News for 'Independent India'

Cosmetics From Pakistan Breach Indian Market

Cosmetics From Pakistan Breach Indian Market

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

CDSCO has warned consumers against using two unauthorised Pakistani whitening creams after finding excessive heavy metals and regulatory violations.

'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.

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a landmark directive against immediate arrests in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases where the accused is a parent or family member living with the child, and a matrimonial dispute exists. The ruling mandates psychological evaluation of the child by experts before police or courts form an opinion to arrest, aiming to prevent the misuse of the law in estranged couple cases.

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The CPI and CPI(M) have announced they will contest one Assembly segment each in the upcoming Tamil Nadu bypolls, while continuing their outside support for the ruling TVK. This decision creates a five-cornered contest and highlights the Left parties' independent stance, aimed at preventing indirect BJP influence and addressing public issues.

Form 6, Goa's 97 voters: What Sandhu, Joshi flagged and how EC responded

Form 6, Goa's 97 voters: What Sandhu, Joshi flagged and how EC responded

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has announced decisions addressing concerns raised by two election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, over the past 10 months. These issues included changes to voter registration forms, access to the electoral roll database, the handling of Goa's 97 voters, communications issued without full commission approval, oversight of the IT division, and appeals against voter restoration. The EC has provided responses and outlined steps to resolve these internal disputes and improve transparency and compliance.

The Daily Wager Who May Go To The Oscars

The Daily Wager Who May Go To The Oscars

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'The FFI jury said Gondhal is the best film in terms of overall quality -- the sound, background music and cinematography.' 'In every aspect, I don't think this film can be compared to other Indian films. This may sound like overconfidence, but we know what we have done.'

Beware These Insurance Sales Traps

Beware These Insurance Sales Traps

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

If a bank sold the policy, complain to its grievance cell and, if necessary, escalate the complaint to the Reserve Bank of India Ombudsman.

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has launched an online petition urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address India's youth on critical issues like education, unemployment, and the rising cost of living during his Independence Day speech. This initiative follows CJP's successful 36-day agitation against NEET irregularities, which led to the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The CJP is now broadening its campaign with a nationwide "Kya Bolti Public" tour to gather youth views for a comprehensive Youth Reform Charter.

'Nudity Is A Social Boundary We Don't Cross'

'Nudity Is A Social Boundary We Don't Cross'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

'It's a shame that we as a society are far more comfortable watching violence than we are watching love.'

Asian Games: 'Room crunch had left 30-35 Indian athletes in a spot'

Asian Games: 'Room crunch had left 30-35 Indian athletes in a spot'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India's Chef de Mission for the Asian Games, Sahdev Yadav, said that he only learned after arriving in the city that organisers had removed around 30 to 35 Indian athletes from the accommodation list.

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet on a Phuket-Delhi flight, injuring 24 people. The pilot-in-command was subsequently terminated after testing positive for banned psychoactive substances, though the AAIB has not linked this to the technical failure.

Indian B-Schools Face Urgent Need To Boost AI Competencies

Indian B-Schools Face Urgent Need To Boost AI Competencies

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A national study of top 75 Indian B-schools reveals a significant competency gap in AI skills among management graduates, with industry expectations far exceeding current MBA capabilities. A new framework by AIMS, EPSI, and IMC highlights the urgent need for management education to adapt to an AI-led workplace, emphasizing behavioural competencies alongside data fluency.

Tata Sons Boardroom Battle: Listing Decision Sparks Controversy

Tata Sons Boardroom Battle: Listing Decision Sparks Controversy

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A significant boardroom battle has erupted at Tata Sons, India's largest conglomerate, following the board's decision to proceed with a public listing and extend N Chandrasekaran's tenure as executive chairman, moves opposed by Noel Tata, who represents the majority shareholder Tata Trusts.

Buy A Mature Rocket Or Design A New One?

Buy A Mature Rocket Or Design A New One?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Buying a mature rocket technology gives companies the designs and hardware know-how, but not necessarily the decades of engineering wisdom needed to make it work.

Shubman Gill 'Comfortable' as India Captain, Eyes WTC Final

Shubman Gill 'Comfortable' as India Captain, Eyes WTC Final

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, expresses comfort with his leadership role and highlights the team's progress. He acknowledges the challenge of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, requiring significant wins in upcoming matches. Gill also discusses the honour of leading India in its 600th Test and shares insights on playing conditions in Sri Lanka.

Mamata faction protests EC order, submits choices for names, symbols

Mamata faction protests EC order, submits choices for names, symbols

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Trinamool Congress has submitted new names and symbols to the Election Commission for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, following an interim order that temporarily barred the party from using its original name and "flowers and grass" symbol due to an ongoing internal dispute and split. The party submitted its choices under protest.

