News for 'PEOPLE'

Bangladesh Premier League: Two more officials charged in corruption probe

Bangladesh Premier League: Two more officials charged in corruption probe

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) Integrity Unit has charged two more Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) officials, Md Abdul Kayum Rashed and Md Amin Khan, with alleged breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, bringing the total number of individuals charged in BPL-linked cases to nine since May.

Manas Dhamne On Finding Consistency In Professional Tennis

Manas Dhamne On Finding Consistency In Professional Tennis

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Indian tennis prodigy Manas Dhamne, 18, discusses his journey as a professional, highlighting the need to regain his instinct for closing out tight matches and achieving consistent performance. Despite recent challenges, Dhamne believes his game is strong and focuses on mental consistency and continuous improvement rather than major technical changes or specific ranking targets.

Govinda Unites With Wife, Kids For Ganpati

Govinda Unites With Wife, Kids For Ganpati

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Govinda made a late-night return from the US to join his wife Sunita Ahuja and children Tina and Yashvardhan in their cherished Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, continuing a family tradition started by his late mother.

Over 37 lakh electoral roll appeals pending in West Bengal

Over 37 lakh electoral roll appeals pending in West Bengal

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that over 37 lakh appeals concerning deletions or inclusions in West Bengal's electoral rolls remain pending under the Special Intensive Revision. The apex court-appointed tribunals have disposed of only a fraction of the 38.20 lakh appeals filed, prompting the Supreme Court to seek data and a plan for streamlining the adjudication process.

Raj local polls: BJP wins 4 of 10 civic bodies; Independents emerge as key players

Raj local polls: BJP wins 4 of 10 civic bodies; Independents emerge as key players

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The ruling BJP has increased its lead over the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections, winning 3,587 wards against Congress's 3,050. Independents also performed strongly, securing 2,024 wards. While BJP secured a clear majority in Udaipur, Congress won in Ajmer and Pali. Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, saw Independents leading. These elections are a crucial test for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.

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.

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.

Akhilesh Yadav Criticises New UPI MDR Charges As 'Chungi'

Akhilesh Yadav Criticises New UPI MDR Charges As 'Chungi'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the BJP government's proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on high-value UPI transactions, calling it a "chungi" (tax) on digital payments. He alleged the move was an attempt to extract money from people's transactions, contradicting the government's goal of a trillion-dollar economy. The new UPI framework will impose a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, with certain sectors having a flat Rs 5 MDR.

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.

Mamata to back Congress in Nandigram after candidate pulls out

Mamata to back Congress in Nandigram after candidate pulls out

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Mamata Banerjee's faction of the Trinamool Congress announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll after its own candidate withdrew. This decision comes amidst a bitter dispute with the Election Commission over the freezing of TMC's traditional symbol and name, which Banerjee termed "arbitrary" and accused the BJP of trying to destroy opposition parties.

Judge who awarded 23 death sentences questions recall of 97 cases

Judge who awarded 23 death sentences questions recall of 97 cases

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Additional District and Sessions Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar of Muzaffarnagar has publicly questioned the administrative recall of 97 serious criminal cases from his court. His remarks, made in an acquittal order, highlight concerns about judicial independence and the legality of withdrawing "part-heard" cases without proper procedure, especially after he had delivered 23 death sentences.

MP hooch tragedy: Death toll climbs to 13; 96 under treatment in 4 hospitals

MP hooch tragedy: Death toll climbs to 13; 96 under treatment in 4 hospitals

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The death toll in the Sagar hooch tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has risen to 12, with nearly 30 others under medical observation. Police have arrested 14 individuals and launched a major crackdown on bootleggers, investigating a potential link to Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. Three excise officials and two police personnel have been suspended, and the Chief Minister has ordered a probe.

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

He Created The MumbaiCha Raja Ganesh Idol

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Sculptor Akash Tirmal explains how he designed the 22 feet idol of Ganesh Galli's MumbaiCha Raja using Plaster of Paris, without any readymade moulds.

