News for 'Free India'

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata next month for an anti-fundamentalism literary event, nearly two decades after she was forced to leave the city amid violent protests over her writings. The BJP government in West Bengal is projecting this as a reversal of past capitulation to religious fundamentalism.

Students still throng Jantar Mantar protest site to click selfies

Students still throng Jantar Mantar protest site to click selfies

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Two days after a 36-day student agitation concluded at Jantar Mantar, the iconic protest site in New Delhi is already witnessing new demonstrations, including calls for Gorkhaland and women's reservation, alongside curious visitors documenting the aftermath.

Amazfit Helio Strap Pro Brings Advanced Fitness Tracking

Amazfit Helio Strap Pro Brings Advanced Fitness Tracking

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Amazfit has unveiled the Helio Strap Pro, a new fitness-focused wearable aimed at HYROX competitors and hybrid training enthusiasts.

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India's first Olympic boxing medallist, Vijender Singh, expresses deep concern over the future of male pugilists, citing a lack of competitions and a selection system he claims promotes 'sycophancy'. He argues that women boxers are currently outperforming men and are brighter medal prospects for the 2028 Olympics. Singh is highly critical of the new grading system, advocating for a return to the traditional trials-based selection process.

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India has condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian crew member going missing. The incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities between Iran and the US in West Asia, prompting India to call for immediate de-escalation and an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.

'Our Rotten-To-The-Core Education System Needs Shock Treatment'

'Our Rotten-To-The-Core Education System Needs Shock Treatment'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

'Let the world know that India's Gen Z has now moved out of their social media world and is ready to face the lathis, the tear gas shells or the spiked-dandas of cops.'

India summons US envoy, protests strike on ship with 24 Indians; 3 missing

India summons US envoy, protests strike on ship with 24 Indians; 3 missing

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested a US military strike on the commercial vessel Settebello off the Oman coast, which left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing. The US Central Command stated it disabled the Palau-flagged vessel for violating a blockade of Iranian ports.

Indian crew member missing after Iran attacks container ship in Strait of Hormuz

Indian crew member missing after Iran attacks container ship in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India has condemned the attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in one Indian crew member going missing. The United States responded with a third round of retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets, further escalating tensions in the Gulf.

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Poland's Secretary of State, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in late 2022, highlighting Modi's significant influence on the Russian leader.

Why Policyholders Surrender Life Insurance Policies

Why Policyholders Surrender Life Insurance Policies

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Understanding a product and assessing its suitability improve the chances of staying invested. Use life insurance mainly to cover risk, not to seek returns.

Bulldozer demolitions: SC asks aggrieved to approach HCs, extends protection

Bulldozer demolitions: SC asks aggrieved to approach HCs, extends protection

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to consider a batch of contempt petitions alleging that demolitions were carried out in violation of its 2024 judgment and asked aggrieved parties to approach the high courts concerned.

Shreyas Iyer Refuses To Blame Ravi Bishnoi For England T20I Defeat

Shreyas Iyer Refuses To Blame Ravi Bishnoi For England T20I Defeat

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer defended leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi after his expensive 29-run over proved pivotal in India's four-wicket defeat to England in the second T20I. Iyer acknowledged the momentum shift but refused to pinpoint blame, while England's Jacob Bethell was lauded for his match-winning unbeaten 76.

Law platform challenges Delhi HC's 'right to be forgotten' order

Law platform challenges Delhi HC's 'right to be forgotten' order

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Legal database platform India Kanoon has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a single-judge order that recognised an individual's 'right to be forgotten' and directed the platform to de-index and disable 'name-based search functionality' for certain judicial orders.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Indian government and opposition are preparing for a contentious Monsoon Session of Parliament, with key issues including the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and women's reservation, the alleged NEET paper leak, and a row over Ram temple donations set to spark heated debates.

Udayan Mane Tied for Lead After Bogey-Free Start in South Africa

Udayan Mane Tied for Lead After Bogey-Free Start in South Africa

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Udayan Mane, Milind Soni and Manav Shah are tied for the lead at the IGPL Invitational South Africa after the first day. Gaganjeet Bhullar and Karandeep Kochhar are also in contention.

