News for 'British India'

Sitharaman carries tablet wrapped in 'bahi khata' for 6th year

Sitharaman carries tablet wrapped in 'bahi khata' for 6th year

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sitharaman, India's first full-time woman Finance Minister, broke away from the colonial tradition of carrying a Budget briefcase in July 2019, opting instead for a traditional 'bahi-khata', to carry the Union Budget papers.

India trashes Canada's 'absurd, baseless' charges against Shah

India trashes Canada's 'absurd, baseless' charges against Shah

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties.

Cooking gas to be costlier by Rs 50 from Tuesday

Cooking gas to be costlier by Rs 50 from Tuesday

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Cooking gas or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) price has been raised by Rs 50 per cylinder by distribution companies, Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Through history, the Mela has held different meanings for ascetics, the colonised, colonisers, and tourists, but all have been moved by its grandeur points out Atanu Biswas.

Indian Navy responds as Houthis attack British tanker

Indian Navy responds as Houthis attack British tanker

Rediff.com27 Jan 2024

The Indian Navy on Saturday said its guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam has deployed a team to help fire-fighting efforts on board British oil tanker MV Marlin Luanda which has got 22 Indian and one Bangladeshi crew members.

Tsari Yatra May Help Ease India China Tensions

Tsari Yatra May Help Ease India China Tensions

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Why can't the Indian government propose to the Chinese a corridor circumambulating the Holy Mountain where people from both sides could perform the yatra again? asks Claude Arpi.

Nijjar killing accused no longer in custody in Canada, show documents

Nijjar killing accused no longer in custody in Canada, show documents

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Documents released by the Justice Department of British Columbia, Canada show that all four alleged accused in the murder of National Investigation Agency (NIA) designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar appear to be no longer in custody.

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Assam Cabinet on Sunday had decided not to register any case against the Congress MP or his British spouse, who the BJP has accused of having ISI links, but instructed the DGP to file an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

The Home Netaji Left Never To Return

The Home Netaji Left Never To Return

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Subhas Chandra Bose was under house arrest, yet he pulled out a daring escape from his Elgin Road residence in Calcutta to Germany via Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia...

Aamir@60: 25 Stunning Sides To The Star

Aamir@60: 25 Stunning Sides To The Star

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Sukanya Verma celebrates the icon and his imagery in 23 super special Aamir Khan frames etched in her head.

'Everybody Is Scared'

'Everybody Is Scared'

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

'We want to hide it (by saying) we are too busy in our lives, we have other things to attend to, we have families.' 'But they all had families, including Jyotiba or Mahatma Gandhi, or anybody who challenged the system.'

Gap between...: India's jibe at Trudeau's 'One India' remarks

Gap between...: India's jibe at Trudeau's 'One India' remarks

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

"What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along -- Canada has presented us no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats," the MEA spokesperson said in the statement.

Rahul vs Scindia, royals over 'Maharaja' remarks

Rahul vs Scindia, royals over 'Maharaja' remarks

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Addressing a rally in Mhow on Monday, Gandhi said Dalits, backwards and tribals had no rights before Independence, when "only maharajas and rajas enjoyed rights".

'I Came To Films To Earn Rs 3 Lakh'

'I Came To Films To Earn Rs 3 Lakh'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and I were inseparable while we struggled together.' 'When a disillusioned Dharmendra was packing his bags to return home, I prevailed upon him to give himself two months.' 'Five days later, he was signed for Shola Aur Shabnam and I signed Picnic.'

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of Pakistan links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn. Sarma alleged that Colburn had visited Pakistan after her marriage and that there are apprehensions of ISI infiltration into the Chief Minister's Office when Gogoi's father, the late Tarun Gogoi, was the chief minister. Sarma also shared screenshots of social media posts by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, an advisor of the Pakistan Planning Commission and a former colleague of Colburn, claiming that the relationship between the Gogois and Sheikh appeared to be "deeply rooted." Sarma's allegations have been rejected by the Congress as "laughable and entertaining."

Durbars, crowns and tiaras: India's link with British coronations

Durbars, crowns and tiaras: India's link with British coronations

Rediff.com5 May 2023

As the stage gets set for the coronation of King Charles III and some monarchy gazing, the India connect over the centuries glimmers faintly through pages of colonial history.

Prez Murmu shares traditional buggy ride with Subianto

Prez Murmu shares traditional buggy ride with Subianto

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived at Kartavya Path for the 76th Republic Day parade in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, a practice that made a comeback after a 40-year gap last year. The gold-plated, horse-drawn buggy is a black carriage with the national emblem embossed on it in gold. It was discontinued after the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 but was revived by President Pranab Mukherjee in 2014. The buggy's history dates back to the British era, with India winning ownership through a coin toss after independence.

Leaders, Heed The 11-Year Rule!

Leaders, Heed The 11-Year Rule!

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

There is a reason this 11 year phenomenon is a rule as much as it is an observation. It speaks to the nature of man and what humans are like, explains Aakar Patel.

Who stood with British?: Rahul on Modi's 'Muslim League' remark

Who stood with British?: Rahul on Modi's 'Muslim League' remark

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

Gandhi's remarks come amid repeated attacks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the Congress manifesto bears a 'Muslim League imprint'.

India name not British, goes back to 5th century BC, say historians

India name not British, goes back to 5th century BC, say historians

Rediff.com9 Sep 2023

They also clarified that both the names Bharat and India, mentioned in Article 1 of the Constitution as "India, that is Bharat...", are part of the country's history and both names are "completely legitimate".

Does Your Accent Affect Test Scores?

Does Your Accent Affect Test Scores?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Three out of five test-takers believe that removing their Indian accents while speaking English will positively impact test scores.

Coldplay Arrives In Mumbai

Coldplay Arrives In Mumbai

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Just two days until the Coldplay concert in Mumbai, and they have arrived in the city!

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.

Alcaraz on track for Indian Wells 'three-peat'; Bhambri ousted

Alcaraz on track for Indian Wells 'three-peat'; Bhambri ousted

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Dimitrov was showing signs of fatigue from his three-hour third-round match earlier in the week and could do little to stop the Spanish world number three, who next faces Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.

History in Minutes: Who Betrayed Chandra Shekhar Azad?

History in Minutes: Who Betrayed Chandra Shekhar Azad?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

On the 94th anniversary of the revolutionary giant's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the events of February 27, 1931.

Hindi vs Tamil: Stalin govt changes Rupee symbol with Tamil letter

Hindi vs Tamil: Stalin govt changes Rupee symbol with Tamil letter

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The DMK government in Tamil Nadu has sparked controversy by replacing the Indian Rupee symbol with a Tamil letter in the logo for its 2025-26 budget. The move has drawn criticism from the state BJP, which accused the ruling party of being "stupid." The development comes amidst the ongoing language row between the Centre and Tamil Nadu, with the latter alleging Hindi imposition by the Union government.

INS Tushil Arrives In London

INS Tushil Arrives In London

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

INS Tushil made its first port call to London as a part of its maiden operational deployment.

'India In 1947 Was Like A Ticking Time Bomb'

'India In 1947 Was Like A Ticking Time Bomb'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

'When you watch Freedom At Midnight, I want you to feel like you are sitting on a ticking time bomb.'

Heeding Azad, Partition Could Have Been Prevented

Heeding Azad, Partition Could Have Been Prevented

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Abul Kalam Azad chose not to contest Congress Presidency and to throw his weight behind Nehru, instead of Patel, a decision he would come to regret. Patel would have seen his plan through, while Nehru, in Azad's opinion 'gave Jinnah the opportunity to sabotage' it, notes Aakar Patel.

Pradhan alleges U-turn on NEP, Stalin says 'control your tongue'

Pradhan alleges U-turn on NEP, Stalin says 'control your tongue'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

The DMK protested in the Lok Sabha after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized the Tamil Nadu government for refusing to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) and accused them of "politics." Pradhan alleged that the state had initially agreed to the PM SHRI scheme but later backed out. The DMK, however, asserted that they have issues with the NEP and the three-language formula, and cannot accept it in full. The protests disrupted House proceedings, leading to an adjournment. The DMK members were angered by Pradhan's accusations, demanding the release of funds allocated for education in the state.

Trudeau's MPs ask him to resign amid row with India

Trudeau's MPs ask him to resign amid row with India

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Trudeau is facing mounting pressure from within his own party, with dissident Liberal MPs giving him an ultimatum to decide his future by October 28.

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

In 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet flew the world's first official airmail, carrying over 6,500 letters and postcards, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, now Prayagraj. The flight, which covered five miles in 13 minutes, marked a significant milestone in aviation and postal history. The mail included letters to Jawaharlal Nehru and King George V, and special commemorative postcards signed by Pequet are now prized collector's items. The event, which coincided with the Kumbh Mela, highlights the intersection of spiritual and technological advancements in India's history.

Trudeau just admitted Canada has no proof: India

Trudeau just admitted Canada has no proof: India

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before a Commission of Inquiry, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said what it has heard only 'confirms' New Delhi's consistent stand that Canada has 'presented us no evidence' in support of the serious allegations Ottawa chose to level against India and Indian diplomats.

Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy

Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Joe Root's century in vain as England were shown the door.

VVIP chopper scam case: Christian Michel gets bail

VVIP chopper scam case: Christian Michel gets bail

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has granted bail to alleged middleman Christian Michel James in the purported Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland case. James had been in custody for six years while the investigation was ongoing. The alleged scam relates to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland. James, a British national, was extradited from Dubai in December 2018.

Rana joined 26/11 plot in 2005, facilitated Headley's Indian visa: NIA

Rana joined 26/11 plot in 2005, facilitated Headley's Indian visa: NIA

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian national convicted in the United States for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India. Rana, a close associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, was involved in the conspiracy from 2005 onwards and assisted Headley in obtaining a visa for India. He is the third person to be sent on trial in India for the 26/11 attacks after Ajmal Kasab and Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal. Rana's extradition comes after US President Donald Trump approved the request.

Historic shift: New criminal laws to replace British-era laws on July 1

Historic shift: New criminal laws to replace British-era laws on July 1

Rediff.com30 Jun 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the laws, said the new laws would give priority to providing justice, unlike the British-era laws that gave primacy to penal action.

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

While there was no mention of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment reports of 2018, 2020 and 2023-24, the 2025-26 assessment mentions India -- along with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea -- in the 'Cyber threat from state adversaries' section that introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.

How did you lose Ayodhya?: Owaisi to Fadnavis on 'vote jihad'

How did you lose Ayodhya?: Owaisi to Fadnavis on 'vote jihad'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers, but yours penned 'love letters', Owaisi said in a jibe to Fadnavis.

History In 3 Minutes: Battle of Vasai

History In 3 Minutes: Battle of Vasai

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Chimaji Appaji remains one of the foremost military generals of the Maratha Empire who inflicted a crushing defeat on the Portuguese.