News for 'ACT'

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Meta-owned WhatsApp has submitted its reply to the government's notice on the "username" feature and the response is being examined, sources said on Thursday.

Yasin Malik named main accused in 1990 nurse Sarla Bhat's murder

Yasin Malik named main accused in 1990 nurse Sarla Bhat's murder

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a comprehensive chargesheet against banned JKLF chief Yasin Malik and four accomplices for the 1990 kidnapping and brutal killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat, marking a "historic milestone" in addressing legacy terror crimes.

Govt warns Meta over WhatsApp username feature, slaps notice

Govt warns Meta over WhatsApp username feature, slaps notice

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta regarding WhatsApp's upcoming username feature, warning the platform not to roll it out until concerns about potential fraud, impersonation, and public safety are addressed to the government's satisfaction.

Are You A Freelancer? Here's An ITR Guide

Are You A Freelancer? Here's An ITR Guide

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Tax treatment depends on the activity and manner of earning income.

Pix: Aamir Khan, Gauri Spratt Wed

Pix: Aamir Khan, Gauri Spratt Wed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan has officially tied the knot with Gauri Spratt in a private registered marriage ceremony, with exclusive inside pictures revealing the couple's first moments as husband and wife.

7 girls collapse after sit-up punishment at Bihar school over homework

7 girls collapse after sit-up punishment at Bihar school over homework

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Seven schoolgirls in Bihar's Khagaria district fainted after being subjected to physical punishment by a teacher for not completing homework. The incident at Eknia Middle School led to outrage among parents and villagers, prompting officials to launch an investigation and warn other schools.

HC seeks Centre's stand on Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction

HC seeks Centre's stand on Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre's response regarding pleas from Delhi Gymkhana Club members and staff challenging a show-cause notice for eviction. The court has asked the Solicitor General to ensure the Estate Officer's hearing is adjourned until after the next court date, indicating judicial oversight in the ongoing dispute over the club's 27.3-acre premises.

Iran retaliates, strikes US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Iran retaliates, strikes US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched missile and drone strikes on four US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. This action is in retaliation for recent American strikes against targets in Iran, which the IRGC condemned as a "violation of commitments" and an "anti-civilian act." The IRGC has warned of an expanded "crushing response" if US aggression continues.

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has given the Odisha government one month to decide on the remission plea of Ravindra Pal, alias Dara Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murders of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons.

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The article delves into the growing friction between Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and the selection committee head Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir. It highlights a lack of mutual trust and differing visions for the team's future, particularly concerning Rohit's role and the integration of new talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The piece draws parallels to past cricketing controversies and suggests a potential end to Rohit's captaincy.

J-K police register FIR over books glorifying separatists, raid publisher

J-K police register FIR over books glorifying separatists, raid publisher

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's Counter Intelligence wing has registered an FIR and conducted raids in connection with two controversial books allegedly glorifying separatists. The action follows objections from political groups and the suspension of education department officials.

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday (local time) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice," stating that the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its "interference" in the West Asia region, Press TV reported.

HC orders restoration of CJP's X handle; account back online in India

HC orders restoration of CJP's X handle; account back online in India

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Delhi high court ordered the restoration of the Cockroach Janta Party's X handle on Tuesday after the Centre informed it that the account was withheld to prevent "chaos" ahead of the NEET re-test and that there would be no difficulty revoking it now.

'Taken court for a ride': SC raps Samay Raina, 4 others; imposes Rs 3 lakh fine

'Taken court for a ride': SC raps Samay Raina, 4 others; imposes Rs 3 lakh fine

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for failing to comply with its previous order regarding disability awareness. The court expressed dismay over Raina's non-compliance and his alleged insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities, urging the Centre to consider a stringent law against such derogatory comments.

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Satluj is a chilling reminder of what happens when a state is allowed to become judge, jury and executioner, asserts Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Fadnavis halts Maha RTI Rules after Anna Hazare's hunger strike warning

Fadnavis halts Maha RTI Rules after Anna Hazare's hunger strike warning

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an immediate stay on the controversial Maharashtra Right to Information (RTI) rules following a backlash from transparency advocates and a hunger strike threat by veteran anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

Watch: Aamir Khan Kisses Bride Gauri Spratt

Watch: Aamir Khan Kisses Bride Gauri Spratt

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt tied the knot in a registered marriage ceremony in Mumbai.

Anbe Diana Review: Breezy Romcom That Plays Safe

Anbe Diana Review: Breezy Romcom That Plays Safe

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Despite a wobbly screenplay and an overstretched runtime, Anbe Diana charms with its light-hearted approach and Ramya Ranganathan's performance.

US senators name India in sweeping Russia sanctions bill

US senators name India in sweeping Russia sanctions bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a comprehensive bill imposing extensive sanctions on Russia, with India identified as one of five countries that could incur tariffs for its continued purchase of Russian oil.

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Indian government has sought explanations from WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal regarding their username features, citing serious concerns about potential impersonation and cybercrime. IT Secretary S Krishnan highlighted the risks, leading to notices being served to these platforms, with WhatsApp specifically asked to pause its rollout of the feature.

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 42-year-old man, identified as Lobga Rangzen, died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The act was an apparent protest, with a Tibetan flag and a 'CHINA OUT OF TIBET' slogan found at the scene, linking it to the ongoing Tibetan Independence Movement.

How EY India's New Platform Quantifies Cyber Risk In Real-Time

How EY India's New Platform Quantifies Cyber Risk In Real-Time

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

EY India has launched its Cyber Performance Management (CPM) platform, an integrated solution designed to help enterprises quantify and manage cyber risk in real-time. This platform leverages AI and cybersecurity to provide decision intelligence, enabling organisations to identify and address threats proactively and translate cyber exposure into financial insights.

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.

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.

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Earlier, people used to hand money directly to priests after a ritual, and priests would keep it in their own pockets. We completely stopped that practice.'

2020 Delhi riots: Ex-AAP leader Tahir Hussain convicted for IB officer's murder

2020 Delhi riots: Ex-AAP leader Tahir Hussain convicted for IB officer's murder

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has convicted former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain and four others for the murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. Hussain was found guilty of charges including murder, rioting, and promoting enmity, following a complaint by Sharma's father. The incident occurred amidst communal violence linked to anti-CAA protests, which resulted in 53 deaths.

Four-member temple panel to probe Badrinath Dham donation irregularities

Four-member temple panel to probe Badrinath Dham donation irregularities

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has formed a four-member panel to investigate alleged irregularities in pilgrims' offerings and donations at Badrinath Dham. The allegations, which went viral on social media, have sparked political controversy in Uttarakhand, with the Congress demanding strict action. The inquiry will examine CCTV footage and statements, with a report due in seven days.

Gujarat ATS busts Jaish terror network, nabs 8 members

Gujarat ATS busts Jaish terror network, nabs 8 members

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Gujarat's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested eight alleged members of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), including two teenagers, for attempting to establish an active terror network across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The accused face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The United States on Saturday (local time) launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

In the throes of a financial crisis, the state's ruling Congress government has little to be triumphant about as Assembly elections approach next year, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Varavu Review: Revenge Saga Stuck In Time

Varavu Review: Revenge Saga Stuck In Time

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Shaji Kailas delivers familiar mass moments, but Varavu never rises above its dated revenge formula.

HUL, Dabur cut staff as median pay rises in FY26

HUL, Dabur cut staff as median pay rises in FY26

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India's leading FMCG companies, including Hindustan Unilever and Dabur, reduced their permanent workforce in FY26, even as most firms in the sector, such as Tata Consumer Products and Marico, increased median employee remuneration, reflecting a mixed trend in staffing and compensation strategies.

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.

How tattoos on victim's body helped police crack Delhi murder mystery

How tattoos on victim's body helped police crack Delhi murder mystery

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Delhi Police successfully cracked a revenge murder case by identifying the victim through his tattoos, despite severe facial mutilation. Three accused, who had evaded arrest across multiple states for over six weeks, were apprehended. The murder was planned to avenge an earlier assault on one of the accused's brothers.

Nine Maha cops get life term in 2011 custodial death case

Nine Maha cops get life term in 2011 custodial death case

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A court in Washim, Maharashtra, has sentenced nine police personnel to life imprisonment for the 2011 custodial death of Begya Pawar. The court found them guilty of murder, wrongful confinement, and causing grievous hurt, ruling their actions were "serious and brutal" and not part of public duty. The victim died after being brutally beaten to extort a confession, and the police attempted to cover up the incident with a fabricated FIR.

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed that a separate open space be provided adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar for offering namaz on Fridays, pending the final resolution of the case. The court emphasised the sensitive nature of the matter and urged both Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience.

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata next month for an anti-fundamentalism literary event, nearly two decades after she was forced to leave the city amid violent protests over her writings. The BJP government in West Bengal is projecting this as a reversal of past capitulation to religious fundamentalism.

Pawar-Shinde meeting leaves Uddhav Sena 'disturbed, hurt'

Pawar-Shinde meeting leaves Uddhav Sena 'disturbed, hurt'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A recent meeting between veteran politician Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited a fierce internal conflict within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, with Shiv Sena-UBT expressing strong disapproval and NCP-SP defending Pawar.

Ayodhya trust treasurer 'won't quit', blames SBI employees

Ayodhya trust treasurer 'won't quit', blames SBI employees

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, acknowledged supervisory lapses at the Ayodhya Ram temple following alleged donation theft, but stated he would not resign as he does not consider himself personally at fault. He estimated the theft could be around Rs 3 crore and criticised SBI for not verifying employee credentials.