Rediff

Air India Express and Air India have cancelled flights to Riyadh until October 10 following reported Houthi militant attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports in Saudi Arabia. Other airlines like Akasa Air have also suspended services, offering refunds or rescheduling to affected passengers as the situation is closely monitored.

A senior Pakistan Army general has confirmed the presence of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia, operating in multiple capabilities and domains amidst escalating Houthi attacks. This deployment is linked to the Makkah defence pact, a trilateral agreement with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for collective deterrence, though specific details remain classified. Both Pakistan and Turkiye emphasise the defensive nature of their involvement.

Police in Thane are investigating the source of a costly firearm used in the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar. Two key accused, Nikhil Yadav and Nitesh Pawar, have had their police custody extended until October 13 as authorities seek to identify the mastermind and procurement chain behind the September 29 killing.

Punjab Police, in a joint operation with the BSF, recovered over 20 kg of heroin in Ferozepur. The drugs were airdropped via drone from across the border. The seizure also included other items like rods, motorcycles, and silver anklets with Pakistani markings.

An 85-year-old woman was allegedly cheated of Rs 76.50 lakh by a bank manager and his family on the pretext of investing in shares. The manager, Jay Mukesh Mehta, was arrested after being on the run for six months, while his wife, father, mother, and brother remain absconding. The family reportedly duped others using the same method.

Following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, a Maharashtra village, Dhondalgaon, recalls how his NAAM Foundation funded a water conservation project ten years ago, transforming it from a drought-prone area to a 'tanker-free' and economically thriving community. The project, which involved desilting barrages, boosted agriculture and dairy farming, and eliminated farmer suicides.

A school teacher in Jharkhand's Garhwa district was arrested on Thursday for allegedly abducting and sexually exploiting a minor Class 10 student. The FIR was lodged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and POCSO Act after villagers intercepted the teacher and student on Wednesday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled an alleged impersonation and cheating network spanning Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, and West Bengal. Four individuals, including a CGST inspector, have been arrested for fraudulently infiltrating public examination selection processes by posing as candidates. The CBI's investigation is ongoing to identify further accomplices.

Dewas Police in Madhya Pradesh have arrested five members of a gang, including three women, for allegedly defrauding men seeking brides through sham marriages. The gang would arrange weddings, collect money, and then the 'bride' would flee. Preliminary investigations indicate at least four families were defrauded, with one victim losing Rs 1.50 lakh.

The Indian government has decided to cap trade margins on all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30 per cent of their maximum retail price. This move aims to improve affordability and ensure continued availability of these life-saving medicines, potentially saving cancer patients an estimated Rs 2,500 crore annually. The decision, expected to be implemented later this month, will affect 110 anti-cancer drugs, including 35 patented ones.

Canadian author Anne Carson has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature for her old and inventive oeuvre that blends classical tradition with contemporary forms. The Swedish Academy highlighted her distinctive work spanning poetry, translation, and literary scholarship, noting her unique approach to language and ancient texts. Carson's career is marked by her ability to create new literary forms by placing classical authors alongside modern writers and transforming mythological figures

A gym operator in Surendranagar, Gujarat, has been arrested for allegedly blackmailing and extorting young women by falsely claiming to have their private photos from hidden cameras. Police conducted a decoy operation with female officers joining the gym to gather evidence before his arrest.

The Punjab government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a rape case in Anandpur Sahib involving former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The SIT aims to address several unanswered questions regarding the alleged incident, including the complainant's arrival from Bahrain and her stay at an SGPC-managed lodge. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured a swift, transparent, and in-depth investigation.

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has registered a new FIR to investigate the violence that occurred during the Cockroach Janta Party's protest in the national capital on July 20. The probe will examine if the violence was premeditated and identify those responsible, following the Supreme Court's cancellation of 17 earlier FIRs. The investigation will also consider the role of individuals with criminal backgrounds identified via facial recognition, amidst plans for another CJP protest for which perm

A Delhi court has ordered the framing of corruption charges against Ved Pal, a former Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) assistant sanitary inspector. He is accused of demanding and accepting bribes from a sweeper, Naresh, who provided audio-video recordings as evidence. The court found a prima facie case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Crime Branch in Jammu has filed a chargesheet against two siblings, Poonam Sharma and Akash Sharma, for alleged visa fraud. They are accused of operating an unregistered consultancy, Futuristic Education Consultancy, and providing a fake job offer letter to a complainant who paid Rs 2.30 lakh for an Australian work visa.

Telangana's anti-narcotics unit, EAGLE Force, apprehended a 27-year-old man in Hyderabad for allegedly peddling drugs. Four ecstasy pills (MDMA) and three LSD blots were seized from him. The accused reportedly purchased the drugs in Goa and concealed them in his flat before his arrest. An investigation is underway to trace absconding suppliers and associates.

Looking back at Nana Patekar's remarkable life and illustrious career through a collection of photographs.

Thane Crime Branch arrested two individuals with 2.72 kilograms of ambergris, also known as whale vomit, valued at Rs 2.72 crore in the international market. The protected marine substance, used in luxury perfumes, was seized during a trap operation, and a case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act.

The Special Operations Group (SOG) of police arrested two alleged associates of the Khauf gang in Jammu and Samba, recovering three firearms and heroin. The accused, Vansh Sharma and Yogeshwar Singh, are linked to an illegal weapons supply network and Punjab-based gangsters planning a targeted attack.

A new US study reveals that individuals with high neuroticism are more susceptible to prolonged mental distress during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, based on over 100,000 survey responses, found that neuroticism significantly increased anxiety and depression symptoms, persisting even into the post-pandemic period. The findings suggest personality traits can help identify vulnerable groups for targeted mental health support.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her potential participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission over alleged electoral malpractices and SIR anomalies in Bengal. Banerjee also expressed solidarity with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra regarding their treatment during recent protests and plans to approach President Droupadi Murmu.

The Bombay High Court questioned former assistant police inspector Sachin Waze's use of high-end cars and extended hotel stays, linking it to extortion allegations. The court is hearing an NIA appeal against Waze's bail in the Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case, with the NIA arguing against his release due to potential tampering and past conduct.

A Fast Track Court in Surajpur, Chhattisgarh, has sentenced three men to death and one to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a policeman's wife and their 11-year-old daughter in 2024, a case that also involved sexual assault.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Delhi police commissioner regarding allegations of sexual harassment against three women journalists by police personnel. The alleged incident occurred during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3. The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of media reports, deeming the allegations a serious violation of human rights. The Delhi Police Crime Branch is reportedly investigating the complaints.

A 17-year-old boy driving a rented Audi car allegedly crashed into three vehicles in southwest Delhi's Kishangarh, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old pedestrian. Police have apprehended the juvenile, seized the vehicles, and are investigating the car rental company for leasing the luxury car to a minor.

Two policemen in Maharashtra's Jalna district are under investigation following allegations of corruption. A viral audio recording purportedly captures one officer demanding a bribe to avoid arresting an individual in a diesel theft case, despite the person having secured bail. The district's Superintendent of Police has initiated a probe into the matter.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised the CBI raids on his OSD and others, alleging it's part of the BJP's election campaign strategy in non-BJP ruled states. The CBI registered a corruption case following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which noted prima facie evidence of corruption. Mann dismissed the allegations, stating his government is not involved in corruption and will cooperate with investigations.

The INDIA bloc MPs and leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, gathered for a lunch before heading to Rajghat to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This marks the third consecutive day of protests, with opposition leaders demanding Kumar's resignation and alleging collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission. They have also sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu regarding the issue.

'...He would have hated to be ill or to be hospitalised.'

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has made a significant breakthrough, arresting Parminder Kaka alias Parminder Prasad, an alleged associate of the Goldy Dhillon gang, for his suspected role as the shooter in the high-profile murder of Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar.

The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a middleman and detained a senior medical officer in Bharatpur for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 35,000 bribe to prepare a medical report showing grievous injuries. An investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act is ongoing.

Delhi Police have busted a major interstate racket involved in forging disability certificates to facilitate admissions under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category. Nine individuals have been apprehended, and 27 fake certificates were recovered. The network allegedly manipulated Aadhaar addresses using AI tools and involved education consultants and government employees across Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi Police seized 78,800 banned foreign cigarette sticks of nine international brands and arrested a 45-year-old man, Junaid Ahmed, for illegal stocking and sale. The action followed a tip-off and a raid in Khari Baoli, where the cigarettes were found without mandatory health warnings.

India has strongly condemned the recent Houthi militant attacks on two Saudi Arabian airports, asserting that the targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable.

Two suspects involved in a murder case were arrested in Faridabad after a police encounter in Sector 62. One suspect sustained a gunshot injury. The arrests follow an attack on Sunday night that resulted in one death and one injury.

The CBI has arrested the principal of an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Nuapada, Odisha, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 12,000. The principal was accused of seeking money for recommending a woman's service extension as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) at the school.

Prominent figures including CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and actor-activist Prakash Raj led a protest in Bengaluru on Thursday. They demanded the immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Integrated Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with protesters raising slogans against vote theft and dictatorship.

A man named Fayaz Ahmad has been arrested in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly creating and sharing a digitally edited video on social media that depicted a fake explosion at a Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) camp along the India-Nepal border. The video, which targeted a sensitive security installation, led to an investigation and his subsequent arrest for breach of peace.

A private school founder and principal in Latur has been arrested on Thursday for allegedly sexually harassing minor girl students. The 54-year-old accused had been absconding since a case was registered against him on October 4 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act. Police teams tracked him down and took him into custody on Wednesday night.

No shade or genre was a roadblock for Nana Patekar. In fact, some of his movies only age well because we associate them with his terrific presence.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh stated on Thursday that the IAF's operational capabilities are advancing and the force is prepared for any challenges, highlighting its growth into a world-class, multi-domain force during the 94th Air Force Day celebrations in Hindan. He also mentioned his upcoming superannuation and the display of combat assets.

A Delhi court has framed charges against a bus driver and conductor for the alleged kidnapping and gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl inside a sleeper bus in August. The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with the trial set to begin with the victim's evidence on October 24.

'It has been a very long time since I sat with him or met him. He was his own kind of person; he didn't mix much with anyone.'

'I still can't believe this can so suddenly happen to a man, as strong as him.'

Police in Thrissur have registered a case under the POCSO Act against a female social media influencer and motivational speaker for allegedly sexually harassing an 11-year-old boy. A detailed investigation is underway, and the minor's statement has been recorded.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with other party workers, for allegedly assaulting police personnel and obstructing government work during a protest on Wednesday. The protest involved INDIA bloc leaders and led to the detention of 91 people.

'We all have to go someday. I don't know whether I will be here tomorrow. That time comes in the life of everyone. But before that time comes (we have to think, whether) am I able to do what I want to do? Have I made the effort?'

An IndiGo flight from Patna to Lucknow sustained damage to its nose section upon landing at Lucknow airport on Wednesday. All 104 passengers were safe, and the damage was discovered by the airport team post-landing. An investigation is underway, with lightning during adverse weather being a preliminary possibility.

'Without that one critical irrigation, the entire crop can be lost.'