News for 'Party Time For Models'

Sunil Gavaskar reflects on the pressures of being a role model

Sunil Gavaskar reflects on the pressures of being a role model

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Sunil Gavaskar discusses the pressures on players to be role models and how social media has changed the landscape.

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case: Cross-Examination Over

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case: Cross-Examination Over

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The cross-examination of a prosecution witness has concluded in a Model Code of Conduct violation case involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The next hearing is scheduled for May 21.

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

Rediff.com1 days ago

Mobile payments pioneer Paytm reported significant growth in its UPI payments business for Q1 FY27, driven by app simplification, AI investments, and a focus on attracting Gen Z customers. The company saw a 45% year-on-year increase in Consumer UPI Gross Transaction Value and a rise of 60 lakh in Monthly Transacting Users, outpacing the industry. Paytm's strategy prioritises customer retention and product innovation, leading to a profitable quarter with strong revenue and EBITDA growth, further supported by AI-led operational efficiencies and an India-focused language model.

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

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.

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'When you are standing for what the Constitution guarantees you, you are not alone.'

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

When Manmohan Singh told then CEC: 'I will commit suicide'

When Manmohan Singh told then CEC: 'I will commit suicide'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once told then Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi in 2012, "I will commit suicide," expressing his deep anguish over ministers' "loose talk" criticising the Election Commission's functioning, a revelation made in Quraishi's upcoming book.

'Abandon in difficult times': Akhilesh's cryptic dig at Cong

'Abandon in difficult times': Akhilesh's cryptic dig at Cong

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has voiced his support for the TMC and DMK after their losses in recent assembly elections, while criticising the Congress party.

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being "partners in crime" in what it terms "seat chori" (seat theft), following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party claims the rejection was based on "flawed and unreasonable" logic, alleging non-disclosure of a criminal case against Natarajan, despite her stating only a legal notice exists.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

Ahmed Khan: 'Akshay Kumar-Suniel Shetty Did Disturb Us But...'

Ahmed Khan: 'Akshay Kumar-Suniel Shetty Did Disturb Us But...'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'Without sugar coating things, I could tell Akshay (Kumar) and Rajpal (Yadav) aisa mat kar (don't do that), remind Anna (Suniel Shetty) that it was a just a 'back' shot and point out to Paresh (Rawal) bhai that since he was not in focus, so he didn't have to give too many expressions.'

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The rejection of senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers transformed what should have been a routine Rajya Sabha election into a lesson in contemporary political warfare.

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

BJP national president Nitin Nabin announced the party's plan to replicate Assam's 'detect, delete and deport' model to expel alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators in West Bengal if voted to power.

After assembly revolt, TMC faces rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC faces rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Barely days after losing control of its legislature party in the West Bengal assembly, the Trinamool Congress is now staring at an even bigger political nightmare -- the possibility of the rebellion spreading to its parliamentary ranks.

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Who are the special fathers of these famous Indians? The paternal figures responsible for putting them on the right path and helping them find greatness.

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has suggested that the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s legislative wing could extend to its Members of Parliament, following an unprecedented revolt by MLAs and the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'Present day youth are not interested in the past. They want to see what you are going to do now.'

4 Finance Careers That Really Pay Well

4 Finance Careers That Really Pay Well

Rediff.com28 May 2026

In the latest Rediff series exploring non-traditional careers, Sandeep Goel, professor and dean-research at MDI, Gurgaon lists a range of high-growth finance careers beyond CA, CS, and MBA degrees.

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar': What It Means

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar': What It Means

Rediff.com18 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held his first 'janata darbar' at the BJP's state office in Salt Lake, listening to public grievances and demands. The initiative aims to establish a direct connection with citizens and project a governance model similar to BJP-ruled states.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'Congress needs a positive agenda rather than primarily picking up on two business houses.'

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

'Ideologically, D K Shivakumar Is Rather RSS-ish'

'Ideologically, D K Shivakumar Is Rather RSS-ish'

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Shivakumar's relationship with the BJP and the RSS is not adversarial in the way Siddaramaiah's has been.' 'Siddaramaiah has publicly attacked the RSS on record; Shivakumar has made no such statement at any point.' 'He vociferously defended the Karnataka government's celebration of Ram temple consecration with RSS-ish arguments.'

Vijay's TVK did no field work, won through social media, says Stalin

Vijay's TVK did no field work, won through social media, says Stalin

Rediff.com18 May 2026

DMK President M K Stalin has alleged that the ruling TVK won the April 23 Assembly polls by influencing people through social media, without doing any field work. He said social media was used to influence family members through children and that the DMK has realised this and will be very careful from now on. Stalin also mentioned that the DMK has set up a committee to tour all the 234 constituencies in the state to assess the ground situation and find out the reasons for the debacle.

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The BJP has won the repoll to Bengal's Falta Assembly seat with a significant margin, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. The TMC's candidate slipped to fourth place and forfeited his deposit in what was once considered a TMC stronghold.

Vijayakanth's party joins DMK alliance for Tamil Nadu polls

Vijayakanth's party joins DMK alliance for Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The DMDK officially joined the DMK-led alliance ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, marking a significant political development in the state.

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Why Estonian Tech Startups Are Keen On Partnering With India

Why Estonian Tech Startups Are Keen On Partnering With India

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Estonian tech startups in AI, cybersecurity, defence, and medicine are showing interest in collaborating with India, aiming to tap into its vast market. Latitude59, a prominent startup conference, is considering hosting a networking event in India next year to foster these partnerships.

SP Leader Azam Khan Sentenced To Jail For Remarks Against Officials

SP Leader Azam Khan Sentenced To Jail For Remarks Against Officials

Rediff.com16 May 2026

A court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan to two years in jail for making objectionable remarks against government officials during the 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

'We want Tatas to come back, and that too in Singur'

'We want Tatas to come back, and that too in Singur'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has expressed the state government's desire for the Tata Group to return to Singur, viewing it as an economic necessity and a signal that West Bengal is open for business. The move aims to reverse the negative perception created when the Nano project was forced out of the state.

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya advocated a new land policy to facilitate large-scale industrialisation and assured investors of a 'fearless' environment in the state.

Twisha Sharma Cremated As Family Pursues Dowry Harassment Case

Twisha Sharma Cremated As Family Pursues Dowry Harassment Case

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The last rites of former actor-model Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly harassed for dowry, were conducted in Bhopal. Her family continues to seek justice, with the Supreme Court taking cognisance of the case.

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a 'mafia culture' and 'maha jungle raj' in West Bengal following the killing of an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The party alleges the incident reflects institutionalised post-poll violence in the state and demands a CBI probe.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Promises Enhanced Initiatives for Women's Education and Safety if Party Wins 2027

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Promises Enhanced Initiatives for Women's Education and Safety if Party Wins 2027

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has pledged to introduce more initiatives focused on women's education, safety, and welfare if his party regains power in 2027, highlighting the importance of women's status in assessing a society's condition.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.