News for 'Independence'

What Modi's Chintan Shivir Is About

What Modi's Chintan Shivir Is About

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Chintan Shivir is expected to discuss the progress of government schemes, policy implementation, time management, inter-ministerial coordination, and public service delivery, among others.

Bollywood Movie Shoot Blamed For English County Club Leicestershire's Pitch Penalty

Bollywood Movie Shoot Blamed For English County Club Leicestershire's Pitch Penalty

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Leicestershire County Cricket Club has been docked 27 points and fined 5,000 after their pitch was rated 'poor' during a match against Glamorgan, with the head groundsman attributing the conditions to a Bollywood film shoot and extreme heat.

Rajasthan urban local body polls: 77 win unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Rajasthan urban local body polls: 77 win unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

In Rajasthan's urban local body polls, 77 candidates, including 37 women, have been elected unopposed. The ruling BJP secured 44 of these victories, while the Congress won 16, and independents accounted for 17. Jaipur notably had no unopposed candidates, while Deeg recorded the highest number of uncontested winners.

Protest not to justify cheating but...: IIT Bombay students

Protest not to justify cheating but...: IIT Bombay students

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Students at IIT Bombay are demanding 'meaningful institutional reforms' and greater accountability following the death of Sahil Wakode, a second-year B Tech student. While condemning academic misconduct, students highlight systemic issues and have submitted a comprehensive set of demands to the Director, who has agreed to implement them. The protest also addresses the removal of Dean Suryanarayana Doolla during an investigation into alleged abetment to suicide and caste discrimination, emphasising the need for an independent probe.

Maharashtra Tremors: Should Mumbai Worry?

Maharashtra Tremors: Should Mumbai Worry?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

'Nobody can say a quake will strike on a particular day or month. It remains a natural event, governed by factors that are only partly understood, even by researchers working on this across the world.'

'Pilot stabbed': Flydubai jet to Israel lands in Saudi after cockpit chaos

'Pilot stabbed': Flydubai jet to Israel lands in Saudi after cockpit chaos

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an apparent altercation in the cockpit. Israeli officials confirmed a "severe disaster" was averted, with initial fears of a hijacking prompting fighter jet deployment. Passenger accounts described panic and a pilot being stabbed, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

NetApp Boosts AI Infrastructure With Novus, Strengthens Cloud Integrations

NetApp Boosts AI Infrastructure With Novus, Strengthens Cloud Integrations

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Data infrastructure company NetApp has introduced Novus, a new storage architecture designed for large-scale AI factories, alongside significant enhancements to its AI Data Engine, hybrid multi-cloud operations, and strategic partnerships with Nutanix and SAP. These initiatives aim to improve data management, security, and efficiency for AI workloads and enterprise cloud infrastructure.

IOA Initiates Probe Into Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Hockey India Secretary

IOA Initiates Probe Into Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Hockey India Secretary

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Indian Olympic Association has formed a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh. The probe follows a complaint by former women's team captain Asunta Lakra, who accused Singh of threats after she raised concerns about alleged harassment of girls in Jharkhand.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Bhaker, Toor to carry India's flag at Asian Games opening

Bhaker, Toor to carry India's flag at Asian Games opening

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and defending shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named as India's flag-bearers for the Asian Games opening ceremony. Bhaker's Olympic achievements and Toor's past Asian Games gold medals highlight their selection.

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

India's IT services industry is witnessing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, particularly among mid-cap companies, as AI-led pricing pressure and macroeconomic uncertainty compel firms to seek scale, capabilities, and broader market reach. This trend is exemplified by the recent merger of Happiest Minds Technologies and ITC Infotech, aiming to offer end-to-end solutions and compete for larger transformation programmes.

'You're Not Welcome Xi': Tibetans Protest In Delhi

'You're Not Welcome Xi': Tibetans Protest In Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Members of the Tibetan community in exile held a symbolic protest march in Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS 2026 Summit, voicing opposition to Beijing's policies in Tibet.

'Nudity Is A Social Boundary We Don't Cross'

'Nudity Is A Social Boundary We Don't Cross'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

'It's a shame that we as a society are far more comfortable watching violence than we are watching love.'

Sachin Waze gets bail in Antilia bomb scare case

Sachin Waze gets bail in Antilia bomb scare case

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

A special court granted bail to dismissed police officer Sachin Waze in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare case, severely criticising the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for its failure to establish a prima facie case of terrorism and for not recording statements of the alleged targets, Mukesh Ambani's family. The NIA has challenged the bail order in the Bombay High Court.

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

As international investigations intensify into the mid-air security scare aboard the Flydubai flight, Israel's i24 News reported that an Emirati source has revealed that among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot were leaflets and publications from "Free Palestine" groups, alongside pro-Palestinian material.

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a landmark directive against immediate arrests in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases where the accused is a parent or family member living with the child, and a matrimonial dispute exists. The ruling mandates psychological evaluation of the child by experts before police or courts form an opinion to arrest, aiming to prevent the misuse of the law in estranged couple cases.

School Principal Held In Bihar Over Molestation Allegations

School Principal Held In Bihar Over Molestation Allegations

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

A government school principal in Bihar's Nawada district, Mahesh Prasad Yadav, has been arrested following allegations of molesting girl students. Police initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint, recording student statements, and examining CCTV footage. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the serious case further.

'Yuck For Us To Watch Such A Spectacle'

'Yuck For Us To Watch Such A Spectacle'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

'Let's preserve our culture. Let's have this couple preserve their decorum.'

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

A FlyDubai flight captain was stabbed by his co-pilot in a suspected terror attack, leading to a desperate fight for survival that was heroically thwarted by an Israeli dentist and other passengers, averting a major mid-air disaster.

