Rediff

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's decision to grant a one-year extension to autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi, alleging it was due to 'pressure from Delhi' and a message to BJP's ally Shiv Sena.

A survivor of a recent ambush in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, which resulted in the deaths of four Naga civilians, has described the attackers as wearing full camouflage uniforms. Gaikamang Ringkangmai, who sustained a bullet injury, recounted how militants ambushed their vehicle, killing four colleagues. The United Naga Council has accused Kuki militant outfits of involvement, while the Chief Minister has ordered action against the perpetrators.

A seminar in New Delhi commemorated Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray's birth anniversary, focusing on his significant contributions to pharmaceutical sciences and his vision for indigenous research and self-reliance. Organised by DPSRU and VIBHA, the event highlighted Ray's pioneering efforts in Swadeshi science and his role in establishing India's pharmaceutical industry.

Penguin Random House India has clarified that it is not the publisher of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, in India. This statement follows reports suggesting the publisher backed out due to Gandhi's refusal of editorial changes. The company maintains it was willing to publish but has a prerogative to fact-check authors. The book's India distribution remains uncertain, though an e-book version is available for pre-order from another publisher.

Several prominent Bollywood and television personalities, including Salman Khan, Bipasha Basu, Alia Bhatt, and Nia Sharma, celebrate Raksha Bandhan with industry colleagues, proving that strong sibling-like connections can form beyond biological ties.

Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was shot dead in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Police, including the UPSTF, are actively investigating, tracing the assailants to Haryana using CCTV footage. A gang has claimed responsibility, and the incident has sparked protests and political criticism over the state's law and order situation.

Tamil Nadu's state-run liquor corporation, TASMAC, is implementing a new automated indent request process for all retail shops starting September 1. This digital system aims to streamline stock distribution, reduce paperwork, and ensure consumers receive their preferred brands based on local demand.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor clarified his use of the word 'drama' in a social media post about the Nepal flash floods, stating he intended it to mean 'a state, situation or series of events involving intensely clashing forces' and regretting the misinterpretation.

An NRI couple from Vadodara, Kinnari and Mihir Patel, who travelled to Nepal from New Zealand, have gone missing after devastating flash floods hit the region, prompting their family to appeal to the government for swift rescue action.

Scientists are examining how a possible glacial collapse and ice-rock avalanche may have triggered the devastating flash floods along Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, with preliminary assessments indicating that debris may have temporarily blocked the Lhende River and created a landslide dam that subsequently gave way.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved the establishment of India's first dedicated Quantum and AI University campus in Amaravati by NIELIT. This significant project, funded by the MeitY, Government of India, will focus on advanced technologies like Quantum, AI, and Semiconductors, integrating education, research, and entrepreneurship.

Mumbai's Koli (fisher) community marked the Narali Purnima festival with sea offerings, folk performances, boat rituals and traditional coconut games.

Whether it's a five-star banquet hall, a school lunch supplier, a blood bank, or a Bollywood actors' surrogate advertisements, Tukaram Mundhe seems to have an opinion, a bye-law, and very possibly an inspection team on standby.

The Hingorani family's decision to part with the Gandhi archive after generations was guided by a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience and to fund initiatives that would extend its legacy.

Umar Ganie captures glimpses from the Chhari-Mubarak procession as sadhus and devotees begin the final journey to the Amarnath cave shrine.

Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have collapsed, leading to the US imposing 50% tariffs on nearly $28 billion worth of Canadian imports, with Canada immediately vowing to retaliate dollar-for-dollar.

Umar Ganie captures glimpses of Srinagar's Waste to Wonder Flower Garden.

The last major business daily to launch in India was Financial Chronicle in April 2008, preceded by Mint on February 1, 2007.

The accident on August 16 resulted in the death of a 26-year-old sales executive.

India has strongly rejected remarks by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) officials calling for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and advising against diplomatic courtesies for its leaders. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson labelled USCIRF a iased organisation with its own agenda, lacking credibility.

A video from Maharashtra's Latur district has gone viral, showing a sarpanch discussing a ate card for bribes allegedly demanded by officials to approve government aid for villagers. The sarpanch claimed that Panchayat Samiti members and officials were demanding money for schemes like wells, cattle sheds, and housing. Authorities have sought an explanation from the sarpanch and are investigating the allegations.

A 27-year-old man with a history of violent offences has been taken into custody after a stabbing incident at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada, left two men injured during morning prayers. The incident, which saw the suspect fail to report to his halfway house, is being investigated by the EPS Hate Crimes Unit.

An Indian national, Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, has been arrested and charged in the US for his alleged role as a money mule in a multi-million-dollar internet and telephone fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. Goswami, a Gujarat native, was detained in Canada while attempting to flee to Qatar, facing charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a complete ban on construction activities from December 10 to January 20 to combat severe winter air pollution. The government will use its AI-powered Dust Portal 2.0 and AI-enabled cameras to monitor construction sites over 500 square metres in real-time, issuing alerts and fines for violations. Citizens are encouraged to report non-compliance.

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been sworn in as Bangladesh's 23rd President, following a contested parliamentary election that saw him defeat Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed. Alamgir, a longtime secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will serve a five-year term.

A 31-year-old software engineer, Vinay Gupta, was allegedly beaten to death by his in-laws in outer Delhi following a matrimonial dispute. His wife had called her family after an argument, leading to the fatal assault. Police have detained four individuals and registered a murder case.

Delhi Police detained several anti-reservation protesters at Jantar Mantar who were demanding that economic criteria be prioritised over caste for government support and reservation. The protest, mobilised via social media by 'Reservation Hatao Andolan', proceeded despite police denying permission for Jantar Mantar and offering Ramlila Ground as an alternative venue. Demonstrators called for a review of the existing reservation system and the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion.

The Bombay high court has taken a firm stance against a Thane restaurant, denying relief and criticising it for serving banned analogue paneer, underscoring the critical importance of food safety and consumer rights in Maharashtra.

Former Rajya Sabha member Saket Gokhale has alleged that the Election Commission refused to disclose details of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's official visits and the expenditure incurred from public funds, citing 'personal information' under the Right to Information Act.

Meghalaya is experiencing escalating tensions marked by arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties, following violence during a Khasi Students' Union rally. The incidents are linked to an inter-state taxi standoff with Assam, leading to deployment of central forces and calls for peace from chief ministers.

Clement Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old Belgian car salesman, has been formally recognised as the son of Prince Laurent of Belgium, ending a long-standing paternity dispute. This recognition grants him royal status and a share of his father's estate, though he plans to keep his mother's surname.

A domestic dispute over a mobile phone tragically led to the deaths of three family members in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. A 19-year-old son, upset after an argument, climbed a hill. His parents followed to persuade him to return, but a desperate attempt to save the son from falling resulted in the father and son plunging to their deaths. The mother, witnessing this, then jumped herself.

The Supreme Court has waived the remaining life sentence of 105-year-old murder convict Rasik Chandra Mondal, allowing him to live as a free man. The decision was made considering his advanced age and health issues, making his interim bail absolute.

Income Tax officials seized Rs 9 crore in cash from a car near Bengaluru's Electronic City, leading to further recovery of Rs 1.3 crore in Tamil Nadu, bringing the total to Rs 10.3 crore. The interception followed police information about illegal cash transportation, and an investigation is underway to determine the source and purpose of the funds.

Tibetan communities across New Delhi, Kolkata and Shimla marked the 49th day since activist Lobsang Palden, also known as Lobga Rangza, immolated himself outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, 2026, with prayer services and protests.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna at Parliament Street police station in New Delhi, demanding an FIR for Sahil Lochab, a youth who sustained pellet injuries during a July 20 protest and later underwent surgery.

A 62-year-old physically-challenged man died after allegedly being pushed out of a moving local train in Mumbai by a fellow passenger following an argument over seating. The incident occurred between Mahim and Bandra railway stations. The accused was apprehended by other passengers and a murder case has been registered. This marks the third such fatal incident on Mumbai local trains this year.

All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe.

A 46-year-old woman was tragically killed by a train in Bhadohi while attempting to save her 20-year-old son, who was trying to die by suicide after she refused him money for liquor. The son sustained injuries and was hospitalised.

Cockroach Janta Party activist Vivek Tiwari's Sadak Satyagraha hunger strike in Palghar, Maharashtra, protesting poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure, has entered its sixth day, drawing support from various political parties.

Former Army chief General Manoj Naravane asserted that while India's immediate attention is on Pakistan due to terrorism, China will be New Delhi's primary long-term competitor across political, economic, trade, and military domains, necessitating a strong military deterrence alongside dialogue.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been transferred from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a comprehensive medical evaluation, following a directive from Pakistan's Supreme Court.

The incident, which also affected goods train movement in the area, occurred around 3 am at Buntara Bhavan, a MHADA building located behind Galaxy Apartment in Indira Nagar.

Several vital parliamentary committees, including those dealing with ethics, rules, and financial matters, are yet to be formally reconstituted. This delay affects the functioning of the Lok Sabha and the oversight of government operations.

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has hinted at a potential re-alliance with the BJP, expressing a desire for agreements that bring progress to Punjab from Delhi. This follows a recent meeting between SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reigniting speculation about the former allies rejoining forces after their 2020 split over farm laws.

The Supreme Court has established a five-member high-powered committee, led by former top court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel during recent demonstrations in Delhi.

The Supreme Court has urged the CBSE to reconsider the implementation of its three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasising that children should not be subjected to undue pressure. The court highlighted concerns about infrastructure, the starting point of the policy, and the definition of 'native' languages.

The Press Club of India clarified it did not organise an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cutout was worshipped and a 'Modi Chalisa' was read. The event, organised by the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, was stopped by club authorities due to violation of rental terms. The organiser plans to build a temple for PM Modi in Bihar, citing his support for the transgender community.

A study conducted on older adults in India suggests that the health of the brain's white matter wiring can help mitigate the cognitive effects of gray matter loss, supporting overall cognitive health. Researchers found that healthier superficial white matter is linked to stronger language skills and may act as a source of resilience against cognitive decline.