News for 'Independent India'

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com5 May 2026

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.

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.

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.

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.

Experts Urge Ethical AI Governance and Indigenous Development for India

Experts Urge Ethical AI Governance and Indigenous Development for India

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Experts at a discussion in Delhi emphasised the importance of ethical governance and indigenous capability in India's pursuit of becoming a global artificial intelligence power, ensuring technology serves the public good and maintains strategic autonomy.

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Rediff.com11 May 2026

'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that the state government will seek a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, who was found hanging at her matrimonial residence. Her family alleges dowry harassment and fears crucial forensic evidence may be lost due to delays in securing a second autopsy and proper body preservation.

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

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

Rediff.com6 May 2026

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.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who died last week, alleges dowry harassment and seeks a CBI probe into her death. A court rejected a plea for a second autopsy, prompting the family to express concerns about the preservation of forensic evidence. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured the family that the state government will seek a CBI investigation.

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Rediff.com5 May 2026

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.com5 May 2026

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

NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled over paper leak; CBI to probe

NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled over paper leak; CBI to probe

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam, which was conducted on May 3, following allegations of irregularities. A CBI inquiry has been ordered, and a re-examination will be scheduled.

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Indian leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

By appearing to privilege ideological affinity over strategic balance, India risks eroding the trust painstakingly built across West Asia. Once the perception takes hold that India's friendship is conditional and transactional, rebuilding credibility will be difficult, warns Amberish K Diwanji.

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

In an official statement, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry, alleging that Moscow was attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes.

Investment Disclosure Tightens Tax Scrutiny

Investment Disclosure Tightens Tax Scrutiny

Rediff.com7 May 2026

From the financial year 2025-2026, the government has introduced a new column in the tax return form for presumptive taxpayers, requiring them to disclose their year-end investments. This requirement was not present last year.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

UP Statues of Freedom Fighters Reinstalled After Outrage

UP Statues of Freedom Fighters Reinstalled After Outrage

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Statues of freedom fighters demolished in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, have been reinstalled within 24 hours following the Chief Minister's orders, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.

Summer Travel Costs Soar For Indians

Summer Travel Costs Soar For Indians

Rediff.com6 May 2026

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

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.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Who were the mothers who shaped Mahatma Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar, Narendra Modi and other well-known Indians?

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.

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The 2026 election appears to have reinforced a new political formula in Assam: Strong organisation, continuous grassroots engagement, effective alliance management and welfare-based voter outreach.

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) commenced in Chhattisgarh, providing a national stage for tribal athletes to showcase their abilities. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event's significance in promoting sports culture and identifying talent from remote areas.

Congress Protests After Statues of Kakori Martyrs Demolished in India

Congress Protests After Statues of Kakori Martyrs Demolished in India

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Congress workers protested and performed a purification ritual after statues of Kakori incident martyrs were allegedly demolished and dumped in Shahjahanpur, India, sparking outrage and demands for an investigation.

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's defence sector is on the cusp of a 'super cycle' of growth, driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts and a strong policy push towards indigenous manufacturing, with major players like BEL, HAL, and BDL poised for significant order inflows and technological advancements.

Husband Must Maintain Wife Despite Financial Issues: High Court

Husband Must Maintain Wife Despite Financial Issues: High Court

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a husband cannot avoid his responsibility to maintain his wife, even if he claims financial hardship.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com5 May 2026

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.

Avoid These Life Insurance Mistakes

Avoid These Life Insurance Mistakes

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Proposal forms are often filled by the agent. Check the form after it is filled.

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Rediff.com7 May 2026

IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal explains the reasons behind shifting the IPL final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, citing higher seating capacity and an ICC board meeting.

Two Jailed For Hoisting Khalistani Flag In Punjab

Two Jailed For Hoisting Khalistani Flag In Punjab

Rediff.com1 May 2026

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.

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

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.

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, criticising the NIA for ignoring crucial evidence. The court highlighted contradictions in the NIA's investigation compared to the initial probe by the ATS, leaving the question of responsibility for the blasts unanswered.

Why Thane Court Acquitted Five In Trafficking Case

Why Thane Court Acquitted Five In Trafficking Case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A Thane court acquitted five men charged with human trafficking and running a flesh trade, citing critical failures in the prosecution's case, including the non-examination of key witnesses and victims.

CJI Urges Caution On AI In The Judiciary

CJI Urges Caution On AI In The Judiciary

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has cautioned against the uncritical adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary, emphasising the need to balance technological advancements with human intellect and ethical considerations.

Modern Marriage: 'We Moved Abroad, I Felt Like A Maid'

Modern Marriage: 'We Moved Abroad, I Felt Like A Maid'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

In Rediff's new series on modern marriages, young couples from across India discuss how they deal with differences of opinion, lifestyle preferences and personal choices. Here, Megha* tells Rishika Shah/Rediff how she coped with the unexpected challenges that followed her impulsive marriage to her best friend.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'