News for 'Free India'

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

'He's just built differently': Ryan Rickelton on batting with Rohit Sharma

'He's just built differently': Ryan Rickelton on batting with Rohit Sharma

Rediff.com6 days ago

Ryan Rickelton praises Rohit Sharma's class and calmness after their 143-run stand powers Mumbai Indians' chase, while also giving an update on Hardik Pandya's fitness.

Redmi A7 Pro 5G Launched In India

Redmi A7 Pro 5G Launched In India

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Xiaomi has unveiled the Redmi A7 Pro 5G in India. The handset begins at 11,499 and comes equipped with an impressive 6,300 mAh battery.

Diksha Dagar Moves Into Contention At MCB Ladies Classic

Diksha Dagar Moves Into Contention At MCB Ladies Classic

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar played a solid bogey-free 3-under 69 to move into title contention at the MCB Ladies Classic - Mauritius on the Ladies European Tour.

Dell 15 (2026) Arrives in India Starting 69,699

Dell 15 (2026) Arrives in India Starting 69,699

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Dell 15 (2026) enters the Indian market with an introductory price of 69,699 for the entry-level model, which includes 8 GB memory and a 512 GB SSD.

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for restraint in the use of petro products due to the West Asia crisis, emphasising the need to save foreign exchange and reduce the impact of war. He also highlighted India's progress in solar power and ethanol blending, while assuring support to Telangana's development.

Australia Overwhelms India in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Clash

Australia Overwhelms India in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's team suffered a 0-5 defeat against Australia in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, leaving their knockout stage hopes hanging by a thread.

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised one lakh jobs for youths each year based on merit if the BJP won the West Bengal election, and also pledged to make the state free of infiltrators.

Sachdeva, Hossain Share Lead At DP World Players Championship

Sachdeva, Hossain Share Lead At DP World Players Championship

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Teenager Harman Sachdeva and 41-year-old Jamal Hossain carded matching scores of five-under 67 to share a one-shot lead after the opening round of the DP World Players Championship here on Tuesday.

India's exports plunge 7.44% in March; trade with West Asia nosedives

India's exports plunge 7.44% in March; trade with West Asia nosedives

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

India's exports experienced their steepest fall in five months, declining by 7.44 per cent in March to $38.92 billion, primarily due to trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, with shipments to West Asia contracting by over 50 per cent.

IPL 2026: Why Is BCCI Worried About Honey Traps?

IPL 2026: Why Is BCCI Worried About Honey Traps?

Rediff.com16 hours ago

In the IPL, losing your wicket is forgivable; but losing your integrity isn't, asserts K R Nayar.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com6 days ago

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

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.

Vinesh Phogat Accused Of Indiscipline, Vows To Fight Back

Vinesh Phogat Accused Of Indiscipline, Vows To Fight Back

Rediff.com2 days ago

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat vows to challenge the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) show-cause notice and ban from domestic events due to alleged indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations.

India Ready for Billie Jean King Cup Challenge Despite Injury Setback

India Ready for Billie Jean King Cup Challenge Despite Injury Setback

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

India's Billie Jean King Cup team expresses confidence and readiness for the Asia-Oceania Group I ties despite an injury to Shrivalli Bhamidipaty. Captain Vishal Uppal highlights the team's depth and preparation, while players emphasise the advantage of home conditions and familiarity with opponents.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'So far our production is not affected. But every day the situation prolongs, it does bring risks in terms of shipments getting delayed.'

US raises concerns over India's data protection, internet shutdown policies

US raises concerns over India's data protection, internet shutdown policies

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has expressed concerns that India's Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, particularly the lack of a deemed consent mechanism for credit information companies, and the Information Technology (IT) Rules of 2021, along with frequent internet shutdowns, could negatively impact the ability of US companies to operate and trade in India.

Abraham & Thakore Make The Sari Fuss-Free!

Abraham & Thakore Make The Sari Fuss-Free!

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

"The most exciting part was creating something that looks like a sari but has the ease of a dress," says Designer David Abraham.