Sonam Wangchuk fears he might be killed in 'encounter'

Sonam Wangchuk fears he might be killed in 'encounter'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him responsible for the deaths of four people during protests in Leh last year. Speaking on the first anniversary of the violence, Wangchuk expressed fear for his life, alleging threats, and called for the judicial inquiry report into the incident to be made public. He criticised the use of automatic weapons against protesters and questioned the branding of local youth as "anti-national," linking the violence to unfulfilled promises regarding Ladakh's constitutional safeguards.

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems mid-flight, causing an altitude upset and injuring 24 people. A preliminary investigation revealed the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance post-flight, leading to their termination, while the technical aspects of the incident are still under scrutiny.

US tariff blitz on Russian oil: How will China strike back?

US tariff blitz on Russian oil: How will China strike back?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

China has strongly rejected a US bill that would impose tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil and gas. Beijing views the "Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026" as an act of "long-arm jurisdiction" and interference in its sovereign trade relations, asserting that its economic cooperation with other nations is based on equality and mutual benefit.

'ISRO's Successes Must Not Be Privatised'

'ISRO's Successes Must Not Be Privatised'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Their message is blunt: Public scientific wealth should not be transferred at what they describe as 'throwaway prices'.capability, recruitment, promotional avenues and the voice of its employees.

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

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.

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has addressed reports of internal dissent among its commissioners and clarified that all Special Intensive Revision (SIR) orders and Form 6 updates for voter enrolment received unanimous consent and were upheld by the Supreme Court. The EC also announced measures to ease the process for voters issued notices, including doorstep document collection and extended deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while affirming its commitment to transparent decision-making and meticulous compliance with directives.

Top Pharma Firms Maintain Volume Growth Amid Market Shift to Chronic Therapies

Top Pharma Firms Maintain Volume Growth Amid Market Shift to Chronic Therapies

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

India's 10 largest pharmaceutical companies have consistently maintained positive average volume growth throughout 2026, while smaller rivals have experienced more erratic performance, driven by a market shift towards chronic and sub-chronic therapies.

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.

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail': Oppn on report of difference in EC over SIR

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail': Oppn on report of difference in EC over SIR

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A political storm has erupted with the Opposition demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following reports that two Election Commissioners raised 'expansive red flags' over the Special Intensive Revision of voters' lists, citing issues like name deletions and decisions made without their knowledge.

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging "vote chori" and treason, following a media report revealing that two other Election Commissioners had formally objected to decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the BJP, RSS, and EC of undermining democracy, citing concerns over voter list tampering and lack of transparency.

F&O: When Trading Turns Into Gambling

F&O: When Trading Turns Into Gambling

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

88 per cent of individual traders lost money during FY26. Until we recognise gambling dressed up as option buying for what it is, we will keep treating the wrong disease, asserts Harsh Roongta.

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

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.

STAGE Pioneers AI Filmmaking With Sir Chhotu Ram Biopic

STAGE Pioneers AI Filmmaking With Sir Chhotu Ram Biopic

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Regional OTT platform STAGE is set to release India's first AI-made biopic on farmer leader Sir Chhotu Ram. The project leverages artificial intelligence for various aspects of filmmaking, from visualisation to character generation, aiming to reduce production costs and expand storytelling possibilities for underserved cultures and languages.

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.

How To Pick The Right Broker

How To Pick The Right Broker

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Investors opening new brokerage accounts must choose a broker suited to their style.

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Economists highlight that resolving domestic policy bottlenecks, particularly through land reforms and improving the ease of doing business, will be critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'next-generation reforms' and India's economic transformation towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047.

Modi urges people to take 'developed India' pledge on I-Day

Modi urges people to take 'developed India' pledge on I-Day

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon citizens to celebrate Independence Day with honour and pride, urging them to take a pledge for a developed India. This appeal comes amidst parliamentary sessions marked by protests from both ruling and opposition alliances.

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

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

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

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.

From Earning Rs 45 A Day To Directing Gondhal

From Earning Rs 45 A Day To Directing Gondhal

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

'I used to earn Rs 45 for working 12 hours a day at the age of 14.' 'The situation at home was weak, so that money was very important. I did whatever work I could find.'

3 sisters take tricolour to India's 'silent village' in J-K

3 sisters take tricolour to India's 'silent village' in J-K

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Three mute sisters from Dhadkai, known as India's 'Silent Village', refused to eat until their father provided fabric for them to stitch tricolours, which they then distributed to over 150 homes, bringing the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to their remote Jammu and Kashmir village.

Why This CM Is Probing Lionel Messi!

Why This CM Is Probing Lionel Messi!

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

In 100 days in office, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ordered five SITs. This would appear to be some kind of a record, points out Aditi Phadnis.