News for 'Bengal and Tamil Nadu'

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

IMD data shows in the 24 hours between September 1 and 2, Haryana received 806 per cent more rainfall than normal, Punjab 759 per cent, Himachal Pradesh 510 per cent, Delhi 740 per cent, Chandigarh a staggering 1,638 per cent, and Rajasthan 193 per cent.

India's legacy liquor brands raise a toast to growth, reinvention

India's legacy liquor brands raise a toast to growth, reinvention

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

By 10 am, Rakshit N Jagdale is already deep into the rhythm of the day, which promises to be a carousel of meetings, calls, and strategic decisions. As managing director of Amrut Distilleries, he balances ritual and ambition, tradition and transformation, like many other legacy players in India's alcoholic beverages sector who are staring at a rosy future.

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Opposition parties allege the Modi government is attempting to turn India into a 'dictatorship' with the introduction of three Bills that seek to provide for removal of the prime minister, chief ministers and ministers arrested on serious charges, and vowed to oppose it 'tooth and nail'.

At 126.7 mm average rainfall, India sees wettest May in 124 years

At 126.7 mm average rainfall, India sees wettest May in 124 years

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

The early onset of the southwest monsoon brought continuous rainfall across southern and eastern India, contributing to this record.

Now, Karnataka Wants To Scrap NEET

Now, Karnataka Wants To Scrap NEET

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

Karnataka has the highest number of medical seats in the country at 11,745, of which 3,750 seats were in government institutions and 7,995 seats were in private colleges.

Survey Flags Social Media Misinformation About Periods

Survey Flags Social Media Misinformation About Periods

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

The survey states that while around 71.6 per cent of women believe that social media offers adequate information about menstruation, only 11.5 per cent rely on it as their primary source during menstrual emergencies.

How COVID Cut India's Life Expectancy

How COVID Cut India's Life Expectancy

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The drop is seen as a significant demographic indicator, reflecting the toll of the pandemic on the nation's population.

EC starts preparations for 5 state polls due in 2021

EC starts preparations for 5 state polls due in 2021

Rediff.com17 Dec 2020

While EC Secretary General Umesh Sinha would be visiting Tamil Nadu next week, Deputy Election Commissioner Sudip Jain would be in West Bengal in the coming days, sources said.

After ghar wapsi in Bengal, now 9 reconverted in Tamil Nadu

After ghar wapsi in Bengal, now 9 reconverted in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com30 Jan 2015

Nine people, including 3 couples were reconverted to Hinduism in Chennai

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has granted interim police protection to Discovery Communications India officials who have been receiving threats from followers of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. The threats were triggered by the release of a documentary series titled "Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu". The court has directed the Centre and several state governments to ensure the safety of the petitioners, including their offices.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A massive fire that tore through a budget hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata on Tuesday night claimed at least 14 lives and left 13 injured, triggering a political blame game and calls for accountability.

Ahead of polls, EC to upload 2003 Bihar voter list for revision drive

Ahead of polls, EC to upload 2003 Bihar voter list for revision drive

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The other three crore -- nearly 40 percent -- will have to provide one of the 11 listed documents to establish their place or date of birth.

Sachin's record-breaking throw: India's next javelin star?

Sachin's record-breaking throw: India's next javelin star?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Javelin thrower Sachin Yadav of Uttar Pradesh, 18-year-old high jumper Pooja Singh of Haryana and long distance runner Sawan Barwal of Himachal Pradesh rewrote National Games records and won gold medals on the concluding day of athletics competition. Yadav sent his spear to a Games-record distance of 84.39m in his fifth attempt, while Pooja cleared 1.84m to defend the women's high jump gold. Barwal won the men's 5000m in a time of 13 minutes and 45.93 seconds, bettering the earlier Games record.

Ranji Roundup: Saurashtra in control; Majumdar's ton steers Bengal

Ranji Roundup: Saurashtra in control; Majumdar's ton steers Bengal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

Roundup for Ranji Trophy matches played on Friday

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Opposition parties in India, including the Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), have unanimously hailed the armed forces' "Operation Sindoor", a retaliatory strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which involved missile and drone strikes, was conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Despite political differences, all parties expressed support for the government and the armed forces, stressing the importance of national unity and integrity in the face of terrorism. While emphasizing the need for diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation, some parties also called for caution in attributing political credit for the strikes.

Hindi will reduce Tamils to shudras: DMK MP

Hindi will reduce Tamils to shudras: DMK MP

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

'They are trying to destroy the culture and trying to impose Manu Dharma through Hindi'

Only treatment for rioters is 'danda': Yogi slams Mamata

Only treatment for rioters is 'danda': Yogi slams Mamata

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence during protests against the Waqf law, accusing her of remaining silent while "Bengal is burning." He also said that the only treatment for rioters is stick, as "Those who respond only to thrashing don't understand words."

