News for 'Independent People'

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court was strongly urged to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge to investigate alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak across various states. The court, while issuing interim directions, restrained states from coercive action against protesters and ordered the release of minors without criminal antecedents.

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Student protests against alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand have intensified, with six demonstrators on hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe. The agitation, which has garnered political support from both opposition and ruling allies, is set to impact the Monsoon Assembly Session, even as a CID investigation progresses and prohibitory orders are issued.

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Protesting aspirants in Jharkhand have vowed to continue their agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment exams, despite talks with a five-member government panel. The protesters, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto who is on a fast, demand the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into irregularities.

'There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only PoK': India rebukes NYT headline

'There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only PoK': India rebukes NYT headline

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Indian Embassy in the US strongly refuted a New York Times headline referring to "Pakistani Kashmir," asserting that there is only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. The embassy highlighted Pakistan's illegal occupation and exploitation of these territories, linking it to ongoing protests in PoK.

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), emphasised the importance of young or Gen Z voices leading dialogues with youth, ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's interaction with students in Mumbai. Dipke highlighted that youth protests, including those against the NEET paper leak, have compelled leaders to engage with Gen Z. He also expressed solidarity with students protesting alleged paper leaks in Jharkhand, criticising the government's handling of the issue.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do... You have seen what the youth of our country think about this...'

8 Heroes Of The Quit India Movement

8 Heroes Of The Quit India Movement

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave India a simple but powerful call: 'Do or Die'. What followed was the Quit India Movement, one of the largest mass uprisings against British rule.

What Makes Crypto Rise Or Fall?

What Makes Crypto Rise Or Fall?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Crypto can rise or fall for many reasons. Here's a simple guide to what gives digital assets value and drives their prices.

Phuket flight incident: Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana

Phuket flight incident: Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop last week has tested positive for a psychoactive substance, identified by sources as marijuana, in a confirmatory test. This development comes as Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu met with Air India executives to discuss the serious incident, which left 24 people injured.

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?

Wangchuk intervenes as 5 more join Mahato in Jharkhand hunger strike over exam irregularities

Wangchuk intervenes as 5 more join Mahato in Jharkhand hunger strike over exam irregularities

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged Devendra Nath Mahto, who is on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations, to drink water, which Mahto heeded. This comes as other protesters also began an indefinite hunger strike, intensifying demands for the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission examination and a CBI inquiry.

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

GDN has a fascinating genius at its centre, but Madhavan's terrific performance is let down by a repetitive, overly familiar biopic treatment.

Dipke backs Jharkhand student protest, says CJP will act as...

Dipke backs Jharkhand student protest, says CJP will act as...

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will operate as a 'pressure group' to address issues like public trust, unemployment, and institutional accountability, with founder Abhijeet Dipke declaring support for protesting students in Jharkhand and advocating for those involved in NEET paper leak agitations.

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'The anger among the PoK public is unlikely to subside against Pakistani State in the near future.'

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Defending the law for regulating appointment procedures of the chief election commissioner and the deputies, the Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it would be wrong to assume that the prime minister and the other ministers would act in "bad faith" and against "democracy" because they have a numerical majority in the selection procedure.

SC mandates co-option of two women members to each state bar council

SC mandates co-option of two women members to each state bar council

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed State Bar Councils to co-opt two women members, either former High Court judges or senior women advocates, to ensure greater gender representation. This move reinforces earlier directives for 30% women's representation and aims to dismantle the perception of Bar Councils as "men's clubs", promoting objectivity and transparency in their functioning.

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision follows a request from the victim's mother, now a BJP MLA, and includes a separate probe into alleged cremation irregularities. Adhikari criticised previous police handling and vowed to ensure justice, despite a CBI investigation having already led to a conviction.

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

'Some players will be wiped off': Gopichand warns

'Some players will be wiped off': Gopichand warns

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand believes the sport's upcoming shift to a 15x3 scoring system will lead to some players being 'wiped off' due to the increased premium on speed, power, and mental strength.

Govt to file Ahmedabad air crash report with SC in October

Govt to file Ahmedabad air crash report with SC in October

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has been informed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's final draft report on the June 2025 Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad will be submitted in October. The court is hearing petitions seeking an independent probe into the accident, which claimed 260 lives.

