News for 'Independent India'

Someone Else Owns India's Off Switch

Someone Else Owns India's Off Switch

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A sovereign cloud, our own DNS root and Root CA, a defence-led research base that builds for keeps, and a real national cybersecurity strategy that outlives electoral cycles are not vanity projects. They are the difference between a nation that can be switched off and one that cannot, points out Venkata Satish Guttula.

No better person than Dhoni to take over as CSK coach: Ashwin

No better person than Dhoni to take over as CSK coach: Ashwin

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

India's spin great Ravichandran Ashwin suggested Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the ideal successor for Stephen Fleming as CSK's head coach.

Bulldozer demolitions: SC asks aggrieved to approach HCs, extends protection

Bulldozer demolitions: SC asks aggrieved to approach HCs, extends protection

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to consider a batch of contempt petitions alleging that demolitions were carried out in violation of its 2024 judgment and asked aggrieved parties to approach the high courts concerned.

INDIA bloc to write to CJI on SIR, seek Pradhan's resignation

INDIA bloc to write to CJI on SIR, seek Pradhan's resignation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc met in New Delhi on Monday and decided to write to the chief justice of India on the Special Intesive Revision exercise and "vote loot", besides demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-CBSE row.

Hindu law not based on Manu Smriti: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

Hindu law not based on Manu Smriti: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta elaborated on the origins of Hindu law, stating it emanates from the 'Smritis' and highlighting the two prominent schools of thought, Mitakshara and Dayabhaga. He emphasised the dynamic interpretation possible within Hindu legal texts and the foresight of ancient scholars in formulating concepts like prohibited relationships.

Law platform challenges Delhi HC's 'right to be forgotten' order

Law platform challenges Delhi HC's 'right to be forgotten' order

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Legal database platform India Kanoon has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a single-judge order that recognised an individual's 'right to be forgotten' and directed the platform to de-index and disable 'name-based search functionality' for certain judicial orders.

'I love Modi. India can count on me 100%': Trump's phone call at live Delhi event

'I love Modi. India can count on me 100%': Trump's phone call at live Delhi event

Rediff.com25 May 2026

US President Donald Trump reiterated his strong support for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring that 'India can count on me 100 per cent' during a celebratory event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in New Delhi.

ICC commits to Afghan refugee women's cricket, targets 2030 qualification

ICC commits to Afghan refugee women's cricket, targets 2030 qualification

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Development Pathway Programme for Afghan refugee women cricketers, setting an ambitious target for the team to compete in the governing body's qualification pathway by 2030.

'Paani Waali Train': 'This Is The Future Of Railway Mobility'

'Paani Waali Train': 'This Is The Future Of Railway Mobility'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

India has launched its first hydrogen-powered train, the 'Namo Green Rail', from Jind, Haryana, marking a significant step towards sustainable railway mobility. The 10-coach train, which emits only water vapour, is currently operating on the Jind-Sonipat route and represents a major technological advancement for the country's transport sector.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

Delhi HC orders restoration of CJP's X handle, revokes govt ban

Delhi HC orders restoration of CJP's X handle, revokes govt ban

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has ordered the unblocking of the Cockroach Janta Party's X handle, which was previously withheld due to concerns over potential "chaos" during the NEET re-test. The court's decision came after the Solicitor General stated that the primary concern was no longer relevant as the NEET exam was over. The CJP, a youth-driven satirical movement, aims to hold the government accountable and has gained significant digital traction.

HDFC Bank's Workforce Shrinks by 3,343 in FY26 Despite Balance Sheet Expansion

HDFC Bank's Workforce Shrinks by 3,343 in FY26 Despite Balance Sheet Expansion

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector lender, reported a reduction of 3,343 employees in FY26, bringing its total workforce to 2,11,178, even as its balance sheet expanded by 12 per cent. The bank's MD and CEO, Sashidhar Jagdishan, attributed the headcount reduction to redeploying talent from back-end functions to customer-facing roles due to technology-led efficiencies. The annual report also addressed the challenging resignation of part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty, which raised questions about the bank's governance standards.

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The NCERT Class 8 social science textbook has undergone significant revisions, including a tweaked narrative on the 1947 Partition, the inclusion of VD Savarkar's demand for Swaraj, and the removal of references to Adolf Hitler and Nazi ideology. These changes follow a Supreme Court intervention regarding controversial content on the judiciary.

How India Is Becoming A Global Leader In Enterprise AI Adoption

How India Is Becoming A Global Leader In Enterprise AI Adoption

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A SAP study reveals that Indian enterprises are rapidly moving from AI experimentation to value-driven implementation, positioning India as a global leader in enterprise AI adoption. Indian organisations plan significant investments in AI, with projected fivefold growth in Agentic AI returns and a high percentage of businesses having defined AI strategies and dedicated AI leaders.

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Sunday saw the entire opposition staging a symbolic walkout over the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs and a demand for a discussion on the issues of Ram temple donation 'theft', NEET paper leak and mixing of ethanol in petrol.

10 Bollywood Films That Chased Hidden Treasures

10 Bollywood Films That Chased Hidden Treasures

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

From Khazana to Tumbbad and Dhamaal, Bollywood's treasure-hunt adventures have delivered everything from hidden riches and cursed gold to madcap comedy and even horror.

'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.

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

Praful Patel pooh-poohs secretary's letter, says no rift in NCP over Sunetra

Praful Patel pooh-poohs secretary's letter, says no rift in NCP over Sunetra

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Nationalist Congress Party national working president Praful Patel has dismissed claims of a rift within the party, specifically addressing a legal challenge to Sunetra Pawar's election as party president. A national secretary, Sachchidanand Singh, alleged the election was unconstitutional, but Patel stated the letter carries no weight and senior leaders support Sunetra Pawar. The dispute highlights internal dynamics following the demise of Ajit Pawar.

'Janaki Amma Is An All-Rounder'

'Janaki Amma Is An All-Rounder'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

'I could place her in any song situation, sad, happy, bhajan, cabaret, fun song... she took just a few minutes to catch the tune.'

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.

I'm a big, big fan of Modi, India can count on me: Trump

I'm a big, big fan of Modi, India can count on me: Trump

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Taking to Truth Social on Monday evening, Trump reposted Gor's original Sunday night dispatch alongside a video snippet from the grand celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America's independence, hosted at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Mission Embrace aims to perform the world's first in-orbit demonstration of soft robotic capture for future active debris removal missions

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Kargil War Hero looks back at the victory of Tiger Hill and the men who didn't return.

Former England pacer Liam Plunkett swaps cricket for baseball, nails strikeout

Former England pacer Liam Plunkett swaps cricket for baseball, nails strikeout

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Former England cricketer Liam Plunkett swapped his cricket colours for a baseball glove on Friday, playing his first game for independent American club Oakland Ballers and even claiming a strikeout.

'Love Has A Way Of Rewriting Every Plan We've Carefully Made'

'Love Has A Way Of Rewriting Every Plan We've Carefully Made'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'Some people enter our lives not to stay forever, but to leave us changed forever.'

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.

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A lesson for India is to clearly define objectives beforehand, so that the adversary or other parties do not attempt to mitigate them midway.

All valuables donated to Ram Temple are safe: Trust

All valuables donated to Ram Temple are safe: Trust

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has displayed over 30 kg of gold-like items and 1,518 kg of silver-like items, asserting all 2,926 valuable articles donated by devotees are 'safe' and accounted for, amid an ongoing probe into alleged embezzlement of donations.

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that the determination of citizenship status in India must adhere to a fair, lawful, and reasoned process, setting aside Gauhati High Court verdicts that had affirmed orders declaring some individuals as foreigners. The court stressed that constitutional protections of equality, life, and personal liberty apply to every person within India's territory.

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that any attempts to undermine India's sovereignty through 'threats of sanctions' would 'boomerang immediately' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting India's sovereign decision-making and strong national interests.

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.

10 AI Careers For Fresh Graduates

10 AI Careers For Fresh Graduates

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Dr Lovi Raj Gupta, pro vice-chancellor, Lovely Professional University, explains how aspiring professionals can equip themselves for a competitive AI-driven job market.

Bank Stocks and Lower Oil Prices Fuel Sensex, Nifty Rally

Bank Stocks and Lower Oil Prices Fuel Sensex, Nifty Rally

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their winning streak to a fourth consecutive day, driven by strong buying in blue-chip bank stocks and a decline in global crude oil prices. Fresh foreign fund inflows also contributed to the optimistic sentiment in the domestic equity market.

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.

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

...and 3 lakh for harassment.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

COMING UP In July: Love, Horror and Action!

COMING UP In July: Love, Horror and Action!

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Bollywood is super busy this July. Joginder Tuteja lists the movies coming up in theatres.

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticised PM Modi's Israel visit, calling it a "bewildering strategic decision" amid the regional conflict.