News for 'Free India'

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.

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.

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'After the Galwan clash, the rules of engagement changed with the army commanders allowed to use any means at their disposal as they deem fit for tactical operations.'

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.

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement, which is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said.

India free to buy oil from any country, says Russia amid US claims

India free to buy oil from any country, says Russia amid US claims

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Kremlin has stated that India is free to purchase oil from any country, dismissing claims that India agreed to reduce Russian oil imports. Russia maintains that energy trade with India benefits both nations and contributes to international energy market stability.

India Out of AFC Women's Asian Cup After Loss to Chinese Taipei

India Out of AFC Women's Asian Cup After Loss to Chinese Taipei

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India's campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup ended with a 3-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei, highlighting their inability to convert chances despite dominating the game.

Late Substitutes Spark India U-17 Women's Football Team's Victory Over Myanmar

Late Substitutes Spark India U-17 Women's Football Team's Victory Over Myanmar

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian U-17 women's football team defeated Myanmar 3-2 in a friendly match, with substitutes playing a key role in the late comeback victory.

Foreign Nationals' Arrest Exposes Security Gaps on India-Myanmar Border

Foreign Nationals' Arrest Exposes Security Gaps on India-Myanmar Border

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Indian security agencies have arrested seven foreign nationals, including a US security analyst and six Ukrainians, for allegedly entering India illegally from Myanmar and suspected of training insurgent groups. The arrests have raised concerns about security vulnerabilities along the India-Myanmar border and triggered diplomatic friction.

Super-Slim Xiaomi Pad 8 Debuts In India

Super-Slim Xiaomi Pad 8 Debuts In India

Rediff.com6 days ago

The device is one of the slimmest tablets, measuring a skinny 5.75 mm in thickness.

Probe into Foreigners' Activities Aims to Uncover Conspiracy Against India

Probe into Foreigners' Activities Aims to Uncover Conspiracy Against India

Rediff.com49 minutes ago

Security agencies in India are investigating a potential conspiracy involving arrested foreigners, including a US mercenary, who allegedly aimed to exploit Indian ethnic groups to undermine national security. The investigation involves data extraction from mobile phones and scrutiny of social media accounts to uncover the full extent of the plot and identify all involved parties.

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

In a region increasingly shaped by competition and coercion, such collaboration strengthens security without confrontation, builds capacity without dependency and promotes order without domination, points out Dr Kumar.

Boost For IAF: Free Hand On Weapons For 114 Rafales

Boost For IAF: Free Hand On Weapons For 114 Rafales

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The additional Rafales will be from a vastly improved version compared to the 36 acquired for the IAF under the 2016 deal.'

UN Emphasises Gender Equality as Key to India's Development Goals

UN Emphasises Gender Equality as Key to India's Development Goals

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A top UN official has emphasised the critical role of women in India's development, highlighting that gender equality should be viewed as both a human right and a key factor in development effectiveness.

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com1 days ago

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Modi speaks to France, Oman, Malaysia leaders amid Gulf energy hub strikes

Modi speaks to France, Oman, Malaysia leaders amid Gulf energy hub strikes

Rediff.com45 minutes ago

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India strongly condemns the recent attacks on energy infrastructure, warning of further destabilisation to the already uncertain global energy market.

Big relief for flyers, govt says no selection fees on 60% seats

Big relief for flyers, govt says no selection fees on 60% seats

Rediff.com20 hours ago

Indian airlines are now required to offer 60% of seats for free and ensure families sit together, as the government strengthens passenger rights and addresses concerns about high seat selection fees.

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

We know in our heart that speaking the truth on this stupid Iran war will anger Trump and so we look the other way because if we look him in the eye the bully will straighten us out, asserts Aakar Patel.

India's Bowling Under Scrutiny Ahead of England Semifinal

India's Bowling Under Scrutiny Ahead of England Semifinal

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Suryakumar Yadav's childhood coach Ashok Aswalkar and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla express confidence in India defeating England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Wankhede.

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Indian government is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination program targeting 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer, utilizing a single-dose vaccine and aiming for equitable access across socio-economic groups.

