News for 'First Direct'

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 Review: Band Baaja Boredom!

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 Review: Band Baaja Boredom!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 is a humourless romcom weighed down by lazy writing and forced emotional conflicts.

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticises the AAP-led Punjab government for political instability and lack of industrial development, while promoting Haryana's investor-friendly policies and industrial growth initiatives.

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'

Box Office: Bhooth Bangla Is A Hit, Ginny Wedds Sunny 2 Struggles

Box Office: Bhooth Bangla Is A Hit, Ginny Wedds Sunny 2 Struggles

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Akshay Kumar's latest cinematic venture, Bhooth Bangla, has been declared a box office hit, demonstrating strong audience appeal and crossing the Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion) milestone with a stellar second weekend performance.

Husband Must Maintain Wife Despite Financial Issues: High Court

Husband Must Maintain Wife Despite Financial Issues: High Court

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a husband cannot avoid his responsibility to maintain his wife, even if he claims financial hardship.

'Every Time Action Was Said I'd Run Away'

'Every Time Action Was Said I'd Run Away'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Avinash Tiwary reveals how filmmaker Imtiaz Ali challenged him to transcend physical vanity in their upcoming Netflix romantic-drama series, O Saathi Re, marking it as one of his most demanding roles to date.

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

Lakshya: 'I Started With A Lot Of Hunger, But...'

Lakshya: 'I Started With A Lot Of Hunger, But...'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

'At its core, it's an honest love story. It's not trying to be loud or over-stylised; the strength lies in its simplicity and emotional truth,' said Lakshya, discussing his upcoming film Chand Mera Dil.

Kannur Court Rejects Doctor's Bail In Student Suicide Case

Kannur Court Rejects Doctor's Bail In Student Suicide Case

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A court in Kannur dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of a doctor accused in connection with a student's death at Kannur Dental College, while granting bail to another faculty member. The student was found dead after allegedly being harassed by faculty members.

India will never bow to terror: PM on Pahalgam attack anniversary

India will never bow to terror: PM on Pahalgam attack anniversary

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India's unwavering stance against terrorism on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, vowing that the country will never bow to terror and that the designs of terrorists will never succeed.

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The BJP, especially in its current edition under the prime minister, is clear that it seeks total exclusion of India's largest minority against whom it holds historical resentment, points out Aakar Patel.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Under the TMC, Bengal has seen expansion of welfare, but not big-ticket private investment.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Sanjay Dutt's Villain Roles, Ranked

Sanjay Dutt's Villain Roles, Ranked

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Sanjay Dutt, known for his 'Khalnayak' image, is set to return to the big screen as a historical antagonist in Raja Shivaji' and a rugged gangster in 'KD - The Devil'. This article ranks his most compelling villainous performances in Hindi cinema, highlighting his versatility in embracing darker roles.

Relief for Karisma's children in Sunjay Kapur Rs 30,000 cr property row

Relief for Karisma's children in Sunjay Kapur Rs 30,000 cr property row

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed the preservation of the assets of the late Sunjay Kapur, following concerns raised by his children regarding his purported last will.

Govt may hike FDI limit to 100% in pension sector; bill likely in Monsoon Session

Govt may hike FDI limit to 100% in pension sector; bill likely in Monsoon Session

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Indian government is reportedly considering increasing the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the pension sector to 100 per cent, bringing it in line with the insurance sector. A Bill to amend the PFRDA Act, 2013, is expected in an upcoming Parliament session.

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd) has stated that the Reserve Bank of India's action on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) has no financial or business impact on the company. The fintech firm clarified it has no material business arrangements or exposure with the banking entity, which operates independently.

Can't have fishing inquiry: SC on alleged voter additions in WB

Can't have fishing inquiry: SC on alleged voter additions in WB

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court declined to initiate an inquiry into alleged voter roll irregularities in West Bengal, stating it would amount to a 'fishing inquiry'. The court's decision came after concerns were raised about the addition of a significant number of voters ahead of the state's Assembly elections.

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh is spearheading an ambitious initiative to establish a fully integrated beach sand minerals, rare earth, and titanium ecosystem, aiming to attract over 50,000 crore in investments over the next decade. This move is part of India's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on China for strategic minerals and permanent magnets, with the state preparing a comprehensive rare earth policy and planning specialised industrial clusters.

Iran offers deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz to end US blockade: Report

Iran offers deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz to end US blockade: Report

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Iran has submitted a fresh proposal to regional intermediaries offering to cease its military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities and the removal of the US blockade on Iranian maritime hubs.

No Israeli push, no nuclear Iran: Trump hardens Iran stance, targets media

No Israeli push, no nuclear Iran: Trump hardens Iran stance, targets media

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his hardline stance against Tehran while dismissing mainstream media narratives regarding his foreign policy motivations.

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls.

Ben Shelton eyes French Open push after landmark win on clay

Ben Shelton eyes French Open push after landmark win on clay

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Ben Shelton said he had laid down a claycourt marker for US men with his Munich Open win on Sunday after the World No. 6 became the first American to claim an event above the ATP 250 level since Andre Agassi's 2002 Rome Masters triumph.

Behind The Crown: Miss India Winners Show Their Real Side

Behind The Crown: Miss India Winners Show Their Real Side

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Femina Miss India World 2026 Sadhvi Sail, first runner-up Rajnandini Pawar and second runner-up Sree Advaita open up about breaking stereotypes and why pageantry is more than just the crown.

Chennaiyin, Mohammedan Sporting Play Out Goalless Draw

Chennaiyin, Mohammedan Sporting Play Out Goalless Draw

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Chennaiyin FC were held to a goalless draw by Mohammedan Sporting Club in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match.

Mercedes says demand stays strong despite supply disruptions

Mercedes says demand stays strong despite supply disruptions

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Despite the ongoing West Asia conflict causing global trade route disruptions, Mercedes-Benz India reports resilient customer demand, particularly for its new electric CLA sedan, though it faces challenges with component supply delays and escalating shipping costs.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

Madhuvidhu Review: Fun Entertainer with Loose Ends

Madhuvidhu Review: Fun Entertainer with Loose Ends

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Vishnu Aravind's Madhuvidhu is a family entertainer that works in parts but falters when its drama turns unconvincing, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'We are staying away from making forward-looking statements on when we will reach 1 trillion, etc. But growth will be rapid; it's only a matter of time.'

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh has launched India's first quantum reference facility, aiming to build a sovereign hardware ecosystem and boost indigenous manufacturing of advanced computing systems.

Drishyam 3 Teaser: Georgekutty Faces a New Unknown Fear

Drishyam 3 Teaser: Georgekutty Faces a New Unknown Fear

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The highly-anticipated Drishyam 3 teaser has dropped, promising a gripping continuation of Georgekutty's relentless battle to safeguard his family, with Mohanlal returning to face new, unseen threats.

Varun Dhawan's WOW Birthday!

Varun Dhawan's WOW Birthday!

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

WOW is an upbeat dance track from Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Varun Dhawan's coming release.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

Dawood Ibrahim Aide Dola In NCB Custody Till May 8

Dawood Ibrahim Aide Dola In NCB Custody Till May 8

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola, a close aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, has been remanded in the Narcotics Control Bureau's custody until May 8 in connection with a 2023 drugs seizure case.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised to form the next government in Nepal after a decisive victory in the general election, significantly impacting established political parties.

Is Dealer-Led Trading On The Way Out?

Is Dealer-Led Trading On The Way Out?

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Most active traders prefer mobile applications that provide real-time alerts, including price targets -- functions that dealers once delivered through client calls.