News for 'PTI Photo'

Nana Patekar's helping hand made this village 'tanker-free'

Nana Patekar's helping hand made this village 'tanker-free'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, a Maharashtra village, Dhondalgaon, recalls how his NAAM Foundation funded a water conservation project ten years ago, transforming it from a drought-prone area to a 'tanker-free' and economically thriving community. The project, which involved desilting barrages, boosted agriculture and dairy farming, and eliminated farmer suicides.

Tribal students detained in Mumbai during hostel facilities protest

Tribal students detained in Mumbai during hostel facilities protest

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Tribal students protesting for better facilities and an inquiry into ashram school deaths were detained by police in Mumbai and driven out of the city. They had marched from Nashik and were seeking to meet the Governor.

Why Anthropic's Claude AI Is Now Processing Data Within India

Why Anthropic's Claude AI Is Now Processing Data Within India

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Artificial intelligence major Anthropic has launched AI inference capabilities in India through Amazon Bedrock, allowing its Claude AI models to process data within the country's jurisdiction. This strategic move addresses the growing demand from Indian entities, particularly in regulated sectors, for compliance with local data processing norms as per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The initiative strengthens Anthropic's commitment to the Indian market, enabling secure and compliant AI deployment for sensitive workloads and fostering trust among major enterprises like Reliance, CRED, and NPCI.

UP Rajya Sabha polls: 8 BJP, two SP candidates set for unopposed win

UP Rajya Sabha polls: 8 BJP, two SP candidates set for unopposed win

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Eight BJP and two Samajwadi Party candidates are set to be elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh after the nomination papers of two independent candidates were rejected. This ensures all 10 available seats will be filled without a contest, with the BJP fielding new faces ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.

Hindu Raksha Dal chief claims activists attacked protestors

Hindu Raksha Dal chief claims activists attacked protestors

Rediff.com4 days ago

Groups of men wearing saffron scarves, claiming affiliation with the Hindu Raksha Dal, threatened and assaulted demonstrators during Saturday's protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in central Delhi. Four members have been arrested for an assault on DDU Marg, while videos show larger groups operating unhindered, openly supporting police and administration, and justifying violence against "anti-national" protesters. The group's chief, Pinki Chaudhary, claimed responsibility for the attacks on social media.

Delhi teen crashes rented Audi into pedestrians, 1 killed

Delhi teen crashes rented Audi into pedestrians, 1 killed

Rediff.com7 days ago

A 17-year-old boy driving a rented Audi car allegedly crashed into three vehicles in southwest Delhi's Kishangarh, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old pedestrian. Police have apprehended the juvenile, seized the vehicles, and are investigating the car rental company for leasing the luxury car to a minor.

'No chair is permanent': Chetan Sharma hails Agarkar's 'great job' as chief selector

'No chair is permanent': Chetan Sharma hails Agarkar's 'great job' as chief selector

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has lauded his successor Ajit Agarkar for a highly successful three-year tenure, which saw India win three ICC trophies and achieve significant white-ball cricket dominance.

BJP announces 8 names for RS election, drops Hardeep Puri

BJP announces 8 names for RS election, drops Hardeep Puri

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The BJP has announced eight candidates, including minister Dharam Pal Singh, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. These elections, scheduled for October 16, will fill 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with several prominent members retiring.

Swing, pace and skill: Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar to make India's 2027 World Cup squad

Swing, pace and skill: Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar to make India's 2027 World Cup squad

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that a strong performance by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand could pave his way back into the Indian ODI team and secure a spot for the next year's 50-over World Cup. Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar's unique ability to swing the ball and his decent pace as crucial assets, especially in conditions like South Africa and Australia. He also stressed the importance of the pacer maintaining his fitness.

Navy sailor caught in honey-trap, arrested for espionage

Navy sailor caught in honey-trap, arrested for espionage

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

An Indian Navy sailor, Pradeep Mukherjee, has been arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence cell for allegedly transmitting classified maritime intelligence to a Pakistani operative. The espionage operation reportedly involved a social media "honey-trap" where a female Pakistani intelligence operative extracted sensitive data on naval assets and operations from Mukherjee.

Why Do We Need Permission to Protest Against the Government?

Why Do We Need Permission to Protest Against the Government?

Rediff.com5 days ago

Before protesting against the State, the citizen should not have to ask: Sir, may I protest, please?, asserts Prem Panicker.

Anti-CEC stir: Rahul Gandhi, other Cong leaders released after detention

Anti-CEC stir: Rahul Gandhi, other Cong leaders released after detention

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with approximately 250 others including 50 MPs, were detained by Delhi Police after an eight-hour sit-in protest at Akashvani Bhawan. They were attempting to march to the Election Commission's office to protest alleged "vote chori" and irregularities in electoral rolls.