Modi breaks silence on NEET row, calls paper leaks 'ghor paap'

Modi breaks silence on NEET row, calls paper leaks 'ghor paap'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed strong action against NEET paper leak culprits and urged state governments to collaborate with the Centre to prevent future incidents, emphasising national interest over party politics. He highlighted the successful re-examination and arrests made.

India wages war on cervical cancer with free HPV vax for girls

India wages war on cervical cancer with free HPV vax for girls

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The figures are grim. India accounts for around 19 per cent of global cervical cancer cases and 23 per cent of deaths.

Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar detained in Oman

Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar detained in Oman

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Sourabh Chandrakar, the absconding founder of the Mahadev betting app, has been detained in Oman based on an Interpol Red Notice. Indian agencies are now working to extradite or deport him. The ED's investigation into the syndicate has revealed alleged proceeds of crime worth Rs 6,000 crore and links to high-ranking politicians and bureaucrats.

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.

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.

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that any attempts to undermine India's sovereignty through 'threats of sanctions' would 'boomerang immediately' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting India's sovereign decision-making and strong national interests.

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in trafficking Captagon, seizing approximately 227.7 kg of the 'jihadi drug' worth Rs 182 crore.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Centre is committed to curbing unnatural demographic growth caused by abnormal factors, such as infiltration, with a ruthless approach and a quadrangular security grid has been created for the purpose, transforming India's approach from reactive to proactive.

Avani Prashanth And Diksha Dagar Impress At Dutch Ladies Open

Avani Prashanth And Diksha Dagar Impress At Dutch Ladies Open

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Indian golfers Avani Prashanth and Diksha Dagar made an impressive start at the Dutch Ladies Open, both carding three-under 69s to share fifth place, just one shot off the lead. While Pranavi Urs is well-placed for the cut, Hitaashee Bakshi struggled on the opening day.

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The population is gripped by anxiety against arbitrariness and the cruelty of a state that sells its actions as minimum government, asserts Aakar Patel.

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The IRGC is the most powerful branch of Iran's armed forces and operates independently of the country's regular military, answering directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The Silent Storm: Mercedes-Benz Launches Its First Ever Plug-In Hybrid S-Class in India

The Silent Storm: Mercedes-Benz Launches Its First Ever Plug-In Hybrid S-Class in India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Say hello to the S 450 e Launch Edition. Priced at 2.20 crore upwards.

Eye on China, Modi seals uranium deal with Australia

Eye on China, Modi seals uranium deal with Australia

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India and Australia have signed significant agreements covering civil nuclear energy, maritime security, and critical minerals, reinforcing their partnership's role in ensuring a peaceful Indo-Pacific. The pacts facilitate uranium supply from Australia to India and enhance cooperation in defence, cyber, and critical technologies.

Indonesian fighter jets escort Modi's plane in grand welcome

Indonesian fighter jets escort Modi's plane in grand welcome

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival in Jakarta on Monday, with Indonesian Air Force fighter jets escorting the PM's aircraft upon entering Indonesian airspace, marking a ceremonial welcome.

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Items include luxury watches, jewellery, carpets, shawls, silverware and collectible artefacts with bidding prices reaching up to Rs 20 lakh.

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested to the United States after three merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked by the American military off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.

Delhi To Establish Anti-Narcotics Task Force Police Station

Delhi To Establish Anti-Narcotics Task Force Police Station

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Delhi is set to establish its first dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) police station as part of a broader initiative to make the city drug-free by 2027, according to LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Itel Aqua Debuts In India With IP67 Rating

Itel Aqua Debuts In India With IP67 Rating

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The India-manufactured Itel Aqua is a tough, everyman phone at a very economical price.

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

...and 3 lakh for harassment.

Dinesh Hingoo: 'Johnny Lever Considers Me His Mentor'

Dinesh Hingoo: 'Johnny Lever Considers Me His Mentor'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'I was very close to Kader Khan. Whenever he wrote dialogues and scenes, he would often write my name next to certain roles. He would personally recommend me to directors. Such was his stature that directors would immediately pay attention to his suggestions.'

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced a series of welfare measures, including free refrigerators for rice ration cardholders, if the party wins the 2026 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

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.

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.