News for 'New Normal'

'Differing views normal part of deliberation': EC amid row

'Differing views normal part of deliberation': EC amid row

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, asserting that differing views among Commissioners are a normal part of deliberations and all orders carry full legal sanction, following reports of two Commissioners red-flagging issues.

Delhi stir: Train services to operate as per normal schedule on Sunday

Delhi stir: Train services to operate as per normal schedule on Sunday

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Northern Railway has announced that all train services will operate as per their normal schedule on October 11, following cancellations and rescheduling of several trains on October 9-10 after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced a protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi.

India braces for below-normal rainfall for Aug-Sept

India braces for below-normal rainfall for Aug-Sept

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below-normal rainfall for India during the second half of the southwest monsoon season, specifically from August to September. This forecast indicates less than 94 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) for the period. While July saw good rainfall activity due to low-pressure systems and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, the Southern Peninsula experienced significantly low rainfall and record high minimum temperatures.

Ayesha Shroff Visits Injured Vlogger, Offers Help

Ayesha Shroff Visits Injured Vlogger, Offers Help

Rediff.com1 days ago

Ayesha Shroff -- whose father Air Vice Marshal Ranjan Dutt was awarded a Vir Chakra for gallantry in the 1948 War -- met with Chauhan's friends and family in the ICU, sharing her phone number and asking to be kept updated regarding his medical needs.

Life Comes To A Standstill In Manipur

Life Comes To A Standstill In Manipur

Rediff.com6 hours ago

On Tuesday and Wednesday, normal life was affected with closures of markets, educational institutions and business establishments in five valley districts of Manipur due to a statewide 48-hour strike called by a civil society group to protest against the killing of three Meiteis by suspected militants.

Protesters Clash With Police In Imphal Over Meitei Killings

Protesters Clash With Police In Imphal Over Meitei Killings

Rediff.com19 hours ago

Protesters in Manipur clashed with police outside a sports complex where the Chief Minister was present, demanding action over the recent killing of three Meitei men. A 48-hour shutdown has affected normal life in Imphal Valley districts, and effigies of political figures were burnt. The state continues to grapple with ethnic conflict.

Bhavina Patel Leads Indian Table Tennis Charge At Asian Para Games

Bhavina Patel Leads Indian Table Tennis Charge At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com2 days ago

Indian para table tennis players Bhavina Patel, Prachi, and Sonalben have advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, guaranteeing at least three bronze medals for the country. Bhavina Patel won her Class 4-5 quarterfinal, Prachi secured a historic medal in Class 6, and Sonalben triumphed in Class 3, showcasing India's strong performance in the sport.

Indian TT players bag 5 bronze medals in Asian Para Games

Indian TT players bag 5 bronze medals in Asian Para Games

Rediff.com2 days ago

Ravi Baby Sahana and Prachi Pandey created history by becoming India's first para table tennis players to secure medals in the standing category at the Asian Para Games. India clinched a total of four bronze medals in the event, surpassing its previous medal tally. Paralympics medallists Bhavina Patel and Sonalben Patel also contributed to the country's success.

How Bhavina Patel Is Dominating Para Table Tennis At Asian Games

How Bhavina Patel Is Dominating Para Table Tennis At Asian Games

Rediff.com4 days ago

Paralympics silver medallist Bhavina Patel secured another victory at the Asian Para Games, defeating Jordan's Faten Eleimat in women's para table tennis. While Patel topped her group, other Indian paddlers like Sonalben Patel, Shubham Wadhwa, Ekta Bhyan, Jehan Madan, and Dattaprasad Chougule faced mixed results in their respective categories.

India's Para Table Tennis Stars Begin Asian Para Games With Dominant Wins

India's Para Table Tennis Stars Begin Asian Para Games With Dominant Wins

Rediff.com6 days ago

Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist Bhavina Patel, along with Baby Sahana Ravi, Shubham Wadhwa, and Jehan Madan, secured impressive victories in their opening matches at the Asian Para Games table tennis competition on Friday, showcasing India's strong start in the event.

'There Is Lack Of Clarity And Openness In Census'

'There Is Lack Of Clarity And Openness In Census'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'What is the need for collecting so much data unless they are going to be used for some other purpose?'

IndiGo flight to Lucknow suffers nose damage, lightning strike suspected

IndiGo flight to Lucknow suffers nose damage, lightning strike suspected

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

An IndiGo flight from Patna to Lucknow sustained damage to its nose section upon landing at Lucknow airport on Wednesday. All 104 passengers were safe, and the damage was discovered by the airport team post-landing. An investigation is underway, with lightning during adverse weather being a preliminary possibility.

8 Foods For A Better Sperm Count

8 Foods For A Better Sperm Count

Rediff.com1 hour ago

According to World Health Organization a total count of at least 39 million sperm per ejaculation is considered within the normal range.

El Nio Drags Monsoon To 11-Year Low

El Nio Drags Monsoon To 11-Year Low

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

This was the fourth-lowest rainfall since 2001 and the 13th lowest since 1901, under the impact of El NiƱo.

El Nino may intensify as southwest monsoon ends with 12.6% deficit

El Nino may intensify as southwest monsoon ends with 12.6% deficit

Rediff.com6 days ago

The southwest monsoon has withdrawn from India, while the northeast monsoon has commenced in southern regions, bringing a wet spell. This year's southwest monsoon saw a rainfall deficit, largely attributed to the strengthening El Nino conditions, which are expected to persist until February 2027 and could become the strongest since 1950.

Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, undergoes surgery

Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, undergoes surgery

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Pope Leo XIV has successfully undergone thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, following a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The operation was without complications, and the Pope is recovering well, having returned to his room and requested dinner.

CJP stir: SC issues sweeping directions on detentions, transport curbs

CJP stir: SC issues sweeping directions on detentions, transport curbs

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court on Sunday issued a notice to the Centre and passed several directions regarding metro and train services, internet access, and peaceful assembly in Delhi, following a plea for contempt proceedings over alleged violations during the CJP protest. The court emphasised the protection of fundamental rights and the need for lawful conduct during protests.

Indian Hopes Soar At Women's Indian Open

Indian Hopes Soar At Women's Indian Open

Rediff.com19 hours ago

Asian Games champion Pranavi Urs aims to become the first home player in a decade to win the Women's Indian Open in Gurugram, facing strong competition from defending champion Shannon Tan (winner in 2025) and a host of international and Indian golfers, including past champions Liz Young (2024) and Pornanong Phatlum.

India issues fresh Saudi advisory for citizens as flight chaos continues

India issues fresh Saudi advisory for citizens as flight chaos continues

Rediff.com5 days ago

India has issued a new advisory for its citizens in Saudi Arabia, urging them to follow local instructions, stay indoors during aerial attacks, and be aware of ongoing flight disruptions. The advisory follows an October 10 attack on Riyadh airport that injured several Indians, with some still hospitalised. Major Indian airlines have cancelled flights to Saudi cities until late October, impacting travellers and Umrah pilgrims.

Post-Mortem Reveals Asphyxia As Primary Cause In Kolkata Stampede

Post-Mortem Reveals Asphyxia As Primary Cause In Kolkata Stampede

Rediff.com3 days ago

Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate that asphyxia due to intense chest pressure was the likely cause of death for most of the 19 victims in a Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata. Reports also noted serious internal injuries, including damage to vital organs and fractures, in some victims.

Bystander Injured In Tiger Shroff Car Firing Is Stable

Bystander Injured In Tiger Shroff Car Firing Is Stable

Rediff.com2 days ago

Umesh Chauhan, a bystander injured during a firing incident near actor Tiger Shroff's car in Juhu, Mumbai, is in stable condition at KEM Hospital. Three suspects have been apprehended in Rajasthan, reportedly planning to flee to Nepal, and one is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Para Athletes Deliver Spectacular Start For India At Asian Games

Para Athletes Deliver Spectacular Start For India At Asian Games

Rediff.com2 days ago

India commenced its Asian Para Games campaign with a spectacular performance, securing 11 medals, including four gold, across various sports on Monday. Notable victories came from shooter Mona Agarwal, long jumper Nishad Kumar, middle-distance runner Soumya, and javelin thrower Rinku, with archer Sheetal Devi also setting world records. The medal haul places India fourth in the overall standings.

Used-Car Sales Set to Surge 15 per cent This Festive Season

Used-Car Sales Set to Surge 15 per cent This Festive Season

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

More than 40 per cent of Cars24's sales are now linked to rural registration and transport office (RTO) locations, although procurement remains concentrated in urban markets.

SBI probes dark web exposure of 3,897 customer records

SBI probes dark web exposure of 3,897 customer records

Rediff.com12 hours ago

India's largest bank, SBI, is investigating the suspected exposure of 3,897 customer records containing personally identifiable information on the dark web. The bank received alerts on October 16 and has initiated cyber incident response protocols, engaging an independent cybersecurity agency. While a detailed assessment is underway, SBI states the incident has not materially impacted its core business operations. This comes as CERT-In also warned last week about autonomous AI agents accessing confidential data and reported a compromise of eMudhra's private keys.

CJP stir: Ensure Metro, Internet; no illegal detentions, SC tells Centre

CJP stir: Ensure Metro, Internet; no illegal detentions, SC tells Centre

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court on Sunday directed that people gathering peacefully should not be illegally detained and issued a notice to the Centre regarding alleged violations of its earlier order during a CJP protest in Delhi. The court also asked the Solicitor General to ensure normal metro services and no internet disruption, while addressing concerns about widespread detentions and transport closures.

Billy Joel Is 'Okay' After Undergoing Brain Surgery

Billy Joel Is 'Okay' After Undergoing Brain Surgery

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Billy Joel has provided a reassuring health update to fans, confirming he is 'okay' after undergoing brain surgery in September to address normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2025.

