News for 'Friends'

Messi's rocky road to becoming Argentina's greatest hero

Messi's rocky road to becoming Argentina's greatest hero

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Lionel Messi's final appearance for Argentina marks the end of a two-decade international career. Initially unknown to Argentine football authorities and facing skepticism, Messi's bond with his home country strengthened over time, culminating in World Cup glory. This retrospective explores his challenging journey from a Barcelona prodigy to an undisputed national icon.

'Yuck For Us To Watch Such A Spectacle'

'Yuck For Us To Watch Such A Spectacle'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

'Let's preserve our culture. Let's have this couple preserve their decorum.'

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, calling it "simply unacceptable." He also voiced deep concern over the "weaponisation of everything," which he stated has severe consequences for Global South nations, impacting peace, progress, and development globally. India urged restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians, while also highlighting the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) faced by developing countries.

'Your place is in jail': SC slams Rajpal Yadav in cheque bounce case

'Your place is in jail': SC slams Rajpal Yadav in cheque bounce case

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised actor Rajpal Yadav for his failure to deposit money as per an undertaking in a long-running cheque-bounce case. The court expressed displeasure over the non-compliance despite previous directives and warned of serious consequences, including potential jail time, if the payment is not made promptly.

Terrorist country asking me that question: Jaishankar blasts Pak scribe

Terrorist country asking me that question: Jaishankar blasts Pak scribe

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly rebuked a Pakistani journalist at the UN headquarters who questioned India's alleged sponsorship of terrorism, calling Pakistan a "terrorist country."

Naman Dhir credits Ravindra Jadeja, Mumbai Indians for bowling development

Naman Dhir credits Ravindra Jadeja, Mumbai Indians for bowling development

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India all-rounder Naman Dhir discusses his bowling development, crediting veteran Ravindra Jadeja's advice and training at the Mumbai Indians camp. Despite not yet taking a wicket in his two ODIs, Dhir maintains a good economy rate and is working on his all-round game, including his batting, ahead of the third ODI.

Dorothy Review: Bold, Evocative, Confused

Dorothy Review: Bold, Evocative, Confused

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Dorothy is an audacious exploration of masculinity and gender identity that becomes increasingly muddled just when its ideas matter most.

Why Did Gambhir Meet Amit Shah?

Why Did Gambhir Meet Amit Shah?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'A warm meeting with Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShahji. Grateful for his time and guidance. Wishing him continued good health and well-being.'

Passengers intercepted with Rs 1 crore military-grade drones at Delhi airport

Passengers intercepted with Rs 1 crore military-grade drones at Delhi airport

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Three Indian passengers were intercepted at Delhi airport with 10 professional-grade drones, described as military-grade unmanned aerial vehicles, equipped with thermal imaging and laser range finders. The drones, valued at over Rs 1.03 crore, along with an iPhone 18 Pro Max, were recovered from passengers arriving from Hong Kong. The seizure was made by Customs officers based on intelligence, as the drones were brought into India without declaration or payment of duty.

Ganeshotsav 2026: One Bappa, Endless Devotion

Ganeshotsav 2026: One Bappa, Endless Devotion

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

From lifelong traditions to four generations celebrating together, these Ganeshotsav moments capture the joy of welcoming Bappa home.

#Love Review: Romcom With No Spark

#Love Review: Romcom With No Spark

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Familiar ideas, frustrating characters and stretched-out storytelling make #Love far less romantic than intended.

How India's Football Team Aims To Gain Experience Against World-Class Opponents

How India's Football Team Aims To Gain Experience Against World-Class Opponents

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Indian football team is set to play a series of international friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay, offering valuable experience against world-class opponents. These matches are crucial for the team to assess its current standard and gain confidence, despite facing significantly more accomplished sides.

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

A FlyDubai flight captain was stabbed by his co-pilot in a suspected terror attack, leading to a desperate fight for survival that was heroically thwarted by an Israeli dentist and other passengers, averting a major mid-air disaster.

Asian Games 2026: India thrash Sri Lanka, to face Pakistan in final

Asian Games 2026: India thrash Sri Lanka, to face Pakistan in final

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Ishan Kishan's explosive unbeaten 80 and Jasprit Bumrah's two wicket burst were instrumental in guiding India to a 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the Asian Games men's cricket semifinal on Thursday.