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

Postal department launches premium services with 24-hour, 48-hour delivery guarantee

Postal department launches premium services with 24-hour, 48-hour delivery guarantee

Rediff.com2 days ago

India Post has launched three premium delivery services, including 24-hour and 48-hour delivery options, to compete with private courier companies and capitalise on the growing e-commerce market.

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed advocates for building democratic institutions over military intervention in resolving international conflicts, particularly in the context of the escalating West Asia crisis. He also discusses the impact of the conflict on the Maldives' tourism-dependent economy and calls for a stronger, more understanding India in the Indian Ocean Region.

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

Rediff.com3 days ago

Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has stated it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the resulting mandate before addressing any existing issues. The country also affirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have elevated their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership,' with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. The leaders also inaugurated a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

Only military conflict...: Modi's big remark amid US-Iran war

Only military conflict...: Modi's big remark amid US-Iran war

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a swift end to the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. He made the remarks after talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, where they also agreed to a strategic partnership in digitalisation and sustainability.

Jodhpur Woman, Married at 12, Successfully Annulls Child Marriage

Jodhpur Woman, Married at 12, Successfully Annulls Child Marriage

Rediff.com19 minutes ago

A 21-year-old woman in Jodhpur has successfully annulled her child marriage, which took place when she was only 12 years old. The court emphasized the adverse impact of child marriage and the importance of eliminating the practice.

T20 World Cup: Super Eights: Is Dube India's X-Factor?

T20 World Cup: Super Eights: Is Dube India's X-Factor?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Shivam Dube: 'I worked really hard, but there is something called support that is given by Surya and Gautam. They have given me a free hand. So I go and hit because they trust me a lot.'

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Rediff.com2 days ago

A video purportedly showing people pledging to boycott Muslims socially and economically after a screening of 'The Kerala Story' has sparked strong reactions in Vasai, Maharashtra. Police are investigating the video's authenticity, while politicians and social media users express concern over rising communal polarisation.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

'If the first ball is meant to be hit, hit it': Parag's message for Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026

'If the first ball is meant to be hit, hit it': Parag's message for Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag emphasises the importance of allowing young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to develop without undue pressure, while coach Kumar Sangakkara focuses on the team's flexibility and depth for the upcoming IPL season.

Rajasthan CM Highlights Job Creation and Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Rajasthan CM Highlights Job Creation and Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Rediff.com2 days ago

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced the creation of over 1.25 lakh government jobs and ongoing recruitment for over 1.33 lakh posts, alongside initiatives to curb paper leaks and promote youth entrepreneurship.

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Revenue collection next financial year may be affected, and, along with this, subsidies on food and fertilisers can go up if the war in West Asia drags for long, according to experts.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Secures World Cup Berth Despite Loss to England in Qualifiers

Indian Women's Hockey Team Secures World Cup Berth Despite Loss to England in Qualifiers

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Indian women's hockey team qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup despite losing to England in the qualifiers final.

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

Rediff.com3 days ago

The counting of votes for all 824 seats across four states and one Union Territory will be held on May 4.

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Nehru was an idealist, he was certainly a visionary in one way, but Mao Zedong was not. Mao Zedong was a very down-to-earth strategist. He wanted to take Tibet, to take the plateau, to take the rivers, to take the minerals.'

FIH Pro League: India's dreadful run continues

FIH Pro League: India's dreadful run continues

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Argentina outclass India 4-2 in FIH Pro League clash

Aman Raj Leads IGPL Season Opener After Injury Struggles

Aman Raj Leads IGPL Season Opener After Injury Struggles

Rediff.com7 days ago

Aman Raj, after battling injuries, takes a commanding lead at the IGPL season-opener in Chandigarh, with Gaganjeet Bhullar trailing behind.

India's EV Transition On Right Track, But Miles To Go

India's EV Transition On Right Track, But Miles To Go

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Government schemes such as the PM E-Drive initiative, with allocations of around Rs 2,000 crore for charging points deployment, are helping accelerate rollout