The Angel Investor Who's Playing A Sumo Wrestler!

The Angel Investor Who's Playing A Sumo Wrestler!

Rediff.com1 hour ago

'I didn't know whether I simply loved acting, whether I was good at it or whether I wanted to pursue it professionally. So, about 10 years ago, I started auditioning just to see how far I could go.'

INDIA bloc to meet President at 8 pm over CEC's ouster

INDIA bloc to meet President at 8 pm over CEC's ouster

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The INDIA bloc leaders are scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu on Friday evening to press for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This demand stems from alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The opposition has been protesting for three days, culminating in a sit-in at Rajghat on Thursday, alleging "vote chori" and a "hijacking" of the country. The Election Commission has defended its procedures amidst reports of internal dissent regarding SIR decisions.

Seedless Guavas Better Than Indian Ones?

Seedless Guavas Better Than Indian Ones?

Rediff.com2 days ago

rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani, a nutritionist with over three decades of experience, explains why premium, seedless fruits may not necessarily provide better nutrition benefits.

Cancelling trains can't stop India's youth: Chirag Paswan

Cancelling trains can't stop India's youth: Chirag Paswan

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Union minister Chirag Paswan criticised the Opposition for playing politics with protests against the Election Commission, particularly regarding the Cockroach Janata Party's planned demonstrations and the resulting train cancellations. He asserted that such disruptions cannot deter India's youth and urged the Opposition to seek solutions rather than merely protesting.

Struggling To Speak English At Work?

Struggling To Speak English At Work?

Rediff.com6 days ago

'You don't have to speak perfect English to communicate confidently,' says rediffGURU Archana Deshpande, a life coach and founder of TransformMe Life Skils Coaching.

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have vowed to escalate their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, expanding protests nationwide after their release from detention. They allege an "emergency-like situation" created by the Modi government, illegal detentions, and harassment of protesters, drawing parallels to the 1975 Emergency. The CJP is protesting alleged irregularities in voter rolls and demanding Kumar's resignation, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent.

Delhi HC refuses relief to CJP leaders challenging judicial custody

Delhi HC refuses relief to CJP leaders challenging judicial custody

Rediff.com21 hours ago

The Delhi High Court has refused to interfere with the judicial custody of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were detained for protesting at a de-notified site and allegedly violating a 'peace' bond.

Can Tight Rubber Bands Cause Hair Fall?

Can Tight Rubber Bands Cause Hair Fall?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

'Tight hairbands pulled into a ponytail can cause hair fall,' warns rediffGURU Dr Deepa Suvarna, a paediatrician with 25 years of experience.

Heavy rain disrupts life across North India; six killed in UP

Heavy rain disrupts life across North India; six killed in UP

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Heavy rainfall has severely impacted Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, leading to casualties, widespread flooding, and significant disruptions. The Char Dham Yatra was suspended, flights were cancelled, and standing crops were damaged. Other regions like Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Delhi also experienced varied weather conditions, including snowfall and light rains.

SC grants more time to Centre on Delhi protest petitions

SC grants more time to Centre on Delhi protest petitions

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has granted the Centre an extension until October 15 to file its response on petitions concerning the closure of metro stations and disruption of train services in Delhi during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court also deferred a crucial hearing, issued notice on a petition challenging the immunity of election commissioners, and sought a Delhi Police officer's presence regarding alleged assaults on women journalists. Earlier, the court had directed authorities to ensure normal public transport and prevent unlawful detentions.

Fat To Fit: 'I Lost Over 16 Kilos In 8 Months'

Fat To Fit: 'I Lost Over 16 Kilos In 8 Months'

Rediff.com3 days ago

Pandurang Kumbhar, 41, from Pune, changed his eating habits, made walking and running part of his routine, and used a smart watch and AI to track his progress. Here, he shares how his weight dropped by 16.45 kg and several of his health and fitness markers improved.

Indians in Saudi advised to stay indoors in case of aerial attacks

Indians in Saudi advised to stay indoors in case of aerial attacks

Rediff.com7 days ago

India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to stay indoors during aerial attacks and follow local instructions, amidst ongoing tensions and drone/missile attacks by Houthi rebels. The advisory follows an attack on Riyadh airport that killed one Indian national and injured several others, leading to flight suspensions by Indian carriers.

After dry June, IMD predicts below-normal rainfall in July

After dry June, IMD predicts below-normal rainfall in July

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The monthly average rainfall over India is expected to be below normal during July, the India Meteorological Department said on Tuesday in its monthly forecast.

Keralam Minister Vows Justice For Woman Gang-Raped After Job Lure

Keralam Minister Vows Justice For Woman Gang-Raped After Job Lure

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Keralam Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishnan visited a woman in Kochi who was allegedly gang-raped after being lured with a job offer. The minister assured that the government is committed to ensuring justice and maximum punishment for the perpetrators. Police have arrested four individuals and are searching for two more in connection with the case.