News for '-free'

Punitive action against student dissent unconstitutional: SC judge

Punitive action against student dissent unconstitutional: SC judge

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that threatening students with punitive action for expressing different views or asking questions is unconstitutional and a misuse of power. He emphasised that universities should foster free thinking and disagreement, as tolerance and dissent are fundamental constitutional values essential for a liberal democracy.

Modi's SCO vision: 'Security, Connectivity, Opportunity'

Modi's SCO vision: 'Security, Connectivity, Opportunity'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a two-nation tour to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, where he will attend the SCO Summit. He aims to advance India's vision for the region, focusing on security, connectivity, and opportunity, and to strengthen strategic partnerships in Central Asia, fostering a region free from terrorism.

7 Wonderful Car-Free Places

7 Wonderful Car-Free Places

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Visit places without emissions, car noise pollution.

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

'There Will Be No Water In The Rivers!'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'All the glaciers will disappear!'

Pakistan court returns Hindu girl to family after forced marriage, conversion to Islam

Pakistan court returns Hindu girl to family after forced marriage, conversion to Islam

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A Pakistani court has ordered the return of 21-year-old Hindu girl Shirimati Reeta to her parents after she was allegedly lured, pressured to convert to Islam, and marry a Muslim man. Reeta, who had gone missing from Sindh, was recovered by police in Punjab and stated in court her desire to return home, highlighting the ongoing issue of forced conversions among minority girls in Pakistan.

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by India, to designate November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to combat this harmful practice, which disproportionately affects women and girls, hindering their education, health, and overall human rights.

Auto, Healthcare, Retail Drive 14% Rise in White-Collar Hiring

Auto, Healthcare, Retail Drive 14% Rise in White-Collar Hiring

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India's white-collar job market experienced a 14 per cent year-on-year growth in August, with the auto, healthcare, and retail sectors leading the surge, according to a report by Naukri.com.

Vinesh Phogat Moves Delhi HC Over World Championship Trials

Vinesh Phogat Moves Delhi HC Over World Championship Trials

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has sought WFI's response on Vinesh Phogat's plea to participate in the September 14 selection trials for the 2026 World Championship.

'I have a good chance': Karkera eyes Asian Games podium

'I have a good chance': Karkera eyes Asian Games podium

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Asian Games debutant Kartik Karkera, an orthopaedic doctor, expresses confidence in securing a podium finish in the men's marathon despite facing faster international competitors. He believes the challenging heat and humidity will make it a tactical race, playing to his strengths, and prioritises a medal over a personal best. Karkera also highlights the advantage of his 1500m background and medical knowledge in his training.

2 dead, 130 'Govindas' injured in Dahi Handi festivities in Maha

2 dead, 130 'Govindas' injured in Dahi Handi festivities in Maha

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra turned tragic with two fatalities and over 130 'Govindas' injured. A seven-year-old boy died in Mumbai after a brick column collapsed, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune. Authorities are investigating the incidents, and political leaders have urged for safety during the festivities.

Haiwaan Review: Akshay Hams, Saif Bores

Haiwaan Review: Akshay Hams, Saif Bores

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Haiwaan's staggeringly foolish notions make for unintended comedy, rues Sukanya Verma.

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a comprehensive order mandating free drinking water for customers in all food establishments, banning food served in newspapers, and introducing rigorous operational standards. These new regulations aim to improve food safety, hygiene, and transparency across hotels, restaurants, and other food service providers in the state.

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

A proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat-Assembly complex in Pattinapakkam, Chennai, has ignited significant opposition from local fishing communities and various political parties. Residents fear displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental damage, citing ancestral rights and broken promises. Political leaders across the spectrum are urging Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to reconsider the site, highlighting concerns about ecological impact, traffic, and financial priorities.

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'

When Will Tata Sons List?

When Will Tata Sons List?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

'Listing leads to greater transparency and shareholder oversight.'

Nilekani Panel Invites Exam Reform Suggestions

Nilekani Panel Invites Exam Reform Suggestions

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The task force's move to directly solicit views from students, parents and teachers marks a parallel effort to bring education stakeholders into the reform process.

