News for 'states'

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Rediff.com7 days ago

The famed Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is set to begin, with the administration expecting around eight lakh devotees over the next four days. The temple doors will close on Monday night for the 'prabritti' period, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, and reopen on June 26.

Safeguarding rules: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to follow special protocols during England tour

Safeguarding rules: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to follow special protocols during England tour

Rediff.com5 days ago

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is expected to become India's youngest-ever international cricketer when he takes the field against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, will be provided separate changing facilities throughout the subsequent T20 series in England due to safeguarding regulations governing underage athletes.

Six Indian Golfers Compete At Czech Ladies Open

Six Indian Golfers Compete At Czech Ladies Open

Rediff.com5 days ago

Six Indian women golfers, including Diksha Dagar and Avani Prashanth, are set to compete at the Czech Ladies Open. Diksha Dagar, a former champion at this event, returns in strong form, aiming for her second title, while Vani Kapoor and Ridhima Dilawari join the field via sponsor invites.

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

US Vice President J D Vance is currently in Switzerland, leading critical technical talks with Iran to advance diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear programme and secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon, following a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at de-escalating West Asian hostilities.

Expiry date display on ecom platforms is under consumer dept rules: Fssai

Expiry date display on ecom platforms is under consumer dept rules: Fssai

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that the display of expiry and 'best before' dates on packaged food products sold on e-commerce platforms is governed by the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which are administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

Should Aadhaar use be restricted to ID proof, SC asks govt

Should Aadhaar use be restricted to ID proof, SC asks govt

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and States regarding a plea alleging the misuse of Aadhaar cards as proof of citizenship, domicile, and residential address. The petition argues that despite legal provisions, Aadhaar is being used for purposes beyond identity verification, potentially aiding illegal immigrants, and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of electoral verification processes.

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will lead a mass yoga session in New Delhi for the 12th International Day of Yoga, themed "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," joined by actor Akshay Kumar. The Sports Ministry is organising nationwide events with over 15,000 participants, highlighting yoga's global impact since its UN adoption in 2014.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Scientists Uncover Two New Micro-Snail Species In Meghalaya's Limestone Caves

Scientists Uncover Two New Micro-Snail Species In Meghalaya's Limestone Caves

Rediff.com5 days ago

Researchers have identified two new species of microscopic snails, Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni, in the limestone caves of Meghalaya, India. This discovery highlights the rich, yet underexplored, biodiversity of the region's subterranean ecosystems, while also raising concerns about threats from increasing tourism and mining activities.

High Spirits: Liquor Brands Bet On Premium Buzz In Hindi Heartland

High Spirits: Liquor Brands Bet On Premium Buzz In Hindi Heartland

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Indian liquor brands are increasingly focusing on Hindi heartland states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana as the next major growth engine for premiumisation, driven by expanding luxury portfolios, craft spirit launches, and upgraded retail experiences, as state governments embrace reforms.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A US-Iran memorandum of understanding is set to be signed, outlining sanctions relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day negotiation window for Iran's uranium enrichment, but US President Donald Trump has underscored the deal's conditional nature, warning of military action if Tehran fails to comply.

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking arranged special bus services for students appearing in the NEET re-examination in Mumbai, deploying 60 buses on 24 routes for approximately 180 trips, despite an ongoing strike by its employees that has paralysed public transport.

Historic US Open For Indian-Origin Golfers

Historic US Open For Indian-Origin Golfers

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, and Aaron Rai made history at the US Open by all finishing inside the top-20, marking a significant achievement for golfers of Indian origin. Wyndham Clark secured his second US Open title.

'IPL Has Changed The Mindset Of India's Domestic Cricketers'

'IPL Has Changed The Mindset Of India's Domestic Cricketers'

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Senior batter Karun Nair believes that the hyper aggressive batting which was on display in IPL 2026 will reshape the mindset of batters across domestic competitions.

Aryan Nehra, Saanvi Deshwal Shine At National Aquatic Championships

Aryan Nehra, Saanvi Deshwal Shine At National Aquatic Championships

Rediff.com7 days ago

Gujarat's Aryan Nehra and Maharashtra's Saanvi Deshwal were named 'Best Swimmer' at the 79th Senior National Aquatic Championships, where Karnataka secured the overall championship. The event saw 22 new records and 17 Indian Best Performances, highlighting the promising future of Indian swimming.

TTFI Explains Manika Batra's Omission From Asian Games Team

TTFI Explains Manika Batra's Omission From Asian Games Team

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has clarified that Manika Batra's exclusion from India's Asian Games squad was due to strict adherence to existing selection criteria. Despite her name being considered, Batra did not meet the requirements, primarily lacking a national ranking and not being in the top 50 of international rankings at the time of selection. The decision was a collective one by the selection committee, based on a comprehensive assessment.

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the first electoral battle since the new government under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took charge in Karnataka, the ruling Congress on Thursday won five of the seven Legislative Council seats that went to polls, while the opposition Bhjaratiya Janata Party bagged two.

Chinese FM Wang Yi to attend BRICS NSA meet in New Delhi from June 22 to 23

Chinese FM Wang Yi to attend BRICS NSA meet in New Delhi from June 22 to 23

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to attend the BRICS National Security Advisors meeting in New Delhi on June 22-23. The high-level gathering will address international security challenges, regional issues, and prepare for the upcoming BRICS Summit in India. Wang Yi is also expected to hold bilateral talks with India's NSA Ajit Doval, focusing on India-China border issues.

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

Rediff.com4 days ago

The NCERT has included in the class 9 social science textbook a section on Emergency, which it described as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailing the move saying future generations should know about the "dark deeds".