Nithari accused Surendra Koli found hanging at his tea shop

Nithari accused Surendra Koli found hanging at his tea shop

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Surendra Koli, who was at the centre of the sensational Nithari killings and subsequently acquitted in all 13 cases, was found hanging at his tea stall in Haridwar, police confirmed, with investigations ongoing into the suspected suicide.

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The highlight of the successful BRICS Summit was its ability to deliver a joint statement that all members, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates, embroiled in the war in West Asia, signed.

Marnus Labuschagne backs himself for Australia's No. 3 Test spot

Marnus Labuschagne backs himself for Australia's No. 3 Test spot

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Marnus Labuschagne remains confident he is Australia's best No. 3 Test option, despite facing criticism for a prolonged century drought and a recent average of 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes.

Matchbox Refusal Turns Deadly In Delhi Stabbing

Matchbox Refusal Turns Deadly In Delhi Stabbing

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A minor argument over a matchbox in northwest Delhi escalated into a fatal stabbing incident, leaving one man dead and another injured. Police have apprehended three individuals, including the main accused who allegedly used a knife, following the Tuesday night incident in Keshav Puram.

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch sparks 'festival' atmosphere across India

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch sparks 'festival' atmosphere across India

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Apple's latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, have gone on sale across India, drawing massive queues and creating a 'festival' atmosphere among eager buyers at Apple Stores in Noida, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra.

Jarange halts Maratha march to Mumbai over health concerns, to resume tomorrow

Jarange halts Maratha march to Mumbai over health concerns, to resume tomorrow

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's crucial march to Mumbai for OBC reservation faces significant uncertainty as his health deteriorates amidst a hunger strike, prompting appeals from the Maharashtra government for dialogue and raising questions about the protest's continuation.

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remains an "essential" basis for the development of India-China relations, even as the two leaders welcomed "steady progress" in bilateral ties during their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

New Study Reveals Asymmetric Expansion Of Extreme Heat Seasons Globally

New Study Reveals Asymmetric Expansion Of Extreme Heat Seasons Globally

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A new study published in AGU Advances reveals that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and expanding beyond traditional summer months globally. This expansion is asymmetric, occurring earlier in spring in regions like western Europe and northwestern India, and later into autumn in areas such as the western US and eastern China. Researchers highlight the challenges this poses for human acclimatisation and community preparedness, as existing infrastructure like cooling centres are built around historical summer calendars.

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

China has called for stronger global governance of artificial intelligence, advocating for international cooperation to develop the technology for humanity's benefit while preventing it from getting out of control. This comes amidst warnings from leading AI researchers in the US about potential existential risks, with China emphasizing both rapid development and robust safeguards, including its new AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0. The issue is expected to be a key topic in upcoming US-China talks.

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced a new dress code of blue T-shirt and jeans for the party's student wing, Chhatra Sabha, along with a two-week student awareness campaign. The move aims to connect with young people in educational institutions, familiarise them with the party's ideology, and promote socialist values. Yadav explained the symbolism of the blue colour, associating it with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, and the 'Bahujan samaj', while jeans represent rebellion and workers. The initiative is part of the party's broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak, and also Prem, Daya, Apnapan) campaign to establish social justice.

Why India Is Key To Salesforce's AI-First Enterprise Transformation

Why India Is Key To Salesforce's AI-First Enterprise Transformation

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff highlights India's crucial role in the company's shift to an AI-first enterprise system. He emphasized India's vast pool of technology professionals and partners as key to this transformation, underscoring the country's importance in Salesforce's global strategy.

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

Delhi building collapse: For rental income, owners built extra floors

Delhi building collapse: For rental income, owners built extra floors

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Delhi Police have registered an FIR in connection with the Satya Niketan building collapse that killed seven people, alleging that the owners constructed additional floors on an old structure despite concerns over its load-bearing capacity and that further construction work was underway.

Modern Marriage: 'We Don't Compete With Each Other'

Modern Marriage: 'We Don't Compete With Each Other'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'The biggest difference between our marriage and that of our parents' generation is not simply that times have changed. It is that modern marriages require two people to continuously understand, support and adapt to each other while navigating a much more demanding world,' says Rahul Kulkarni.

