News for 'Islanders'

DRI Foils Rs 5 Crore Crystal Meth Smuggling Bid At Chennai Airport

DRI Foils Rs 5 Crore Crystal Meth Smuggling Bid At Chennai Airport

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

DRI sleuths at Chennai International Airport seized five kgs of crystal methamphetamine, valued at Rs 5 crore, from a passenger attempting to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur. The passenger has been arrested, and an investigation is underway to uncover the broader drug network.

Trump announces Iran peace deal, to be signed in Switzerland on Friday

Trump announces Iran peace deal, to be signed in Switzerland on Friday

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have announced a landmark peace deal between the US and Iran, which includes the crucial reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the immediate cessation of military operations in Lebanon.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

Cocktail 2 Review: My Best Friend's Wedding Meets Judaai

Cocktail 2 Review: My Best Friend's Wedding Meets Judaai

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

As long as its purpose of throwing everyone on the dance floor as they flaunt their toned abs in fancy clothes is served, Cocktail 2 doesn't feel obliged to make any sense, notes Sukanya Verma.

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Who are the special fathers of these famous Indians? The paternal figures responsible for putting them on the right path and helping them find greatness.

FIFA World Cup: Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 to win opener

FIFA World Cup: Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 to win opener

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Germany gave debutants Curacao a reality check, as the former champions won 7-1 to kick-start their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a big win.

War with Iran ended, declares Trump; Tehran says 'nothing' finalised

War with Iran ended, declares Trump; Tehran says 'nothing' finalised

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced that a peace deal with Iran, which includes a commitment from Iran to abandon nuclear weapons, is nearly complete and expected to be signed in Europe this weekend. This development follows Trump's decision to call off military strikes against Iran hours after threatening to take control of its oil industry.

Monsoon likely to hit Andaman by end of this week: IMD

Monsoon likely to hit Andaman by end of this week: IMD

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that conditions are becoming favourable for the onset of the southwest monsoon over parts of the south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands towards the end of this week.

32 dead as as 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines; triggers tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia

32 dead as as 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines; triggers tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A powerful 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, killing at least four people, injuring over 200, damaging buildings, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.

Monsoon arrives in Kerala, below normal rainfall predicted

Monsoon arrives in Kerala, below normal rainfall predicted

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The southwest monsoon has officially set over Kerala, albeit delayed from its typical June 1 start. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts below-normal rainfall for the season, expecting around 90% of the long-period average, primarily due to the emerging El Nino conditions.

High Spirits: Liquor Brands Bet On Premium Buzz In Hindi Heartland

High Spirits: Liquor Brands Bet On Premium Buzz In Hindi Heartland

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Indian liquor brands are increasingly focusing on Hindi heartland states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana as the next major growth engine for premiumisation, driven by expanding luxury portfolios, craft spirit launches, and upgraded retail experiences, as state governments embrace reforms.

LPG tanker carrying 20,000 tonnes of gas reaches Gujarat after crossing Hormuz

LPG tanker carrying 20,000 tonnes of gas reaches Gujarat after crossing Hormuz

Rediff.com17 May 2026

A vessel carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) arrived at Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Gujarat, after crossing the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia crisis.

Southwest monsoon likely to hit Kerala in next two-three days: IMD

Southwest monsoon likely to hit Kerala in next two-three days: IMD

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The India Meteorological Department forecasts the southwest monsoon to arrive in Kerala in the next two to three days, slightly delayed from the typical June 1 start. The department also predicts below-normal rainfall for the season due to emerging El Nino conditions.

Sri Lanka Care Home Fire: 12 Dead, Owner Remanded

Sri Lanka Care Home Fire: 12 Dead, Owner Remanded

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A devastating fire at an unregistered elderly care home in Sri Lanka's Kalutara district has claimed the lives of 12 residents and injured seven others. The owner has been arrested and remanded, with reports indicating the facility operated illegally and some mentally challenged residents were found chained.

Lanka Premier League: Vijay Shankar is marquee player at Kandy Royals

Lanka Premier League: Vijay Shankar is marquee player at Kandy Royals

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar joined the marquee player pool ahead of the Lanka Premier League Season 6 draft, alongside stars like Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews.

Opium Worth 70 Lakh, Pistol Seized After Navi Mumbai Car Crash

Opium Worth 70 Lakh, Pistol Seized After Navi Mumbai Car Crash

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Police in Navi Mumbai seized opium worth 70 lakh and a country-made pistol from an SUV after it crashed into a traffic island. The driver fled the scene, leading to the discovery of the contraband.

Can India complete historic double at women's T20 WC?

Can India complete historic double at women's T20 WC?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The 10th edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, starting on June 12 in England, offers several exciting possibilities. Take a look at the contenders and challengers.

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The smiling axolotl is everywhere at the World Cup in Mexico City. But behind the colorful murals and mascot statues lies a troubling reality: scientists say the critically endangered amphibian is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the wild.

