News for 'First Direct'

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the Census 2027 will be a fully digital and paperless exercise, utilising mobile technology, AI, and cloud computing for accuracy and efficiency, marking a shift towards data-driven governance.

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2: Avinash Tiwary-Medha Shankr Bet on Their 'Bawaal' Film

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2: Avinash Tiwary-Medha Shankr Bet on Their 'Bawaal' Film

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 actor Avinash Tiwary and Medha Shankr are optimistic about their film's appeal to family audiences, addressing the current scarcity of family-friendly Hindi cinema.

Trump Has Forced The World Into New Reality

Trump Has Forced The World Into New Reality

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

America's population and its media and its democratic structures seem fine with this, which is why Trump continues as he does, asserts Aakar Patel.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

India Nuclear Journey Takes A Hanuman Leap

India Nuclear Journey Takes A Hanuman Leap

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

In many ways, this is only the beginning -- of a new chapter in India's nuclear story, and of a future where its vast thorium reserves could finally power its ambitions.

West Bengal CEO Investigates Voter Enrolment Irregularities After TMC Complaint

West Bengal CEO Investigates Voter Enrolment Irregularities After TMC Complaint

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer is reviewing CCTV footage following allegations by the Trinamool Congress that a BJP representative improperly submitted voter enrolment forms. The investigation aims to address concerns about potential violations of electoral regulations and ensure the integrity of the voter list.

Keralam dental student's suicide sparks storm, college faculty under fire

Keralam dental student's suicide sparks storm, college faculty under fire

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Police in Kannur, Kerala, are investigating Kannur Dental College faculty after a first-year student died in a suspected suicide, with allegations of emotional harassment and discrimination.

Pak handlers used solar CCTV cameras to spy on Indian Army, ISI-linked module busted

Pak handlers used solar CCTV cameras to spy on Indian Army, ISI-linked module busted

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Delhi Police's Special Cell has dismantled an inter-state terror, arms, and espionage module allegedly supported by Pakistani handlers and the ISI, revealing a covert surveillance network near sensitive military locations.

Jindal Steel Turns to Syngas to Overcome Natural Gas Shortages

Jindal Steel Turns to Syngas to Overcome Natural Gas Shortages

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Jindal Steel has successfully deployed syngas in its galvanising and colour coating line furnaces to combat shortages of natural gas, LPG, and propane. This innovative approach allows the company to sustain operations and promotes energy self-reliance.

Indian Boxers Aim for Medals and Qualification at Asian Championships

Indian Boxers Aim for Medals and Qualification at Asian Championships

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Indian boxers are set to compete at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming for medals and direct qualification for major multi-sport events later in the year, including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Kannur Dental College Faces Probe After Student's Alleged Suicide

Kannur Dental College Faces Probe After Student's Alleged Suicide

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Police in Kannur, Kerala, have launched an investigation into Kannur Dental College following the death of a first-year student, Nithin Raj R L, who allegedly died by suicide after facing emotional harassment from faculty members. The investigation includes allegations of caste-based discrimination and threats of academic repercussions.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

Indian Boxers Target Medals and Qualification at Asian Championships

Indian Boxers Target Medals and Qualification at Asian Championships

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Indian boxers are set to compete at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming for medals and direct qualification for major multi-sport events later in the year.

Court Orders Summons for Ex-Maharashtra DGP in MHADA Fraud Case

Court Orders Summons for Ex-Maharashtra DGP in MHADA Fraud Case

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A Mumbai sessions court has directed a magistrate to issue summonses to former Maharashtra DGP Satish Mathur and other senior officers for allegedly not registering an FIR in a MHADA fraud case.

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Within the BJP, Samrat Chowdhury confronts a party full of senior leaders with their own factional networks, caste calculations and career ambitions; many of whom may regard his elevation as a product of central convenience rather than organic merit.'

Bhooth Bangla Review: Miscast Akshay Kumar In Woeful Priyadarshan Horror-Comedy

Bhooth Bangla Review: Miscast Akshay Kumar In Woeful Priyadarshan Horror-Comedy

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's reunion in 'Bhooth Bangla' attempts to capitalise on nostalgia but ultimately delivers a noisy, recycled, and uninspired horror-comedy that struggles with weak humour, ineffective scares, and miscasting.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

How An Indian Sailor Survived The Strait Of Hormuz

How An Indian Sailor Survived The Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'We kept our bags packed, ready to jump into the sea. Many times, I felt it could be my last day.'

