News for 'Independence'

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The BJP has taken an early lead in the Gujarat local body elections, winning a significant number of seats as counting progresses. The Congress trails behind, while Independents and other parties, including AAP and AIMIM, have also secured seats.

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that the state government will seek a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, who was found hanging at her matrimonial residence. Her family alleges dowry harassment and fears crucial forensic evidence may be lost due to delays in securing a second autopsy and proper body preservation.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who died last week, alleges dowry harassment and seeks a CBI probe into her death. A court rejected a plea for a second autopsy, prompting the family to express concerns about the preservation of forensic evidence. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured the family that the state government will seek a CBI investigation.

Woman Dies After Dowry Harassment Allegations: Husband Arrested

Woman Dies After Dowry Harassment Allegations: Husband Arrested

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A 24-year-old woman died in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly due to dowry harassment by her in-laws. Her husband and father-in-law have been arrested, and an investigation is underway following a complaint by the victim's family, who allege murder.

Court Denies Bail To Model's Husband In Dowry Death Case

Court Denies Bail To Model's Husband In Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A Bhopal court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Samarth Singh, the husband of deceased model and actress Twisha Sharma, in a case alleging dowry death and harassment. The police have announced a reward for information leading to his arrest, while the family of the deceased alleges foul play and demands a thorough investigation.

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Payal Kapadia, celebrated for her Grand Prix win at Cannes, has been appointed jury president for the 65th Cannes Critics Week.

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has permitted the filing of a special investigation team (SIT) probe report before a Gurugram court regarding the rape of a three-year-old girl. The court is also considering the role of doctors and compensation for the victim.

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Building a party from scratch and leading it to electoral success is an entirely different challenge.

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has capped gold imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme at 100 kg, a day after significantly increasing import duties on precious metals. This move aims to tighten conditions for duty-free gold imports by jewellery exporters and curb non-essential imports amidst a ballooning import bill.

CBI To Investigate Suvendu Adhikari Aide's Murder

CBI To Investigate Suvendu Adhikari Aide's Murder

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The CBI has registered an FIR in the alleged murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, taking over the investigation from the state police following a request from the state government.

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 25% Voter Turnout Till 1 PM

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 25% Voter Turnout Till 1 PM

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Polling is underway for local body elections in Haryana, including municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat. An average voter turnout of 25 per cent was recorded till 1 pm. The main contest is expected between the Congress and the ruling BJP.

Defence Stocks Soar on Geopolitical Tensions, Indigenisation Push

Defence Stocks Soar on Geopolitical Tensions, Indigenisation Push

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Indian defence stocks have seen an average year-on-year gain of 67 per cent, driven by renewed interest following 'Operation Sindoor' and a broader increase in global geopolitical tensions, with the combined market capitalisation of 18 firms increasing by approximately 2.3 trillion.

Trump-Xi Bonhomie: Should India Be Uneasy?

Trump-Xi Bonhomie: Should India Be Uneasy?

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Delhi must now purge the delusional hopes of being a 'counterweight' to China in the US calculus, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

In UAE, Modi offers help to end West Asia crisis

In UAE, Modi offers help to end West Asia crisis

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered India's support to bring peace to West Asia during talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both countries signed agreements to strengthen strategic collaborations in energy and defence.

NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled over paper leak; CBI to probe

NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled over paper leak; CBI to probe

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam, which was conducted on May 3, following allegations of irregularities. A CBI inquiry has been ordered, and a re-examination will be scheduled.

Srinagar Police Seize Drug Peddlers' Assets Worth Over Rs 2 Crore

Srinagar Police Seize Drug Peddlers' Assets Worth Over Rs 2 Crore

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Police in Srinagar have attached immovable properties worth over Rs 2 crore belonging to alleged drug peddlers as part of the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan'. The attached properties include residential houses in Chanapora and Qamarwari, acquired through proceeds from drug trafficking.

