News for 'Independence Day special'

'Ekta Decided To Cast Smriti As Tulsi'

'Ekta Decided To Cast Smriti As Tulsi'

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'Star didn't think Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was good enough to come immediately after KBC.' 'Except for Ekta, no one imagined it would become such a hit.'

Col assault case: Army seeks fair probe; Punjab DGP assures stern action

Col assault case: Army seeks fair probe; Punjab DGP assures stern action

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Indian Army has demanded a fair and time-bound investigation into the assault of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath by 12 Punjab Police personnel. The incident occurred on March 13-14 over a parking dispute in Patiala. The Punjab Police has assured justice and set up a special investigation team to probe the matter. The Army and Punjab Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the long-standing bonhomie between the two forces.

Stree 2's Record Opening At Box Office!

Stree 2's Record Opening At Box Office!

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

The makers of Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa could not have imagined the kind of euphoria that Stree 2 would bring and in the end, emerge as the first choice of audiences.

Govt asks Raj Bhavans to invite Olympians, student toppers for At Home

Govt asks Raj Bhavans to invite Olympians, student toppers for At Home

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

Those whose names were mentioned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann ki Baat radio broadcast, swacchagrahi or foot soldiers who have played a key role in cleanliness drives and women sarpanches (village heads) are also part of the list shared by the Union ministry of home affairs to be invited for the function.

India's First Emperor

India's First Emperor

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Chandragupta Maurya was the first king to establish an empire in India. He died a monk.

Putin to visit India, dates being worked out

Putin to visit India, dates being worked out

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India. The visit is currently being prepared, though the dates have not yet been revealed. This visit follows Prime Minister Modi's trip to Russia in July 2024, his first since 2019. The two leaders have maintained regular contact and have emphasized the strength of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership.

Indore Couple Murder: Meghalaya Mystery Persists

Indore Couple Murder: Meghalaya Mystery Persists

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Her husband Raja's body has been discovered, but there is no trace of Sonam Raghuvanshi.

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Fears in Washington began to intensify when it was realised that subsequent Pakistani and Indian attacks on major military facilities -- which were significant in terms of geographic scope and intensity -- could rapidly take both sides to where neither actually wanted to go.' 'The US objective was to stop the fighting as soon as possible. Everything else was secondary.'

'For The First Time, We Will Be Able To Say A Particular Caste Is More Backward Than The Other'

'For The First Time, We Will Be Able To Say A Particular Caste Is More Backward Than The Other'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

'For the first time in this country, perhaps the first time anywhere, we are going to use backwardness index.' 'It is a fundamental shift in the discourse in the country's social justice.'

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

11 Bangladeshis held for infiltrating into 3 Indian states

11 Bangladeshis held for infiltrating into 3 Indian states

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

In order to strengthen security at the International Borders in wake of Independence Day next week, an operational conference, chaired by ADG, BSF, Eastern Command was held at the Force's Kolkata office, the statement said.

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Standing near the noose, he recited a couplet in which he said he wished nothing but to sacrifice his life for the motherland. Utkarsh Mishra remembers Ram Prasad Bismil on the revolutionary leader's 128th birth anniversary.

History In Minutes: Man Who Handwrote Our Constitution

History In Minutes: Man Who Handwrote Our Constitution

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Prem Bihari Narain Raizada wrote 145,000 words in flowing italic styles. It took him 6 months and hundreds of nibs.

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Scores Over Jigra

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Scores Over Jigra

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video managed to do better than Jigra as it is more massy in its treatment and presentation.

Modi wears Uttarakhand cap, Manipur stole this R-Day

Modi wears Uttarakhand cap, Manipur stole this R-Day

Rediff.com26 Jan 2022

Official sources said Modi uses the brahmakamal whenever he offers prayers at Kedarnath.

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court expressed its dismay over the Maharashtra government's failure to register an FIR against five policemen involved in the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, despite an explicit court order. The court, alleging a deliberate attempt to disregard its directives, threatened contempt proceedings against senior CID officers for non-compliance. The case pertains to Shinde's death while in police custody, accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls in Badlapur. An inquiry report by a magistrate indicted the five policemen, suggesting a possible fake encounter. The court emphasized the importance of following the rule of law and stated that the government's inaction would send a detrimental message to society.

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The 'mediation' by the United States from behind the scene on the diplomatic track appears to be once again working, which calls on both Delhi and Islamabad to show restraint and pull back from a military confrontation, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Farmers are our Annadata'

'Farmers are our Annadata'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

This is the full text of the address to the nation by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of India's 78th Independence Day.

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.

Special grant to madrasas to celebrate I-Day

Special grant to madrasas to celebrate I-Day

Rediff.com30 Dec 2007

These are the new government decisions outlined in the 11th Five Year Plan that was approved by the National Development Council recently. The Plan document, under the head 'Madarsas/Maktabs', says that "Every School and EGS/AIE center will receive a special grant to celebrate national festivals of Independence day and Republic Day. Hoisting of national flag at these institutions on these occasions is mandatory".

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

'I am determined now to celebrate all festivals together.' 'People don't respond much when you try to convince them by talking about principles of secularism etc. But if we revive our shared cultural practices, specially food, we may get a better response.'

The little-known BluSmart founder

The little-known BluSmart founder

Rediff.com1 May 2025

As the Jaggi brothers - Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi - find themselves at the heart of the financial mismanagement in the Gensol-BluSmart saga, attention on the third BluSmart co-founder, Punit K Goyal, has taken a notably different turn.

