News for 'Independent People'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

Somnath@1,000: The Power Of Unbroken Faith

Somnath@1,000: The Power Of Unbroken Faith

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

If the Somnath temple, which was attacked 1,000 years ago and faced continuous attacks thereon, could rise again and again, then we can surely restore our great nation to the glory it embodied 1,000 years ago before the invasions, asserts Narendra Modi.

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the Enforcement Directorate's allegations of obstruction by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during raids related to a coal-pilferage scam. The court intends to examine the matter and has also taken note of the commotion at the Calcutta High Court during hearings related to the case.

Shinde Sena workers behaving like goons: BJP minister

Shinde Sena workers behaving like goons: BJP minister

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Union minister Raksha Khadse of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday alleged that Shiv Sena workers were intimidating people in the Muktainagar assembly segment in her home district of Jalgaon in north Maharashtra, a claim exposing strains between the two Mahayuti allies.

Govt scrutinises X reply on Grok misuse over obscene content

Govt scrutinises X reply on Grok misuse over obscene content

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Sources told PTI that X has submitted their response, and it is under examination.

Vande Mataram was never anti-Islam: Rajnath in Lok Sabha

Vande Mataram was never anti-Islam: Rajnath in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh advocates for an unbiased evaluation of 'Vande Mataram', asserting it and 'Anand Math' were against British imperialism, not Islam.

10 arrested for Hindu man's lynching in Bangladesh

10 arrested for Hindu man's lynching in Bangladesh

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu youth, in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

The Puzzling Failure of PSLV-C62

The Puzzling Failure of PSLV-C62

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

'A solid motor, once ignited, burns until the propellant is exhausted. It cannot simply stop mid-burn,' said a retired senior ISRO official. 'That is what makes this failure puzzling.' Venkatachari Jagannathan reports on the latest PSLV failure.

Poll heat hits box office as Vijay, DMK-linked films clash at Pongal

Poll heat hits box office as Vijay, DMK-linked films clash at Pongal

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

As Tamil Nadu gears up for elections, a clash of films with distinct political ideologies is set to unfold at the box office, mirroring the rivalry between political parties.

B'desh govt condemns violence, lynching of Hindu man

B'desh govt condemns violence, lynching of Hindu man

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The government urges all citizens of Bangladesh to resist all forms of mob violence which it said was committed by a few fringe elements.

I decided to stand for my fans: Vijay quits cinema

I decided to stand for my fans: Vijay quits cinema

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Actor-politician Vijay announced his retirement from cinema at the audio launch of his movie 'Jana Nayagan' in Malaysia, citing his dedication to his fans. The event, attended by nearly 1 lakh fans, featured emotional speeches and performances, marking Vijay's farewell before his political career.

Mumbai to get world-standard exotic birds park in eastern suburbs

Mumbai to get world-standard exotic birds park in eastern suburbs

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will develop an international-standard exotic birds park at Nahur to create a new tourism attraction. The park will feature 24 independent habitats designed to replicate the birds' natural environments and will house rare and colourful species from Australia, Africa and America.

B'desh govt urges citizens to resist violence; no clashes since morning

B'desh govt urges citizens to resist violence; no clashes since morning

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the July Uprising in Bangladesh, died after being shot, sparking protests and political unrest. The interim government has promised action, while demonstrators have targeted media outlets and blamed India.

'We Got Exactly The Right Casting This Film Wanted'

'We Got Exactly The Right Casting This Film Wanted'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Writer and director Anusha Rizvi returns to cinema after 15 years with warmth, wit and many a laughs.

'People Think A Famous Mom Is A Gold Card'

'People Think A Famous Mom Is A Gold Card'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'When you are someone's kid, you get easier access to the industry.' 'People will meet you, maybe even give you a first opportunity out of goodwill.' 'But at the end of the day, it's business.'

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Following the UDF's victory in local body polls, KPCC Chief Sunny Joseph suggests Kerala Congress (M) consider rejoining the UDF. He also discusses expanding the UDF base and potentially including Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar.

SIT suspects more gold lost from Sabarimala than found

SIT suspects more gold lost from Sabarimala than found

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold loss case suspects that more gold was lost from the temple than initially believed. The investigation has led to political accusations and counter-accusations between various parties.

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The application claimed that since the inception of the SIR process in the state, the EC has issued instructions to officers at the ground level through "informal and extra-statutory channels", such as WhatsApp messages and oral directions conveyed during video conferences, instead of issuing formal written instructions.

