News for 'ACT'

FIR in Haldwani over 'purification' ceremony after Kharge's rally

FIR in Haldwani over 'purification' ceremony after Kharge's rally

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

An FIR has been registered in Haldwani against unknown persons following an alleged "purification ceremony" at Ramlila Maidan after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's public meeting. The complaint, filed by Congress leader Anju Arya, alleges caste discrimination and social humiliation. The Uttarakhand High Court has been assured of an investigation, and Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallu Ravi, have demanded action, with Ravi filing a separate complaint in Delhi.

ECs differed with CEC over centralised voter verification

ECs differed with CEC over centralised voter verification

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's Election Commission's centralised voter database systems, ERONET and ECINet, are under scrutiny following concerns raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding the centralisation of electoral rolls and control available to state election officials. The article explains how these systems work and why they are currently in the news.

4th coal mine near MP's tiger corridor gets green nod

4th coal mine near MP's tiger corridor gets green nod

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Union environment ministry's expert panel has approved a fourth underground coal mining project in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district, close to the vital Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar tiger corridor. These clearances, granted since July, raise concerns about biodiversity and tiger movement, despite conditions for wildlife conservation plans and compensatory afforestation. The projects involve significant forest land diversion and pose risks like land subsidence and habitat disturbance for Schedule-I species.

ACB Registers Two Cases Against JKAS Officer For Corruption

ACB Registers Two Cases Against JKAS Officer For Corruption

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against Sheeba Inayat, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer. The charges include amassing assets disproportionate to her known income and alleged malpractices in the distribution of Public Distribution System (PDS) foodgrains, leading to a wrongful loss of over Rs 2.61 crore.

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Police have registered cases against senior DMK leaders A Raja, P K Sekar Babu, and Vasantham Karthikeyan for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar during recent party protests. The controversy stems from CM Vijay's comments questioning DMK chief M K Stalin's MISA detention during the Emergency, which the DMK claims is a long-standing narrative.

Man Accused Of Wife's Murder Hacked To Death By Brother-In-Law

Man Accused Of Wife's Murder Hacked To Death By Brother-In-Law

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A 25-year-old man, C Haribabu, accused of murdering his pregnant wife, was hacked to death in Nizamabad, Telangana, allegedly by his brother-in-law. Haribabu was out on bail for his wife's murder, which police said involved strangulation and stabbing, and dowry harassment allegations. The brother-in-law reportedly confessed in a social media video, seeking public support for a lighter sentence.

Punjab CM Urged To Form SIT For Ex-SGPC Member Rape Case

Punjab CM Urged To Form SIT For Ex-SGPC Member Rape Case

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A delegation from Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe rape allegations against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. Chawla resigned after being booked for rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation. The delegation highlighted serious questions surrounding the case, including the woman's travel, arrest, and stay in various facilities, and expressed concern over the impact on revered Sikh institutions.

Protest not to justify cheating but...: IIT Bombay students

Protest not to justify cheating but...: IIT Bombay students

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Students at IIT Bombay are demanding 'meaningful institutional reforms' and greater accountability following the death of Sahil Wakode, a second-year B Tech student. While condemning academic misconduct, students highlight systemic issues and have submitted a comprehensive set of demands to the Director, who has agreed to implement them. The protest also addresses the removal of Dean Suryanarayana Doolla during an investigation into alleged abetment to suicide and caste discrimination, emphasising the need for an independent probe.

How DNA Molecules Overcome Repulsion To Pair Up

How DNA Molecules Overcome Repulsion To Pair Up

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Researchers have for the first time directly visualised how two DNA molecules, despite their identical negative charges, zip together. This breakthrough, achieved using high-powered atomic force microscopy and advanced simulations, confirms the 'DNA zipper' model, revealing that positively charged metal ions act as molecular bridges to facilitate this crucial biological process. The discovery has significant implications for understanding genetic recombination, gene silencing, chromosome packaging, cancer development, and future biotechnology.

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.

Bipasha Basu flags worms in food packet, tags Tukaram Mundhe

Bipasha Basu flags worms in food packet, tags Tukaram Mundhe

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Actress Bipasha Basu has raised concerns over food safety and the quality of packaged food after claiming that she found several tiny worms inside a newly opened food container, prompting her to seek intervention from Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

Sikh trucker stabbed 17 times days after US govt's hate poster

Sikh trucker stabbed 17 times days after US govt's hate poster

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A Sikh truck driver was brutally stabbed multiple times in a Wyoming rest area, an incident occurring amidst a reported rise in anti-South Asian rhetoric in the US. The attacker has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.

