News for 'Independent India'

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Rediff.com3 days ago

Maya Thakur, a transgender icon, advocates for amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, to include self-identification and protect transgender individuals who wish to remain independent from traditional eunuch communities.

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

Rediff.com13 hours ago

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.

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the establishment of independent appellate tribunals, led by former high court judges, to address appeals related to voter list exclusions in West Bengal, while also cautioning against undermining judicial officers involved in the process.

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Is Bhutan merely experimenting with digital finance -- or is the Himalayan kingdom punching far above its weight, quietly playing one of the most sophisticated strategic games in Asia today? asks Varun Arya.

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

Rajnath Singh: India Shedding 'Cricket and Hockey Only' Image on Global Stage

Rajnath Singh: India Shedding 'Cricket and Hockey Only' Image on Global Stage

Rediff.com3 days ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights India's transformation in sports, moving beyond cricket and hockey to achieve global recognition, driven by government investment and initiatives like the Khelo India programme.

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'.

India Inc hits pause on factory expansion in March

India Inc hits pause on factory expansion in March

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's new manufacturing project announcements more than halved in the fourth quarter of FY26, falling 60 per cent sequentially and 78 per cent year-on-year to approximately 1.7 trillion, driven by global uncertainties, geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, and existing unutilised manufacturing capacity.

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A top government official says that while India has made significant progress in renewable energy, technical issues are hindering large-scale implementation. The government is working on solutions such as grid flexibilisation and battery storage.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

India Tops Global List Of Suspended Athletes For Doping Violations

India Tops Global List Of Suspended Athletes For Doping Violations

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India has overtaken Kenya to lead the Athletics Integrity Unit's list of ineligible persons due to doping violations, with 148 suspended track and field athletes.

Experts Urge Ethical AI Governance and Indigenous Development for India

Experts Urge Ethical AI Governance and Indigenous Development for India

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Experts at a discussion in Delhi emphasised the importance of ethical governance and indigenous capability in India's pursuit of becoming a global artificial intelligence power, ensuring technology serves the public good and maintains strategic autonomy.

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Indian leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's defence sector is on the cusp of a 'super cycle' of growth, driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts and a strong policy push towards indigenous manufacturing, with major players like BEL, HAL, and BDL poised for significant order inflows and technological advancements.

UP Leaders Pay Tribute to Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs

UP Leaders Pay Tribute to Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs

Rediff.com3 days ago

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other leaders paid tribute to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on its anniversary, honouring their sacrifice and courage in the Indian freedom struggle.

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

In an official statement, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry, alleging that Moscow was attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com19 hours ago

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

UP Statues of Freedom Fighters Reinstalled After Outrage

UP Statues of Freedom Fighters Reinstalled After Outrage

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Statues of freedom fighters demolished in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, have been reinstalled within 24 hours following the Chief Minister's orders, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

Rediff.com6 days ago

The alliance between Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and AIMIM in West Bengal has collapsed following allegations of a multi-crore deal with the BJP, leading to AIMIM's withdrawal and both parties planning to contest the elections independently.

Congress Protests After Statues of Kakori Martyrs Demolished in India

Congress Protests After Statues of Kakori Martyrs Demolished in India

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Congress workers protested and performed a purification ritual after statues of Kakori incident martyrs were allegedly demolished and dumped in Shahjahanpur, India, sparking outrage and demands for an investigation.

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

At Border Pillar 609 at Babliyan near Jaisalmer, the one thing that dominates the landscape is something entirely different, something central to our identity -- the Tiranga -- flying boldly above the blazing desert.

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) commenced in Chhattisgarh, providing a national stage for tribal athletes to showcase their abilities. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event's significance in promoting sports culture and identifying talent from remote areas.

IAF to get indigenous unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft

IAF to get indigenous unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian government is planning to develop an unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft for the Indian Air Force, designed to operate autonomously and in challenging terrains.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com15 hours ago

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

UP: NIA court sentences 3 in Al-Qaeda linked terror plot

UP: NIA court sentences 3 in Al-Qaeda linked terror plot

Rediff.com2 days ago

An NIA court has sentenced three men for their involvement in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror conspiracy to carry out attacks in Uttar Pradesh. The convicts received jail terms ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment.

Dr Ambedkar's Legacy Through Stamps

Dr Ambedkar's Legacy Through Stamps

Rediff.com2 days ago

Dr B R Ambedkar's legacy has been honoured repeatedly through India's postal history, with stamps capturing his role as the architect of the Constitution and a champion of social justice.

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com3 days ago

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

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.

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Rediff.com1 days ago

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called for collective efforts to restore the state's past glory, highlighting concerns over economic and educational indicators. His remarks coincided with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising him for allegedly 'abusing' her instead of extending New Year greetings.

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's handling of the Iran crisis reflects a growing strain between strategic autonomy and geopolitical alignment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

SC: Husband's Duty to Maintain Wife Must Ensure Dignified Life

SC: Husband's Duty to Maintain Wife Must Ensure Dignified Life

Rediff.com12 hours ago

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised that a husband's obligation to maintain his wife is a primary and continuing duty, ensuring she lives with dignity and in a manner commensurate with her marital status.

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has granted provisional recognition to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) while also raising concerns with the IOA regarding visa delays for athletes and pending dues from private partners.

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.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com7 days ago

Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87% in the recent Assembly elections, the highest since 1964. The election saw a contest between the NDA and Congress-led bloc, with other parties also vying for influence. Polling was largely peaceful, with a minor clash reported.

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Rediff.com2 days ago

The broader conflict in West Asia, the largest international market for Indian carriers, has forced a sharp reduction in daily flights relative to the summer schedule.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com1 days ago

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

RBI approves Emirates NBD's 74% stake acquisition in RBL Bank

RBI approves Emirates NBD's 74% stake acquisition in RBL Bank

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for UAE-based Emirates NBD (ENBD) PJSC to acquire up to a 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, marking the largest foreign investment ever in a domestic Indian bank.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 hours ago

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.