Jailer 2 Trailer Review: Blockbuster Loading!

Jailer 2 Trailer Review: Blockbuster Loading!

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Jailer 2 looks loaded with Rajinikanth swag, explosive action and a ridiculous roster of cameos. But will Nelson deliver a blockbuster rather than another all-hype spectacle, wonders Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Mumbai's Ganeshotsav Gets a Warkari Touch

Mumbai's Ganeshotsav Gets a Warkari Touch

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Glimpses of Mumbai's Ganeshotsav preparations, from a Warkari-inspired mandal decoration to eco-friendly festive displays in Lalbaug.

Comedian Pulkit Mani cancels UP shows amid Modi mimicry row

Comedian Pulkit Mani cancels UP shows amid Modi mimicry row

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Comedian Pulkit Mani's stand-up shows in Noida, Lucknow, and Kanpur have been cancelled following "repeated threats from goon activists." This comes after he performed a mimicry of Prime Minister Modi alongside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at an event in Indore, sparking significant controversy and criticism from the BJP. Mani has since reported receiving hate messages online.

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.

How Iran's Women's Kabaddi Team Braved Conflict And Sanctions For Asian Games Silver

How Iran's Women's Kabaddi Team Braved Conflict And Sanctions For Asian Games Silver

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Iran's women's kabaddi team faced immense challenges during their Asian Games preparations, including frequent camp changes due to regional conflict, psychological stress on young players, and difficulties arranging international friendly matches due to sanctions.

Another Bihar molestation video goes viral, 3rd in a week

Another Bihar molestation video goes viral, 3rd in a week

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The incident follows similar harassment cases reported recently in Jamui and Samastipur, raising concerns about women's safety in the state.

12 missing after avalanche hits Himlung Himal peak in Nepal

12 missing after avalanche hits Himlung Himal peak in Nepal

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Twelve people, including climbers and support staff, are missing after an avalanche struck the base camp of the 7,126-metre Himlung Himal peak in Nepal's Manang district, with human casualties feared.

Rising US Bond Yields Pressure on Indian Equities, FPIs Withdraw Capital

Rising US Bond Yields Pressure on Indian Equities, FPIs Withdraw Capital

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Rising bond yields in the US and other advanced economies are making it increasingly difficult for Indian equities to attract foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), leading to pressure on valuations and potentially lower returns for domestic investors.

Alappuzha Man Dies After Stabbing Over Liquor Dispute

Alappuzha Man Dies After Stabbing Over Liquor Dispute

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

A 33-year-old man, Antony Varghese, was allegedly stabbed to death in Alappuzha, Kerala, by Afsal alias Appu after a dispute over Varghese consuming liquor near Appu's house. Police have taken Appu into custody and registered a murder case.

Panama coach reveals how India can grow football

Panama coach reveals how India can grow football

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Panama's coach, Thomas Christiansen, suggests India can learn from Panama's football growth despite baseball's dominance, highlighting the need for league improvement, better facilities, and attracting top players to boost football's popularity and global standing. Midfielder Carlos Harvey also advocates for bringing in star players to increase visibility.

Police Arrest Three, Including Minor, In Mananthala Sexual Assault Case

Police Arrest Three, Including Minor, In Mananthala Sexual Assault Case

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Police in Mananthala have arrested three individuals, including a minor, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of an underage girl. The incident came to light after the girl disclosed it during a counselling session, leading her parents to file a complaint. A case has been registered under the POCSO Act.

The pressure is off us now: India's archers after golden run in Asian Games

The pressure is off us now: India's archers after golden run in Asian Games

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Indian archers returned from the Asian Games with a historic haul of 5 gold medals, 2 Olympic quotas, and other medals, celebrating their success and triumphs over global powerhouse South Korea. Coaches and athletes expressed elation, crediting rigorous training, teamwork, and a supportive ecosystem for their unprecedented performance.

Sardar Azmoun Returns To Iran National Squad After World Cup Omission

Sardar Azmoun Returns To Iran National Squad After World Cup Omission

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Iran's star striker Sardar Azmoun has been recalled to the national football team, four months after his controversial omission from the World Cup roster. His return follows a social media post that reportedly angered Iranian authorities. Azmoun expressed his joy and readiness to fight for his country as Iran prepares for the Asian Cup.

