News for 'Act'

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Delhi Police detained several anti-reservation protesters at Jantar Mantar who were demanding that economic criteria be prioritised over caste for government support and reservation. The protest, mobilised via social media by 'Reservation Hatao Andolan', proceeded despite police denying permission for Jantar Mantar and offering Ramlila Ground as an alternative venue. Demonstrators called for a review of the existing reservation system and the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion.

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra FDA has taken action against Blink Commerce, suspending its food licence due to severe hygiene issues including cockroach infestation. Separately, Reliance Retail is under investigation after a complaint of live larvae in a sweet product, highlighting increased enforcement of food safety standards across the state.

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is reviewing its internal processes and protocols following lapses in three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, leading to re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology. The agency stated it proactively identified issues and is taking corrective measures to ensure fair and error-free examinations, amidst strong criticism from opposition leaders.

What Makes Soundous Moufakir Just Right For The Traitors 2

What Makes Soundous Moufakir Just Right For The Traitors 2

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Moroccan-French model-turned-actress Soundous Moufakir is set to bring her fierce competitive spirit and strategic mind to The Traitors Season 2.

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Students and Alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.

9 year old raped and murdered in Pune, neighbour arrested

9 year old raped and murdered in Pune, neighbour arrested

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Pune district for allegedly sexually assaulting and murdering a nine-year-old girl from his neighbourhood. The incident occurred in Pimpalwadi village, Junnar tehsil, after the accused lured the victim away.

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In addition to caste details, the Census will, for the first time, collect personal information such as the total number of bank accounts held by individuals, along with their mobile number, Aadhaar number, voter ID number, passport number and driving licence status, according to the 40 questions notified by the Registrar General of India on Friday.

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a bill which now provides 'Vande Mataram' with the same legal protection and status as India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Poor families, she said, cut corners on their own needs to pay for coaching and fees, and when their child clears JEE, it's the happiest day the family has had in years. So why, she asked, her voice already starting to climb, does the same system that we're told is the best in the country keep pushing those very students toward what she called 'institutional deaths'?

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Hingorani family's decision to part with the Gandhi archive after generations was guided by a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience and to fund initiatives that would extend its legacy.

CRPF forms 10-member 'core group' to tackle rising suicides

CRPF forms 10-member 'core group' to tackle rising suicides

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formed a 10-member 'core group' to prevent 'self-harm' incidents among its personnel, following a record 59 suicides in 2025, the highest in five years. The group, headed by the CRPF Director General, will meet monthly to review incidents and suggest preventive measures.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

WhatsApp begins testing age checks for Indian users

WhatsApp begins testing age checks for Indian users

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

WhatsApp is testing new ways for users in India to confirm their age as it prepares to comply with upcoming legal requirements, including those related to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, the Meta-owned messaging platform said on Tuesday.

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

YR Sadashiva Reddy, Co-Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has called for the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, citing alleged irregularities in appointments, diversion of Council funds, financial dealings with law colleges, and other governance issues. Mishra has dismissed the allegations as 'baseless'.

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has denied interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting a minor. While rejecting his plea for bail on health grounds for now, the court permitted him to engage a trained caretaker for round-the-clock assistance. The court noted that Asaram's counsel had previously moved for parole, and his health condition will be monitored.

Delhi Police Arrest 19 In Rohini Arms Act Crackdown

Delhi Police Arrest 19 In Rohini Arms Act Crackdown

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Delhi Police arrested 19 people for Arms Act violations and 21 past offenders during 'Operation Shastra' in Rohini, recovering illegal weapons and seizing vehicles.

India Faces 100% US Tariff Risk Over Russian Oil

India Faces 100% US Tariff Risk Over Russian Oil

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The US senate last week passed a bill that would allow Washington to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.

Sensex tanks 493 points, Nifty falls for 6th day as crude oil jumps to $91/barrel

Sensex tanks 493 points, Nifty falls for 6th day as crude oil jumps to $91/barrel

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced significant declines, with the Sensex falling 493 points and the Nifty dropping for the sixth consecutive day, primarily due to elevated crude oil prices reaching USD 91 per barrel and diminishing hopes for a diplomatic resolution in West Asia.

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "shoot first" approach, likening its drastic actions to using a sword to kill a mosquito. The court, hearing a petition from Cadila Pharmaceuticals, directed the FDA to grant companies a hearing before taking severe measures, warning of heavy costs for its arbitrary conduct.

Sri Lanka face big selection dilemma ahead of India Test

Sri Lanka face big selection dilemma ahead of India Test

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts will struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India without upsetting the team's overall balance, especially given their batting struggles.

HC orders Maha FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweet shop over licence suspension

HC orders Maha FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweet shop over licence suspension

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh in compensation to a Pune-based sweets shop. The court criticised the FDA for keeping the shop's license suspended despite a 98 per cent compliance report, calling its policy "strange and perverse."

Everyday Glam: Akanksha Mantri, The Doctor & The Diva

Everyday Glam: Akanksha Mantri, The Doctor & The Diva

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Who says everyday dressing has to be predictable? Dr Akanksha Mantri proves that style can be elegant, experimental and full of personality no matter the occasion.

