News for 'PHOTOS'

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Rediff.com1 days ago

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata next month for an anti-fundamentalism literary event, nearly two decades after she was forced to leave the city amid violent protests over her writings. The BJP government in West Bengal is projecting this as a reversal of past capitulation to religious fundamentalism.

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi has strongly criticised the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it is 'focussed more on exclusion' and has 'played havoc with democracy' by disturbing free and fair elections.

PHOTOS: When 'Cockroaches' hit Delhi streets to protest

PHOTOS: When 'Cockroaches' hit Delhi streets to protest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Here are some of the glimpses of 'cockroaches' from the Janata Mantar protest.

Khadse acknowledges Delhi travel, says 'no longer interested in joining BJP'

Khadse acknowledges Delhi travel, says 'no longer interested in joining BJP'

Rediff.com3 days ago

NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse has firmly stated his disinterest in rejoining the BJP, despite being called by Amit Shah, and affirmed his commitment to Sharad Pawar, dismissing recent speculation about his political future.

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Rediff.com2 days ago

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a "revenge list" featuring 13 world leaders, including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, with a graphic depicting them as targets, amidst escalating regional hostilities and US reports of an Iranian assassination plot against Trump.

Aaditya Thackeray questions 'act of God' in assembly monsoon debate

Aaditya Thackeray questions 'act of God' in assembly monsoon debate

Rediff.com7 days ago

A heated exchange occurred in the Maharashtra assembly between Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray regarding the "act of God" defence for heavy rains and related incidents. The debate escalated to include climate change and alleged embezzlement at the Ram temple, leading to a brief adjournment.

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Rediff.com12 hours ago

The population is gripped by anxiety against arbitrariness and the cruelty of a state that sells its actions as minimum government, asserts Aakar Patel.

India Shines With Gold And Four Other Medals At Asian U-23 Athletics

India Shines With Gold And Four Other Medals At Asian U-23 Athletics

Rediff.com6 days ago

India made a strong start at the Asian U-23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China, securing five medals on the opening day. The haul included a gold in the mixed 4x400m relay, one silver, and three bronze medals, showcasing the nation's emerging talent in athletics.

Watch: Aamir Khan Kisses Bride Gauri Spratt

Watch: Aamir Khan Kisses Bride Gauri Spratt

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt tied the knot in a registered marriage ceremony in Mumbai.

Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addresses Pakistan's fitness concerns ahead of key tours

Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addresses Pakistan's fitness concerns ahead of key tours

Rediff.com7 days ago

Pakistan's Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has acknowledged ongoing fitness issues within the squad, despite a recent training camp. A new conditioning camp is planned to address these concerns before the team's crucial tours to the Caribbean and England. New Test captain Babar Azam is focused on improving fitness and discipline for better performance in red-ball cricket.

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has seen 81 lakh registered beneficiaries removed following a multi-month e-KYC verification drive, with the state's Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifying the process was mandatory to filter out ineligible individuals, income-tax payers, and government employee families.

Calcutta HC slams TTEs for illegally 'selling berths like vegetables'

Calcutta HC slams TTEs for illegally 'selling berths like vegetables'

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Calcutta High Court has strongly criticised travelling ticket examiners (TTEs) for illegally selling unoccupied berths, likening it to 'selling vegetables in a market', after such an incident led to the death of a drugged theft victim on a train.

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prabhsimran Singh credited mentor Yuvraj Singh's tactical guidance and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting's unwavering faith for his growth, saying both played a pivotal role in earning his maiden India T20I call-up.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com2 days ago

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court has ruled that the determination of citizenship status in India must adhere to a fair, lawful, and reasoned process, setting aside Gauhati High Court verdicts that had affirmed orders declaring some individuals as foreigners. The court stressed that constitutional protections of equality, life, and personal liberty apply to every person within India's territory.

Out-of-court settlement fails in Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal disputes

Out-of-court settlement fails in Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal disputes

Rediff.com2 days ago

Efforts to resolve three major religious site disputes in Uttar Pradesh - Gyanvapi, Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah, and Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid - through out-of-court settlements have failed, with all parties insisting on judicial adjudication.

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.

5 Memorable Chocolate Factory Tours

5 Memorable Chocolate Factory Tours

Rediff.com5 days ago

The best addresses to see chocolate being made.

Fear grips Ram Temple donation counting staffers as 50% quit amid probe

Fear grips Ram Temple donation counting staffers as 50% quit amid probe

Rediff.com5 days ago

Over half of the employees engaged in counting donations at the Ram temple have resigned amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of offerings, reducing the strength of counting personnel to just around a dozen, sources said on Friday.

VVS Laxman to lead India's coaching staff for Zimbabwe tour, Asian Games

VVS Laxman to lead India's coaching staff for Zimbabwe tour, Asian Games

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

VVS Laxman will lead India's support staff for the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series and the Asian Games, providing a break for the senior team's regular staff. This arrangement allows for simultaneous international commitments, with Gautam Gambhir coaching the ODI squad against West Indies.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Zoom on IT Stocks Rally

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Zoom on IT Stocks Rally

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade, with the Sensex jumping nearly 700 points, primarily driven by strong buying in IT stocks following TCS's positive June-quarter results and optimistic demand outlook. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 10, 2026.

Shashank Singh Refutes Assault Claims, Cites Privacy Breach

Shashank Singh Refutes Assault Claims, Cites Privacy Breach

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Punjab Kings cricketer Shashank Singh has denied allegations of assault after an FIR was registered against him, his father, and their driver.

13 blackbucks, stray dog found dead in MP well; probe launched

13 blackbucks, stray dog found dead in MP well; probe launched

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Thirteen blackbucks and a stray dog were discovered dead in a farm well in Shajapur district, Madhya Pradesh, leading forest authorities to launch an investigation. The carcasses were found after a foul smell was reported, and it is suspected the animals fell into the well while escaping stray dogs.

