News for 'Free State'

Dhruv Sheoran Extends Lead At DP World Players Championship

Dhruv Sheoran Extends Lead At DP World Players Championship

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Dhruv Sheoran carded a six-under 66 to take a three-shot lead at the DP World Players Championship. Sheoran will be looking to convert his lead into a second title on the tour.

Odisha Police: Maoist Surrender Window Closes, Focus Shifts to Elimination

Odisha Police: Maoist Surrender Window Closes, Focus Shifts to Elimination

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Odisha Police have declared an end to the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) threat in the state, announcing the closure of the Maoist surrender window and a shift in focus to eliminating remaining insurgents in Kandhamal district.

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Arvind Kejriwal has written to Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, stating he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her, citing concerns about impartiality.

J-K Intensifies Crackdown on Drug Trafficking with Strict Punitive Measures

J-K Intensifies Crackdown on Drug Trafficking with Strict Punitive Measures

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced strict measures to combat drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir, including property confiscation and document revocation.

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, accusing it of misrule and hindering the state's progress. He appealed to voters to remove the TMC from power in the upcoming assembly elections, promising development and a corruption-free government under the BJP.

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

Drug Overdose Claims 66 Lives in Himachal Pradesh Over Three Years

Drug Overdose Claims 66 Lives in Himachal Pradesh Over Three Years

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reports 66 drug overdose deaths in Himachal Pradesh over three years, with 6,246 cases registered under the NDPS Act. The state government is implementing measures to combat drug abuse, including confiscating assets, launching awareness campaigns, and establishing rehabilitation centres.

Drug Overdose Claims 66 Lives in Himachal Pradesh Over Three Years

Drug Overdose Claims 66 Lives in Himachal Pradesh Over Three Years

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reports 66 drug overdose deaths in the state over three years, along with details of NDPS Act cases, government prevention efforts, and rehabilitation initiatives.

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, criticising the NIA for ignoring crucial evidence. The court highlighted contradictions in the NIA's investigation compared to the initial probe by the ATS, leaving the question of responsibility for the blasts unanswered.

CRPF Commando Injured in Maoist IED Blast During Jharkhand Operation

CRPF Commando Injured in Maoist IED Blast During Jharkhand Operation

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A CRPF jawan was injured in an IED blast during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district. The IED was planted by CPI (Maoists) in the Saranda forest.

How Gut Bacteria Diversity Impacts Stress Reactivity

How Gut Bacteria Diversity Impacts Stress Reactivity

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

A new study reveals a link between the diversity of gut bacteria and the body's hormonal and stress response, suggesting the gut microbiome plays a role in regulating acute stress.

FBI chief Kash Patel sues 'The Atlantic' for $250 mn over drinking row

FBI chief Kash Patel sues 'The Atlantic' for $250 mn over drinking row

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

FBI director Kash Patel has escalated his war with the media by filing a massive $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick.

Pranavi Urs Improves Position At Joburg Ladies Open

Pranavi Urs Improves Position At Joburg Ladies Open

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Pranavi Urs, the only Indian golfer to make the cut, improved her position at the Joburg Ladies Open, while several French golfers lead the competition.

Chanmari FC Defeats Real Kashmir in Indian Football League Encounter

Chanmari FC Defeats Real Kashmir in Indian Football League Encounter

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Chanmari FC defeated Real Kashmir FC 2-1 in an Indian Football League match, with goals from Marlon Rangel and Lalruatsanga. Marius Bedzigui scored for Real Kashmir, but it wasn't enough to overcome Chanmari's lead.

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.

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged in a war of words during election rallies, with Modi accusing the TMC of supporting divisive forces and Banerjee alleging the BJP plans to divide the state.

Banerjee Retorts to Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Banerjee Retorts to Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims regarding the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and alleging restrictions on non-vegetarian food consumption in BJP-ruled states.

Exporters' body flags rising freight costs, seeks liquidity help from RBI

Exporters' body flags rising freight costs, seeks liquidity help from RBI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has appealed to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for liquidity support to Indian exporters, citing a significant increase in freight costs and extended payment cycles due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Why Delhi HC Quashed Rape Case Involving Minor

Why Delhi HC Quashed Rape Case Involving Minor

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has closed a rape and POCSO Act case against a man due to his consensual relationship with a minor, considering the impact on their young family.

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The BJP and opposition parties are engaged in a political battle over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act, with the BJP defending it as historic and the opposition accusing the government of delaying its notification and using it to push an unconstitutional delimitation exercise.

