News for 'The Associated Press'

Axiom-4 launch: Will weather play spoilsport again?

Axiom-4 launch: Will weather play spoilsport again?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

SpaceX, National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) and Axiom Space are closely watching weather patterns at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida where Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others look forward to their travel to the International Space Station (ISS), now scheduled for Wednesday.

Uddhav is very...: Raut on Sena UBT-MNS patch-up

Uddhav is very...: Raut on Sena UBT-MNS patch-up

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Cousins and political rivals Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation with statements indicating they could ignore "trivial issues" and join hands in the larger interest of native Marathi speakers, nearly two decades after a bitter split.

2 Hurriyat allies, another group sever ties with separatists

2 Hurriyat allies, another group sever ties with separatists

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Two constituents of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Jammu and Kashmir have announced they are severing all ties with separatist groups. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the decision, asserting it will strengthen India's unity. The Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement (JKPM) and the J&K Democratic Political Movement (JKDPM) have both distanced themselves from the separatist ideology, vowing allegiance to India and the Constitution. The JKPM, led by Shahid Saleem, and the JKDPM, led by Shafi Reshi, issued statements detailing their decision. Shah said the move is a big victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed, peaceful, and unified India. The APHC, which has been banned by the government, has been unable to address the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Saleem said.

US top court to hear Tahawwur Rana's new plea against extradition

US top court to hear Tahawwur Rana's new plea against extradition

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has renewed his application to the US Supreme Court seeking a stay of his extradition to India. The Supreme Court will hear the application next month. Rana, currently detained in Los Angeles, claims his extradition would violate US law and expose him to torture in India due to his health and Muslim background. The US government has denied these claims and authorized his surrender to India, citing the Extradition Treaty between the two countries. The Supreme Court's decision will determine if Rana will face justice in India or remain in the United States.

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Government employees in Bangladesh locked down the main gate of the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, protesting a new service law that allows for easier dismissal of officials for misconduct. The protest, which lasted for about half an hour, disrupted government operations. The employees also threatened to continue their protests until the ordinance was scrapped. Meanwhile, the protest by employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation, demanding the installation of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as its mayor, has brought administrative services to a halt. These protests, coupled with concerns raised by the business community and the military, highlight a growing sense of unease in Bangladesh over the policies of the interim government.

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The process of identification of victims by matching the DNA samples is currently underway, and the bodies will be handed over to their relatives once the process is complete.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Assam scribe held in second case after securing bail

Assam scribe held in second case after securing bail

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Assam journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder was arrested for a second time on Thursday after being granted bail in a previous case where he was accused of attempting to steal bank documents. The arrest came after Mozumder questioned the Managing Director of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Limited about alleged financial irregularities. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Mozumder is not a "recognized journalist" as the government only recognizes journalists from print and electronic media.

Marching into history: 17 women cadets graduate from NDA

Marching into history: 17 women cadets graduate from NDA

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA's 148th course in 2022 after the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) allowed women to apply to the defence academy following a Supreme Court direction in 2021.

What new IOC chief Coventry said on India's 2036 Olympics bid

What new IOC chief Coventry said on India's 2036 Olympics bid

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Newly-elected International Olympic Committee president Kristy Coventry was expectedly guarded on India's bid to stage the 2036 Olympic Games.

30 minutes, 25,000 people, and a flawless evacuation!

30 minutes, 25,000 people, and a flawless evacuation!

Rediff.com9 May 2025

We had to evacuate 25,000 people without pressing panic button: IPL chairman Dhumal

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

Rediff.com15 May 2025

While Sachin Tendulkar's 2013 farewell became a national pilgrimage, a vibrant celebration befitting a cricketing deity, the exits of many other Indian icons this century have been quieter journeys into the twilight.

Amit Shah ordered violence: Canada minister's big claim

Amit Shah ordered violence: Canada minister's big claim

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Top Canadian officials have accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of leading a campaign targeting Sikh separatists in Canada, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Timeline of Tahawwur Rana's extradition from US

Timeline of Tahawwur Rana's extradition from US

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian national accused of playing a role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited from the United States to India. Rana was arrested in the US in 2009 and convicted in 2011 for providing material support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, which carried out the Mumbai attacks. He had been fighting extradition since 2012, but the US Supreme Court ultimately denied his review petition, paving the way for his transfer to India. Rana will now face trial in India for his alleged role in the attacks, which killed 166 people.

IPL 2025: New date fixed for KKR Vs LSG tie in Kolkata

IPL 2025: New date fixed for KKR Vs LSG tie in Kolkata

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday rescheduled the Indian Premier League ((IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants from April 6 to April 8.

India slips 11 positions on World Press Freedom Index

India slips 11 positions on World Press Freedom Index

Rediff.com3 May 2023

Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which publishes a yearly report on press freedom in countries across the world, had last year ranked India at 150 in a survey of 180 countries.

Terror hotbeds in Muridke, Bahawalpur reduced to rubble

Terror hotbeds in Muridke, Bahawalpur reduced to rubble

Rediff.com8 May 2025

A total of nine terror sites in Pakistan, including five in Pojk, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (Jem), were targeted with meticulous planning to avoid civilian casualties.

MCA to felicitate Mum Ranji team, Vengsarkar

MCA to felicitate Mum Ranji team, Vengsarkar

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The event at the MCA Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy, BKC will be attended by Maharashtra governor C P Radhakrishnan and state minister Ashish Shelar, who will be the chief guest.

