News for 'independents'

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era includes freedom from algorithmic influence, emphasising that AI should only assist judges, who must ultimately decide based on constitutional values and human judgment.

Why Judicial Independence Must Evolve In The Age Of AI

Why Judicial Independence Must Evolve In The Age Of AI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era is not just freedom from external power, but also from algorithmic influence, while speaking at a conference in Bengaluru.

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Maya Thakur, a transgender icon, advocates for amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, to include self-identification and protect transgender individuals who wish to remain independent from traditional eunuch communities.

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

CPI(M) MLA Downplays G Sudhakaran's Independent Candidacy

CPI(M) MLA Downplays G Sudhakaran's Independent Candidacy

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

CPI(M) MLA H Salam dismisses the potential impact of senior leader G Sudhakaran contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming Kerala Assembly election, following Sudhakaran's decision to leave the party.

CPI(M) Leaders Clash with G Sudhakaran Over Independent Candidacy

CPI(M) Leaders Clash with G Sudhakaran Over Independent Candidacy

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The conflict between CPI(M) leaders and G Sudhakaran intensifies as he contests as an independent in Ambalapuzha, with accusations and rebuttals exchanged between both sides.

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the establishment of independent appellate tribunals, led by former high court judges, to address appeals related to voter list exclusions in West Bengal, while also cautioning against undermining judicial officers involved in the process.

Trump to put his pic in limited edition American passports

Trump to put his pic in limited edition American passports

Rediff.com3 days ago

The US State Department is set to release a limited-edition passport featuring images of President Donald Trump and the Founding Fathers to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in July. The special passports will be available in person at the Washington Passport Agency.

Rebellion in CPI: Dalit MLA Mukundan to Contest as Independent After Ticket Denial

Rebellion in CPI: Dalit MLA Mukundan to Contest as Independent After Ticket Denial

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Sitting CPI MLA C C Mukundan from Nattika has declared he will contest as an independent after allegedly being denied a party ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections, citing party infighting and caste-related issues.

CPI Candidate Selection in Disarray: Dalit MLA Threatens to Contest as Independent

CPI Candidate Selection in Disarray: Dalit MLA Threatens to Contest as Independent

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Sitting Dalit MLA C C Mukundan from Nattika has openly declared he will contest as an independent after allegedly being denied a CPI ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections, citing party infighting and caste-related issues.

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

Rediff.com3 days ago

The BJP has secured a majority vote share across all categories in the recent local body elections in Gujarat, according to data released by the State Election Commission (SEC). The ruling party swept the elections, winning a significant number of seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats.

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Congress-led UDF is closely monitoring CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming Assembly election. UDF leaders are considering supporting Sudhakaran, while the CPI(M) expresses disappointment and denies mistreatment.

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Rediff.com5 days ago

Dalit organisations in Kerala have called for a state-wide strike to protest the death of Nithin Raj, a dental college student, alleging caste-based harassment and demanding a fair investigation.

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Rediff.com3 days ago

West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 assembly polls since Independence, with a cumulative 92.47 per cent polling in two phases, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.

Why CBI Officers Were Jailed For Assaulting IRS Officer

Why CBI Officers Were Jailed For Assaulting IRS Officer

Rediff.com4 days ago

A Delhi court has sentenced two CBI officers to three months' imprisonment for assaulting and trespassing into the residence of an IRS officer during a raid two decades ago.

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Rediff.com4 days ago

The BJP has taken an early lead in the Gujarat local body elections, winning a significant number of seats as counting progresses. The Congress trails behind, while Independents and other parties, including AAP and AIMIM, have also secured seats.

How Delhi Hospital Gave Woman New Lease Of Life

How Delhi Hospital Gave Woman New Lease Of Life

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Delhi hospital has successfully performed a bilateral hand transplant on a young mother who lost her hands in an accident, thanks to a brain-dead donor's family consenting to the donation.

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd) has stated that the Reserve Bank of India's action on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) has no financial or business impact on the company. The fintech firm clarified it has no material business arrangements or exposure with the banking entity, which operates independently.

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

Rediff.com4 days ago

King Charles III reaffirmed the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, underscored NATO's centrality to global security, and shared light-hearted moments with President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner.

