News for 'Connected'

'He'll be up. He's like me': US envoy recalls Trump's 6 am call to Modi

'He'll be up. He's like me': US envoy recalls Trump's 6 am call to Modi

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor revealed that President Donald Trump views Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a friend' and is deeply committed to enhancing cooperation with New Delhi, highlighting their personal equation as a crucial factor in advancing bilateral ties.

Abuse charges rock Kerala Christian prayer centre, BJP protests

Abuse charges rock Kerala Christian prayer centre, BJP protests

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

A Christian worship centre in Omallur, Kerala, faced protests from BJP workers following allegations that staff members assaulted a 17-year-old boy. Police have arrested three individuals, including the manager, after a Child Welfare Committee inquiry indicated potential exploitation of children housed at the facility.

Ram Temple donation row: Rs 79.85L recovered; 8 accused in police custody

Ram Temple donation row: Rs 79.85L recovered; 8 accused in police custody

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have been remanded in police custody until June 29. Investigators have recovered Rs 79.85 lakh and invoked charges under criminal breach of trust and the Prevention of Corruption Act, as several accused were bank employees involved in counting cash donations.

10 Black Comedies You Must Watch

10 Black Comedies You Must Watch

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

From Mollywood Times to Mohiniyattam, these black comedies from South Cinema prove that the darkest humour can also deliver the sharpest entertainment.

FIFA World Cup PIX: Thousands of Colombia Fans Paint Mexico Yellow

FIFA World Cup PIX: Thousands of Colombia Fans Paint Mexico Yellow

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Thousands of Colombian football fans transformed Mexico City into a vibrant yellow sea, celebrating their national team's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their World Cup opener. The city's streets and restaurants buzzed with supporters enjoying Colombian food, music, and a strong cultural connection, making the Estadio Azteca feel like a home venue for the victorious team.

'A Movie Like This Hasn't Been Done In India'

'A Movie Like This Hasn't Been Done In India'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'It's something a 95 year old and a 5 year old can both fully enjoy. There are not many films like that today.'

UP authorities demolish banquet hall after beef served at wedding

UP authorities demolish banquet hall after beef served at wedding

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Authorities in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, have initiated demolition proceedings against the Mughal Banquet Hall in Kairana after it was found to be an unauthorised structure and allegedly served beef at a wedding reception. Four individuals, including the groom and hall owner, have been arrested in connection with the case, with a car also seized.

Modi calls Japan PM Takaichi his 'younger sister'

Modi calls Japan PM Takaichi his 'younger sister'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi as his 'younger sister' and hailed her as a 'visionary and popular leader' during a joint press meet, where both leaders unveiled initiatives to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Alpha Review: Girls Just Wanna Have Guns!

Alpha Review: Girls Just Wanna Have Guns!

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Alpha is a botched up opportunity, rues Sukanya Verma.

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Local legal practitioners in Ayodhya are considering a unanimous refusal to defend the eight individuals accused in the Ram temple donations embezzlement case. The Faizabad Bar Association is set to make a final decision, driven by strong local sentiment against the alleged theft of temple offerings.

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

11 chargesheeted in Bangladesh Jamaat terror conspiracy, radicalising youth

11 chargesheeted in Bangladesh Jamaat terror conspiracy, radicalising youth

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals involved in a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the proscribed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The plot aimed to spread extremist ideology, radicalise youth, and expand the JMB's network across West Bengal and northeastern states of India.

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

ED quizzes TMC MP Abhishek for over 11 hours in school jobs scam case

ED quizzes TMC MP Abhishek for over 11 hours in school jobs scam case

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is undergoing interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged primary school recruitment scam. The ED is focusing on the money trail, financial documents, and statements from other accused, following a prior questioning session by the state CID on a separate forgery case.

Gurugram mother, child killed as parked vehicle rolls into Himachal gorge

Gurugram mother, child killed as parked vehicle rolls into Himachal gorge

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

A family's holiday trip turned into a nightmare as a woman and her 11-month-old son died after the parked vehicle they were in rolled backwards and plunged into a gorge in Lahaul and Spiti district, the police said on Friday.

When Airports Had A Soul And Became Our Memory

When Airports Had A Soul And Became Our Memory

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Some places are etched into our memories - and even when they are replaced by grander, gleaming structures, they can never be replaced or rebuilt. We try to hold on to them as hard as we can.

Threat email triggers terror alert across Delhi, Uttarakhand

Threat email triggers terror alert across Delhi, Uttarakhand

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Intelligence agencies have issued a security alert for Delhi and Uttarakhand due to a possible terror threat, prompted by an email warning of attacks. Key religious sites, government establishments, and police installations are under heightened surveillance. The alert follows incidents involving Nihang Sikhs in Uttarakhand, though the email's authenticity is under investigation.

Modi meets longest-living species on Earth during Seychelles visit

Modi meets longest-living species on Earth during Seychelles visit

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles, engaging in biodiversity conservation efforts with President Patrick Herminie. The visit included observing Aldabra Giant Tortoises and planting the unique Coco de Mer, symbolising India and Seychelles' commitment to environmental protection and strengthening bilateral ties.

GST Collections Hit Rs 1.95 Lakh Crore in June, Driven by Import Growth

GST Collections Hit Rs 1.95 Lakh Crore in June, Driven by Import Growth

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections saw a significant 14 per cent increase in June, reaching approximately Rs 1.95 lakh crore. This surge was primarily driven by a substantial 34.6 per cent growth in tax mop-up from imports, alongside a 6.5 per cent rise in domestic supplies, reflecting the country's economic resilience despite global uncertainties.

Lucknow fire: Lapses by officials being probed

Lucknow fire: Lapses by officials being probed

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Lucknow Development Authority has served a notice to the owner of the Aliganj building where a recent fire claimed 15 lives, citing alleged building bylaw violations and unauthorised commercial use. The LDA is also investigating its own officials for previously withdrawing a demolition order against the same property in 2016, while police have arrested four individuals in connection with the tragedy.

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is on a state visit to Pakistan to discuss the full implementation of an agreement signed between Iran and the US, alongside regional and international developments. The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, following recent high-level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland regarding regional security.

Asus ProArt PZ14: Unveiling The Snapdragon X2 Elite-Powered 2-in-1 Laptop

Asus ProArt PZ14: Unveiling The Snapdragon X2 Elite-Powered 2-in-1 Laptop

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Asus ProArt PZ14, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite processor and featuring a 3K OLED touchscreen, is now available for pre-order in India, offering a versatile 2-in-1 design and exclusive benefits.

Car Rams Into World Cup Celebration Crowd In Mexico

Car Rams Into World Cup Celebration Crowd In Mexico

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A car rammed into a crowd celebrating Mexico's World Cup victory in Cabo San Lucas, injuring 17 people. The driver was arrested, and authorities are investigating the violent incident that marred the festivities in the popular tourist resort.

How Palghar Police Tracked Down Rape And Blackmail Accused

How Palghar Police Tracked Down Rape And Blackmail Accused

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Palghar police have arrested a 23-year-old man from Bharuch, Gujarat, after a multi-state manhunt in connection with the alleged rape and blackmail of a woman and her minor sister. The case, registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, had drawn political attention with BJP MLC Chitra Wagh demanding swift action.

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence was raided by police and central forces for over four hours in connection with a financial fraud case, targeting his close aide Sumit Roy, whose mobile phone was last traced to the property.

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea against a Delhi court order to frame charges in a Rs 200-crore money laundering case is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing. The case involves alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is accused of running an organised criminal network from jail and defrauding individuals.

What Made Vijaya Mehta India's Theatre Czarina

What Made Vijaya Mehta India's Theatre Czarina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Vijaya Mehta's eyes were always twinkling, her smile was always warm, her sari usually a collector's piece. She put on no elder statesman airs. But when she was in director mode, she allowed her actors and technicians no slack. Deepa Gahlot doffs her hat to the undisputed doyenne of Marathi theatre and one of India's most influential directors and actors, who shaped the landscape of Indian experimental theatre.

