Rediff

Police in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested two alleged drug traffickers, including a woman, and seized over a kilogram of 'smack' (adulterated heroin) worth approximately Rs 2.05 crore. The arrests were part of Operation Savera, with one of the accused, Shahzad alias Kallu, identified as a habitual offender with multiple prior cases.

The article explores Mohammed Shami's potential return to the Indian cricket team, drawing parallels with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent comeback. It details Bhuvneshwar's impressive IPL performances and mentoring role, contrasting them with Shami's strong domestic cricket form since late 2024, and highlights the Bengal pacer's continued motivation for national selection.

Police in Gorakhpur have launched a murder investigation into the death of a 38-year-old CISF jawan, Karamveer Yadav, whose body was found near an embankment with a severe head injury. A case was registered after the post-mortem findings, and authorities are examining evidence and the deceased's recent contacts.

The Chhattisgarh government has blacklisted Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) for three years on Wednesday. This action follows OICL's rejection of an insurance claim for a government helicopter that crashed in May 2022, killing two pilots. The claim was rejected in August this year after being pending for more than four years, leading the state to pursue administrative and legal remedies.

Palwal police have arrested three proclaimed offenders, including a woman, who had been absconding for nearly 18 years in connection with a 2008 dowry death case. The accused were declared proclaimed offenders in January 2010 and were produced in court on Wednesday.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has been fined Rs 1,000 by a city court for her repeated failure to appear in a 10-year-old assault case where she is an accused. The court cautioned that her absence at the next hearing on November 2 could lead to the issuance of a warrant and cancellation of bail bonds. The incident dates back to July 2016, when Tawde, then a corporator, allegedly assaulted schoolteachers.

Telangana's anti-narcotics unit, EAGLE Force, apprehended a 27-year-old man near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, seizing 35 kg of ganja worth Rs 15.5 lakh. The accused was allegedly transporting the contraband from Odisha to Ongole, highlighting inter-state drug trafficking networks. Authorities are investigating to identify the source and recipients.

A Delhi court rejected the bail plea of Hariom, accused under the stringent MCOCA, stating that prolonged incarceration alone is not sufficient grounds for bail under special laws. The court emphasised balancing individual liberty with societal protection and legislative objectives.

Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz expressed his disappointment over losing the Asian Games gold medal match against India, citing small mistakes as the reason for their defeat. Despite scoring 96 runs in the final, Nawaz felt the team could have won and highlighted the challenge of playing against India. He also spoke about his personal comeback and future aspirations in cricket.

National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged protection officers to prioritise first response in domestic violence cases, emphasising sensitive handling and immediate intervention to prevent tragedies. She highlighted that the success of protection officers lies in timely protection for women, not just file processing. Rahatkar stressed the importance of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and called for a comprehensive One Woman, One Support System appro

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and head coach Gautam Gambhir have lauded former chief selector Ajit Agarkar for his highly successful three-year tenure, which saw India win three ICC trophies and achieve significant white-ball dominance.

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of widespread corruption, claiming its downfall is imminent. His remarks follow a CBI case against an OSD to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other officials, leading to protests by BJP workers. Former Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also criticised the AAP, highlighting the high court's role in the investigation.

The NIA informed the Bombay High Court that dismissed police officer Sachin Waze planted an explosives-laden SUV near Mukesh Ambani's residence in 2021 to gain fame as a super cop by solving the case himself. The agency further alleged that Waze murdered his friend Mansukh Hiran, who owned the vehicle, fearing he would expose the conspiracy. The High Court extended its interim stay on Waze's bail, which was previously granted by a special court.

Andhra Pradesh police have revealed that female Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) are actively targeting Indian defence personnel through social media, honey traps, and financial inducements to extract sensitive information. Under Operation Firewall-2026, two individuals, including a naval staffer, were arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, with 13 naval personnel among 18 suspects involved in the espionage conspiracy.

