News for 'Press Notes'

Rebel MPs still in touch, scared of voters' wrath, says Raut

Rebel MPs still in touch, scared of voters' wrath, says Raut

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that some dissident MPs are in contact with the party due to fear of public anger in their constituencies, with talks ongoing with at least two. He also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, who had made remarks about the Shiv Sena's legitimacy and the involvement of central investigative agencies. Raut asserted that there is only one Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Centre rejects reports of UPSC Prelims paper leak

Centre rejects reports of UPSC Prelims paper leak

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Indian government has officially refuted social media claims regarding a leak of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination question paper. The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check wing labelled these allegations as "fake," clarifying that an institute's backdated answer key explanations were misinterpreted, not indicative of a leak.

El Nino effect: 111 districts tagged as most vulnerable, 20 in Maharashtra

El Nino effect: 111 districts tagged as most vulnerable, 20 in Maharashtra

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian government has identified 111 districts as 'most vulnerable' to crop damage due to a 43 per cent monsoon deficit, driven by El Nino, which threatens kharif sowing. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that weak monsoon conditions are expected to persist until July 2, prompting contingency plans and recommendations for alternative, less water-intensive crops.

'MPs offered Rs 50cr': Raut's big claim amid Sena-UBT split buzz

'MPs offered Rs 50cr': Raut's big claim amid Sena-UBT split buzz

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that some Maharashtra MPs are being offered 'Rs 50 crore' to switch sides, amid intense speculation of an imminent split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Raut challenged any dissidents to resign their parliamentary seats before defecting.

Neena Kulkarni: 'Vijaya Bai Taught Us The Magic Moments Of Acting'

Neena Kulkarni: 'Vijaya Bai Taught Us The Magic Moments Of Acting'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

'She taught us that acting wasn't something people did because they couldn't do anything else. It was a skill. A skill that needed to be constantly polished and shaped, and the respect you command with that.'

US launches new strikes on Iran after Trump vows to hit 'hard'

US launches new strikes on Iran after Trump vows to hit 'hard'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched self-defence strikes against multiple targets in Iran, citing ongoing Iranian aggression. This action has led to Iran's Red Crescent placing emergency centres on high alert amidst reports of explosions in several Iranian cities. Concurrently, Iraqi media claims Iran retaliated with a missile strike on a US air base in Erbil.

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Rediff.com23 May 2026

'Why are we deliberately taking apart an electoral system that has worked?' 'There is no answer to that, and there is no data and has never been any on the absurd slander that foreigners are voting here,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Gurpreet talks pressure of goalkeeping role

Gurpreet talks pressure of goalkeeping role

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India's national football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu discusses the immense mental pressure of his position, the importance of resilience, and his admiration for Argentina's Emiliano Martinez. He also shares his predictions for the FIFA World Cup 2026, backing traditional powerhouses and hoping for an Asian team's strong performance.

CRPF suspends DIG for sharing messages opposing CAPF Bill

CRPF suspends DIG for sharing messages opposing CAPF Bill

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force has suspended a senior DIG-rank officer for sharing content allegedly "against" the government during the recent passage of the Central Armed Police Force bill, which the cadre officers of these forces had called discriminatory.

When Was The Last Time Pakistan Beat India?

When Was The Last Time Pakistan Beat India?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India-Pakistan matches were never meant to be predictable -- it was meant to be unforgettable, notes K R Nayar.

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The NCERT has included in the class 9 social science textbook a section on Emergency, which it described as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailing the move saying future generations should know about the "dark deeds".

'Severe' blast kills 8 workers at Vizag Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh

'Severe' blast kills 8 workers at Vizag Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

An industrial accident at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (Vizag Steel Plant) in Visakhapatnam resulted in the deaths of at least six workers after molten iron spilt on them. Authorities are investigating the incident, and rescue operations are underway.

Delhi to register only e-two-wheelers from April 2028

Delhi to register only e-two-wheelers from April 2028

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Delhi government has approved an ambitious electric vehicle policy that eliminates registration fees and road taxes for EVs priced up to Rs 30 lakh, offers a Rs 1 lakh incentive for purchasing new EVs while scrapping old vehicles, and mandates that only electric two-wheelers can be registered starting April 2028.

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US' statements after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks on ships, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the "compromised PM" listens "like an obedient servant" and "complies with the orders".

At least 164 killed, around 1,000 hurt as quakes rock Venezuela

At least 164 killed, around 1,000 hurt as quakes rock Venezuela

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

At least 32 people have been killed and over 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela, with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declaring La Guaira a disaster zone and warning the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End Asian Cup Qualifying Campaign on a High Note

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End Asian Cup Qualifying Campaign on a High Note

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India will face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match, with Australian-born winger Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for future assignments.

Dropping Fertility Rates: Chance For India To Be Pandavas

Dropping Fertility Rates: Chance For India To Be Pandavas

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The falling Total Fertility Rate offers India a chance to become the Pandavas -- fewer in number, but each citizen genuinely empowered, educated, and capable of contributing to a civilisation worth building, asserts Amberish K Diwanji.

