News for 'The Desert'

Capybara Tooth Discovery Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Atacama Desert's Past

Capybara Tooth Discovery Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Atacama Desert's Past

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Scientists are stunned by the discovery of a nine-million-year-old capybara tooth fossil in Chile's Atacama Desert, a region currently devoid of capybaras. This finding not only marks the oldest record of the semi-aquatic rodent in coastal Chile but also significantly challenges the long-standing scientific view that the Atacama Desert has been continuously dry for 40 million years, suggesting a much wetter past.

Rajasthan horror: Pregnant minor gang-raped, newborn dies after delivery

Rajasthan horror: Pregnant minor gang-raped, newborn dies after delivery

Rediff.com2 days ago

A pregnant minor girl was allegedly gang-raped in Dausa, Rajasthan. The incident came to light when she arrived at a hospital with her newborn, who was later declared dead. Police have registered a case, recorded the victim's statement, and detained a suspect for questioning. The investigation is ongoing.

Life Comes To A Standstill In Manipur

Life Comes To A Standstill In Manipur

Rediff.com3 days ago

On Tuesday and Wednesday, normal life was affected with closures of markets, educational institutions and business establishments in five valley districts of Manipur due to a statewide 48-hour strike called by a civil society group to protest against the killing of three Meiteis by suspected militants.

Punjab Shuts Down After Anti-Drug Activist's Murder

Punjab Shuts Down After Anti-Drug Activist's Murder

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A 'Punjab Bandh' was observed on Thursday, leading to widespread closures of shops and private schools and road blockades across several districts, following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on Tuesday. Jhota was shot by a chemist owner for questioning the sale of addictive drugs. The incident has triggered significant political backlash against the Aam Aadmi Party government, with various organisations and opposition parties demanding accountability and a CBI probe.

Indian killed in Houthi attack on Saudi oilfield; New Delhi slams strikes

Indian killed in Houthi attack on Saudi oilfield; New Delhi slams strikes

Rediff.com2 days ago

An Indian national was killed and two others were injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This incident follows another attack on the Shaybah oilfield where an Indian was also injured, amidst escalating strikes by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi infrastructure.

How The MiG 21 Saved The Day!

How The MiG 21 Saved The Day!

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

A stranded message that failed for three days over telephone lines was delivered in minutes by a MiG-21 pilot flying above the desert.

When Mumbai's Streets Were Battlegrounds For Protests

When Mumbai's Streets Were Battlegrounds For Protests

Rediff.com1 days ago

Marchers would walk four or five abreast through one side of the main Mahatma Gandhi Road, holding red or white banners that stretched from one end to the other, shouting slogans, calling upon passers by, including employees watching from the offices that line the road, to join (Dekhta kya/Shaamil ho), recalls Jyoti Punwani.

DMK retains core vote bank depite rout, poses future challenge to TVK

DMK retains core vote bank depite rout, poses future challenge to TVK

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Despite recent electoral losses to the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in both the April Assembly election and October 6 by-polls, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has demonstrated a robust and independent vote bank. Electoral data indicates that the DMK maintained significant voter support, securing its position as the principal opposition party and potentially a key challenger to the TVK in future elections, including the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Police Action Intensifies In Mansa Anti-Drug Activist Murder Case

Police Action Intensifies In Mansa Anti-Drug Activist Murder Case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, police have suspended a station house officer and arrested the alleged shooter's wife. The shooter, Ashwani Kumar, and an associate are in police remand. Investigations are ongoing into Kumar's arms licence and drug network, while Jhota's family and activists demand further action and a CBI probe, leading to a 'Punjab bandh' on Thursday.

Punjab observes state-wide bandh over anti-drug activist's murder

Punjab observes state-wide bandh over anti-drug activist's murder

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

A state-wide bandh was observed across Punjab on Thursday following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Markets and educational institutions remained shut, and roads were blocked by protesters, disrupting traffic. Jhota was shot on Tuesday for questioning the illegal sale of addictive drugs. His family, supported by various political parties and farmer unions, has refused to perform his last rites until justice is delivered, demanding resignations of top officials and a CBI probe. The incident has intensified the political debate on drug menace and law and order in Punjab.

9 Fastest-Growing Millionaire Cities

9 Fastest-Growing Millionaire Cities

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Where are the world's new millionaires choosing to live?