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Rediff.com1 days ago

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has voiced concerns regarding the high rate of doping cases in India and the alleged practice of athletes receiving advance notice before testing, potentially jeopardising the nation's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Payal Kapadia, celebrated for her Grand Prix win at Cannes, has been appointed jury president for the 65th Cannes Critics Week.

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Rediff.com1 days ago

The AAP government in Punjab successfully moved a Confidence Motion in the state assembly, following the defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted the party's strength and national presence during the special session.

boAt Aavante Prime X Brings Theatre-Like Audio Home

boAt Aavante Prime X Brings Theatre-Like Audio Home

Rediff.com3 days ago

The boAt Aavante Prime X is a premium soundbar system designed to deliver an immersive home entertainment experience. With a focus on powerful output, flexible speaker design, and modern connectivity, it aims to bring cinema-like audio into everyday living spaces.

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Rediff.com5 days ago

A statewide hartal called by Dalit organisations seeking justice in the death of a dental college student has disrupted normal life in Kerala, with protesters blocking vehicles and forcing shops to close.

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna has cautioned against the over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, emphasising the need for judicial independence from algorithmic influence. She stressed that AI should only serve as a tool and not replace human judgement, which is guided by legal reasoning, constitutional values, and a deep sense of justice.

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

How Paytm Can Benefit From PPBL Licence Cancellation

How Paytm Can Benefit From PPBL Licence Cancellation

Rediff.com6 days ago

Bernstein brokerage firm maintains 'Outperform' rating for Paytm, stating the PPBL licence cancellation will not impact Paytm's business and may open new regulatory opportunities.

Storm caused Jabalpur cruise boat tragedy: MP minister

Storm caused Jabalpur cruise boat tragedy: MP minister

Rediff.com17 hours ago

Madhya Pradesh tourism minister blames a sudden storm for the cruise boat tragedy in Jabalpur, raising questions about safety checks and vessel fitness.

Think Tank Calls For Probe Into Fake Diabetes Drug Racket

Think Tank Calls For Probe Into Fake Diabetes Drug Racket

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

An independent think tank on policing has called for a multi-agency investigation into the recent unearthing of a spurious Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection manufacturing racket in Gurugram, offering free-of-cost forensic expertise.

Two Jailed For Hoisting Khalistani Flag In Punjab

Two Jailed For Hoisting Khalistani Flag In Punjab

Rediff.com2 days ago

An NIA court has convicted and sentenced two men to imprisonment for hoisting a Khalistani flag on a government building in Punjab's Moga at the instigation of Sikhs for Justice general counsel and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Rediff.com3 days ago

Recent controversies at major IT firms like TCS and Infosys have highlighted a persistent gap between workplace conduct policies and their implementation in corporate India. While companies assert zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, employees and experts point to uneven enforcement and the need to embed ethical behaviour into organisational culture.

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on a PIL alleging large-scale banking fraud involving the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and its firms to May 8.

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Rediff.com4 days ago

Recent controversies at major IT firms like TCS and Infosys have highlighted a persistent gap between workplace conduct policies and their implementation in corporate India. While companies assert zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, employees and experts point to uneven enforcement and the need to embed ethical behaviour into organisational culture.

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, criticising the NIA for ignoring crucial evidence. The court highlighted contradictions in the NIA's investigation compared to the initial probe by the ATS, leaving the question of responsibility for the blasts unanswered.

Husband Must Maintain Wife Despite Financial Issues: High Court

Husband Must Maintain Wife Despite Financial Issues: High Court

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a husband cannot avoid his responsibility to maintain his wife, even if he claims financial hardship.

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Former Mumbai and Baroda first-class cricketer Kiran Powar has been appointed as the head coach of the Assam men's team for the 2026-27 domestic season.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

Robot's Unexpected Hug Sparks AI Safety Debate In China

Robot's Unexpected Hug Sparks AI Safety Debate In China

Rediff.com6 days ago

A humanoid robot performing at a university dance event in China startled the crowd when it unexpectedly hugged a female student, prompting a debate about AI safety and autonomous behaviour.

Why Thane Court Acquitted Five In Trafficking Case

Why Thane Court Acquitted Five In Trafficking Case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A Thane court acquitted five men charged with human trafficking and running a flesh trade, citing critical failures in the prosecution's case, including the non-examination of key witnesses and victims.