News for 'II -'

Rest In Peace, Voice Of America

Rest In Peace, Voice Of America

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

What despots and dictators, jammers and competitors, had not managed to do in 83 years -- what the Soviet Union had failed to counter during the Cold War; what China had failed to crush during the Tiananmen Square uprising -- a US President had succeeded with his own hand, notes Krishna Prasad.

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has laid down guidelines for courts when ordering DNA tests to ascertain paternity. The court emphasized the need to balance the interests of all parties involved, including the child, parents, and other stakeholders. It also recognized the potential for infringement of privacy and the social stigma associated with illegitimate children. The court stressed that DNA tests should only be ordered when existing evidence is insufficient and when such tests are in the best interests of all parties involved.

Does India need expensive F-35s from US, asks Cong

Does India need expensive F-35s from US, asks Cong

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala has raised concerns about the Indian government's decision to potentially acquire F-35 fighter jets from the US, questioning whether the decision was made in the national interest and if security experts were consulted. He highlighted the high cost of the F-35, its operational flaws, and the potential impact on the Indian Air Force's existing fleet and maintenance infrastructure. Surjewala's comments come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a 10-year defense partnership between India and the US, including potential F-35 sales.

'If There Was A Stock Market For Love, This Was The Bull Run'

'If There Was A Stock Market For Love, This Was The Bull Run'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

'We saw 581 chocolate orders per minute and 324 rose orders per minute.'

Auschwitz, Where 6,000 Were Murdered Daily

Auschwitz, Where 6,000 Were Murdered Daily

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

When the Soviet army reached Auschwitz 80 years ago, on January 27, 1945, it found only about 7,000 inmates. What they saw was beyond words -- living skeletons, lice-infested human forms with just skin and bones, barely able to stand, greeted them.

PIX: Sporting world pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

PIX: Sporting world pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Rediff.com11 Sep 2022

Test cricketers from England and South Africa paid tributes to Queen Elizabeth II as they wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence ahead of start of Day 3 of the third and final Test match at The Oval in London.

Will Renuka Shahane Enter Politics?

Will Renuka Shahane Enter Politics?

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'On the governmental level, we are saying all the right things, like beti bachao, beti padhao. Yet, a High Court judge in Prayagraj, who is highly educated, has studied the Constitution and its laws, says breaking the naada of a pyjama or touching the breasts of a minor girl is not part of the reform process. Just giving lip service is not enough, the general mindset has to change.'

Sajjan Kumar convicted in another 1984 riots case, faces death

Sajjan Kumar convicted in another 1984 riots case, faces death

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar now faces a maximum of death penalty and a minimum of life term in prison after being convicted on Wednesday by a Delhi court in a murder case stemming from 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'We wouldn't have had to face all this had our national leaders taken care to select a place for Sindhis and sent us there, instead of sending us all over to settle in places where the locals didn't want us.' 'They could have partitioned Sindh and given us a Sindhi state from its two Hindu-majority districts.' 'Wasn't that the logic of Partition?'

126 killed, about 200 hurt as massive quake hits Tibet

126 killed, about 200 hurt as massive quake hits Tibet

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The epicentre was located in Tsogo Township of Dingri County, which has a population of approximately 6,900 people within a 20-km radius. There are 27 villages within this area.

Spend Your Weekend With Urvashi Rautela!

Spend Your Weekend With Urvashi Rautela!

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

From old favourites to brand new attractions, Sukanya Verma lists all the excitement OTT has laid out in its action-packed menu this week.

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Private hospitals to boost cancer care, beds count

Private hospitals to boost cancer care, beds count

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

'Cancer incidence is projected to increase by 12.8 per cent by 2025 compared with 2020, necessitating more dedicated cancer treatment centres and specialised beds.'

'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.'

'China To Gain Most From Trade Wars'

'China To Gain Most From Trade Wars'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'If you compare the data from 2017 and 2023 of the US imports from the world and China, you will see that the US was a complete loser in the trade war, and China was a complete gainer.'

Murthy, Subrahmanyan Aren't Wrong About Long Hours

Murthy, Subrahmanyan Aren't Wrong About Long Hours

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Leaders who built and manage these incredible global companies cannot be tyrants, slave-drivers, or idiots. Essentially what they are saying falls under the definition of rallying the troops, inspirational talk, like the usual coach-speak with the team before a match, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Gene Hackman's 10 Must Watch Films On OTT

Gene Hackman's 10 Must Watch Films On OTT

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Gene Hackman had a long and rich career, playing leading and supporting roles in many Hollywood films.

