News for 'Friday Night Plan'

New Pamban bridge built to withstand stronger cyclones than 1964

New Pamban bridge built to withstand stronger cyclones than 1964

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

The newly inaugurated Pamban Bridge in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, is designed to withstand cyclones of greater intensity than the 1964 disaster that significantly damaged the old bridge. The new bridge features a vertical lift spanner and is built to withstand wind speeds of 230 kmph and considerable seismic loading, according to a senior official from the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). The bridge's construction incorporated several safety protocols, including a seated lift spanner and girders positioned well above sea level, ensuring minimal risk from high tides and cyclones.

The Scotsman Who Loves India

The Scotsman Who Loves India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

'You have to separate the concept of India as a nation State which is very young and the Upanishadic wisdom which is timeless.'

Removal of Aurangzeb's grave won't serve any purpose: Athawale

Removal of Aurangzeb's grave won't serve any purpose: Athawale

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has voiced his opposition to the demand for demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, saying its removal will not serve any purpose. Athawale said that since Aurangzeb was buried there, his tomb should remain undisturbed. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar administration has barred Hindutva leader Milind Ekbote from entering the district from March 16 to April 5 amid calls from some outfits to remove Aurangzeb's grave. Security has been heightened around the site and visitors are being checked thoroughly.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

State T20 leagues the cradle for emerging IPL talents

State T20 leagues the cradle for emerging IPL talents

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'These (State T20 Leagues) are really good because you get an opportunity to play and these guys play with the Kookaburra ball, they (get to) play in those special situations.'

Furious Rahane blames Eden Gardens pitch after defeat

Furious Rahane blames Eden Gardens pitch after defeat

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane expressed disappointment with the Eden Gardens pitch, lamenting the lack of assistance for spinners after his team's second loss at home.

Govt approves Rs 62,700-cr deal for 156 indigenous LCH Prachand

Govt approves Rs 62,700-cr deal for 156 indigenous LCH Prachand

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The CCS approved the proposal to buy 156 LCH 'Prachand' worth over Rs 62,500 crore from HAL, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Fears in Washington began to intensify when it was realised that subsequent Pakistani and Indian attacks on major military facilities -- which were significant in terms of geographic scope and intensity -- could rapidly take both sides to where neither actually wanted to go.' 'The US objective was to stop the fighting as soon as possible. Everything else was secondary.'

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia alias Jora, an alleged terrorist who had illegally entered the US, was arrested by the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Sacramento.

Meerut victim's mother says inlaws knew of his murder

Meerut victim's mother says inlaws knew of his murder

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

New details have emerged in the murder of Saurabh Rajput in Meerut, India, with his family alleging that the accused wife's parents knew about the crime beforehand. The deceased's daughter reportedly said 'Papa is in the drum,' indicating her knowledge of the murder. The accused wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover Sahil Shukla, confessed to stabbing Saurabh to death and hiding his body in a drum sealed with cement. Police are investigating further, including Muskan's use of a fake Snapchat ID to manipulate Sahil into believing his deceased mother was urging him to kill Saurabh.

MoD Spends Rs 2.09 Trillion On Arms Deals!

MoD Spends Rs 2.09 Trillion On Arms Deals!

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The value of contracts awarded by the MoD in 2024-2025 is the highest ever and double the previous record set in 2023-2024.

Nayar reveals India's master plan to conquer Australia

Nayar reveals India's master plan to conquer Australia

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Team India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar provided insights into the team's preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

IPL PIX: Suryavanshi slams 35-ball century as Royals destroy GT

IPL PIX: Suryavanshi slams 35-ball century as Royals destroy GT

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, became the youngest ever centurion in the IPL to propel Rajasthan Royals to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against Gujarat Titans.

Why Is Everyone Talking About Naomika?

Why Is Everyone Talking About Naomika?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Naomika Siva Saran has incredible pedigree -- she is the granddaughter of Dimple Kapadia and Rajesh Khanna. And, if the rumours are true, she's trying her luck in Bollywood.

