News for 'merchants'

More Cases Filed Against Maharashtra Godman Ashok Kharat Amidst Investigation

More Cases Filed Against Maharashtra Godman Ashok Kharat Amidst Investigation

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Two more cases have been registered against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, police said on Saturday, adding that the Special Investigation Team which conducting a probe against him has received more than 100 complaints over phone.

Iran claims its supertanker transited Hormuz despite US blockade

Iran claims its supertanker transited Hormuz despite US blockade

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Conflicting reports emerge regarding the effectiveness of the US blockade on Iranian ports, with Iran claiming successful transit of vessels and the US asserting complete maritime dominance.

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi signals a concerted effort to reset strained Washington-New Delhi ties, with a focus on 'big-ticket' energy and trade deals, including increased Indian imports of US LNG and LPG, and potential cooperation on small modular reactors.

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to seven-day police custody in a second rape case where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman on multiple occasions since 2020 under the guise of religious rituals.

RBI UPI Delay Plan Gets Banker Backing

RBI UPI Delay Plan Gets Banker Backing

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'It is a tradeoff between convenience and fraud prevention.'

Navy commanders to discuss West Asia crisis impact on energy security

Navy commanders to discuss West Asia crisis impact on energy security

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Top commanders of the Indian Navy will discuss the implications of the West Asia crisis on India's energy security and review operational readiness at a three-day conference.

India rejects claims of oil tanker swap with Iran for Hormuz access

India rejects claims of oil tanker swap with Iran for Hormuz access

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Indian government has refuted reports suggesting a deal with Iran involving the release of seized oil tankers in exchange for safe passage of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

'Starting process of...': US warships cross Hormuz for 1st time since Iran war

'Starting process of...': US warships cross Hormuz for 1st time since Iran war

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to clear the Strait of Hormuz to secure the vital oil corridor, citing risks to global energy supplies and criticising other nations' inaction.

Himanshu Patel: The Engineer Who Shot Arjun Tendulkar's Wedding

Himanshu Patel: The Engineer Who Shot Arjun Tendulkar's Wedding

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'The best photographs usually happen in between the big moments -- a quiet smile, a nervous laugh, a parent watching from the corner of the room. Those are the moments you can't script,' says Himanshu Patel, celebrated wedding photographer and founder of Epic Stories.

Fino Payments Bank Claims GST Compliance After CEO's Arrest

Fino Payments Bank Claims GST Compliance After CEO's Arrest

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Fino Payments Bank asserts its compliance with GST regulations following the arrest of its MD and CEO, Rishi Gupta, by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). The bank clarifies that the investigation pertains to program managers associated with multiple banks and not the bank's own GST compliance.

Ex-Serviceman Questioned After Girl, 6, Allegedly Tied Up for Stealing Guavas

Ex-Serviceman Questioned After Girl, 6, Allegedly Tied Up for Stealing Guavas

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A six-year-old girl was allegedly tied to the stairs and beaten for plucking guavas from a garden in Una district, Himachal Pradesh. The incident sparked outrage after videos of the alleged abuse circulated on social media, leading to police investigation and the girl's rescue.

Ex-Serviceman Accused of Tying Up Girl for Stealing Fruit in Una

Ex-Serviceman Accused of Tying Up Girl for Stealing Fruit in Una

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A six-year-old girl was allegedly tied to stairs as punishment for plucking guava from a garden in Una, Himachal Pradesh. The incident sparked outrage after videos surfaced online, leading to police investigation and the girl's rescue.

Ex-Serviceman Faces Backlash for Allegedly Tying Up Girl for Stealing Fruit

Ex-Serviceman Faces Backlash for Allegedly Tying Up Girl for Stealing Fruit

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A six-year-old girl was allegedly tied to stairs as punishment for plucking guava from a garden in Una, Himachal Pradesh. The incident sparked outrage after videos circulated on social media, leading to police investigation and the girl's rescue.

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached a record high in March, driven by increased adoption and global expansion. The system now accounts for 85% of digital transactions in India and is live in eight countries.

Ashok Kharat: Maharashtra 'Godman' In The Midst Of A Sex Scandal

Ashok Kharat: Maharashtra 'Godman' In The Midst Of A Sex Scandal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Self-styled 'godman' and numerologist Ashok Kharat has been arrested in Nashik on charges of sexual assault and black magic, setting off a political storm. How did he manage to operate undetected for so long?

Gulf War: 'Missiles Flew Past Us'

Gulf War: 'Missiles Flew Past Us'

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

'We are getting used to the constant alerts to take shelter, listening to sonic booms from jets flying above us, hearing news of neighbouring ports being targeted, and being the only ship in the terminal.'

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks face uncertainty. The incident raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Attack that killed Indian crew member was deliberate: Safesea chief

Attack that killed Indian crew member was deliberate: Safesea chief

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The chairman of maritime company Safesea Group has described the attack on the US-owned crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, which resulted in the death of an Indian crew member, as "deliberate and calculated". He emphasised the need for governments to ensure the safety of commercial shipping lanes and seafarers.

Self-Styled Godman's Financial Irregularities Exposed in Maharashtra

Self-Styled Godman's Financial Irregularities Exposed in Maharashtra

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already facing rape charges, is now under investigation for opening over 130 accounts with cooperative credit societies and conducting transactions worth approximately Rs 63 crore.

