News for 'The Local'

Relief for Delhiites as air improves, GRAP-3 curbs lifted

Relief for Delhiites as air improves, GRAP-3 curbs lifted

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked restrictions imposed under GRAP 3 in Delhi-NCR following improvements in air quality. Non-essential construction and demolition activities are now allowed to restart, and restrictions on vehicles have been lifted.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'Losing a house is a terrible feeling... We were not given enough time to shift our belongings.'

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'...including my baby sisters, age three and one.' 'My dad was humiliated, and he started screaming at them.'

BEST bus crash: Eyewitness recalls chilling details

BEST bus crash: Eyewitness recalls chilling details

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

An eyewitness account of the Mumbai bus accident that killed four people, highlighting the role of hawkers' encroachment on sidewalks and potential negligence.

The Biker Dadis Of Ahmedabad

The Biker Dadis Of Ahmedabad

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Mandakini Shah, 87, and her sibling, Ushaben, 84, have become local stars since they started riding through Ahmedabad on their scooter

Why Banks Are Speaking Local Languages

Why Banks Are Speaking Local Languages

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

State-owned banks are prioritising local language skills in their hiring to improve customer service and reduce language barriers.

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

Hindus attacked in Bangladesh: Reward announced on info

Hindus attacked in Bangladesh: Reward announced on info

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Bangladesh police are offering a reward for information on attackers who set fire to a Hindu-owned house. The incident is part of a series of arson attacks and mob violence that have raised concerns in the country.

Riddle Of The Kumbh & Bhutte Ka Shorba

Riddle Of The Kumbh & Bhutte Ka Shorba

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A stunning book on the Kumbh. And a recipe.

Will fulfil his last wish to...: Tripura student's uncle

Will fulfil his last wish to...: Tripura student's uncle

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The family of Anjel Chakma, who was killed in Dehradun, is seeking capital punishment or life imprisonment for those responsible. They also urge the government to prevent racial hate crimes against people from the Northeast.

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing prosecution material suggesting their involvement in planning and strategic direction. The court granted bail to other activists but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

An SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold loss case has questioned former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The interrogation has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging interference in the investigation.

Buying The Most Coveted Japani Joota

Buying The Most Coveted Japani Joota

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'When you finally hold that red bag with your personalised Onitsukas inside, it feels like ticking off a very satisfying item on your travel checklist,' discovers Mayur Sanap after visiting Onitsuka Tiger's famous Red Concept store in Tokyo.

Bengaluru demolition: Rights panel flags lack of alternative housing

Bengaluru demolition: Rights panel flags lack of alternative housing

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) is investigating the demolition of 'illegal houses' in Bengaluru, focusing on whether proper alternative arrangements were made for residents. The probe was initiated after allegations of human rights violations arose following the demolition of houses in Kogilu.

From Selling Guavas To Council Hall

From Selling Guavas To Council Hall

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'A poor candidate was given a chance so that the concerns of ordinary, needy citizens could be represented.'

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Over 25 years, societies evolve and tastes change. Cinema absorbs and reflects this transformation. Picking only 25 films from the first quarter of the century is tough.

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

1 killed as Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express catches fire in Andhra

1 killed as Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express catches fire in Andhra

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

A fire on the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express near Yalamanchili, India, resulted in one fatality. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze.

Badminton Nationals: Surya, Rithvik Emerge Champions

Badminton Nationals: Surya, Rithvik Emerge Champions

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Surya, Rithvik claim women's and men's titles in National Badminton Championships

BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya is no stranger to controversies

BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya is no stranger to controversies

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya is facing criticism for his crass comments regarding the water crisis in Indore. This is the latest in a series of controversial remarks made by the veteran politician.

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Funeral prayers were held for Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia amid tight security. Millions joined the namaz-e-janaza of Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and political icon of Bangladesh.

India-Born Wadia's Explosive Cameo Lights Up BBL

India-Born Wadia's Explosive Cameo Lights Up BBL

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Playing in just his second BBL match, Jerrssis Wadia made an instant impact in the Australian Big Bash League, delivering a thrilling cameo for the Adelaide Strikers.

NHRC seeks report on racial killing of Tripura student

NHRC seeks report on racial killing of Tripura student

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent a notice to the Dehradun district magistrate and the senior superintendent of police (SSP) over the alleged racially charged killing of a student from Tripura in the Uttarakhand capital.

