News for 'LOCATION'

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores, citing law-and-order concerns due to its ability to bypass communication restrictions. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the takedown demand under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000. The government also addressed the issue of banning minors from social media, indicating a search for a better solution than outright bans.

AISA chief Neha Bora held during protest in Delhi, released later without phone

AISA chief Neha Bora held during protest in Delhi, released later without phone

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

AISA national president Neha Bora was released at the Narela Industrial Area police station after being picked up during the organisation's protest march towards Jantar Mantar, with AISA members alleging procedural violations during her detention.

GST Council to Streamline Multi-State Registration, Document Requirements

GST Council to Streamline Multi-State Registration, Document Requirements

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The GST Council is set to consider a proposal allowing businesses to file for GST registration in multiple states via a single application and standardise the documents required by tax officers, aiming to enhance ease of doing business.

Eight Pune students on picnic drown off Maha's Diveagar beach

Eight Pune students on picnic drown off Maha's Diveagar beach

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Eight students from a Pune-based coaching class drowned in the Arabian Sea off Diveagar beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district during a picnic. The incident, which saw all bodies recovered, has led to criticism from a local MLA regarding inadequate safety measures and the need for better guidance for young visitors at popular tourist spots.

Property Attachment Proceedings Begin For Absconders In Haryanvi Singer Murder Case

Property Attachment Proceedings Begin For Absconders In Haryanvi Singer Murder Case

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Police in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, have initiated proceedings to attach the properties of three absconding accused, Satyam Kadiyan, Aryan Sandhu, and Rahul alias Bholu, in the murder case of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan. The accused, all from Haryana, each carry a reward of Rs 1 lakh. Balyan was shot dead on August 26, and two alleged shooters were later killed in a police encounter.

Police Fire On Rape Accused Attacking With Screwdriver During Arrest

Police Fire On Rape Accused Attacking With Screwdriver During Arrest

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

A man accused of raping a woman in her home was injured in police firing in Bhubaneswar after he attacked officers with a screwdriver while resisting arrest. The accused, Santosh alias Sreedhar Panda, had used a lighter resembling a handgun to intimidate the victim and was previously involved in theft cases.

'Disastrous effect': SC orders halt to riverbed sand mining, seeks report

'Disastrous effect': SC orders halt to riverbed sand mining, seeks report

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to submit a report on sand mining from riverbeds, highlighting its disastrous impact on river ecosystems. The court also ordered Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to file compliance affidavits regarding measures against illegal sand mining in and around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, following concerns over environmental damage and a forest ranger's death.

Police cannot detain family to put pressure on accused: HC

Police cannot detain family to put pressure on accused: HC

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that police cannot unlawfully detain innocent family members of an accused to compel surrender, deeming such actions a deprivation of liberty and entitling the detained person to compensation. The court awarded Rs 40,000 to a petitioner illegally held for four days and directed recovery from responsible police personnel.

Apple Pay Debuts In India With Axis Bank Partnership

Apple Pay Debuts In India With Axis Bank Partnership

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Apple has officially launched its Apple Pay service in India, initially partnering with Axis Bank for Visa and Mastercard credit card users. The service allows secure, cashless transactions via iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch using NFC technology, without requiring PINs or OTPs. This move is set to intensify competition in India's digital payments market, currently dominated by UPI and local players, with Apple planning to onboard more banks and expand merchant networks.

Recipe: Litchi And Lime Leaf Gimlet

Recipe: Litchi And Lime Leaf Gimlet

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Light, bright and beautifully aromatic.

Jaipur Police Constables Face Molestation Charges After Society Scuffle

Jaipur Police Constables Face Molestation Charges After Society Scuffle

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Two police constables in Jaipur were arrested after a scuffle with residents of a housing society, which escalated when a woman filed a case accusing them of assault and molestation. The incident occurred late Saturday night, stemming from an objection to loud music. An investigation is currently underway.

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A laboratory technician in Siberia died from 'pneumonia of unknown aetiology' at an Anti-Plague Research Institute, sparking fears of pneumonic plague, with the US now monitoring the situation and urging Russia for transparency.

Goa to host 2027 IPL mini-auction in mid-December

Goa to host 2027 IPL mini-auction in mid-December

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction for the upcoming season will take place in Goa in mid-December, with December 15-16 as the likely dates. This marks the return of the auction to India after three previous editions were held overseas, a move chairman Arun Dhumal stated was a conscious effort.

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.