Dorothy Review: Bold, Evocative, Confused

Dorothy Review: Bold, Evocative, Confused

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Dorothy is an audacious exploration of masculinity and gender identity that becomes increasingly muddled just when its ideas matter most.

Pakistan Hockey Team Yet To Get Clearance For Asian Champions Trophy In India

Pakistan Hockey Team Yet To Get Clearance For Asian Champions Trophy In India

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has stated that the national team is yet to receive government clearance to participate in the men's Asian Champions Trophy in India, refuting claims of confirmed participation.

Supreme Court Halts Death Sentence For Man In POCSO Case

Supreme Court Halts Death Sentence For Man In POCSO Case

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed the execution of a man sentenced to death for the repeated sexual assault of three minor girls. The apex court's decision comes after the Madras High Court confirmed his conviction and death penalty. The Supreme Court has sought reports from probation officers, jail authorities, and a psychological evaluation of the appellant, posting the matter for hearing after 20 weeks.

Liverpool's Alisson Becker fined 8,000 pounds for kicking substitution board

Liverpool's Alisson Becker fined 8,000 pounds for kicking substitution board

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been fined 8,000 by the FA for kicking an electronic substitution board after a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, an act of frustration following a contentious match incident.

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sensational POCSO case against granite baron R Veeramani (84), who is accused of sexual abuse of minor girls. The case has led to the easing out of two top IPS officers and allegations of delayed action and political interference.

Why Rashmika Replaced Sai Pallavi

Why Rashmika Replaced Sai Pallavi

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Rashmika Mandanna has replaced Sai Pallavi as the lead in the highly anticipated M S Subbulakshmi biopic.

TMC office, ex-MLA's home, CPM memorial attacked in Bengal; BJP denies role

TMC office, ex-MLA's home, CPM memorial attacked in Bengal; BJP denies role

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

A TMC office, former MLA and councillor residences, and a CPI(M) memorial were allegedly vandalised in Jadavpur, Kolkata. The Trinamool Congress and the Left Front have accused BJP workers of the attacks, while the BJP has denied involvement, attributing the incidents to internal TMC disputes.

OpenAI, Anthropic Urge AI Slowdown; But Will It Happen?

OpenAI, Anthropic Urge AI Slowdown; But Will It Happen?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

'You cannot stop these models from getting better. There is competitive and business pressure and if the US stops then maybe China will go ahead.'

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to quash criminal proceedings against a man accused of repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The court ruled that even if a marriage was solemnised under Muslim religious rites, it would not protect the accused from criminal liability under the POCSO Act, reinforcing that the Act applies when one party is a minor, irrespective of personal law.

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.

Former Anthropic Researcher Alleges AI Firms Are 'Gambling With Our Lives'

Former Anthropic Researcher Alleges AI Firms Are 'Gambling With Our Lives'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Jacob Coxon, an AI researcher formerly with OpenAI and Anthropic, has resigned, accusing leading tech firms of an irresponsible and unchecked race towards developing superintelligence. He warns that this competitive rush, lacking adequate safeguards, poses an existential threat, potentially leading to catastrophic harm and "gambling with our lives."

Gurugram Murder: Family Alleges Police Cremated Body Without Informing Them

Gurugram Murder: Family Alleges Police Cremated Body Without Informing Them

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

A 31-year-old man, Yuvraj Singh Manchanda, was found murdered in a Gurugram drain, allegedly over a financial dispute. His family claims Gurugram police recovered and cremated his body without informing them, despite him being reported missing in Delhi. Two former colleagues have been arrested in connection with the murder.

Ballia Double Murder: Husband Among Three Arrested

Ballia Double Murder: Husband Among Three Arrested

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Police in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested three individuals, including a 70-year-old man, Ramcheez Gupta, for the murder of his wife, Manti Gupta (65), and visually impaired daughter, Gauri (22). The bodies were found in Mustafabad village. Investigations revealed Ramcheez allegedly conspired with two others, Chandan Yadav and Dinesh Gupta, due to concerns about his social standing stemming from his wife's mental health issues and daughter's disability.

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the government's recent notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for users to be charged fees, particularly for transactions above Rs 2,000. The party claims the government lacks transparency and questions if the move is to benefit American firms. The government, however, states that charges are necessary for the system's sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, with the Finance Minister clarifying that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers.