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A Sri Lankan court has imposed an overseas travel ban on former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two former military officers in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. The ban was issued after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raised concerns that their flight could hamper the probe into the coordinated suicide bombings that killed 270 people. The current government reopened the investigation in late 2024, alleging political influence led to an earlier cover-up.

Tension escalates as US shoots down two Iranian attack drones in Hormuz

Tension escalates as US shoots down two Iranian attack drones in Hormuz

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The United States military has intercepted and destroyed two Iranian attack drones that posed an immediate hazard to commercial shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official statement by the US Central Command late Saturday.

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

Rediff.com28 May 2026

China on Wednesday reacted strongly to the Quad Ministerial meeting that voiced serious concerns over the situation in the East and South China Sea, saying they should stop meddling in maritime affairs in its neighbourhood.

India tests advanced Agni missile capable of hitting multiple targets

India tests advanced Agni missile capable of hitting multiple targets

Rediff.com9 May 2026

India has successfully conducted a flight test of an advanced Agni missile featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology off the coast of Odisha.

The Many Self Contradictions Of San Francisco

The Many Self Contradictions Of San Francisco

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

San Francisco is a coastal megacity yet at times it can feel like a foggy hill station full of picturesque views, recalls Dinesh Raheja after visiting one of America's prettiest cities.

Make Iran pay: US weighs using frozen assets for Gulf reconstruction

Make Iran pay: US weighs using frozen assets for Gulf reconstruction

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

A source familiar with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking revealed on Saturday that the department "intends to utilise all available authorities to make Iranian assets accessible for rebuilding and repair efforts related to any future damage inflicted by Iran."

Sri Lanka airport lease near China-controlled Hambantota port opens door for India

Sri Lanka airport lease near China-controlled Hambantota port opens door for India

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India is closely monitoring Sri Lanka's decision to offer foreign investors control of an airport near the China-controlled Hambantota port, as it could present a rare opening for Indian firms seeking strategic footholds in the Indian Ocean.

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thousands and thousands and thousands of adults owe their lives to the commitment and medical fervour of Dr Armida Fernandez, who a grateful nation honoured with the Padma Shri this year.

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

Rediff.com29 May 2026

India on Friday launched a highly coordinated, priority operation to safely guide 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the volatile Strait of Hormuz, the ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways announced on Friday.

US shuts India-based call centre defrauding elderly Americans

US shuts India-based call centre defrauding elderly Americans

Rediff.com21 May 2026

US authorities have shut down an India-based call centre operation that allegedly defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans of millions of dollars through tech support scams, following a years-long investigation.

Riding Streetcars And Sandwiching Across San Francisco

Riding Streetcars And Sandwiching Across San Francisco

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Grill these drippy avocado sandwiches, stuffed with cheese and mayo a la San Francisco.

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian Under-20 men's team has been drawn into Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria, and Bangladesh for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tashkent from August 25 to September 6.

The Flight Had Landed. Where Had My Mother Gone?

The Flight Had Landed. Where Had My Mother Gone?

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A few frantic calls later, the answer emerged: She had missed her connecting flight in London. Not because she was late. Not because she couldn't walk fast enough. She had simply gone to the wrong gate, sat down, and waited.

Planning A Beach Vacay? Manushi Chhillar Will Help You Pack

Planning A Beach Vacay? Manushi Chhillar Will Help You Pack

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Manushi Chhillar has mastered the art of looking like she permanently lives on a luxury island vacation.

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following his visit to China, US President Donald Trump has suggested a potential shift in Washington's approach to Taiwan, expressing reluctance to engage in military conflict over Taiwan's independence and cautioning against unilateral moves.

Two India-bound LPG tankers cross Hormuz; another sinks after attack

Two India-bound LPG tankers cross Hormuz; another sinks after attack

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Two India-bound LPG tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the region, while an India-flagged vessel sank after being hit near the strategic shipping corridor.

Gauhati High Court Denies Bail In Zubeen Garg Death Case

Gauhati High Court Denies Bail In Zubeen Garg Death Case

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Gauhati High Court has rejected bail for Shyamkanu Mahanta, the prime accused in the Zubeen Garg death case, citing risks of fleeing and tampering with evidence.

Before Obsession, 10 Desi Must Watch Horror Gems

Before Obsession, 10 Desi Must Watch Horror Gems

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

From psychological mind-benders to folklore nightmares and zombie comedies, these 10 Hindi horror films prove Bollywood has produced far more than just things that go bump in the night.

India abstains from vote On UN climate change resolution: Here's why

India abstains from vote On UN climate change resolution: Here's why

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution concerning climate change obligations, citing concerns that it undermines the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India believes climate obligations should be negotiated through the UN climate framework, emphasising differentiated responsibilities.

2 Navy jets collide mid-air during air show in US

2 Navy jets collide mid-air during air show in US

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, with all four crew members ejecting safely before the aircraft crashed.