News for 'West Front'

Delhi octogenarian's stolen phone cracks interstate cyber-fraud gang; 9 held

Delhi octogenarian's stolen phone cracks interstate cyber-fraud gang; 9 held

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A stolen mobile phone belonging to an 88-year-old man has helped the Delhi police unearth an interstate cyber-fraud syndicate allegedly operating through a three-stage network spread across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, an officer said on Monday.

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on assuming office as West Bengal's Chief Minister after the BJP's victory in the state.

Rain Washes Out Ireland's Direct World Cup Qualification Dream

Rain Washes Out Ireland's Direct World Cup Qualification Dream

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Ireland's aspirations for direct qualification to the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup have been extinguished after the opening ODI against Afghanistan was abandoned due to persistent rain, mathematically ruling them out of contention for an automatic spot.

'Not good enough': Ian Chappell Slams Australia's Selectors After Bangladesh Test Loss

'Not good enough': Ian Chappell Slams Australia's Selectors After Bangladesh Test Loss

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Legendary cricketer Ian Chappell has strongly criticised Australian selectors following their nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Darwin, demanding significant changes to the team's selection process and personnel.

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Two NCPI MPs from Murshidabad, West Bengal, met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to express concerns over the removal of mosque loudspeakers, alleging police overreach and targeting of Muslims. They also sought his intervention to expedite hearings for approximately 27 lakh people excluded from electoral rolls, highlighting difficulties faced by genuine voters due to delays in tribunal decisions.

West Bengal Government Launches Probe Into Alleged Rs 635 Crore Irregularities In Business Summits

West Bengal Government Launches Probe Into Alleged Rs 635 Crore Irregularities In Business Summits

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

West Bengal's BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced a probe into the expenditure of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) organised during the previous TMC regime. Adhikari alleged that an event management firm was paid Rs 635 crore for various editions of the summit, promising strict action against those found responsible for financial irregularities.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

We're taking shape as Test team, but need to turn it into a performance: Gary Kirsten

We're taking shape as Test team, but need to turn it into a performance: Gary Kirsten

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Sri Lanka's head coach Gary Kirsten expressed satisfaction with his team's developing approach to Test cricket despite a loss to India. He highlighted the team's fight and resilience, particularly after a poor start in their first innings, and praised young batter Sonal Dinusha. Kirsten also provided an update on key player injuries ahead of the next Test.

Forex Reserves See Massive $14.14 Billion Jump to $707 Billion

Forex Reserves See Massive $14.14 Billion Jump to $707 Billion

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw one of their largest weekly expansions, surging by USD 14.136 billion to reach USD 707.002 billion during the week ended August 7, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Iran has strongly rejected former US President Donald Trump's assertion that the Strait of Hormuz is 'NEW U.S. TERRITORY', with top officials warning that his 'delusions' would be 'corrected' and highlighting the gap between Washington's claims and its actual influence over the strategic waterway.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Padikkal Joins Kohli in Historic Independence Day Ton

Padikkal Joins Kohli in Historic Independence Day Ton

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in Galle, becoming the second Indian, and first Test centurion, to achieve this feat on Independence Day, joining Virat Kohli in an elite list.

'Worst Phase For Equities Appears To Be Behind Us'

'Worst Phase For Equities Appears To Be Behind Us'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'Healthy double-digit returns are still possible, though a sharp rally is unlikely.'

L&T's Q1 profit jumps 14% to Rs 3,926 crore, beating estimates

L&T's Q1 profit jumps 14% to Rs 3,926 crore, beating estimates

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in Q1 FY27 profit attributable to owners, reaching Rs 3,926 crore, surpassing analyst estimates, despite facing significant supply-chain disruptions in West Asia.

Lucknow school students protest again over teacher shortage

Lucknow school students protest again over teacher shortage

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Girls at a government-run residential school in Lucknow staged a protest, the second in four days, demanding more teachers and better class conduct. The demonstration disrupted traffic, leading to official intervention and ongoing discussions with students regarding their grievances, which include a lack of science teachers despite approaching board exams.

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Two people were killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday, the police said.

Babar Azam suffers injury scare ahead of England Tests

Babar Azam suffers injury scare ahead of England Tests

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam sustained a hand injury during a warm-up match, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.

West Asia Crisis Impact: FM Warns of Higher Fuel Costs, Economic Challenges

West Asia Crisis Impact: FM Warns of Higher Fuel Costs, Economic Challenges

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has warned that the ongoing West Asia crisis is not merely a geopolitical issue but will directly lead to higher fuel costs for common people and businesses, impacting shipping, input availability, and export orders.

Shoaib Akhtar Believes Imran Khan Could Have Led Him To 400 Test Wickets

Shoaib Akhtar Believes Imran Khan Could Have Led Him To 400 Test Wickets

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes he could have achieved 400 Test wickets under the captaincy of Imran Khan, reflecting on his career, his relationship with Wasim Akram, and the immense physical toll his express pace bowling took on his body.

