News for 'Independence'

Bribe to suppress rape case: Punjab CM's wife sends notice to ex-judge

Bribe to suppress rape case: Punjab CM's wife sends notice to ex-judge

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has sent a legal notice to a former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge. This action follows allegations that she sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued a notice to the Punjab government and police chief regarding the complaint, which has drawn criticism from opposition leaders like Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Bikram Singh Majithia. The NHRC has directed an inquiry into the matter, citing potential human rights violations.

AI Effect: 'Nearly 3 Million Jobs Are At Risk In India'

AI Effect: 'Nearly 3 Million Jobs Are At Risk In India'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

In the next 36 months nearly 25 to 40 per cent of jobs will be under threat from AI and job losses are inevitable.

Former deputy speaker of Bengal found hanging at Trinamool office

Former deputy speaker of Bengal found hanging at Trinamool office

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Police are investigating the mysterious death of Asish Banerjee, former deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly and a prominent TMC leader, who was found hanging in a party office with a purported suicide note expressing regret over entering politics and denying corruption.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Modern Marriage: 'I Thought Marriage Would Change My Husband'

Modern Marriage: 'I Thought Marriage Would Change My Husband'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Meera tells Rishika Shah/Rediff how a relationship that seemed perfect from the outside turned into a marriage she walked away from within a year.

Yash's Toxic Is Flawed Yet Admirable

Yash's Toxic Is Flawed Yet Admirable

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Dismissing Toxic as merely a style-over-substance gangster drama would be missing what makes it unusual, notes Mayur Sanap.

PM Modi: India Strong Contender to Host 2036 Olympics

PM Modi: India Strong Contender to Host 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's strong bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and detailed plans for a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to ensure significant participation and success in the event. He highlighted the success of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and India's growing presence in global sports.

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Axis Bank has opened 50 new branches across India, while Abakkus Mutual Fund has surpassed Rs 10,000 crore in AUM. YES Bank launched a new credit card for women, and J&K Bank partnered with HDFC Life to enhance its insurance offerings, showcasing significant growth and strategic developments in the Indian financial sector.

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram temple construction committee, has dismissed a viral unsigned letter attributed to former trust general secretary Champat Rai as "fabricated." The letter purportedly details Misra's significant role and influence in the temple's construction and management, including agency selection and committee decisions, but its authenticity remains unverified.

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said Maoism was once considered difficult to eliminate, but the menace has now been wiped out, and this year the 'Tiranga Yatra' will also reach remote villages and schools in former Maoist strongholds of the state

Mahatma Gandhi's manuscript sells for record Rs 16.20 crore at Saffronart auction

Mahatma Gandhi's manuscript sells for record Rs 16.20 crore at Saffronart auction

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A collection of 688 autographed reflections by Mahatma Gandhi, compiled into 'A Thought for the Day', was sold for a record Rs 16.20 crore at a Saffronart auction, becoming the world's most expensive Indian historical document sold at auction.

Agitating J'khand job seekers form 11-member delegation for talks with govt

Agitating J'khand job seekers form 11-member delegation for talks with govt

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students and job aspirants in Jharkhand, protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, have formed an 11-member delegation to engage in talks with the state government. This decision follows Chief Minister Hemant Soren's offer for dialogue to resolve the ongoing impasse, which includes demands for exam cancellation, an independent probe, and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC.

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader on a hunger strike in Ranchi, protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe.

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Six Arab football federations, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, have publicly declared their "full support" and "confidence" in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This backing comes as Infantino faces significant backlash and withdrawals of support from European and Oceania federations over his failed $20 billion private investment plan for the World Cup, highlighting a growing schism within global football governance.

What Caused Chinese Ship To Sink In 8 Minutes In Bay Of Bengal?

What Caused Chinese Ship To Sink In 8 Minutes In Bay Of Bengal?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The MV Ocean Winner sank within about eight minutes with 24 crew aboard; experts say excess moisture in its iron ore fines cargo may have caused liquefaction.

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Maya Thakur, a transgender icon, advocates for amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, to include self-identification and protect transgender individuals who wish to remain independent from traditional eunuch communities.

How Ai+ Is Investing Rs 100 Crore To Boost Smartphone Security

How Ai+ Is Investing Rs 100 Crore To Boost Smartphone Security

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Indigenous smartphone brand Ai+ has announced a Rs 100 crore bug bounty program over five years, inviting independent researchers to identify and address security vulnerabilities. This initiative, named Project Trust+, aims to foster a collaborative environment with the tech community to enhance the safety and resilience of Ai+ products, reflecting the company's commitment to transparent and collaborative security development.

