News for 'Independence'

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Much will depend on how the protagonists use the current interlude to work proactively for the beginning of a durable settlement or, on the contrary, prepare for a new round of escalation, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.

BJP's 'Operation Lotus' has failed: TMC's Kirti Azad

BJP's 'Operation Lotus' has failed: TMC's Kirti Azad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has accused the BJP of orchestrating 'Operation Lotus' to induce defections from the Mamata Banerjee-led party, citing recent resignations and meetings of dissident MPs as evidence of an organised attempt to weaken the TMC.

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.

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena-UBT is facing a significant internal crisis, with reports suggesting that 'six to seven' of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are preparing to form a separate group. MP Arvind Sawant has formally requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognise any such breakaway faction, emphasising the primacy of the political party over its legislative wing.

Can SIPs Help You Live Debt-Free?

Can SIPs Help You Live Debt-Free?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A simple SIP-first approach can help reduce debt, avoid EMIs and build lasting financial freedom through disciplined spending, advises Ramalingam Kalirajan

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

Complainant admits to filing fake case against Avimukteshwaranand

Complainant admits to filing fake case against Avimukteshwaranand

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Ashutosh Brahmachari, who filed a sexual harassment case against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, has now claimed he did so under pressure from Ramchandra Das, the mahant of Deva Ashram in Mathura, alleging a conspiracy involving several officers.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

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'.

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.

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.

CBSE, NEET Row May Raise Hiring Costs

CBSE, NEET Row May Raise Hiring Costs

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

'For every 10,000 applicants, even an additional Rs 300 to Rs 700 per candidate for testing, assessment administration and re-screening can mean Rs 30 lakh to Rs 70 lakh extra at the hiring-stage cost before training begins.'

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.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

'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.

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.

Haryana Municipal Polls: BJP Candidates Lead In Key Cities

Haryana Municipal Polls: BJP Candidates Lead In Key Cities

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Counting is underway for municipal corporations in Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat, with BJP mayoral candidates leading. Elections were held on Sunday for various municipal bodies across Haryana.

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.

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have all described the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19 and influenza -- which spread when large crowds gather -- as the most likely threats.

A year on, families await closure on Air India crash

A year on, families await closure on Air India crash

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A year after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad claimed 260 lives, grieving families are still waiting for the final probe report, with investigators yet to release conclusive findings on the disaster's cause.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

Bridal Jewellery's Most Exquisite Creations

Bridal Jewellery's Most Exquisite Creations

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recreating this set is almost impossible since no two turquoise gemstones are ever alike.

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.

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.

Twisha Sharma's Family Seeks Justice, End To 'Character Trial'

Twisha Sharma's Family Seeks Justice, End To 'Character Trial'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who was found dead in her marital home in Bhopal, has issued a public appeal for a transparent investigation into her death and an end to what they call a 'posthumous character trial'. They allege attempts to divert attention from the investigation by targeting her reputation.

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thousands and thousands and thousands of adults owe their lives to the commitment and medical fervour of Dr Armida Fernandez, who a grateful nation honoured with the Padma Shri this year.

'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.'

Jharkhand Opposition Leader Alleges Sexual Exploitation In Prisons

Jharkhand Opposition Leader Alleges Sexual Exploitation In Prisons

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Jharkhand's Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has accused officials of sexual exploitation of women in the state's prisons, alleging that the administration is trying to bury the evidence and shield those involved.

'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.