News for 'Taken'

Saransh Jain's IPL Sacrifice for Red-Ball Cricket Leads to India Test Cap

Saransh Jain's IPL Sacrifice for Red-Ball Cricket Leads to India Test Cap

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Saransh Jain, India's Test cap No. 320, prioritised red-ball cricket over an IPL contract, a decision lauded by his coach Chandrakant Pandit, which ultimately led to his Test debut against Sri Lanka.

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram temple construction committee, has dismissed a viral unsigned letter attributed to former trust general secretary Champat Rai as "fabricated." The letter purportedly details Misra's significant role and influence in the temple's construction and management, including agency selection and committee decisions, but its authenticity remains unverified.

Dinesh Chandimal suffers concussion, replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara

Dinesh Chandimal suffers concussion, replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Veteran Sri Lankan batter Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the ongoing first Test against India in Galle due to concussion, sustained while fielding on day four. Pasindu Sooriyabandara has been approved as his concussion substitute.

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.

OTT This Week: Welcome To The Jungle, Jana Nayagan...

OTT This Week: Welcome To The Jungle, Jana Nayagan...

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Discover the latest star-studded OTT releases this week, featuring Akshay Kumar's Welcome to the Jungle, Vijay's Jana Nayagan, and a diverse selection of regional and international films and series across major streaming platforms.

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India's strong defensive start unravelled after half-time as three Dutch goals secured a 3-1 win, denting the team's World Cup semifinal hopes.

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party on Sunday demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged assault that led to the death of Janab Mafik, the father of CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal.

Shoaib Akhtar Believes Imran Khan Could Have Led Him To 400 Test Wickets

Shoaib Akhtar Believes Imran Khan Could Have Led Him To 400 Test Wickets

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes he could have achieved 400 Test wickets under the captaincy of Imran Khan, reflecting on his career, his relationship with Wasim Akram, and the immense physical toll his express pace bowling took on his body.

'Test cricket is dying'

'Test cricket is dying'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas has called on cricket authorities to actively work towards preserving Test and 50-over formats, warning that they are 'dying' amidst the growing global preference for T20s and franchise leagues.

145 wickets: Sri Lanka's Galle spin duo awaits India

145 wickets: Sri Lanka's Galle spin duo awaits India

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have established the Galle International Cricket Stadium as their formidable stronghold, collectively taking 145 wickets, posing a significant challenge for visiting teams, especially India.

US may ease J-K travel advisory after security improvements: Envoy Gor

US may ease J-K travel advisory after security improvements: Envoy Gor

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, announced during his visit to Srinagar that the United States would reconsider its travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the efforts by the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in enhancing safety in the region, expressing hope that more Americans would visit the "incredibly beautiful place." Gor also met with CM Abdullah to discuss strengthening US-J&K relations.

Kangana: I Identify As A Bhakt...'

Kangana: I Identify As A Bhakt...'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has publicly endorsed Isha Koppikar's 'andhbhakt' declaration, asserting that such devotion is rooted in love for the country.

'Between me and students': CJI slams Bar Council order against NALSAR graduates

'Between me and students': CJI slams Bar Council order against NALSAR graduates

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sharply criticised the Bar Council of India (BCI) for its 'uncalled for' interference in a protest by NALSAR University of Law students, asserting that students have a right to protest and that the matter was a 'dialogue between students and me'. The BCI had initially ordered that 2026 NALSAR graduates not be enrolled as advocates, an order it later reversed.

7 killed, 14 injured in stampede at Bihar temple

7 killed, 14 injured in stampede at Bihar temple

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

At least six people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai district on Monday, caused by a heavy rush of devotees during the holy month of Shravan.

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

YR Sadashiva Reddy, Co-Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has called for the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, citing alleged irregularities in appointments, diversion of Council funds, financial dealings with law colleges, and other governance issues. Mishra has dismissed the allegations as 'baseless'.

Surrender illegal arms in 15 days or face action, warns Manipur CM

Surrender illegal arms in 15 days or face action, warns Manipur CM

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has issued a 15-day ultimatum for the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms, warning of strict legal action against non-compliance. The appeal comes as part of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy and peace in the state, which has been affected by ethnic violence since May 2023. Security forces have already seized a significant cache of weapons, and the government is also targeting extortionists and miscreants.

Jharkhand HC stays cancellations of recruitment through 11th to 13th JPSC exams

Jharkhand HC stays cancellations of recruitment through 11th to 13th JPSC exams

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand High Court has stayed the state government's notifications cancelling appointments made through the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations and for food safety officers, providing relief to approximately 450 candidates.

Sunny Deol: 'I Was Rs 55.99 Crore In Debt'

Sunny Deol: 'I Was Rs 55.99 Crore In Debt'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'The money I owed was all mine. I didn't borrow it from anyone. I didn't owe anyone anything. I just had to sell my own assets and pay back.'

HC asks govt to consider takedown of hurtful Sai Baba videos

HC asks govt to consider takedown of hurtful Sai Baba videos

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to consider a complaint regarding the removal of allegedly inflammatory and derogatory YouTube videos targeting Shirdi Sai Baba. The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, seeks the removal of content that it claims hurts religious sentiments and promotes communal disharmony, despite a previous GAC order for removal of some material.

Now Unnao school students take to the streets in protest

Now Unnao school students take to the streets in protest

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Hundreds of students at a government residential school in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, staged a protest against alleged poor-quality food, inadequate drinking water, teacher shortages, and the principal's behaviour. The demonstration, part of a recent trend of "Gen alpha protests" in the state, briefly disrupted traffic before officials intervened and assured the students that their grievances would be addressed, leading to a peaceful resolution.

Gurugram: Neighbour's camera catches assault on domestic help; woman booked

Gurugram: Neighbour's camera catches assault on domestic help; woman booked

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A woman in Gurugram has been booked by police after a viral video showed her allegedly assaulting her domestic help inside a luxury apartment. Police took suo motu cognisance of the incident despite the domestic help not filing a complaint.

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is reviewing its internal processes and protocols following lapses in three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, leading to re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology. The agency stated it proactively identified issues and is taking corrective measures to ensure fair and error-free examinations, amidst strong criticism from opposition leaders.

Shaurya Bhattacharya Takes Early Lead At Kolar Open With Impressive 68

Shaurya Bhattacharya Takes Early Lead At Kolar Open With Impressive 68

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Shaurya Bhattacharya carded a four-under 68 to secure a one-shot lead in the opening round of the Rs 1 crore Kolar Open golf tournament. The Delhi-based golfer, a two-time DP World PGTI winner, made an eagle and four birdies, capitalising on a strong start to finish ahead of Dhruv Sheoran, Arjun Sharma, and Badal Hossain.

Will Khalifa 2: The Legacy Be Made? Because...

Will Khalifa 2: The Legacy Be Made? Because...

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

If Khalifa: The Ruler continues to bleed at the box office, the odds of a big-budget sequel materialising drop to practically zero. The harsh reality of franchise filmmaking is incredibly simple: If the 'ruler' fails to conquer, absolutely no one is going to care about the 'legacy', no matter how many superstars you cram onto a poster.

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Hotel officials claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit. A woman from Kolkata, who managed to escape the blaze, recalled the panic inside the hotel.

Bangladeshis among 9 killed in Kolkata hotel fire, owner flees

Bangladeshis among 9 killed in Kolkata hotel fire, owner flees

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a five-storey building housing multiple hotels in central Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including a child, and injured six others. Firefighters rescued 80 individuals, but dense smoke hampered operations. Authorities suspect a short circuit and allege significant safety and construction norm violations by the building management. The owner is currently absconding, and police have initiated legal proceedings and raids.

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

India removes hurdle for rupee export payments, eyes wider international use

India removes hurdle for rupee export payments, eyes wider international use

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India has removed a key regulatory hurdle, allowing exporters to receive payments in Indian currency while retaining incentives under the country's foreign trade policy, a move aimed at promoting wider use of the rupee in international trade.

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

'The incumbent matters. It matters a lot. If a person sitting on top is good, then he can achieve a lot. And if he is bad, you see what can happen.'

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a Pune-based sweets shop. The court criticised the FDA for suspending the shop's license despite a 98 per cent compliance report, calling its policy "strange and perverse" and stating the regulator was "going overboard."

ICMR's Nationwide Study On Car Chemicals To Conclude By May 2027

ICMR's Nationwide Study On Car Chemicals To Conclude By May 2027

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that its nationwide study investigating cancer-causing chemicals in car interiors is projected to be completed by May 2027. This study follows a media report highlighting the presence of flame retardants like TCIPP, TDCIPP, and TCEP in car cabin air, which are considered potential carcinogens.

Bareilly Administration Acts To Secure Air Force Airspace

Bareilly Administration Acts To Secure Air Force Airspace

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Bareilly administration has initiated comprehensive measures to enhance flight safety around its Air Force station. These steps include stricter monitoring of drones, addressing bird activity, regulating unauthorised construction, improving waste management, and controlling stray animal populations, all identified as potential threats to aircraft operations.

Maharashtra Forms Task Force For Drone Policy Implementation

Maharashtra Forms Task Force For Drone Policy Implementation

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government is setting up a ministerial task force, led by Minister Ashish Shelar, to ensure the effective implementation of its drone policy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this, emphasising the need for a "policy of policies" to integrate R&D, manufacturing, testing, and subsidies, and to strengthen the state's drone ecosystem, including developing a 'Drone City'.

RBI shuts FCNR(B) swap facility early as inflows hit $52.3 billion

RBI shuts FCNR(B) swap facility early as inflows hit $52.3 billion

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prematurely closed its swap facility for foreign currency non-resident (bank) deposits, FCNR(B), one month ahead of schedule, after banks mobilised $52.3 billion under the scheme by August 13, indicating sufficient foreign currency reserves.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

Jantar Mantar protests reflect 'systemic failures': RSS

Jantar Mantar protests reflect 'systemic failures': RSS

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) recently held a three-day coordination meeting in Visakhapatnam, where senior leader C R Mukunda highlighted discussions on demographic imbalance, its impact on social harmony, recent youth protests, and underlying systemic failures. The Sangh believes these issues, including exam irregularities like NEET, point to broader administrative and institutional shortcomings that require constructive efforts from both government and society.

'Won't budge until...': Rahul on dharna with pellet victim

'Won't budge until...': Rahul on dharna with pellet victim

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna at a Delhi police station, demanding an FIR for 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, who suffered pellet injuries during a protest against the NEET paper leak. Gandhi claimed police cited 'orders from the top' for not registering the complaint and accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being 'afraid of justice'.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

Mira, Shahid Kapoor Holiday In Lake Como

Mira, Shahid Kapoor Holiday In Lake Como

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Kapoor are enjoying a romantic summer holiday in Lake Como, Italy, sharing sun-kissed photographs of their 'La Dolce Vita' escape with fans on social media.