News for 'Independence Day'

Goa govt drops plan to table anti-conversion bill

Goa govt drops plan to table anti-conversion bill

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Goa government has decided not to introduce its anti-religious conversion bill during the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly, following significant pushback from legislators representing the minority community.

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following his visit to China, US President Donald Trump has suggested a potential shift in Washington's approach to Taiwan, expressing reluctance to engage in military conflict over Taiwan's independence and cautioning against unilateral moves.

OTT Releases This Week: Cocktail 2, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, Aakhri Sawwal

OTT Releases This Week: Cocktail 2, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, Aakhri Sawwal

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

This week's OTT releases feature a diverse range of films and series, including the spiritual sequel 'Cocktail 2' starring Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon, Kangana Ranaut's 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' based on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and the RSS-themed drama 'Aakhri Sawwal'.

'Very, very distressing': SC judge on police crackdown at Jantar Mantar

'Very, very distressing': SC judge on police crackdown at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan critically examined police conduct in India, raising serious concerns about alleged assaults on protesters, custodial torture, and the urgent need for comprehensive police reforms to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

CJP launches 'School Thik Karo' campaign, demands private school fee cap

CJP launches 'School Thik Karo' campaign, demands private school fee cap

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has initiated the 'School Thik Karo' campaign from his native village in Hingoli, Maharashtra, to address the alleged neglect of government schools and advocate for a fee cap on private educational institutions.

Cong to stick to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP calls it 'New Muslim League'

Cong to stick to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP calls it 'New Muslim League'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Congress Working Committee has decided to adhere to its 1937 resolution, mandating that only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' be sung at all party events, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which labelled the Congress the 'new Muslim League'.

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a bill which now provides 'Vande Mataram' with the same legal protection and status as India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.

Smallcap Funds Double Down On IPOs

Smallcap Funds Double Down On IPOs

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

"When you have more liquidity than good investment opportunities, there is no reason for MFs to sell a winning trade."

Indians celebrate Independence Day

Indians celebrate Independence Day

Rediff.com16 Aug 2017

Soaked in patriotism, Indians marked the country's 71st Independence Day with the tricolour fluttering high and the national anthem reverberating at various spots across the nation.

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

These nations officially top the list when it comes to maximum number of official days off.

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Leading technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have announced new AI models with advanced capabilities, including OpenAI's Astra reaching a "Critical" cybersecurity tier. However, these advancements have ignited a significant debate among safety researchers and netizens, particularly concerning the transparency and monitorability of OpenAI's novel "recurrent depth" architecture.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Leading global technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. However, these releases have ignited significant debate among researchers regarding the transparency and monitorability of AI reasoning, particularly concerning OpenAI's Astra model and its "recurrent depth" architecture.

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have unveiled new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. OpenAI's Astra model achieved a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, but its novel architecture, using "recurrent depth," has sparked significant safety concerns among researchers who fear it makes monitoring the model's reasoning more difficult. Anthropic and Google also introduced new models and features, further advancing AI technology while the debate over responsible development intensifies.

Galle Test: Gill hints at Prasidh's inclusion ahead of Gurnoor Brar

Galle Test: Gill hints at Prasidh's inclusion ahead of Gurnoor Brar

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India captain Shubman Gill has indicated that Prasidh Krishna is likely to share the new ball with Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming first Test against Sri Lanka.

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is set to release her memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in November. The book will cover her personal life, including her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, the tragedies she faced, her decision to decline the prime ministership in 2004, and her journey into politics. It promises an intimate look at her experiences within one of India's most powerful political families.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities. OpenAI's Astra model, achieving a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, has ignited a debate among researchers due to its "recurrent depth" architecture, which some fear makes its reasoning harder to monitor. Anthropic and Google also released new models, focusing on coding, scientific research, and cybersecurity, alongside new image and video AI tools.

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Devdutt Padikkal for his maiden international century against Sri Lanka, highlighting his dedicated work on back foot play and shot selection. Kotak also provided an update on vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt due to cramps but is expected to be fit for the next day's play. The coach further discussed the Galle pitch conditions, anticipating more turn as the Test progresses, and praised Rahul's versatility across formats.

'Understanding Your Body Is Very Important'

'Understanding Your Body Is Very Important'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'God has incredible plans for me and we'll see where that takes me.'

When I became MLA, Amit Shah was not even born: Kharge

When I became MLA, Amit Shah was not even born: Kharge

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP of being 'anti-religion' following an alleged 'purification' ritual after his speech in Uttarakhand, and challenged the ruling party's claims of patriotism, questioning their involvement in India's independence struggle.

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Reddit post about a hidden camera in a shared living room has reopened an old question -- how far can a landlord interfere in a home he no longer fully controls? Here's what two Mumbai lawyers have to say.

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday stood firm on his demand for Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas as his indefinite hunger strike entered the second day, warning that he would march to Mumbai if the Maharashtra government failed to act.

Why should Delhi be held to ransom by Jantar Mantar protests, asks HC

Why should Delhi be held to ransom by Jantar Mantar protests, asks HC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has raised concerns about Jantar Mantar remaining a designated protest site, questioning why the city should be inconvenienced by demonstrations. The court directed Delhi Police to decide on a protest request by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee, while noting the Supreme Court is also examining alternative protest venues.