Gorakhpur Teen's Body Found, Family Alleges Murder Over Relationship

Gorakhpur Teen's Body Found, Family Alleges Murder Over Relationship

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

A 15-year-old boy, missing for five days, was found dead in a water body in Gorakhpur. His family alleges he was murdered due to a relationship with a Class 11 girl, leading police to detain the girl and her family for questioning as investigations continue.

Ganesha Blessings From Across India

Ganesha Blessings From Across India

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

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

Delhi teen was raped at knifepoint, condom seized from park

Delhi teen was raped at knifepoint, condom seized from park

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

A 17-year-old girl, allegedly raped by three men at Delhi's Aastha Kunj Park, bravely assisted investigators by leading them to the crime spots. Her detailed account and identification of the locations enabled forensic teams to collect crucial biological evidence, including a condom. Police subsequently identified and arrested the three accused, Asif, Hemant, and Mahesh, after scanning CCTV footage and using technical surveillance.

Ex-IAS Officer Murder: Caretaker Tried To Burn House, Fled With Phone

Ex-IAS Officer Murder: Caretaker Tried To Burn House, Fled With Phone

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Police in Bhopal are investigating the murder of retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal, with his caretaker, Varun Kumar, identified as the prime suspect. Kumar, hired just three days prior, allegedly attacked Agarwal while he slept, attempted to set the house on fire to cover his tracks, and then fled with the victim's mobile phone. Authorities are tracking Kumar's movements across multiple railway stations as he remains at large.

H-1B visa 'completely broken', should be scrapped: Vance

H-1B visa 'completely broken', should be scrapped: Vance

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

US Vice President J D Vance has labelled the H-1B visa programme as "completely broken" and expressed support for its total abolition. He argues that corporations exploit the system to replace American workers with cheaper international staff, rather than bringing in elite talent. Vance also defended the controversial $100,000 levy on certain H-1B petitions, viewing it as a deterrent against cost-cutting exploitation.

Pics: Readers Share Their Ganesha Blessings

Pics: Readers Share Their Ganesha Blessings

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

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

Pilibhit Court Directs FIR Against 10 Officials Over Alleged Assault On Women Protesters

Pilibhit Court Directs FIR Against 10 Officials Over Alleged Assault On Women Protesters

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

A special court in Pilibhit has ordered the registration of an FIR against 10 officials, including a sub-divisional magistrate and circle officer, following allegations of assault and misbehaviour with women protesting against liquor shops in a residential area. The court's directive came after the women's complaint was allegedly not registered by local police.

13-year-old Yu Zidi named MVP as Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 close

13-year-old Yu Zidi named MVP as Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 close

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Thirteen-year-old Yu Zidi's three golds and MVP award provided a golden highlight as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed after a fortnight of logistical problems.

Apple removes Bitchat from India app store following govt demand

Apple removes Bitchat from India app store following govt demand

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Apple has removed the offline messaging app Bitchat from its India App Store following a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Developed by Jack Dorsey, Bitchat faced scrutiny under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000, due to concerns about its potential misuse by anti-national elements and for evading lawful surveillance, especially during public disorder. This marks the second time the app has faced government action in India.

Delhi High Court Directs Police To Protect Family Of Uttam Nagar Clash Accused

Delhi High Court Directs Police To Protect Family Of Uttam Nagar Clash Accused

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Delhi High Court has ordered round-the-clock police protection for the family of an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash case, where a 26-year-old youth was killed. The court's directive came after reports and CCTV footage showed the accused's family home being violently attacked by locals, including the victim's relatives, prompting concerns for their safety.

Permission denied for Jantar Mantar protest against CEC

Permission denied for Jantar Mantar protest against CEC

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Delhi Police has denied permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, leading to the closure of 11 metro stations and heightened security. Various political parties and student unions are demanding Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

NIA foils Bangladeshi terror group plot; nabs 13 from Assam, Bengal, Kerala

NIA foils Bangladeshi terror group plot; nabs 13 from Assam, Bengal, Kerala

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested 13 individuals across Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala for their alleged involvement in a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the proscribed Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The group aimed to radicalise youth and expand its extremist network in eastern and northeastern India through online modules, clandestine meetings, and propaganda.

Bijapur Teacher Held In Rajasthan For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Minor

Bijapur Teacher Held In Rajasthan For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Minor

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

A computer teacher from a government residential school in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district has been arrested in Rajasthan for allegedly sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim and her mother, leading to a special investigation team being formed.

Meerut Court Finds Muskan Rastogi And Sahil Shukla Guilty In Sensational 'Blue Drum' Murder Case

Meerut Court Finds Muskan Rastogi And Sahil Shukla Guilty In Sensational 'Blue Drum' Murder Case

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Meerut district court has convicted Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla for the murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput in the high-profile 'Blue Drum' case. The court, after a 13-month trial, found them guilty, emphasizing the need for strict punishment in heinous crimes. Sentencing will be announced after 15 days, with the prosecution seeking maximum punishment.

AM Green Wins H2Global Auction, Boosts India's Green Molecule Export Ambitions

AM Green Wins H2Global Auction, Boosts India's Green Molecule Export Ambitions

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

AM Green Ammonia has won the Asian lot in H2Global's auction, securing a 10-year agreement to supply renewable ammonia to Germany, valued at over 585 million euros. This deal positions India as a significant exporter of green molecules, with production slated for AM Green's Kakinada project, utilising renewable power and aiming for 2029 deliveries.

Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam: Congress MLA, IAS Officer Among 12 Named In New Charge Sheet

Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam: Congress MLA, IAS Officer Among 12 Named In New Charge Sheet

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Chhattisgarh Economic Offence Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB) has filed its sixth supplementary charge sheet in the alleged coal levy scam, naming 12 individuals including Congress MLA Devendra Singh Yadav, former state Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, and IAS officer Jai Prakash Maurya. The scam involves an alleged illegal levy of Rs 25 per tonne collected from coal transporters by a syndicate of bureaucrats, businessmen, and politicians, with handwritten diaries indicating collections of around Rs 540 crore.

Search on for 12 missing after Himlung Himal avalanche

Search on for 12 missing after Himlung Himal avalanche

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

A 14-member rescue team has been deployed to search for 12 Nepalese workers and guides who went missing after an avalanche on Himlung Himal in Nepal's Manang district. The avalanche buried a tent at the base camp, where nine climbers and 13 support staff were sheltering. Two bodies have already been recovered, and challenging weather conditions are hindering the search efforts.

CBI Arrests Key Accused In USD 7 Million Transnational Cyber Fraud Targeting US Citizens

CBI Arrests Key Accused In USD 7 Million Transnational Cyber Fraud Targeting US Citizens

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Ankit Satishchandra Pandey in connection with a transnational cyber-financial fraud case. Pandey allegedly defrauded US nationals of over USD 7 million by impersonating US federal agency officials through illegal call centres in Gujarat, coercing victims into transferring funds and purchasing gold.

California To Charkop: 'Bappa Is A Member Of Our Family'

California To Charkop: 'Bappa Is A Member Of Our Family'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

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

Why Do We Need Permission to Protest Against the Government?

Why Do We Need Permission to Protest Against the Government?

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Before protesting against the State, the citizen should not have to ask: Sir, may I protest, please?, asserts Prem Panicker.

Blue Drum Murder: Convicts Counselled After Emotional Verdict

Blue Drum Murder: Convicts Counselled After Emotional Verdict

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla, convicted in the sensational Blue Drum murder case of Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput, are undergoing counselling in jail after becoming emotional and refusing food post-verdict. Their sentencing is scheduled for October 14, and the case continues to impact properties in Meerut.

Uttarakhand Professor Faces Molestation Charges After Internal Inquiry

Uttarakhand Professor Faces Molestation Charges After Internal Inquiry

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Police in Uttarakhand's Tehri district have registered a case against an assistant professor for alleged molestation of two female students, including a minor, following an internal inquiry at a government college. The case has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with authorities initiating a thorough investigation.

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Pics: From Ahmedabad to Germany

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Pics: From Ahmedabad to Germany

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Families from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Noida, Nagpur, and even Magdeburg in Germany share their Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations with unique decorations, heartfelt prayers, and festive devotion.

Meerut Court Convicts Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Meerut Court Convicts Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla have been found guilty by a Meerut district court in the sensational "Blue Drum" murder case, involving the killing of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput. The court, citing a Supreme Court order on strict punishment for serious crimes, will announce the sentence after 15 days. The prosecution presented 22 witnesses and sought maximum punishment for the accused.

Meerut Court Convicts Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Meerut Court Convicts Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla In Sensational Blue Drum Murder Case

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla have been found guilty by a Meerut district court in the sensational "Blue Drum" murder case, involving the killing of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput. The court, citing a Supreme Court order on strict punishment for serious crimes, will announce the sentence after 15 days. The prosecution presented 22 witnesses and sought maximum punishment for the accused.

Meerut blue drum murder case: Wife, lover convicted

Meerut blue drum murder case: Wife, lover convicted

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Meerut district court has found Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla guilty of the murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput in the 'Blue Drum' murder case. The court will announce the punishment after 15 days, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty for the heinous crime.