Welcome To The Jungle Review: Silly Spectacle

Welcome To The Jungle Review: Silly Spectacle

Rediff.com4 days ago

Welcome To The Jungle's moment of truth arrives when Akshay pleads 'Hum sab bhand hain' in the face of fear and power. If only the rest of this slog was as self-aware as this single scene, notes Sukanya Verma.

Aditi Ashok's Meijer LPGA Classic Journey Ends In T-24 Finish

Aditi Ashok's Meijer LPGA Classic Journey Ends In T-24 Finish

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok concluded her campaign at the Meijer LPGA Classic, finishing tied for 24th place with an overall score of eight-under par. Despite a strong start with two rounds of 69, she carded 71s over the weekend. Miyu Yamashita claimed the title after a play-off victory against Lottie Woad.

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com6 days ago

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

Why Smallcaps Are Winning The Market Battle

Why Smallcaps Are Winning The Market Battle

Rediff.com4 days ago

The remarkable rise of smallcaps reflects the emergence of a broad set of specialised businesses operating in industries where the sectoral tailwinds remain considerably stronger than macroeconomic headwinds, points out Debashis Basu.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

India's Grand Plan To Bring Formula One Back

India's Grand Plan To Bring Formula One Back

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Indian Sports Ministry, led by Minister Manuskh Mandaviya, is establishing a dedicated Task Force to explore the revival of Formula One racing in India. This initiative follows a meeting with key stakeholders, aiming to assess the challenges and benefits of hosting major motorsport events, with a target of bringing F1 back by 2028. The Task Force will recommend a comprehensive policy framework to support motorsports growth, leveraging India's significant F1 fanbase.

Harry Kane's crucial miss delays England's World Cup knock-out stage confirmation

Harry Kane's crucial miss delays England's World Cup knock-out stage confirmation

Rediff.com6 days ago

England captain Harry Kane missed a crucial opportunity against Ghana, blazing a close-range shot over the bar, which denied his side an immediate spot in the World Cup round of 32. The 0-0 draw means England must now wait to confirm their progression.

Nandan Nilekani On How AI Will Amplify IT Firms

Nandan Nilekani On How AI Will Amplify IT Firms

Rediff.com6 days ago

Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani stated that artificial intelligence will amplify, not replace, IT firms, projecting a massive USD 400 billion AI-first services opportunity by 2030. Addressing shareholders, he highlighted Infosys's readiness to help clients navigate enterprise AI complexities and capitalise on the structural shift in technology.

PCB unveils format-based central contracts ahead of formation of separate Test, T20 squads

PCB unveils format-based central contracts ahead of formation of separate Test, T20 squads

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing a new central contract system based on cricket formats, aiming to create separate teams for Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. This initiative seeks to specialise players and ensure fair compensation for Test specialists, with different salary tiers and qualification criteria for each category.

Chhattisgarh HC allows suicide abetment accused to take NEET-UG re-exam

Chhattisgarh HC allows suicide abetment accused to take NEET-UG re-exam

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has permitted a 21-year-old man, accused in a suicide abetment case and currently in jail, to appear for the NEET-2026 examination under police escort. The court also directed jail authorities to provide him with study material. This decision came after his plea for temporary bail to take the exam was heard, with the court opting for police custody over bail due to the seriousness of the alleged offence.

Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel Faces Allegations Of Sexual Assault, Intimidation

Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel Faces Allegations Of Sexual Assault, Intimidation

Rediff.com6 days ago

Bengal and Delhi Capitals cricketer Abishek Porel is facing a police complaint from a woman who alleges he engaged in a sexual relationship under the false promise of marriage, and subjected her to assault and criminal intimidation. Porel has strongly denied all allegations, and police have begun an investigation.

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A doctor in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, has been suspended following an inquiry into alleged large-scale procedural irregularities, including a pacemaker implantation scam where nearly 50 per cent of evaluated patients underwent unnecessary advanced cardiac surgical procedures. The inquiry revealed fraudulent insurance claims, patient exploitation, and manipulation of medical records.

FIFA World Cup: 'Hydration breaks add nothing but take away a lot'

FIFA World Cup: 'Hydration breaks add nothing but take away a lot'

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the hydration breaks introduced in each half of matches at the World Cup add nothing to football while destroying the sport's cultural essence.

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are reportedly heading to Switzerland for a new round of US-Iran negotiations, following a recently announced memorandum of understanding to end hostilities in West Asia and a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Ex-Wimbledon champion Vondrousova Banned For Four Years Over Doping Test Refusal

Ex-Wimbledon champion Vondrousova Banned For Four Years Over Doping Test Refusal

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former Wimbledon women's champion Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended for four years by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for refusing an out-of-competition anti-doping test in December.

Indian-American Sahith Theegala In Contention At US Open

Indian-American Sahith Theegala In Contention At US Open

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Indian-American golfer Sahith Theegala is T-2 after the third round of the 2026 US Open, carding an even-par 70. He shares second place with Scottie Scheffler, Tom Kim, and Sam Stevens, positioning himself as a strong contender for the final round, though leader Wyndham Clark holds a six-shot lead.

US Senate passes resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers

US Senate passes resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers

Rediff.com6 days ago

The US Senate passed a resolution directing then-President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from the conflict with Iran. This bipartisan vote, though largely symbolic as a concurrent resolution, highlighted congressional concerns over potential escalation and a desire to limit presidential military authority without legislative approval.

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

Rediff.com6 days ago

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mocked the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the assembly following the defection of six of its Lok Sabha MPs to his faction. Shinde stated that the opposition had lost its mental balance and predicted more "shocks" for them. The jibe came after opposition MLAs, including Aaditya Thackeray, walked out over procedural objections during the monsoon session.