Heavy rains lash Chennai, Stalin tells ministers to rush to rain-hit areas

Heavy rains lash Chennai, Stalin tells ministers to rush to rain-hit areas

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

Besides heavy traffic congestion, the intermittent heavy rains led to inundation in several parts of the city and neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengelpet.

India braces for above-normal June rains, cooler temperatures: IMD

India braces for above-normal June rains, cooler temperatures: IMD

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall across India in June, with most parts of the country likely to experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures. The IMD also anticipates above-normal minimum temperatures across most of the country, except for some parts of central India and the adjoining south peninsula. The southwest monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest arrival over the Indian mainland since 2009. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture-dependent economy, providing vital water for crops and supporting drinking water and hydropower generation.

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

Fadnavis steps in to douse fire, says Marathi language of Mumbai, Maha

Fadnavis steps in to douse fire, says Marathi language of Mumbai, Maha

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it. Fadnavis was speaking in the state assembly after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said the government should clarify its stand on senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's comments that a person coming to Mumbai may not necessarily learn Marathi.

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

While the BJP went back to the drawing board to recraft its political and governance outreach and regained momentum by notching up surprisingly big wins in a string of assembly polls, the burst of fresh optimism in the main opposition Congress and other INDIA bloc parties fizzled out.

'The Only Writer In India All Fascist Governments Listen To'

'The Only Writer In India All Fascist Governments Listen To'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

This was a soaring evening that sent hearts aflutter and for a few brief moments we tasted the breath of pure freedom that has been missing in this country for the past several years.

How PM Mudra Loans Are Reshaping India's Economy

How PM Mudra Loans Are Reshaping India's Economy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

By democratising access to finance, empowering women and marginalised groups, and adapting to India's diverse regional landscapes, PMMY has helped fortify the country's grassroots growth engines, says Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, V Anantha Nageswaran.

Intense heatwave sweeps eastern states, spreads to south India: IMD

Intense heatwave sweeps eastern states, spreads to south India: IMD

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

Heatwave conditions have been prevailing in Odisha since April 15 and the Gangetic West Bengal since April 17, according to the MeT department.

Hazare Trophy: Gujarat, Maharashtra cruise to quarters

Hazare Trophy: Gujarat, Maharashtra cruise to quarters

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Jharkhand, however, could not make the knockouts from the group as Gujarat topped it with Haryana being the second team to progress. Jharkhand finished third.

Bypolls held in 7 states amid violence in Uttarakhand, Bengal, Bihar

Bypolls held in 7 states amid violence in Uttarakhand, Bengal, Bihar

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Moderate to high turnout was recorded in 13 assembly constituencies across seven states where bypolls were held on Wednesday amid sporadic incidents of violence in Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider the separate pleas of opposition-ruled Kerala and West Bengal, alleging the denial of assent to bills passed by the respective legislative assemblies.

Santosh Trophy returns to Hyderabad after 57 years!

Santosh Trophy returns to Hyderabad after 57 years!

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

Hyderabad will host the final rounds of the 78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy for the first time in 57 years, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Wednesday.

Battle for 5 states: RESULTS

Battle for 5 states: RESULTS

Rediff.com20 May 2016

Constituency-wise verdict of the five-state aasembly elections.

SC to hear plea against ban on The Kerala Story in Bengal

SC to hear plea against ban on The Kerala Story in Bengal

Rediff.com10 May 2023

Senior advocate Harish Salve mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha.

'Kongu Nadu' part of BJP's Grand Plan?

'Kongu Nadu' part of BJP's Grand Plan?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2021

New Union minister L Murugan's declaration of Kongu Nadu as his native place, instead of Tamil Nadu, may be part of a grand BJP strategy to create new states out of existing ones, particularly those that have anti-BJP governments, mulls N Sathiya Moorthy.

PMK breaks ranks with ally BJP to back TN resolution against NEET

PMK breaks ranks with ally BJP to back TN resolution against NEET

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

The Tamil Nadu assembly on Friday once again passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to exempt the state from National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test and allow it to admit students to medical courses based on Plus Two exam marks.

Ranji Roundup: Uttarakhand, Himachal off to good start

Ranji Roundup: Uttarakhand, Himachal off to good start

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Roundup of matches across various venues in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Light A Candle For Galwan Martyrs

Light A Candle For Galwan Martyrs

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Their Supreme Sacrifice for the Motherland will Never be Forgotten.

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi claims that former chief election commissioner T N Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 and even offered to become home minister. Gandhi, who was joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman, writes that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president and arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night. According to Gandhi's account, Seshan told Venkatraman that he felt the election process needed to be stopped and that he was ready to take on the role of home minister if necessary. However, Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Cabinet Secretary Naresh Chandra assured the president that the situation was under control and that there was no need to pause the election process. Seshan's suggestions were ultimately ignored, but he did manage to postpone the second and third phases of polling.

Mushtaq Ali: Bengal stun Karnataka; Mumbai ousted

Mushtaq Ali: Bengal stun Karnataka; Mumbai ousted

Rediff.com10 Nov 2021

A round-up of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 matches on Tuesday.