News for 'Free India'

India's World Cup Hopes Dwindle After 2-0 Loss to Dominant Netherlands

India's World Cup Hopes Dwindle After 2-0 Loss to Dominant Netherlands

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-0 defeat against the formidable Netherlands in their FIH World Cup Pool E encounter, with goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla, both from penalty corners. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a victory against Australia to keep their semi-final aspirations alive.

Punitive action against student dissent unconstitutional: SC judge

Punitive action against student dissent unconstitutional: SC judge

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that threatening students with punitive action for expressing different views or asking questions is unconstitutional and a misuse of power. He emphasised that universities should foster free thinking and disagreement, as tolerance and dissent are fundamental constitutional values essential for a liberal democracy.

Padikkal's Fighting Ton Steadies India After Pant Injury Blow in Colombo

Padikkal's Fighting Ton Steadies India After Pant Injury Blow in Colombo

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India faced early pressure in the second Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 88 for two at lunch on day one. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed after a solid start, with Devdutt Padikkal and Shubman Gill at the crease. The session also saw some on-field drama and a dropped catch.

US names India among nations helping China evade tariffs

US names India among nations helping China evade tariffs

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The White House has launched a major crackdown on the 'Great Transhipment Scam', accusing India and over 40 other nations of helping Chinese exporters bypass US tariffs by misrepresenting the origin of goods. The US plans to use AI-driven monitoring and anti-transhipment clauses in future trade agreements to strengthen enforcement.

2nd Test: Bowlers rock SL after Jurel ton propels India to 503 for 9 on Day 2

2nd Test: Bowlers rock SL after Jurel ton propels India to 503 for 9 on Day 2

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Dhruv Jurel notched up an unbeaten 115 to propel India to a commanding 509 for 8 before they declared the first innings against Sri Lanka on day two of the second Test in Colombo.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi has strongly criticised the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it is 'focussed more on exclusion' and has 'played havoc with democracy' by disturbing free and fair elections.

Vinesh Phogat Moves Delhi HC Over World Championship Trials

Vinesh Phogat Moves Delhi HC Over World Championship Trials

Rediff.com13 hours ago

The Delhi High Court has sought WFI's response on Vinesh Phogat's plea to participate in the September 14 selection trials for the 2026 World Championship.

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India's position appears to be anchored around three red lines: Hasina's safety and the guarantee of a fair trial; assurances that Bangladeshi territory will not be used for activities hostile to India; and the restoration of an inclusive democratic process in Bangladesh.

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the country's youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a "high" for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life "low".

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India played an impressive opening match at the Women's Hockey World Cup, securing a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China, with goals from Navneet Kaur and Deepika.

India-flagged ship sinks after attack in Red Sea, 13 Indian sailors rescued

India-flagged ship sinks after attack in Red Sea, 13 Indian sailors rescued

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

An Indian-flagged merchant vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, with 13 Indian nationals aboard, was attacked off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea. All 13 Indian crew members have been successfully rescued, and India has condemned the attack, calling for an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.

India's EV Ambitions: MHI Boosts Incentives, Tackles Financing & Manufacturing Hurdles

India's EV Ambitions: MHI Boosts Incentives, Tackles Financing & Manufacturing Hurdles

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) anticipates disbursing approximately 4,700 crore in incentives under the automotive PLI scheme in FY27, more than double the previous two years, while also exploring financing mechanisms for electric buses and trucks and promoting domestic manufacturing of critical EV components.

SBI's Rs 15 Lakhs-Rs 15,000 Scholarships For School, UG, PG Students

SBI's Rs 15 Lakhs-Rs 15,000 Scholarships For School, UG, PG Students

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship is one of India's major scholarship programmes, designed to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections. The scholarship covers students from Class 9 onwards, including those pursuing higher education in India and abroad, helping ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of quality education.

Nilekani Panel Invites Exam Reform Suggestions

Nilekani Panel Invites Exam Reform Suggestions

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The task force's move to directly solicit views from students, parents and teachers marks a parallel effort to bring education stakeholders into the reform process.

Ishan Kishan credits clear mind for epic Duleep Trophy knock against South Zone

Ishan Kishan credits clear mind for epic Duleep Trophy knock against South Zone

Rediff.com2 days ago

Ishan Kishan, after scoring an epic 270 in the Duleep Trophy final, revealed that freeing his mind from overthinking and expectations has been crucial to his recent success. He emphasised focusing solely on scoring runs and winning matches, a change that came after a turbulent phase in his career, including losing his BCCI central contract. Kishan highlighted the importance of domestic cricket for reflection and growth, enabling him to return stronger.

Government Coaching Plan May Pressure Coaching Centres

Government Coaching Plan May Pressure Coaching Centres

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'If a student can get a good teacher, quality content and mock tests at no cost, it becomes very hard for a mid-tier coaching centre to keep charging for the same lecture.'

AIFF Imposes Player Registration Ban On Churchill Brothers

AIFF Imposes Player Registration Ban On Churchill Brothers

Rediff.com6 days ago

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a national ban on Churchill Brothers FC Goa for player registration, following a directive from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee due to unpaid dues to English forward Kurtis Owen Guthrie. The Goan club, however, claims the matter has been resolved with full payment made and a request sent to FIFA to lift the ban.

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Rediff.com3 hours ago

The magnificent Kailasa temple stands as a testament to ancient Indian engineering and artistic brilliance, carved meticulously from a single mountain.