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A bench of the Bangladesh High Court ordered the release on bail of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in November on charges of defaming the country's national flag. The two-judge bench granted the bail after a final hearing on their previous rule asking authorities why he should not be granted bail. Das, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25.

India finish third in shooting World Cup with 7 medals

India finish third in shooting World Cup with 7 medals

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

While the USA also ended with seven medals, they edged ahead of India to take second place, courtesy of a higher gold-medal count.

8 arrested in murder of Hindu activist in Mangaluru

8 arrested in murder of Hindu activist in Mangaluru

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Suhas Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindu activist, was murdered by an unidentified group late on Thursday within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru city.

His commitment is unwavering: Dravid in a cast!

His commitment is unwavering: Dravid in a cast!

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour lauded Rahul Dravid's unwavering dedication.

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A multi-agency team has gone to the US and all paperwork and legal issues are being completed with US authorities to bring him to India, they said.

KKR curator row: Bhogle, Doull barred from Eden Gardens

KKR curator row: Bhogle, Doull barred from Eden Gardens

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Taking a strong exception to pubic criticism of their curator by Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has red flagged the two cricket experts.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.

Won't release hostages till Israel leaves Gaza, says Hamas: Report

Won't release hostages till Israel leaves Gaza, says Hamas: Report

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

Khalil al-Hayya, Sinwar's deputy and leader of Hamas' delegation during ceasefire negotiations, emphasised that the prisoners' return would not happen before the end of the aggression, AP reported.

They never told me: Alcaraz slams Djokovic-led PTPA

They never told me: Alcaraz slams Djokovic-led PTPA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Carlos Alcaraz distanced himself from the class-action lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players' Association

Vinesh says 'police not allowing to hold press conference'

Vinesh says 'police not allowing to hold press conference'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2023

Last month, the ad hoc committee handed Vinesh and Bajrang exemptions from the Asian Games trials.

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is expected to be extradited to India from the United States soon. The US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to stop his extradition, moving him closer to being handed over to Indian authorities. Rana's extradition is expected to help probe agencies expose the role of Pakistani state actors behind the attacks and shed new light on the investigation. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Inside Story of Why Abhishek Nayar Was Let Go by BCCI

Inside Story of Why Abhishek Nayar Was Let Go by BCCI

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Indian cricket team's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has been sacked just eight months

Close shave between Russian fighter jet and US F-16

Close shave between Russian fighter jet and US F-16

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Military officials released new video on Monday of a close encounter between a Russian fighter jet and a US Air Force F-16 interceptor near Alaska, Associated Press has reported.

No knowledge: K'taka DGP on stepdaughter Ranya Rao's role in gold smuggling

No knowledge: K'taka DGP on stepdaughter Ranya Rao's role in gold smuggling

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The Director General of Police (DGP) of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, Ramachandra Rao, has denied any knowledge of his stepdaughter Ranya Rao's alleged involvement in gold smuggling. Rao expressed deep distress over the incident, saying his reputation has been tarnished irreparably. He emphasised his lifelong dedication to honesty, integrity and discipline, and said his commitment to public service has always been his priority. Rao said he had no knowledge of the situation unfolding in his life and asked for fairness towards himself and his family. The DGP assured that if any laws were violated by Ranya, legal action would be taken.

6 firms in fray for RBI's currency management project

6 firms in fray for RBI's currency management project

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

State-owned Engineers India and MECON as well as four private entities are in the fray for the project to comprehensively revamp RBI's currency management infrastructure in order to cater to future cash needs of the country's fast growing economy. The four private entities are: Accenture Solutions; Colliers International (India) Property Services; PricewaterhouseCoopers and The Boston Consulting Group (India).

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will likely hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 15. The Act, which came into force on April 8, has been met with widespread criticism from various stakeholders, including politicians, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. They argue that the law is discriminatory and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The petitions allege that the amendments give the government more control over the administration of Waqf, effectively sidelining the Muslim minority from managing their own religious endowments.

MCA to resurrect T20 Mumbai League

MCA to resurrect T20 Mumbai League

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Selection of emerging players for UK Tour

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi claims that former chief election commissioner T N Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 and even offered to become home minister. Gandhi, who was joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman, writes that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president and arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night. According to Gandhi's account, Seshan told Venkatraman that he felt the election process needed to be stopped and that he was ready to take on the role of home minister if necessary. However, Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Cabinet Secretary Naresh Chandra assured the president that the situation was under control and that there was no need to pause the election process. Seshan's suggestions were ultimately ignored, but he did manage to postpone the second and third phases of polling.

Rana extradition: Sibal lauds UPA, NDA; says Pak role will become clearer

Rana extradition: Sibal lauds UPA, NDA; says Pak role will become clearer

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has congratulated both the previous UPA government and the current dispensation for the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Sibal expressed confidence that the extradition will shed light on the involvement of individuals within Pakistan's establishment in the attacks. Rana is being questioned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 terror strikes. Sibal highlighted the efforts of the UPA government in establishing the NIA and pursuing Rana's extradition, and also acknowledged the current government's success in bringing him back to India. The interrogation is expected to focus on Rana's potential ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his role in the Mumbai attacks.

'Unlikely Pakistan Shot Down 3 Rafales'

'Unlikely Pakistan Shot Down 3 Rafales'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'There is no independently verified imagery or battlefield evidence to support Pakistan's claim.'

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

Rediff.com9 May 2025

India on Thursday night swiftly foiled Pakistan's attempts to hit various key Indian installations including military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur with drones and missiles, the defence ministry said.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.