News for 'Independent India'

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era includes freedom from algorithmic influence, emphasising that AI should only assist judges, who must ultimately decide based on constitutional values and human judgment.

Why Judicial Independence Must Evolve In The Age Of AI

Why Judicial Independence Must Evolve In The Age Of AI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era is not just freedom from external power, but also from algorithmic influence, while speaking at a conference in Bengaluru.

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.

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.

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Rediff.com6 days ago

Recent controversies at major IT firms like TCS and Infosys have highlighted a persistent gap between workplace conduct policies and their implementation in corporate India. While companies assert zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, employees and experts point to uneven enforcement and the need to embed ethical behaviour into organisational culture.

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Lalit Modi said he doesn't envisage India and Pakistan playing a bilateral Test series anytime soon because of the strained political relations between the two neighbours.

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Rediff.com7 days ago

Recent controversies at major IT firms like TCS and Infosys have highlighted a persistent gap between workplace conduct policies and their implementation in corporate India. While companies assert zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, employees and experts point to uneven enforcement and the need to embed ethical behaviour into organisational culture.

Bombay HC Asks Centre To Decide On Padma Award For Wrestler Jadhav

Bombay HC Asks Centre To Decide On Padma Award For Wrestler Jadhav

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has directed the Union government to decide by May 4 on posthumously conferring the Padma Vibhushan award to wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India's first individual Olympic medallist.

Public Sector Banks Face Boardroom Vacancies

Public Sector Banks Face Boardroom Vacancies

Rediff.com28 minutes ago

In the draft norms issued last month, the RBI said that the ultimate responsibility for the bank's performance, conduct and control rests with the Board

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the establishment of independent appellate tribunals, led by former high court judges, to address appeals related to voter list exclusions in West Bengal, while also cautioning against undermining judicial officers involved in the process.

Why Siddaramaiah Wants A Supreme Court Bench In South India

Why Siddaramaiah Wants A Supreme Court Bench In South India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for the establishment of a Supreme Court bench in South India to improve accessibility to justice. Speaking at a conference on Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary, he also highlighted the need to address algorithmic bias and ensure judicial independence in the age of AI.

'Mark Mobius Saw India's Rise Before Other Investors'

'Mark Mobius Saw India's Rise Before Other Investors'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'Mark Mobius's life was dedicated to investing.'

How Tim Cook transformed Apple's India strategy into a global manufacturing success

How Tim Cook transformed Apple's India strategy into a global manufacturing success

Rediff.com6 days ago

Apple CEO Tim Cook's strategic pivot, from initial rejections to local partnerships and leveraging government policies like PLI, transformed India into a major iPhone manufacturing and export hub, now accounting for one in every four iPhones assembled globally.

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A new report suggests that blending 20 per cent dimethyl ether (DME) with LPG could significantly reduce India's LPG imports, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange.

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) pledges to collaborate with NADA and the Sports Ministry to address doping concerns after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) categorised India as a high-risk country for doping violations.

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Rediff.com6 days ago

West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 assembly polls since Independence, with a cumulative 92.47 per cent polling in two phases, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd) has stated that the Reserve Bank of India's action on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) has no financial or business impact on the company. The fintech firm clarified it has no material business arrangements or exposure with the banking entity, which operates independently.

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Actor Vijay's newly formed party, TVK, has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing a commanding vote share and disrupting the state's traditional bipolar political system.

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Rediff.com20 hours ago

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

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Rediff.com1 days ago

The plan includes three such formations: A China-focused Northern Theatre Command, a Pakistan-focused Western Theatre Command, and a Maritime Theatre Command.

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.

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Is Bhutan merely experimenting with digital finance -- or is the Himalayan kingdom punching far above its weight, quietly playing one of the most sophisticated strategic games in Asia today? asks Varun Arya.

Summer Travel Costs Soar For Indians

Summer Travel Costs Soar For Indians

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Airfares to Southeast Asia have surged 25 to 30 per cent, driven by high demand and limited airline seat capacity.

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.

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.

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna has cautioned against the over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, emphasising the need for judicial independence from algorithmic influence. She stressed that AI should only serve as a tool and not replace human judgement, which is guided by legal reasoning, constitutional values, and a deep sense of justice.

China Snaps Up Iran Oil, India Misses

China Snaps Up Iran Oil, India Misses

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Indian refiners have access to only limited Iranian volumes compared with Russian oil, and even the barrels on offer come with 'too many hassles'.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com22 hours ago

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

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.

Rajnath Singh: India Shedding 'Cricket and Hockey Only' Image on Global Stage

Rajnath Singh: India Shedding 'Cricket and Hockey Only' Image on Global Stage

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights India's transformation in sports, moving beyond cricket and hockey to achieve global recognition, driven by government investment and initiatives like the Khelo India programme.

Two Jailed For Hoisting Khalistani Flag In Punjab

Two Jailed For Hoisting Khalistani Flag In Punjab

Rediff.com4 days ago

An NIA court has convicted and sentenced two men to imprisonment for hoisting a Khalistani flag on a government building in Punjab's Moga at the instigation of Sikhs for Justice general counsel and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

India Inc hits pause on factory expansion in March

India Inc hits pause on factory expansion in March

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's new manufacturing project announcements more than halved in the fourth quarter of FY26, falling 60 per cent sequentially and 78 per cent year-on-year to approximately 1.7 trillion, driven by global uncertainties, geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, and existing unutilised manufacturing capacity.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on a PIL alleging large-scale banking fraud involving the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and its firms to May 8.

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Former Mumbai and Baroda first-class cricketer Kiran Powar has been appointed as the head coach of the Assam men's team for the 2026-27 domestic season.

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A top government official says that while India has made significant progress in renewable energy, technical issues are hindering large-scale implementation. The government is working on solutions such as grid flexibilisation and battery storage.

India Tops Global List Of Suspended Athletes For Doping Violations

India Tops Global List Of Suspended Athletes For Doping Violations

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India has overtaken Kenya to lead the Athletics Integrity Unit's list of ineligible persons due to doping violations, with 148 suspended track and field athletes.