News for 'Independent India'

Mumbai Metro network expands with launch of two new lines

Mumbai Metro network expands with launch of two new lines

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Mumbai's metro network has expanded with the inauguration of the first phases of Metro Line 9 and Line 2B, promising improved connectivity and reduced travel times for commuters.

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, conveying India's support for Bangladesh's democratic and progressive development and extending an invitation from PM Modi to visit India.

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The outcome of the assembly elections will not only determine AIUDF's immediate relevance but could also shape its long-term role in Assam's political landscape.

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticises Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct, accusing him of being unduly influenced by advisors and questioning his casual attire in the House.

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Atanu Chakraborty has resigned as chairman of HDFC Bank, citing ethical concerns, marking an unusual departure and prompting the appointment of an interim chairman.

Rs 64,000 Crore Investment in Coal Gasification to Cut Energy Imports

Rs 64,000 Crore Investment in Coal Gasification to Cut Energy Imports

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced that seven coal gasification projects will be established in Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal with a Rs 64,000 crore investment, aiming to reduce India's reliance on energy imports.

Modi emerges longest-serving head of govt, surpassing Pawan Chamling

Modi emerges longest-serving head of govt, surpassing Pawan Chamling

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

With 8,931 days in office as head of government covering his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and as Prime Minister, PM Modi has overtaken Chamling's record of 8,930 days.

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has issued an unconditional apology for claiming that former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was linked to the CIA during the 1960s. The apology comes after widespread criticism from within and outside the BJP.

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker reject opposition notices to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing insufficient grounds.

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Like the realisation on the failure of development, we have also internalised the failure on democracy, argues Aakar Patel.

Ahead of Carney visit, Canada says India no longer linked to violent crimes

Ahead of Carney visit, Canada says India no longer linked to violent crimes

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The statement suggests that Canadian authorities do not see ongoing foreign interference or violent activity tied to India at present.

Nayara Energy Increases Petrol and Diesel Prices Amidst Global Oil Surge

Nayara Energy Increases Petrol and Diesel Prices Amidst Global Oil Surge

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Nayara Energy, a private fuel retailer in India, has increased petrol and diesel prices following a surge in global oil prices due to Middle East tensions. This move contrasts with state-owned retailers who continue to freeze prices.

The Army Dogs Who Fought For India

The Army Dogs Who Fought For India

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A salute to the brave military dogs who have faced enemy fire and made the supreme sacrifice in the service to the nation.

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.'

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

T20 World Cup: 'I hope India-Pakistan match happens'

T20 World Cup: 'I hope India-Pakistan match happens'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Former Australia speedster Brett Lee would love to see India and Pakistan clashing in a T20 World Cup blockbuster in Colombo on February 15.

Air India clears fuel switch checks on Dreamliner fleet

Air India clears fuel switch checks on Dreamliner fleet

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

In a statement, the airline said it has completed precautionary re-inspections of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) across all operational Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet.

Jazz City Review: Over-Ambitious Historical Fiction

Jazz City Review: Over-Ambitious Historical Fiction

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Jazz City could have been enjoyable had it not been so densely over-plotted and unevenly executed, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Easter Weekend Travel Picks Up

Easter Weekend Travel Picks Up

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

As temperatures rise, travellers are increasingly gravitating towards cooler climates, driving demand for hill stations such as Mussoorie, Munnar, Varkala, Ooty and Kodaikanal.

Honey Trehan: 'Speaking The Truth Is Becoming A Crime In This Country For The CBFC'

Honey Trehan: 'Speaking The Truth Is Becoming A Crime In This Country For The CBFC'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Director Honey Trehan's film Punjab '95, based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's life, remains stuck with the Censor Board, facing over 127 cuts.

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is best to remain vigilant. Tarique Rahman arranged arms smuggling to Indian insurgent groups.' 'He has criticised India for sheltering Sheikh Hasina, but has also sought India's support.'

What's Choking India's Capital Markets

What's Choking India's Capital Markets

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Large firms and their interests can dominate the narrative, even as smaller stakeholders and retail investors struggle to be heard.' 'Regulators therefore require deep subject-matter expertise to assess representations, recognise underlying incentives, incorporate the perspectives of less-visible stakeholders, and guard against bias or capture,' notes Ananth Narayan.

