News for 'First Direct'

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has directed police to take strict action against the use of loudspeakers beyond permissible sound limits at religious places and events across the state.

Inspector Avinash Season 2 Review: Muddled Cop Drama

Inspector Avinash Season 2 Review: Muddled Cop Drama

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Randeep Hooda returns as the titular supercop in Inspector Avinash Season 2, but the series struggles to maintain narrative coherence and pacing, sighs Sreeju Sudhakaran.

NEET 2026 paper leak probe traced to MBBS student in Kerala

NEET 2026 paper leak probe traced to MBBS student in Kerala

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The source of a leaked NEET-UG 2024 guess paper has been traced to a medical student in Kerala, originally from Sikar, Rajasthan. The student shared the paper with friends and a hostel owner, leading to wider circulation and a subsequent investigation.

Inflation, weak rupee drag Indian markets lower; fuel price hike adds to concerns

Inflation, weak rupee drag Indian markets lower; fuel price hike adds to concerns

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed lower due to investor caution over rising bond yields, a weaker rupee, and fresh fuel price hikes, which have revived inflation concerns.

NEET-UG 2026 Scrapped: What Students Must Do Now

NEET-UG 2026 Scrapped: What Students Must Do Now

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Based on the official NTA statement and government directives issued on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, here is a guide for students and parents about what they can do now.

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Three milestones in three days signal India's growing mastery in next-generation strategic technologies spanning nuclear deterrence, hypersonic propulsion and precision stand-off strike capability.

Indian Athletes Compete For 2026 Commonwealth Games Spot

Indian Athletes Compete For 2026 Commonwealth Games Spot

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's top track and field athletes will compete in Ranchi for a chance to represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The event marks the first time the Athletics Federation of India will conduct SRY Gene Tests at the national level to ensure fair competition in the women's category. The meet will also serve as trials for the inaugural Asian U23 Championships.

Customs Busts Luxury Car Smuggling Ring, Seizes SUVs

Customs Busts Luxury Car Smuggling Ring, Seizes SUVs

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Customs Commissionerate (Preventive), Kochi, has seized multiple SUVs and arrested a used luxury car showroom owner as part of 'Operation Numkhor', an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of luxury vehicles from Nepal and Bhutan.

Rajasthan Patwari Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Rajasthan Patwari Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Rediff.com6 May 2026

An official in Rajasthan has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly accepting a bribe to expedite a land partition case.

Sujit Bose Arrested In West Bengal Recruitment Scam

Sujit Bose Arrested In West Bengal Recruitment Scam

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged municipality recruitment scam.

Supreme Court Overturns Order Suspending Kuldeep Sengar's Life Sentence

Supreme Court Overturns Order Suspending Kuldeep Sengar's Life Sentence

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has overturned a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, instructing the High Court to reconsider the plea.

TMC's 'Pushpa' Jahangir withdraws from May 21 repoll after 'CM's promise'

TMC's 'Pushpa' Jahangir withdraws from May 21 repoll after 'CM's promise'

Rediff.com5 days ago

TMC's Falta candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from the May 21 re-election, citing Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's promise of a special development package for the area.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com3 days ago

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

Like Karan Johar's Met Gala Outfit? VOTE!

Like Karan Johar's Met Gala Outfit? VOTE!

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Karan Johar made a stunning impact at the Met Gala, becoming the first Indian director to represent India at the event, with his Manish Malhotra-designed ensemble inspired by the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.

Modi embarks on five-nation tour; energy security, trade in focus

Modi embarks on five-nation tour; energy security, trade in focus

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a six-day tour of the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to strengthen bilateral relations amid geopolitical challenges. The trip will focus on energy security, trade, and technological cooperation.

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, instructing the High Court to reconsider the plea.

Buying Gold Bars, Coins? Read This

Buying Gold Bars, Coins? Read This

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'It has always been viewed as a hedge against inflation.'

The 10 Toughest Cops On OTT

The 10 Toughest Cops On OTT

Rediff.com14 May 2026

With Saif Ali Khan and Randeep Hooda donning the cop uniform on OTT this week, we take a look at 10 memorable police portrayals in Hindi OTT series over the years.

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Vijay's electoral triumph in Tamil Nadu is poised to dramatically revive the fortunes of his much-anticipated final film, Jana Nayagan, which has been plagued by release delays, censorship battles, and a cancelled streaming deal.

Paternity Leave For Private Sector On Cards?

