News for 'Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu'

The Man Who Captures Vultures On Camera

The Man Who Captures Vultures On Camera

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Like the dinosaurs, vultures face extinction. From 40 million 33 years ago, only 35,000 to 45,000 vultures remain in India.

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon season in India (June to September). The cumulative rainfall is estimated to be 105 percent of the long-period average. The IMD has also ruled out the possibility of El Nino conditions during the entire season. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of a significant portion of the population and contributes substantially to the country's GDP. However, while the prediction of normal rainfall brings relief, climate change is expected to cause variations in rainfall distribution.

HC allows probe against Kunal Kamra, stays arrest

HC allows probe against Kunal Kamra, stays arrest

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court has allowed the police investigation against comedian Kunal Kamra over his remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to continue, but has barred his arrest. The court said the investigation can continue, but Kamra will not be arrested during the pendency of the petition. The court also said that if the police wanted to record Kamra's statement, they shall do so in Chennai, where he currently resides, after giving him prior notice.

Swim sensation Desinghu wins 4th gold at National Games

Swim sensation Desinghu wins 4th gold at National Games

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Karnataka's 14-year-old swimming sensation Dhinidhi Desinghu won her fourth gold medal, even as weightlifters continued to impress with Manipur's Bindyarani Devi smashing a National record, on a day when the tiny northeastern state rose to the top of medal tally at the National Games on Friday.

'I'm Not Against Hindi. I'm Against Linguistic Centralisation'

'I'm Not Against Hindi. I'm Against Linguistic Centralisation'

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'We already understand Hindi -- through Bollywood, TV, pop culture.' 'But we never forced it on ourselves.' 'When something is imposed, the joy and organic nature of learning disappears.'

GST collections indicate economic revival, say experts

GST collections indicate economic revival, say experts

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Gross GST collections rose by 9.1 per cent to about Rs 1.84 lakh crore in February, boosted by domestic consumption and indicating potential economic revival. As per the official data released on Saturday, on a gross basis, mop up from Central GST stood at Rs 35,204 crore, State GST at Rs 43,704 crore, Integrated GST at Rs 90,870 crore and compensation cess of Rs 13,868 crore.

J&K's Ranji quarter-finals moved to Pune

J&K's Ranji quarter-finals moved to Pune

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The match has been relocated from its original venue in Srinagar due to 'potential weather concerns' raised by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.

Sachin's record-breaking throw: India's next javelin star?

Sachin's record-breaking throw: India's next javelin star?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Javelin thrower Sachin Yadav of Uttar Pradesh, 18-year-old high jumper Pooja Singh of Haryana and long distance runner Sawan Barwal of Himachal Pradesh rewrote National Games records and won gold medals on the concluding day of athletics competition. Yadav sent his spear to a Games-record distance of 84.39m in his fifth attempt, while Pooja cleared 1.84m to defend the women's high jump gold. Barwal won the men's 5000m in a time of 13 minutes and 45.93 seconds, bettering the earlier Games record.

49% of India's active COVID-19 cases are from Maharashtra and Tamilnadu

49% of India's active COVID-19 cases are from Maharashtra and Tamilnadu

Rediff.com15 Jul 2020

As the nation unites to fight this killer virus, Rediff Labs has mapped, state-wise, the coronavirus cases in India.

COVID: 3 Weeks Deadlier Than 9 Months

COVID: 3 Weeks Deadlier Than 9 Months

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

40 Covid patients died since mid-May, which is more than the total number of deaths over the preceding 39 weeks.

The Rise Of Eco-Luxury Homes

The Rise Of Eco-Luxury Homes

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Glass facades and air-conditioned enclaves are giving way to spaces that breathe -- homes that reflect a deeper connection to nature, heritage, and well-being.

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami is under pressure from his party as his unclear stand on the BJP alliance has brought back fears among party workers that the party may lose its identity, be forced into an unwanted coalition, and be taken over by the BJP later, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

HMPV: 2 cases detected in Maha; Centre asks states to step up surveillance

HMPV: 2 cases detected in Maha; Centre asks states to step up surveillance

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Indian government has advised states to intensify surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARI), following the detection of five human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country. The decision comes amidst reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China. The Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, chaired a virtual meeting with states and union territories to discuss the situation and public health measures. While there is no cause for public concern, the government is emphasizing the importance of preventive measures such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms.

Shinde joke row: Kunal Kamra moves HC against FIR

Shinde joke row: Kunal Kamra moves HC against FIR

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The comedian has failed to appear before the Mumbai police for questioning despite three summons issued to him.

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

Karnataka's Nataraj, Desinghu on cloud 9!

Karnataka's Nataraj, Desinghu on cloud 9!

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Nataraj and Desinghu are tipped to become the best male and female athletes of the Games.

National Games: Swimmer Nataraj powers to fifth gold

National Games: Swimmer Nataraj powers to fifth gold

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Srihari Nataraj led the charge for swimming powerhouse Karnataka with his fifth gold at the National Games.

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra has been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in a case filed against him for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy show. Kamra, who resides in Tamil Nadu, was summoned by the Mumbai Police and feared arrest, prompting him to seek bail from the Madras HC. The court granted him bail until April 7, on the condition that he executes a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Shell deepens India market reach through Raj Petro buy

Shell deepens India market reach through Raj Petro buy

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Global energy giant Shell has acquired Mumbai-based Raj Petro Specialities to deepen its foothold in the world's third biggest lubricants market in the world, a top company official said. Shell, which has already invested over $5 billion in India across the energy value chain -- from LNG import terminals and fuel stations to renewable energy and technology centres -- has acquired 100 per cent equity interest in Raj Petro Specialities Pvt Ltd from Germany's Brenntag Group.

GST collections jump to Rs 2.01 lakh cr in May

GST collections jump to Rs 2.01 lakh cr in May

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Gross GST collections remained above the Rs 2 trillion mark for the second month in a row, rising 16.4 per cent in May to over Rs 2.01 lakh crore. Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection had touched a record high of Rs 2.37 lakh crore in April. In May, 2024, the mop up was Rs 1,72,739 crore.

GST mop-up rises 12% to Rs 1.96 lakh cr in January

GST mop-up rises 12% to Rs 1.96 lakh cr in January

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Gross GST revenue rose 12.3 per cent to Rs 1.96 lakh crore in January on higher domestic economic activity, government data showed on Saturday. This includes 10.4 per cent growth in revenue from sale of goods and services domestically at Rs 1.47 lakh crore and 19.8 per cent rise in tax revenue from imported goods at Rs 48,382 crore.

Survey Flags Social Media Misinformation About Periods

Survey Flags Social Media Misinformation About Periods

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

The survey states that while around 71.6 per cent of women believe that social media offers adequate information about menstruation, only 11.5 per cent rely on it as their primary source during menstrual emergencies.

Monsoon on track, will reach Maharashtra in 2 days: IMD

Monsoon on track, will reach Maharashtra in 2 days: IMD

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Senior IMD scientist R K Jenamani said the monsoon covered south and central Arabian Sea, entire Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu between May 31 and June 7.

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

IMD data shows in the 24 hours between September 1 and 2, Haryana received 806 per cent more rainfall than normal, Punjab 759 per cent, Himachal Pradesh 510 per cent, Delhi 740 per cent, Chandigarh a staggering 1,638 per cent, and Rajasthan 193 per cent.

Pitroda remarks: Modi dares Stalin to snap ties with Congress over Tamil pride

Pitroda remarks: Modi dares Stalin to snap ties with Congress over Tamil pride

Rediff.com8 May 2024

He asked if DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, "who speaks of Tamil culture, such a serious allegation has been made--will DMK snap ties with Congress, for Tamil pride and the Tamil people."

GST collection grows 10% to over Rs 1.96 lakh cr in March, second-highest ever

GST collection grows 10% to over Rs 1.96 lakh cr in March, second-highest ever

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Gross GST collection in March grew 9.9 per cent to over Rs 1.96 lakh crore, government data showed on Tuesday.

