News for 'The Local'

Gurugram CEO says US rejects visa over 'weak ties to India'

Gurugram CEO says US rejects visa over 'weak ties to India'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

A Gurugram CEO is alleging that his US visa application was unfairly rejected due to perceived 'weak ties to India,' sparking debate over US visa evaluation processes and criteria for Indian professionals.

Pricing gains ahead for Tata Steel

Pricing gains ahead for Tata Steel

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

With the worst in terms of pricing pressures behind Tata Steel, its outlook is expected to improve. Europe has seen hot rolled coil prices rise this January after the European Union's (EU's) carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) kicked in and further price improvements may be on the cards once import quotas come into play in June.

Four of family among 6 killed in wild elephants' attack in Jharkhand

Four of family among 6 killed in wild elephants' attack in Jharkhand

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Six people, including four members of a family, were trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in Hazaribag district, Jharkhand. The elephants had been roaming the area for days, and villagers were warned, but attempts to flee proved fatal. Compensation has been initiated for the victims' families.

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

A dispute has erupted between MVA allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress after the Sena (UBT) supported the BJP in the Chandrapur mayoral elections, leading to a BJP victory despite Congress being the single largest party.

Meghalaya orders judicial probe into coal mine blast

Meghalaya orders judicial probe into coal mine blast

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced a judicial inquiry into the recent blast at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, which resulted in the deaths of 27 people.

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the swearing-in ceremony.

T20 World Cup, India vs Pakistan: Father Shares Secret Of Ishan Kishan's Match-Winning Knock

T20 World Cup, India vs Pakistan: Father Shares Secret Of Ishan Kishan's Match-Winning Knock

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'He worked very hard in the last two years, he played a lot of domestic cricket, focused on his batting.'

White-collar terror: Doctors formed 'Ansar Interim' to target J-K, beyond

White-collar terror: Doctors formed 'Ansar Interim' to target J-K, beyond

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted a 'white-collar' terror module, revealing that doctors arrested in the case had been radicalized since 2016 and formed a new terror organization named 'Ansar Interim' to carry out subversive activities.

Wedding plans turn to grief as pilot Pathak dies in Baramati crash

Wedding plans turn to grief as pilot Pathak dies in Baramati crash

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Captain Shambhavi Pathak, a pilot with VSR Ventures, was among those killed in the Learjet 45 crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. Her family in Delhi is devastated by the loss.

Jab We Met: 'I Called Her With A Fake Name'

Jab We Met: 'I Called Her With A Fake Name'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Sanjeev Yadav shares the story of how he met his wife, Damini. A Valentine's Week special.

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

An Indian couple from Gujarat was dramatically rescued from kidnappers in Azerbaijan after intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'We should learn from the wild world on how they live harmoniously.'

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed concerns about population imbalance, citing religious conversion, infiltration, and low birth rates as key factors. He advocated for 'ghar wapasi' and vigilance against infiltrators, while also emphasizing the importance of family and employment.

Man faints, dies at TVK chief Vijay's rally in Salem

Man faints, dies at TVK chief Vijay's rally in Salem

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The man, identified as Suraj, a native of Maharashtra and residing in Salem, collapsed after complaining of chest pain. According to the police, he had gone to see Vijay.

9 Noisiest Cities In The World

9 Noisiest Cities In The World

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

According to a United Nations Environment Program 2022 report, these nine cities are known for particularly high sound levels.

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Bangladesh is set to hold parliamentary elections with unprecedented security measures in place, following a period of interim governance and political changes.

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra government and its state election commission to conduct local body elections, clarifying that the results will be subject to the court's final verdict, especially concerning the 50% quota limit. The court will hear pleas regarding OBC reservation in local bodies in January 2026.

Al Falah University chairman arrested in forgery case

Al Falah University chairman arrested in forgery case

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The chairman, Javad Ahmad Siddiqui, has been remanded to four days of police custody for further questioning.

Woman dies after drunk cop hits e-rickshaw, runs over her

Woman dies after drunk cop hits e-rickshaw, runs over her

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A 24-year-old woman was killed in Ambala after being hit by a car allegedly driven by a police head constable. The incident occurred near Kali Paltan Bridge, and the driver has been apprehended.

