News for 'News Minute'

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a central Kolkata building resulted in nine deaths, primarily due to asphyxia, and the rescue of around 80 people. West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury highlighted the quick response of the Fire Brigade but raised concerns about safety norms, lack of windows, and the proliferation of cramped hotels within the building. An investigation committee will be formed, and fire audits will be conducted across all hotels in the state.

Indian Shuttler Ashmita Chaliha Storms Into Korea Masters Final

Indian Shuttler Ashmita Chaliha Storms Into Korea Masters Final

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha defeated compatriot Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj to reach her first-ever BWF World Tour final at the Korea Masters Super 300. Chaliha, returning from a knee injury, continued her impressive run, having previously upset the top seed.

What If the Biggest Bank Fraud Risk Is An Employee?

What If the Biggest Bank Fraud Risk Is An Employee?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bank fraud is no longer just an external cyber threat -- insiders with legitimate access can exploit banking systems, trusted credentials and institutional blind spots to quietly siphon money.

Mridul Doley's Hat-Trick Powers FC Raengdai To Dramatic Durand Cup Victory

Mridul Doley's Hat-Trick Powers FC Raengdai To Dramatic Durand Cup Victory

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Debutants FC Raengdai secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over TRAU FC in the Durand Cup, with Mridul Doley netting a hat-trick. This win propelled FC Raengdai to the top of Group D, marking an unexpected strong start for the new team in only their second-ever Durand Cup fixture.

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For these startups, qcom is emerging as a launch and discovery platform, not simply a fulfilment channel.

Durand Cup: Samaleswari Sporting secure resounding win over Baghpat FC

Durand Cup: Samaleswari Sporting secure resounding win over Baghpat FC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Samaleswari Sporting bounced back from an opening defeat to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC. Basit Ahmed Bhat scored twice, supported by goals from Marat Tareck and Gnohere Krizo, while Crispin Cleetus netted Baghpat's lone goal. The Odisha-based team controlled the second half, extending their lead and comfortably seeing out the match.

Johnny Lever's 10 Funniest Phone Calls

Johnny Lever's 10 Funniest Phone Calls

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Celebrate the comedic genius of Johnny Lever on his 69th birthday on August 14 by revisiting his most iconic and side-splitting on-screen phone call scenes that highlight his unparalleled talent for mimicry, slapstick, and animated expressions.

Bihar teachers' recruitment exam schedule announced amid student protests

Bihar teachers' recruitment exam schedule announced amid student protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Job aspirants and guest faculties in Bihar are protesting in Patna, demanding the timely conduct of the BPSC TRE-4 exam, transparency in recruitments, and the resignation of education officials. They also seek implementation of UGC regulations, increased age limits, and regularisation of assistant professor appointments, threatening further agitation if demands are not met.

CWG 2026: Judoka Ishroop loses bronze medal bout

CWG 2026: Judoka Ishroop loses bronze medal bout

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Judoka Ishroop Narang gave her all in the bronze medal play-off but lost to Canadian Coralie Godbout by yuko as India's judo campaign ended at the Commonwealth Games without any medal.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Finishes Second In Youth Asian Championship

Indian Women's Hockey Team Finishes Second In Youth Asian Championship

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured a spot in the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup despite finishing as runner-up in the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 2-4 to China in the final. The team had previously defeated Kazakhstan 8-1 in the semi-final.

1st Test, Day 3: Suthar, Jadeja star as Sri Lanka bowled out for 284

1st Test, Day 3: Suthar, Jadeja star as Sri Lanka bowled out for 284

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja led India's bowling attack on Day 3 in Galle.

Mridul Doley's Hat-Trick Powers FC Raengdai To Dramatic Durand Cup Victory

Mridul Doley's Hat-Trick Powers FC Raengdai To Dramatic Durand Cup Victory

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Debutants FC Raengdai secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over TRAU FC in the Durand Cup, with Mridul Doley scoring a hat-trick. This win propelled FC Raengdai to the top of Group D. Langsning FC also had a memorable debut, defeating Mumbay FC 5-0 in another fixture.

