News for 'Independence'

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'You empower a man, you are not necessarily empowering a family, you are just empowering him.'

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence was raided by police and central forces for over four hours in connection with a financial fraud case, targeting his close aide Sumit Roy, whose mobile phone was last traced to the property.

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A Chinese official stated that India and China should view each other as cooperative partners and opportunities for development, not rivals or threats. This statement came in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments on the independent and strong ties Russia maintains with both nations, emphasising non-interference in India-China relations.

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal".

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

West Bengal police, supported by central forces, conducted a four-hour predawn raid on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence in connection with a financial fraud case involving his aide, Sumit Roy. The operation, which Banerjee claims involved forced entry, has been denounced by the TMC as "political vendetta" and comes as Banerjee faces multiple investigations from various agencies, further escalating political tensions in the state.

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Congress-led UDF is closely monitoring CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming Assembly election. UDF leaders are considering supporting Sudhakaran, while the CPI(M) expresses disappointment and denies mistreatment.

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

SC releases draft regulations on use of AI in courts

SC releases draft regulations on use of AI in courts

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The draft regulations for use of AI in courts 'shall apply to the use, deployment, or integration of AI in any judicial, adjudicatory or administrative function of the Supreme Court of India, high courts, and all courts including the Tribunals and statutory Commissions performing adjudicatory functions, within the territory of India'.

New India Foundation Book Fellowship To Be Annual

New India Foundation Book Fellowship To Be Annual

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The New India Foundation (NIF) Book Fellowship, previously awarded every two years, will now be an annual event, offering consistent support to nonfiction writers exploring post-1947 India.

Montreal strippers plan strike for Formula One weekend

Montreal strippers plan strike for Formula One weekend

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Montreal strippers are hoping that withdrawing their labour on the busiest night of the year for the city's strip clubs will help them move towards their goal of full employment rights.

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A group of seers, led by the Akhand Parshuram Akhada, has launched a campaign in Uttarakhand's Haridwar to ban the sale of food under the name "veg biryani".

Twisha's family seeks probe into 'calls to public figures'

Twisha's family seeks probe into 'calls to public figures'

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who died last week, is demanding an independent probe into phone calls made by one of the accused to influential figures and CCTV technicians after her death.

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'millstone' around India's neck and accusing him of presiding over the 'murder of democracy', even as he achieved the milestone of becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

'New TMC' claims support of 64 MLAs, seeks floor test

'New TMC' claims support of 64 MLAs, seeks floor test

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee claims 64 dissident TMC MLAs have submitted their names to the Speaker, constituting over two-thirds of the party's Assembly strength, and has called for a floor test to verify their claims of support amidst a widening split within the Trinamool Congress.

G Sudhakaran Open To Ministerial Role If Offered

G Sudhakaran Open To Ministerial Role If Offered

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an independent MLA backed by the UDF, has stated he would accept a ministerial position if offered, despite not seeking one. He highlighted his past experience as a minister and his willingness to serve if chosen, while also noting that he has not been contacted regarding any potential cabinet discussions.

Jharkhand Court Addresses Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Court Addresses Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of alleged sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail by the prison superintendent, registering a public interest litigation and directing the state government to file a detailed report.

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US' statements after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks on ships, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the "compromised PM" listens "like an obedient servant" and "complies with the orders".

British Sikh man get life term for murdering university student

British Sikh man get life term for murdering university student

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 23-year-old British Sikh man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a teenage student in Southampton, with the judge highlighting the racial tensions the case has ignited across the UK.

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

Khan Sir coaching guards held over firing during vandalism

Khan Sir coaching guards held over firing during vandalism

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Two security guards of Khan Global Studies Institute in Patna have been detained for alleged firing, following a vandalism incident at the coaching centre. A video showing guards firing shots circulated, leading to their custody. While Khan Sir initially blamed a rival institute, a rival now alleges he staged the incident.

British Sikh Man Convicted Of Murder In Kirpan Case

British Sikh Man Convicted Of Murder In Kirpan Case

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A British Sikh man has been convicted of murder after claiming he used a kirpan in self-defence. The case has raised questions about the legal parameters around carrying a kirpan in the UK.

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The United States military and Kuwaiti air defence forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, with Iran's state broadcaster claiming American military installations in Kuwait were deliberately targeted.

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The IRGC is the most powerful branch of Iran's armed forces and operates independently of the country's regular military, answering directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The BJP has secured significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, winning in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said infiltration and other reasons are causing 'unnatural' demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation.

Cong councillor who refused to sing Vande Mataram denied bail

Cong councillor who refused to sing Vande Mataram denied bail

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

An Indore court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Congress councilor Fauzia Sheikh Alim, who is accused of refusing to sing 'Vande Mataram' during a municipal corporation meeting, citing a prima facie case under BNS section 196(1).

Lost many nationals in attacks on ships in Gulf, India tells UN

Lost many nationals in attacks on ships in Gulf, India tells UN

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has expressed firm opposition to attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing Iran conflict, revealing that several Indian nationals have died or are missing due to these incidents. The nation also called for restraint, de-escalation, and prioritising civilian safety in the region.

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

West Bengal's 'Cut-Money' Scandal: TMC Leader Hides From Angry Mob

West Bengal's 'Cut-Money' Scandal: TMC Leader Hides From Angry Mob

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video purportedly showing a TMC leader hiding from an angry crowd over alleged 'cut-money' extortion in West Bengal. The incident highlights growing public anger and demands for the return of money taken from beneficiaries of government schemes, with the TMC leadership denying involvement.

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The murder of a Jalandhar-based RTI activist has sparked outrage and political condemnation in Punjab, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government's handling of law and order.

AI-171 crash: 'Saw captain's body in sitting position, gripping controls'

AI-171 crash: 'Saw captain's body in sitting position, gripping controls'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A man who lost family members in the 2023 Air India AI-171 crash has made claims about the pilot's position in the mortuary, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

Pradhan, Rahul Gandhi engage in public spat over CBSE exam row

Pradhan, Rahul Gandhi engage in public spat over CBSE exam row

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rahul Gandhi have engaged in a public dispute over alleged irregularities in the CBSE exam system, with Gandhi demanding an independent probe and Pradhan accusing Gandhi of politicising the issue.

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The rejection of senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers transformed what should have been a routine Rajya Sabha election into a lesson in contemporary political warfare.

How BJP Secured Victory In Haryana Municipal Corporation Polls

How BJP Secured Victory In Haryana Municipal Corporation Polls

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The BJP has achieved significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, securing wins in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.

SC Sets Boundaries for Court AI

SC Sets Boundaries for Court AI

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

If AI-generated material is found to be 'false, fabricated, misleading or inaccurate', the person filing it will be accountable and cannot cite the AI-generated nature of the material as a defence.

KM Deeksha Fails Dope Test; India Leads AIU Ineligible Athletes List

KM Deeksha Fails Dope Test; India Leads AIU Ineligible Athletes List

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

National Games silver medallist K M Deeksha has failed a dope test, according to sources. India maintains top spot in AIU list of currently ineligible athletes.

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.

TMC vs TMC: Meeting records from Mamata's home surface online

TMC vs TMC: Meeting records from Mamata's home surface online

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A fresh controversy has erupted within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the leadership of its legislature party, as documents purportedly from two MLA meetings on May 6 and May 19 have surfaced on social media. Rebel Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee has questioned the authenticity of these documents, which list MLAs' attendance and support for the election of the leader of the opposition, amidst ongoing allegations of signature forgery.

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that any attempts to undermine India's sovereignty through 'threats of sanctions' would 'boomerang immediately' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting India's sovereign decision-making and strong national interests.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).