News for 'Independence'

7 Scams That Can Empty Your Bank Account

7 Scams That Can Empty Your Bank Account

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

A frozen phone screen, a fake customer-care call, a screen-sharing request or even a duplicate SIM can give cybercriminals a route into your bank account.

Supreme Court ensures coach Bilquis Mir joins Asian Games team

Supreme Court ensures coach Bilquis Mir joins Asian Games team

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has intervened to allow international water sports coach Bilquis Mir to join the Indian National Kayaking and Canoeing Team for the Asian Games in Japan. Overruling a Jammu and Kashmir administration order that denied her permission due to pending inquiries, the apex court emphasised the time-sensitive nature of sports administration and directed the issuance of a No Objection Certificate by September 15, 2026.

India@80, America@250: Indian diaspora sets Guinness flag record in New York

India@80, America@250: Indian diaspora sets Guinness flag record in New York

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Celebrations marking India's 80th Independence Day in the New York tri-state area culminated in a world record, with more than 1,300 US flags surrounded by Indian tricolours arranged to form the number "250", in a tribute to America's semiquincentennial anniversary.

'This isn't politics': Brian Lara Urges Proper Medical Care For Imran Khan

'This isn't politics': Brian Lara Urges Proper Medical Care For Imran Khan

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has joined other former cricketers in calling for proper medical treatment and humane conditions for jailed former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

AI Transition Is Irreversible, But Regulation And Cost Will Shape Its Future

AI Transition Is Irreversible, But Regulation And Cost Will Shape Its Future

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

TeamLease EdTech Founder and CEO Shantanu Rooj states that the AI-driven world transition is irreversible, with regulation and cost being crucial factors determining its speed and depth. He emphasizes that while AI will transform jobs, not eliminate them, continuous learning, domain expertise, and adaptability will be key for individuals and businesses to thrive in this evolving landscape. Rooj also highlights the need for universities to adapt their curricula to prepare a future-ready workforce.

No external pressure on Sonia book, it came down to one issue: Penguin India

No external pressure on Sonia book, it came down to one issue: Penguin India

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Penguin Random House India has denied any external pressure influenced its decision not to publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', stating an 'impasse over a particular issue' led to the author's team withdrawing the book.

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, known for provocative social media posts and claims of political proximity, has been detained in Bulandshahr. His detention follows a viral video where he boasted about assaulting a Jantar Mantar protester's father, leaving him with severe injuries, and claiming to have avoided jail due to political connections. Police acted after public outcry and protests.

'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.

'Misbranded' rabies vaccine seized in Delhi, DCGI intensifies action

'Misbranded' rabies vaccine seized in Delhi, DCGI intensifies action

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Indian drug regulatory and law enforcement agencies have stepped up their efforts against the illegal manufacture and distribution of spurious drugs. This intensified action follows the seizure of a "misbranded" batch of Abhayrab rabies vaccine in Delhi, prompting nationwide vigilance and arrests.

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India launched 'Suryapath Tiranga', a unique initiative involving over 50 Indian missions globally, to digitally relay images of the tricolour across multiple time zones, starting from Fiji, to mark the country's 80th Independence Day.

Why Are Tibetans Protesting?

Why Are Tibetans Protesting?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Tibetan communities across New Delhi, Kolkata and Shimla marked the 49th day since activist Lobsang Palden, also known as Lobga Rangza, immolated himself outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, 2026, with prayer services and protests.

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

One of the important topics of discussion between the two leaders is expected to be the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

Kashmir's Underwater Tiranga Rally

Kashmir's Underwater Tiranga Rally

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Kashmir witnessed its first-ever underwater Tiranga rally, as water sports athletes carried the national flag beneath Pokribal lake ahead of Independence Day.

Mayawati expels nephew Akash Anand from BSP

Mayawati expels nephew Akash Anand from BSP

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

BSP chief Mayawati has announced that her nephew Akash Anand has been "completely freed" from the party, following his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth's retirement from politics. Mayawati questioned Anand's commitment, suggesting his personal and family interests outweighed the party's, especially after his failure to repost her X post regarding Siddharth's retirement. This decision comes as the BSP prepares for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Tata Elxsi To Power Sarla Aviation's Innovative Shunya Air Taxi

Tata Elxsi To Power Sarla Aviation's Innovative Shunya Air Taxi

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Tata Elxsi has partnered with Sarla Aviation to develop the Shunya air taxi platform. Tata Elxsi will provide engineering support for avionics, software integration, and certification, while Sarla Aviation will lead the design and type certification of the electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

'Vande Mataram' row escalates as BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi

'Vande Mataram' row escalates as BJP lodges complaint against Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have lodged a formal complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at the Urwa police station in Karnataka on Sunday, following a controversy during the recitation of the national song Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Independence Day.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

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.

Over 200 from 14 states arrested as ISI-backed terror plot foiled

Over 200 from 14 states arrested as ISI-backed terror plot foiled

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian security forces have successfully dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network, arresting over 200 operatives across 14 states and preventing planned subversive attacks ahead of Independence Day.

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.

Contest Nandigram by-poll, we won't field candidate: TMC rebels to Mamata

Contest Nandigram by-poll, we won't field candidate: TMC rebels to Mamata

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The battle for the Trinamool Congress' name and election symbol is spilling into the Nandigram bypoll, with the rebel faction asking party supremo Mamata Banerjee to contest from there, promising not to field a candidate against her.

