News for 'Welcome Back'

Rubio pushes US energy, defence deals as India trade pact nears finish

Rubio pushes US energy, defence deals as India trade pact nears finish

Rediff.com6 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis.

Smriti Mandhana named UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate for girls' empowerment

Smriti Mandhana named UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate for girls' empowerment

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Newly-appointed India women's cricket captain Smriti Mandhana has been named a celebrity advocate by UNICEF India to promote equal opportunities, health, and well-being for adolescent girls, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl.

'I Have to Keep Fighting': Hamilton on His Africa GP Dream

'I Have to Keep Fighting': Hamilton on His Africa GP Dream

Rediff.com3 days ago

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton reveals his long-standing dream of an African Grand Prix, now set for Rwanda in the early 2030s, is a significant motivator for him to extend his illustrious racing career.

10 Comedies Which Turn Spying Into A Laughing Matter

10 Comedies Which Turn Spying Into A Laughing Matter

Rediff.com5 days ago

From Baadshah to Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, these spy comedies prove that espionage can be a laughing matter, even when promising premises go sometimes spectacularly off course.

Meerut blue drum murder: Sahil, Muskan sentenced to death

Meerut blue drum murder: Sahil, Muskan sentenced to death

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A Meerut court has sentenced Muskan Rastogi and her partner Sahil Shukla to death for the brutal murder of her husband, merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, whose dismembered body was found concealed in a blue drum filled with cement.

Saudi SC overturns Lankan migrant's death sentence over Prophet remark

Saudi SC overturns Lankan migrant's death sentence over Prophet remark

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa, who was convicted of blasphemy over a Facebook comment. The decision comes after sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the Sri Lankan government. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed the verdict, highlighting the importance of patient diplomacy.

Bigg Boss 20: Did Rohit Shetty Just Host The Best Weekend Ka Vaar?

Bigg Boss 20: Did Rohit Shetty Just Host The Best Weekend Ka Vaar?

Rediff.com18 hours ago

From addressing Scout OP and Love Gill's vulgar massage act to praising Yung DSA, Gullu and Kanika Mann, Rohit Shetty's no-nonsense Weekend Ka Vaar was just what we needed, applauds Divya Nair.

Tukaram Mundhe transferred? Maha FDA chief says our fight...

Tukaram Mundhe transferred? Maha FDA chief says our fight...

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has clarified that he has not been transferred, dismissing speculation about his removal. He affirmed that the crackdown on unsafe food and substandard drugs will continue, despite recent appointment to an MPSC inquiry committee.

Delhi Capitals Appoint Chaminda Vaas as Fast Bowling Coach for IPL 2027

Delhi Capitals Appoint Chaminda Vaas as Fast Bowling Coach for IPL 2027

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Sri Lankan bowling legend Chaminda Vaas has been appointed as the fast bowling coach for Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL 2027 season, marking his return to the league after 16 years.

EPL: Manchester United sink to 16th after Bournemouth humiliation; Liverpool rise to 4th

EPL: Manchester United sink to 16th after Bournemouth humiliation; Liverpool rise to 4th

Rediff.com1 days ago

Bournemouth thrashed Manchester United 3-0 to intensify pressure on Michael Carrick, while Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 to claim their first home league win and climb to fourth.

Non-Hindus told to leave garba event, Aditya Gadhvi says 'not my call'

Non-Hindus told to leave garba event, Aditya Gadhvi says 'not my call'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Gujarati folk singer Aditya Gadhvi has publicly distanced himself from an incident where non-Hindus and Muslims were asked to leave a high-end garba event in Ahmedabad during Navratri. The announcement was made from the stage by anchor-RJ Akash Trivedi, reportedly at the behest of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) volunteers. Gadhvi stated that the action was not his doing or message, emphasising that his stage is for music and devotion, and garba welcomes everyone with love and respect for Maa Durga.

Death Sentence For 'Blue Drum' Murderers In Meerut

Death Sentence For 'Blue Drum' Murderers In Meerut

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A Meerut court has sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death for the murder of Muskan's husband, merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput. Rajput's dismembered body was found concealed in a cement-filled blue drum. The verdict, delivered after a 13-month trial, was welcomed by the victim's family, though it raises questions about the future of Muskan's infant daughter, Radha, who is currently in jail with her mother.

Meerut court cites Mahabharata while sentencing Muskan, Sahil to death

Meerut court cites Mahabharata while sentencing Muskan, Sahil to death

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A Meerut court sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death for the murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, invoking the Mahabharata in its decision. The court deemed the crime "extremely cruel and grave," with the verdict bringing satisfaction to the victim's family and eliciting strong public emotion. Police had registered an FIR in March 2025, and the conviction came in September 2026 for the "blue drum" murder case.

Salima Tete reveals secret behind India's gold triumph

Salima Tete reveals secret behind India's gold triumph

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating China 1-0, also earning a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Captain Salima Tete and other team members expressed immense pride and confidence in their victory, which ended a 44-year wait for gold. Four players from Jharkhand received a grand welcome, highlighting the personal journeys and struggles behind their national achievement.

Why There Is Unrest In Arunachal Pradesh

Why There Is Unrest In Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com20 hours ago

Indigenous communities fear that a large reservoir could submerge ancestral land and settlements, disrupt traditional livelihoods and damage forests, wildlife habitats and river ecosystems in a seismically active Himalayan region.

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Nana Patekar: The Man Behind The Intensity

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Nana Patekar's anger and intensity were as real in life as they were in his performances. He was as brutally honest as the characters he portrayed.

Clayface Review: Bloody Good Fun!

Clayface Review: Bloody Good Fun!

Rediff.com4 days ago

There are enough queasy thrills in Clayface to keep horror fans happy, raves Mayur Sanap.

'CHEATS' chants, 114 balloons: Man City face Anfield fury

'CHEATS' chants, 114 balloons: Man City face Anfield fury

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Liverpool fans staged a vocal protest against Manchester City at Anfield following the verdict of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules. Supporters displayed banners, chanted, and booed, while police were on alert for potential bus targeting, though City's team took an alternate route.

Manchester City seek to extend winning run as financial case clouds Premier League race

Manchester City seek to extend winning run as financial case clouds Premier League race

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Manchester City aim to extend their perfect Premier League start against Ipswich as financial uncertainty clouds their title charge, while Arsenal chase, Liverpool seek revival and United battle struggles.

IndiGo, Air India to shift flights to Navi Mumbai airport from Dec

IndiGo, Air India to shift flights to Navi Mumbai airport from Dec

Rediff.com1 days ago

IndiGo and Air India Group will progressively shift flights from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) starting from December. This phased transition, expected to complete by the 2027 summer aviation season, aims to ease capacity constraints at CSMIA, facilitate its Terminal 1 redevelopment, and establish a dual-airport system for Mumbai, enhancing connectivity and future growth.

Fire at Delhi eatery: Man throws toddler, 10 others jump from window

Fire at Delhi eatery: Man throws toddler, 10 others jump from window

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A fire broke out at a restaurant in Maujpur, Delhi, on Tuesday night, leading to dramatic escapes including a man throwing a toddler from a first-floor window. Local residents aided in the rescue efforts, and no injuries were reported.

Pakistan, Maldives sign agreements on defence, maritime security

Pakistan, Maldives sign agreements on defence, maritime security

Rediff.com5 days ago

Pakistan and the Maldives have signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering defence, maritime security, artificial intelligence, trade, and other sectors during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's three-day visit to Islamabad. The agreements aim to significantly boost bilateral cooperation and trade, with Pakistan also offering technical expertise and educational opportunities.

Spotted In Parmarth Niketan: Jagdeep Dhankhar!

Spotted In Parmarth Niketan: Jagdeep Dhankhar!

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Sightings of Jagdeep Dhankhar are rare ever since he left the vice president's office. Dhankhar and his wife Dr Sudesh were spotted at the Parmarth Niketan ashram in Rishikesh on Monday, Ocrober 5, 2026, where the couple met Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati.

NPCI Defers UPI MDR On Transactions Over Rs 2,000

NPCI Defers UPI MDR On Transactions Over Rs 2,000

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has deferred the implementation of a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on Person-to-Merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. Originally set for October 15, the new date will be announced after Diwali, providing relief to users and merchants, especially during the festive season. The decision came amidst opposition concerns about the levy burdening consumers.

Salman Warns Varun; Shahid-Kareena Hug

Salman Warns Varun; Shahid-Kareena Hug

Rediff.com3 days ago

From Salman Khan's cheeky advice to Varun Dhawan to Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor's reunion, the IIFA announcement in Mumbai was a starry affair.

Supreme Court Ruling Bolsters Kerala Government's Stance On CMRL Probe

Supreme Court Ruling Bolsters Kerala Government's Stance On CMRL Probe

Rediff.com4 days ago

Kerala's Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph stated that criticism regarding the state government's initial decision for a preliminary inquiry in the alleged CMRL payments case, involving former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his family, would subside following a recent Supreme Court verdict. Health Minister K Muraleedharan also affirmed that the SC order vindicated the government's cautious approach, which prioritised a preliminary inquiry over immediate FIR registration based solely on the ED's request.

Bravo's warning to bowlers: 500-run ODI totals could be next

Bravo's warning to bowlers: 500-run ODI totals could be next

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Dwayne Bravo says ODI cricket could soon see 500-run totals as batters dominate, while Chris Gayle welcomes the fearless approach of the new generation.

MP's Multi-Pronged Strategy To Eradicate Drug Menace

MP's Multi-Pronged Strategy To Eradicate Drug Menace

Rediff.com4 days ago

Madhya Pradesh has achieved the top rank in India for drug destruction, eliminating over 2.74 lakh kilograms of narcotics in two years. The state is implementing a comprehensive strategy, including forming anti-drug committees in educational institutions, launching a three-year campaign to dismantle drug networks, strengthening intelligence, and expanding de-addiction centres. Authorities have also seized significant quantities of drugs, attached properties, and conducted extensive public awareness programmes.