JNU dismisses Cong MP prof over sexual abuse allegations

JNU dismisses Cong MP prof over sexual abuse allegations

Rediff.com6 days ago

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has dismissed Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, also a Congress MP, following sexual harassment complaints from at least 11 female students. Akoijam has termed his dismissal a 'witch hunt' and questioned the due process.

'CJP violated undertaking': Officials justify clampdown

'CJP violated undertaking': Officials justify clampdown

Rediff.com6 days ago

The CJP allegedly violated an undertaking for a June 20 protest on the NEET paper leak, leading the Union Home Ministry and Delhi Police to implement heightened security for its upcoming demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. Police cited past breaches of conditions, including a 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20 without permission, as reasons for denying permission for the new protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

DMK slams Rahul Gandhi for 'silence' over TN voter deletions

DMK slams Rahul Gandhi for 'silence' over TN voter deletions

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The DMK has launched a strong attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his silence on alleged voter deletions in Tamil Nadu and accusing him of inconsistency regarding electoral roll revisions. This comes amidst a broader campaign by the INDIA bloc against the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

India advises caution to citizens in Saudi, cancels flights

India advises caution to citizens in Saudi, cancels flights

Rediff.com2 days ago

India has advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to 'remain calm and vigilant' due to an evolving security situation, including drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which recently resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others.

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'93 lakhs deletions in Bengal, 96 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 24 lakhs in Kerala, 77 lakhs in Gujarat, 45 lakhs in Madhya Pradesh, 44 lakhs in Rajasthan. 2.89 crores in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 3 crores!'

Sports Minister To Address Para-Shooters' Corruption Allegations

Sports Minister To Address Para-Shooters' Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com7 days ago

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to meet para-shooters protesting alleged corruption and manipulation in the selection process for the upcoming Para Asian Games. The athletes claim "illicit monetary extortion" and violations of Sports Ministry guidelines by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee. The PCI denies the charges, stating selections were merit-based. Separately, para-cyclists also protested their omission from the contingent.

India eyes 30 GW private nuclear capacity by 2047, Rs 7.5 lakh cr investment

India eyes 30 GW private nuclear capacity by 2047, Rs 7.5 lakh cr investment

Rediff.com4 days ago

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty announced that India's private sector is projected to invest Rs 7.5 lakh crore and contribute 30 GW towards the nation's goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. This marks a significant policy shift, facilitated by the SHANTI Act, encouraging private participation in nuclear energy beyond the traditional public sector model. The country is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for industrial needs and advancing its three-stage nuclear power programme, leveraging its substantial thorium reserves.

Chhattisgarh blacklists Oriental Insurance for 3 yrs over chopper claim

Chhattisgarh blacklists Oriental Insurance for 3 yrs over chopper claim

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has blacklisted Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) for three years on Wednesday. This action follows OICL's rejection of an insurance claim for a government helicopter that crashed in May 2022, killing two pilots. The claim was rejected in August this year after being pending for more than four years, leading the state to pursue administrative and legal remedies.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde fined, faces warrant threat in 2016 assault case

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde fined, faces warrant threat in 2016 assault case

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has been fined Rs 1,000 by a city court for her repeated non-appearance in a 10-year-old assault case. The court warned that failure to appear at the next hearing on November 2 for framing of charges could lead to a warrant and cancellation of bail bonds. The case stems from a 2016 incident at a BMC school.

High drama near EC office as Rahul-led INDIA bloc protests

High drama near EC office as Rahul-led INDIA bloc protests

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

High drama unfolded as INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched to the Election Commission headquarters in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and his misleading statements regarding Supreme Court observations on Form 6.

CEC row: Opposition parties to march to SC on Monday to meet CJI

CEC row: Opposition parties to march to SC on Monday to meet CJI

Rediff.com4 days ago

Opposition parties, led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, plan to march to the Supreme Court on Monday to meet the Chief Justice of India. They aim to submit a memorandum regarding alleged 'vote chori' and demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, halting of SIR, and a return to paper ballots. The protest follows widespread detentions during previous demonstrations, which the opposition condemns as an assault on democracy.

CISF jawan stabbed during protest against CEC in Delhi

CISF jawan stabbed during protest against CEC in Delhi

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan was reportedly stabbed during a protest in New Delhi. The Delhi Police have initiated legal action and are investigating the incident, with the injured jawan receiving medical attention.

US returnee became 'lone wolf' after watching extremist videos: Maha ATS

US returnee became 'lone wolf' after watching extremist videos: Maha ATS

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Maharashtra ATS has filed a chargesheet against Zaib Ansari, a US returnee, for allegedly stabbing two security guards in Thane. The chargesheet states Ansari self-radicalised by watching extremist videos and was battling personal issues. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

Rediff.com4 days ago

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has denied signing any bond preventing further protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, vowing to continue taking to the streets. He accused Delhi Police of illegal detention and mistreatment, including not allowing him to contact family after his grandmother's death on Saturday, and criticised the government's handling of protests and alleged police brutality.

