News for 'States'

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

Japan Open Triumph Gives Sindhu 'Lot Of Confidence And Belief'

Japan Open Triumph Gives Sindhu 'Lot Of Confidence And Belief'

Rediff.com4 days ago

Two-time Olympics medallist PV Sindhu secured her first major title in two years at the Japan Open Super 750, defeating Akane Yamaguchi. This victory, which also made her the first Indian to win the tournament, has significantly boosted her confidence ahead of the World Championships. Sindhu reflected on her challenging journey, overcoming niggles and injuries to return stronger.

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com4 days ago

Incessant overnight rainfall has triggered severe flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, resulting in at least eight fatalities and six people missing, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cut short his Delhi visit to personally monitor the situation.

Missing train ticket no ground to reject accident compensation: SC

Missing train ticket no ground to reject accident compensation: SC

Rediff.com6 days ago

In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court on Friday said the mere absence of a train ticket on the body of a deceased passenger cannot be a ground to deny compensation to the victim's family in a railway-accident case.

IndiGo Secures Largest Ever LEAP Engine Order For A320 Neo Fleet

IndiGo Secures Largest Ever LEAP Engine Order For A320 Neo Fleet

Rediff.com3 days ago

IndiGo, India's largest airline, has placed a record-breaking order with CFM International for over 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power its 510 Airbus A320 neo family aircraft. This significant deal, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, also includes extensive MRO support and material services, reinforcing CFM's commitment to the Indian aviation market.

Karnataka doctor stabbed to death, 8-yr-old son injured; wife held

Karnataka doctor stabbed to death, 8-yr-old son injured; wife held

Rediff.com7 days ago

A 45-year-old anaesthetist, Dr. Kiran Honnannavar, was found stabbed to death in his Dharwad apartment, with his eight-year-old son also sustaining serious stab injuries. Police have taken his wife, Dr. Priya, into custody for questioning, suspecting a domestic dispute. A murder case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday (local time) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice," stating that the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its "interference" in the West Asia region, Press TV reported.

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Rediff.com2 days ago

West Bengal's annual July 21 Martyrs' Day observance has transformed into an unprecedented political contest, with three rival camps - Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, a breakaway TMC faction, and the Congress - holding parallel programmes in central Kolkata, each vying for legacy and organisational strength.

Delhi HC seeks police response on Sharjeel Imam's UAPA bail plea

Delhi HC seeks police response on Sharjeel Imam's UAPA bail plea

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Delhi High Court has sought the Delhi Police's response on student activist Sharjeel Imam's appeal for bail in a UAPA case related to the 'larger conspiracy' behind the February 2020 Delhi riots, challenging a trial court's dismissal of his plea.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document issued to regulate the departure of citizens and is not intended as proof of citizenship. This statement comes amidst a debate on its use for verifying citizenship, particularly concerning electoral rolls, and has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

How Interstellar Sugar Could Unlock Secrets Of Life's Origins

How Interstellar Sugar Could Unlock Secrets Of Life's Origins

Rediff.com3 days ago

Scientists have detected erythrulose, a sugar found on Earth, in the interstellar medium, marking the first direct discovery of sugar in space. This finding, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that complex, biologically important molecules can form in space and may have contributed to the chemical ingredients necessary for early metabolic and replication processes on Earth, offering new insights into the origins of life.

Bajaj Auto to expand annual capacity to over 9 million vehicles after record Q1 performance

Bajaj Auto to expand annual capacity to over 9 million vehicles after record Q1 performance

Rediff.com1 days ago

Bajaj Auto plans to increase its annual production capacity by nearly 25 per cent, from around 7 million to over 9 million vehicles, in the coming quarters. This expansion is driven by strong export demand and rapid growth in electric vehicles, which have stretched current capacity across key product segments.

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Rediff.com3 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded young Indian innovators for the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, which made India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities. While praising the 28-year-old average age of the Skyroot team, Modi made a veiled remark about a "56-year-old young man," widely understood to be a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 56.

Nearly Half Exit School Before Class 12

Nearly Half Exit School Before Class 12

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Nearly one in two children still leave the school system before completing higher secondary education.

Trump presses Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria, Lebanon

Trump presses Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria, Lebanon

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli military units from southern Syria and Lebanon, warning that Israel's continued presence could escalate regional tensions.

Ayodhya trust treasurer 'won't quit', blames SBI employees

Ayodhya trust treasurer 'won't quit', blames SBI employees

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, acknowledged supervisory lapses at the Ayodhya Ram temple following alleged donation theft, but stated he would not resign as he does not consider himself personally at fault. He estimated the theft could be around Rs 3 crore and criticised SBI for not verifying employee credentials.

Sonam Wangchuk being given required treatment: Hospital

Sonam Wangchuk being given required treatment: Hospital

Rediff.com4 days ago

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is receiving medical intervention at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where his condition is being closely monitored by a team of experts. He was forcibly taken to the hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, which he began on June 28 to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demand the Union Education Minister's resignation. Despite stable vital parameters, his blood parameters remain altered due to prolonged fasting, necessitating continuous medical care.

Bomb-making lessons, blast plot: ATS reveals Jaish module's Guj terror plan

Bomb-making lessons, blast plot: ATS reveals Jaish module's Guj terror plan

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested five more suspects for alleged links with a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module, claiming they were learning bomb-making techniques and planning blasts. These arrests follow an earlier bust of a JeM module, bringing the total number of individuals involved in the alleged terror plot to over a dozen. The suspects were reportedly researching explosives, procuring materials, and holding recruitment meetings.

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Rediff.com3 days ago

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party of allowing the ancestral house of eminent hockey player KD Singh 'Babu' in Barabanki to go on sale, asserting that his government intervened to prevent it.

Delhi Police begins removing protesters from Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police begins removing protesters from Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com5 days ago

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised on the 21st day of his hunger strike, leading Delhi Police to clear the protest site at Jantar Mantar in compliance with Delhi High Court directions and medical advice.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com2 days ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

Rediff.com3 days ago

Argentina's hopes of securing back-to-back World Cup titles were dashed after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, leaving fans in Buenos Aires with a "bitter sensation" despite acknowledging Spain's strong performance.

'This is do or die': CJP protesters defy teargas, lathi-charge

'This is do or die': CJP protesters defy teargas, lathi-charge

Rediff.com3 days ago

Several protesters alleged they were detained or manhandled during the march, with some claiming they suffered injuries.

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed on Friday (local time) that Tehran remains prepared for "full-scale defence" should the US betray the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries last month.

HC allows Mamata's Martyrs' Day rally, shifts venue

HC allows Mamata's Martyrs' Day rally, shifts venue

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress to hold its July 21 Martyrs' Day rally near the Birla Planetarium instead of its traditional venue in front of Victoria House, citing concerns over traffic flow and law and order.

'We'll win medals, but gold?': Mary Kom's CWG prediction

'We'll win medals, but gold?': Mary Kom's CWG prediction

Rediff.com2 days ago

Six-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom believes Indian pugilists will secure a 'reasonably good medal haul' at the Commonwealth Games, though gold might be elusive, while expressing less certainty for the Asian Games. She also criticised the Boxing Federation of India's functioning and selection policies.

ThunderBlades Edge Pipers In Thrilling UTT Encounter

ThunderBlades Edge Pipers In Thrilling UTT Encounter

Rediff.com6 days ago

Asian Games bronze medallist Ayhika Mukherjee led HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades to a 9-6 victory over Ahmedabad APL Pipers in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, marking Sofia Polcanova's first defeat and boosting Kolkata's playoff chances.

Sonam Wangchuk seeks temporary discharge from Safdarjung to join Parl march

Sonam Wangchuk seeks temporary discharge from Safdarjung to join Parl march

Rediff.com3 days ago

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable, but his blood parameters require close clinical observation at Safdarjung Hospital. He is under continuous medical management by a multidisciplinary team following his forcible admission after a 21-day hunger strike protesting NEET irregularities.

Was Bullet train bridge washed away in rains? Officials clarify

Was Bullet train bridge washed away in rains? Officials clarify

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Officials clarified that only a temporary access structure for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project's Ulhas river bridge was affected by heavy rains in Thane, not the permanent bridge itself. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) confirmed the incident did not impact the project's design, safety, or execution.

Tarun Tejpal questions sexual assault victim's 'contradictory' statements

Tarun Tejpal questions sexual assault victim's 'contradictory' statements

Rediff.com7 days ago

Tarun Tejpal's lawyer, Advocate Aabad Ponda, presented arguments before the Bombay High Court, challenging the victim's statements in the 2013 sexual assault case. Ponda highlighted contradictions between the victim's police complaint and court deposition, using hotel lift video footage and expert testimony to dispute her claims regarding the alleged incident. The High Court is hearing the state government's appeal against Tejpal's 2021 acquittal.

Bank Stocks Drive Sensex, Nifty Up; US-Iran Tensions Cap Gains

Bank Stocks Drive Sensex, Nifty Up; US-Iran Tensions Cap Gains

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed higher, primarily driven by bank stocks and encouraging US inflation data, which fuelled expectations of a less aggressive Federal Reserve monetary policy. However, escalating US-Iran hostilities tempered investor sentiment, leading to some profit-taking.

Why Sports Ministry Ordered IOA Probe Into Hockey Sexual Harassment Claims

Why Sports Ministry Ordered IOA Probe Into Hockey Sexual Harassment Claims

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an independent inquiry panel to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by former hockey player Asunta Lakra. This decision came after Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed concerns about the impartiality of an internal probe, as the allegations involve HI office bearers.

Haryana Wrestlers Sweep Team Titles At U-23 Nationals

Haryana Wrestlers Sweep Team Titles At U-23 Nationals

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Haryana showcased its wrestling prowess by sweeping all three overall team titles men's freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women's wrestling at the U-23 National Wrestling Championships held in Rohtak. The host state secured top honours with significant points, while Services Sports Control Board and Maharashtra also performed strongly, with individual athletes from various states claiming gold medals across different weight categories.

Relief likely for India from US tariffs over forced labour

Relief likely for India from US tariffs over forced labour

Rediff.com7 days ago

India anticipates a reduction in the United States' proposed tariffs on Indian goods under the Section 301 investigation, following New Delhi's recent notification to restrict the import of products made with forced labour.

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Rediff.com6 days ago

Five people, including two school students, have died after a local train struck a pool car at an open level crossing in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The gateman has been arrested, and a railway permanent way inspector suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has seen 81 lakh registered beneficiaries removed following a multi-month e-KYC verification drive, with the state's Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifying the process was mandatory to filter out ineligible individuals, income-tax payers, and government employee families.

TN: Differently-abled man arrrested for selling gutkha dies in custody

TN: Differently-abled man arrrested for selling gutkha dies in custody

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A 34-year-old 'differently-abled' man, SabariVarman, arrested for selling tobacco products, died in judicial custody in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari district, prompting his family to allege police brutality and stage protests demanding an investigation.