'Fight won't be easy': CJP gears up for anti-Gyanesh Kumar protest

'Fight won't be easy': CJP gears up for anti-Gyanesh Kumar protest

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various student organisations have called for a united protest on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They demand his resignation and an overhaul of the electoral system, describing the confrontation as a fight for democracy against the BJP. The groups are seeking to sustain street pressure, following a previous agitation that led to a minister's resignation.

Supreme Court grants divorce to couple after 21 years of separation

Supreme Court grants divorce to couple after 21 years of separation

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has granted a divorce to a couple separated since December 2005, noting the wife had abandoned the matrimonial relationship. The court directed the husband to pay Rs 7 lakh as permanent alimony. The ruling emphasised that prolonged separation and the reality of an irreconcilable marriage are key factors, overturning a Madhya Pradesh High Court decision.

How Delhi turned into a fortress to thwart CJP's anti-CEC stir

How Delhi turned into a fortress to thwart CJP's anti-CEC stir

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation, was thwarted by a massive security deployment in Delhi on Saturday. Thousands of protesters were detained as they attempted to gather at various alternative locations across the city, with metro services suspended and mobile internet blocked in some areas.

'Super Emergency': Delhi on edge as 7,000 protesters detained

'Super Emergency': Delhi on edge as 7,000 protesters detained

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Delhi Police launched a massive crackdown, detaining Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and nearly 500 protesters who attempted to reach Jantar Mantar for a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Opposition, including AAP and Congress, denounced the situation as 'worse than the Emergency'.

Serie A Round-Up: Juventus, AC Milan Win; Napoli Held To A Draw

Serie A Round-Up: Juventus, AC Milan Win; Napoli Held To A Draw

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Juventus secured a 2-0 victory over Atalanta, while AC Milan dominated Lecce with a 3-0 win in recent Serie A matches. Napoli, however, were held to a 1-1 draw by Fiorentina.

Asian Games: Elavenil reveals what went wrong in mixed team final

Asian Games: Elavenil reveals what went wrong in mixed team final

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Indian shooters Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane finished fourth in the 10m air rifle mixed team event at the Asian Games, missing out on a medal. Valarivan cited struggles with her position, while Mane focused on consistency. Both expressed determination to learn from the experience.

US colonel survived 50 hours after jet downed in Iran

US colonel survived 50 hours after jet downed in Iran

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A US Air Force colonel, identified by his call sign 'Bravo', survived nearly 50 hours behind Iranian lines after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down near Isfahan. Despite severe injuries, he evaded Iranian forces and was eventually rescued in a complex operation involving US military and intelligence personnel, highlighting a daring mission to leave no man behind.

I Stood Where Every Man Died A Hero's Death

I Stood Where Every Man Died A Hero's Death

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The soil mingled with the blood of 114 soldiers, gathered from the battlefield, has been preserved in a glass bottle in Rezang La. When the frozen bodies of the were recovered, they had their rifles in hand, fingers on the trigger, pointed towards the enemy. The mountains they defended will never forget them. Neither should we.

Golfing Greats Patrick Reed And Bubba Watson To Play DP World India Championship

Golfing Greats Patrick Reed And Bubba Watson To Play DP World India Championship

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Masters champions Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson are confirmed to make their debut at the DP World India Championship in October. They will join a stellar field including Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Justin Rose, with Indian stars Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri also participating.

Pickle Recipes: Ker Sangri; Hog Plum

Pickle Recipes: Ker Sangri; Hog Plum

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Across India, pickling is more than a method of preservation. It is a seasonal ritual, deeply tied to climate, geography, and local ingenuity. Presenting two recipes...

Skip The iPhone Duo, Take These International Trips Instead

Skip The iPhone Duo, Take These International Trips Instead

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Rs 299,900 can buy you Apple's first foldable iPhone. Or it can buy you a passport full of memories, a suspiciously large holiday wardrobe and enough airport coffee to develop a personality.

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Sankgeetha, wife of actor-politician C Joseph Vijay, has withdrawn her divorce petition filed against him in a family court. She had previously accused him of an extra-marital affair and mental cruelty, but confirmed her decision to withdraw the plea via video-conferencing.

