News for 'Independence'

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.

Indian Athletes Encounter Initial Hurdles At Asian Games Check-In

Indian Athletes Encounter Initial Hurdles At Asian Games Check-In

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian athletes, including wushu and table tennis players, faced initial check-in difficulties upon arrival for the Asian Games in Nagoya. While some wushu players and coaches reportedly had issues with room allocation on the designated cruise ship, officials stated the problems were resolved. The Games' accommodation plan involves a mix of cruise ships, container rooms, and hotels, with some contingents already raising concerns about the quality and availability of lodging.

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Saudi-led coalition issued a stern warning to Yemen's Houthi rebels after intercepting a drone targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Describing it as a "hostile and terrorist act," the coalition declared the security of holy sites a "red line" and vowed deterrent measures. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides exchanging accusations of military operations and civilian targeting.

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'...but should prepare for listing unless a court grants effective interim relief.'

After Franco rape battle, 3 Kerala nuns stitch a new life with 'Stand By Me'

After Franco rape battle, 3 Kerala nuns stitch a new life with 'Stand By Me'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Three nuns in Kerala, who supported a nun accusing a Catholic bishop of rape, have launched a clothing venture called 'Stand By Me'. Facing financial hardship after their assistance was stopped, they revived tailoring skills to earn a livelihood. This initiative provides them with independence and a new purpose, expanding from local orders to online sales and employing workers.

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

Rediff.com4 days ago

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The plea argues that the levy was introduced without adequate statutory safeguards, transparency, or public consultation, and questions its constitutional validity and potential adverse effects on merchants and consumers.

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

'Ganeshotsav Is No Longer The Same'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'

OTT Releases: Vishwanath & Sons, Ghamasaan, Revolutionaries

OTT Releases: Vishwanath & Sons, Ghamasaan, Revolutionaries

Rediff.com5 days ago

This week's OTT releases offer a diverse selection, from Suriya's family drama Vishwanath & Sons and Nikkhil Advani's historical series The Revolutionaries to thrillers like Ghamasaan and international mysteries.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Rediff.com5 days ago

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been granted three weeks' interim bail by a Delhi court in a case involving the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a Jantar Mantar protest. Bhardwaj was previously in judicial custody after being detained following public outrage over his claims of assault and political connections.

Kareena: 'I Couldn't Wear Tight Clothes In Daayra'

Kareena: 'I Couldn't Wear Tight Clothes In Daayra'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'She's kind, loving...but on the sets, she's a taskmaster.'

SC refuses to reconstitute panel probing police action during CJP protest

SC refuses to reconstitute panel probing police action during CJP protest

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court has rejected pleas to reconstitute a high-powered committee investigating alleged police excesses against student protesters in Delhi, stating that the allegations against the panel were based on conjecture. The court emphasised the committee's role in ensuring fairness and transparency, and directed it to proceed with its inquiry into various issues including the use of pellet guns, targeted violence, and property destruction, while ensuring protection and confidentiality for vulnerable witnesses.

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Rediff.com4 days ago

TMC MP Mahua Moitra was allegedly pelted with eggs by BJP workers during a visit to Nadia district's Tehatta area, despite police presence. Moitra invoked a recent Supreme Court observation regarding her apprehension of such attacks, questioning police inaction and alleging contempt of court. The BJP has condemned the act but denied involvement.

Hockey India Executive Board To Meet Amidst Internal Strife And HIL Restructuring Talks

Hockey India Executive Board To Meet Amidst Internal Strife And HIL Restructuring Talks

Rediff.com5 days ago

Hockey India is set to hold an emergent Executive Board meeting on September 18 to address a deepening internal controversy involving President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, stemming from a jersey colour change. The meeting will also focus on restructuring the Hockey India League (HIL) to create an independent Governing Council with franchise involvement, and discuss upcoming elections and Asian Champions Trophy hosting.