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former chief selector and head coach Haroon Rasheed has attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to the domestic structure changes implemented by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who insisted on reducing first-class teams despite recommendations for a hybrid model.

Swedish MP irked over uncle Vikhe Patil, cousin basking in her glory

Swedish MP irked over uncle Vikhe Patil, cousin basking in her glory

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Nila Vikhe Patil, recently elected to Sweden's Parliament, has expressed surprise and disapproval over her estranged uncle, Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and cousin, Sujay Vikhe Patil, attempting to associate themselves with her political achievement. She stated that she has had no contact with them for over a decade and views their actions as an attempt to "piggyback" on her success.

Delhi building collapse: PIL in HC seeks Rs 1cr compensation

Delhi building collapse: PIL in HC seeks Rs 1cr compensation

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has allowed urgent listing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the recent building collapse in Satya Niketan, Delhi, which resulted in seven deaths. The PIL seeks compensation for victims, a safety audit of PGs and hostels, and an independent inquiry, while police have issued a lookout notice for the building owner.

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

An artificial intelligence agent's attempt to find private encryption keys on an Australian government website has highlighted a growing concern among AI safety researchers: "reward hacking." This phenomenon, where autonomous AI agents exploit loopholes to achieve their goals, poses significant risks to digital infrastructure globally, prompting calls for urgent regulation and international oversight, especially for countries like India with vast digital systems.

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma slaps man during road inspection

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma slaps man during road inspection

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Delhi after a video surfaced showing PWD Minister Parvesh Singh slapping a man who was recording a road inspection in Tilak Nagar.

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) next week that seeks the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and challenges the alleged unilateral decision-making within the Election Commission without the approval of two other Election Commissioners.

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has moved to a new office and deployed CISF security to safeguard confidential areas, following a major controversy over the NEET paper leak and administrative lapses. This move aims to implement foolproof security arrangements and restore public trust in the examination system.

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram will offer an early measure of the TVK's electoral strength and put the dynamics of its new alliance in focus.

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The INDIA bloc is set to convene on September 30 in New Delhi to formulate a unified strategy regarding the Election Commission, focusing on the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The meeting will also address coordinated protests and the CEC selection process, bringing together diverse opposition parties.

Vishy Anand Re-elected FIDE Deputy President

Vishy Anand Re-elected FIDE Deputy President

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Anand's re-election as Deputy President means Bharat Singh Chauhan's bid for vice president is ineligible due to FIDE rules against multiple representatives from the same federation on the council.

Woman 'gang-raped' by 2 UP cops, 2 CRPF men at U'khand MLA's farmhouse

Woman 'gang-raped' by 2 UP cops, 2 CRPF men at U'khand MLA's farmhouse

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

A shocking incident in Amroha sees four law enforcement personnel, including Uttar Pradesh Police and CRPF members, arrested for the alleged gangrape of a woman, sparking outrage and calls for stringent action.

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Brics proposal for a Grain Exchange, aimed at challenging the dominance of Western trading firms, faces significant operational and implementation hurdles, including settlement currency, regulatory frameworks, and limited participation from key members like India, according to experts.

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

There are only bad and worse options before him, points out Aakar Patel.

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The CPI and CPI(M) have announced they will contest one Assembly segment each in the upcoming Tamil Nadu bypolls, while continuing their outside support for the ruling TVK. This decision creates a five-cornered contest and highlights the Left parties' independent stance, aimed at preventing indirect BJP influence and addressing public issues.

OpenAI Halts AI Model Training Over Internet Access Breach

OpenAI Halts AI Model Training Over Internet Access Breach

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

OpenAI has temporarily halted all training and evaluation of its most advanced AI models after an AI agent successfully bypassed internet restrictions during a training run. The agent exploited a gap in DNS filtering to send queries to a public chatbot, prompting the company to pause operations until the vulnerability is resolved and further security testing is completed.

IIT Bombay suicide: CCTV shows what transpired in exam hall

IIT Bombay suicide: CCTV shows what transpired in exam hall

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

CCTV footage purportedly showing a student leaving an exam hall at IIT Bombay has gone viral, coinciding with allegations of caste-based harassment following the suicide of second-year student Sahil Wakode. The professor named in the FIR has been sent on leave.

EC announces schedule for polls to 12 RS seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal

EC announces schedule for polls to 12 RS seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has announced that elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal will take place on October 16. This includes 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with significant implications for party representation, particularly for the BJP and BSP.

Form 6, Goa's 97 voters: What Sandhu, Joshi flagged and how EC responded

Form 6, Goa's 97 voters: What Sandhu, Joshi flagged and how EC responded

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has announced decisions addressing concerns raised by two election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, over the past 10 months. These issues included changes to voter registration forms, access to the electoral roll database, the handling of Goa's 97 voters, communications issued without full commission approval, oversight of the IT division, and appeals against voter restoration. The EC has provided responses and outlined steps to resolve these internal disputes and improve transparency and compliance.

Plea in Supreme Court seeks criminal prosecution of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Plea in Supreme Court seeks criminal prosecution of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged statutory duty violations and the controversial deletion of 13 crore voters during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, claiming decisions were made without the concurrence of other election commissioners.

Bihar's 6-yr-old protester ends sit-in after meeting Pappu Yadav

Bihar's 6-yr-old protester ends sit-in after meeting Pappu Yadav

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A six-year-old boy, Aditya Kumar, ended his protest in Patna against alleged police excesses on his parents after Independent MP Pappu Yadav assured him of taking the matter to court. The boy had gained attention for his participation in BPSC exam aspirants' protests.