Paternity Leave For Private Sector On Cards?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Male central government employees are entitled to 15 days under service rules and provisions in the private sector depends on the company's policy.

Nick Jonas's Princess Diaries Nod to Priyanka Chopra Delights Fans

Nick Jonas's Princess Diaries Nod to Priyanka Chopra Delights Fans

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Singer-actor Nick Jonas charms social media with a romantic Princess Diaries tribute to wife Priyanka Chopra.

NIA to probe crude bomb recovery in Bengal ahead of second phase polls

NIA to probe crude bomb recovery in Bengal ahead of second phase polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in West Bengal following a directive from the Union Home Ministry.

Allahabad High Court Seeks UP Government's Stand On History Sheet Plea

Allahabad High Court Seeks UP Government's Stand On History Sheet Plea

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has requested the Uttar Pradesh government to respond to a petition filed by Ashutosh Maharaj, challenging the opening of his history sheet by the police. Maharaj, who is also involved in the Shahi Idgah-Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute, claims his name should be removed from the police surveillance register.

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Following the swearing-in of C Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, the new cabinet has pledged a 'white paper' audit of all state departments and a 'zero-interference' policy in administration, signalling a significant shift in governance.

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Every year we import approximately $70 billion worth of gold -- closer to $72 billion in 2025-2026, an all-time record.' 'There is no parallel for this anywhere in the world. And this love for gold will not disappear overnight.'

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Nida Khan, a TCS employee accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. An AIMIM corporator is alleged to have provided her shelter. The arrest has sparked political reactions and renewed focus on workplace harassment prevention.

How AIMIM Corporator Sheltered TCS Employee Accused Of Conversion

How AIMIM Corporator Sheltered TCS Employee Accused Of Conversion

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Nida Khan, a TCS employee accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Police allege an AIMIM corporator provided her shelter. The arrest has sparked political reactions and renewed focus on workplace harassment prevention.

Why Pakistan Regrets Missing The FIH Pro League

Why Pakistan Regrets Missing The FIH Pro League

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Pakistan's newly-appointed hockey team head coach, Manzur ul Hassan, believes the nation erred by not participating in the FIH Pro League's inaugural edition in 2019, depriving players of crucial experience against top-tier opponents.

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan concluded without a deal due to disagreements over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions, despite efforts to find common ground.

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released over 2,115 crore directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, benefiting over 58 lakh eligible individuals.

NIA Probe Ordered in Bhangar Crude Bomb Case: 79 Explosives Recovered Ahead of Bengal Polls

NIA Probe Ordered in Bhangar Crude Bomb Case: 79 Explosives Recovered Ahead of Bengal Polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

NIA begins probe into Bhangar crude bomb case after 79 explosives recovered in West Bengal, raising serious security concerns ahead of elections.

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Fuel curbs brew concern over Darjeeling first flush

Fuel curbs brew concern over Darjeeling first flush

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Tea planters in Darjeeling have raised that a shortage of commercial LPG, triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, could hit tea processing during the first flush, the delicate early-season harvest that commands the highest premiums and often sets the tone for the year.

Iran-US talks may resume in Pakistan within two days: Report

Iran-US talks may resume in Pakistan within two days: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to facilitate negotiations between the US and Iran, with hopes of hosting a second round of talks in Islamabad.

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Rediff.com13 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced that the state government will ensure women's freedom of movement at any time and prioritise their complaints. CCTV monitoring will be introduced across civic bodies to enhance transparency and curb corruption. The government also plans to address illegal activities such as toll plazas, sand extraction, and coal mining, while streamlining welfare schemes and improving infrastructure projects.

Gokulam FC escape relegation with stoppage-time goal

Gokulam FC escape relegation with stoppage-time goal

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Gokulam Kerala FC secured their I-League status with a dramatic late goal against Namdhari FC, condemning their opponents to relegation.

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, during his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also addressed concerns regarding the positioning of the Tamil invocation song in government events.

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Once the currency goes out of the hand, then possibly your major challenge is that it will not come back.'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

Thane Man Acquitted In Step Child Murder Case Due To Lack Of Evidence

Thane Man Acquitted In Step Child Murder Case Due To Lack Of Evidence

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A Thane court acquitted a man accused of murdering his four-year-old stepson, citing the prosecution's failure to establish a conclusive chain of evidence and highlighting inconsistencies in witness testimonies.