News for 'Free India'

'Maoists Collapsed Like A House Of Cards'

'Maoists Collapsed Like A House Of Cards'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'For the remaining Maoist cadres, they shall soon confront one of two outcomes: Either surrender or face neutralisation.'

Economic Survey says US tariffs are 'most disruptive' in global economy

Economic Survey says US tariffs are 'most disruptive' in global economy

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

India must focus on building enduring national capabilities and economic sovereignty in the face of shrinking space for rules-based trading, anti-immigrant stance, weaponization of energy sources and growing use of export controls in critical sectors, the Economic Survey said on Thursday.

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The death of a booth level officer in West Bengal due to cardiac arrest has ignited a political battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of workload pressure and politicization of the tragedy.

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

US President Donald Trump signed the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026 into law, highlighting broadened engagement with India and addressing the challenge posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.

FTA to boost marine products; concerns over farm exports' non-tariff barriers

FTA to boost marine products; concerns over farm exports' non-tariff barriers

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India's marine product exports facing rough weather from punitive US tariffs are expected to get a big boost following the reduction of 26 per cent tariff as part of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), but concerns over non-tariff barriers, which are a dominant aspect of marine trade to the EU, still remain.

Fog disrupts flight ops across northern India

Fog disrupts flight ops across northern India

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Sunday issued an advisory warning that fog conditions in parts of northern India are affecting visibility and may lead to delays or changes in flight operations at select airports.

Modi's Message to Students: Prioritise Skills, Limit Internet Use

Modi's Message to Students: Prioritise Skills, Limit Internet Use

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

While talking to students during Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Everyone has their own pattern. Some people study better in the morning, some at night. Whatever suits you, believe in that. But also take advice and, if that benefits you, then only add it to your life structure."

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated corporator Ritu Tawade for the Mumbai mayor election, while its ally Shiv Sena declared Sanjay Ghadi as its candidate for the deputy mayor's post.

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

FDI inflows into India are expected to register robust growth in 2026, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, big-ticket investment announcements, sustained efforts to improve the ease of doing business, and a new generation of investment-linked trade pacts.

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament, urging unity on national issues like 'Viksit Bharat', swadeshi, and national security. She highlighted government initiatives and the nation's progress.

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

In 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a multi-domain combat mission against Pakistan in response to cross-border terrorism. The operation involved precision strikes, military retaliation, and diplomatic measures, marking a significant shift in India's security policy.

Which Of These Gorgeous Animal Pix Do You Like?

Which Of These Gorgeous Animal Pix Do You Like?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Natural History Museum, London, has officially unveiled the 24-image shortlist for the 2026 Nuveen People's Choice Award. This prestigious contest, a key part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and supported by lead sponsor Nuveen, invites the public to decide which image will be crowned the winner.

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A large-scale international study published in the journal, Molecular Psychiatry, has been tracking over 7 lakh individuals and has shown that 34.6 per cent of mental disorders begin before the age of 14 years, 48.4 per cent before 18 years and 62.5 per cent by the age of 25 years.

11 World Leaders And Their Pets

11 World Leaders And Their Pets

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Animal companions are often excellent publicity vehicles for politicians and leaders.

Never allowed use of our territory against B'desh: India on Hasina remarks

Never allowed use of our territory against B'desh: India on Hasina remarks

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

India has rejected assertions by the interim government of Bangladesh, stating it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities against Bangladesh's interests. It also called for peaceful elections in the country.

Haier Launches H5E Series 4K Google TVs

Haier Launches H5E Series 4K Google TVs

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Haier's latest H5E range arrives in four sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch.

India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans

India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Quota-based duty concessions granted by India to New Zealand for apples, kiwifruit, and Manuka honey are linked to the delivery of agriculture productivity action plans committed by the island country under the free trade agreement.

North Bastar, Abujhmad Maoist-free: Chhattisgarh CM

North Bastar, Abujhmad Maoist-free: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that North Bastar and Abujhmad regions are now free of Naxal violence, with the fight against Naxalism in South Bastar reaching a decisive phase. He attributes this success to trust-building measures and the surrender of Naxal cadres.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

Budget 2026: The Industry Wishlist...

Budget 2026: The Industry Wishlist...

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Investors and startup executives are calling for extending the period for an entity to be recognised as a startup from 10 to 15 years for deep-tech companies.

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The fact that a major studio put out a silent film starring some of the biggest names in the industry in these concerning times for the film business is the one big takeaway from Gandhi Talks, notes Arjun Menon.

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Twelve newly-elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for joining a post-poll front led by the BJP, have formally joined the saffron party. The Congress criticized the BJP, highlighting the hypocrisy of welcoming defectors despite the Chief Minister's disapproval of the alliance.

Under fire for 'miya' comment, Himanta cites SC verdict on 'demographic invasion'

Under fire for 'miya' comment, Himanta cites SC verdict on 'demographic invasion'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The CM recently said that only'miyas' were being 'harassed' during the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in the state, as they cannot be allowed to vote in Assam, and claimed that no Assamese -- Hindus or Muslims -- were facing any problem in the exercise. Opposition parties criticised him for this comment.

'India, US Close To Framework Deal'

'India, US Close To Framework Deal'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

'...but I would not like to put a timeline to it'

India, Oman trade pact: Agri items, gold, silver, footwear excluded

India, Oman trade pact: Agri items, gold, silver, footwear excluded

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

India has protected the interest of domestic farmers and MSMEs by not extending any duty concessions on products across several sectors, including agricultural items such as dairy, as well as chocolates, gold, silver, jewellery, footwear, and sports goods, under the trade pact with Oman.

500K Free ChatGPT Licences for India

500K Free ChatGPT Licences for India

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

OpenAI will provide 500,000 free ChatGPT licences for six months to students and teachers across government schools from classes 1 to 12, engineering and technical institutes, as well as K-12 educators.

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Bangladesh is preparing for elections and a referendum on reforms, but the absence of the Awami League and rising political tensions are raising concerns about the legitimacy and stability of the process.

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has sought a first information report (FIR) after students allegedly raised 'provocative' slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah inside the university campus during an event on Monday night, varsity officials said.

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'As the PLA higher command is almost dismantled and instability spreads, India needs to be prepared for any eventuality,' cautions China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

Five Risks For The Indian Economy

Five Risks For The Indian Economy

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

India has managed high government debt-to-GDP, a slowing domestic revenue engine, lower household savings and a more hostile geopolitical environment separately in the past. But together, they threaten to undo the growth narrative on which today's optimism rests, warns Debashis Basu.

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Cond Nast's editors have sat down, like they do yearly and listed their favourite stays in Asia.

P T Usha pushes for 'Made in India' doping kits

P T Usha pushes for 'Made in India' doping kits

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

India is bidding to become an Olympic host in 2036 and the International Olympic Committee has made it clear that the country will have to considerably improve its current doping record.

Q3 earnings, global trends to drive stock markets this week

Q3 earnings, global trends to drive stock markets this week

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Trading pattern in the stock market this week will largely depend on the ongoing Q3 earnings announcement from corporates, global trends, and foreign fund movement, analysts said. Moreover, geopolitical developments and any update on trade negotiations would also be keenly tracked by investors, experts noted.

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From India

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From India

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai & Mumbai

Messi Thanks India After G.O.A.T. tour

Messi Thanks India After G.O.A.T. tour

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

'...we carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return, hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion, but we will definitely return to visit India.'

ED chargesheets online gaming app WinZO over Rs 734 cr scam

ED chargesheets online gaming app WinZO over Rs 734 cr scam

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against real-money online gaming app WinZO and its promoters, alleging the company used bots and AI to manipulate game algorithms, leading to significant financial losses for users.

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defence, reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Deepti creates history as India rout SL; seal T20 series 3-0

Deepti creates history as India rout SL; seal T20 series 3-0

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Deepti Sharma created a new record in women's cricket, while Shafali Verma smashed a blistering half-century as India thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets to seal the five-match T20I series 3-0.