X blocks 3,500 posts, deletes 600 accounts after Grok AI row

X blocks 3,500 posts, deletes 600 accounts after Grok AI row

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

X has accepted its mistake, and said it will comply with Indian laws, sources said, adding that in future, the platform will not allow obscene imagery.

RCB's Mangesh Yadav reflects on Rs 5.2 Cr IPL deal

RCB's Mangesh Yadav reflects on Rs 5.2 Cr IPL deal

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Of the 77 players signed at the auction, 35 of them were uncapped Indians, and one among them was the highly rated all-rounder Mangesh Yadav, who was snapped up by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a hefty sum of Rs 5.2 crore (Rs 52 million).

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

That a country thinks it has the right to randomly invade another country has repercussions that will for sure be played on the global arena in the years to come.

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

From royalty to a tea vendor-turned-politician's wife and from a first lady to a Bengali actress, the 18 Muslim women who treaded the hallowed corridors of power in the Lok Sabha are an eclectic mix, with each of them having an interesting backstory, but one common thread -- their path to power was always strewn with struggle and hurdles.

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

A special NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate attachment of land belonging to Ghulam Nabi Fai, a US-based Kashmiri lobbyist and convicted agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Yunus's office, meanwhile, reconfirmed that financial and welfare assistance would be provided to Das' family, and relevant authorities would remain in close contact with them in the coming period.

Nehru did a 'tukde-tukde' of Vande Mataram: Modi

Nehru did a 'tukde-tukde' of Vande Mataram: Modi

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, recalling the Emergency period when the national song completed 100 years.

At UNSC, India calls for 'pragmatic engagement' with Taliban

At UNSC, India calls for 'pragmatic engagement' with Taliban

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

India told the UN Security Council that it calls for a pragmatic engagement with the Taliban, underlining that a focus on only punitive measures will ensure a 'business as usual' approach.

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The real surprise in these results came from Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. Of the 29 Muslim candidates who got elected to the 227-strong BMC, the Congress and the AIMIM between them bagged 22.

21st century warfare is of ideas, tech and adaptability: Rajnath Singh

21st century warfare is of ideas, tech and adaptability: Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the armed forces' performance during Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the importance of technology and adaptability in modern warfare. He urged air force commanders to learn from the operation and stay prepared for future challenges.

This Blind Army Officer Is An Inspiration For India

This Blind Army Officer Is An Inspiration For India

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Lieutenant Colonel C Dwarakesh is the only completely blind officer to continue in the Indian Army after losing his eyesight while in service. In his remarkable journey after disability, he enhanced his education qualification, scaled the Siachen Glacier and found purpose in sport.

Mamdani takes oath as NYC Mayor at a subway station

Mamdani takes oath as NYC Mayor at a subway station

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian descent, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment as the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position. The ceremony took place in an old subway station, symbolizing a new era for the city.

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

From fear to footfalls: Kashmir tourism's slow return after Pahalgam

From fear to footfalls: Kashmir tourism's slow return after Pahalgam

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir impacted tourism, but recovery efforts are underway with government initiatives and events to promote the region and boost MICE tourism.

Migrant Biharis are X factor in polls, says Prashant Kishor

Migrant Biharis are X factor in polls, says Prashant Kishor

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor believes migrant workers who stayed back after Chhath Puja are influencing the Bihar assembly elections.

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian origin, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, promising an agenda of affordability and inclusivity. He is the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position.

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

This comes a day after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA and has a provision for 125 days of wage employment for rural workers.

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Mundane as it may seem, this is in some ways a metaphor for the challenges facing the nation, argue Arvind Subramanian and Devesh Kapur in their new book, A Sixth Of Humanity.

Four More Shots Please 4 Review: Fashionably Flaky

Four More Shots Please 4 Review: Fashionably Flaky

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Four More Shots Please 4 seems to have been made to show off trendy outfits because more than the script, attention was paid to the costumes, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's brief appearance in Kolkata was marred by security breaches and crowd management issues, raising concerns about planning and coordination. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage reveal a chaotic scene with organizers and VIPs crowding the player, leading to his early withdrawal and subsequent protests.

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

In a measured but scathing attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing a 'big sin' by creating a controversy over Vande Mataram and claimed that the government pushed for a debate on the national song as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching.