News for '-free'

10 Most Powerful Passports. And India...

10 Most Powerful Passports. And India...

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Henley Passport Index 2026 has once again ranked Singapore as the passport offering its people access to the most countries and therefore near-seamless travel accross the planet.

T20 WC: Dube, Varun drive India past Netherlands

T20 WC: Dube, Varun drive India past Netherlands

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Shivam Dube's explosive innings helped India recover from a slow start against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup, after the top order struggled against Aryan Dutt's spin bowling.

NEET-EWS Quota: How A 19 Yr Old Won A Supreme Court Case

NEET-EWS Quota: How A 19 Yr Old Won A Supreme Court Case

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'My argument was straightforward: If the Constitution allows this reservation and SC/ST and OBC candidates are already getting reservation in private institutions -- backed by Constitution Bench orders -- then not extending the same to EWS candidates directly violates the 103rd Amendment and Article 14, which guarantees the right to equality.'

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Next week's three-nation foreign tour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will see India and Oman sign a free trade deal. The visit will also pave the way for agreements with Ethiopia and Jordan to increase India's bilateral trade and investments.

Highlights of RBI's monetary policy

Highlights of RBI's monetary policy

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Benchmark lending rates unchanged with repo rate at 5.25%

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India has joined the US-led 'Pax Silica' alliance, aimed at building a resilient supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic security.

FIH Pro League: India's dreadful run continues

FIH Pro League: India's dreadful run continues

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Argentina outclass India 4-2 in FIH Pro League clash

When Shah Rukh Khan Was Upset With Arundhati Roy

When Shah Rukh Khan Was Upset With Arundhati Roy

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

When Arundhati Roy wrote her first novel God of Small Things, her team reached out to Shah Rukh Khan inviting him to read a passage from the book at its Mumbai launch. Perhaps because he still held a grudge, Khan refused the invitation.

Sensex jumps 487 points on optimism over India-EU FTA

Sensex jumps 487 points on optimism over India-EU FTA

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

From the 30-Sensex firms, Bharat Electronics surged nearly 9 per cent post its December quarter earnings. Eternal, Bajaj Finance, Power Grid, Trent, Mahindra & Mahindra and UltraTech Cement were the other major gainers. Maruti, Sun Pharma, Infosys and Bharti Airtel were among the other laggards.

'Banks not investing in right technology'

'Banks not investing in right technology'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

'There is a challenge in repositioning yourself, maybe reinventing yourself.'

Inside Jammu and Kashmir cricket's rise

Inside Jammu and Kashmir cricket's rise

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

BCCI president Mithun Manhas reflects on the journey of Jammu and Kashmir cricket, from overcoming mismanagement and corruption to reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final.

10 Hard Hitting Movies On Rape

10 Hard Hitting Movies On Rape

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

As Assi gets ready for release this week, Deepa Gahlot lists 10 films that deal with rape in different ways.

UPI Growth Slowdown Rings Alarm

UPI Growth Slowdown Rings Alarm

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

This would imply a 29 per cent year-on-year rise, significantly lower than growth rates seen in recent years.

Market Guru: 'This Is About Capital Preservation'

Market Guru: 'This Is About Capital Preservation'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'The problem is not just slower growth, but also the quality of growth.'

India-EU pact weaves new hope into $100 bn textile export dream

India-EU pact weaves new hope into $100 bn textile export dream

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The proposed trade deal with the 27-nation European Union (EU) is expected to provide zero-duty access to the $95 billion European market for Indian textile and apparel manufacturers. Currently, India's share of the European market is just 6 per cent, or $5.5 billion.

Focus on Abhishek's batting as India take on Netherlands

Focus on Abhishek's batting as India take on Netherlands

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

India will be hoping that Abhishek Sharma returns to his destructive ways and the other batters up their game against spin when the side takes the field for its final T20 World Cup league fixture against the Netherlands.

11 Items That Got Cheaper Post-Budget

11 Items That Got Cheaper Post-Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

What items did Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman make cheaper?

Why Rekha, Karisma Looked So Gorgeous In Zubeidaa

Why Rekha, Karisma Looked So Gorgeous In Zubeidaa

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'What if a ring had gotten stolen, or a gem had fallen? There were uncut diamonds, rubies and emeralds. And the security from the jewellery shop came to watch the shoot.'

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.'