Chaat Recipes: Dahi Bhalla, Banarasi Tamatar Ki Chaat

Chaat Recipes: Dahi Bhalla, Banarasi Tamatar Ki Chaat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Chaats are among India's most loved street food. The reason is simple: They represent the entire spectrum of much-loved Indian flavours and textures in a single bite -- spicy, tangy, chatpata, khara, meetha. That's what keeps people coming back for more.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A nearly 72-hour standoff at the Nagarasu gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag ended on Tuesday evening as a group of Nihangs holed up at the shrine vacated the premises after talks with a delegation from Punjab, officials said.

Cognizant CEO Warns Of AI Spending Trap

Cognizant CEO Warns Of AI Spending Trap

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'There's been a sense of FOMO, fear mongering and that has led to token consumption without linkages to ROI and without linkages to outcomes.'

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A US-Iran memorandum of understanding is set to be signed, outlining sanctions relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day negotiation window for Iran's uranium enrichment, but US President Donald Trump has underscored the deal's conditional nature, warning of military action if Tehran fails to comply.

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India has reiterated its commitment to human rights and democracy following criticism from a Norwegian newspaper commentator during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Norway.

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.

Dev Seeks Assurance On Ghatal Master Plan From West Bengal CM

Dev Seeks Assurance On Ghatal Master Plan From West Bengal CM

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Deepak Adhikari, also known as Dev, has urged West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to expedite the long-pending Ghatal Master Plan, a crucial flood-management project for his constituency. Dev received assurances that the project, aimed at mitigating annual floods in the low-lying Ghatal area, would be taken forward, with hopes for budget allocation by the BJP government.

'This is betrayal': Mamata loyalists as TMC rebels move closer to BJP

'This is betrayal': Mamata loyalists as TMC rebels move closer to BJP

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad have launched a scathing attack on rebel party MPs, accusing them of lacking political morality, maintaining links with the BJP, and abandoning party workers amidst alleged harassment and political attacks.

Vijay's minister forgets election certificate, MLA submits wrong one

Vijay's minister forgets election certificate, MLA submits wrong one

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Minister S Keerthana was unable to take her oath of office as an MLA in the State Assembly because she did not present her Certificate of Election, a necessary document for the oath-taking process.

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A US military Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with its crew successfully rescued, as US President Donald Trump confidently declared an imminent 'total victory' over Iran within two weeks and a new nuclear deal, despite ongoing regional volatility and a recent de-escalation between Iran and Israel.

'A little bit of movement' seen in Iran peace talks: Marco Rubio

'A little bit of movement' seen in Iran peace talks: Marco Rubio

Rediff.com22 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that discussions aimed at halting the conflict with Iran have shown "some slight progress," while simultaneously echoing Washington's dissatisfaction with its NATO allies.

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group C opening match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari, but Vinicius Jr's brilliant goal brought Brazil level before halftime. Despite Brazil's second-half improvements, Morocco's strong defence held them to a point.

Professor in UP Sexual Exploitation Case Retires After Acquittal

Professor in UP Sexual Exploitation Case Retires After Acquittal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

A professor in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, who was acquitted of sexual exploitation charges, has taken voluntary retirement and been barred from the college premises.

Shivakumar lauds Siddaramaiah's service to Karnataka

Shivakumar lauds Siddaramaiah's service to Karnataka

Rediff.com29 May 2026

D K Shivakumar expresses gratitude and respect for Siddaramaiah's leadership as Chief Minister of Karnataka, highlighting his contributions to the state's growth and social fabric.

Padikkal Or Sudharsan? Who Will Bat At No. 3?

Padikkal Or Sudharsan? Who Will Bat At No. 3?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India are entering a rebuilding phase in Test cricket, with Shubman Gill facing early challenges as captain amid concerns over form, selection stability, and recent home results.

No plans to sell temple gold, clarifies govt

No plans to sell temple gold, clarifies govt

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The government has refuted rumours of a monetisation scheme for gold held by temple trusts and religious institutions, clarifying that such claims are false and misleading.

Assess Mythos Threat By June 30: RBI To Banks

Assess Mythos Threat By June 30: RBI To Banks

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'...A new challenge has emerged in the form of Mythos.'

Trump by his side, Modi raises Indian sailors' deaths at G7

Trump by his side, Modi raises Indian sailors' deaths at G7

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Modi's comments on underlining the importance of ensuring the safety of seafarers came against the backdrop of growing anger in India over the killing of the three Indian crew members in a US military attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman last week.

'You need wickets': Patidar's IPL 2026 final masterplan

'You need wickets': Patidar's IPL 2026 final masterplan

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar expresses confidence in his team's bowling attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to secure their second consecutive IPL title against Gujarat Titans.

Hawala Probe Launched Against AAP Candidate In Gujarat

Hawala Probe Launched Against AAP Candidate In Gujarat

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Police in Gujarat's Panchmahal district are investigating an Aam Aadmi Party candidate and two party workers for alleged hawala transactions involving over Rs 50 lakh ahead of local body polls.

Gadkari calls for JVs with US cos to leverage their new tech

Gadkari calls for JVs with US cos to leverage their new tech

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for Indian companies to form joint ventures with US companies to leverage new technologies, while also expressing an ambitious target to make India's automobile industry the world's number one within five years.