My Mother, Asha Bhosle

My Mother, Asha Bhosle

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Asha Bhosle's only daughter Varsha Bhosle, who died in 2012, had penned this beautiful ode to her mother.

Opposition MPs Urge Amit Shah to Address Alleged Threats to Muslims in Uttam Nagar

Opposition MPs Urge Amit Shah to Address Alleged Threats to Muslims in Uttam Nagar

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs, led by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, have written to Home Minister Amit Shah expressing concerns over alleged threats to Muslims in Uttam Nagar, urging him to direct the Delhi Police to take decisive action against those spreading hate and creating an atmosphere of fear.

Powerica IPO Sees Slow Start, Subscribed 1% on Opening Day

Powerica IPO Sees Slow Start, Subscribed 1% on Opening Day

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Powerica Limited IPO opened on March 24, 2026, with muted Day 1 subscription. Check latest GMP, price band, lot size, issue details, and investor response.

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

India poised to be global hub for digital infra, AI: Modi

India poised to be global hub for digital infra, AI: Modi

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, highlighting the government's incentives for data center investments and inviting the world's data to reside in India.

Premium petrol price up Rs 2, industrial diesel up Rs 22; no change in normal petrol, diesel rates

Premium petrol price up Rs 2, industrial diesel up Rs 22; no change in normal petrol, diesel rates

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Petrol diesel price today March 20, 2026: IOCL & HPCL hike premium petrol (XP95, Speed, Power) by 2/litre and industrial diesel by 22/litre. Regular petrol in Delhi 94.77, diesel 87.67 unchanged. Full city-wise rates inside.

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A US federal government commission has raised concerns about the state of religious freedom in India, recommending its designation as a 'Country of Particular Concern' and suggesting targeted sanctions.

Opposition targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar with 7-point chargesheet

Opposition targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar with 7-point chargesheet

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in India have moved notices in Parliament seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of bias, misconduct, and acting under the influence of the executive.

Petrol, Diesel Price March 20, 2026: Premium Petrol Hiked Rs 2, Industrial Diesel Rs 22 - Regular Rates Unchanged

Petrol, Diesel Price March 20, 2026: Premium Petrol Hiked Rs 2, Industrial Diesel Rs 22 - Regular Rates Unchanged

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Petrol diesel price today March 20, 2026: IOCL & HPCL hike premium petrol (XP95, Speed, Power) by 2/litre and industrial diesel by 22/litre. Regular petrol in Delhi 94.77, diesel 87.67 unchanged. Full city-wise rates inside.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

History In Minutes: The Right To Water: Ambedkar's Mahad Satyagraha

History In Minutes: The Right To Water: Ambedkar's Mahad Satyagraha

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Ninety-nine years ago, a young Dr B R Ambedkar embarked on a revolutionary and most overdue reformatory path -- he led hundreds of men and women to a water tank in the town of Mahad, western Maharashtra, to fulfil one of the most basic human needs: The right to drink water from the tank.

Shah plotting to spark unrest, impose President's rule in Bengal: Mamata

Shah plotting to spark unrest, impose President's rule in Bengal: Mamata

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the Election Commission for allegedly failing to protect judicial officers involved in electoral roll revisions in Malda district. She accused the EC of lacking control over law and order and enabling the BJP's alleged attempts to disrupt the election process.

IPL 2026: Buttler reveals how he balances IPL and England cricket

IPL 2026: Buttler reveals how he balances IPL and England cricket

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

England's Jos Buttler discusses the challenges of balancing franchise cricket with international duties, the importance of saying 'no', and managing external pressures as a professional cricketer.

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

JMI Probes Boys' Entry and Brawl at Girls' Hostel

JMI Probes Boys' Entry and Brawl at Girls' Hostel

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is investigating an incident where a group of boys allegedly entered the premises of the girls' hostel and engaged in a brawl. The university has launched an inquiry after a video of the incident circulated on social media.

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.