PM pressured to hand over people's data as part of US deal, alleges Rahul

PM pressured to hand over people's data as part of US deal, alleges Rahul

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi claims the Indo-US trade deal will compromise the data security of 1.5 billion Indians, alleging Prime Minister Modi is surrendering India's data resources to the US. He warns of potential job losses in the IT sector due to AI and the importance of controlling India's data pool.

India-EU sign 'mother of all' trade deals, says Modi

India-EU sign 'mother of all' trade deals, says Modi

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying it accounts for 25 per cent of global GDP and one-third of global trade.

Nissanka hits 2026 T20 WC's 1st ton, Sri Lanka crush Australia to enter Super 8s

Nissanka hits 2026 T20 WC's 1st ton, Sri Lanka crush Australia to enter Super 8s

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets in a Group B match to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup in Pallekele.

Atletico Madrid thrash Barcelona in Copa del Rey first leg semis

Atletico Madrid thrash Barcelona in Copa del Rey first leg semis

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The winners of the tie will face Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in the final. Real Sociedad hold a 1-0 advantage ahead of their second leg in San Sebastian on March 4.

Will Cheaper European Cars Hurt Indian Automakers?

Will Cheaper European Cars Hurt Indian Automakers?

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Speculation about rising competition from global majors has led to shares of major Indian automobile manufacturers such as Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Maruti Suzuki India, and Tata Motors taking a hit on the BSE.

Budget 2026 Hits And Misses

Budget 2026 Hits And Misses

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

CA Sumeet Mehta analyses the Union Budget 2026-2027, identifying key positives and negatives.

Barcelona halt Albacete's run to advance to King's Cup semis

Barcelona halt Albacete's run to advance to King's Cup semis

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Barcelona stay on course to defend their Copa del Rey title with a 2-1 win over Albacete.

The Gulf Dream That Led To A Palace

The Gulf Dream That Led To A Palace

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

After spending 43 years working inside Dubai's royal palace, a man from Kottakkal returned home with nothing but gratitude for the life he lived in extraordinary circumstances.

T20 World Cup: Five-star Siddique helps UAE overpower Canada

T20 World Cup: Five-star Siddique helps UAE overpower Canada

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Junaid Siddique's five-wicket haul was complemented by half-centuries Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan as the United Arab Emirates overpowered Canada by five wickets.

17 cancer drugs to become cheaper as FM announces 'trust-based' customs regime

17 cancer drugs to become cheaper as FM announces 'trust-based' customs regime

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Sitharaman in her budget speech said that the customs proposal "aim to further simplify the tariff structure, support domestic manufacturing, promote export competitiveness, and correct inversion in duty".

Champions League: Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan; Newcastle rout Qarabag

Champions League: Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan; Newcastle rout Qarabag

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bodo/Glimt secured an upset 3-1 victory over Serie A leaders Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Wednesday.

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Addressing an event after launching the service, Shah said the rival ride-hailing platforms have reduced commission and are offering many other incentives, including free rides to customers, seeing the success of Bharat Taxi during the pilot operation.

EPF Doubts Cleared: Tax, Transfer, Merger

EPF Doubts Cleared: Tax, Transfer, Merger

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

Realme P4 Power 5G Launches In India

Realme P4 Power 5G Launches In India

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Realme P4 Power 5G Debuts in India with record-breaking 10001 mAh Titan battery, 1.5K AMOLED screen and Dimensity 7400 Ultra Chipset

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 You Can't Buy

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 You Can't Buy

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Samsung has revealed a bespoke Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, crafted solely for competitors at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games.

Construction of Babri-style mosque begins in Murshidabad

Construction of Babri-style mosque begins in Murshidabad

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has initiated the construction of a mosque modeled after the Babri Masjid in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, sparking political reactions and debate.

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'We should learn from the wild world on how they live harmoniously.'

T20 World Cup: Why A Super Over Finish Is Brutal & Heartbreaking

T20 World Cup: Why A Super Over Finish Is Brutal & Heartbreaking

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The T20 format is built on speed and the ability to think on one's toes, but a Super Over finish is like a diamond that will sparkle forever, points out K R Nayar.

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The Congress attacked the Modi government, saying it now seems to be routine that India learns about its government's actions only from Trump or his appointees.

T20 World Cup: South Africa sink NZ, inch closer to Super 8s

T20 World Cup: South Africa sink NZ, inch closer to Super 8s

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

South Africa beat New Zealand by seven wickets in T20 World Cup game in Ahmedabad.

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Like the realisation on the failure of development, we have also internalised the failure on democracy, argues Aakar Patel.