Iran sends back Pakistan-bound food ship from Strait of Hormuz

Iran sends back Pakistan-bound food ship from Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The container ship SELEN, en route to Karachi, was denied passage by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy due to lack of permission and failure to coordinate with Iranian maritime authorities.

Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat's Financial Irregularities Exposed

Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat's Financial Irregularities Exposed

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already facing rape charges, is now under investigation for suspicious financial activities involving numerous accounts and large transactions.

Rights Issues Surge to Multi-Decade High as QIPs Plummet in FY26 Amid Market Volatility

Rights Issues Surge to Multi-Decade High as QIPs Plummet in FY26 Amid Market Volatility

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Financial year 2025-26 (FY26) saw a significant shift in corporate fundraising, with rights issues more than doubling to a multi-decade high of 51, raising 44,290 crore, while qualified institutional placements (QIPs) more than halved to 29 issues, mobilising 62,954 crore, driven by sharp equity market corrections and regulatory changes.

UPI Transactions Soar to Record Highs in March

UPI Transactions Soar to Record Highs in March

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions reached a record high in March, driven by festivities and the financial year closure, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Why Kritika-Gaurav's Wedding Was So Special

Why Kritika-Gaurav's Wedding Was So Special

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Ranjini Iyengar of Pink Whistle Man explains how she accomodated Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur's brief to design the black and white illustrated wedding card and invitation video.

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

An Indian national has been killed in Kuwait following Iranian strikes on a power and water desalination plant, bringing the total number of Indian fatalities in the West Asia conflict to eight.

RBI's New Rules: BIG Changes From April 1 for OTP, Cards, Online Payments

RBI's New Rules: BIG Changes From April 1 for OTP, Cards, Online Payments

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

From April 1, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India's new authentication directions modernise how every digital payment you make must be verified -- and place the burden of security squarely on your bank, not on you.

How An Indian Sailor Survived The Strait Of Hormuz

How An Indian Sailor Survived The Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'We kept our bags packed, ready to jump into the sea. Many times, I felt it could be my last day.'

UNSC to vote on Bahrain-led Hormuz resolution on Saturday amid opposition

UNSC to vote on Bahrain-led Hormuz resolution on Saturday amid opposition

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The UN Security Council will vote on a Bahrain-proposed resolution regarding the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to ensure freedom of navigation amid concerns and opposition from some members.

SIT probing Kharat gets over 50 calls reporting crimes

SIT probing Kharat gets over 50 calls reporting crimes

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, has received a surge of calls providing information and reporting alleged crimes after a public appeal.

Indian Citizen Dies in Riyadh Amidst West Asia Conflict

Indian Citizen Dies in Riyadh Amidst West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

An Indian national was killed in a missile attack on Riyadh, bringing the total number of Indian fatalities in the West Asia conflict to six. The Indian embassy in Riyadh has expressed condolences and is providing assistance to the family.

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The diplomatic intervention follows various media reports which attributed comments to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, suggesting that merchant vessels were being charged USD 2 million for safe passage through the "conflict-hit Hormuz."

IPO pipeline strengthens; 38 cos file draft papers in March

IPO pipeline strengthens; 38 cos file draft papers in March

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The Indian IPO market is experiencing a significant surge in preliminary filings, with 38 companies submitting papers to SEBI in March 2026, driven by a combination of improved issuer confidence, strategic regulatory compliance, and private equity investors seeking exits amidst volatile market conditions.

RBI Leverages AI to Boost Digital Payments and Customer Experience

RBI Leverages AI to Boost Digital Payments and Customer Experience

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is developing digital public infrastructure and payments intelligence platforms using artificial intelligence and application programming interfaces to improve customer experience and strengthen the payments ecosystem.

Maharashtra Opposition Alleges Deteriorating Law and Order, Farmer Neglect

Maharashtra Opposition Alleges Deteriorating Law and Order, Farmer Neglect

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Congress Legislature Party leader in Maharashtra raises concerns about law and order due to missing girls and the impact of unseasonal rains on farmers, criticising the government's response.

No deal with Iran to release seized oil tankers: India

No deal with Iran to release seized oil tankers: India

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refuted reports suggesting a deal with Iran involving the release of seized vessels in exchange for safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Fino Payments Bank MD Arrested for GST Violation

Fino Payments Bank MD Arrested for GST Violation

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Fino Payments Bank's MD and CEO, Rishi Gupta, has been arrested for violating Goods and Services Tax laws, prompting the appointment of Ketan Merchant as the interim head.

RBI Unveils 'Payments Vision 2028' with Focus on Digital Security and Innovation

RBI Unveils 'Payments Vision 2028' with Focus on Digital Security and Innovation

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced its 'Payments Vision 2028' document, outlining initiatives to enhance digital payment security, introduce electronic cheques, and expand regulatory oversight to include e-commerce entities.

913 Indians exit Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan: MEA

913 Indians exit Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan: MEA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the number of Indians exiting Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan has increased since the previous update.

Fadnavis: Police Acted Swiftly in Godman Arrest, More Victims Expected

Fadnavis: Police Acted Swiftly in Godman Arrest, More Victims Expected

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state assembly regarding the arrest of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accused of rape, assuring a thorough investigation and protection for potential victims.