News for 'Past Engagements'

Sebi's softer touch cuts IPO rejections to just 2 in FY26

Sebi's softer touch cuts IPO rejections to just 2 in FY26

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has significantly reduced the number of draft offer documents returned or rejected, dropping from 17 in FY25 to just two in FY26, thanks to a more facilitative and engagement-first regulatory approach.

How India's Digital Infrastructure Can Boost GDP By 2030

How India's Digital Infrastructure Can Boost GDP By 2030

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A NITI Aayog report indicates that India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) initiatives could contribute 4 per cent of the GDP by 2030, a significant increase from the current 1 per cent.

India abstains from vote On UN climate change resolution: Here's why

India abstains from vote On UN climate change resolution: Here's why

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution concerning climate change obligations, citing concerns that it undermines the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India believes climate obligations should be negotiated through the UN climate framework, emphasising differentiated responsibilities.

Pakistan Security Forces Kill 13 Terrorists Near Afghanistan Border

Pakistan Security Forces Kill 13 Terrorists Near Afghanistan Border

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Pakistani security forces killed at least 13 terrorists along the Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during operations in Mohmand and North Waziristan districts.

How Renuka Singh Thakur Is Planning To Get Back The 'Swing'

How Renuka Singh Thakur Is Planning To Get Back The 'Swing'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India's Renuka Singh Thakur is working to rediscover her swing bowling after a challenging tour of South Africa. She is studying old videos and focusing on fitness and skills at a training camp in Bengaluru ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup.

Bihar DGP: Gang Rape Cases More Common Now

Bihar DGP: Gang Rape Cases More Common Now

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar expressed concern over the increasing frequency of gang-rape incidents in the state, attributing it to growing social tolerance and calling for stricter implementation of laws and a change in mindset.

Drishyam 3 Review: Georgekutty Finally Runs Out Of Tricks

Drishyam 3 Review: Georgekutty Finally Runs Out Of Tricks

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Drishyam 3, the latest installment in the popular Malayalam franchise, struggles to maintain the ingenuity and thrilling narrative of its predecessors, with Georgekutty's once-brilliant facade showing significant cracks, leading to a convoluted plot and a less engaging antagonist-driven conflict.

Shreyas Iyer's Maiden IPL Century Keeps PBKS' Playoff Hopes Alive

Shreyas Iyer's Maiden IPL Century Keeps PBKS' Playoff Hopes Alive

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Josh Inglis's blistering 72 helped Lucknow Super Giants post a competitive 196 for six against Punjab Kings in their IPL match. Inglis and Ayush Badoni's aggressive batting helped Lucknow recover from an early slump.

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sacred spots and soaring peaks: Bucket-listing across the heartland. Roopa Unnikrishnan and her father journey through the heart of India.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

How India's Digital Infrastructure Can Boost GDP By 2030

How India's Digital Infrastructure Can Boost GDP By 2030

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A NITI Aayog report indicates that India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) initiatives are projected to contribute significantly to the nation's GDP, potentially reaching 4 per cent by 2030.

Argument Over Laundry Turns Violent In South Delhi

Argument Over Laundry Turns Violent In South Delhi

Rediff.com2 May 2026

A dispute between a man and a laundry worker in Delhi's Kotla Mubarakpur escalated into a physical fight, resulting in injuries.

Bhagwant Mann Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts

Bhagwant Mann Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating the recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar as part of their strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in the state, alleging the party seeks to create an atmosphere of fear to gain votes.

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

King Charles III reaffirmed the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, underscored NATO's centrality to global security, and shared light-hearted moments with President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner.

Daadi Ki Shaadi Review: Outdated Family Entertainer

Daadi Ki Shaadi Review: Outdated Family Entertainer

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Ashish R Mohan's Daadi Ki Shaadi, starring Neetu Singh and Kapil Sharma, offers an outdated plot that fails to deliver on humour or emotional depth.

Padma Shri winner rescued from abduction attempt in Chhattisgarh

Padma Shri winner rescued from abduction attempt in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Padma Shri recipient and social worker Phoolbasan Bai Yadav was rescued from an alleged abduction attempt in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district. Police detained three individuals, including two women, in connection with the incident.

Sex Racket Busted, Women Rescued In Arunachal Pradesh

Sex Racket Busted, Women Rescued In Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Police in Arunachal Pradesh have busted a sex racket operating from a resort in Roing, rescuing four women and arresting several individuals.

Before Drishyam 3, Ranking Jeethu Joseph's Thrillers

Before Drishyam 3, Ranking Jeethu Joseph's Thrillers

Rediff.com20 May 2026

From the genius of Drishyam to the misfires of Mirage, here's ranking every Malayalam thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph before Georgekutty returns in Drishyam 3.