Oscars 2025: Anora Bags Five, Including Best Picture

Oscars 2025: Anora Bags Five, Including Best Picture

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The 97th Annual Academy Awards are live at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Here's a quick look at the winners.

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

Rediff.com19 Sep 2022

The State funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, began on Monday morning at the Westminster Abbey in London.

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The meltdown in Dalal Street that wiped out investor wealth to the tune of 44 trillion in 2025 also seems to be having a ripple effect on the country's vibrant automobile retail sales.

After killing wife, ex-IIS officer hid in store room

After killing wife, ex-IIS officer hid in store room

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

As dramatic as it gets, but a former Indian Information Service (IIS) officer kept hiding inside a store room for more than 10 hours after killing his wife even as police teams along with a dog squad searched his property.

'In India, Women Have The Right To Demand Justice'

'In India, Women Have The Right To Demand Justice'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'That is why an emotional appeal to the President.' 'There needs to be a strict law. The accused should be punished immediately.' 'All cases should be heard in fast-track courts.' 'In rural areas, women's cases are not even registered. There, political pressure stops them.' 'And if cases are not registered under political pressure, then their voices are completely silenced.'

'Blaming India Is Pakistan's Go-To Excuse'

'Blaming India Is Pakistan's Go-To Excuse'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Neither are Baloch insurgents capable of breaking up Pakistan, nor has Pakistan learned any lessons from the 1971 debacle that led to the country's dismemberment.'

With 7.1% Interest, Is PPF Still A Good Investment Option?

With 7.1% Interest, Is PPF Still A Good Investment Option?

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The answer depends on your financial goals and risk appetite, says Certified Financial Planner Ramalingam Kalirajan, and explains why.

Trump, Putin agree to initiate negotiations to end Ukraine war

Trump, Putin agree to initiate negotiations to end Ukraine war

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Trump said that he and Putin agreed to have their respective teams start negotiations immediately and begin by calling Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the conversation.

How Many Crorepatis In Phase II?

How Many Crorepatis In Phase II?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

87 seats will go to the polls across 13 states and Union Territories in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election on Friday, April 26, 2024.

When 800 Indian Soldiers Escaped

When 800 Indian Soldiers Escaped

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

Indians mounted daring escapes during World War II too. But they are forgotten.

US President Biden to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

US President Biden to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

Rediff.com10 Sep 2022

US President Joe Biden has said that he would attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Will Sky Force Be R-Day Weekend Bonanza?

Will Sky Force Be R-Day Weekend Bonanza?

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

'Republic Day week has consistently been a lucrative period for the film industry.'

Trump pulls US out of UNHRC, cuts funds for Palestinian refugees

Trump pulls US out of UNHRC, cuts funds for Palestinian refugees

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council and prohibiting any future funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Trump also directed the US to review its participation in UNESCO, citing concerns about anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the organizations. The executive order argues that the UNHRC, UNESCO, and UNRWA have drifted from their missions and act contrary to US interests. Trump previously halted funds for UNRWA during his first term, and President Joe Biden put a block on US funds for UNRWA in January 2024 over allegations that staff for the agency participated in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack against Israel.

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'...still have lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but could have won 140 seats.'

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Local officials said no casualties have been reported due to Wednesday's quake that hit the Madoi County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province of northwest China at 3:44 pm (Beijing time), tremors for which were also felt in north-eastern Nepal.

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'Additionally, the significant employment multiplier will boost direct and indirect jobs of up to 1.1 million.'

'Goal for Axis Max Life Insurance is to become listed entity'

'Goal for Axis Max Life Insurance is to become listed entity'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'However, this process will take some time. Depending on the approval timeline, it may span a few quarters.'

J-K: Terrorists fire at Army convoy, 1 killed in gunfight

J-K: Terrorists fire at Army convoy, 1 killed in gunfight

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

One terrorist was killed on Monday as special forces were mobilised to neutralise a group of recently infiltrated ultras who attacked an army convoy in a village in the Akhnoor sector near Jammu, officials said.

Relief for Allu Arjun as court grants regular bail in stampede case

Relief for Allu Arjun as court grants regular bail in stampede case

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Telugu actor Allu Arjun has been granted regular bail in a case related to the death of a woman in a stampede at the premiere of his film 'Pushpa-2' in Hyderabad. The actor was arrested on December 13 and released on interim bail on December 14. As part of the bail conditions, Allu Arjun must appear before the investigating officer every Sunday and cannot leave the country without permission.

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

Fire at substation leads to major power outage in Chennai

Fire at substation leads to major power outage in Chennai

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Several parts of Chennai reeled under a sudden power outage due to a fire incident which caused sequential faults on both feeders at the Manali substation in Chennai.