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest'. It is not, simply because Pakistan's existence -- that is synonymous with its army -- means peace has no chance, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd). It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest' asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

'He said, 'I'm Hindu'. They shot him'

'He said, 'I'm Hindu'. They shot him'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Dombivli families shattered in grief and grit. Demand dignity, justice and answers to unanswered questions.

BMC drops plan to raze illegal portion of Dharavi mosque after protest

BMC drops plan to raze illegal portion of Dharavi mosque after protest

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

A large number of police personnel have been deployed there to prevent any untoward incident in view of the prevailing situation, he said.

The Kashmir Princess Crash, 70 Years On

The Kashmir Princess Crash, 70 Years On

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Air India flight crashed into the sea after a mid-air bomb explosion in what was a failed assassination attempt on Chinese premier Zhou En Lai.

Gazi Baba killing reduced Jaish to an army without generals: BSF book

Gazi Baba killing reduced Jaish to an army without generals: BSF book

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The 2003 BSF operation that eliminated terrorist Gazi Baba in Jammu and Kashmir, the subject of an upcoming action film, "Ground Zero," crippled the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The mission, which earned the BSF a dozen gallantry awards, is being portrayed in the film releasing on April 25. The operation, described in the BSF's 50th anniversary book, involved a daring raid on a house in Srinagar where Gazi Baba was hiding. The BSF faced heavy gunfire and grenades, with officers sustaining injuries and one constable, Balbir Singh, being killed while protecting his superior officer, Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey. Dubey, who led the operation, received the Kirti Chakra, India's third highest peacetime gallantry award.

Maxwell hospitalised following late-night party

Maxwell hospitalised following late-night party

Rediff.com22 Jan 2024

He was, however, discharged from the hospital after a short stay and is back to training.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

4 abductors of actor Mushtaq Khan held; planned to kidnap Shakti Kapoor

4 abductors of actor Mushtaq Khan held; planned to kidnap Shakti Kapoor

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Four members of a gang have been arrested for kidnapping actor Mushtaq Mohammad Khan from the Delhi airport and holding him hostage in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. The gang was also plotting to abduct veteran actor Shakti Kapoor on the pretext of inviting him to an event. The gang members were involved in abducting film stars by sending advance payments and air tickets under the guise of event invitations. Police recovered Rs 1.04 lakh from their possession and are investigating whether the gang was involved in the kidnapping of other film stars. In a related development, Arjun, one of the kidnappers involved in comedian Sunil Pal's abduction, was shot and injured during an encounter with police in Meerut. Arjun, who was arrested on Saturday, attempted to escape while being escorted for a medical checkup by snatching the pistol of a sub-inspector. The police team retaliated, and Arjun was shot and injured in the exchange of fire.

In Marseille, Modi recalls Savarkar's 'courageous escape'

In Marseille, Modi recalls Savarkar's 'courageous escape'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the memory of freedom fighter V D Savarkar in Marseille, France, where Savarkar had attempted a daring escape from British custody in 1910. Modi also inaugurated a new Indian Consulate in the city, marking a significant step in strengthening India-France ties. The prime minister's visit includes a series of engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, including a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers who died in the World Wars. They will also tour the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project.

PIX: Swiatek, Rune race into Indian Wells quarters

PIX: Swiatek, Rune race into Indian Wells quarters

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Twice champion Iga Swiatek walloped Czech Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals on Tuesday.

'Determination Not To Bend Before Aurangzeb'

'Determination Not To Bend Before Aurangzeb'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'...despite all his horses, elephants, tanks and swords.' 'A determination to hold fast to Sambhaji Maharaj's father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's thoughts, ideals, and principles.'

'We have no option but to strike back'

'We have no option but to strike back'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'If they aim to remain aligned with the public sentiment, as any democratic government should, then they must respond. Why else would the prime minister have cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia? And why would he have instructed the home minister himself to travel to Srinagar to assess the situation firsthand? This suggests that something is indeed being planned. I am quite certain of that, although the exact form it will take remains to be seen.'