CJP stir: 200 detained as protest enters Day 2, police excesses alleged

CJP stir: 200 detained as protest enters Day 2, police excesses alleged

Rediff.com4 days ago

Several protesters, including CPI(M) MP John Brittas, were detained in Delhi as the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation entered its second day on Sunday. Protesters alleged manhandling by security personnel, while police maintained extensive security arrangements, detaining thousands over the weekend.

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

Rediff.com5 days ago

The UN human rights office expressed concern over mass detentions during protests in Delhi on Saturday, urging India to respect peaceful assembly rights and release detainees. India rejected these concerns as "misplaced" and "unwarranted interference." The protests, organised by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded electoral reforms and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list manipulation, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.

'Character Assassination': Mary Kom's Ex-Husband Takes Her to Court

'Character Assassination': Mary Kom's Ex-Husband Takes Her to Court

Rediff.com6 days ago

Mary Kom's ex-husband, Karong Onkholer, has filed a defamation complaint against the boxer in a Delhi court over alleged remarks made during a television interview.

How Lovlina Borgohain Rediscovered Her Passion For Boxing

How Lovlina Borgohain Rediscovered Her Passion For Boxing

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Indian ace boxer Lovlina Borgohain, after facing disappointment at the 2024 Olympics, rediscovered her passion for boxing, leading to a gold medal victory at the recent Asian Games in Japan. She aims for direct Olympic qualification through the World Championships and hopes to upgrade her Olympic bronze to gold.

'If Hardik Pandya Wants To Play In 2027 World Cup Then He Must Bowl 10 Overs'

'If Hardik Pandya Wants To Play In 2027 World Cup Then He Must Bowl 10 Overs'

Rediff.com6 days ago

India trainer Ramji Srinivasan has issued a clear mandate to Hardik Pandya, stating that the all-rounder must regain full fitness and significantly increase his bowling workload to be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup, following a prolonged absence due to multiple injuries.

Four former CMs among many INDIA bloc leaders detained in Delhi

Four former CMs among many INDIA bloc leaders detained in Delhi

Rediff.com5 days ago

Several prominent INDIA bloc leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee, were detained by Delhi Police on Saturday while attempting to protest at Jantar Mantar. They were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, with leaders condemning the detentions as an attack on democracy.

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Rediff.com5 days ago

Nana Patekar's anger and intensity were as real in life as they were in his performances. He was as brutally honest as the characters he portrayed.

System can't be honest only...: 124 ex-officers support EC, SIR

System can't be honest only...: 124 ex-officers support EC, SIR

Rediff.com5 days ago

A group of 124 former IAS, IFS, IPS, and allied services officers have issued an open letter defending the Election Commission (EC) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. They argue that the electoral system cannot be deemed rigged only when a party loses, citing instances where the ruling BJP lost elections under the same EC. The officers highlight the legitimacy and necessity of the SIR for cleaning voter rolls and underscore the robust safeguards within India's electoral system.

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian Railways has cancelled over 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations ahead of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, a move criticised by experts and passenger bodies as 'unprecedented' and 'anti-passenger'.

Assam STF Arrests Second Accused In Spy Case

Assam STF Arrests Second Accused In Spy Case

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Police recovered a mobile phone, SIM cards and documents described as incriminating from his possession.

Sanjay Dutt clarifies after row over 'can't feel peace in India' remark

Sanjay Dutt clarifies after row over 'can't feel peace in India' remark

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified his controversial "can't feel that peace in India" remarks made on the Shekhar Tonite show, stating they were part of a scripted, humorous conversation and not intended to offend. He explained his comments were in the spirit of 'Gandhigiri' from his 'Munna Bhai' films, promoting love and togetherness.

CJP stir: SC to hear contempt plea on Sunday over Delhi Metro, train curbs

CJP stir: SC to hear contempt plea on Sunday over Delhi Metro, train curbs

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea on Sunday seeking contempt proceedings against authorities for allegedly violating its directive against a complete prohibition on metro and train services in Delhi during the CJP protest. The plea argues that the blanket shutdown and lack of transparent advisories constitute a deliberate disregard for the court's October 9 order, which had called for regulation rather than outright prohibition of public transport.

How youth dodge barricades, diversions to reach Delhi protest site

How youth dodge barricades, diversions to reach Delhi protest site

Rediff.com5 days ago

Citizens in Delhi faced significant restrictions and detentions on Saturday while attempting to protest alleged irregularities in voter rolls. Despite barricades, metro closures, and vehicle diversions, individuals found various ways to reach central Delhi, determined to voice their concerns about the electoral process and fundamental rights.

'People may have to wear face masks in next 25 years if...'

'People may have to wear face masks in next 25 years if...'

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Former Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oka warned that major cities might be forced to adopt mandatory face mask usage within 20-25 years due to environmental degradation. He stressed that protecting the environment is a fundamental constitutional duty, countering the misconception that humans own the Earth. Justice Oka also encouraged students to study law and use AI responsibly.