News for 'First Direct'

Trump ends China visit after extensive talks with Xi on trade, global issues

Trump ends China visit after extensive talks with Xi on trade, global issues

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Donald Trump says several issues were settled during the final day of talks with Xi Jinping covering trade, tariffs, and diplomacy.

'I won't step down,' Mamata dares Centre to dismiss her

'I won't step down,' Mamata dares Centre to dismiss her

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a meeting of newly-elected MLAs of her party and stated she will not resign from her post in the wake of assembly poll results and the Centre can dismiss her.

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has directed the police to take strict action regarding an objectionable social media post allegedly targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

Rediff.com10 May 2026

'India's security challenges are no longer confined to the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control.'
'They also span cyber networks, economic systems, information warfare, technology ecosystems, maritime routes, and internal social cohesion.'

IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya's absence has been tricky but game moves on, says Corbin Bosch

IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya's absence has been tricky but game moves on, says Corbin Bosch

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Mumbai Indians are struggling in the IPL due to the absence of Hardik Pandya and their inability to perform consistently, according to Corbin Bosch. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings remain focused on cricket despite social media distractions.

Before Riddhima Kapoor, 10 Actors Who Made Late Debuts

Before Riddhima Kapoor, 10 Actors Who Made Late Debuts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor's daughter, is making her acting debut at 46, joining a list of actors who took their sweet time to be bitten by the acting bug.

Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor outlets; DMK mocks, PMK welcomes move

Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor outlets; DMK mocks, PMK welcomes move

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets across the state, responding to public demand, particularly from women and political parties.

'No preference for a foreign coach': Hockey India rejects Sreejesh's claim

'No preference for a foreign coach': Hockey India rejects Sreejesh's claim

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said P R Sreejesh had been offered the role of coach for the development team but he had refused to take up the role.

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

Rediff.com15 May 2026

'22 students are fighting over 35,000 seats. In that situation, when someone tells a desperate parent there is a shortcut, and the shortcut costs Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh versus Rs 1.5 crore -- the maths is seductive.'

Court orders confiscation of arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari's assets

Court orders confiscation of arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari's assets

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A Delhi court has ordered the confiscation of several properties belonging to UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, following his declaration as a fugitive in a money laundering case.

Lots Of Romance In Theatres This May

Lots Of Romance In Theatres This May

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Bollywood is gearing up for a romantic May, with a diverse slate of films including romcoms, historical epics and family dramas.

Modi to embark on six-day visit to UAE, Europe

Modi to embark on six-day visit to UAE, Europe

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to deepen India's bilateral ties amid geopolitical changes.

Direct equity investors take money off table in 2025, a first since Covid

Direct equity investors take money off table in 2025, a first since Covid

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The post-Covid euphoria surrounding direct equity investing has ebbed in 2025. Individual investors have turned net sellers in the domestic equity market, pulling out about 8,461 crore so far this year - a sharp reversal from the record purchases seen in 2024, according to a report by the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to implement stringent measures, including mandatory drug testing for government jobs and 'bulldozer action' against drug smugglers, to combat the growing menace of 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) in the state.

'Trump mulled nuclear weapon option during Iran tensions, but was stopped'

'Trump mulled nuclear weapon option during Iran tensions, but was stopped'

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Former CIA Analyst, Larry Johnson, said on Friday that US President Donald Trump asked US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Dan Caine, if they could use the nuclear weapons, but the latter denied.

Is GalaxEye's Mission Drishti Satellite Okay?

Is GalaxEye's Mission Drishti Satellite Okay?

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Concerns are rising about the status of GalaxEye Space's Mission Drishti, India's first Made in India OptoSAR satellite, launched on May 3. Reports suggest the satellite is tumbling in space, and experts highlight potential issues with solar panel deployment and stabilisation. The company has remained silent on the matter, fueling further speculation.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against several AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, for their social media posts against a judge in relation to the excise policy case.

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Looking at the situation purely on its Constitutional merits, the governor's conduct is defensible.' 'He is saying: You do not have a majority, so prove it. That is not an unreasonable position even if the timing and the political context make it deeply controversial.'

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his trip to Islamabad was "very productive" and involved "good consultations" with Pakistan's top leadership amid uncertainty over the second round of peace talks to resolve the war in West Asia.

PF Withdrawal Through ATM, UPI Soon

PF Withdrawal Through ATM, UPI Soon

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The proposed facility seeks to simplify and speed up PF withdrawals by allowing Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers to access up to 75 per cent of their balance through ATMs and UPI-based systems, while retaining at least 25 per cent in their accounts.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

2 more chip packing units to come up by December: Vaishnaw

2 more chip packing units to come up by December: Vaishnaw

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that two more semiconductor chip packaging units, part of the India Semiconductor Mission, are expected to be operational by July and December, respectively. He also highlighted India's focus on becoming a beneficiary of AI technology, expanding data centre infrastructure with significant investments, and developing new subsea cable networks for global connectivity.

Odisha Police Investigate Lynching Of Constable: Key Developments

Odisha Police Investigate Lynching Of Constable: Key Developments

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Odisha Police Crime Branch investigates the lynching of a GRP constable accused of attempted rape, leading to suspensions and transfers within the police force.

Dug Dug Review: A Brilliant Satire

Dug Dug Review: A Brilliant Satire

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Ritwik Pareek's debut feature film, Dug Dug, offers a brilliant satirical and philosophical exploration of the fine line between faith and foolhardiness, observes Sukanya Verma.

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognisable offence was committed by BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma regarding alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi. The court upheld a previous decision by the Delhi High Court, stating that the speeches did not incite violence or target a specific community.

Hypertension Day: 10 Foods That Are Bad For Your Heart

Hypertension Day: 10 Foods That Are Bad For Your Heart

Rediff.com17 May 2026

On World Hypertension Day, Dr Anup Taksande, clinical director-cardiology and cardiac interventions at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explains why you must think twice before reaching out for that pack of chips, sugar-free cereals or instant noodles.

The Song That Convinced Ayushmann To Sign Pati Patni Aur Woh Do

The Song That Convinced Ayushmann To Sign Pati Patni Aur Woh Do

Rediff.com10 May 2026

'In my childhood, I used to sing the song Thande Thande Paani Se Nahana Chahiye. That song convinced me to do this film.'

Kerala Professor Arrested In Student Harassment Case

Kerala Professor Arrested In Student Harassment Case

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

An associate professor from Kannur Dental College, accused in the death of a student allegedly harassed over caste, appeared before the investigation team and was subsequently arrested and released on bail.

CM Vijay begins welfare push, but Tamil Nadu's debt crisis looms large

CM Vijay begins welfare push, but Tamil Nadu's debt crisis looms large

Rediff.com10 May 2026

TVK founder Vijay, upon becoming Chief Minister, approved free electricity units and special forces for women's safety and anti-drug efforts. He pledged a commitment to secularism and social justice, asserting his authority as the sole power centre.

Rupee breaches 95-level against US dollar for first time

Rupee breaches 95-level against US dollar for first time

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee rebounded against the US dollar after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) restricted banks' net open positions in dollars. This move prompted banks to sell dollars, providing temporary support for the rupee amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices.

Higher input costs, price hikes may play spoilsport for HUL

Higher input costs, price hikes may play spoilsport for HUL

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) exceeded consensus estimates in Q4FY26, driven by lower overheads and 6 per cent consolidated volume growth. However, the company anticipates further price hikes to counter an expected 8-10 per cent material cost inflation, while maintaining a mid-term margin guidance of 22.5-23.5 per cent.

India Is Not Alone: How Hormuz Crisis Affected Lifestyles Worldwide

India Is Not Alone: How Hormuz Crisis Affected Lifestyles Worldwide

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is impacting lifestyles worldwide, from reduced gold purchases in India to energy conservation in Europe and Japan, as governments urge citizens to adapt to the global energy shock.

Vance to lead US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 10

Vance to lead US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 10

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The meeting follows a ceasefire agreement that was announced and welcomed by Shehbaz Sharif, who also extended invitations to both delegations for further negotiations.

Bombay HC Asks Centre To Decide On Padma Award For Wrestler Jadhav

Bombay HC Asks Centre To Decide On Padma Award For Wrestler Jadhav

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has directed the Union government to decide by May 4 on posthumously conferring the Padma Vibhushan award to wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India's first individual Olympic medallist.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

WADA rule puts Vinesh Phogat comeback in trouble!

WADA rule puts Vinesh Phogat comeback in trouble!

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat's eligibility to compete in the National Open Ranking Tournament is uncertain due to questions about her compliance with WADA's six-month notice rule for returning athletes.

NEET-UG 2006 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

NEET-UG 2006 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'