Toddler run over by SDO's SUV in Patna; driver dies by suicide

Toddler run over by SDO's SUV in Patna; driver dies by suicide

Rediff.com5 days ago

A man driving a sub-divisional officer's car allegedly ran over a two-and-a-half-year-old child in Patna's posh DPS Colony and was later found hanging in a room near the incident site, the police said.

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Rediff.com2 days ago

Having governed Odisha for 24 uninterrupted years, the BJD now finds itself in the unfamiliar role of Opposition. Its organisational overhaul following the 2024 defeat has yet to produce a recognisable second line of leadership.

Narrow escape for Mukesh Ambani as tree falls in front of convoy amid rains

Narrow escape for Mukesh Ambani as tree falls in front of convoy amid rains

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A tree collapsed in front of industrialist Mukesh Ambani's security convoy in Mumbai's Bandra area amidst torrential rains, briefly obstructing traffic. The incident highlights the widespread rain-related disruptions, including falling trees and traffic snarls, prompting civic authorities to issue caution.

'Run fast friends': Shocking visuals of Wayanad landslide emerge

'Run fast friends': Shocking visuals of Wayanad landslide emerge

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A massive mudslide occurred near Kalladi in Wayanad, Kerala, near the Meenakshi Bridge, part of an ongoing tunnel road project. Shocking visuals show people running for safety as the mudslide, triggered by rain, brought down trees and covered the road and bridge. Rescue operations by police and NDRF are underway to check for trapped individuals.

Mumbai coastal road sparks Rs 6,000 cr luxury housing boom

Mumbai coastal road sparks Rs 6,000 cr luxury housing boom

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mumbai's coastal luxury residential redevelopment pipeline is valued at approximately 6,000 crore, with 75-80 projects expected to launch over the next eight to nine quarters, driven by improved infrastructure and demand for waterfront living.

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

History may remember Takaichi Sanae not as the leader who simply accelerated Japanese rearmament, but as one who governed during Japan's transition from an industrial-age security model to a post-industrial strategic member of the global order, points out Varun Arya.

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Rediff.com2 days ago

Bharti Airtel is strategically shifting its focus towards data centres, cloud services, and financial services as key drivers for its next phase of growth, leveraging significant past investments in digital infrastructure, as outlined by Chairman Sunil Mittal in the company's Annual Report for 2025-26.

From Snow Passes To Shikara Rides

From Snow Passes To Shikara Rides

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Himachal Pradesh's snow-covered mountain passes and Kashmir's iconic lakes attract tourists yearning to escape the hot summer.

Moana Review: Another Pointless Disney Remake

Moana Review: Another Pointless Disney Remake

Rediff.com5 days ago

The live-action Moana faithfully recreates the original, but rarely captures its magic.

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Rediff.com5 days ago

Cyril Radcliffe drew India's border without ever visiting it. Turns out our environmental clearance system learned the same trick -- and the Western Ghats are paying for it, points out Binu Alex.

NIA conducts nationwide raids to bust ISIS-backed plot; 12 held

NIA conducts nationwide raids to bust ISIS-backed plot; 12 held

Rediff.com7 days ago

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted nationwide searches across 10 states and one Union Territory, targeting an online terror radicalisation conspiracy linked to ISIS and AQIS. The operation, which led to the seizure of digital devices, is part of an ongoing investigation into a plot to establish an Islamic state in India through violent jihad. So far, 11 individuals and one juvenile have been arrested in connection with the case.

Ram Temple Trust deactivates VIP pass IDs of Champat Rai, two ex-officials

Ram Temple Trust deactivates VIP pass IDs of Champat Rai, two ex-officials

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has deactivated the digital IDs of former general secretary Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra, and special invitee Gopal Rao. This action follows alleged irregularities in the issuance of VIP darshan passes and an ongoing SIT probe into financial misconduct at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The move aims to curb misuse of preferential entry passes.

Meerut SSP defends police action amid protests over SC student's death

Meerut SSP defends police action amid protests over SC student's death

Rediff.com5 days ago

Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey has defended the police's handling of a Scheduled Caste college student's death, asserting that all actions were evidence-based. He warned against disturbing law and order and appealed for peace, even as an alleged threat call to his PRO surfaced and police arrested several protesters involved in a recent demonstration.

Why Do Meitei Groups Want NRC Before the 2027 Census?

Why Do Meitei Groups Want NRC Before the 2027 Census?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A coalition of 14 Meitei civil society organisations in Manipur has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to implement a National Register of Citizens before the 2027 Census, arguing it is crucial for resolving the state's ongoing ethnic conflict and identifying 'illegal migrants'.

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian government has allocated an additional 2 million tonnes of surplus broken rice from FCI stocks for its ethanol blending programme, while simultaneously issuing a detailed rebuttal to widespread misinformation regarding the E20 fuel, addressing concerns from water consumption to engine damage and environmental impact.

Police challenge court order granting eggs, TV to Delhi riots accused Shahrukh

Police challenge court order granting eggs, TV to Delhi riots accused Shahrukh

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Delhi Police has moved a court to recall or modify an order allowing 2020 Delhi riots accused Shahrukh Pathan to receive raw eggs and a separate television in his prison cell. Pathan's counsel had argued for these provisions due to his client's frustration and depression from prolonged incarceration, but police are seeking reconsideration of the directions.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to meet Karur stampede victims' kin, offer jobs

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to meet Karur stampede victims' kin, offer jobs

Rediff.com6 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to visit Karur for a crucial public interaction, where he will address victims of last year's stampede, distribute welfare, and lay the foundation stone for a major Rs 1,700 crore footwear manufacturing factory.