News for 'Independent India'

Cong takes a dig at Modi after BRICS declaration cites Nehru

Cong takes a dig at Modi after BRICS declaration cites Nehru

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Congress party, through leader Jairam Ramesh, took a veiled swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by invoking a Bollywood song and sharing Jawaharlal Nehru's notes from the 1955 Bandung Conference. This move came after the BRICS Delhi Declaration referenced the Bandung Conference, which advocated for a fairer and more inclusive multilateral system, amidst Modi's frequent criticism of Nehru.

Bihar Police arrest 3 in Jamui harassment viral video case, invoke POCSO

Bihar Police arrest 3 in Jamui harassment viral video case, invoke POCSO

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Bihar Police have arrested three individuals in connection with a deeply disturbing viral video from Jamui showing the harassment of a young couple, an incident that has sparked widespread social media outrage and strong political condemnation.

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

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

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

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.

Nehru To Modi: PMs Who Hoisted The Flag At The Red Fort

Nehru To Modi: PMs Who Hoisted The Flag At The Red Fort

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

As India prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the magnificent Red Fort will once again become the centre of the nation's celebrations.

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.com16 Sep 2026

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.

AI Effect: 'Nearly 3 Million Jobs Are At Risk In India'

AI Effect: 'Nearly 3 Million Jobs Are At Risk In India'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

In the next 36 months nearly 25 to 40 per cent of jobs will be under threat from AI and job losses are inevitable.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

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.

Chandra Reappointment Sparks Legal Debate

Chandra Reappointment Sparks Legal Debate

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'On a plain reading of Article 121, it can be said that the chairman's casting vote can be invoked in either of these cases.'

8 Heroes Of The Quit India Movement

8 Heroes Of The Quit India Movement

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave India a simple but powerful call: 'Do or Die'. What followed was the Quit India Movement, one of the largest mass uprisings against British rule.

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

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

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

'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.'

India's next Olympic stars? PM Modi targets 5-15 age group

India's next Olympic stars? PM Modi targets 5-15 age group

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's commitment to hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and unveiled a comprehensive nationwide talent hunt programme aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talent among children aged five to 15 years.

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

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

Indian Athletes Encounter Initial Hurdles At Asian Games Check-In

Indian Athletes Encounter Initial Hurdles At Asian Games Check-In

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

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.

How Technology And Innovation Will Drive India's Growth

How Technology And Innovation Will Drive India's Growth

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, highlighted technology and innovation as central to India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He called for India to lead in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and space, announcing a massive AI skilling initiative for one crore youth. Modi stressed the importance of becoming a global innovation hub, bolstering energy security with nuclear power, and strengthening cybersecurity.

Strain in J-K ruling allies? NC, Cong clash over Vande Mataram rendition

Strain in J-K ruling allies? NC, Cong clash over Vande Mataram rendition

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tensions have emerged within Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance between the National Conference and Congress over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an official state event. While the NC defends it as a "statutory obligation," the Congress expresses strong disapproval, citing historical resolutions and the need to respect India's pluralistic ethos.

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.

Former India Captain Asunta Lakra Calls For NCW Inquiry Into Hockey India Sexual Harassment Allegations

Former India Captain Asunta Lakra Calls For NCW Inquiry Into Hockey India Sexual Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former India captain Asunta Lakra has written to the National Commission for Women (NCW), requesting an independent inquiry into the handling of sexual harassment complaints at Hockey India and its affiliated organisations. Lakra alleges institutional failure, deliberate inaction, and intimidation of complainants, specifically accusing Hockey India secretary general Bholanath Singh of threatening her after she raised concerns about alleged misconduct by Jharkhand coach Sudhir Gola. She also highlighted multiple complaints since January 2025 and caste-based humiliation of tribal players.

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.

Harmanpreet stars as India win Hockey World Cup opener

Harmanpreet stars as India win Hockey World Cup opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Captain Harmanpreet Singh's two goals helped India secure a 3-1 victory over Wales in their first match of the men's Hockey World Cup, with Sanjay also contributing to the scoreline.

'Kareena Performs From The Gut'

'Kareena Performs From The Gut'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'Kareena is completely instinctive.'

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Dhakshineswar Suresh: The Solo Journey From College To Pro Tennis

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

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.

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.

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

AI4Bharat at IIT Madras and Josh Talks AI have launched 'Voice of India', a multimodal AI evaluation platform designed to assess AI systems against Indian conditions, languages, accents, and dialects. This platform aims to provide scientifically rigorous, India-specific evaluations, covering areas like Voice AI, large language models, document processing, safety, cultural appropriateness, and Indian legal reasoning, to build trust and enable informed deployment decisions.

How Social Media Is Destroying Your Retirement

How Social Media Is Destroying Your Retirement

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Urban Indian millennials are caught in an algorithmically amplified consumption spiral where social media normalises spending patterns that systematically undermine retirement security.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

One of the important topics of discussion between the two leaders is expected to be the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

National Film Awards: Yami, Kartik, Mammootty, Dhanush Honoured

National Film Awards: Yami, Kartik, Mammootty, Dhanush Honoured

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, with Yami Gautam, Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty, Dhanush, and Sanjay Mishra among the prominent winners.

My Incredible Mother Vijaya Mehta

My Incredible Mother Vijaya Mehta

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'She was not burdened by the knowledge of her craft and the world. She just was a child till her last days.' 'When she smiled, everybody in the room would light up.'

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.

Mamata camp names bypoll candidates amid fight for symbol

Mamata camp names bypoll candidates amid fight for symbol

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

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.

SC refuses to reconstitute panel probing police action during CJP protest

SC refuses to reconstitute panel probing police action during CJP protest

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

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.

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.

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.

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 seeks Centre's reply on plea seeking social media curbs for minors

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea seeking social media curbs for minors

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union ministries of electronics and information technology and law and justice regarding a plea for safeguards for minors on social media. The NGO 'Just Rights for Children Alliance' filed the plea, arguing that social media platforms should not enter into contracts with children under 18, citing their statutory incapacity to contract and the risks of online harm.

Gavaskar, Kapil and 19 former captains seek proper care for Imran Khan

Gavaskar, Kapil and 19 former captains seek proper care for Imran Khan

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and 19 former captains urged Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to ensure independent medical assessment, treatment and court-ordered family visits for Imran Khan.

Can India Defend Chess Olympiad Double, End Winner's Curse?

Can India Defend Chess Olympiad Double, End Winner's Curse?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Being the defending champions certainly gives us confidence, but every Olympiad is a new event and starts from scratch.'

'India late for 2036 Olympics, winning 30-40 medals is...'

'India late for 2036 Olympics, winning 30-40 medals is...'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Former Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi believes India's ambitious target of 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics is a 'distant prospect', citing significant delays in talent identification, scouting, and critical infrastructure improvements.