News for 'Independent India'

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

WhatsApp is finally letting you hide your phone number behind a custom username. While it's a massive win for privacy, cybersecurity experts warn it could unleash a wave of identity scams. Here is what you need to know.

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Pakistan's national hockey team is facing significant challenges ahead of the final leg of the FIH Pro League in England, with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt's visa rejected and head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan also struggling to secure his travel documents. This comes amidst a dismal performance in the league and growing criticism over team management.

I will likely be arrested at Delhi airport: Cockroach Janta Party founder

I will likely be arrested at Delhi airport: Cockroach Janta Party founder

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, expresses concerns about potential arrest upon his return to India, but remains committed to protesting against the Union Education Minister over alleged shortcomings in the education system.

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The best time to buy health insurance is when you don't think you need it.

Sri Lanka airport lease near China-controlled Hambantota port opens door for India

Sri Lanka airport lease near China-controlled Hambantota port opens door for India

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India is closely monitoring Sri Lanka's decision to offer foreign investors control of an airport near the China-controlled Hambantota port, as it could present a rare opening for Indian firms seeking strategic footholds in the Indian Ocean.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar at a swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal. Sarkar, 98, is an early grassroots figure associated with the nationalist movement. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister after defeating Mamata Banerjee.

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'A lot of people feel there is pressure on the AAIB not to go against Boeing or GE -- both enormous American companies.' 'If the AAIB implicates Boeing or GE, it will impact their sales.' 'If their sales are impacted, jobs are lost in the United States. No government would willingly do that.'

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

AIFF Secretary Rubbishes Corruption Claims Against President Chaubey

AIFF Secretary Rubbishes Corruption Claims Against President Chaubey

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) secretary M Satyanarayanan has refuted allegations of corruption against president Kalyan Chaubey, stating that no concrete evidence has been found.

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has voiced concerns regarding the high rate of doping cases in India and the alleged practice of athletes receiving advance notice before testing, potentially jeopardising the nation's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

'They left my son to die, now they are roaming free': A father's emotional plea

'They left my son to die, now they are roaming free': A father's emotional plea

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The grieving parents of Sarthak Mattoo, who died in an alleged hit-and-run incident in southwest Delhi, have made an emotional video appeal for justice, questioning the pace of the police investigation and demanding strict action against those responsible.

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Former India and Irish cricketer M V Narasimha Rao said the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds him of the legendary Gary Sobers.

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of financial mismanagement and missing donations related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The move follows a request from the Trust itself, amidst escalating political demands for transparency from various parties including the Samajwadi Party and Congress.

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permits wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an interim statement on the probe into the Air India AI171 plane crash that killed 260 people last year, confirming that the investigation is ongoing and the final report will be released after all processes are complete.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

Independent Director Exits Hit Multi-Year High

Independent Director Exits Hit Multi-Year High

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Less than 12 per cent of the exits were from companies with Rs 10,000 crore in market capitalisation or above.

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to direct the reopening of the CBSE's portal for the re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets, stating that individual students can take action if aggrieved and that reopening the portal would delay the entire result declaration process.

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Jayaprakash Narayan was called the 'Second Mahatma'. He issued the clarion call against government corruption in June 1974 that ignited a fierce student movement that shook the Indira Gandhi government from the foundation to the rafters. His modest home in Patna is almost forgotten, only remembered on special anniversaries.

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Author of over 100 books, he served as the secretary general of Lok Sabha from 1983 to 1990.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

9 Major Charges In Sebi's Rajesh Exports Order

9 Major Charges In Sebi's Rajesh Exports Order

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The company said Valcambi was the engine driving the group's business, but Valcambi's audited accounts showed revenues that were only a fraction of what the group reported. That raised a major red flag.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expanded his Cabinet, inducting 23 more legislators as ministers, including two from the Congress party, marking their return to governance in the state after nearly 60 years.

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The rejection of senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers transformed what should have been a routine Rajya Sabha election into a lesson in contemporary political warfare.

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Former India doubles player Purav Raja has called for a complete clean-up of Indian tennis administration, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency at all levels. He also questioned the eligibility of some office-bearers in the 2024 elections.

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The simmering tension between former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya and the current Sourav Ganguly-led establishment came out into the open on Wednesday, with the state cricket body's top brass issuing a strongly-worded rebuttal to allegations of corruption and governance failures barely three months before its annual general meeting.

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim has resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), citing an inability to function properly. His resignation, approved by Mamata Banerjee, comes amidst significant political turbulence within the TMC following recent election defeats and a wave of councillor resignations, raising questions about the party's urban political structure.

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has capped gold imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme at 100 kg, a day after significantly increasing import duties on precious metals. This move aims to tighten conditions for duty-free gold imports by jewellery exporters and curb non-essential imports amidst a ballooning import bill.

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Lalit Modi said he doesn't envisage India and Pakistan playing a bilateral Test series anytime soon because of the strained political relations between the two neighbours.

Want To Study At A Foreign University In India?

Want To Study At A Foreign University In India?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Foreign universities are unlikely to gain major ground in India's higher education market in the near term, as students and families continue to prioritise return on investment over brand value in a highly price-sensitive sector.

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

AI-171 crash: 'Saw captain's body in sitting position, gripping controls'

AI-171 crash: 'Saw captain's body in sitting position, gripping controls'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A man who lost family members in the 2023 Air India AI-171 crash has made claims about the pilot's position in the mortuary, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on the global energy supply chain are expected to dominate deliberations at a two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers to be hosted by India.

Countdown to NEET re-exam: NTA to hold nationwide mock drill on Saturday

Countdown to NEET re-exam: NTA to hold nationwide mock drill on Saturday

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct a nationwide mock drill on Saturday ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination the day after as part of its preparations to ensure the smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the test, official said on Friday.

SC releases draft regulations on use of AI in courts

SC releases draft regulations on use of AI in courts

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The draft regulations for use of AI in courts 'shall apply to the use, deployment, or integration of AI in any judicial, adjudicatory or administrative function of the Supreme Court of India, high courts, and all courts including the Tribunals and statutory Commissions performing adjudicatory functions, within the territory of India'.