New Book Reveals Ganga's Unique Microbial Intelligence At Triveni Sangam

New Book Reveals Ganga's Unique Microbial Intelligence At Triveni Sangam

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A new book, "The River That Remembers: Microbial Intelligence of Nature" by Padma Shri awardee Ajai Kumar Sonkar, claims that the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj is a unique viral-bacterial laboratory. It suggests that the sacred dips taken by devotees lead to an intense microbial exchange, accelerating phage evolution, especially during events like Kumbh Mela, as diverse human microbiota interact with the river's existing microbiome.

Novak Djokovic crashes out of US Open in first round to unseeded Navone

Novak Djokovic crashes out of US Open in first round to unseeded Navone

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Novak Djokovic, a four-time champion, suffered a shock first-round exit at the US Open, losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match, marking his earliest Grand Slam departure since 2006.

Djokovic: 'My Whole Body Starts to Collapse' in US Open Exit

Djokovic: 'My Whole Body Starts to Collapse' in US Open Exit

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Novak Djokovic, hampered by illness and injuries, suffered a shocking first-round exit at the U.S. Open, losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match, marking his earliest Grand Slam departure since 2006.

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

"Everything was here before, but now there is nothing left," said Nayan Tiwari, one of many residents returning to flood-hit Galchhi in central Nepal to recover whatever belongings remain and to restore homes that once held their everyday lives.

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler 2027 Unveiled: Expected Price & Features!

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler 2027 Unveiled: Expected Price & Features!

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Upcoming Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler 2027: Expected Price & Features!

Who is 'real' Sena? Decide rebel MLAs' fate first, Uddhav camp tells SC

Who is 'real' Sena? Decide rebel MLAs' fate first, Uddhav camp tells SC

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the Election Commission's (EC) determination as to which group constitutes the political party should come after a decision on the disqualification proceedings against the MLAs, who have deserted their camp.

TVK's maiden budget fulfils Vijay's poll promises with gold, cows

TVK's maiden budget fulfils Vijay's poll promises with gold, cows

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government on Wednesday allotted over Rs 1,000 crore to provide gifts of gold coin, ring and milch cows to beneficiaries to fulfill the election promise made by the party ahead of the assembly election this year.

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Polish envoy Piotr Antoni Switalski stated that Poland stands with India in the fight against terrorism, asserting his country's support for India's right to pursue terrorists globally, while also highlighting strong cultural and defence ties between the two nations.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

Jantar Mantar falls silent after 36-day NEET protest ends

Jantar Mantar falls silent after 36-day NEET protest ends

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The chants fell silent and calm descended on Jantar Mantar on Sunday, a day after the 36-day agitation over irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leak ended with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Left AAP because...: Harbhajan Singh opens up on joining BJP

Left AAP because...: Harbhajan Singh opens up on joining BJP

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh revealed in a podcast interview that his decision to switch from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stemmed from the AAP government's alleged neglect of his concerns regarding drug abuse and sports promotion in Punjab.

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Former Indian Army Chief General Vishwa Nath Sharma, who led the Army from 1988 to 1990 and was a veteran of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, has passed away at the age of 96. He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the AVSM and PVSM, and came from a distinguished military family, being the younger brother of India's first PVC awardee, Major Som Nath Sharma.

Mamata apologises for traitors, says Abhishek's flaws forgiven

Mamata apologises for traitors, says Abhishek's flaws forgiven

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Mamata Banerjee strongly defended her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, apologising to the public for "traitors" who left the TMC. She accused the BJP of using investigative agencies to engineer defections and praised Abhishek for his resilience against political attacks, asserting that her family never compromised for political survival.

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Where is the official record? Media bytes are not parliamentary records. What matters is what is recorded on the floor of Parliament. I am not denying that we had a heated exchange.'

8 Outstanding Monsoon Travel Ideas

8 Outstanding Monsoon Travel Ideas

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Make the most of the monsoon with these hatke experiences.

'Embraced freedom': SC dissolves Omar Abdullah's marriage with estranged wife

'Embraced freedom': SC dissolves Omar Abdullah's marriage with estranged wife

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to dissolve the marriage of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife Payal Abdullah. The decision came after both parties submitted an application under Article 142 of the Constitution, indicating a settlement and mutual agreement to end their marriage, overturning previous lower court rulings that had denied the divorce.

8 Air Coolers To Survive This Summer

8 Air Coolers To Survive This Summer

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

If you're planning an upgrade before the next heatwave hits full swing, here are 8 air coolers for this summer.