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the risks posed by the 'weaponisation' of resources and strategic sea routes, urging India to achieve greater self-reliance in energy to mitigate vulnerabilities to overseas supplies and geopolitical tensions.

Over 50% of 18th LS bills passed in same session they were introduced: Data

Over 50% of 18th LS bills passed in same session they were introduced: Data

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

More than half of the bills introduced in the 18th Lok Sabha have been passed by both Houses in the same session, a significant acceleration compared to previous terms, raising concerns about the time available for legislative scrutiny and stakeholder consultations.

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Delhi Police detained several anti-reservation protesters at Jantar Mantar who were demanding that economic criteria be prioritised over caste for government support and reservation. The protest, mobilised via social media by 'Reservation Hatao Andolan', proceeded despite police denying permission for Jantar Mantar and offering Ramlila Ground as an alternative venue. Demonstrators called for a review of the existing reservation system and the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion.

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Verify a content creator's Sebi registration, qualifications and certifications before acting on their advice.

Why Smart People Still Fail At Retirement Planning

Why Smart People Still Fail At Retirement Planning

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Retirement planning is not a test of how smart you are; it is a test of how well you control your behaviour.

Rahul Gandhi booked over Ram temple 'chanda chori' skit at Parl

Rahul Gandhi booked over Ram temple 'chanda chori' skit at Parl

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and seers have filed police complaints and FIRs against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, and Awadhesh Prasad for a skit performed in Parliament, alleging it mocked Sanatan culture and ridiculed Indian traditions concerning Ram Temple donations.

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are protesting alleged paper leaks in PSC and other recruitment exams, demanding an independent inquiry by retired high court judges from outside the state. They have lost faith in the ongoing CID investigation, citing past failures, and threaten to intensify their agitation if their demands for a CBI or independent judicial probe are not met. The protests have garnered support from various organisations, with one leader on an indefinite hunger strike.

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued interim directions regarding nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, ordering the release of minor student protesters without criminal records and directing states to preserve all digital evidence. The court also called for a fair and independent investigation into allegations of police excesses against students, while also acknowledging concerns for injured police personnel.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal on Saturday said those who do not say Vande Mataram do not know who their mother is.

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday rejected Bharatiya Janata Party leader B L Santhosh's claim that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers had protected his (Kharge's) family from Razakars during Hyderabad state's integration with India, saying that his family and people of the region were protected by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Army.

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a close ally of former premier Khaleda Zia, has been elected as Bangladesh's new President in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

What Gandhi's Passport Application Looked Like

What Gandhi's Passport Application Looked Like

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Gandhi's 1931 passport for his travel to London was issued in Bombay. It was the last time the Mahatma travelled abroad.

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha introduced four significant bills on Monday, including amendments to mines and minerals regulations, the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, and the renaming of Kerala to Keralam, all while facing continuous protests from opposition members demanding a discussion on the July 20 police crackdown on students.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been sworn in as Bangladesh's 23rd President, following a contested parliamentary election that saw him defeat Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed. Alamgir, a longtime secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will serve a five-year term.

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Hingorani family's decision to part with the Gandhi archive after generations was guided by a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience and to fund initiatives that would extend its legacy.

Adivi Sesh: 'Whenever Vande Mataram Would Come Up, I Would Stand Up'

Adivi Sesh: 'Whenever Vande Mataram Would Come Up, I Would Stand Up'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'For someone who found his patriotism for India while living in America, this is a very momentous occasion.'

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

In many ways, 17th century India occupied a position in the global economy comparable to that of the United States today. Just as millions of people now look towards America because of its economic opportunities, merchants, adventurers and trading companies once looked towards India.

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

Mahima Makwana: 'My Life Depends On This. I Don't Have Another Option'

Mahima Makwana: 'My Life Depends On This. I Don't Have Another Option'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'There are days where I feel things are not going my way. I feel helpless, dejected and rejected.' 'But then what do you do? You wake up, dust it off and go.'

PM lays out seven-point Sapta Dhara framework for Viksit Bharat

PM lays out seven-point Sapta Dhara framework for Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced a 'Sapta Dhara' (seven-stream) reform framework, aiming to propel India into a developed nation by 2047. This comprehensive plan focuses on key sectors including manufacturing, agro-food processing, technology, logistics, defence, green and blue economy, and soft power, leveraging the nation's youth potential.