Champions League PIX: Torres 'ticks' for PSG; Arsenal, Liverpool win

Champions League PIX: Torres 'ticks' for PSG; Arsenal, Liverpool win

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The UEFA Champions League group stage commenced with thrilling matches as holders Paris St Germain, Arsenal, and Liverpool all secured victories. Ferran Torres netted a hat-trick for PSG in their dominant 6-1 win, while Martin Odegaard's late strike gave Arsenal a 1-0 triumph over Napoli. Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1, and Barcelona also started strong with a 5-1 win against Feyenoord.

Lalu, Rabri, Tejashwi among nine charged in IRCTC hotel scam

Lalu, Rabri, Tejashwi among nine charged in IRCTC hotel scam

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has ordered the framing of money laundering charges against former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and six others in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam. The court found strong suspicion of a manipulated tender for railway hotels and a quid pro quo involving land transfer at undervalued rates.

Khushi, Kriti Are Wearing Their Superwoman Capes

Khushi, Kriti Are Wearing Their Superwoman Capes

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The dupatta has officially met its match. Why spend half the evening pinning, pleating and desperately trying to keep a piece of fabric from slipping off your shoulder when you can simply throw on a cape and call it a day?

'Putting certain things...': HC orders CJP to remove posts against BJP leader

'Putting certain things...': HC orders CJP to remove posts against BJP leader

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to remove allegedly objectionable social media posts targeting BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia. The court emphasised the need for verified and articulate expression, even while acknowledging the youth's right to protest. The case involves a defamation lawsuit filed by Bhatia over posts containing a wrongly attributed quote.

Angad Cheema Fires Career-Low 61 To Take Two-Shot Lead At Telangana Open

Angad Cheema Fires Career-Low 61 To Take Two-Shot Lead At Telangana Open

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Angad Cheema delivered a career-best, bogey-free 11-under 61 in Round 2 of the Rs one-crore Telangana Open, establishing a two-shot lead at 13-under 131. Delhi's Rashid Khan is in second place, while Hyderabad's Vishesh Sharma holds third. The cut was made at one-under 143, with 50 players advancing.

Asus VM240 AiO Launched In India: Price, Features And More

Asus VM240 AiO Launched In India: Price, Features And More

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Asus VM240 AiO combines a sleek, space-saving design with AMD Ryzen 5 performance, a 24-inch display and AI-powered features. Priced at Rs. 66,990, the all-in-one desktop is now available to buy in India, offering a clutter-free setup for work, entertainment and everyday computing.

Sona Is Like The Morning Sun!

Sona Is Like The Morning Sun!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Sona Olickal's style feels like a sunny little wardrobe vacation. There's plenty of breezy femininity, playful prints and bohemian ease, but the Once More actress can just as easily switch into rich silks, statement jewellery or cool streetwear.

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.

EPL PIX: Saka's strike gives Arsenal narrow win over Aston Villa

EPL PIX: Saka's strike gives Arsenal narrow win over Aston Villa

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Bukayo Saka's second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Arsenal against Aston Villa, marking their second consecutive win in the Premier League season.

Mayawati expels nephew Akash Anand from BSP

Mayawati expels nephew Akash Anand from BSP

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

BSP chief Mayawati has announced that her nephew Akash Anand has been "completely freed" from the party, following his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth's retirement from politics. Mayawati questioned Anand's commitment, suggesting his personal and family interests outweighed the party's, especially after his failure to repost her X post regarding Siddharth's retirement. This decision comes as the BSP prepares for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Chowrasia's Bogey-Free 62 Propels Him To Lead

Chowrasia's Bogey-Free 62 Propels Him To Lead

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Sunit Chowrasia, nephew of SSP Chawrasia, fired a bogey-free eight-under 62 to take a two-shot lead after the second round of the DP World PGTI NexGen Vijay Kumar Memorial tournament in Lucknow. He now stands at eight-under 132, while overnight leader Abhishek Kumar is in second place.