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

As the agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 14th day, talks between the state government and student protesters on Friday failed to break the deadlock, with students deciding to continue their protest and hunger strike until their demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, are met.

'Extremely ashamed': Girl who abused Modi apologises

'Extremely ashamed': Girl who abused Modi apologises

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

A 15-year-old girl, who appeared in a viral video abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has issued an apology, claiming she was "influenced" by a group at Jantar Mantar. She expressed embarrassment and shame, appealing for forgiveness. The apology follows a police complaint, and Delhi Police are investigating the matter, having also issued notices to social media platform X for content removal. PM Modi himself commented on the incident, advocating for forgiveness for "misguided children."

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

West Bengal police have unearthed a sophisticated Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting state ministers, their families, and other high-profile individuals, leading to the arrest of a third suspect, Aditya Singh, an alleged associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Hamim Mondal.

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.

Right to protest can't endanger Parliament: HC on NEET march

Right to protest can't endanger Parliament: HC on NEET march

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Delhi high court on Tuesday said the right to protest does not extend to damaging the "seat of sovereignty," and a police officer's image cannot be "tarnished" over an alleged "overuse of power" during the July 20 march to Parliament against the NEET paper leak.

3 Big Lessons From Main Vaapas Aaunga

3 Big Lessons From Main Vaapas Aaunga

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'Making a film -- good or bad -- is extremely hard work, involving hundreds of people and at least two years from idea to release. When the audience rejects it, it is known to push makers into depression. And then there is the danger of theatres stopping the screenings after week one if footfalls don't improve.'

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor secured a significant victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, defeating the BJP candidate by over 19,000 votes. Kishor attributed his win to support from disgruntled members of major parties and potentially Gen Z protests, while firmly rejecting any future political alliances. He claimed the mandate was a wake-up call for the BJP-led government in Bihar and its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, giving his party its maiden presence in the state assembly.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

Raghav Juyal's Brother Makes A Fascinating Film!

Raghav Juyal's Brother Makes A Fascinating Film!

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'Raghav and I complement each other. He talks to me a lot about form and how he approaches his characters. Our paths are different, but we both are very much aligned emotionally.'

11 Questions Wives Hate Hearing From Husbands

11 Questions Wives Hate Hearing From Husbands

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Rediff's Divya Nair spoke to married women across India to list the most annoying questions their husbands ask them repeatedly and somehow expect them to answer with a straight face.

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The DMK has announced it will meticulously examine the proposed delimitation Bill when it is introduced in Parliament, making a decision based on its merits to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. The party's stance will be independent, without consultation with the Congress party, despite their former alliance.

Maria Goretti: 'I Miss Making Money'

Maria Goretti: 'I Miss Making Money'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Maria Goretti details her journey of losing and rediscovering her identity, saying, 'After being home for so long, I think somewhere I lost myself. I had nothing.'

Why India Needs Strategic Autonomy In AI Ecosystem

Why India Needs Strategic Autonomy In AI Ecosystem

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

IT Secretary S Krishnan advocates for India to pursue "strategic autonomy" in the AI ecosystem by building domestic capabilities and diversifying global supply chains. He emphasized avoiding overdependence on single sources while integrating into trusted global networks, and also highlighted the need to consider an AI law and regulatory framework.

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying not everyone in the BJP is a "chhanda chor" but all the "chhanda chors" are in the ruling party.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has urged India's youth to dedicate themselves entirely to national interest, rising above personal gains to capitalise on the current 'window of opportunity' for building a stronger nation. He emphasised that true freedom is not merely doing what one wants, but involves commitment and sacrifice for the country's progress.

The Magic Of India's Long Train Journeys

The Magic Of India's Long Train Journeys

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Back when India moved slowly, every window seat came with a view, and every rail journey came with excess baggage - food, fears, family drama, points out Ajanta Krishnamurthy.

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify an order allowing the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath". The court emphasised that creativity, art, and culture should not be curtailed due to sensitivities regarding deity depictions, especially for children's animation.

Before You Say 'I Do': 5 Red Flags to Watch Out

Before You Say 'I Do': 5 Red Flags to Watch Out

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Becoming indifferent in a relationship or a marriage is the biggest sign of emotional distance, warns rediffguru Ravi Mittal, CEO of online dating website Quack Quack and Rebounce, a matrimony platform.

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.