Rekha: 'I Saw Umrao Jaan For The First Time Last Year'

Rekha: 'I Saw Umrao Jaan For The First Time Last Year'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Legendary actress Rekha was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, where she emotionally reflected on her iconic role in Umrao Jaan during a special 45th anniversary screening.

Passenger tries to open emergency exit mid-air, arrested

Passenger tries to open emergency exit mid-air, arrested

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A passenger on a Kuala Lumpur-Kochi Batik Air flight was arrested for allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit, damaging a window panel, and threatening fellow passengers and cabin crew. The incident occurred mid-flight, and the accused, Jamsheer Athanikkal, faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Aircraft Act, and Kerala Police Act.

Notorious Drug Peddler Nabbed Under PIT-NDPS Act In Rajouri

Notorious Drug Peddler Nabbed Under PIT-NDPS Act In Rajouri

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Police in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir have detained a notorious drug peddler, Nahid Choudhary, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. The detention is part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.

Ex-TMC MLA arrested over 'hurried cremation' of RG Kar victim

Ex-TMC MLA arrested over 'hurried cremation' of RG Kar victim

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh has been arrested in Odisha in connection with the alleged hurried cremation of a doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata in 2024. The arrest follows a fresh complaint by the victim's father, accusing Ghosh of involvement in the destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy.

Jharkhand scraps JSSC-CGL exam, all tests by TDPL after protests

Jharkhand scraps JSSC-CGL exam, all tests by TDPL after protests

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam and all tests conducted by outsourced agency TDPL since 2014, following widespread protests by job aspirants over alleged irregularities. An examination reforms committee has been formed, while some protesters continue to demand a CBI probe.

Ex-terrorist gets life term for murder inside J-K mosque

Ex-terrorist gets life term for murder inside J-K mosque

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A court in Srinagar has sentenced an ex-militant to life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of a former terror outfit chief inside a mosque, observing that violence in a place of worship cannot be tolerated.

Ayush's Victory Gives Everyone Confidence: Unnati Hooda

Ayush's Victory Gives Everyone Confidence: Unnati Hooda

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Rising Indian badminton talent Unnati Hooda attributes her rapid progress to her father, Upkar Hooda, who left his job to mentor her full-time.

Jantar Mantar protests reflect 'systemic failures': RSS

Jantar Mantar protests reflect 'systemic failures': RSS

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) recently held a three-day coordination meeting in Visakhapatnam, where senior leader C R Mukunda highlighted discussions on demographic imbalance, its impact on social harmony, recent youth protests, and underlying systemic failures. The Sangh believes these issues, including exam irregularities like NEET, point to broader administrative and institutional shortcomings that require constructive efforts from both government and society.

J&K Police Detain Woman Drug Peddler Under PIT-NDPS Act

J&K Police Detain Woman Drug Peddler Under PIT-NDPS Act

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district have detained a notorious woman drug peddler, Sheema Bibi, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. She was involved in multiple drug peddling cases and has been lodged in District Jail Bhaderwah as part of efforts to curb the drug menace.

AIIMS report rejecting Asaram's hospitalisation given to SC; bail hearing on Aug 6

AIIMS report rejecting Asaram's hospitalisation given to SC; bail hearing on Aug 6

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court was informed that AIIMS experts have concluded self-styled godman Asaram does not require hospitalisation but needs round-the-clock medical assistance, as he seeks interim bail on health grounds.

Bengaluru: FSDA shuts rooftop lounge kitchen due to hygiene issues

Bengaluru: FSDA shuts rooftop lounge kitchen due to hygiene issues

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Food Safety and Drug Administration department in Bengaluru conducted inspections at six high-end eateries, leading to the closure of a rooftop lounge's kitchen due to unhygienic conditions. Officials seized 132 kg of unfit food items, including rotten meat, expired dairy products, and used cooking oil, highlighting a crackdown on non-compliance with food safety regulations.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Shimla Police Arrest UP Man Under POCSO Act After Minor's Family Complaint

Shimla Police Arrest UP Man Under POCSO Act After Minor's Family Complaint

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A 22-year-old Uttar Pradesh resident, Ubaid, has been arrested in Shimla under the POCSO Act following a complaint from a minor's family alleging misbehaviour. Police have registered a case and warned against spreading misinformation after locals paraded two other individuals.

BWF Worlds: Ayush Shetty STUNS World No 1 Shi Yuqi In Thriller

BWF Worlds: Ayush Shetty STUNS World No 1 Shi Yuqi In Thriller

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Ayush Shetty stunned world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi in a thrilling opening-round clash at the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi on Monday.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.

IIT Madras Researchers Uncover Critical Role Of Rare Marine Microorganisms

IIT Madras Researchers Uncover Critical Role Of Rare Marine Microorganisms

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT Madras have discovered that rare 'specialist' marine microorganisms play a crucial and previously underestimated role in maintaining the stability of ocean ecosystems. Their global analysis of bacterial communities, published in 'mSystems', reveals these microbes act as vital connectors within microbial networks, significantly impacting ecosystem resilience and informing conservation efforts.