Indian Men's Badminton Team Clinches Bronze At Asian Games After Tough Semifinal Loss To China

Indian Men's Badminton Team Clinches Bronze At Asian Games After Tough Semifinal Loss To China

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Indian men's badminton team secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games after a 1-3 defeat to China in the semifinals. Despite a strong performance from Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who won their doubles match, singles players Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty were unable to overcome their higher-ranked Chinese opponents. This marks India's first back-to-back Asian Games team medals in 40 years.

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has indicated that its judges may personally visit the National Testing Agency (NTA) to examine its upgraded facilities aimed at preventing recurring NEET paper leaks. This unusual move underscores the court's emphasis on institutional strengthening and permanent solutions. The NTA informed the bench that it has overhauled its system, while a high-powered panel is also working on structural reforms to ensure foolproof examination processes.

Xi announces US visit, Trump plans rare airport welcome

Xi announces US visit, Trump plans rare airport welcome

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States from September 23 to 25 for summit talks with US President Donald Trump, with discussions expected to cover critical economic and trade issues, including AI, and the recently signed US sanctions law targeting countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Days after signing sanctions bill, Trump may receive Xi at airport

Days after signing sanctions bill, Trump may receive Xi at airport

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Top US and Chinese officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, held "candid, in-depth and constructive" talks in New York on economic and trade issues, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence. These discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to Washington and occur amidst new US sanctions targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, and the US unveiling an "AI Force."

Trai Targets Spam Calls From Apps

Trai Targets Spam Calls From Apps

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Trai has brought app-based spam calls under tighter regulations through new A2P call rules.

Indian Olympic Association Set To Approve Key Constitutional Changes

Indian Olympic Association Set To Approve Key Constitutional Changes

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is poised to approve significant constitutional amendments to comply with the National Sports Governance Act 2025. These changes, already endorsed by the executive committee, will be formalised at a Special General Body Meeting. Key areas of reform include age and tenure guidelines for office bearers, which differ from the existing IOA rules, and a potential reduction in the Executive Committee's size. The General House will also discuss the upcoming December elections.

Trump extends $100,000 H-1B visa fee for another year

Trump extends $100,000 H-1B visa fee for another year

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump has extended the USD 100,000 fee on employers for H-1B foreign workers for another year, citing a significant decrease in registrations from large IT outsourcing firms. This move, aimed at protecting American jobs and ensuring highly-skilled workers, also includes a separate proclamation for enhanced scrutiny of H-1B applications, particularly concerning potential layoffs of US workers.

Law And Order Review: Criminally Bad!

Law And Order Review: Criminally Bad!

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Law And Order not only delivers an outdated and amateurish gangster drama, but also manages to drag Mammootty's iconic Black character into the mess.

Industry Leaders Advocate AI And Agility For Business Growth

Industry Leaders Advocate AI And Agility For Business Growth

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Industry leaders at an AIMA panel discussion emphasised the need for businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and invest in technologies like artificial intelligence to build resilience and achieve long-term growth. They highlighted the current era of uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rapid regulatory changes, stressing that tactical responses are as crucial as long-term strategy.

'Nobody can...': SC seeks report on minor girl's harassment charges at CJP protest

'Nobody can...': SC seeks report on minor girl's harassment charges at CJP protest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has taken a serious view of allegations of harassment against a minor girl who participated in the July Cockroach Janta Party protests. The court emphasised that nobody should be allowed to intimidate a victim or her family from pursuing criminal proceedings and directed the Solicitor General to ensure action on the girl's FIR, seeking reports from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments.

IIIT-Hyderabad warns 8 students over 'unauthorised' campus platform

IIIT-Hyderabad warns 8 students over 'unauthorised' campus platform

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

IIIT-Hyderabad has issued disciplinary warnings to eight students associated with 'No Tyrants, No Silence' (NTNS), an independent campus platform. The institute cited unauthorised use of its name and publication of confidential meeting minutes. NTNS, which discusses caste, merit, and politics, had proposed screening a documentary on Umar Khalid, leading to CBFC objections and the screening's cancellation.

Zakir Khan's Papa Yaar Review: Emotional Roller-Coaster

Zakir Khan's Papa Yaar Review: Emotional Roller-Coaster

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

While Zakir Khan takes you through a number of emotions, both the laughter and the poignancy hit with almost the same intensity, notes Utkarsh Mishra.

Parents convicted for abandoning infant at hospital

Parents convicted for abandoning infant at hospital

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has convicted a couple, Hareena Ray alias Reena and Jeetu Kumar, for abandoning their premature and medically vulnerable infant in a hospital. The court rejected their defence that leaving the child in a medical facility implied an intention for treatment, ruling that their actions demonstrated a clear intent to wholly abandon the child, who later died.