News for 'Independent India'

Legendary photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83

Legendary photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Raghu Rai, one of India's most celebrated photographers, passed away at a private hospital in New Delhi at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Recent changes to tax exemptions and allowances, including increased education, hostel, and HRA limits, have made the old tax regime more competitive against the new regime, prompting salaried employees to re-evaluate their choice for the current financial year.

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government's handling of the women's quota bill, accusing them of political maneuvering and neglecting the rights of OBCs.

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognisable offence was committed by BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma regarding alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi. The court upheld a previous decision by the Delhi High Court, stating that the speeches did not incite violence or target a specific community.

How Paytm's Separation From PPBL Secured Its Future

How Paytm's Separation From PPBL Secured Its Future

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Following regulatory action against Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL), Paytm strategically separated its core operations, a move praised by analysts for preserving business continuity and governance. This separation has enabled Paytm to sustain growth and improve profitability.

UP: NIA court sentences 3 in Al-Qaeda linked terror plot

UP: NIA court sentences 3 in Al-Qaeda linked terror plot

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

An NIA court has sentenced three men for their involvement in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror conspiracy to carry out attacks in Uttar Pradesh. The convicts received jail terms ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The nepotism, corruption, bad governance and 15 years of rampant crime that has happened across West Bengal under her rule led to her ouster.'

Liquor 'scam': Court acquits Kejriwal, Sisodia, Kavitha; pulls up CBI

Liquor 'scam': Court acquits Kejriwal, Sisodia, Kavitha; pulls up CBI

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

A Delhi court discharged Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in an excise policy-related corruption case, citing lacunae in the CBI chargesheet.

Dr Ambedkar's Legacy Through Stamps

Dr Ambedkar's Legacy Through Stamps

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Dr B R Ambedkar's legacy has been honoured repeatedly through India's postal history, with stamps capturing his role as the architect of the Constitution and a champion of social justice.

Nehru hated Lord Somnath the most: BJP

Nehru hated Lord Somnath the most: BJP

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The BJP has launched a fresh attack on the Congress, alleging that Jawaharlal Nehru harbored hatred towards Lord Somnath and engaged in appeasement politics.

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) has launched its 'vision document' outlining its ideological direction and commitment to the rise of the 'Panth' and the progress of Punjab. The 'Akali Declaration 2026' addresses issues concerning youth, farmers, women, and other sections of society, with a focus on education, health, and internal party reforms.

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A new report indicates a rise in 'red alert' constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with a significant number of candidates facing criminal charges.

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Rediff.com2 May 2026

I wonder if I can rest assured -- before the election ink on my finger fades -- that my home state is at the threshold of a better future, wonders Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

RBI approves Emirates NBD's 74% stake acquisition in RBL Bank

RBI approves Emirates NBD's 74% stake acquisition in RBL Bank

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for UAE-based Emirates NBD (ENBD) PJSC to acquire up to a 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, marking the largest foreign investment ever in a domestic Indian bank.

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Kritika Kamra: 'Love Scenes Are Like Action Or Dance'

Kritika Kamra: 'Love Scenes Are Like Action Or Dance'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'Sometimes it can get a little difficult to assert yourself, whether it's an opinion or your presence. It gets really exhausting.' 'They're still not able to accept that an intelligent woman can also really love wearing red lipstick!'

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Science today is very interconnected, and that helped me become part of the Muon g-2 team.'

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'We are staying away from making forward-looking statements on when we will reach 1 trillion, etc. But growth will be rapid; it's only a matter of time.'

Kejriwal breaks down after verdict, alleges conspiracy

Kejriwal breaks down after verdict, alleges conspiracy

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Arvind Kejriwal was discharged in the liquor policy case and claims it was a political conspiracy to destroy AAP.

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

This will be India's 16th Census and the eighth since Independence. For the first time, citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration.

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of sheltering goons who torture women and promised citizenship to refugees in West Bengal. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to women's security by giving poll tickets to victims of violence.

India No 2: 8 Countries Growing Electric Rail Network

India No 2: 8 Countries Growing Electric Rail Network

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India's rail modernisation drive has reached a critical milestone. With electrification reaching 99.2 per cent, Indian Railways is among the world's leading rail systems.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87% in the recent Assembly elections, the highest since 1964. The election saw a contest between the NDA and Congress-led bloc, with other parties also vying for influence. Polling was largely peaceful, with a minor clash reported.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

Must-Learn Leadership Lessons From HDFC Bank's Aditya Puri

Must-Learn Leadership Lessons From HDFC Bank's Aditya Puri

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Aditya Puri is one of the cleanest examples we have, in Indian corporate history, of a leader who understood early that the measure of his work was not what happened while he was in the chair. It was what would keep happening when he was no longer there, says Suresh M K.

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called for collective efforts to restore the state's past glory, highlighting concerns over economic and educational indicators. His remarks coincided with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising him for allegedly 'abusing' her instead of extending New Year greetings.

Guwahati Court Rejects NBW Against Pawan Khera

Guwahati Court Rejects NBW Against Pawan Khera

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'The grounds shown by the investigating officer (IO) for issuance of non-bailable warrant were 'entirely based on presumptions and conjectures, and are not supported by any material on record',' the court said.

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Years after the Nano exit, Singur's farmers now seek industry and jobs, as the land remains caught between failed promises and political contest.

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law regarding the appointment of election commissioners, citing a potential conflict of interest.

India, Canada sign landmark nuclear agreement

India, Canada sign landmark nuclear agreement

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India and Canada solidify their partnership with a landmark uranium supply agreement and discussions to finalise a comprehensive economic partnership, signaling stronger ties and cooperation on key global issues.

SC: Husband's Duty to Maintain Wife Must Ensure Dignified Life

SC: Husband's Duty to Maintain Wife Must Ensure Dignified Life

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised that a husband's obligation to maintain his wife is a primary and continuing duty, ensuring she lives with dignity and in a manner commensurate with her marital status.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The broader conflict in West Asia, the largest international market for Indian carriers, has forced a sharp reduction in daily flights relative to the summer schedule.

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'It was diminishing even before Trump came to power.' 'The US was at the centre of the global economy. That position is going to become less and less important and less central.'