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Hotel officials claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit. A woman from Kolkata, who managed to escape the blaze, recalled the panic inside the hotel.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

Recipe: Cheese Quesadillas With Pico de Gallo And Salsa

Recipe: Cheese Quesadillas With Pico de Gallo And Salsa

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Are you a fan of Mexican food? Then this recipe is meant for you.

'Some forces want to disturb Punjab peace': Badal after Nanded attack

'Some forces want to disturb Punjab peace': Badal after Nanded attack

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal underwent a 90-minute surgery for a 'kirpan' attack injury sustained inside a gurdwara in Nanded and is now stable, with doctors repairing a tendon and ulnar artery nerve.

Indian Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi And Nihal Sarin Secure Top-Eight Finishes At Esports World Cup Chess

Indian Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi And Nihal Sarin Secure Top-Eight Finishes At Esports World Cup Chess

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin concluded their campaign at the Esports World Cup Chess tournament in the quarterfinals, securing top-eight finishes. Erigaisi was eliminated by Hikaru Nakamura in an Armageddon tiebreak, while Sarin lost to defending champion Magnus Carlsen. Their performance marks India's strongest showing in the event, with both players earning USD 75,000 each from the substantial prize pool.

Shah says 'debate', Oppn hits back with 'resign' as protests rock LS

Shah says 'debate', Oppn hits back with 'resign' as protests rock LS

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Home Minister Amit Shah has offered to hold a comprehensive debate in Parliament on student protests and other pressing issues, but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has swiftly rejected the proposal, demanding accountability for actions against students.

Tiger Shroff Pulls Out Of Mumbay FC's Durand Cup Match In Shillong

Tiger Shroff Pulls Out Of Mumbay FC's Durand Cup Match In Shillong

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff will not be participating in Mumbay FC's Durand Cup match against Nongkseh SS&CC due to a last-minute work commitment.

Indian Shuttler Ayush Shetty Creates Major Upset, Sindhu Advances

Indian Shuttler Ayush Shetty Creates Major Upset, Sindhu Advances

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty caused a major upset on the opening day of the BWF World Championships by defeating world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu also comfortably advanced to the second round in women's singles, while other Indian doubles pairs, Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun, secured their spots in the next round.

Indian Navy sink NEROCA to stay alive in Durand Cup

Indian Navy sink NEROCA to stay alive in Durand Cup

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Indian Navy football team secured their first victory in the Durand Cup, defeating NEROCA FC 2-0 in a Group D fixture. Goals from Roshan Panna and E Muhammed Inayath sealed the win, moving the Navy to second place in their group.

The Film That Cost My Family Its Home

The Film That Cost My Family Its Home

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

My family produced a Malayalam movie in 1986. It had big actors in it. The songs were sung by K J Yesudas himself. The film starred two newcomers as the lead pair. It bombed.

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

This year's Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort uniquely featured the national song 'Vande Mataram', marking 150 years of its profound legacy and historical significance in India's freedom struggle.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

Hooda And Sharma Secure Semifinal Berths At Taipei Open

Hooda And Sharma Secure Semifinal Berths At Taipei Open

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Indian badminton players Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma have successfully advanced to the women's singles semifinals of the Taipei Open. While Hooda secured a straight-game victory over fellow Indian Devika Sihag, Sharma triumphed in a tough three-game match against Thailand's Supanida Katethong. However, Kiran George faced defeat in the men's singles quarterfinal.

'75-25': Nakamura makes shock call on Gukesh's title defence

'75-25': Nakamura makes shock call on Gukesh's title defence

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

World champion D Gukesh is 'crumbling under the weight of expectations' and needs to 'shut out the noise' to regain his form ahead of his title defence, said American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. Nakamura also revealed that the 2028 Chess Olympiad could potentially be his last tournament featuring 'true classical' chess.

Commonwealth Games: Yamini settles for silver after gritty fight against English judoka

Commonwealth Games: Yamini settles for silver after gritty fight against English judoka

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

India's Yamini Mourya had to settle for the women's 57kg judo silver medal after a valiant fight against England's vastly experienced Acelya Toprak, ending India's bid for a third gold in the discipline at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday.

