News for 'Independent Institute'

Why Do We Need Permission to Protest Against the Government?

Why Do We Need Permission to Protest Against the Government?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Before protesting against the State, the citizen should not have to ask: Sir, may I protest, please?, asserts Prem Panicker.

Modi, Shah, CEC destroyed India's vote: Rahul

Modi, Shah, CEC destroyed India's vote: Rahul

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar 'deshdrohis' (traitors) for allegedly 'destroying' India's voting system and 'stealing elections'.

'ISRO's Successes Must Not Be Privatised'

'ISRO's Successes Must Not Be Privatised'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Their message is blunt: Public scientific wealth should not be transferred at what they describe as 'throwaway prices'.capability, recruitment, promotional avenues and the voice of its employees.

'Election Commission Is Shameless'

'Election Commission Is Shameless'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'Their functioning is flawed, they are not accountable, they are opaque, they are non-transparent, they have lost credibility.'

Oppn declares all-out war on SIR, announces march to EC on Oct 6

Oppn declares all-out war on SIR, announces march to EC on Oct 6

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The INDIA bloc has formulated a joint action plan to address the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) row and concerns over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Following a meeting of key opposition leaders, the alliance announced a series of "save democracy" marches, demonstrations, and a march to the Election Commission, demanding a return to ballot papers for elections and alleging electoral malpractices by the ruling government.

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

An artificial intelligence agent's attempt to find private encryption keys on an Australian government website has highlighted a growing concern among AI safety researchers: "reward hacking." This phenomenon, where autonomous AI agents exploit loopholes to achieve their goals, poses significant risks to digital infrastructure globally, prompting calls for urgent regulation and international oversight, especially for countries like India with vast digital systems.

Indian B-Schools Face Urgent Need To Boost AI Competencies

Indian B-Schools Face Urgent Need To Boost AI Competencies

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A national study of top 75 Indian B-schools reveals a significant competency gap in AI skills among management graduates, with industry expectations far exceeding current MBA capabilities. A new framework by AIMS, EPSI, and IMC highlights the urgent need for management education to adapt to an AI-led workplace, emphasizing behavioural competencies alongside data fluency.

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail': Oppn on report of difference in EC over SIR

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail': Oppn on report of difference in EC over SIR

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A political storm has erupted with the Opposition demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following reports that two Election Commissioners raised 'expansive red flags' over the Special Intensive Revision of voters' lists, citing issues like name deletions and decisions made without their knowledge.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Decisions against law will be annulled, Form 6 changes not approved: SC to EC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.

'Hostile Takeover Of Tata Sons Would Be Extremely Difficult'

'Hostile Takeover Of Tata Sons Would Be Extremely Difficult'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'The issue appears to be less about Chandrasekaran personally and more about the direction Tata Sons should take.'

Bihar Police arrest 3 in Jamui harassment viral video case, invoke POCSO

Bihar Police arrest 3 in Jamui harassment viral video case, invoke POCSO

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Bihar Police have arrested three individuals in connection with a deeply disturbing viral video from Jamui showing the harassment of a young couple, an incident that has sparked widespread social media outrage and strong political condemnation.

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

'Election Commissioners are Constitutional authorities and they are not supposed to go to the Cabinet secretary. They are not supposed to write letters. And if they are aggrieved, they should straight go to the President of India.'

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The INDIA bloc is set to convene on September 30 in New Delhi to formulate a unified strategy regarding the Election Commission, focusing on the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The meeting will also address coordinated protests and the CEC selection process, bringing together diverse opposition parties.

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has moved to a new office and deployed CISF security to safeguard confidential areas, following a major controversy over the NEET paper leak and administrative lapses. This move aims to implement foolproof security arrangements and restore public trust in the examination system.

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) next week that seeks the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and challenges the alleged unilateral decision-making within the Election Commission without the approval of two other Election Commissioners.

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging "vote chori" and treason, following a media report revealing that two other Election Commissioners had formally objected to decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the BJP, RSS, and EC of undermining democracy, citing concerns over voter list tampering and lack of transparency.

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

There are only bad and worse options before him, points out Aakar Patel.

Beware These Insurance Sales Traps

Beware These Insurance Sales Traps

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

If a bank sold the policy, complain to its grievance cell and, if necessary, escalate the complaint to the Reserve Bank of India Ombudsman.

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have secured a patent for a novel temperature-independent optical sensor designed to precisely measure structural tilt in two directions. This lightweight sensor, utilising Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology, offers enhanced monitoring capabilities for various applications including bridges, robotics, aerospace, and geotechnical systems, promising low maintenance and long-term stability checks.

Why Have Major Trade Unions Been Excluded From Minimum Wage Panel?

Why Have Major Trade Unions Been Excluded From Minimum Wage Panel?