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Katwa, West Bengal, promising to expedite the process of granting citizenship to Matua and Namasudra refugee families if the BJP comes to power. He also criticised illegal immigration and the Trinamool Congress government.

Modi Blasts TMC Over Lawlessness and Infiltration in West Bengal Rally

Modi Blasts TMC Over Lawlessness and Infiltration in West Bengal Rally

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, accusing them of lawlessness, corruption, and enabling illegal infiltration. He promised to initiate a special inquiry against facilitators of infiltration and to deport unauthorised entrants if the BJP comes to power in the state.

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' during a campaign stop, alleging it was a staged event for cameras. She also accused the BJP of aiding Independents from the minority community and criticised the Election Commission over voter roll revisions.

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Electoral Sabotage

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as "Electoral Sabotage"

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly condemned the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it is a politically motivated act of "electoral sabotage" ahead of the West Bengal elections.

Maharashtra CM Announces Medals for Anti-Naxal Unit, Focus on Digitisation

Maharashtra CM Announces Medals for Anti-Naxal Unit, Focus on Digitisation

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced medals for personnel in the C-60 anti-Naxal unit and outlined plans for police digitisation and technology adoption.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to provide jobs in West Bengal during recent rallies.

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

After the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire and expressed hope for lasting peace, Pakistan took much of the credit for playing mediator between the two countries. However, Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies and former US Treasury counterterrorism analyst, said Pakistan is deeply indebted to China.

Amit Shah Promises to Recover 'Stolen' Funds, Boost North Bengal Development

Amit Shah Promises to Recover 'Stolen' Funds, Boost North Bengal Development

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged the BJP will recover funds allegedly stolen by the TMC in Bengal and promised development schemes for North Bengal, while attacking Mamata Banerjee's governance.

LS to debate efforts to wipe out Maoist threat on Monday

LS to debate efforts to wipe out Maoist threat on Monday

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha will hold a discussion on efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism (LWE) in India, ahead of the government's deadline. The debate will cover the government's strategy, review of affected regions, and future plans, including potential withdrawal of security forces and launch of welfare schemes.

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remark calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist' has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, who have demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Trump claims Iran asked US for ceasefire; Tehran denies

Trump claims Iran asked US for ceasefire; Tehran denies

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) claimed that Iran has asked US for a ceasefire. He said that Washington would consider it once the Strait of Hormuz is open.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju Secures T-14 Finish at Valero Texas Open

Sudarshan Yellamaraju Secures T-14 Finish at Valero Texas Open

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Sudarshan Yellamaraju finished T-14 at the Valero Texas Open, while JJ Spaun secured victory after a strong performance.

UN chief 'deeply troubled' by Trump's Iran remarks, urges Hormuz freedom

UN chief 'deeply troubled' by Trump's Iran remarks, urges Hormuz freedom

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over US President Donald Trump's warning to Iran and appealed for the re-establishment of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

13 killed, 21 injured in blast at Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh

13 killed, 21 injured in blast at Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A boiler explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district resulted in nine fatalities and fifteen injuries, prompting rescue operations and a government investigation.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged voters in Murshidabad to support the TMC as the only way to defeat the BJP, claiming that other parties are indirectly aiding the BJP's influence.

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Transforming Dantewada Through Sports

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Transforming Dantewada Through Sports

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar participated in an event in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district as part of a grassroots sports initiative aimed at transforming the once Maoist hotbed into a thriving sports hub and opening new avenues for the youth.

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has accused the ruling LDF in Kerala and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "B-team" and of secretly joining hands with the BJP, alleging a compromised leadership and lack of accountability.

Theegala, Bhatia, and Yellamaraju to compete at RBC Heritage

Theegala, Bhatia, and Yellamaraju to compete at RBC Heritage

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, and Sudarshan Yellamaraju, all of Indian origin, are set to compete at the RBC Heritage, a USD 20 million Signature event at Harbour Town Golf Links. The event boasts a strong field including Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young.

PM Modi Lauds Anveshana for Making Science Accessible to Students

PM Modi Lauds Anveshana for Making Science Accessible to Students

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Anveshana programme of Prayoga Institute of Education Research for its work in making scientific research accessible to school students. The programme, launched in 2022, supports student-led research projects and provides hands-on learning opportunities.

BJP promises Rs 3,000 a month, reservation in govt jobs to Bengal women

BJP promises Rs 3,000 a month, reservation in govt jobs to Bengal women

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The BJP has released its election manifesto for West Bengal, promising a hardline stance on infiltration, financial assistance for women and unemployed youth, and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees.