News for 'Monsoon'

Four Men. One Surname. The Brands Of Bollywood

Four Men. One Surname. The Brands Of Bollywood

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The story of the Khans is therefore not simply the story of four movie stars who have dominated Bollywood. It is the story of how four sharply differentiated identities became four enduring businesses -- and how each managed to remain relevant in an industry designed to replace yesterday's hero with tomorrow's sensation, points out Sandeep Goyal.

Southwest monsoon expected to arrive in Kerala on May 26

Southwest monsoon expected to arrive in Kerala on May 26

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted an early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, expected around May 26. This marks the beginning of the crucial rainy season for India.

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced that over 200 taluks are likely to be declared drought-affected after phased assessments. The state has convened a special legislative session to discuss the crisis, farmer assistance, and seek significant financial relief and loan waivers from the Union government, while also alleging a "step-motherly attitude" from the Centre regarding fund releases.

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging "vote chori" and treason, following a media report revealing that two other Election Commissioners had formally objected to decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the BJP, RSS, and EC of undermining democracy, citing concerns over voter list tampering and lack of transparency.

Oppn wants CEC sacked, jailed; seeks repoll in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal

Oppn wants CEC sacked, jailed; seeks repoll in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Opposition parties in India are demanding the impeachment and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging he is running the poll panel as a 'one-man autocracy' following revelations that two Election Commissioners red-flagged issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

H1N1, Flu Cases: 'No Need To Panic'

H1N1, Flu Cases: 'No Need To Panic'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Several Indian cities report a surge in influenza cases, prompting state governments to issue advisories asking people to mask up in public spaces and follow basic respiratory hygiene.

Mumbai receives relief as pre-monsoon showers lash city

Mumbai receives relief as pre-monsoon showers lash city

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Mumbai and its suburbs experienced widespread pre-monsoon showers, offering relief from the recent heat and humidity. Several areas received moderate to heavy rainfall, with no major disruptions reported.

Over 50% of 18th LS bills passed in same session they were introduced: Data

Over 50% of 18th LS bills passed in same session they were introduced: Data

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

More than half of the bills introduced in the 18th Lok Sabha have been passed by both Houses in the same session, a significant acceleration compared to previous terms, raising concerns about the time available for legislative scrutiny and stakeholder consultations.

Why Expanding Early Warning Systems Is Crucial For Disaster Mitigation

Why Expanding Early Warning Systems Is Crucial For Disaster Mitigation

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Climate scientist Tapio Schneider advocates for expanding early warning systems beyond rainfall events to include other disaster triggers like flash floods, citing the recent Nepal floods. He highlights the inevitability of 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming and discusses the role of advanced climate modelling and AI in improving predictions and research, particularly for regions like India.

Mumbai MLAs' question quality drops from 50% to 33%: Report

Mumbai MLAs' question quality drops from 50% to 33%: Report

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

A recent report by Praja Foundation indicates a significant decline in the quality and quantity of questions raised by Mumbai MLAs in the Maharashtra assembly. The 'Mumbai's MLA Report Card, 2026' shows a sharp drop in average scores for question quality and a 72 per cent reduction in the number of questions asked compared to previous assemblies, raising concerns about legislative oversight.

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Indian government has mandated that banks and payment providers cannot levy charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made via RuPay debit cards. This directive follows an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, aiming to sustain and expand the digital payments ecosystem.

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Monsoon is the pran (life) of our water system.' 'A weak monsoon will have a very negative impact on crops and people's lives.'

Can Damp Clothes Cause Fungal Infections?

Can Damp Clothes Cause Fungal Infections?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The damp, humid monsoon weather can increase the risk of infections, warns Dr Ritika Shanmugam, founder, chief dermatologist and director of Skin Hair Aesthetics.

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the disqualification petitions against rebel MPs from the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Both parties have sought the disqualification of their defecting members under the anti-defection law, while the Speaker is consulting legal experts and examining precedents to ensure legally sound decisions.

Panel To Decide UPI Charges Above Rs 2,000 For Merchants

Panel To Decide UPI Charges Above Rs 2,000 For Merchants

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

A high-level committee, including representatives from banks and payment associations, is set to decide on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants. While person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions up to Rs 2,000 remain free, the move follows a recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, sparking debate and clarification from the Finance Minister that only certain high-value merchant transactions might incur charges.

Recipe: Shubhda's Crispy Brinjal Bhajiyas

Recipe: Shubhda's Crispy Brinjal Bhajiyas

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Monsoon Clouds+Food Cravings=Pakora Time. Yay! While onion and potato bhajiyas often steal the spotlight, a humble vegetable can make an equally delicious fritter -- the eggplant, whuch we call baingan or brinjal.

Goa govt drops plan to table anti-conversion bill

Goa govt drops plan to table anti-conversion bill

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Goa government has decided not to introduce its anti-religious conversion bill during the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly, following significant pushback from legislators representing the minority community.

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay opened the sluices of the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur on Tuesday for irrigation in the Cauvery delta districts.

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.

Below-normal monsoon forecast, geopolitical jitters trigger 1,092-point Sensex tumble

Below-normal monsoon forecast, geopolitical jitters trigger 1,092-point Sensex tumble

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant decline for the third consecutive day, with the Sensex tumbling 1,092 points and Nifty closing below 24,550. This downturn was primarily driven by the India Meteorological Department's forecast of a below-normal southwest monsoon and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire arrangement.

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'All the glaciers will disappear!'

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Floods have forced hundreds of government schools across Bihar to shut, disrupting studies for thousands of students.

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Ten days after both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, the Monsoon session is yet to end formally, giving rise to speculation that the government wants to pass a key legislation without convening a new session.

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A government bill proposing to widen the remit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament. Concerns have been raised that the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, could reduce the premier institute's autonomy. The bill, currently under examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, aims to incorporate ISI as a 'body corporate' to strengthen governance and promote academic excellence, but critics fear increased government control.

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the government's recent notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for users to be charged fees, particularly for transactions above Rs 2,000. The party claims the government lacks transparency and questions if the move is to benefit American firms. The government, however, states that charges are necessary for the system's sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, with the Finance Minister clarifying that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers.

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised the Congress for allegedly 'unfairly disrupting' the recent monsoon session.

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com29 May 2026

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Torrential rains have caused widespread devastation across several Indian states, leading to at least 11 deaths in Assam and Uttarakhand, pushing rivers above danger levels, and disrupting daily life with landslides, floods, and school closures. States like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir are also grappling with the monsoon fury, while Meghalaya faces an unusual rainfall deficit.

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has articulated India's position on BRICS, advocating for it to be a "non-West, but not anti-West" platform, a stance he believes is crucial for India's national interest. He highlighted the prestige of hosting the BRICS summit, India's responsibility to represent the Global South, and the significance of bilateral meetings, particularly with China and Russia. Tharoor also addressed the strained India-China relations, citing border issues and trade leverage, and discussed the challenges within BRICS, including difficulties in achieving consensus on global issues and trade imbalances, while also considering the need for diversified international relations amidst unpredictable US sanctions.

Kharge alleges BJP 'purified' stage after his Uttarakhand rally

Kharge alleges BJP 'purified' stage after his Uttarakhand rally

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kharge, who is also the Congress President, demanded that cases should be registered, under the Untouchability Act, against those who purified the stage in Haldwani, and they should be arrested and sent to jail.

Rural CV retail sales growth outpaces urban, driven by diversified economy and GST impact

Rural CV retail sales growth outpaces urban, driven by diversified economy and GST impact

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Rural commercial vehicle (CV) registrations have consistently outpaced urban sales from April to July 2026, driven by a significant diversification of the rural economy and the positive impact of GST-led consumption, according to experts and data from Fada.

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Members of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have indicated that interest rate hikes may be necessary sooner rather than later, as headline inflation is projected to rise from its current benign levels in the coming months, according to the minutes of the August review.

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Gujarat high court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea of former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan's appeal against a single judge order passed in August last year, calling him an "encroacher" on a piece of government land in Vadodara.

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Gujarat high court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea of former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan's appeal against a single judge order passed in August last year, calling him an "encroacher" on a piece of government land in Vadodara.

7 dead, 2 still feared trapped in Mumbai's landslide

7 dead, 2 still feared trapped in Mumbai's landslide

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Search and rescue operations are continuing for a second day in Mumbai following a landslide in the Sakinaka area that claimed seven lives and injured seven others. Two individuals are still feared trapped, with rescue efforts complicated by narrow access and the inability to use heavy machinery.

SBI Highlights RBI's 'Chalk and Cheese' Policy Signals, Creating Market Uncertainty

SBI Highlights RBI's 'Chalk and Cheese' Policy Signals, Creating Market Uncertainty

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

State Bank of India's latest report highlights a 'chalk and cheese' divide in the Reserve Bank of India's recent policy communications, with the Monetary Policy Committee minutes showing a hawkish tone while the Governor's statements are more data-dependent, leading to market uncertainty regarding future interest rate hikes.

Surge in H1N1 cases: IMA warns against...

Surge in H1N1 cases: IMA warns against...

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a public health advisory on the seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, urging people not to self-medicate with antibiotics and antivirals and advising immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.

This Saas-Bahu Run A Business Together

This Saas-Bahu Run A Business Together

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Soaring above the mighty Chenab River, this record-breaking railway bridge is a sight to behold.