News for 'Past Engagements'

Balan: The Boy Review: *Almost* Nails It!

Balan: The Boy Review: *Almost* Nails It!

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A riveting mother-son drama with a superb first half, Balan: The Boy loses some of its grip after an ambitious but uneven turn, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Main Vaapas Aaunga: A Rare Gem

Main Vaapas Aaunga: A Rare Gem

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

At a time when the politics of hostility has engulfed the world and escalated it into senseless wars Main Vaapas Aaunga's unwavering belief in love is a testament to cinema's uplifting gifts, notes Sukanya Verma.

India Rejects US 'Overcapacity' Claims in Steel, Textiles, Citing Low Per Capita Consumption

India Rejects US 'Overcapacity' Claims in Steel, Textiles, Citing Low Per Capita Consumption

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly refuted claims by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding excess capacity in its steel and textile sectors, arguing that the nation's significantly low per capita consumption of these products contradicts such assertions, according to Amitabh Kumar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'I own a few cars that I have had specified minutely to my taste, and it does feel nice to know that there are no other vehicles like them anywhere in the world.'

HC upholds 'right to be forgotten', orders de-indexing of acquittal records

HC upholds 'right to be forgotten', orders de-indexing of acquittal records

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has recognised an individual's 'right to be forgotten', ruling that search engines cannot perpetually display judicial records in name-based searches for private cases or those ending in acquittal.

'Never trust them again': Udhayanidhi blames Cong for BJP wins

'Never trust them again': Udhayanidhi blames Cong for BJP wins

Rediff.com24 May 2026

DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin has launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the former ally of 'stabbing the DMK in the back' and blaming them for the BJP's consecutive national victories. He exhorted party cadre to 'never trust the Congress again'.

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.

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli Refuses To Shake Hands With Travis Head After Verbal Spat

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli Refuses To Shake Hands With Travis Head After Verbal Spat

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Virat Kohli and Travis Head had a heated exchange during the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, culminating in Kohli refusing to shake hands with Head after the game.

New India Foundation Book Fellowship To Be Annual

New India Foundation Book Fellowship To Be Annual

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The New India Foundation (NIF) Book Fellowship, previously awarded every two years, will now be an annual event, offering consistent support to nonfiction writers exploring post-1947 India.

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wellspring fuelling the CJP tsunami is the high levels of youth unemployment. Millions of youngsters, including extremely over-qualified people, apply in desperation for any job that is advertised. No government has been able to deliver on this front and things may get worse as artificial intelligence enters the workforce, points out Devangshu Datta.

Mamata in Delhi for INDIA bloc huddle amid split scare, meets Kejriwal

Mamata in Delhi for INDIA bloc huddle amid split scare, meets Kejriwal

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

23 political parties of the INDIA bloc will meet on Monday to redraw their strategy to take on the BJP and iron out differences amid changed power dynamics after the defeat of regional anchors TMC and DMK in the recent assembly polls.

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee is actively trying to prevent further defections from the TMC after a significant split, personally contacting rebel MLAs and deploying MPs for damage control. The crisis, stemming from a challenge to Abhishek Banerjee's influence, sees rebels trying to maintain Mamata's symbolic leadership while consolidating their own position, marking a critical period for the party's future.

Dhanush, Nicholas Cage, Rafa Arrive On OTT

Dhanush, Nicholas Cage, Rafa Arrive On OTT

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Spiders, spies and sleuths on OTT this week, Sukanya Verma lists your top picks.

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has launched a new political movement focused on 'common man politics,' rejecting personality cults and hereditary power, aiming to position Tamil Nadu as the premier state in India.

ICICI Bank Demands Rs 100 Crore from Fintechs for Alleged Merchant Misclassification

ICICI Bank Demands Rs 100 Crore from Fintechs for Alleged Merchant Misclassification

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

ICICI Bank is seeking recoveries of at least 100 crore from fintech firms, alleging merchant misclassification of their business, a practice that has eroded the bank's interchange income. The dispute, lodged with global card network Visa, highlights growing discomfort among banks and intensified scrutiny from the Reserve Bank of India.

UP Widow Allegedly Lured Into Prostitution With Job Offer

UP Widow Allegedly Lured Into Prostitution With Job Offer

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A 25-year-old widow was allegedly lured with a job offer at a spa centre in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, and subsequently coerced into prostitution. When she refused, she was allegedly assaulted and threatened with death, police said.

Haryana Police Steps Up Security For NEET, Intensifies Drug Crackdown

Haryana Police Steps Up Security For NEET, Intensifies Drug Crackdown

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Haryana's Director General of Police, Ajay Singhal, chaired a review meeting to assess law and order, NEET exam security, and the progress of the drug-free campaign in the state.

