News for 'Independent India'

Indian Navy's Submarine Shortfall Dilemma

Indian Navy's Submarine Shortfall Dilemma

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Experts' worries intensified after Pakistan commissioned its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, last month.

Lalit Modi: 'Sushmita Sen Has More Diamonds Than Anyone I Know'

Lalit Modi: 'Sushmita Sen Has More Diamonds Than Anyone I Know'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

'Sushmita is a remarkable lady and a self-made lady. She will not accept anything from anybody. So, when somebody says she is a gold digger. She is not. Lalit was a diamond digger.'

Fintechs Seek Safe Harbour Shield

Fintechs Seek Safe Harbour Shield

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'There has to be a safe harbour for licensed entities, which have followed all the norms prescribed by the RBI.'

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A new report suggests that blending 20 per cent dimethyl ether (DME) with LPG could significantly reduce India's LPG imports, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange.

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

Indian Youth Adopt Work AI Faster Than Global Peers

Indian Youth Adopt Work AI Faster Than Global Peers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A Deloitte survey reveals that Indian Gen Z and millennial professionals are rapidly adopting AI tools in the workplace, surpassing their global counterparts in usage and confidence, while also facing financial pressures and shifting workplace expectations.

Twisha Sharma's Family Seeks Justice, End To 'Character Trial'

Twisha Sharma's Family Seeks Justice, End To 'Character Trial'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who was found dead in her marital home in Bhopal, has issued a public appeal for a transparent investigation into her death and an end to what they call a 'posthumous character trial'. They allege attempts to divert attention from the investigation by targeting her reputation.

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Central Information Commission has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act, effectively placing it outside the scope of RTI disclosures.

NCERT book row: SC modifies order banning academics

NCERT book row: SC modifies order banning academics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court has modified its previous order regarding three academics involved in a controversial NCERT textbook chapter on corruption in the judiciary, allowing government bodies to make independent decisions about their association with the academics.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thousands and thousands and thousands of adults owe their lives to the commitment and medical fervour of Dr Armida Fernandez, who a grateful nation honoured with the Padma Shri this year.

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Michel Danino, one of the NCERT academics previously barred by the Supreme Court over a controversial chapter on the judiciary, maintains the content was 'correct' and defends its inclusion in the textbook.

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) pledges to collaborate with NADA and the Sports Ministry to address doping concerns after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) categorised India as a high-risk country for doping violations.

How Tim Cook transformed Apple's India strategy into a global manufacturing success

How Tim Cook transformed Apple's India strategy into a global manufacturing success

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Apple CEO Tim Cook's strategic pivot, from initial rejections to local partnerships and leveraging government policies like PLI, transformed India into a major iPhone manufacturing and export hub, now accounting for one in every four iPhones assembled globally.

Maruti's Bhargava puts biogas ahead of hybrids, bats for more sops

Maruti's Bhargava puts biogas ahead of hybrids, bats for more sops

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava is pushing for increased government incentives for biogas-powered vehicles over hybrids, emphasising their net-zero carbon emissions and the valuable organic manure they produce, while also advocating for continued GST benefits for electric vehicles.

Gavaskar recalls how Adam Gilchrist's idea changed IPL playoffs

Gavaskar recalls how Adam Gilchrist's idea changed IPL playoffs

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Sunil Gavaskar revealed he was once 'pulled up' for writing to IPL captains seeking ideas to improve the league.

'Pained' by narrative that judiciary was shielding accused: SC on Twisha death case

'Pained' by narrative that judiciary was shielding accused: SC on Twisha death case

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court expressed its 'pain' over the narrative suggesting the judiciary was shielding the accused in the Twisha Sharma death case, assuring a fair, independent, and impartial CBI probe into the former model-turned-actor's death.

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The government is considering using the Indian Air Force to transport NEET-UG papers to ensure a secure retest on June 21, following allegations of malpractices in the original exam.