SBI's Rs 15 Lakhs-Rs 15,000 Scholarships For School, UG, PG Students

SBI's Rs 15 Lakhs-Rs 15,000 Scholarships For School, UG, PG Students

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship is one of India's major scholarship programmes, designed to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections. The scholarship covers students from Class 9 onwards, including those pursuing higher education in India and abroad, helping ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of quality education.

Contest Nandigram by-poll, we won't field candidate: TMC rebels to Mamata

Contest Nandigram by-poll, we won't field candidate: TMC rebels to Mamata

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The battle for the Trinamool Congress' name and election symbol is spilling into the Nandigram bypoll, with the rebel faction asking party supremo Mamata Banerjee to contest from there, promising not to field a candidate against her.

Historic Qualification: India's U20 Football Team Secures AFC Asian Cup Berth

Historic Qualification: India's U20 Football Team Secures AFC Asian Cup Berth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

India's U20 football team secured a historic qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament after a 20-year hiatus, following a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed their spot as one of the best runners-up, with the main tournament scheduled for 2027 in China.

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A bipartisan US body claimed that religious freedom conditions in India remained on the downward trajectory in 2026, citing restrictions on activities of NGOs, censorship and transnational repression.

EPL: Maitland-Niles' stunning debut goal salvages point for Everton against Man Utd

EPL: Maitland-Niles' stunning debut goal salvages point for Everton against Man Utd

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a spectacular equaliser on his Everton debut in the dying moments of the game, securing a 2-2 draw against Manchester United after Benjamin Sesko had put United ahead late on.

'Vaibhav bhai, Vaibhav ji': 12,000 fans turn up for Sooryavanshi

'Vaibhav bhai, Vaibhav ji': 12,000 fans turn up for Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Fifteen-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the latest sensation in Indian cricket, drawing massive crowds to the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. Following an explosive IPL 2026 season, the young left-hander showcased his talent with a quickfire innings, earning praise from experts and captivating fans who see him as the future of the sport.

Blue Colts Secure Crucial Win, Eye AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualification

Blue Colts Secure Crucial Win, Eye AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualification

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

India's U20 football team secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers group match. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed the win, bringing India's total to six points. The team's qualification for the main tournament, potentially after 20 years, now hinges on the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan match.

Star Strikers Mbappe And Haaland Shine As Champions League Kicks Off

Star Strikers Mbappe And Haaland Shine As Champions League Kicks Off

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The new Champions League season kicked off with star performances from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, securing wins for Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively. Jose Mourinho's Madrid overcame Inter Milan, while City defeated Porto. Other matches saw Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Aston Villa, and AEK Athens also claim victories.

As accommodation concerns grow, Asian Games cricket teams given freedom to choose hotels

As accommodation concerns grow, Asian Games cricket teams given freedom to choose hotels

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns raised by leading cricketing nations regarding accommodation and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games. Miyaji clarified that hotel stays are offered, teams can make their own arrangements, and temporary yet comfortable facilities have been prepared for players, including washrooms and dressing rooms, despite tight timelines and resource limitations.

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has pledged to ensure justice for Nishu Azad's father, who was severely injured during protests at Jantar Mantar. Paswan has filed a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly assaulted Azad's father and boasted about it, claiming political connections. Bhardwaj has since been detained. Paswan also called for an investigation into molestation allegations against a state minister from his party.

AG.AL Dominates Esports World Cup 2026 To Claim Club Championship

AG.AL Dominates Esports World Cup 2026 To Claim Club Championship

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

AG.AL has been crowned the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Champion, winning a USD 7 million prize from a record-breaking USD 75 million total pool. Their victory was secured after a dramatic win in Trackmania, capping a seven-week competition.

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'

India, US Equity Markets Less Attractive on FCF Yields; Real Estate Sales Moderate

India, US Equity Markets Less Attractive on FCF Yields; Real Estate Sales Moderate

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A Goldman Sachs report indicates that US and Indian equity markets are becoming less attractive due to lower free cash flow (FCF) yields as valuations rise, while European markets offer significantly higher yields. Concurrently, India's top-listed residential real estate developers experienced a moderation in pre-sales in Q1FY27, attributed to delayed project approvals, limited launches, and high year-ago bases, though underlying housing demand remains healthy.