India's Young Table Tennis Stars Surge into Asian Youth Championships Quarterfinals

India's Young Table Tennis Stars Surge into Asian Youth Championships Quarterfinals

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's young table tennis players have showcased their dominance at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships, securing quarterfinal spots in both U-19 and U-15 categories after a successful run in the team events.

Nykaa Eyes Majority Stake in Deepika Padukone's Skincare Brand 82E Amidst Slowing Growth

Nykaa Eyes Majority Stake in Deepika Padukone's Skincare Brand 82E Amidst Slowing Growth

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Nykaa is reportedly in talks to acquire a majority stake in Deepika Padukone's skincare brand, 82E, following slower-than-expected growth and financial losses. The potential acquisition could provide 82E with access to Nykaa's extensive distribution network and customer base.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Harinder Sikka Slams Meghna Gulzar for 'Diminishing' Calling Sehmat in Raazi

Harinder Sikka Slams Meghna Gulzar for 'Diminishing' Calling Sehmat in Raazi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Author Harinder Singh Sikka has publicly criticised filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, stating that her adaptation of his espionage novel 'Calling Sehmat' into the film 'Raazi' diminished the true spirit of his protagonist due to 'ideological bias'.

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged that the BJP will prioritise resolving the Gorkha issue in Darjeeling and withdraw cases against community leaders if elected in West Bengal. He criticised Mamata Banerjee's government for non-cooperation and assured a constitutional solution.

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Iran has announced the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels, coinciding with a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

India Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Kenya in FIFA Series Semi-final

India Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Kenya in FIFA Series Semi-final

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian women's football team lost 0-2 to Kenya in the semifinal of the FIFA Series 2026. Martha Emedot and Tereza Obunya scored for Kenya.

Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan's Movies, RANKED

Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan's Movies, RANKED

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

As we await the much-anticipated reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar in Bhooth Bangla, Sreeju Sudhakaran looks back at their six memorable collaborations, ranking them by how consistently they deliver on entertainment.

IPL 2026: DC's costly mistake? Bangar explains final over drama

IPL 2026: DC's costly mistake? Bangar explains final over drama

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar analyses Delhi Capitals' narrow defeat to Gujarat Titans in the IPL, highlighting a crucial moment of indecision that may have cost them the match.

Report reveals Iran's plan to wear down Israelis

Report reveals Iran's plan to wear down Israelis

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

A new analysis by the Institute for the Study of War has warned that Iran could escalate its attacks on Israel by launching large missile salvos aimed at maximising psychological pressure on civilians.

Resilient Aizawl FC Holds Sreenidi Deccan FC to Draw in I-League Clash

Resilient Aizawl FC Holds Sreenidi Deccan FC to Draw in I-League Clash

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Aizawl FC displayed spirited performance to hold Sreenidi Deccan FC to a 1-1 draw in an Indian Football League match.

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

Mumbai Metro network expands with launch of two new lines

Mumbai Metro network expands with launch of two new lines

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Mumbai's metro network has expanded with the inauguration of the first phases of Metro Line 9 and Line 2B, promising improved connectivity and reduced travel times for commuters.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Trump dials Modi on Hormuz security; Gor hints at 'big-ticket' India-US deals

Trump dials Modi on Hormuz security; Gor hints at 'big-ticket' India-US deals

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the West Asia crisis and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. They also reviewed progress in bilateral ties and anticipated upcoming deals in the energy sector.

IPL 2026: From Spectacle to Predictability: Is the IPL Losing Its Edge?

IPL 2026: From Spectacle to Predictability: Is the IPL Losing Its Edge?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Today, predictability has replaced volatility. When 200 becomes routine and chases follow a template, the element of surprise goes out the window and with it viewer engagement.

10 Expert Tips For Summer-Ready Skin

10 Expert Tips For Summer-Ready Skin

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A simple routine of cleansing, moisturising and sunscreen is more effective than piling up products, advises Dr Rupika Singh, dermatologist and founder of Akiya Aesthetics.

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The intriguing bit is that Trump is likely to attend the talks in Islamabad this weekend -- if he does, it will be the clearest signal yet that the US is ready to exit the war with some sort of win to show, since he cannot afford to go for the talks and return empty-handed, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising to tackle corruption and illegal immigration if the BJP comes to power. He criticised the current TMC government and outlined the BJP's plans for the state.

From Kartrocket To Shiprocket: Journey Of A Unicorn

From Kartrocket To Shiprocket: Journey Of A Unicorn

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'More than becoming a unicorn, what truly satisfies us is seeing small businesses grow from Rs 10,000 a month to Rs 20 lakh after joining our platform.'