News for 'Free India'

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Udayan Mane Tied for Lead After Bogey-Free Start in South Africa

Udayan Mane Tied for Lead After Bogey-Free Start in South Africa

Rediff.com3 days ago

Udayan Mane, Milind Soni and Manav Shah are tied for the lead at the IGPL Invitational South Africa after the first day. Gaganjeet Bhullar and Karandeep Kochhar are also in contention.

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced a series of welfare measures, including free refrigerators for rice ration cardholders, if the party wins the 2026 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

India, New Zealand FTA to be signed on April 27

India, New Zealand FTA to be signed on April 27

Rediff.com3 days ago

India and New Zealand are poised to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) on April 27 in New Delhi, aiming to provide tariff-free access for Indian goods to New Zealand's market and attract USD 20 billion in investment over the next 15 years.

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Rediff.com1 days ago

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna has cautioned against the over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, emphasising the need for judicial independence from algorithmic influence. She stressed that AI should only serve as a tool and not replace human judgement, which is guided by legal reasoning, constitutional values, and a deep sense of justice.

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.

Chhattisgarh Declares Bastar Region Free of Maoist Extremism After Decades of Conflict

Chhattisgarh Declares Bastar Region Free of Maoist Extremism After Decades of Conflict

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

After more than four decades, Chhattisgarh's Bastar region has been declared free of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), marking the end of the armed Maoist rebellion in the area. The decline is attributed to sustained security operations, improved governance, and socio-economic development initiatives.

India women stun Malawi, finish third in FIFA Series 2026

India women stun Malawi, finish third in FIFA Series 2026

Rediff.com3 days ago

The India women's football team secured a 3-2 victory against Malawi in the third-place play-off of the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, with goals from Astam Oraon, Aveka Singh, and Priyadharshini Selladurai.

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are opposing the government's directive to offer 60% of seats for free selection, arguing it will lead to increased airfares to compensate for lost revenue.

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Rediff.com3 days ago

India is one of the few nations, and perhaps the only nation, that has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. Knowing that a war in the Gulf would damage our economy, hurt supply of fertilisers and fuel, and cause general chaos, we should have tried to ensure this war did not begin, asserts Aakar Patel.

India U-17 Women's Team Loses To Russia In Second Friendly Match

India U-17 Women's Team Loses To Russia In Second Friendly Match

Rediff.com5 days ago

The India U-17 women's team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Russia in their second friendly match in Sochi, Russia, as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in China.

Redmi A7 Pro 5G Launched In India

Redmi A7 Pro 5G Launched In India

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

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.com3 days ago

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.

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.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

How Punjab Schools Are Joining The Fight Against Drug Abuse

How Punjab Schools Are Joining The Fight Against Drug Abuse

Rediff.com1 days ago

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has called upon schools to play a proactive role in safeguarding youth from drug abuse. He emphasised the role of educational institutions in the statewide anti-drug campaign and criticised the neighbouring country for allegedly pumping drugs into Punjab.

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the people of Karnataka to commit to nine pledges focused on sustainability, health, and local empowerment to drive development in the state and across India.

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader lauds India as 'land of humanity'

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader lauds India as 'land of humanity'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India expressed gratitude towards Indians, calling India a land of 'loyalty and humanity'.

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 U20 secure SAFF Championship semi-final spot after draw with Bangladesh

India U20 secure SAFF Championship semi-final spot after draw with Bangladesh

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Indian U20 men's team played out a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh in their second match of the SAFF U20 Championship 2026, securing their place as Group B toppers and advancing to the semi-finals.

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.

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Rediff.com1 days ago

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era includes freedom from algorithmic influence, emphasising that AI should only assist judges, who must ultimately decide based on constitutional values and human judgment.

Tata Sons IPO Buzz Grows Amid Trust Rift

Tata Sons IPO Buzz Grows Amid Trust Rift

Rediff.com2 days ago

If Tata Sons is listed, the special veto rights of Tata Trusts, under Article 121A, may have to go away.

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

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

Rediff.com23 hours ago

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.

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.

Govt imposes import curbs on all articles of gold, silver, platinum

Govt imposes import curbs on all articles of gold, silver, platinum

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has imposed import restrictions on all forms of gold, silver, and platinum articles to prevent misuse of free trade agreements (FTAs). The restrictions apply immediately, regardless of prior contracts or commitments.

India thrash Bhutan in Under-23 men's Tri-Nation tourney

India thrash Bhutan in Under-23 men's Tri-Nation tourney

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

India pumped five past Bhutan in the Under-23 men's Tri-Nation Football Championship 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, on Saturday.

'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 Supreme Court Addresses the Deep-Rooted Issue of Crimes Against Women

India's Supreme Court Addresses the Deep-Rooted Issue of Crimes Against Women

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the continued prevalence of domestic abuse and crimes against women, highlighting that these issues are symptomatic of a deeper societal problem rooted in patriarchy, despite economic and legal advancements.

Amit Shah Focuses on Infiltration Issue in West Bengal Poll Campaign

Amit Shah Focuses on Infiltration Issue in West Bengal Poll Campaign

Rediff.com5 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserts the BJP will form a government in West Bengal and address the issue of infiltration, accusing Mamata Banerjee of allowing it for vote-bank politics.

Modi Slams TMC, Says Bengal Election Is To Save State's Identity

Modi Slams TMC, Says Bengal Election Is To Save State's Identity

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Mamata Banerjee government of favouring infiltrators over the native population in West Bengal, asserting that the upcoming assembly election is a battle to save the state's identity.

Bengal's women will punish TMC over quota betrayal, says Modi

Bengal's women will punish TMC over quota betrayal, says Modi

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of betraying women by obstructing the passage of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to reserve 33 per cent of seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women. Modi asserted that women in West Bengal would punish the TMC in the upcoming assembly elections.

Audi to rework India strategy as EU FTA may slash import duty on luxury cars to 10%

Audi to rework India strategy as EU FTA may slash import duty on luxury cars to 10%

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

German carmaker Audi plans to reassess and adjust its product launch strategy in India once the specific details of import duty reductions under the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) become clear, according to Balbir Singh Dhillon, the brand's director in India.

Punjab Government Offers Cash Rewards for Information on Wanted Gangsters

Punjab Government Offers Cash Rewards for Information on Wanted Gangsters

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Punjab government has announced cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of 28 proclaimed offenders, including foreign-based gangsters, prompting criticism from the BJP regarding the state's law and order situation.