News for 'NOTE'

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea by senior advocate Kapil Sibal challenging the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule's 'deemed merger' provision, which allows MLAs and MPs to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, citing its 'huge repercussions on our polity'.

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and Grandmaster Nihal Sarin have voiced concerns over the ongoing NEET exam irregularities and student suicides. Bindra called for a transparent and merit-based education system, while Sarin highlighted the immense pressure students face. The protests, supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk, have seen students attempting to march to Parliament.

10 years in jail, Rs 50 lakh fine: Govt tables new paper leak bill

10 years in jail, Rs 50 lakh fine: Govt tables new paper leak bill

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, the Indian government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. The bill proposes significantly stricter punishments, including jail terms of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness in public examinations.

Relief for Umar Khalid as court restores 2 weekly e-mulakats with family

Relief for Umar Khalid as court restores 2 weekly e-mulakats with family

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has reinstated jailed activist Umar Khalid's right to two weekly video meetings (e-mulakats) with his family, overturning a reduction to one meeting. The court noted Khalid had consistently used two e-mulakats for six years without violating prison rules, despite jail authorities arguing for a single weekly meeting under current regulations. Khalid is on trial in a 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case.

Alia Bhatt: 'Last Few Days Have Broken My Heart'

Alia Bhatt: 'Last Few Days Have Broken My Heart'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'In solidarity with every student demanding accountability, justice and hope for a future they can believe in.'

OTT's 10 Best K-Dramas Of 2026 So Far

OTT's 10 Best K-Dramas Of 2026 So Far

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

It's only July but the South Korean drama scene is brimming with action and adrenalin.

Ruturaj Gaikwad named West Zone captain for Duleep Trophy

Ruturaj Gaikwad named West Zone captain for Duleep Trophy

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of West Zone for the upcoming 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, with Shams Mulani named vice-captain, as the team prepares for the season-opening domestic competition.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

Indian Students In Canada Face 'Post-Graduation Work Permit' Shock

Indian Students In Canada Face 'Post-Graduation Work Permit' Shock

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

For hundreds of Indian scholars who journeyed to Canada aiming for a foreign degree and a path toward long-term career opportunities, what should have been a triumphant graduation has instead spiralled into deep uncertainty.

Box Office: The Odyssey Takes Superb Start, Dhamaal 4 Is A HIT

Box Office: The Odyssey Takes Superb Start, Dhamaal 4 Is A HIT

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The box office is buzzing with activity as the Hollywood blockbuster The Odyssey makes a superb debut, while the Bollywood comedy Dhamaal 4 continues its successful run.

Chief Justice Kant Flags AI Concerns, Advocates Disclosure In Arbitration

Chief Justice Kant Flags AI Concerns, Advocates Disclosure In Arbitration

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant highlighted the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence into arbitration practices, expressing concerns about its accuracy, authenticity, and ethical use. He stressed the need for mandatory disclosure when generative AI is used in preparing legal documents and reports, advocating for shared standards to manage deepfakes and AI-generated material. The CJI also encouraged embracing AI for efficiency in tasks like e-discovery while preserving core arbitration principles.

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

With the duration of stay capped at four years, the biggest impact of the new F-1 visa rules is likely to be on PhD scholars, students enrolled in longer professional programmes, those whose graduation gets delayed and students moving from one academic programme to another, highlight education experts.

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the forcible shifting of activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital during his hunger strike. The court noted that the issue of his hospitalisation had been previously addressed and dismissed the new petition, advising the petitioner to lodge an FIR if still aggrieved.

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has lodged a 'strong protest' with Iran over recent strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to several others, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic engagement.

Coaching owner paid Rs 5 lakh to NTA panel member for NEET questions: CBI

Coaching owner paid Rs 5 lakh to NTA panel member for NEET questions: CBI

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The CBI has revealed that Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, a coaching centre owner arrested in the NEET paper leak case, allegedly paid Rs 5 lakh to an NTA panel member, P V Kulkarni, for leaked chemistry questions. The agency recovered handwritten notes matching NTA's master question sets from Motegaonkar's phone, taken days before the exam.

Indian Stock Markets End Flat Amid West Asia Tensions, Rising Oil Prices

Indian Stock Markets End Flat Amid West Asia Tensions, Rising Oil Prices

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed largely flat on Monday, recovering from early losses, as escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp rally in crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment, despite resilience in IT and consumer durables stocks.

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the state's vision to become a national hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, coinciding with the launch of Naviq Technology by IBS Software Group. The state government is implementing initiatives like an AI-powered dashboard, a Global Job Watch Tower, and curriculum revisions to align with technological advancements and foster skill development in AI and semiconductor sectors.

How To Apply For The Cardiff India Scholarship

How To Apply For The Cardiff India Scholarship

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Selected students will receive a scholarship of 6,000 pounds.

Rishad Premji On How AI Is Transforming Wipro's Client Operations

Rishad Premji On How AI Is Transforming Wipro's Client Operations

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Wipro Executive Chairman Rishad Premji announced that clients are now integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their core business processes, moving past initial pilot projects. Speaking at the company's AGM, Premji highlighted AI's role in driving innovation, efficiency, and growth, and noted Wipro's internal AI adoption has significantly streamlined operations.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Indian government plans to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. This amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, aims to grant 'Vande Mataram' the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', with penalties up to three years' imprisonment.