Hyderabad Police Hunt For Suspects In IPS Officer's Wife Murder

Hyderabad Police Hunt For Suspects In IPS Officer's Wife Murder

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Police in Hyderabad are investigating the murder of Tanuja, the wife of retired IPS officer Vinay Ranjan Ray. Investigators suspect the culprits, possibly Nepali nationals aided by a domestic worker, fled the city by train. Multiple teams are working to apprehend the suspects, and police have alerted forces in other states and the Sashastra Seema Bal.

NBA Great Vlade Divac Hopes Basketball Gains Popularity In India

NBA Great Vlade Divac Hopes Basketball Gains Popularity In India

Rediff.com8 May 2026

NBA legend Vlade Divac expresses optimism about the growth of basketball in India, acknowledging cricket's dominance but highlighting the potential for Indian talent in the NBA.

Virat Kohli picks his most special women's cricket knock

Virat Kohli picks his most special women's cricket knock

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Virat Kohli praises Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues for their performances in women's cricket, highlighting Rodrigues' World Cup semi-final knock as particularly special. He also acknowledges the impact of the Women's Premier League (WPL) on the rising standards of Indian women's cricket.

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP Of Orchestrating Punjab Blasts

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP Of Orchestrating Punjab Blasts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating the recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar to create an atmosphere of fear ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Mann alleges the BJP seeks to incite violence and intimidate the public to gain votes, a tactic he claims they employ in every state where they contest elections.

Pakistan to continue facilitating US-Iran talks, urges both to uphold ceasefire

Pakistan to continue facilitating US-Iran talks, urges both to uphold ceasefire

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Pakistan has announced its commitment to continue facilitating talks between the United States and Iran, urging both nations to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan's role in mediating recent discussions and expressed hope for durable peace and regional stability.

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Nida Khan, a TCS employee accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. An AIMIM corporator is alleged to have provided her shelter. The arrest has sparked political reactions and renewed focus on workplace harassment prevention.

Bhagwant Mann Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts, Alleges Election Plot

Bhagwant Mann Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts, Alleges Election Plot

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar as part of their strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, alleging the party seeks to create an atmosphere of fear to influence voters.

How AIMIM Corporator Sheltered TCS Employee Accused Of Conversion

How AIMIM Corporator Sheltered TCS Employee Accused Of Conversion

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Nida Khan, a TCS employee accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Police allege an AIMIM corporator provided her shelter. The arrest has sparked political reactions and renewed focus on workplace harassment prevention.

Financial Crimes Decline Due To Agency Action: ED

Financial Crimes Decline Due To Agency Action: ED

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) reports a decline in traditional financial crimes due to sustained investigative actions and government initiatives, while highlighting emerging challenges like cryptocurrency fraud and terror financing.

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan concluded without a deal due to disagreements over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions, despite efforts to find common ground.

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has requested direct talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit, deeming the scheduled sub-committee meeting insufficient for resolving Ladakh's long-standing issues.

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Iran's representative in India, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, describes the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance as a state of 'no war, no peace,' calling for an immediate halt to the conflict and questioning the lack of pressure on the US and Israel to cease aggression.

Rajasthan Village Sees Mob Violence After Youth's Murder

Rajasthan Village Sees Mob Violence After Youth's Murder

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A mob in Rajasthan's Banswara district torched and vandalised houses and vehicles after a youth was murdered, prompting police to deploy additional forces to maintain order.

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.

Modi to embark on six-day visit to UAE, Europe

Modi to embark on six-day visit to UAE, Europe

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to deepen India's bilateral ties amid geopolitical changes.

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge on US-Iran Talk Hopes

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge on US-Iran Talk Hopes

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged significantly in early trade, mirroring a global market rally and a drop in crude oil prices below USD 100 per barrel, driven by renewed hopes of diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran.

BAI Launches Mascot Design Contest For Badminton World Championships

BAI Launches Mascot Design Contest For Badminton World Championships

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a nationwide mascot design contest for the upcoming BWF World Championships 2026, inviting fans, artists, and creators to play a role in shaping the identity of one of badminton's most prestigious global events.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

CPI(M) Rejects Allegations of Pact with SDPI for Kerala Elections

CPI(M) Rejects Allegations of Pact with SDPI for Kerala Elections

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby has denied any alliance or discussions with the SDPI for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, refuting allegations made by the UDF.

CPI(M) Rejects Allegations of Pact with SDPI for Kerala Elections

CPI(M) Rejects Allegations of Pact with SDPI for Kerala Elections

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby has denied any alliance or discussions with the SDPI for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, refuting allegations made by the UDF.