News for '-free'

Thane FDA Seizes Adulterated Food Items Worth Rs 12 Lakh

Thane FDA Seizes Adulterated Food Items Worth Rs 12 Lakh

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized suspicious food items worth almost Rs 12 lakh in Thane district, leading to the arrest of six persons.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

CBSE opens Class 12 re-evaluation portal amid OSM glitches

CBSE opens Class 12 re-evaluation portal amid OSM glitches

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The launch comes a day after a CBSE official told ANI that the portal, originally scheduled to go live on June 1, had encountered technical issues and would start soon. The delay had sparked concern among students and parents, particularly after reports of glitches during the answer-sheet access process earlier this month.

Delhi Police To Boost Women's Safety With New Campaign

Delhi Police To Boost Women's Safety With New Campaign

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Delhi Police will launch a campaign on women's safety and empowerment from June, with units of all 15 police districts organising awareness and outreach programmes to strengthen public participation and encourage prompt reporting of crimes.

'I'll have you raided': Lalit Modi's big Tharoor claim

'I'll have you raided': Lalit Modi's big Tharoor claim

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Lalit Modi claimed Shashi Tharoor warned him not to question Sunanda Pushkar and threatened government action if he proceeded.

Argentina, Brazil, Germany win friendlies days before World Cup kick-off

Argentina, Brazil, Germany win friendlies days before World Cup kick-off

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Multi-champions Brazil, Argentina and Germany all won their preparatory games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, although by small margins, with former champion England and hopeful Portugal also securing victories.

India And UK Startup Ecosystems Explore AI Collaboration

India And UK Startup Ecosystems Explore AI Collaboration

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A delegation of Indian startup founders and leaders visited the UK to explore collaborations in artificial intelligence and technology, aiming to strengthen the India-UK innovation corridor.

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's military airstrikes against Afghanistan, citing significant civilian casualties, and criticised its 'trade and transit terrorism' against Afghan traders, calling these actions blatant violations of international law and UN norms.

Jammu And Kashmir Police Arrest 202 In Anti-Drug Drive

Jammu And Kashmir Police Arrest 202 In Anti-Drug Drive

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered 176 cases and arrested 202 individuals in the first 50 days of their anti-drug trafficking campaign. The operation has resulted in significant seizures of heroin, poppy straw, ganja, and opium, along with the freezing of assets and demolition of properties linked to drug-related activities.

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is instead working with Oman to establish a mechanism for the safe passage of ships through the Strait.

What Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Learnt From IPL 2026

What Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Learnt From IPL 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old batting sensation, reflects on his record-breaking IPL 2026 season, highlighting the importance of adapting to game situations, remaining calm under pressure, and focusing on fitness.

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wellspring fuelling the CJP tsunami is the high levels of youth unemployment. Millions of youngsters, including extremely over-qualified people, apply in desperation for any job that is advertised. No government has been able to deliver on this front and things may get worse as artificial intelligence enters the workforce, points out Devangshu Datta.

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced the BJP government's commitment to women's empowerment and the continuation of welfare schemes. The 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme will be accessible through an online portal, ensuring ease of application for all women in Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed officials to implement the scheme and free bus travel for women, while also assuring that existing social welfare schemes will continue.

Did These Election Promises Win Tamil Nadu For Vijay?

Did These Election Promises Win Tamil Nadu For Vijay?

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's TVK party is likely to form the government, bringing focus to their election promises, including gold for marriage, financial assistance for women, and job creation.

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Airtel, which upgraded all postpaid customers to priority plans, argued that the service did not throttle or degrade the experience for its prepaid customers, forming the majority of its 368 million customers in the country.

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab Police conducted raids on the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others in connection with an incident where they allegedly stormed a police station and attempted to forcibly release a detainee. Police have also issued a lookout circular against Majithia to prevent him from leaving the country.

10 Tips To Quit Smoking

10 Tips To Quit Smoking

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Dr Amit Chakraborty, specialist-surgical oncology, head and neck cancer, offers crucial tips to quit smoking and prevent cancer.

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Madras High Court has issued notices to key political figures and the Election Commission following a petition alleging corrupt practices during the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, including the use of children to influence voters.

TN Welfare Push Raises Fiscal Risks For New Government

TN Welfare Push Raises Fiscal Risks For New Government

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Amid the arithmetic of subsidies, consumption and capacity, whichever government assumes office in Tamil Nadu after May 4 is likely to inherit a growing debate over how far the state can continue to expand welfare promises without placing additional strain on public finances and the power sector.

CBSE revaluation portal hit by cyberattack, fees spike to Rs 68,000

CBSE revaluation portal hit by cyberattack, fees spike to Rs 68,000

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The CBSE revaluation portal experienced a cyber attack, affecting the payment system and leading to unauthorised access for approximately 50 students. The incident caused fee display abnormalities, prompting investigations and system enhancements.

Rohit Sharma needs no proof: Dinesh Lad dismisses critics, counters Saba Karim

Rohit Sharma needs no proof: Dinesh Lad dismisses critics, counters Saba Karim

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Dinesh Lad, the formative coach of former India captain Rohit Sharma, believes the batter should ignore critics questioning his fitness and form, and simply enjoy his game to return stronger in his favourite World Cup format next year.

Did Michael Show The Whole Truth?

Did Michael Show The Whole Truth?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over $700 million worldwide, yet it sparks debate over the power of fandom versus the need for a truthful depiction of an artist's controversial life.

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

Rediff.com27 May 2026

API Holdings, the parent company of online pharmacy PharmEasy, has significantly reduced its debt from 1,800 crore to 1,050 crore and refinanced it at lower interest rates under CEO Rahul Guha, shifting its focus from 'growth at any cost' to profitability and aiming for a debt-free balance sheet before a potential stock market listing.

Overseas Education Loans Get Riskier

Overseas Education Loans Get Riskier

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Students and families must stress test repayment capacity based on Indian salary standards.

The Leslee Lewis Podcast: 'Stopped Doing Remixes After KBC'

The Leslee Lewis Podcast: 'Stopped Doing Remixes After KBC'

Rediff.com26 May 2026

'I have never chased money. Yes, you have to pay me my worth. I am not a free artiste but I don't chase money.'

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Myanmarese territory would not be allowed to be used against India's security interests, as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to boost bilateral ties in trade, defence, and energy.

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has resigned from the party's primary membership, a move accepted by BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Annamalai's resignation follows his replacement as state president and the BJP's renewed alliance with AIADMK. He is expected to address his future plans, including the possibility of launching a new political party, during a social media interaction.

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee is actively trying to prevent further defections from the TMC after a significant split, personally contacting rebel MLAs and deploying MPs for damage control. The crisis, stemming from a challenge to Abhishek Banerjee's influence, sees rebels trying to maintain Mamata's symbolic leadership while consolidating their own position, marking a critical period for the party's future.

'Injustice has been done to Bengaluru': Shivakumar slams shifting IPL final to Ahmedabad

'Injustice has been done to Bengaluru': Shivakumar slams shifting IPL final to Ahmedabad

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Karnataka's Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar has criticised the decision to move the IPL final to Ahmedabad, despite congratulating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on their victory. He claims Bengaluru was unfairly stripped of the opportunity to host the final.

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A lesson for India is to clearly define objectives beforehand, so that the adversary or other parties do not attempt to mitigate them midway.

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

After living in India's most palatial residence for 12 years, India's first President Dr Rajendra Prasad returned to his simple hut on the banks of the Ganga. He never owned a house of his lifetime.

Coolcations Drive Summer Travel Surge

Coolcations Drive Summer Travel Surge

Rediff.com13 May 2026

As temperatures soar, booking queries have surged by double digits -- going up to 125 per cent -- for destinations like Kashmir, Shillong, Gangtok, Munnar, Leh, Rishikesh, Guwahati, Imphal, Kodaikanal and the Andamans.

India vs Afghanistan Test, Day 2: Suthar stars on debut after India pile 564/8

India vs Afghanistan Test, Day 2: Suthar stars on debut after India pile 564/8

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India reduced Afghanistan to 113 for five at stumps after declaring their first innings on 564 for 8 on Day 2 of the one-off Test at Mullanpur on Sunday.

Maa Behen Review: Madhuri Sparkles, Triptii Steals The Show

Maa Behen Review: Madhuri Sparkles, Triptii Steals The Show

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Madhuri's mix of silly, starry-eyed, sly and sentimental doesn't miss a single beat. A flawless Triptii Dimri steals the show in a role, finally worthy of her talent, applauds Sukanya Verma.

Kuldeep admits switching from IPL to Tests is tough

Kuldeep admits switching from IPL to Tests is tough

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Switching formats in a short span of time is never easy, concedes Kuldeep Yadav and the senior India spinner hopes that players coming off a gruelling IPL season have prepared well for this week's one-off Test against Afghanistan just as he did with extended red-ball practice.

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Indian men's football team, participating in the Unity Cup in the UK, was warmly welcomed at India House in London ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. The team interacted with fans and shared insights during a reception hosted by the High Commission of India.

Smart Tips: How To Save LTCG, File ITR

Smart Tips: How To Save LTCG, File ITR

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

rediffGURU T S Khurana answers readers' personal income tax queries

India's free trade agreements decoded

India's free trade agreements decoded

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

India on Monday announced closure of negotiations for a free trade agreement signed with New Zealand, its 18th deal so far as the country aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. The India-New Zealand FTA is expected to be signed in the next three months and it is likely to come into force next year.

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Joginder Singh, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the prevailing security scenario and review the effectiveness of intelligence-gathering mechanisms across the district.

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that census operations in the state would commence on August 1 and continue until the end of February next year. He criticised the previous government for delaying the process and highlighted the importance of the census for the state.