News for 'First Direct'

Alwar Revenue Official Nabbed for Alleged Bribery in Land Mutation Case

Alwar Revenue Official Nabbed for Alleged Bribery in Land Mutation Case

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A revenue official and a middleman were arrested in Rajasthan's Alwar district for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh for land mutation.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

10 Iranian Films You Should Watch On OTT

10 Iranian Films You Should Watch On OTT

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Will these brilliant Iranian filmmakers reflect the turmoil in their country?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

SAD Leader Alleges 'Stage-Managed' Arrest to Distract from Suicide Case

SAD Leader Alleges 'Stage-Managed' Arrest to Distract from Suicide Case

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia has criticised the Bhagwant Mann government, alleging that the arrest of AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra is a 'stage-managed show' designed to divert attention from the suicide of a warehousing corporation official.

'Life Support Withdrawal Is About Reducing Suffering, Not Ending Life'

'Life Support Withdrawal Is About Reducing Suffering, Not Ending Life'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'Families go through turmoil at that time. There is a feeling of guilt and uncertainty, and they do not know what they should be doing.' 'Now that the new judgment has clarified what the procedure is, doctors will be confident enough to talk to the families and explain what is to be done.'

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Despite ongoing tensions in West Asia, the successful arrival of the LPG carrier 'Nanda Devi' in Gujarat ensures a steady supply of liquefied petroleum gas to India, highlighting the country's efforts to secure its energy needs.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

'If you're out, you're out': Bairstow blasts ECB

'If you're out, you're out': Bairstow blasts ECB

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Jonny Bairstow supports Liam Livingstone's criticism of the England cricket hierarchy's level of care for players, highlighting concerns about the system's support for those outside the core group and the need to rebuild connections with county cricket.

TMC's Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Alter Bengal's Demography Ahead of Elections

TMC's Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Alter Bengal's Demography Ahead of Elections

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of attempting to alter West Bengal's demography by importing voters from other states ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy to undermine the democratic rights of local residents.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy 'bridges next, then electric power plants', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

They Will Kill You Review: Fun While It Lasts

They Will Kill You Review: Fun While It Lasts

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

They Will Kill You is the kind of film that works perfectly fine for a casual watch, especially if you are fan of slasher genre, observes Mayur Sanap.

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Delhi should keep all its options open in what is essentially a transitional period in the geopolitics of energy rather than remain a gatekeeper serving Trump's 'America First', suggests Ambasssador M K Bhadrakumar.

Haryana Police Unveils 'Abhedya' App to Tackle Cyber Threats

Haryana Police Unveils 'Abhedya' App to Tackle Cyber Threats

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Haryana Police have launched 'Abhedya', a mobile application designed to curb cybercrime, extortion, and threatening calls. This initiative makes Haryana the first state in India to introduce such a measure, aiming to protect citizens from various forms of digital harassment.

High Court Refuses to Suspend Sentence of Kathua Rape-Murder Mastermind

High Court Refuses to Suspend Sentence of Kathua Rape-Murder Mastermind

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a plea from Sanji Ram, the mastermind behind the 2018 rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua, refusing to suspend his life sentence.

What Makes Ranveer Singh India's Blockbuster Star

What Makes Ranveer Singh India's Blockbuster Star

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

With the twin blockbusters of Dhurandhar, which have resulted in over Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) coming in, Ranveer Singh has proved himself all over again.

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The diplomatic intervention follows various media reports which attributed comments to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, suggesting that merchant vessels were being charged USD 2 million for safe passage through the "conflict-hit Hormuz."

IDFC Bank Fraud Case: 11 Arrested in Haryana Government Funds Diversion Probe

IDFC Bank Fraud Case: 11 Arrested in Haryana Government Funds Diversion Probe

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau arrests 11 individuals, including bank employees and a government official, in connection with a fraud case involving IDFC First Bank and the illegal diversion of government funds.

'So jaao, theek hai': Harish Rana prepares to say final goodbye

'So jaao, theek hai': Harish Rana prepares to say final goodbye

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

After a landmark Supreme Court ruling, the family of Harish Rana, comatose for 12 years, prepares for his passive euthanasia, marking a significant moment in India's end-of-life care debate.