Rupee plunges 5% in 2025 amid persistent foreign fund outflows, dollar strength

Rupee plunges 5% in 2025 amid persistent foreign fund outflows, dollar strength

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The rupee slumped 5 per cent in 2025 as persistent capital outflows from foreign investors, alongside heightened dollar demand from importers, making it one of the worst-performing Asian currencies.

'India Is Uber's Third-Largest Market'

'India Is Uber's Third-Largest Market'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'We serve more than 1.2 billion trips annually and have over 1.5 million active earners each month using the platform.'

Odisha police intensify anti-Maoist ops, caution people

Odisha police intensify anti-Maoist ops, caution people

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Odisha Police intensifies operations in Kandhamal district after neutralizing four Maoists, including a high-value target. Combing operations are underway to apprehend more ultras.

PSBs' staff count rises for 1st time in 5 years

PSBs' staff count rises for 1st time in 5 years

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Public sector banks' (PSBs') employee count grew for the first time in five years while private sector banks' staff strength saw a decline in 2024-25 (FY25), according to latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The employee count of state-owned lenders rose 0.22 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to 757,641 at the end of March 31, 2025 from 756,015 in FY24.

14 Mumbai Expressions You Ought To Know

14 Mumbai Expressions You Ought To Know

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Let's acquaint you with Mumbai's picturesque slang.

Rupee falls 23 paise to settle at fresh record low of 91.01/USD

Rupee falls 23 paise to settle at fresh record low of 91.01/USD

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The rupee fell 23 paise against the greenback to settle at a new all-time low of 91.01 (provisional) on Tuesday, weighed down by relentless foreign fund outflows, no breakthrough in India-US trade deal, and persistent US dollar buying.

US launches 'deadly' strike on ISIS in Nigeria

US launches 'deadly' strike on ISIS in Nigeria

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The United States on Thursday launched a 'deadly' strike against the terror organisation Islamic State in Northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump said.

'Not ideal': Stokes, Smith slam chaotic MCG pitch

'Not ideal': Stokes, Smith slam chaotic MCG pitch

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

No fewer than 36 wickets fell during two chaotic days in the fourth Ashes Test, leaving the captains of both Australia and England unimpressed with the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch.

Court orders FIR against Sambhal cops over fake encounter claim

Court orders FIR against Sambhal cops over fake encounter claim

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

A court in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has ordered the registration of an FIR against police officers for falsely claiming a man was arrested after an encounter in a robbery case when he was already in jail. Police plan to challenge the order.

Two decades on, SC ensures justice for widow in train mishap case

Two decades on, SC ensures justice for widow in train mishap case

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court ensured a widow received compensation 23 years after her husband's death in a train accident, highlighting the court's commitment to justice for the poor.

Buzz over CM change resurfaces as Shivakumar meets Kharge

Buzz over CM change resurfaces as Shivakumar meets Kharge

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, leading to speculation about a change in chief minister. Shivakumar denies discussing political matters, focusing on the MGNREGA replacement.

Sriram Balaji dropped for Davis Cup tie vs Netherlands

Sriram Balaji dropped for Davis Cup tie vs Netherlands

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Experienced doubles player N Sriram Balaji has been left out of the squad, with the selection committee opting to look ahead as part of a longer-term plan.

Elephant-train collision: Injured calf dies, toll rises to 8

Elephant-train collision: Injured calf dies, toll rises to 8

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

"The calf, the only tusker which had survived the accident, died this morning while undergoing treatment at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga," Nagaon Division's Forest Ranger Shamim Akhtar told PTI.

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The NCP and NCP (SP), led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar respectively, have formed an alliance for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. This development follows a similar alliance for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections and aims to consolidate their position in the region.

Losing local support, J-K terrorists shift to forest bunkers

Losing local support, J-K terrorists shift to forest bunkers

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir are now constructing elaborately-designed underground bunkers deep inside thick forests and elevated ridges instead of taking shelter in local houses, officials said. This tactical shift, fuelled by eroding local support, presents a new challenge to the Army and other security forces.

Indian student shot dead near Toronto University

Indian student shot dead near Toronto University

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student has been shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, with authorities probing the case as a homicide, officials said.