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.

Mumbai firm get Nadcap nod, boosts aircraft component sourcing from India

Mumbai firm get Nadcap nod, boosts aircraft component sourcing from India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Mumbai-based TCR Engineering Services has become the first independent company in India to receive Nadcap accreditation for materials testing at its Navi Mumbai and Vadodara laboratories, a crucial step for Indian suppliers to enter the global aerospace supply chain.

OpenAI launches GPT-6 Astra, calls it 'world's most intelligent' AI model

OpenAI launches GPT-6 Astra, calls it 'world's most intelligent' AI model

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

OpenAI has officially launched GPT-6 Astra, hailed as 'the world's most intelligent and aligned model,' designed to excel in computer browsing, software engineering, mathematics, and enterprise workflows, with immediate deployment for select organisations.

JNU Prof Zoya Hasan's speech at Delhi school cancelled after VHP protest

JNU Prof Zoya Hasan's speech at Delhi school cancelled after VHP protest

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

JNU Professor Emerita Zoya Hasan's Independence Day speech at a private school in Delhi was cancelled following a protest by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The school and police cited security concerns, a decision criticised by Sahmat, which alleged pressure from the VHP.

'Dimagi Naxal Party' emerges online amid row over Modi's remark

'Dimagi Naxal Party' emerges online amid row over Modi's remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A new satirical Instagram page, 'Dimagi Naxal Party,' has emerged following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' remark.

The Sashidhar Jagdishan years at HDFC Bank: Crisis, merger, and scrutiny

The Sashidhar Jagdishan years at HDFC Bank: Crisis, merger, and scrutiny

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Sashidhar Jagdishan, the managing director and CEO of HDFC Bank, has announced his decision not to seek reappointment and will retire at the end of his current term on October 26, concluding a six-year tenure marked by significant regulatory and governance challenges, including RBI restrictions, a major merger, and scrutiny over alleged illegal payments.

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.

CCI Chairperson Flags AI Risks In Digital Markets

CCI Chairperson Flags AI Risks In Digital Markets

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Competition Commission of India (CCI) chairperson Ravneet Kaur has warned that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could intensify anti-competitive practices in digital markets, including self-preferencing, discriminatory pricing, and market manipulation. She highlighted the CCI's ongoing study into AI's impact on competition and stressed the regulator's role in fostering growth while preventing abuse of dominance.

Guess How Much Janhvi's Versace Gown Costs?

Guess How Much Janhvi's Versace Gown Costs?

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Bollywood's divas glam up August with unusual glamour.

IIT Guwahati Builds Brain-Inspired AI

IIT Guwahati Builds Brain-Inspired AI

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

IIT Guwahati researchers have developed SH²RFSSM, a model inspired by how biological neurons communicate.

In a 1st, 'Vande Mataram' to be sung at Red Fort on I-Day

In a 1st, 'Vande Mataram' to be sung at Red Fort on I-Day

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

For the first time in history, the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung at the Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

Shane Watson reveals why India feels like 'second home'

Shane Watson reveals why India feels like 'second home'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has described India as his 'second home,' stating he felt more welcomed and supported by Indian cricket fans than in Australia, attributing this strong connection to his IPL career and the country's appreciation for the sport.

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.

Census Brings Meiteis, Nagas Closer, Puts Kukis On Edge

Census Brings Meiteis, Nagas Closer, Puts Kukis On Edge

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Amidst ongoing ethnic tensions, a new political alignment in Manipur sees Meitei and Naga groups uniting to demand an update to the National Register of Citizens with a 1951 base year, a move fiercely opposed by Kuki-Zo communities who fear it will disenfranchise them.

Left London career to join IAS, Divya Mittal quits after 13 years

Left London career to join IAS, Divya Mittal quits after 13 years

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Divya Mittal, a 2013-batch IAS officer and former Deoria district magistrate, has resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after 13 years. An alumna of IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, Mittal cited no specific reason but reflected on her journey from working in London to serving India, highlighting her impactful tenures in Mirzapur and Deoria.

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has expressed his deep disappointment and frustration over recurring nightclub incidents involving national team players, following fast bowler Brydon Carse's recent arrest and subsequent de-arrest. Root emphasised the team's commitment to building a strong culture and addressing off-field behaviour that detracts from their performance.

Don't travel abroad, don't buy gold: Modi's advice despite GDP growth

Don't travel abroad, don't buy gold: Modi's advice despite GDP growth

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth, achieved despite global conflicts and instability. He emphasised the importance of Swadeshi and self-reliance for a developed India by its 100th year of Independence, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign expenditures.

Gandhari, Dhamaal 4, Fauda Arrive On OTT

Gandhari, Dhamaal 4, Fauda Arrive On OTT

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Highly anticipated Bollywood movie premieres, post-theatrical releases, gripping new OTT series and the return of popular international shows: September promises a rich and varied slate of content.

'Was chanting Hare Krishna': Nepal tunnel survivor rescued on Janmashtami

'Was chanting Hare Krishna': Nepal tunnel survivor rescued on Janmashtami

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Sanjay Sah, a 30-year-old employee, was rescued from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal after nine days. He attributed his survival to chanting 'Hare Krishna' and was miraculously rescued on Krishna Janmashtami. Another worker, Kabir Maharjan, was also rescued but required further medical treatment. Sah, a foreman, stayed behind to ensure others' safety during the initial disaster.