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has granted interim police protection to Discovery Communications India officials who have been receiving threats from followers of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. The threats were triggered by the release of a documentary series titled "Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu". The court has directed the Centre and several state governments to ensure the safety of the petitioners, including their offices.

Jilted woman techie behind bomb threats in 12 states

Jilted woman techie behind bomb threats in 12 states

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

A probe into e-mails threatening blasts at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and different places in 12 states has unravelled a tale of unrequited love and vengeance allegedly unleashed by a woman executive of an MNC in Chennai to defame a man, leading to her arrest.

At 126.7 mm average rainfall, India sees wettest May in 124 years

At 126.7 mm average rainfall, India sees wettest May in 124 years

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

The early onset of the southwest monsoon brought continuous rainfall across southern and eastern India, contributing to this record.

Now, Karnataka Wants To Scrap NEET

Now, Karnataka Wants To Scrap NEET

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

Karnataka has the highest number of medical seats in the country at 11,745, of which 3,750 seats were in government institutions and 7,995 seats were in private colleges.

Student Suicides Doubled in 10 Years

Student Suicides Doubled in 10 Years

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

In just the two months of 2025, six cases of student suicides took place in Kota.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

India braces for above-normal June rains, cooler temperatures: IMD

India braces for above-normal June rains, cooler temperatures: IMD

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall across India in June, with most parts of the country likely to experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures. The IMD also anticipates above-normal minimum temperatures across most of the country, except for some parts of central India and the adjoining south peninsula. The southwest monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest arrival over the Indian mainland since 2009. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture-dependent economy, providing vital water for crops and supporting drinking water and hydropower generation.

Hindi will reduce Tamils to shudras: DMK MP

Hindi will reduce Tamils to shudras: DMK MP

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

'They are trying to destroy the culture and trying to impose Manu Dharma through Hindi'

National Games: Anmol wins badminton singles gold

National Games: Anmol wins badminton singles gold

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Anmol Kharb continued her impressive run, defeating top seed Anupama Upadhyaya in straight games in the women's singles final to clinch the gold medal at the 38th National Games.

Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken dies in Dehradun at 90

Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken dies in Dehradun at 90

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Noted Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken, known for his writings on Indian mountains, rivers, and railways, died in Dehradun at the age of 90. Aitken, who arrived in India in the late 1950s, traveled extensively throughout the country, especially in and around the Himalayan ashrams of Kausani and Mirtola. He lived between Delhi and Mussoorie since the 1970s. In over two dozen travel books, Aitken explored India's religious and natural landscapes, wrote intimately about its people and their beliefs, and had a keen interest in Indian railways. Some of his noted works include "Seven Sacred Rivers," "Divining the Deccan - A Motorbike to the Heart of India," "Footloose in the Himalaya," and "Exploring Indian Railways."

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

While the BJP went back to the drawing board to recraft its political and governance outreach and regained momentum by notching up surprisingly big wins in a string of assembly polls, the burst of fresh optimism in the main opposition Congress and other INDIA bloc parties fizzled out.

Record 81,533 people recover from COVID-19 in 24 hrs

Record 81,533 people recover from COVID-19 in 24 hrs

Rediff.com12 Sep 2020

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.66 per cent while the recovery rate has risen to 77.77 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry. Sixty per cent of the total recovered cases are being reported from five states - Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, the ministry said on Saturday.

Khelo India Para Games 2025: Kaur breaks powerlifting national record

Khelo India Para Games 2025: Kaur breaks powerlifting national record

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

Punjab powerlifter Jaspreet Kaur set a new national record in the 45kg category at the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025, lifting 101kg to win the gold medal.

'How to kill an artist': Kunal Kamra posts step-by-step guide

'How to kill an artist': Kunal Kamra posts step-by-step guide

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

According to Kamra, an artist is left with only two choices under such circumstances. "Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet or wither in silence. This isn't just a playbook, it's a political weapon. A silencing machine," he wrote.