'A lot of progress made': Trump signals possible talks with Iran

'A lot of progress made': Trump signals possible talks with Iran

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has indicated that 'a lot of progress' has been made regarding Iran, suggesting that Tehran has reached out for talks and that developments could become clearer within 48 hours.

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.25%, cites West Asia crisis and inflation risks

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.25%, cites West Asia crisis and inflation risks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept its key lending rate, the repo rate, unchanged at 5.25 per cent for the second consecutive time, citing concerns over rising energy prices, supply disruptions from the West Asia crisis, and potential inflationary pressures.

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

ADB trims India's FY27 growth projection to 6.6% amid West Asia crisis

ADB trims India's FY27 growth projection to 6.6% amid West Asia crisis

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised down India's GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6.6 per cent from an earlier 6.9 per cent, primarily attributing the change to elevated energy prices stemming from the Middle East conflict. Despite this moderation, India is still expected to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy.

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The BJP has announced its new national organisational team, with eight leaders from Uttar Pradesh receiving key appointments. These include two national vice-presidents, two general secretaries, two secretaries, and the chiefs of the OBC and Minority Morchas. The appointments reflect a strategic focus on youth, social diversity, and experienced campaigners, particularly after the party's recent electoral setbacks in the state.

West Asia Conflict Caused Sri Lankan Rupee's Fall, Says Government

West Asia Conflict Caused Sri Lankan Rupee's Fall, Says Government

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Sri Lankan government attributes the sharp depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, citing increased costs for essential imports like gas, fertiliser, and oil.

Why This England Pacer Retired From Cricket Aged 25

Why This England Pacer Retired From Cricket Aged 25

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

England fast bowler John Turner, 25, has announced his shock retirement from professional cricket, citing a persistent stress fracture and injury record.

Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on death threats, police investigating

Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on death threats, police investigating

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly addressed the alleged death threats received by him and his family over the past six months, stating that the matter has been reported to the police and expressing confidence in their action.

Suspected Jaish operative held in Bengal; STF probes spy network

Suspected Jaish operative held in Bengal; STF probes spy network

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

A suspected operative of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was arrested in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district, and investigators believe he could be part of an ISI-backed network tasked with collecting intelligence on VIPs including BJP leaders, recruiting operatives and laying the groundwork for possible terror activities in the state.

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reshuffled Iran's political and national-security establishment, appointing former SNSC Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political adviser and veteran IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative on the Supreme National Security Council, consolidating power amid the West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Indonesia: 3 quakes leave trail of destruction, 47 dead

Indonesia: 3 quakes leave trail of destruction, 47 dead

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province has been severely impacted by three earthquakes, including a powerful 7.7-magnitude tremor, resulting in at least 47 fatalities and extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure, with significant relief efforts now underway.

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Skoda Auto is strategically navigating the competitive Indian automotive market by prioritising profitable growth, exploring new powertrain options like CNG and a limited diesel return, and gearing up for a locally produced electric SUV, all while expanding its retail footprint.

Court Rejects CBI Custody Plea In West Bengal Murder Case

Court Rejects CBI Custody Plea In West Bengal Murder Case

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A local court in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has rejected a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking custody of firearms recovered from a man arrested in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's burgeoning franchise volleyball ecosystem, particularly with dedicated Under-21 tournaments like the Guardians Trophy, is creating a structured pathway for young players. This initiative aims to develop talent from the grassroots to professional levels, fostering cultural adaptation and skill enhancement, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the senior national team and achieving Olympic qualification.

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

West Bengal police have unearthed a sophisticated Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting state ministers, their families, and other high-profile individuals, leading to the arrest of a third suspect, Aditya Singh, an alleged associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Hamim Mondal.

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Economists highlight that resolving domestic policy bottlenecks, particularly through land reforms and improving the ease of doing business, will be critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'next-generation reforms' and India's economic transformation towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047.

RIL Flags 'Extreme Volatility' Risks from West Asia Conflict, Silent on Jio IPO

RIL Flags 'Extreme Volatility' Risks from West Asia Conflict, Silent on Jio IPO

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has expressed caution regarding 'extreme volatility' risks stemming from the West Asian conflict, which could impact global oil demand and the company's margins, while also noting that near-term retail consumption demand may remain sensitive to macro conditions. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, in the annual report, remained silent on the timeline for Jio Platforms' anticipated public listing, stating the group will 'continue to evaluate strategic pathways'.

Windies All-Rounder Justin Greaves Sets New Test Record With Five Consecutive Wicket Maidens

Windies All-Rounder Justin Greaves Sets New Test Record With Five Consecutive Wicket Maidens

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves made history by becoming the first bowler in Test cricket to take wickets in five consecutive maiden overs during the opening Test against Pakistan in Tarouba.

Sitharaman: Focus on Fuel, Fertiliser, Forex Amid West Asia Crisis

Sitharaman: Focus on Fuel, Fertiliser, Forex Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged an increased focus on '3Fs'-fuel, fertiliser, and forex-to maintain India's economic resilience amidst the West Asia crisis, while also criticising those who spread pessimism.