News for 'Taken'

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A crucial meeting of around 250 seers and VHP functionaries in Ayodhya will address issues concerning the Ram temple, including ensuring adherence to Vaishnav-Ramanandi traditions, restoring devotee confidence after an alleged donation theft, and deliberating on the Trust's management. The meeting follows deferred decisions by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on key appointments.

DGCA warns IndiGo over dangerous goods handling lapses

DGCA warns IndiGo over dangerous goods handling lapses

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Aviation watchdog DGCA has issued a warning letter to IndiGo for lapses in compliance with norms for handling dangerous goods and has asked the airline to review the relevant training programme to include more practical exercises as well as operational scenarios.

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A look at what went wrong for India in the England ODI series.

IOA To Probe Sexual Harassment Allegations In Hockey Jharkhand Polls

IOA To Probe Sexual Harassment Allegations In Hockey Jharkhand Polls

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The recent Hockey Jharkhand elections have been embroiled in controversy following allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation made by former India women's captain Asunta Lakra against Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an inquiry panel to investigate these serious claims, while Bhola Nath Singh denies all allegations.

Delhi Police begins removing protesters from Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police begins removing protesters from Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

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.

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and allowed separate seating for 20 rebel TMC lawmakers who joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), ahead of the Monsoon session.

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi, Mayank dazzle in India's commanding win over Zimbabwe

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi, Mayank dazzle in India's commanding win over Zimbabwe

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit an 18-ball half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by seven wickets to go 1-0 up in the 3-match T20I series in Harare on Thursday.

Connaught Place turns flashpoint during CJP march; vehicles damaged

Connaught Place turns flashpoint during CJP march; vehicles damaged

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in New Delhi's Connaught Place and Janpath areas turned violent, with demonstrators allegedly pelting stones at security personnel and damaging vehicles. The 'Chalo Sansad' march led to significant disruption, traffic snarls, and the deployment of additional security forces.

Over 100 cops hurt, 70 protesters held as CJP's Parl march turns violent

Over 100 cops hurt, 70 protesters held as CJP's Parl march turns violent

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A "Sansad Chalo" protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in New Delhi turned violent, resulting in injuries to over 118 police personnel and the detention of around 70 protesters. Police accused protesters of aggressive behaviour, damaging public property, and attacking security forces, leading to legal proceedings.

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

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.

Bengal encounter: Arms sent for forensic tests, officers' claim to be verified

Bengal encounter: Arms sent for forensic tests, officers' claim to be verified

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The firearms used by police officers during the encounter killing of one of the prime accused in the Baruipur rape-murder case on Wednesday will be sent for forensic tests, and their versions will be recorded and cross-checked, an officer said.

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The DMK has announced it will meticulously examine the proposed delimitation Bill when it is introduced in Parliament, making a decision based on its merits to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. The party's stance will be independent, without consultation with the Congress party, despite their former alliance.

Bollywood Bats For Youth: 'Our Students Need Hugs, Not Batons'

Bollywood Bats For Youth: 'Our Students Need Hugs, Not Batons'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'This is not the first time this government has show us the 'darkest day of democracy''

When protestors found 'Bapu' walking in their midst

When protestors found 'Bapu' walking in their midst

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

'We looked up and there was a man dressed as Mahatma Gandhi walking with the protesters under Minto Bridge. Everyone burst into laughter. Almost instinctively, we shouted, 'Bapu ki jai ho!' It's one of those moments I'll never forget.'

J-K: Amarnath, Vaishno Devi pilgrimages suspended amid rain forecast

J-K: Amarnath, Vaishno Devi pilgrimages suspended amid rain forecast

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Authorities on Sunday temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir as well as the pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines in Jammu after the India meteorological department (IMD) forecast of widespread rainfall across the Union Territory over the next few days.

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message on paper leaks as an 'eyewash', demanding the sacking of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged brutality against student protestors. The party highlighted the government's initial denial of the NEET-UG 2026 leak and its perceived failure to address widespread irregularities.

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

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

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

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.

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

FIDE's decision to shortlist the All India Chess Federation for a prestigious FIDE Excellence Award has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian chess community.

Pro-CJP protests in Mumbai, Sena-UBT says FIRs being filed

Pro-CJP protests in Mumbai, Sena-UBT says FIRs being filed

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Mumbai witnessed a second consecutive day of protests by Opposition parties and residents, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET fiasco and condemning the police crackdown on a CJP-led march in Delhi.

Wayanad landslide toll rises to 7; one still missing

Wayanad landslide toll rises to 7; one still missing

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Ongoing search operations are intensifying in Wayanad as one more individual is still missing after a devastating landslide at the Anakkompoyil Meppadi tunnel project claimed seven lives.

FIFA World Cup final: Spain's Laporte flags refereeing concerns ahead of Argentina clash

FIFA World Cup final: Spain's Laporte flags refereeing concerns ahead of Argentina clash

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has questioned some refereeing decisions involving Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying aggressive play should not go unpunished.

Gulf nations must pay for Hormuz security: Trump

Gulf nations must pay for Hormuz security: Trump

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Gulf nations should reimburse the United States for safeguarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that recent American military interventions have profoundly crippled Iran's military capabilities, claiming Iran has been "brought back to the Stone Ages."

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a status quo on the demolition of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's constituency office in South 24 Parganas. The court's directive prevents further demolition until a new hearing or the end of July, following a petition by Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, a company Banerjee is CEO of. The district administration had initiated demolition citing alleged construction without an approved plan.

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

'I thought this generation was no good, will not be able to do much with all this social media etc. But then, they surprised us.'

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Mizoram has declared a full holiday for educational institutions and a half-day for government offices to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final. Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state's passion for football and the importance of the sport to its youth.

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Approximately 27 workers are trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district following a landslide and suspected gas leak. Rescue operations are underway, but the presence of gas, believed to be methane, is complicating efforts, causing dizziness among rescue personnel. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and West Bengal are involved in the challenging operation to save the workers.

Sonam Wangchuk continues fast; hospital gives update on his health

Sonam Wangchuk continues fast; hospital gives update on his health

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's vital parameters remain stable, but he continues to refuse intravenous fluids and glucose despite repeated medical advice, Safdarjung Hospital authorities said, as he extends his hunger strike over police action against protesters.

Swear words, vulgar expletives alone do not amount to obscenity: SC

Swear words, vulgar expletives alone do not amount to obscenity: SC

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that mere swear words, profanities, and vulgar expletives, however offensive, do not amount to obscenity under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code. The court clarified that for an utterance to be considered obscene, it must be lascivious, appeal to prurient interests, and have the tendency to deprave and corrupt minds. This ruling came while hearing a plea challenging a high court order confirming a conviction under IPC Section 294.

How UPI Is Expanding Its Global Footprint And Securing Digital Payments

How UPI Is Expanding Its Global Footprint And Securing Digital Payments

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Parliament was informed that UPI has onboarded 55.49 crore users by June 2026, with transactions reaching 24,162 crore in volume and Rs 314 lakh crore in value in FY 2025-26. The platform, operated by NPCI, is expanding internationally through NIPL, facilitating cross-border payments and assisting other nations in building similar systems. Significant efforts are also underway by the Government, RBI, and NPCI to enhance the security and transparency of UPI transactions, including risk-based limits, security frameworks, and public awareness campaigns against cyber-crime.

Assam Floods: Baby Born Inside Tea Factory

Assam Floods: Baby Born Inside Tea Factory

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The devastating floods sweeping Assam's Upper Assam region have exposed the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the state's tea gardens, with a pregnant worker delivering her baby inside a tea factory after rising floodwaters cut off access to a hospital.

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Earlier, people used to hand money directly to priests after a ritual, and priests would keep it in their own pockets. We completely stopped that practice.'

Will end fast only if govt...: Wangchuk sets 3 conditions before Parl march

Will end fast only if govt...: Wangchuk sets 3 conditions before Parl march

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has declared his hunger strike will persist beyond the 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding government accountability for education system failures or assurances from political leaders to address the issue in Parliament. He also alleges 'illegal detention' at Safdarjung Hospital.

BEST bus rams into 14 vehicles in Andheri, 8 injured

BEST bus rams into 14 vehicles in Andheri, 8 injured

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A BEST bus in Mumbai's Andheri area rammed into 14 vehicles, injuring six to eight people. This marks the second major accident involving a wet lease BEST bus this week, raising concerns about operational safety.

Delhi Police files 4 FIRs over violence during CJP protest, more cases likely

Delhi Police files 4 FIRs over violence during CJP protest, more cases likely

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against unidentified individuals following violence, stone-pelting, and vandalism of police vehicles during a protest near Regal Cinema in Connaught Place. The incident occurred a day after clashes during the "Sansad Chalo" march injured over 118 police personnel. Security has been heightened across the national capital, and efforts are underway to identify those involved using CCTV footage.

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.com20 Jul 2026

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.

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Kargil War Hero looks back at the victory of Tiger Hill and the men who didn't return.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The dramatic postponement came while members were voting on the committee's five principal recommendations, making it an unprecedented moment in the functioning of a parliamentary committee.

Delhi govt approves bill for time-bound public services

Delhi govt approves bill for time-bound public services

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Delhi government has approved a new bill, the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026, which aims to make time-bound delivery of government services a legal right for citizens. This reform seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency through a technology-driven framework, including digital service delivery, automatic escalation for delays, and a grievance redressal mechanism.

Meerut SSP defends police action amid protests over SC student's death

Meerut SSP defends police action amid protests over SC student's death

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey has defended the police's handling of a Scheduled Caste college student's death, asserting that all actions were evidence-based. He warned against disturbing law and order and appealed for peace, even as an alleged threat call to his PRO surfaced and police arrested several protesters involved in a recent demonstration.

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'