Travis Head launched a fiery defence of Australia's Test team, lambasting former players for unfair criticism while backing Nic Maddinson's recall and dismissing doubts over his opening role.

Russia has expressed gratitude for India's readiness to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict, while Ukraine's Foreign Minister praised India's ceasefire proposal as the roadest among those received. President Putin also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's very good ideas for a mutual settlement, highlighting India's intensified diplomatic efforts focusing on Black Sea safety, grain exports, and energy supplies.

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to consider a representation for standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding the mandatory use of 'always-on' body-worn cameras by police and Rapid Action Force personnel during crowd control and protest management. The court asked the government to respond within six months, emphasising accountability in situations involving allegations of excessive force.

Smriti Mandhana, the newly-appointed India women's cricket team captain, praised Harmanpreet Kaur's fantastic decade-long leadership after Kaur stepped down from the role. Mandhana expressed her desire to continue their journey together, while Harmanpreet will remain a part of the team for the upcoming Zimbabwe series.

Former England captain Gary Lineker has urged Manchester City to admit their breaches of the Premier League's financial rules and accept their punishment, suggesting he wouldn't be surprised if they were stripped of titles.

An IndianOil officer, Mahesh Shelke, was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon while inspecting a petrol pump in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Indian Oil Corporation have called for swift and strict action against those responsible. The incident draws parallels to the 2005 killing of another IOC officer, S Manjunath.

The Bombay High Court affirmed the right of students to protest alleged malpractices in MPSC examinations, stating they are not anti-social elements. The court stressed the state's duty to ensure impartial exams and asked the government to submit a roadmap within three weeks, while also urging students to return to their studies.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad received a bomb threat email during an India Under-19 vs Australia Under-19 cricket match, with the sender claiming association with the 'Khalistan National Army' and also warning of blasts at upcoming Diljit Dosanjh concerts.

Newly-appointed Delhi Capitals head coach Sourav Ganguly expresses confidence in Rishabh Pant's return to form and his perfect fit in the team's middle order for the upcoming IPL season. Ganguly also outlines his vision for the team, aiming to lead them to success after a period away from the franchise.

India is determined to host the 2036 Olympics as part of a broader strategy to become a global sporting superpower, despite challenges like limited multi-sport event experience and a poor doping record, according to Indian Olympic Association CEO Raghuram Iyer.

Several Indian wrestlers, including U17 World Champion Neha Sangwan, have been denied US visas for the upcoming U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, citing age and unemployment. The Wrestling Federation of India has urged the US Embassy to reconsider, highlighting that the athletes are within the U23 age group and many are still pursuing their careers.

Delhi High Court Justice Prateek Jalan recused himself from a case concerning the Centre's eviction proceedings against the Delhi Gymkhana Club. The case involves separate lawsuits filed by a club member and the staff welfare association challenging the termination of the club's lease and a subsequent eviction notice.

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, protesting alleged 'vote chori' and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This protest followed an eight-hour dharna on Tuesday, where MPs sought a meeting with election commissioners. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge asserted their unity and resolve to fight for people's rights despite FIRs being registered against them.

The Sports Ministry has established a seven-member committee, including representatives from Hockey India, HIL franchises, and the ministry, to address the crisis and work towards the revival of the Hockey India League. This follows a September meeting where Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya discussed concerns with stakeholders, aiming to resolve issues related to governance, finance, and structure.

Following a successful campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, India women's boxing head coach Santiago Nieva is prioritising securing as many Olympic quotas as possible at the earliest for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, starting with the World Championships 2027 in Kazakhstan.

Indian men's doubles pair Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy secured a significant victory over fifth seeds He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu of China to reach the second round of the Arctic Open Super 500. HS Prannoy, however, was eliminated in the opening round, while Tanvi Sharma advanced and Isharani Baruah lost.

Today, October 7, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit called on Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, following the announcement of his appointment as the next Chief of the Air Staff.

Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been chosen as flag bearers for the Indian contingent at the upcoming Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from October 18 to 24. Both athletes have significant achievements in their respective sports, and their selection aims to inspire the team.

India's women's football team, the Blue Tigresses, will play two international friendlies against 27th-ranked Russia in Kolkata. These matches serve as a crucial test for India's young squad, with an average age of 23, as they prepare for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup. Head coach Crispin Chettri views this as an opportunity for emerging players to prove themselves against a stronger opponent.

Esha Deol shares the deeply personal reason behind adopting her legendary father's name.

India U-19 cricket team defeated Australia by 10 wickets on day three of the second Youth Test in Ahmedabad, securing a 2-0 series victory. Left-arm spinner Tanmay Baloda was the star performer, taking an impressive 14 wickets in the match, including 8/41 in the second innings. Australia were bowled out for 151, setting India a target of just 11 runs, which they chased down quickly.

The second edition of the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships has commenced in Ahmedabad, featuring 144 players from 42 nations competing across various disciplines. This four-day event, hosted by the BSFI, marks the first time India is staging the prestigious championships, with a strong Indian contingent participating, including medallists from the inaugural edition in Mauritius in 2025.

Jude Bellingham has lauded Harry Kane as England's 'greatest-ever player' after the captain marked his record-equalling 125th appearance with two goals and an assist in a 3-0 Nations League victory over the Czech Republic.

Delhi Police have apprehended four juveniles, all aged 17, for a firing and knife attack in Shahdara. The incident, which occurred on October 5, injured 21-year-old Javed and his aunt. The attack was allegedly carried out to avenge the murder of Akbar in Seemapuri last year, a friend of the juveniles' deceased mentor, Wasim.

Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma is looking to regain his form at the upcoming DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club. The 30-year-old, who has faced a challenging season, is optimistic about his game trending upwards. The prestigious USD 4 million event will feature several top international players, including reigning Major champions, making it a blockbuster tournament.

Police recovered a mobile phone, SIM cards and documents described as incriminating from his possession.

From 2001 to 2025, Iraq accounted for the highest share of deaths globally at 22 per cent, followed by Afghanistan at 20 per cent, and Nigeria at 9 per cent.

Australia and South Africa are set to begin a three-match Test series in Durban, with both teams looking for a boost after recent setbacks. The pitch at Kingsmead is expected to favour spinners, a departure from South Africa's usual seamer-friendly conditions, potentially influencing team selections.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Shreyas Iyer's maiden T20I century against the West Indies, stating it came at an 'important time' and signalled the Indian skipper's return to his best form after a challenging period with the bat.

Shreyas Iyer has surged to a career-best seventh position in the ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings after smashing his maiden T20I century in the opening match of the home series against the West Indies in Lucknow on Tuesday.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has defended its decision to launch a domestic T20 competition, NZ20, over joining Australia's Big Bash League, stating it considered a range of expert opinions beyond a single Deloitte report.

The Supreme Court advised actor Rajpal Yadav to make good movies and entertain people to rebuild his image, as it acknowledged his payment of Rs 1.15 crore in a long-running cheque-bounce case. The court also noted a prospective buyer for his property willing to deposit Rs 85 lakh. Yadav expressed financial losses from his film 'Ata Pata Laapata' and the impact on his career.

Indian-origin filmmaker Arafat Sheikh was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dulles International Airport. Sheikh, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, was taken into custody on September 24 despite having a student visa and a pending immigration application, according to the Free Arafat Sheikh campaign. ICE is responsible for detaining non-citizens for suspected immigration violations.

'My comeback to films has nothing to do with the fact that I wanted money. I came back because of my kids, Rahul and Akshaye.'

Virat Kohli's spokesperson has strongly denied claims by Dinesh Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj, that the cricketer was paid Rs 5 crore for visiting spiritual leader Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan, stating the visits are driven by personal faith.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has partnered with YouTube to stream all 163 matches live and free for the 2026-27 season, aiming to expand its digital reach and remove subscription barriers.