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Rediff.com18 May 2026

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360 explains why cracking the UPSC exam is a dream for lakhs of young Indians.

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on the global energy supply chain are expected to dominate deliberations at a two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers to be hosted by India.

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 54.5 Per Cent Voter Turnout

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 54.5 Per Cent Voter Turnout

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Local body elections in Haryana, including municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat, saw a 54.5 per cent voter turnout. Polling was held for mayor and ward councillor posts, with key contestants from BJP and Congress. The votes will be counted on May 13.

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

King Charles III reaffirmed the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, underscored NATO's centrality to global security, and shared light-hearted moments with President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner.

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has agreed to rework its selection criteria after talks with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) following the suspension of an assessment camp due to alleged irregularities. The decision comes after concerns were raised about transparency and fair play in the selection process for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins in 31 constituencies in the recent assembly polls were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP and a Trinamool Congress worker were killed in separate incidents of post-poll violence in West Bengal on Tuesday, police said.

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A significant 7.87 per cent increase in the BJP's vote share in West Bengal, reaching 45.84 per cent, propelled the party to secure an additional 130 assembly seats, bringing their total to 207, while the Trinamool Congress experienced a 7.22 per cent decline, losing 135 seats and falling to 80.

Suvendu aide murder: CBI probe hints at Rs 1 cr contract killing

Suvendu aide murder: CBI probe hints at Rs 1 cr contract killing

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The CBI has registered an FIR in the alleged murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, taking over the investigation from the state police following a request from the state government.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.

Sanjeev Arora Challenges Arrest By ED In Money Laundering Case

Sanjeev Arora Challenges Arrest By ED In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora has challenged his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), claiming it is illegal and unconstitutional. The Punjab and Haryana High Court heard arguments and adjourned the matter to May 14. Arora was arrested in connection with an alleged Rs 100-crore GST fraud-linked money laundering case.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A statewide hartal called by Dalit organisations seeking justice in the death of a dental college student has disrupted normal life in Kerala, with protesters blocking vehicles and forcing shops to close.

Think Tank Calls For Probe Into Fake Diabetes Drug Racket

Think Tank Calls For Probe Into Fake Diabetes Drug Racket

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

An independent think tank on policing has called for a multi-agency investigation into the recent unearthing of a spurious Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection manufacturing racket in Gurugram, offering free-of-cost forensic expertise.

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Once the currency goes out of the hand, then possibly your major challenge is that it will not come back.'

Priyanka Chopra To Pair Up With Orlando Bloom For Reset

Priyanka Chopra To Pair Up With Orlando Bloom For Reset

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Priyanka Chopra and Orlando Bloom are confirmed to lead Reset, an upcoming survival thriller directed by Matt Smukler, promising a gripping tale of mystery and deceit.

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The AAP government in Punjab successfully moved a Confidence Motion in the state assembly, following the defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted the party's strength and national presence during the special session.

boAt Aavante Prime X Brings Theatre-Like Audio Home

boAt Aavante Prime X Brings Theatre-Like Audio Home

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The boAt Aavante Prime X is a premium soundbar system designed to deliver an immersive home entertainment experience. With a focus on powerful output, flexible speaker design, and modern connectivity, it aims to bring cinema-like audio into everyday living spaces.

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has voiced concerns regarding the high rate of doping cases in India and the alleged practice of athletes receiving advance notice before testing, potentially jeopardising the nation's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Rediff.com14 May 2026

It seems odd to criticise a country for delivering growth rates in standards of living and consumption that have been perhaps the fastest, longest, and most broad-based (affecting hundreds of millions of people) in history, points out Arvind Subramanian.

SC bar body urges CJI to review Andhra HC judge's order against lawyer

SC bar body urges CJI to review Andhra HC judge's order against lawyer

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court Bar Association has expressed deep concern over an Andhra Pradesh High Court judge reportedly sending a young advocate to judicial custody for a procedural lapse, urging the Chief Justice of India to take cognisance of the incident.