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress MLA and former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh has criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's national jersey colour from blue to saffron, alleging it reflects the BJP's mindset of 'giving everything a particular colour' and urging a focus on sports development instead.

Record-Breaking Rounds Propel Sheoran And Sharma To Joint Lead

Record-Breaking Rounds Propel Sheoran And Sharma To Joint Lead

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Dhruv Sheoran and Vishesh Sharma have taken the joint lead at the Telangana Golconda Masters, both carding course-record scores of 10-under 60. The duo holds a one-shot advantage after the first round of the Rs 1 crore tournament. Amardeep Malik is in solo third, one stroke behind.

'Vaibhav bhai, Vaibhav ji': 12,000 fans turn up for Sooryavanshi

'Vaibhav bhai, Vaibhav ji': 12,000 fans turn up for Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com3 days ago

Fifteen-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the latest sensation in Indian cricket, drawing massive crowds to the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. Following an explosive IPL 2026 season, the young left-hander showcased his talent with a quickfire innings, earning praise from experts and captivating fans who see him as the future of the sport.

AICC 'Vande' row: Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi's apology

AICC 'Vande' row: Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi's apology

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, a descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has demanded an unconditional apology from Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi. This demand follows an alleged incident at the AICC headquarters on Independence Day, where Chatterjee claims there were attempts to prevent the full singing of "Vande Mataram," which he described as a "shameless repetition of a historical mistake."

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media interaction in New Delhi, stating it played no role in the event nor endorsed her comments regarding the Bangladesh government. This comes after Bangladesh expressed outrage over the permitted interaction, which saw Hasina announce her determination to return to Bangladesh to restore democracy.

As accommodation concerns grow, Asian Games cricket teams given freedom to choose hotels

As accommodation concerns grow, Asian Games cricket teams given freedom to choose hotels

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns raised by leading cricketing nations regarding accommodation and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games. Miyaji clarified that hotel stays are offered, teams can make their own arrangements, and temporary yet comfortable facilities have been prepared for players, including washrooms and dressing rooms, despite tight timelines and resource limitations.

Sugar Prices May Ease Soon

Sugar Prices May Ease Soon

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Prices had started to ease following the government's decision to allow duty-free imports of 1 mt of raw sugar and would weaken further over the next 7 to 10 days.

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a comprehensive order mandating free drinking water for customers in all food establishments, banning food served in newspapers, and introducing rigorous operational standards. These new regulations aim to improve food safety, hygiene, and transparency across hotels, restaurants, and other food service providers in the state.

Gurnoor Brar Credits Bumrah, Siraj For Improved Consistency

Gurnoor Brar Credits Bumrah, Siraj For Improved Consistency

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India pacer Gurnoor Brar discusses how bowling alongside senior quicks Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj has improved his consistency in lengths.

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

BMW India CFO Carsten Lammers has expressed surprise at the extensive scale and prolonged duration of tax and Customs litigation in India, advocating for faster dispute resolution and simpler procedures to ensure business stability.

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'You have to get private investment to somewhere between 35% to 36% of GDP. It is hovering about 30%-31%.'

If Guptas, Jaiswals had not been here...: WB BJP chief's remarks sparks row

If Guptas, Jaiswals had not been here...: WB BJP chief's remarks sparks row

Rediff.com3 days ago

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya's comments recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots and alleging past restrictions on Durga Puja have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M). Bhattacharya appealed for unity for peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, while opposition leaders accused him of divisive politics and distorting history.

Buying Property? Verify Title First

Buying Property? Verify Title First

Rediff.com2 days ago

Examine the complete title chain to establish how the present owner acquired the property.

Indian Wrestlers Face Tough Choice For World Championships

Indian Wrestlers Face Tough Choice For World Championships

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to send separate teams for the U23 and Senior World Wrestling Championships due to the short time gap between the two events, forcing wrestlers to choose which tournament to compete in. This decision aims to ensure optimal preparation and performance for both Indian teams.

JLR India gets FTA boost, Q1 sales soar 11 percent

JLR India gets FTA boost, Q1 sales soar 11 percent

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India reported its highest-ever first-quarter retail sales for FY27, with 1,665 vehicles retailed, an 11 per cent year-on-year increase, largely due to sustained demand for premium SUVs and the benefits of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.

8 arrested after attempt to free jailed TMC leader 'Pushpa'

8 arrested after attempt to free jailed TMC leader 'Pushpa'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Eight individuals have been arrested in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district for allegedly attempting to storm the Falta police station to free jailed TMC leader Jahangir Khan. Police have named Khan's wife as the alleged mastermind behind the foiled plan, which involved mobilising supporters during a protest.

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Students and Alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, directing all states and Union Territories to ensure proper, encroachment-free pedestrian spaces. The court emphasised that footpaths are integral to human life and safety, and states must respond to advisories issued by central ministries regarding their implementation.

Booth level agents not responsible for...: HC ruling on SIR

Booth level agents not responsible for...: HC ruling on SIR

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Delhi High Court has ruled that Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties are not liable for false details in electoral enumeration forms that cannot be personally verified. The court clarified that BLAs are only responsible for verifiable information, such as an elector's photograph, and struck down the Election Commission of India's mandate requiring BLAs to provide personal undertakings for all details.

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have taken action against Meta's India head and several social media account operators, registering cases for allegedly circulating morphed and objectionable content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst the ongoing NEET paper leak agitation.