Showbiz Will Miss The Sound Of Nana Patekar's Irritation

Showbiz Will Miss The Sound Of Nana Patekar's Irritation

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Never a crowd pleaser in the conventional sense, Nana Patekar's knack for not mincing words, if anything his brusque, take it-or-leave it persona -- which made his eccentricity a guilty pleasure of sorts -- contributed to his eminence, observes Sukanya Verma.

Punjab BJP Chief Demands CBI Probe In Anti-Drug Activist Jhota's Murder, Calls For Black Protest

Punjab BJP Chief Demands CBI Probe In Anti-Drug Activist Jhota's Murder, Calls For Black Protest

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon met the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, demanding a CBI investigation into his murder. Dhillon appealed to Punjab residents to protest the AAP government by wearing black, alleging its failure to curb the drug menace and protect activists. Jhota was shot dead on October 13, and his family refuses cremation until justice is served.

Norway Football Team Gets Royal Welcome

Norway Football Team Gets Royal Welcome

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Norway enjoyed a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament before suffering a narrow 2-1 extra-time defeat to England.

Colourful Garba Nights, Grand Durga Puja Pandals

Colourful Garba Nights, Grand Durga Puja Pandals

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Glimpses of India's vibrant Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations, as devotees perform traditional Garba, worship Goddess Durga and visit elaborately decorated pandals.

Amit Shah Urges CBI Probe Into Punjab Drug-Related Deaths, Pledges Drug-Free State By 2029

Amit Shah Urges CBI Probe Into Punjab Drug-Related Deaths, Pledges Drug-Free State By 2029

Rediff.com6 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his Punjab visit, urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to transfer drug-related death investigations in Sangrur and Batala to the CBI, following Mann's decision to hand over anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's murder case to the central agency. Shah met families affected by drug-related incidents and pledged to make Punjab drug-free by December 31, 2029, calling for collective action against the menace.

Rabada returns as South Africa look to bounce back

Rabada returns as South Africa look to bounce back

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

South Africa, reeling from a 214-run defeat in the first Test against Australia, is determined to level the series in the second Test starting Sunday in Gqeberha. The hosts are expected to make several team changes, including the return of paceman Kagiso Rabada, as they look to overcome batting fragilities exposed in the previous match. Australia, despite their dominant win, might consider workload management for their fast bowlers amidst forecasts of persistent rain.

US-China Ties: Why The World Should Worry

US-China Ties: Why The World Should Worry

Rediff.com7 days ago

The subtext here is that nobody else really matters to America today; only China, because nobody else can truly hurt them, points out Mihir S Sharma.

'All three medals are for the army': Neeru Dhanda

'All three medals are for the army': Neeru Dhanda

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, a Naib Subedar in the Indian Army, won three medals (two gold, one silver) at the 2026 Asian Games, including India's first individual Asian Games gold in women's trap shooting. She dedicated her medals to the Indian Army and its soldiers. Fellow Army Havildar Kamaljeet also secured a gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event and expressed gratitude to the Army, with both athletes now targeting upcoming World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

'No chair is permanent': Chetan Sharma hails Agarkar's 'great job' as chief selector

'No chair is permanent': Chetan Sharma hails Agarkar's 'great job' as chief selector

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has lauded his successor Ajit Agarkar for a highly successful three-year tenure, which saw India win three ICC trophies and achieve significant white-ball cricket dominance.

Ganguly, Rahane join Prince William for a Royal cricket match

Ganguly, Rahane join Prince William for a Royal cricket match

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Prince William joined cricket legends Sourav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane, Brian Lara, Joe Root, and Harry Brook for a friendly tennis-ball match in London. This event served as a prelude to the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, an environmental initiative launched by Prince William, which is set to debut in India next month in Mumbai. The cricketers highlighted the unifying spirit of the sport and its connection to environmental responsibility.

Rose Foresees More Golfers Eyeing DP World Tour For Ryder Cup

Rose Foresees More Golfers Eyeing DP World Tour For Ryder Cup

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Former world number one Justin Rose believes more golfers are considering leaving LIV Golf to play on the DP World Tour, aiming for eligibility in next year's Ryder Cup. He also shared his evolving career goals, prioritising creating lasting memories over solely winning Major championships, and expressed his excitement about returning to India for the DP World India Championship after 22 years. Rose highlighted India's growing importance in global golf.

Maha students end 10-day stir as Tukaram Mundhe gets key role

Maha students end 10-day stir as Tukaram Mundhe gets key role

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

MPSC aspirants in Maharashtra have ended their 10-day protest after the state government formed a committee, led by ex-judge Dilip Bhosale and senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, to investigate alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, within the recruitment body. Following this, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar announced he has proceeded on leave until the inquiry is completed.