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

'Major unions should be included. If this goes on, decision-making will become heavily one-sided and we will be forced to continue our strikes.'

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's October 7 meeting will focus on 'GST 2.0' process reforms, including e-invoicing and input tax credit rules, while also addressing complex issues surrounding the taxation of the digital economy and cryptocurrency.

Top Pharma Firms Maintain Volume Growth Amid Market Shift to Chronic Therapies

Top Pharma Firms Maintain Volume Growth Amid Market Shift to Chronic Therapies

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

India's 10 largest pharmaceutical companies have consistently maintained positive average volume growth throughout 2026, while smaller rivals have experienced more erratic performance, driven by a market shift towards chronic and sub-chronic therapies.

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

India Pioneers Tokenised Corporate Bonds With Sebi's Demat 2.0 Pilot

India Pioneers Tokenised Corporate Bonds With Sebi's Demat 2.0 Pilot

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

India's markets regulator Sebi has launched 'Demat 2.0', a pilot project for tokenisation of corporate bonds, enabling atomic settlement through integration with RBI's wholesale CBDC. This new market infrastructure uses Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to make bond issuance, trading, and settlement faster and more efficient. India is the first country to issue corporate bonds natively on a distributed ledger with central bank digital currency settlement. Additionally, RBI Governor announced new UPI innovations: 'Tap & Pay' for faster POS transactions and MyUPI, an AI-powered customer support solution.

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has addressed reports of internal dissent among its commissioners and clarified that all Special Intensive Revision (SIR) orders and Form 6 updates for voter enrolment received unanimous consent and were upheld by the Supreme Court. The EC also announced measures to ease the process for voters issued notices, including doorstep document collection and extended deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while affirming its commitment to transparent decision-making and meticulous compliance with directives.

SC judge sends 4th letter against Rajasthan HC judge to CJI

SC judge sends 4th letter against Rajasthan HC judge to CJI

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta has sent a fourth letter to CJI Surya Kant, reiterating and expanding allegations against Rajasthan High Court judge Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, accusing him of judicial interference, breaching confidentiality, and administrative abuse, further deepening a significant judicial controversy.

'Kareena Performs From The Gut'

'Kareena Performs From The Gut'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'Kareena is completely instinctive.'

IIT Guwahati Builds Brain-Inspired AI

IIT Guwahati Builds Brain-Inspired AI

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

IIT Guwahati researchers have developed SH²RFSSM, a model inspired by how biological neurons communicate.

My Incredible Mother Vijaya Mehta

My Incredible Mother Vijaya Mehta

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'She was not burdened by the knowledge of her craft and the world. She just was a child till her last days.' 'When she smiled, everybody in the room would light up.'

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Can your money be protected against online frauds like hacking, digital arrests, etc?

Chief Justice Kant Calls For Proactive Tech Role In Legal Education

Chief Justice Kant Calls For Proactive Tech Role In Legal Education

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged national law universities to proactively lead the integration of technology into the legal system, rather than merely reacting to changes. Speaking at a conclave, he stressed the importance of incorporating academic integrity and responsible AI use into the curriculum, rejecting outright bans on generative AI. The CJI highlighted that law schools must prepare graduates to critically engage with technological tools, ensuring justice, fairness, and human judgment remain central to the evolving legal landscape.

How Social Media Is Destroying Your Retirement

How Social Media Is Destroying Your Retirement

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Urban Indian millennials are caught in an algorithmically amplified consumption spiral where social media normalises spending patterns that systematically undermine retirement security.

AI cannot substitute judicial conscience: CJI Surya Kant

AI cannot substitute judicial conscience: CJI Surya Kant

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that while artificial intelligence (AI) can augment judicial reasoning, it cannot substitute judicial conscience, and a permanent apex body is proposed to supervise AI adoption and accountability within the judiciary.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

UP school sealed after video of 'burqa dance' on I-Day goes viral

UP school sealed after video of 'burqa dance' on I-Day goes viral

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A private school in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, has been sealed by the Basic Education Department after a video showing Hindu girl students in burqas dancing at an Independence Day event went viral. An inquiry revealed the school was operating without official recognition.

Rajasthan local body polls hit by EVM snags; voter turnout touches 70%

Rajasthan local body polls hit by EVM snags; voter turnout touches 70%

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The second and final phase of urban local body elections in Rajasthan was marked by EVM-related glitches and voter issues, with a 57.38 per cent turnout recorded by 3 pm. Prominent leaders like Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot cast their votes, while several incidents of disputes and alleged bogus voting were reported across various polling stations.

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has launched an online petition urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address India's youth on critical issues like education, unemployment, and the rising cost of living during his Independence Day speech. This initiative follows CJP's successful 36-day agitation against NEET irregularities, which led to the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The CJP is now broadening its campaign with a nationwide "Kya Bolti Public" tour to gather youth views for a comprehensive Youth Reform Charter.