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) flagged the proposed screening of an uncertified documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, citing violations of the Cinematograph Act. IIIT-Hyderabad subsequently distanced itself from the event, stating no recognised student bodies had organised it. The screening, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," was reportedly cancelled by students, following a similar postponement at NLSIU Bengaluru due to opposition.

Political motives...: Aaditya Thackeray on Disha Salian controversy

Political motives...: Aaditya Thackeray on Disha Salian controversy

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has denied any knowledge of or meeting with late Disha Salian, former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. He alleges that attempts to link his name to the case are politically motivated character assassination, following the CBI's registration of an FIR in the 2020 Disha Salian death case.

Saiyaara Girl Aneet Padda's Next: 'Hunkkaar Is Our Battle Cry'

Saiyaara Girl Aneet Padda's Next: 'Hunkkaar Is Our Battle Cry'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'We feel strongly about so much injustice that is out there in the world. For us, it is very important that we take away this word called 'victim' and make something out of it. I want to celebrate survivors, always.'

Haryana singer held for fake YouTuber murder claim to gain followers

Haryana singer held for fake YouTuber murder claim to gain followers

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

A Haryana-based singer, Bhupendra Dhingra, has been arrested for allegedly posting a video on fake social media accounts claiming responsibility for the murder of Haryanvi YouTuber Ankit Balyan. Dhingra admitted his intention was to increase social media followers, while police had already identified the actual shooters, two of whom were killed in an encounter. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the encounter deaths.

'Modi Doesn't Take Decisions In A Day'

'Modi Doesn't Take Decisions In A Day'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'If he settles on something, there are fifty considerations behind it -- the pros and cons, all of it.'

Ladakh groups to launch massive stir for statehood in Kargil on Sep 20

Ladakh groups to launch massive stir for statehood in Kargil on Sep 20

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced a major protest rally in Kargil on September 20, demanding justice for victims of police firing in Leh last year and protesting the central government's perceived lack of seriousness in talks regarding Ladakh's demands. The KDA, along with the Leh Apex Body (LAB), rejected the compensation offered by the Lieutenant Governor as inadequate and called for the withdrawal of all cases against arrested protesters. They criticised the recent talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs as "unproductive" and reiterated their demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

Nepal Rescue Via Zip Line

Nepal Rescue Via Zip Line

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Rescue teams led by the Nepal army continue search operations to locate survivors from the August 26 disaster. 4,873 people remain missing.

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'When the women of India become unstoppable, India becomes unstoppable.'

BRICS joint declaration omits mention of US for Iran attacks

BRICS joint declaration omits mention of US for Iran attacks

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The BRICS grouping adopted a consensus joint declaration in New Delhi, successfully navigating differences on the West Asia conflict but notably omitting any direct mention of US strikes on Iran or Iranian military attacks on Gulf Arab nations. The declaration also criticised Israel's actions in Gaza and called for a concerted approach against terrorism.

What Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry's Statement Says Between The Lines

What Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry's Statement Says Between The Lines

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry's statement will be watched closely against the backdrop of the listing battle as well as the Tata leadership contest, with veto votes being cast over the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons for a third term.

Omar Abdullah Backs UPI Charges, Urges Consumer Protection

Omar Abdullah Backs UPI Charges, Urges Consumer Protection

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed support for the Centre's decision to levy charges on UPI transactions, citing the cost of maintaining the digital payment infrastructure. However, he emphasised the need to protect retail consumers from these fees. Abdullah also discussed the upcoming seven-day Assembly session, highlighting the government's commitment to smooth functioning and addressing MLAs' concerns, and touched upon efforts to tackle drainage issues affecting water bodies.

MP hooch tragedy claims 11 lives, 54 fall ill; 3 officials suspended

MP hooch tragedy claims 11 lives, 54 fall ill; 3 officials suspended

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Eleven people have died and 54 others fallen ill after consuming spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. A preliminary investigation suggests the illicit liquor was supplied from Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have suspended three excise officials and two police personnel, and multiple FIRs have been registered as a probe is underway.

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive discussions to strengthen bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and exploring avenues for peace and resolution, with Modi reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.