'Dhurandhar The Revenge Is A Monumental Masterpiece'

'Dhurandhar The Revenge Is A Monumental Masterpiece'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

'Both Dhurandhar films in the spy universe have carved out legendary benchmarks for Indian cinema, and they'll be studied for generations across the globe.'

Why are you seeking protection: HC slams 'Mohammad Deepak'

Why are you seeking protection: HC slams 'Mohammad Deepak'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Uttarakhand High Court reprimanded Deepak Kumar, known as 'Mohammad Deepak', for seeking police protection while being investigated in connection with a clash over a shop name.

Ranveer Singh Reacts To Dhurandhar: The Revenge Buzz

Ranveer Singh Reacts To Dhurandhar: The Revenge Buzz

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Ranveer Singh electrified fans at the Dhurandhar: The Revenge music launch in Mumbai, building anticipation for the action film.

App Trap: Hidden Cost Of 'Free' Investing

App Trap: Hidden Cost Of 'Free' Investing

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

In modern investing, transparency is more valuable than zero fees and not all investing app score big on this front, says Ramalingam Kalirajan.

Santiago Nieva Focuses on Technique for Indian Women Boxers at Asian Championships

Santiago Nieva Focuses on Technique for Indian Women Boxers at Asian Championships

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Head coach Santiago Nieva is focusing on technical discipline and a tighter defensive guard for the Indian women's boxing team at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Ola Electric shifts IPO funds from R&D to debt amid sales slump

Ola Electric shifts IPO funds from R&D to debt amid sales slump

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Ola Electric Mobility Ltd is redirecting 575 crore from its initial public offering (IPO) proceeds, originally earmarked for research and product development, towards debt repayment and organic growth initiatives, signalling mounting pressure on the electric-vehicle maker.

West Asia Conflict and US Fed Decision to Steer Equity Market This Week

West Asia Conflict and US Fed Decision to Steer Equity Market This Week

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Analysts predict that the ongoing conflict in West Asia, crude oil price fluctuations, and the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision will significantly influence the Indian equity market this week.

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

In a strategic move for the upcoming West Bengal elections, the BJP has announced its first candidate list, highlighted by Suvendu Adhikari challenging Mamata Banerjee in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur.

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amid West Asia crisis, England, South Africa and West Indies to depart over the weekend.

Chhattisgarh CM Orders Strict Action Over Manual Scavenging Deaths

Chhattisgarh CM Orders Strict Action Over Manual Scavenging Deaths

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered strict action against those forcing people into manual scavenging after three sanitation workers died cleaning a septic tank at a hospital in Raipur. The CM has directed officials to ensure assistance to the victims' families and take legal action against those responsible.

Salman Khan's Battle Of Galwan Retitled Maatrubhumi

Salman Khan's Battle Of Galwan Retitled Maatrubhumi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The new title is likely inspired by the film's first track Maatrubhumi, sung by Arijit Singh.

10 Reasons Why Akshaye Khanna Is So Appealing

10 Reasons Why Akshaye Khanna Is So Appealing

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Explore the enduring appeal of Akshaye Khanna, the actor who, despite a quiet persona and unconventional career choices, continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, recently gaining viral recognition for his role in Dhurandhar.

Unborn child over 5 months a 'person', eligible for compensation: HC

Unborn child over 5 months a 'person', eligible for compensation: HC

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that an unborn child of more than five months' gestation is considered a 'person' under the law, entitling the family to separate compensation in the event of its death in an accident.

Man Awarded 47 Lakh After 'Life-Altering' Motorcycle Accident

Man Awarded 47 Lakh After 'Life-Altering' Motorcycle Accident

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded 47.28 lakh in compensation to a man who sustained severe injuries and physical disability after being struck by a speeding motorcycle in 2017.

Tejaswini Kolhapure: 'Today, People Look At Me Differently...'

Tejaswini Kolhapure: 'Today, People Look At Me Differently...'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'The challenge now is competition. There are so many actors competing for the same roles.'

Alia Bhatt Celebrates Birthday with Ranbir, Raha

Alia Bhatt Celebrates Birthday with Ranbir, Raha

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Alia Bhatt celebrated her 33rd birthday with family, sharing photos of the celebrations on social media. The actress also has an upcoming spy thriller film called 'Alpha'.

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Argentina has significantly increased its LPG exports to India to help mitigate shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This partnership is becoming increasingly important for India's energy security.