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wellspring fuelling the CJP tsunami is the high levels of youth unemployment. Millions of youngsters, including extremely over-qualified people, apply in desperation for any job that is advertised. No government has been able to deliver on this front and things may get worse as artificial intelligence enters the workforce, points out Devangshu Datta.

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Tamil invocation song was rendered last during the swearing-in of new ministers. Left parties have criticised the decision to sing the Tamil anthem after Vande Mataram and the national anthem.

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to address issues faced by students regarding the CBSE examination system, following allegations of irregularities. The government has committed to transparency and accountability, assuring that all genuine concerns will be addressed effectively.

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday hit out at the previous Left Democratic Front government, claiming that it had left behind huge liabilities, including Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board borrowings, amounting to Rs 5.07 lakh crore.

Public Sector Banks Face Boardroom Vacancies

Public Sector Banks Face Boardroom Vacancies

Rediff.com6 May 2026

In the draft norms issued last month, the RBI said that the ultimate responsibility for the bank's performance, conduct and control rests with the Board

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association is under investigation for allegedly using the name of its deceased president to secure funds from the state government. A complaint questions the association's governance and financial practices, including the sanctioning of funds from multiple agencies for the same event.

Twisha Sharma Dowry Death Case: Husband Arrested, Second Autopsy Ordered

Twisha Sharma Dowry Death Case: Husband Arrested, Second Autopsy Ordered

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Twisha Sharma dowry death case has seen significant developments, including the arrest of her husband and a court order for a second autopsy by AIIMS Delhi. The family alleges dowry harassment, while the in-laws claim drug addiction.

Class 8-12 Students: Apply for vivo Tech Award

Class 8-12 Students: Apply for vivo Tech Award

Rediff.com20 May 2026

vivo India is looking for class 8-12 students from across the country for fully sponsored innovation and product prototyping opportunities at its national tech development platform.

Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games Trials

Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the upcoming Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's selection policy for lacking discretion regarding iconic players returning from maternity leave.

SC urges Kapur family to settle RK Family Trust dispute through mediation

SC urges Kapur family to settle RK Family Trust dispute through mediation

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Supreme Court has urged the Kapur family, including Rani Kapur and Priya Kapur, to resolve their dispute over the family trust through mediation, appointing a former Chief Justice to oversee the process.

What Joint Account Holders Must Know

What Joint Account Holders Must Know

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Read all account documents, ask questions, and conduct basic due diligence before agreeing to become a joint holder.

China Snaps Up Iran Oil, India Misses

China Snaps Up Iran Oil, India Misses

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Indian refiners have access to only limited Iranian volumes compared with Russian oil, and even the barrels on offer come with 'too many hassles'.

Why Vinesh Phogat Can Compete In Asian Games Trials

Why Vinesh Phogat Can Compete In Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has approved wrestler Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's exclusionary selection policy.

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.

Supreme Court To Media: Show Restraint In Twisha Sharma Case

Supreme Court To Media: Show Restraint In Twisha Sharma Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court has asked the media to exercise restraint while reporting developments in the death of former model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma, observing that it was pained by the handling of the case.

SC calls for rational airfares, asks Centre to provide relief to flyers

SC calls for rational airfares, asks Centre to provide relief to flyers

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to rationalise airfares and provide relief to flyers, highlighting discrepancies in pricing for the same routes and airlines. The court is addressing a plea seeking a robust regulator to ensure transparency and passenger protection in the civil aviation sector.

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Rediff.com14 May 2026

It seems odd to criticise a country for delivering growth rates in standards of living and consumption that have been perhaps the fastest, longest, and most broad-based (affecting hundreds of millions of people) in history, points out Arvind Subramanian.

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Rediff.com30 May 2026

International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.

Bhopal Police Have No Objection To Second Autopsy In Dowry Death Case

Bhopal Police Have No Objection To Second Autopsy In Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Bhopal police have stated they have no objection to a second post-mortem of Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her home last week, following allegations of dowry harassment. A local court is reviewing the case diary after the family requested the second autopsy be conducted at AIIMS Delhi, citing lapses in the initial investigation.