News for 'Free India'

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, 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'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 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.

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.'

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.com2 hours ago

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.'

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'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.'

Macron calls for India-France push on responsible AI

Macron calls for India-France push on responsible AI

Rediff.com7 days ago

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that India and France will collaborate to develop an artificial intelligence framework that combines innovation with responsibility and technology with humanity, addressing the need for inclusive digital tools amid rising geopolitical tensions.

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

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

Rediff.com1 days ago

'Within six months I expect petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles (EVs) to reach cost parity,' says Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

Rediff.com6 days ago

India has joined the US-led 'Pax Silica' alliance, aimed at building a resilient supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic security.

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.

Pan-India LeT module busted, 7 Bangladeshis among 8 held

Pan-India LeT module busted, 7 Bangladeshis among 8 held

Rediff.com4 days ago

In a major counter-terror operation spanning three states, the Delhi Police has dismantled a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module comprising eight operatives, including seven Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered India and procured forged identity documents, an official said on Sunday.

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

Rediff.com7 days ago

The court made the remarks while reviewing a petition from Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. regarding free electricity distribution policies.

Agricultural shift from subsidies to sustainability may be the way ahead

Agricultural shift from subsidies to sustainability may be the way ahead

Rediff.com13 hours ago

India is already a heavyweight in global farm trade in pockets such as rice exports, but experts are urging a pivot from a subsidy- and procurement-driven mindset to a productivity and nutrition strategy that still shields farmers from volatility.

10 Most Powerful Passports. And India...

10 Most Powerful Passports. And India...

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Henley Passport Index 2026 has once again ranked Singapore as the passport offering its people access to the most countries and therefore near-seamless travel accross the planet.

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman called for maintaining law and order and sought cooperation in building a safe and humane Bangladesh after his party's victory in parliamentary elections.

Focus on Abhishek's batting as India take on Netherlands

Focus on Abhishek's batting as India take on Netherlands

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

India will be hoping that Abhishek Sharma returns to his destructive ways and the other batters up their game against spin when the side takes the field for its final T20 World Cup league fixture against the Netherlands.

T20 WC: Dube, Varun drive India past Netherlands

T20 WC: Dube, Varun drive India past Netherlands

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Shivam Dube's explosive innings helped India recover from a slow start against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup, after the top order struggled against Aryan Dutt's spin bowling.

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.'

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Like the realisation on the failure of development, we have also internalised the failure on democracy, argues Aakar Patel.

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Several farmer organisations in India are protesting the proposed India-US trade deal, expressing concerns about its impact on the agriculture sector and demanding the resignation of the Commerce Minister.

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Rediff.com1 days ago

India may adopt a "calibrated" and a "step-by-step" approach to easing norms on investments originating from China, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He was in a conversation with A K Bhattacharya on Day 1 of Business Standard's two-day annual event, Manthan 2026. The minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) from China was certainly not "banned", but it goes through an approval process. "The government's approach at the moment is to accelerate the approval process."

India-EU pact weaves new hope into $100 bn textile export dream

India-EU pact weaves new hope into $100 bn textile export dream

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The proposed trade deal with the 27-nation European Union (EU) is expected to provide zero-duty access to the $95 billion European market for Indian textile and apparel manufacturers. Currently, India's share of the European market is just 6 per cent, or $5.5 billion.

India-EU sign 'mother of all' trade deals, says Modi

India-EU sign 'mother of all' trade deals, says Modi

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying it accounts for 25 per cent of global GDP and one-third of global trade.

Sensex jumps 487 points on optimism over India-EU FTA

Sensex jumps 487 points on optimism over India-EU FTA

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

From the 30-Sensex firms, Bharat Electronics surged nearly 9 per cent post its December quarter earnings. Eternal, Bajaj Finance, Power Grid, Trent, Mahindra & Mahindra and UltraTech Cement were the other major gainers. Maruti, Sun Pharma, Infosys and Bharti Airtel were among the other laggards.

Sebi Alerts Investors to Fake STT Payment Demands

Sebi Alerts Investors to Fake STT Payment Demands

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Sebi cautions investors against fake notices demanding Securities Transaction Tax (STT) payments and warns about fraudsters posing as account handlers promising risk-free profits.

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

Rediff.com6 days ago

The US President had hosted Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC, on February 13 last year.

How Parents Can Deal With Child's Gaming Addiction

How Parents Can Deal With Child's Gaming Addiction

Rediff.com1 days ago

'Look at what kind of sites the child is visiting, what kind of games they are playing and then tell them about the pitfalls.' 'After the child sleeps, parents can check the history of sites visited and block sites that could be dangerous or inappropriate.'

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The Congress attacked the Modi government, saying it now seems to be routine that India learns about its government's actions only from Trump or his appointees.

When India Flopped At T20 World Cups!

When India Flopped At T20 World Cups!

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Entering most ICC events, especially T20 World Cups, as pre-tournament favourites, India could not break free from that prison of expectations on a number of occasions despite being armed with star power and depth.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com2 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the replacement of Edwin Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan with one of C Rajagopalachari, emphasizing a move away from colonial symbols and towards honoring Indian leaders.

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Next week's three-nation foreign tour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will see India and Oman sign a free trade deal. The visit will also pave the way for agreements with Ethiopia and Jordan to increase India's bilateral trade and investments.