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, calling it "too little, too late" and a "deceptive" measure. The party demands accountability from the Modi government for its alleged failures in preventing and investigating paper leaks, specifically citing issues with the NEET-UG and UGC-NET investigations.

Tahir Hussain was part of crowd 'with animus against Hindus': Court

Tahir Hussain was part of crowd 'with animus against Hindus': Court

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has convicted former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others for the murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, stating Hussain was part of a 'heavily armed mob' with 'animus against Hindus' that committed a 'savage and relentless assault'.

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Personality rights violations are increasingly being used as vehicles for financial fraud, with unsuspecting consumers misled by fabricated endorsements.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amidst widespread nationwide protests concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, citing the larger interest of students and the need to prevent exploitation by anti-national forces. The government is also preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law.

Indian Idol 16 Winner Jyotirmayee Nayak: 'I Never Planned To Participate'

Indian Idol 16 Winner Jyotirmayee Nayak: 'I Never Planned To Participate'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'People usually send audition videos, but I didn't even send one because I never planned to participate.' 'I had gone there to prepare my students for the auditions.' 'Eventually, I ended up competing and became the winner.'

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed into the ages on July 17, would have turned 90 today, July 28. Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam remembers a dear friend who he believes was 'undoubtedly the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.'

Maharashtra SIR deadline extended by 10 days, draft rolls on Aug 17

Maharashtra SIR deadline extended by 10 days, draft rolls on Aug 17

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Election Commission has extended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Maharashtra by 10 days, moving the deadline to August 8. This extension also shifts the draft electoral roll publication to August 18, as part of ongoing efforts to update and verify voter information through house-to-house checks and document submissions.

Mercedes-Benz India to launch more hybrid vehicles, undeterred by policy support gaps

Mercedes-Benz India to launch more hybrid vehicles, undeterred by policy support gaps

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Mercedes-Benz India plans to continue introducing hybrid vehicles, including the new AMG E 53 plug-in hybrid EV, to meet consumer demand, viewing hybrids as a crucial bridge to full electrification despite the absence of supportive government policies.

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

From intense gangster epics to tender slice-of-life dramas, these 10 films showcase why Dhanush remains one of Indian cinema's most versatile leading men.

Teacher suspended after child locked inside classroom in UP

Teacher suspended after child locked inside classroom in UP

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An assistant teacher in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, has been suspended after a Class 2 student was inadvertently locked inside a primary school classroom. The incident, which occurred on Friday, came to light through a viral video showing the distressed child. Villagers intervened, contacting school staff who returned to release the student after about 90 minutes. An inquiry held the teacher responsible, leading to her immediate suspension and a further probe.

Govt bars telecom infra firms from overseas data transfer

Govt bars telecom infra firms from overseas data transfer

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India's government has implemented stringent new regulations under the Telecommunications Act 2023, mandating that all communication infrastructure providers, including those utilising cloud-based networks, must store telecommunication data exclusively within the country, a move expected to significantly impact domestic data centre demand.

Satcom To Drive India's Digital Transformation

Satcom To Drive India's Digital Transformation

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the transformative role of satellite communications in expanding seamless connectivity across India, especially in remote areas. He noted that India's space economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by satcom technology that will bridge the digital divide, provide resilient infrastructure during disasters, and support strategic sectors.

Satcom To Drive India's Digital Transformation

Satcom To Drive India's Digital Transformation

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the transformative role of satellite communications in expanding seamless connectivity across India, especially in remote areas. He noted that India's space economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by satcom technology that will bridge the digital divide, provide resilient infrastructure during disasters, and support strategic sectors.

Maria Goretti: 'I Miss Making Money'

Maria Goretti: 'I Miss Making Money'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Maria Goretti details her journey of losing and rediscovering her identity, saying, 'After being home for so long, I think somewhere I lost myself. I had nothing.'

Rajya Sabha MPs' expenses soar to Rs 262 cr in two yrs, reveals RTI

Rajya Sabha MPs' expenses soar to Rs 262 cr in two yrs, reveals RTI

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An RTI reply has revealed that over Rs 262 crore was spent on salaries, allowances, and facilities for Rajya Sabha MPs in the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. This includes more than Rs 151 crore specifically for allowances and travel, with a significant increase in expenditure from the first to the second year.

Thane Stabbing: Note Referencing 'Lone Wolf' Attack Found

Thane Stabbing: Note Referencing 'Lone Wolf' Attack Found

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A note referencing 'lone wolf' attacks and the Islamic State was found at the home of a man arrested for allegedly attacking two security guards in Thane, Maharashtra. The accused, who lived in the US for several years, appeared to have undergone 'self-radicalisation'.

Recipe: Bethica's Soya Seaweed Tikki

Recipe: Bethica's Soya Seaweed Tikki

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

These yummy shallow fried tikkis, made of soya nuggets and seaweed, are so easy and simple to prepare. They are irresistible as starter or party snacks.

FIR quashed, HC orders man's details deleted over right to be forgotten

FIR quashed, HC orders man's details deleted over right to be forgotten

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the fundamental right to privacy includes the right to be forgotten. This decision came after a man sought to have his name and details removed from court records following the quashing of an FIR against him, arguing that public access to such information prejudiced his career and caused personal stigma. The court emphasised balancing public access to information with an individual's right to privacy.