Janhvi To Aishwarya: 10 Bollywood Actresses Who Wowed South Cinema

Janhvi To Aishwarya: 10 Bollywood Actresses Who Wowed South Cinema

Rediff.com26 May 2026

From Aishwarya Rai's magnetic Nandini to Mrunal Thakur's heartbreaking Sita, these Bollywood actresses proved they could do far more than just play glamorous imports in South cinema.

Sidda's journey: From Janata Parivar to Karnataka's longest-serving CM

Sidda's journey: From Janata Parivar to Karnataka's longest-serving CM

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Siddaramaiah, a veteran politician with roots in the Janata Parivar, has had a remarkable journey, consolidating his position in the Congress party to become the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka.

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.

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Bihar's greatest resource is not beneath its soil but above it -- its people. With a population approaching 140 million and one of India's youngest demographic profiles, Bihar possesses an asset many societies would envy, explains Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

10 Modern Hindi Love Triangles Worth A Watch

10 Modern Hindi Love Triangles Worth A Watch

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

These modern Hindi films proved that the love triangle still has enough heartbreak, passion and chaos left to captivate audiences.

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

Rediff.com22 May 2026

As many as 35 vessels, including cargo carriers and oil tankers, successfully navigated through the strategic maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz over the last 24 hours, according to Iran's state media reports citing a formal declaration by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'People don't like leaders who just crib and complain without offering a clear objective.' 'Theoretically and pragmatically, Rahul has to show an agenda beyond bad-mouthing Mr Modi on economic policies, foreign policy...'

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Michel Danino, one of the NCERT academics previously barred by the Supreme Court over a controversial chapter on the judiciary, maintains the content was 'correct' and defends its inclusion in the textbook.

Akhilesh cuts ties with I-PAC for 2027 UP Polls

Akhilesh cuts ties with I-PAC for 2027 UP Polls

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Samajwadi Party has ended its association with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) due to a lack of funds, according to party president Akhilesh Yadav.

Can Srini Pallia Revive Wipro?

Can Srini Pallia Revive Wipro?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

'Wipro's challenge is not lack of ideas. In fact, some of its recent structural moves are arguably bolder than peers.' 'The problem is proving it can operationalise these bets faster and more consistently.'

Cybercriminals Use Fake Cricket Ticket Sites To Defraud Public

Cybercriminals Use Fake Cricket Ticket Sites To Defraud Public

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Police in Shimla warn the public about fraudulent websites designed to dupe people under the guise of cricket match ticket bookings. The Cyber Helpline Data Centre has received numerous complaints, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing these fake sites from genuine ones.

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'The situation globally is quite challenging, but we have the confidence and courage of conviction that we will come out winners even in this challenging time.'

The Significance Of Rajnath Singh's Vietnam Visit

The Significance Of Rajnath Singh's Vietnam Visit

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Vietnam is an emerging regional power and a closer relationship with Hanoi is closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East Policy, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra Action Plan Ready

Mission Sudarshan Chakra Action Plan Ready

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, the country's national security shield is to be expanded by 2035 to ensure comprehensive protection of both strategic and civilian critical infrastructure.

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

Rediff.com29 May 2026

India on Friday launched a highly coordinated, priority operation to safely guide 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the volatile Strait of Hormuz, the ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways announced on Friday.

'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.'

Sanjiv Bajaj: 'Fortunately, We've More Companies Than Family Members'

Sanjiv Bajaj: 'Fortunately, We've More Companies Than Family Members'

Rediff.com23 May 2026

'We strongly believe that anyone with capability and a strong work ethic should have a chance at the top job.'

Modi embarks on five-nation tour; energy security, trade in focus

Modi embarks on five-nation tour; energy security, trade in focus

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a six-day tour of the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to strengthen bilateral relations amid geopolitical challenges. The trip will focus on energy security, trade, and technological cooperation.

Kolkata Police DC Arrested In Sona Pappu Network Fraud Case

Kolkata Police DC Arrested In Sona Pappu Network Fraud Case

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a fraud and extortion case linked to the Sona Pappu network.

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.

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

Rediff.com27 May 2026

API Holdings, the parent company of online pharmacy PharmEasy, has significantly reduced its debt from 1,800 crore to 1,050 crore and refinanced it at lower interest rates under CEO Rahul Guha, shifting its focus from 'growth at any cost' to profitability and aiming for a debt-free balance sheet before a potential stock market listing.

India's Economic Growth Credible, Digital Infra Accelerating: Tata Consumer Products Chairman

India's Economic Growth Credible, Digital Infra Accelerating: Tata Consumer Products Chairman

Rediff.com19 May 2026

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Consumer Products (TCPL), stated that India continues to experience credible economic growth, driven by strong demographic fundamentals and accelerating digital public infrastructure, despite a fragmented global landscape.