Box Office: Jan Neta Struggles, Dhamaal 4 Is A Winner

Box Office: Jan Neta Struggles, Dhamaal 4 Is A Winner

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Jan Neta struggles at the box office while Dhamaal 4 continues its impressive run.

Ram Charan's Daughter Celebrates 1st Independence Day

Ram Charan's Daughter Celebrates 1st Independence Day

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni welcomed their first child on June 20.

HDFC Bank: 'When You Have Cracks In 3 Places At Once...'

HDFC Bank: 'When You Have Cracks In 3 Places At Once...'

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

'The sales pressure on the ground, a board and CEO not fully aligned, and a senior team that isn't pulling together -- that's when these things surface.'

Roads flooded, drones carry the dead home in Nepal

Roads flooded, drones carry the dead home in Nepal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

In flood-ravaged Nepal, drones are playing an unprecedented role in disaster response, from airlifting bodies from inaccessible areas to delivering essential supplies and searching for trapped workers. This innovative use of UAVs is transforming humanitarian aid and rescue operations in the challenging Himalayan terrain.

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha was dropped from the state cabinet, leading her to accuse Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of "blackmail politics." Surekha claims her removal was due to critical remarks made by her daughter against the CM and other party leaders, despite the Congress high command not favouring her ouster. She has written to top Congress leaders seeking intervention.

Box Office: The Odyssey Takes Superb Start, Dhamaal 4 Is A HIT

Box Office: The Odyssey Takes Superb Start, Dhamaal 4 Is A HIT

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The box office is buzzing with activity as the Hollywood blockbuster The Odyssey makes a superb debut, while the Bollywood comedy Dhamaal 4 continues its successful run.

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has accused armed BJP men of vandalising the party's Camac Street office in Kolkata, damaging property and stealing items. The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them staged. The incident further intensifies the political confrontation between the two parties in West Bengal, following a recent dispute over a billboard at the same premises.

Harmanpreet stars as India win Hockey World Cup opener

Harmanpreet stars as India win Hockey World Cup opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Captain Harmanpreet Singh's two goals helped India secure a 3-1 victory over Wales in their first match of the men's Hockey World Cup, with Sanjay also contributing to the scoreline.

Delhi Gymkhana Club: No coercive action till Sep 16, govt tells HC

Delhi Gymkhana Club: No coercive action till Sep 16, govt tells HC

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Centre has assured the Delhi High Court that it will not take coercive action against the Delhi Gymkhana Club until September 16 regarding its eviction from the 27.3-acre premises. This comes as the court hears pleas challenging a show-cause notice for eviction, following the termination of the club's perpetual lease deed by the Land & Development Office. The legal battle centres on the validity of the lease termination and the jurisdiction of the estate officer.

How Technology And Innovation Will Drive India's Growth

How Technology And Innovation Will Drive India's Growth

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, highlighted technology and innovation as central to India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He called for India to lead in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and space, announcing a massive AI skilling initiative for one crore youth. Modi stressed the importance of becoming a global innovation hub, bolstering energy security with nuclear power, and strengthening cybersecurity.

New Book Reveals Ganga's Unique Microbial Intelligence At Triveni Sangam

New Book Reveals Ganga's Unique Microbial Intelligence At Triveni Sangam

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A new book, "The River That Remembers: Microbial Intelligence of Nature" by Padma Shri awardee Ajai Kumar Sonkar, claims that the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj is a unique viral-bacterial laboratory. It suggests that the sacred dips taken by devotees lead to an intense microbial exchange, accelerating phage evolution, especially during events like Kumbh Mela, as diverse human microbiota interact with the river's existing microbiome.

India's Men's Hockey Team Aim to Break 51-Year World Cup Jinx

India's Men's Hockey Team Aim to Break 51-Year World Cup Jinx

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Indian men's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, is determined to end a 51-year World Cup drought, beginning their campaign against Wales with genuine optimism following recent Olympic bronze medals and an Asia Cup title.

Nepal: New Lake Raises Fresh Flood Fears

Nepal: New Lake Raises Fresh Flood Fears

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

This might lead to a further outburst, flooding downstream if left unchecked.

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

YR Sadashiva Reddy, Co-Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has called for the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, citing alleged irregularities in appointments, diversion of Council funds, financial dealings with law colleges, and other governance issues. Mishra has dismissed the allegations as 'baseless'.

Why ISRO Staff Are Worried About ISRO's Future

Why ISRO Staff Are Worried About ISRO's Future

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A rocket designed and developed by ISRO is being transferred to industry for production.
Nine ISRO associations want to know whether this is simply an effort to expand India's industrial capacity or part of a larger policy under which ISRO itself will eventually withdraw from rocket manufacturing.

Mahindra Launches BE 6 SPORTEQ Range: One Big Update, Simplified Options

Mahindra Launches BE 6 SPORTEQ Range: One Big Update, Simplified Options

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Is this one car with options, or three distinct vehicles? Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com finds out.

17 Years On, Sri Lanka's Missing Haunts Families

17 Years On, Sri Lanka's Missing Haunts Families

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Many women admit that while they keep clamouring to know the whereabouts of their disappeared family members, they are painfully aware that all of them may have been done to death, points out M R Narayan Swamy.