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Rediff.com1 days ago

A look at the profiles of the ministers in the new Tamil Nadu government led by Joseph C Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

VinFast targets 75 dealerships by 2026, expands EV ecosystem in India

VinFast targets 75 dealerships by 2026, expands EV ecosystem in India

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Vietnamese automobile major VinFast is rapidly expanding its retail network in India, aiming for 75 dealerships across 60 cities by the end of 2026, while also building a comprehensive EV ecosystem.

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Disregarding Mandate

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Disregarding Mandate

Rediff.com5 days ago

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly refusing to accept the electoral mandate, claiming democracy is being 'held at gunpoint' in the state.

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Turning Kolkata Into 'City Of Slums'

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Turning Kolkata Into 'City Of Slums'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the TMC government of turning Kolkata into a 'city of slums' and using infiltrators as a vote bank, sparking a strong reaction from the TMC, which accused him of insulting the people of Bengal.

Haryana Human Rights Body Concerned Over Nuh School Conditions

Haryana Human Rights Body Concerned Over Nuh School Conditions

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has initiated suo motu proceedings after reports of alarming conditions in government primary schools in the Nuh district. The commission has sought detailed reports from authorities, citing violations of children's rights to education, health, and dignity.

Why Vinesh Phogat Is Ineligible For Domestic Wrestling Events

Why Vinesh Phogat Is Ineligible For Domestic Wrestling Events

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, citing indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations, rendering her ineligible for domestic competitions until June 2026.

Force Motors Reports Highest Ever Revenue And Profitability

Force Motors Reports Highest Ever Revenue And Profitability

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Force Motors Limited announced its highest-ever revenue and profitability for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, driven by growth across its Urbania, Trax, and Traveller platforms, as well as defence partnerships and international engine manufacturing.

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Rediff.com4 days ago

IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal explains the reasons behind shifting the IPL final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, citing higher seating capacity and an ICC board meeting.

Shubhankar Sharma, Yuvraj Sandhu Off To Slow Starts At Volvo China Open

Shubhankar Sharma, Yuvraj Sandhu Off To Slow Starts At Volvo China Open

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Indian golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Yuvraj Sandhu had slow starts at the Volvo China Open in Shanghai, finishing T-48 and 153rd respectively after the opening round.

Vande Bharat links Jammu to Srinagar, cuts travel time to under 5 hrs

Vande Bharat links Jammu to Srinagar, cuts travel time to under 5 hrs

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The first direct Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar has commenced commercial operations, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities and enhancing rail connectivity in the region.

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Iran's representative in India, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, describes the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance as a state of 'no war, no peace,' calling for an immediate halt to the conflict and questioning the lack of pressure on the US and Israel to cease aggression.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com2 days ago

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

New baggage rules come into effect; duty-free limit hiked

New baggage rules come into effect; duty-free limit hiked

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The new baggage rules, 2026, come into effect from midnight on February 2 and replace a decade-old baggage rule.

How Diksha Dagar Climbed The Leaderboard At SA Women's Open

How Diksha Dagar Climbed The Leaderboard At SA Women's Open

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Diksha Dagar impressed at the Investec SA Women's Open, while Patricia Schmidt leads the tournament.

NCB Seizes Heroin Worth Rs 8.5 Crore In Manipur

NCB Seizes Heroin Worth Rs 8.5 Crore In Manipur

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau, in coordination with Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, seized drugs worth Rs 8.5 crore from Manipur's Churachandpur district and arrested two individuals involved in the trafficking.

Investment Disclosure Tightens Tax Scrutiny

Investment Disclosure Tightens Tax Scrutiny

Rediff.com4 days ago

From the financial year 2025-2026, the government has introduced a new column in the tax return form for presumptive taxpayers, requiring them to disclose their year-end investments. This requirement was not present last year.

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly elections.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com6 days ago

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

'Equity Investing In Good Shape And Fashionable As Ever!'

'Equity Investing In Good Shape And Fashionable As Ever!'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'In India's case, an extended earnings slowdown accompanied by rich valuations have dimmed returns since late 2024.'

Vinesh Phogat Voices Concerns Over Fair Play At Gonda Event

Vinesh Phogat Voices Concerns Over Fair Play At Gonda Event

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat has voiced concerns about potential biased officiating at the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, citing the influence of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the mental pressure of competing in a hostile environment.