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and MLA Kunal Ghosh were questioned by the CID in Kolkata regarding alleged signature forgery of MLAs for the Leader of Opposition appointment in the West Bengal Assembly. Banerjee faced a second round of interrogation as investigators were unsatisfied with previous replies, and a face-to-face interrogation with Ghosh is possible. The probe stems from discrepancies found in signatures on documents supporting Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's finance ministry anticipates inflation will remain relatively contained in the coming months, supported by a correction in crude oil prices and softening input costs following the cessation of the West Asia conflict, despite earlier spikes in wholesale and retail inflation.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke slapped during Jaipur protest

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke slapped during Jaipur protest

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, was allegedly slapped during a protest in Jaipur concerning the NEET paper leak and unemployment. Two youths have been detained following the incident, which saw protesters demanding action on youth issues and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Adani Group And Embraer Choose Dholera For Regional Jet Assembly

Adani Group And Embraer Choose Dholera For Regional Jet Assembly

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Adani Group and Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer have selected Dholera, Gujarat, as the location for a final assembly line for Embraer's regional jets. This strategic collaboration, formalised by an MoU in January, aims to boost India's Regional Transport Aircraft programme and align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and UDAN scheme. Embraer sees immense potential in the Indian market across various aviation segments.

Ram Temple donation scam: Champat Rai's statement recorded

Ram Temple donation scam: Champat Rai's statement recorded

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai's statement has been recorded by Ayodhya police as part of the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, following his offer to resign over the controversy.

Silk fabric, brass tortoise, Bidriware box: What Modi gifted Seychelles leaders

Silk fabric, brass tortoise, Bidriware box: What Modi gifted Seychelles leaders

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of exquisite Indian handicrafts and textiles, including Kanchivaram silk, Maheshwari silk, and Toda embroidered shawls, to the top leadership of Seychelles and their spouses during his recent three-day visit to the island nation.

Check out Toshiba's MiniLED TVs

Check out Toshiba's MiniLED TVs

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Toshiba has introduced its Z670SP MiniLED TV series in India, featuring front-firing speakers, MiniLED display technology, a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming and support for Dolby Vision Atmos, with prices starting from Rs 64,990.

Jamshedpur on edge after Karni Sena leader murder during brawl, 5 held

Jamshedpur on edge after Karni Sena leader murder during brawl, 5 held

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Karni Sena leader Himanshu Singh in Jamshedpur, who was stabbed after protesting alleged eve-teasing. Prohibitory orders have been imposed across parts of the city, and a Jamshedpur bandh has been called by opposition parties for July 3.

Meerut: Three arrested in connection with fatal liquor poisoning

Meerut: Three arrested in connection with fatal liquor poisoning

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Police in Meerut have arrested three individuals, including a woman, following the deaths of three men who consumed liquor from the same bottle. Investigations suggest the incident was a planned poisoning, not a case of toxic alcohol.

Starlink in 'Productive Discussions' with India, Awaits Final Clearance

Starlink in 'Productive Discussions' with India, Awaits Final Clearance

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Elon Musk's Starlink is in "active and productive discussions" with the Indian government, awaiting final regulatory clearance, including spectrum allocation, to launch its satellite internet services, despite media reports suggesting a freeze on approvals.

BJP on brink of losing its only Kerala civic body amid UDF no-trust move

BJP on brink of losing its only Kerala civic body amid UDF no-trust move

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Congress-led UDF is set to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led administration in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This move comes as the BJP faces a fragile majority, exacerbated by a councillor's arrest and the invalidation of oaths for 20 councillors. The UDF cites administrative paralysis and mismanagement, while the LDF's stance on supporting the motion remains a key factor.

IPL 2026 Sets New Viewership Records With 1.2 Billion Reach

IPL 2026 Sets New Viewership Records With 1.2 Billion Reach

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The recently concluded TATA IPL 2026 season achieved a record viewership of 1.2 billion, marking a seven per cent year-on-year growth. The final, where RCB secured their second consecutive title, became the most-watched IPL match ever, contributing to 870 billion minutes of watch-time and significant digital growth across platforms.

Ram Temple Trust declines financial disclosure amid SIT probe

Ram Temple Trust declines financial disclosure amid SIT probe

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust secretary, Champat Rai, has declined to provide financial details, including income, expenditure, and donations, citing an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. This decision follows a complaint to the Prime Minister's Office by BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, seeking transparency on the utilisation of funds for the Ram temple project.