News for 'PTI Photos'

How Meghalaya Is Driving Digital Banking Adoption

How Meghalaya Is Driving Digital Banking Adoption

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Meghalaya has shown significant progress in digital transactions and financial inclusion, recording 32.76 crore digital transactions and nearly 10 lakh Jan Dhan accounts by 2025-26. Efforts like the JAM Trinity and financial literacy programmes have expanded banking access, with a high percentage of bank account holders adopting digital modes. The next phase focuses on enhancing financial literacy and cyber resilience, especially in rural areas.

Bangladesh Cricket Board's tender signals revival of cricket ties with India

Bangladesh Cricket Board's tender signals revival of cricket ties with India

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India and Bangladesh are seemingly moving closer to resuming bilateral cricket ties, with a six-match white-ball series in September now appearing likely after a gap of nearly a year in scheduled meetings between the two sides.

Wangchuk's hunger strike enters Day 6, Dipke calls for solidarity fast

Wangchuk's hunger strike enters Day 6, Dipke calls for solidarity fast

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

As activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered the sixth day on Friday, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said he appeared "far weaker and more exhausted" and urged supporters across the country to observe a one-day fast in solidarity with the protest.

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the status of rebel factions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the Monsoon session of Parliament begins on July 20, following demands for their disqualification by their parent parties.

Ram Temple donation probe: Security guards under scanner

Ram Temple donation probe: Security guards under scanner

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has broadened to include private security personnel. Around 400 guards are under scrutiny for their roles in managing entry, exit, and offerings, with police examining duty records, CCTV footage, and potential negligence or complicity in theft. This follows the arrest of eight individuals and the resignation of two trust members after a Special Investigation Team was formed.

'Extremely pained': RSS demands severe punishment in Ram Temple theft case

'Extremely pained': RSS demands severe punishment in Ram Temple theft case

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has strongly condemned the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating it has deeply hurt sentiments. He called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those found guilty, while also urging patience from the Hindu community against "anti-Hindu" forces.

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.

Heroin-smuggling drone bound for India crashes in Pakistan's Punjab

Heroin-smuggling drone bound for India crashes in Pakistan's Punjab

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A drone carrying 5 kg of heroin, allegedly being smuggled to India, crashed in Pakistan's Narang Mandi area, close to the India-Pakistan border. Police have seized the drone and the contraband, initiating an investigation into the incident.

Trump intervention sparks storm as FIFA clears Balogun to face Belgium

Trump intervention sparks storm as FIFA clears Balogun to face Belgium

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The United States' World Cup campaign took an extraordinary turn on Sunday when FIFA made the unprecedented decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban, clearing the striker to face Belgium in Monday's last-16 clash after US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Under the lens over serious lapses in the donation management system at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Govind Dev Giri, has said that all audit reports were "safe" and that he had no role in the daily donation collection process at the temple.

Iran has accepted 'just about everything' we wanted: Trump

Iran has accepted 'just about everything' we wanted: Trump

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has accepted "just about everything" the United States has demanded in ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations, particularly regarding denuclearisation. He also asserted that American forces repeatedly carried out military strikes that crippled Tehran's military infrastructure, including radar installations, and escorted commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump dismissed reports of Iran's strength, stating its military and economy were severely weakened.

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has lauded young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his talent to that of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Dev emphasised that Sooryavanshi's ability, not his age, should be the primary factor in his selection for the national team, while also cautioning against excessive hype around the 15-year-old.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

Probe report on Justice Varma to be tabled in Monsoon Session

Probe report on Justice Varma to be tabled in Monsoon Session

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The report of a three-member committee investigating the grounds for the removal of High Court judge Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of burnt currency notes at his residence, will be tabled in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming Monsoon session.

People who came to India post-Partition were...: RSS chief

People who came to India post-Partition were...: RSS chief

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The RSS leader said post-Partition, people consciously decided to come to India from the other side, because they wanted to live in the land which is Bharat, where they can follow their religion without fear.

'Economy May Take 2 To 3 Months To Return To Normal'

'Economy May Take 2 To 3 Months To Return To Normal'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

'The real shock is going to be from a deficient monsoon.'

15 Documents Insufficient To Prove Citizenship Claim

15 Documents Insufficient To Prove Citizenship Claim

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Gauhati high court observed that merely producing a number of documents does not automatically establish citizenship unless they are legally admissible and capable of proving the person's linkage to Indian ancestors.

Modi asks secretaries to fast-track reforms, boost self-reliance

Modi asks secretaries to fast-track reforms, boost self-reliance

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with government secretaries and discussed with them on two key issues -- deregulation and other reforms for 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living' and promoting 'Aatmanirbharta'.

SIT to re-audit Ayodhya trust's accounts of past 5 years

SIT to re-audit Ayodhya trust's accounts of past 5 years

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement at the Ram temple in Ayodhya will conduct a re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts for the past five years, following preliminary findings of large-scale irregularities.

Modi concerned over Ram temple donation theft: Vinay Katiyar

Modi concerned over Ram temple donation theft: Vinay Katiyar

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former MP Vinay Katiyar on Friday said he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Ram temple donations' theft issue and he "expressed concern".

Chhattisgarh tribal family reconverts to faith after eviction

Chhattisgarh tribal family reconverts to faith after eviction

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A tribal family in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district was briefly evicted from their village by residents over alleged religious conversion but was allowed to return after agreeing to reconvert to their original faith. Police and district officials intervened to resolve the dispute.

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail, court cites SC order

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail, court cites SC order

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has dismissed the bail applications of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing its obligation to follow a previous Supreme Court order that rejected their bail.

Pune rape-murder: Victim's family breaks down in court, welcomes verdict

Pune rape-murder: Victim's family breaks down in court, welcomes verdict

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

A special court in Pune has sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur village. The victim's family expressed satisfaction with the verdict and called for its swift execution. The court termed the crime "rarest of the rare," delivering the sentence within 60 days of the incident.

Nothing to do with track 2 India-Pakistan dialogue: Govt

Nothing to do with track 2 India-Pakistan dialogue: Govt

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the Indian government has no involvement or official support for Track 2 discussions on India-Pakistan ties, even when retired Indian officials participate. He clarified that such participants speak in their personal capacities and do not represent the government's views, and New Delhi does not take cognisance of these private events.

Time India Embraces China And US

Time India Embraces China And US

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

India's dual pursuit of a robust strategic partnership with Washington and a pragmatic, tension-management policy with Beijing represents the essence of modern multi-alignment. By embracing economic pragmatism, learning to compartmentalize political differences, and engaging in continuous dialogue, India can secure its borders, grow its economy, and contribute to a stable, multipolar Asian century, points out Ambassador Rajasekhar.

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Congress leader Manish Tewari expressed his disappointment after being overlooked in the recent Punjab Congress reshuffle for upcoming assembly polls, posting a cryptic message on X about "insecurities of individuals and institutions" while reaffirming his loyalty to the party. The reshuffle saw key appointments for election committees, including Charanjit Singh Channi as Campaign Committee chairman, but notably excluded Tewari.

Pak rejects Indus Waters Treaty suspension, says still binding and operative

Pak rejects Indus Waters Treaty suspension, says still binding and operative

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid and binding, rejecting India's decision to revoke it following a terror attack. He emphasised the treaty's role in regional peace and warned of "profound consequences" if Pakistan is deprived of its allocated waters. PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also proposed an international convention against the weaponisation of waterways.

Several TET candidates miss exam due to BJP leader's roadshow in UP town

Several TET candidates miss exam due to BJP leader's roadshow in UP town

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Traffic congestion allegedly caused by Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Durvijay Singh Shakya's roadshow triggered a political row in Budaun on Friday after several candidates claimed they missed the second shift of the state Teacher Eligibility Test.

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

India, US are natural partners against China: Indra Nooyi

India, US are natural partners against China: Indra Nooyi

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi asserts that India and the United States are natural partners, crucial in the geopolitical competition with China. She highlights India's pivotal role as the world's largest democracy with a young, English-speaking population, despite its "chaotic" nature. Nooyi also discusses the need for leaders to understand each other's perspectives to maintain strong bilateral ties.

Nine Maha cops get life term in 2011 custodial death case

Nine Maha cops get life term in 2011 custodial death case

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A court in Washim, Maharashtra, has sentenced nine police personnel to life imprisonment for the 2011 custodial death of Begya Pawar. The court found them guilty of murder, wrongful confinement, and causing grievous hurt, ruling their actions were "serious and brutal" and not part of public duty. The victim died after being brutally beaten to extort a confession, and the police attempted to cover up the incident with a fabricated FIR.

Rats, cockroaches found in 6 Mumbai restaurants, FDA suspends licences

Rats, cockroaches found in 6 Mumbai restaurants, FDA suspends licences

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of six restaurants and eateries in Mumbai, including a posh establishment in Nariman Point. The action followed raids that uncovered unhygienic kitchens, expired stock, misbranded products, and pest infestations. The FDA also seized banned food items and made arrests during a wider statewide enforcement drive, vowing continued strict action.

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has entered its 15th day, garnering support from AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, while a student leader from AISA was hospitalised after her condition turned critical.

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'What struck me at the time was simply the scale of it -- that something of this magnitude could be unfolding inside the Ram temple itself.' 'It was bewildering. And what troubled me further was the manner in which people were shielding it.'

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.

When Raakh Reminded Me Of Horrific College Memory

When Raakh Reminded Me Of Horrific College Memory

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ramesh is not in our class group photo. He had already vanished from school by the time it was taken. We didn't know why then. A few weeks later, we did, recalls Binu Alex.

Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins Russia's Top Sand Honor

Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins Russia's Top Sand Honor

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The renowned Indian sand artist became the first Indian recipient of the Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026.

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

At the heart of the decision is concern over the survival of Meghalaya's neighbourhood retailers.

Bharti Airtel Becomes India's Biggest Wealth Creator, IT Giants Lose 8.5 Trillion

Bharti Airtel Becomes India's Biggest Wealth Creator, IT Giants Lose 8.5 Trillion

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Bharti Airtel added 7.64 trillion in value over the past five years, making it the biggest wealth creator in India's private sector, while the IT sector, including TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, collectively lost 8.5 trillion in value, according to the latest Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 report.

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.