Mamata camp names bypoll candidates amid fight for symbol

Mamata camp names bypoll candidates amid fight for symbol

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction has announced Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury as its candidates for the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly by-elections in West Bengal. This announcement comes amidst a significant split within the TMC, with a rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee also vying for control of the party's name and symbol. The Election Commission is currently deliberating on the claims of both factions, a decision that will critically impact the by-polls scheduled for October 6.

NEET protest: SC rejects calls to reconstitute police excesses probe panel

NEET protest: SC rejects calls to reconstitute police excesses probe panel

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has affirmed its decision not to alter the five-member high-powered committee, led by former Justice R Subhash Reddy, which is investigating allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel in Delhi. The court dismissed concerns about potential bias, stating the committee acts as its "extended hand" and will function under its supervision. It also noted the suspension of an executive magistrate who issued a show-cause notice to a student involved in protests.

Oracle Layoffs: 'He worked through Holi and Diwali... then locked out'

Oracle Layoffs: 'He worked through Holi and Diwali... then locked out'

Rediff.com5 days ago

A LinkedIn post by Pooja Sahu, detailing her husband Sourabh's sudden layoff from Oracle after 12 years of dedicated service, including working through holidays and even from a hospital, has gone viral, capturing the emotional toll of the tech giant's latest job cuts.

SC junks PIL seeking mandatory ethanol labelling at petrol pumps

SC junks PIL seeking mandatory ethanol labelling at petrol pumps

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking mandatory and uniform labelling of ethanol percentage in petrol at fuel pumps. The petitioner, Narendra Kumar Goswami, was advised to approach the jurisdictional high court for relief, with the Attorney General arguing it was a proxy litigation.

Why Have Major Trade Unions Been Excluded From Minimum Wage Panel?

Why Have Major Trade Unions Been Excluded From Minimum Wage Panel?

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Major unions should be included. If this goes on, decision-making will become heavily one-sided and we will be forced to continue our strikes.'

SC judge sends 4th letter against Rajasthan HC judge to CJI

SC judge sends 4th letter against Rajasthan HC judge to CJI

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta has sent a fourth letter to CJI Surya Kant, reiterating and expanding allegations against Rajasthan High Court judge Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, accusing him of judicial interference, breaching confidentiality, and administrative abuse, further deepening a significant judicial controversy.

Rajasthan local body polls hit by EVM snags; voter turnout touches 70%

Rajasthan local body polls hit by EVM snags; voter turnout touches 70%

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The second and final phase of urban local body elections in Rajasthan was marked by EVM-related glitches and voter issues, with a 57.38 per cent turnout recorded by 3 pm. Prominent leaders like Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot cast their votes, while several incidents of disputes and alleged bogus voting were reported across various polling stations.

'Threatening slogans': IIT-D Director warns of action against protesting students

'Threatening slogans': IIT-D Director warns of action against protesting students

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee has warned students of disciplinary action for "disrupting the peaceful functioning of the campus" with "threatening slogans" during protests over an alleged student suicide. The protests escalated to faculty residential areas, prompting the institute to reconstitute its probe panel into the student's death.

10 IPO Checks Before You Invest

10 IPO Checks Before You Invest

Rediff.com3 days ago

Dig into the prospectus. Use the prospectus to understand the business and its risks.

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian tennis player Dhakshineswar Suresh discusses the significant transition from collegiate tennis to the professional tour, highlighting the challenges of travelling alone, managing his body, and maintaining consistency. He shares insights on the importance of off-court preparation, physical fitness, and setting ambitious goals like breaking into the top 250.

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Rediff.com3 days ago

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's October 7 meeting will focus on 'GST 2.0' process reforms, including e-invoicing and input tax credit rules, while also addressing complex issues surrounding the taxation of the digital economy and cryptocurrency.

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has given the Odisha government one month to decide on the remission plea of Ravindra Pal, alias Dara Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murders of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons.

Hockey India row deepens as Tirkey blocks key meeting

Hockey India row deepens as Tirkey blocks key meeting

Rediff.com5 days ago

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has denied sanctioning an emergent Executive Committee Meeting called by secretary Bhola Nath Singh, intensifying an internal power struggle. The dispute stems from a jersey colour change controversy and the secretary's attempt to address various issues, including the Hockey India League's future and upcoming elections, which Tirkey claims is beyond his authority to convene.