5 Workplace Habits That Lead To Burnout

5 Workplace Habits That Lead To Burnout

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Employees never truly disconnect from their minds, which leads to chronic stress, poor sleep and lower productivity levels, says Kumar Rajagopalan, vice president-strategic initiatives and head of operations of Dexian India.

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian golfing legend Jeev Milkha Singh offers crucial advice to the national golf team ahead of the Asian Games, emphasising the importance of a strong short game and adapting to Japan's fast greens and windy conditions to secure medals.

Rybakina Edges Osaka in Epic Battle, Sets Up Gauff Semi-Final

Rybakina Edges Osaka in Epic Battle, Sets Up Gauff Semi-Final

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Elena Rybakina mounted a stunning comeback from a set and a break down to defeat Naomi Osaka in a hard-fought Canadian Open quarter-final, setting up a semi-final clash with Coco Gauff.

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued strict directives to local authorities, mandating an immediate ban on illegal dhabas, eateries, and commercial structures within national highway Right of Way. The order requires demolition of existing encroachments within 60 days, formation of highway safety task forces, and mandates prior clearance from NHAI or PWD for any new licenses in highway safety zones, aiming to enhance commuter safety and clear obstructions.

Sharad Pawar's MPs meet Modi, discuss 'Maharashtra issues'

Sharad Pawar's MPs meet Modi, discuss 'Maharashtra issues'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A delegation of NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MPs, led by Supriya Sule, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various issues concerning Maharashtra, including drought, onion prices, and river pollution. The meeting, which lasted about 15 minutes, did not include discussions on the FCRA Amendments Bill, which Sule opposes. This follows a previous meeting between Sharad Pawar, Sule, and the PM regarding student and farmer issues.

Godhra, Curfew And A Meal To Remember

Godhra, Curfew And A Meal To Remember

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'Chal bhai, uth.' Get up. He said it to the politicians like they worked for him. International press has come, he announced. Rotters, BBC, Newsweek.

Padikkal's maiden ton puts India in control on Day 1 vs Sri Lanka

Padikkal's maiden ton puts India in control on Day 1 vs Sri Lanka

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century put India firmly in control on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, with the visitors reaching 288/2 at stumps.

Indian Shuttler Ashmita Chaliha Storms Into Korea Masters Final

Indian Shuttler Ashmita Chaliha Storms Into Korea Masters Final

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha has advanced to her maiden BWF World Tour singles final at the Korea Masters Super 300, defeating compatriot Rakshitha Ramraj. Chaliha, returning from injury, will now face China's Han Qianxi for the title, marking a significant achievement for Indian badminton.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

Sahal Abdul Samad's Hat-Trick Powers Mohun Bagan To Big Win In Durand Cup

Sahal Abdul Samad's Hat-Trick Powers Mohun Bagan To Big Win In Durand Cup

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a dominant 6-0 victory over CISF Protectors in the 135th Durand Cup, with Sahal Abdul Samad scoring a first-half hat-trick.

BLA claims 32 Pak soldiers killed in 38 Balochistan attacks in 8 days

BLA claims 32 Pak soldiers killed in 38 Balochistan attacks in 8 days

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for 38 operations carried out across Balochistan between August 1 and August 8, alleging that more than 32 Pakistani military personnel and other alleged operatives were killed and dozens more wounded.

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal's childhood coach, Mohammad Naseeruddin, revealed the rigorous training regimen the cricketer underwent, including practising with Kookaburra balls on turning pitches, to prepare for the Sri Lankan spin attack ahead of the Test series.

Indian mixed 4x400m relay team secures spot in Commonwealth Games final

Indian mixed 4x400m relay team secures spot in Commonwealth Games final

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Indian mixed 4x400m relay team has successfully qualified for the final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The quartet of Vishal TK, Anisa Babu, Rajesh Ramesh, and Rashdeep Kaur finished fourth in their heat, securing one of the fastest loser spots to advance to Saturday's final.