Prem Keetanu Review: Muddled Messaging

Prem Keetanu Review: Muddled Messaging

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Prem Keetanu feels outdated for its 'boys will be boys' narrative and muddled messaging, failing to deliver a compelling modern romance, observes Deepa Gahlot.

WOMEN INTERRUPTED: Building Bridges For Women To Return To The Workplace

WOMEN INTERRUPTED: Building Bridges For Women To Return To The Workplace

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

A career break does not erase the experience that came before it. But the labour market can act as though it does. The more women invest in building professional careers, the more costly an interruption can become. How, then, do we enable women to make a comeback? Whose responsibility is it? asks Radha Roy Biswas.

Indian-Origin Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Makes Chess History

Indian-Origin Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Makes Chess History

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan, aged 11, has been crowned the youngest Woman Grandmaster (WGM) while representing England at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. This achievement adds to her growing list of records, including being the youngest person to represent England internationally in any sport. She is now one step closer to becoming an International Master.

Ganeshotsav 2026: When Bappa's The Centre Of Attention

Ganeshotsav 2026: When Bappa's The Centre Of Attention

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Families from Mumbai, Pune, Germany and New Zealand share their Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations with unique decorations, heartfelt prayers, and festive devotion.

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The UAE has initiated an investigation into a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was forced to divert and land in Saudi Arabia. An Indian pilot was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight, leading to an emergency landing. Authorities are examining all circumstances, including potential links to terrorist activity, asserting UAE jurisdiction over the UAE-registered aircraft.

'I Quit Every Gym I Joined, Then I Did Hyrox'

'I Quit Every Gym I Joined, Then I Did Hyrox'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Rikin Dewey went from unused gym memberships and late-night partying to six days of training, losing nine kg and completing his first HYROX.

Daren Sammy opens up on 25% pay cut, says West Indies cricket must 'stay afloat'

Daren Sammy opens up on 25% pay cut, says West Indies cricket must 'stay afloat'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy acknowledged the financial challenges leading to player pay cuts, stating it's "not what you want to hear before a series." He also highlighted the team's need for greater bowling discipline, especially after failing to defend a 405-run target against India, and reflected on missed opportunities to score higher in the second ODI.

Flydubai cockpit stabbing a 'dangerous terror act': UAE official

Flydubai cockpit stabbing a 'dangerous terror act': UAE official

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

In a major disclosure, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, has officially termed the cockpit attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight a "dangerous terrorist act," marking the first time a top Emirati official has formally classified the attempted crash in such terms.

Asian Games 2026: Axar sends message to teammates before Pakistan final

Asian Games 2026: Axar sends message to teammates before Pakistan final

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

We have to perform in both batting and bowling, Axar Patel says ahead of India's Asian Games 2026 cricket final against Pakistan on Saturday.

How India Loves Ganpati Bappa

How India Loves Ganpati Bappa

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.

'The emperor is naked': UEFA's Ceferin takes aim at FIFA boss Infantino

'The emperor is naked': UEFA's Ceferin takes aim at FIFA boss Infantino

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin launched a scathing attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, likening his abandoned plan to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial rights to Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Emperor's New Clothes', accusing Infantino of using 'convenient words' to mask uncomfortable realities.

Delhi Murder: Chargesheet Details Pre-Planned Attack On DU Student

Delhi Murder: Chargesheet Details Pre-Planned Attack On DU Student

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The chargesheet filed in the murder of DU student Muskan Sharma reveals that the accused, Imran Khan, allegedly pre-planned the attack, purchasing a knife two days prior. An accomplice, Digvijay Singh, is accused of helping Khan locate Sharma's house, waiting during the murder, and later harbouring him. Khan had allegedly threatened and stalked Sharma before the incident, and both accused are now in judicial custody.

Arif Zakaria: 'Jinnah's Role Was Demanding'

Arif Zakaria: 'Jinnah's Role Was Demanding'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

'...because of the character, how it was to be portrayed, the speech, the scenes.' 'There was a physicality involved because he was a TB patient who eventually had cancer and passed away.'