'In a way the India-Pakistan war is already on'

'In a way the India-Pakistan war is already on'

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

'Pakistan cannot sustain a war with India for more than four days. They are in such dire straits. At best they can sustain war for one week.'

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has adjourned pleas challenging the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law. The court indicated the matter would be listed after the Holi festival break due to a paucity of time. Petitioners, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, argued for an urgent hearing, emphasizing the importance of the issue and the potential impact on democratic processes. The appointment of the new CEC and ECs under the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, has been a point of contention, with petitioners alleging it undermines the independence of the election commission.

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'While I would never wish for anyone to go through what we are, it has brought out the best in us by making each one of us a better version of ourselves.' 'Being courageous, fighting for freedom, taking the burden of responsibility to help each other...' 'I know hundreds and hundreds of examples where Ukrainians are risking their lives for complete strangers and it is only in moments like this that we truly understand what it means to be human.'

History In Minutes: Javed Akhtar's Freedom Fighter Family

History In Minutes: Javed Akhtar's Freedom Fighter Family

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Syed Firdaus Ashraf offers a ready reckoner on Javed Akhtar's great great grandfather Fazl e Haq Khairabadi who fought the British empire during the 1857 Mutiny and was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail in Port Blair.

'Greatest day of Independent India's sporting history'

'Greatest day of Independent India's sporting history'

Rediff.com25 May 2020

'As our national anthem was being played and the tricolour was going up, I felt that I too was flying with the flag. The sense of patriotism that I felt was beyond any other feeling in the world'

Photographs To Amaze, Stun You!

Photographs To Amaze, Stun You!

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Sony World Photography Awards 2025 Winners Announced

Jammu: 3 missing persons found dead; terror angle 'ruled out'

Jammu: 3 missing persons found dead; terror angle 'ruled out'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The bodies of a teenager and his two relatives were found near a waterfall in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district three days after they went missing. The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has demanded a high-level investigation into the incident. The police have ruled out any terror angle, but the exact cause of death is unknown and will be determined by a postmortem.

India-made howitzer to be used for 21-gun salute on I-Day

India-made howitzer to be used for 21-gun salute on I-Day

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

For the first time, a home-grown howitzer gun will be used for the ceremonial 21-gun salute during the Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said on Wednesday.

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

How Indian Weddings Got So Big, Glitzy

How Indian Weddings Got So Big, Glitzy

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

What was once a solemn Vedic ritual is today a celebration for the entire extended family. And why not? With families living in distant cities, even continents, weddings are seen as an occasion for cousins and uncles to congregate under one roof for two or three days, observes Ambi Parmeswaran.

SC to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

SC to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India will examine the jurisdiction of the Lokpal, India's anti-corruption ombudsman, in entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges. The court is considering a suo motu proceeding initiated over the Lokpal's January 27 order on the issue. The case involves two complaints filed against a sitting additional judge of a high court, alleging that he influenced a judge of the subordinate judiciary and a judge of the same high court set to deal with a suit filed against the complainant by a private company.

SC extends stay on survey of Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura

SC extends stay on survey of Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended its stay on a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex in Mathura, which is located adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. The court deferred the hearing on a plea against the survey to April 1, while the interim order staying the survey will continue to operate. The Hindu side claims that the mosque complex holds signs of a temple that once existed at the site, while the Muslim side contends that the lawsuits filed by the Hindu litigants violate the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991.

Delhi police rolls out kite catchers, window watchers for I-Day security

Delhi police rolls out kite catchers, window watchers for I-Day security

Rediff.com12 Aug 2022

They also said adequate measures have been taken to prevent kites, balloons, drones, or any manned or unmanned flying objects to reach the area where the Independence Day function will be held on August 15.

Respect differences, live in harmony: RSS chief

Respect differences, live in harmony: RSS chief

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stressed the importance of respecting differences and fostering cohesion in a diverse society while addressing the Republic Day celebrations in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. He also emphasized the values of equality, freedom, and fraternity, highlighting the significance of the 'dhammachakra' on the national flag as a symbol of these principles. Bhagwat urged the younger generation to strive for greatness and use their success for the betterment of the country, highlighting the need for selfless contribution and the collective responsibility of the people in shaping the nation's future.

SC to hear mosque panel's plea in Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday

SC to hear mosque panel's plea in Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea from the mosque management committee challenging an order rejecting its petition in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on January 15. The Allahabad High Court had rejected the mosque committee's plea, stating that the religious character of the Shahi Idgah mosque needed to be determined. The case involves claims that the mosque was built after the demolition of a temple, a claim disputed by the mosque committee. The Supreme Court will now decide on the maintainability of the mosque committee's plea.

On I-Day, Modi prescribes several mantras for India

On I-Day, Modi prescribes several mantras for India

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

From the trifecta of demography, democracy and diversity to the three ills of corruption, nepotism and appeasement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on Tuesday used several catchy phrases to drive home his government's achievements, his vision for the future and criticism of the opposition.

Memories Of 24, Akbar Road... When Rajiv Gandhi Sat In The Winter Sun

Memories Of 24, Akbar Road... When Rajiv Gandhi Sat In The Winter Sun

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

After spending nearly 50 years in a colonial bungalow at 24, Akbar Road, the Congress moved into a new office on January 15. Rasheed Kidwai, who knows the history of the Congress better than the Congress, looks back at the people who breathed life into this address.

When Akshay Sunk His Teeth In...

When Akshay Sunk His Teeth In...

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

Fardeen Khan takes the world behind the scenes of his first theatrical release in 14 years, Khel Khel Mein, which is an ensemble film with Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal.