

Kolkata Police Arrest Youth In POCSO Case After Minor Delivers Child

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

A youth has been arrested in Kolkata under the POCSO Act after a minor girl gave birth to a child. Hospital authorities alerted police when they discovered the mother's age during admission. The girl alleged repeated sexual relations with the 19-year-old accused, leading to her pregnancy. Police are investigating the circumstances, including potential marriage and involvement of others, following a recent government warning on strict action in such cases.

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for another six months in specified areas of Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, effective from October 1. This decision follows a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states, maintaining the "disturbed area" declaration in various districts and police station jurisdictions.

Airtel Business CEO Discusses AI Regulation And Productivity Gains

Airtel Business CEO Discusses AI Regulation And Productivity Gains

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Airtel Business CEO Sharat Sinha stated that evolving architecture and methodologies for safely deploying Artificial Intelligence, coupled with adequate guardrails, are essential to unlock productivity gains. He welcomed the government's upcoming consultation paper on AI regulation, focusing on safety, deepfakes, and a human-first approach. Sinha also highlighted AI's role in driving demand for digital infrastructure and Airtel's growth in cybersecurity and fraud prevention.

Why Anthropic's Claude AI Is Now Processing Data Within India

Why Anthropic's Claude AI Is Now Processing Data Within India

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Artificial intelligence major Anthropic has launched AI inference capabilities in India through Amazon Bedrock, allowing its Claude AI models to process data within the country's jurisdiction. This strategic move addresses the growing demand from Indian entities, particularly in regulated sectors, for compliance with local data processing norms as per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The initiative strengthens Anthropic's commitment to the Indian market, enabling secure and compliant AI deployment for sensitive workloads and fostering trust among major enterprises like Reliance, CRED, and NPCI.

ED Uncovers Transnational Drug Syndicate's Money Laundering Network

ED Uncovers Transnational Drug Syndicate's Money Laundering Network

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Pravin Shinde and Brijesh Moradiya in a money laundering investigation connected to international drug trafficker Salim Ismail Dola's syndicate. The probe revealed a highly organised network involved in manufacturing and trafficking mephedrone, using hawala channels to layer proceeds of crime and acquire assets.

VisionQuest Review: Artificial Emotions

VisionQuest Review: Artificial Emotions

Rediff.com5 days ago

Paul Bettany and James Spader bring plenty of personality to VisionQuest, but the Marvel's latest series struggles to find the emotional soul its story needs.

Curative plea filed over SC's split verdict on CEC selection

Curative plea filed over SC's split verdict on CEC selection

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A curative petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the September 23 split verdict on the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The petition, filed by Jaya Thakur, alleges a "reasonable apprehension of bias" due to claims that Justice Satish Chandra Sharma's son is a standing counsel for the Election Commission, raising questions about judicial propriety.

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Sadhna Group, in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in IBC processes. He is accused of engineering insolvency to settle significant Income Tax dues for a fraction of the amount, receiving cash via crypto/hawala, and share manipulation. The alleged proceeds of crime total Rs 168 crore, and Gupta has been remanded to five days of ED custody.

SC orders swift action over allegations against Lakhimpur Kheri case judge

SC orders swift action over allegations against Lakhimpur Kheri case judge

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Allahabad High Court chief justice to promptly address allegations against the presiding officer of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, who is accused of transferring cases to himself and acquitting defendants. The apex court also urged the Uttar Pradesh government to appoint a new public prosecutor for the high-profile trial.

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is hailed as a 'real hero' by a senior Israeli official for his bravery during a mid-air 'terror act' on a Flydubai flight, preventing a 'bigger tragedy' after being attacked by his co-pilot with a knife.

'US voting corrupt': Trump confuses Brazil elections with India

'US voting corrupt': Trump confuses Brazil elections with India

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The reference to India's 'Presidential election' appears to be a mix-up with Brazil, which held its first round of presidential elections on Sunday with 125.27 million valid votes.

Court Rejects Ex-BJP MLA Narendra Pawar's Anticipatory Bail In Gangrape Case

Court Rejects Ex-BJP MLA Narendra Pawar's Anticipatory Bail In Gangrape Case

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

A court in Bhiwandi, Thane, rejected the anticipatory bail application of former BJP MLA Narendra Pawar in a gangrape case. The court deemed the allegations grave and a prima facie case, necessitating custodial interrogation. Pawar and another accused, Shailesh Patil, are accused of gangraping a woman at a farmhouse after luring her there.

The Many Shades Of Nana Patekar

The Many Shades Of Nana Patekar

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

From angry young men and ruthless gangsters to comic dons and broken patriarchs, Nana Patekar made almost every shade of a character his own.

'When Love Becomes Obsession, It's Dangerous'

'When Love Becomes Obsession, It's Dangerous'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Men think that if she doesn't like me, I am entitled to make her like me. What men need to realise is that it's nothing but her choice.'

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to review progress in bilateral ties, covering trade, defence, and energy, against the backdrop of heightened trade friction due to the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026'.

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Rediff.com5 days ago

Modi's greater weakness is his inability since July when he directed the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan, to come up with a political counter strategy. Security measures and executive orders as seen in recent days will only likely further weaken him and make him as lame duck a premier as many prior to him, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh included, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Major Drug Bust At Bengaluru Airport: Rs 6.33 Crore Hydroponic Ganja Seized

Major Drug Bust At Bengaluru Airport: Rs 6.33 Crore Hydroponic Ganja Seized

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Bengaluru Customs officials arrested two passengers from Bangkok at Kempegowda International Airport for smuggling hydroponic ganja worth Rs 6.33 crore. This incident is part of a series of recent seizures, including more ganja and gold, highlighting ongoing efforts against contraband.

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

Rediff.com4 days ago

When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Chhattisgarh blacklists Oriental Insurance for 3 yrs over chopper claim

Chhattisgarh blacklists Oriental Insurance for 3 yrs over chopper claim

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has blacklisted Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) for three years on Wednesday. This action follows OICL's rejection of an insurance claim for a government helicopter that crashed in May 2022, killing two pilots. The claim was rejected in August this year after being pending for more than four years, leading the state to pursue administrative and legal remedies.

EAGLE Force Intercepts Ganja Transporter Near Rajahmundry

EAGLE Force Intercepts Ganja Transporter Near Rajahmundry

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Telangana's anti-narcotics unit, EAGLE Force, apprehended a 27-year-old man near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, seizing 35 kg of ganja worth Rs 15.5 lakh. The accused was allegedly transporting the contraband from Odisha to Ongole, highlighting inter-state drug trafficking networks. Authorities are investigating to identify the source and recipients.

Private email provider can't be sued for service, rules HC

Private email provider can't be sued for service, rules HC

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Delhi High Court has ruled that a private company's provision of email services does not, by itself, make it amenable to writ jurisdiction, even if the account is crucial for a user's business. This decision came as the court dismissed a petition by a media company seeking restoration of access to its Gmail account.

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for the security clampdown in central Delhi against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, calling it "worse than Emergency" and alleging dictatorship. He also accused Prime Minister Modi of being scared and protecting "vote chori" by crushing democracy, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Latur Man Arrested For Raping Minor Under Pretext Of Horoscope 'Dosh' Removal

Latur Man Arrested For Raping Minor Under Pretext Of Horoscope 'Dosh' Removal

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

A man in Latur was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 17-year-old girl. He reportedly convinced her that she had a 'dosh' (affliction) in her horoscope and committed the crime under the guise of performing corrective rituals. The accused was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, POCSO Act, and the state's Anti-Superstition Act.

Delhi HC refuses bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam

Delhi HC refuses bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) concerning the "larger conspiracy" behind the February 2020 north-east Delhi riots. The court cited a Supreme Court order and the ongoing investigation into their alleged roles as masterminds.

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Five British nationals arrested on suspicion of terror charges related to an explosives threat near RAF Fairford have been released on police bail. The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation is ongoing, with stringent conditions placed on the suspects. Iran has denied any involvement, while former US President Donald Trump claimed US intelligence assisted in the arrests.

Punjab CM Mann Alleges BJP Election Campaign Behind CBI Raids

Punjab CM Mann Alleges BJP Election Campaign Behind CBI Raids

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised the CBI raids on his OSD and others, alleging it's part of the BJP's election campaign strategy in non-BJP ruled states. The CBI registered a corruption case following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which noted prima facie evidence of corruption. Mann dismissed the allegations, stating his government is not involved in corruption and will cooperate with investigations.

No amount of whataboutery can justify disenfranchising millions: SC judge on SIR

No amount of whataboutery can justify disenfranchising millions: SC judge on SIR

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has unequivocally stated that any process disenfranchising Indian citizens is arbitrary and violates the Constitution.

Avoid sensationalising rape cases, SC cautions media

Avoid sensationalising rape cases, SC cautions media

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed media outlets, journalists, and publishing platforms to practice responsible, empathetic, and restrained journalism when reporting sexual offences. The court highlighted that sensationalist headlines and graphic descriptions cause secondary trauma to victims and their families, urging media to prioritise dignity, factual accuracy, and institutional accountability.

Why Delhi High Court Says POCSO Cases Cannot Be Settled

Why Delhi High Court Says POCSO Cases Cannot Be Settled

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has ruled that criminal cases involving sexual offences against children, particularly under the POCSO Act, cannot be settled by the survivor or their family. Justice Sachin Datta emphasised that such heinous offences have a serious societal impact and quashing proceedings based on a compromise would undermine the statute's objectives and justice.

Police Arrest Three, Including Minor, In Mananthala Sexual Assault Case

Police Arrest Three, Including Minor, In Mananthala Sexual Assault Case

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Police in Mananthala have arrested three individuals, including a minor, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of an underage girl. The incident came to light after the girl disclosed it during a counselling session, leading her parents to file a complaint. A case has been registered under the POCSO Act.