'I Studied Medicine Only For Papa'

'I Studied Medicine Only For Papa'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

'Thanks to Chhaava's success, I now have the creative freedom to pick and choose.'

Is Kunal Kamra obsessed with controversies?

Is Kunal Kamra obsessed with controversies?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself at the center of a controversy, this time for his comments about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra has been a controversial figure for years, with his comedy often targeting politicians and other public figures. This latest incident has led to a backlash from Shinde's supporters, who have vandalized the venue of Kamra's show. Kamra has a history of making controversial remarks, including heckling a TV anchor on a flight and making comments about the judiciary.

'Stop Crying' banner backfires: Vinicius stuns City

'Stop Crying' banner backfires: Vinicius stuns City

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Manchester City fans took a not-so-subtle dig at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during Tuesday's Champions League playoff game

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

What Politicians Said In Lead-Up To Nagpur Riots

What Politicians Said In Lead-Up To Nagpur Riots

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Before the violence and rioting that erupted in Nagpur on Monday, March 17, over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb came provocative statements from various political leaders.

T'gana tunnel collapse: Govt hopes to end rescue ops in 2 days

T'gana tunnel collapse: Govt hopes to end rescue ops in 2 days

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

A team of experts involved in rescuing eight people trapped in a partially collapsed tunnel in Telangana have reached the end of the tunnel, but debris is hindering further progress. The rescue operation, described as one of the most complex in the world, continues with experts from the Indian Army, Navy, NDRF, and GSI working tirelessly to find a breakthrough. Despite continuous efforts and oxygen pumping, there has been no contact with the trapped individuals.

How Pune duo hatched the plan to kill Baba Siddique

How Pune duo hatched the plan to kill Baba Siddique

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

The conspiracy to kill Nationalist Congress Party leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was hatched in Pune and shooters were provided with a photo and a flex banner for the target identification, police said on Monday.

Telangana tunnel rescue ops will be complete in 2 days: Minister

Telangana tunnel rescue ops will be complete in 2 days: Minister

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday said the TBM that is struck inside will be cut into pieces by using gas cutters and removed. After this, the Army, Navy, Rat Miners and NDRF teams will make another serious effort to rescue the eight persons who are missing, without compromising their own safety.

Himachal town on edge over Maharana Pratap statue near mosque

Himachal town on edge over Maharana Pratap statue near mosque

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

A proposed statue of Maharana Pratap in front of a mosque in Sujanpur Tira town, Himachal Pradesh, has sparked tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for the statue to be erected at the approved spot, while a delegation of Muslims has submitted a memorandum to the local administration requesting it not to be installed in front of the mosque. The deputy commissioner has asked the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) to look into the issue and resolve it.

SpaceX's Starship rocket explodes, debris grounds flights

SpaceX's Starship rocket explodes, debris grounds flights

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Engineers from Space X said that the 400-foot-tall ship, launched from the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in Texas, lost altitude control after several engines stopped working 20 seconds before the end of the ascent burn.

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

In his petition, Suri's lawyer said that he is being punished as his wife, who is a US citizen, is of Palestinian heritage and because the government suspects that he and his wife are against the US foreign policy towards Israel.

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

There's clearly no limit to how dramatic a wedding can be.

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The family of missing 20-year-old Indian student Sudiksha Konanki has asked police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead, according to US media reports. Konanki was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana town. She has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic and US federal law enforcement agencies are working with authorities in the Caribbean country in the probe into her disappearance. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found.

Sunita Williams describes how India looks from space

Sunita Williams describes how India looks from space

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Sunita added that "I hope, and I think for sure, I'm gonna be going back to my father's home country and visiting with people and getting excited about the first, or not the first, but the Indian national who's going up on the Axiom Mission coming up, pretty awesome," she said.