Internal Strife Rocks Hockey India Amidst Jersey Row And HIL Restructuring Plans

Internal Strife Rocks Hockey India Amidst Jersey Row And HIL Restructuring Plans

Rediff.com5 days ago

Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily stemming from an unauthorised jersey colour change. An emergent Executive Board meeting has been called to address this conflict, discuss the restructuring of the Hockey India League (HIL) into a joint venture with franchises, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events. The meeting also aims to address a show-cause notice issued to the Director General.

Tirkey, Bhola Nath face off as Hockey India crisis grows

Tirkey, Bhola Nath face off as Hockey India crisis grows

Rediff.com5 days ago

Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily over a controversial jersey colour change and the authority to call emergent meetings. An upcoming Executive Board meeting aims to address these differences, discuss the future of the Hockey India League (HIL) including its restructuring into a joint venture, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events.

SC to hear plea on ethanol content disclosure at petrol pumps

SC to hear plea on ethanol content disclosure at petrol pumps

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition seeking mandatory and uniform labelling of ethanol percentage at petrol pumps and a public database on vehicle compatibility with ethanol-blended fuel. The plea also calls for an expert committee to assess the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles, environment, and food security, and a consumer disclosure protocol.

Justice Mishra sworn in as Chief Justice despite Mann govt's objections

Justice Mishra sworn in as Chief Justice despite Mann govt's objections

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, despite strong objections from the Punjab government. The Mann government claimed the appointment bypassed constitutional norms and procedures, leading to a political tussle with the Centre, which defended the process.

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Despite repeated demands over the years, the proposal to develop Khudiram Bose's cremation ground in Muzaffarpur into a martyr park has yet to see the light of day due to official apathy.

SC rejects Aravalli panel extension, sticks to Nov 30 deadline

SC rejects Aravalli panel extension, sticks to Nov 30 deadline

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has rejected a High-Powered Committee's request for a six-month extension to submit its report on the definition and protection of the Aravalli Hills, directing the panel to submit it by November 30. The court warned of reconstituting the committee if it fails to meet the deadline and emphasised the need for issue-specific interim reports. This decision follows a previous controversy over the Aravalli definition and mining regulations.

Sports Ministry Allows IOA To Retain 16-Member Executive Council

Sports Ministry Allows IOA To Retain 16-Member Executive Council

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Sports Ministry has granted an exemption to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), allowing it to maintain a 16-member Executive Council. This decision aligns with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation, overriding the National Sports Governance Act's usual limit of 15 members, to ensure compliance with international statutes ahead of upcoming IOA elections.

South African envoy cleared in Zuma-Gupta temple visit row

South African envoy cleared in Zuma-Gupta temple visit row

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The South African government has cleared its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, of any wrongdoing after he appeared at a temple event in Haridwar with former president Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta, who faces corruption allegations. DIRCO stated Sooklal provided only customary protocol support to Zuma and attended the event independently, without facilitating any substantive engagement with Gupta.

Modi-Xi BRICS meeting: Beginning of a new era for India-China ties?

Modi-Xi BRICS meeting: Beginning of a new era for India-China ties?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached a crucial consensus during the BRICS summit, agreeing that China and India should be partners, not rivals. The leaders pledged to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas, deepen cooperation, and support each other in multilateral forums, aiming to strengthen the Global South and promote a multipolar world order.

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Can your money be protected against online frauds like hacking, digital arrests, etc?

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.

Tata Trusts Gets Clean Chit Over 1989 Share Transfer

Tata Trusts Gets Clean Chit Over 1989 Share Transfer

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The authorities have said that it is not permissible to examine and review in 2026 the decision taken by the trustees in 1988 regarding the existence of necessity for transfer of shares.

PM Modi calls for global UPI expansion to cut remittance costs

PM Modi calls for global UPI expansion to cut remittance costs

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the fintech sector to expand the global reach of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), connecting it with local systems in other countries to help the diaspora save on remittance costs.