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has stated it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the resulting mandate before addressing any existing issues. The country also affirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

Family of Jaahnavi Kandula killed by US cop to receive $29mn settlement

Family of Jaahnavi Kandula killed by US cop to receive $29mn settlement

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Seattle city Attorney Erika Evans said in a statement that Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family.

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

A 62-year-old Hindu trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Bangladesh, raising concerns about violence against the minority community.

Rupee rises 13 paise to close at 90.34 against US dollar

Rupee rises 13 paise to close at 90.34 against US dollar

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The rupee appreciated 13 paise to close at 90.34 against the US dollar on Thursday, on trade deal optimism and overnight decline in commodity prices, even as the upside remained capped as investors look for more clarity on the India-US trade deal.

Mumbaikars will be forced to ride horses in future: HC

Mumbaikars will be forced to ride horses in future: HC

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Bombay High Court has voiced strong concerns over the increasing encroachments on public roads in Mumbai, criticizing the BMC for its apparent inaction and warning of future transportation challenges.

Pakistan hockey team stranded in Canberra over unpaid hotel bill

Pakistan hockey team stranded in Canberra over unpaid hotel bill

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Pakistan hockey team faced a severe accommodation crisis in Canberra after their hotel bookings were cancelled due to the Pakistan Hockey Federation's failure to pay the bill. Players were left stranded and forced to find alternative solutions.

At No 4, VinFast Racing Towards Podium Finish in India EV Market

At No 4, VinFast Racing Towards Podium Finish in India EV Market

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Six months after its India debut, the Vietnamese automaker has overtaken established players such as Hyundai Motor, BMW, Kia, and Chinese EV major BYD.

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A referendum on the implementation of a reform package in Bangladesh saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced.

Mumbai: Parapet segment of Metro bridge crashes; 1 dead, 3 injured

Mumbai: Parapet segment of Metro bridge crashes; 1 dead, 3 injured

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The incident took place around 12:20pm on the arterial LBS Road in front of Johnson and Johnson factory in Mulund area.

Fresh violence in Manipur: Houses torched, shots fired, internet suspended

Fresh violence in Manipur: Houses torched, shots fired, internet suspended

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Following an alleged assault, fresh violence erupted in Manipur's Ukhrul district, resulting in arson and prompting the suspension of internet services. Tensions remain high as security forces work to restore order.

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package.

Mumbai gets BJP mayor after 44 years; Ritu Tawde elected unopposed

Mumbai gets BJP mayor after 44 years; Ritu Tawde elected unopposed

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Ritu Tawde of the BJP has been elected as the new Mumbai Mayor, marking a historic moment as the party secures the position after 44 years in the BMC.

4 Indian students stabbed in Russia, attacker linked to neo-Nazi group

4 Indian students stabbed in Russia, attacker linked to neo-Nazi group

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Four Indian students were among those injured in a stabbing attack at a university in Russia's Bashkortostan Republic. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the Indian Embassy is providing assistance.

Olympic champion Sha'Carri Richardson arrested in Florida

Olympic champion Sha'Carri Richardson arrested in Florida

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Olympic champion Sha'Carri Richardson was arrested in Florida for dangerous excessive speeding after allegedly driving at 104 mph, according to local authorities.

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Iqra Qureshi, an elusive drug operator in Dongri, becomes the NCB's prime target after confessions expose her as the key figure in a mephedrone network. Despite months of surveillance, she remains a step ahead of the authorities. A sudden tip-off leads to a raid on her home, where officers recover a significant drug consignment and arrest her-though her composure hints the story may not truly end there.

Manipur violence: SC seeks CBI status report in 2 weeks

Manipur violence: SC seeks CBI status report in 2 weeks

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to submit a status report on the FIRs related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence and is considering having the Manipur or Gauhati High Courts monitor the trials.

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Once the might of the Indian establishment turned completely against the Maoists, there was no way they could survive -- either in Gadchiroli or anywhere else, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has halted Haryana's jungle safari project in the Aravalli range until experts clarify the definition of 'Aravalli range,' citing concerns about environmental protection and potential damage to the eco-fragile area.

Ex-Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son shot dead

Ex-Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son shot dead

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi had remained a prominent and polarising figure in Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ended his father's rule.

Auto firms hope to drive to Europe taking the FTA route

Auto firms hope to drive to Europe taking the FTA route

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The India-EU free trade deal could help Indian-made cars enter Europe at lower costs and challenge Chinese dominance.