News for 'Independent'

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

JMI Probes Boys' Entry and Brawl at Girls' Hostel

JMI Probes Boys' Entry and Brawl at Girls' Hostel

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is investigating an incident where a group of boys allegedly entered the premises of the girls' hostel and engaged in a brawl. The university has launched an inquiry after a video of the incident circulated on social media.

Pakistan Lodge Complaint Over Controversial Review in Bangladesh ODI Decider

Pakistan Lodge Complaint Over Controversial Review in Bangladesh ODI Decider

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged a complaint with match referee Neeyamur Rashid after a controversial DRS review allowed Bangladesh national cricket team during the final over of the third ODI in Mirpur.

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

NCP (SP) leader Anish Gawande has urged the government to withdraw the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026, arguing that it undermines the right to self-determination of gender identity and was drafted without adequate consultation.

NIA Court Rejects Varavara Rao's Plea to Move to Hyderabad

NIA Court Rejects Varavara Rao's Plea to Move to Hyderabad

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A special NIA court in Mumbai has denied poet-activist Varavara Rao's request to permanently relocate to Hyderabad, citing a lack of authority to modify bail conditions set by the Supreme Court in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case.

'No Governance Issue In HDFC Bank'

'No Governance Issue In HDFC Bank'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

'Being an important institution in the banking system, we are subject to regulatory supervision, both offsite and onsite.' 'When you look at the intensity at which these levels of supervision come, we, on the board and in management, believe there should not be any surprises.'

Arunachal Pradesh Police Seize Heroin in Namsai District

Arunachal Pradesh Police Seize Heroin in Namsai District

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Police in Arunachal Pradesh seized 26 grams of heroin, valued at approximately 1.37 lakh, during a raid in Namsai district. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, 1985, and further investigation is underway.

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

If You Are In New York On March 20 Don't Miss Ravi Shankar Ensemble

If You Are In New York On March 20 Don't Miss Ravi Shankar Ensemble

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The multi-generational ensemble of world-class musicians dedicated to the masterful compositions and enduring legacy of the legendary sitar-musician.

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A US federal government commission has raised concerns about the state of religious freedom in India, recommending its designation as a 'Country of Particular Concern' and suggesting targeted sanctions.

CEC removal motion: Are Opposition charges strong enough?

CEC removal motion: Are Opposition charges strong enough?

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in India have submitted notices seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over his appointment, conduct, and alleged manipulation of electoral processes.

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised to form the next government in Nepal after a decisive victory in the general election, significantly impacting established political parties.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

India's energy security 'bartered' to US influence: Rahul Gandhi

India's energy security 'bartered' to US influence: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Rahul Gandhi accuses the government of compromising India's energy security by allowing the US to dictate oil supply relationships, raising concerns about the impact of global conflicts on India's energy access.

Thane Court Acquits Man in 2018 Knife Attack Case

Thane Court Acquits Man in 2018 Knife Attack Case

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

A court in Thane, Maharashtra, acquitted a 21-year-old labourer accused of a 2018 knife attack, citing inconsistencies in eyewitness testimonies and a failure by the prosecution to establish a clear timeline.

Akali Dal, Congress Leaders Visit Family of Man Killed in Gurdaspur Encounter

Akali Dal, Congress Leaders Visit Family of Man Killed in Gurdaspur Encounter

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira visited the family of Ranjit Singh, who was killed in a police encounter in Gurdaspur. Both leaders expressed their support for the family and called for an independent investigation into the incident.

'Iran's supreme leader wounded, likely disfigured': US war secretary

'Iran's supreme leader wounded, likely disfigured': US war secretary

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed that Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, is "wounded and likely disfigured" in strikes by the US on the country.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Rajya Sabha elections saw several candidates elected unopposed, including Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale, while Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana prepare for contested elections.

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Specifically, military experts are assessing if the 'Octopus' interceptor anti-drone system, produced in the UK to support Ukraine in countering Russian threats, could be repurposed to strengthen British protections against Iran's Shahed drones.

AIU Enhances Tool for Anonymous Doping Violation Reporting

AIU Enhances Tool for Anonymous Doping Violation Reporting

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has enhanced its intelligence gathering tool to allow two-way communication with anonymous informers of doping and other ethical violations in athletics, while preserving their confidentiality.

Most spoken word in Lok Sabha after Nehru is 'No': Oppn MPs

Most spoken word in Lok Sabha after Nehru is 'No': Oppn MPs

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs are criticising Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging bias and suppression of their voices in parliamentary proceedings, raising concerns about democratic rights and impartiality.

Bengaluru Police Arrest Eight in Real Estate Businessman Kidnapping and Murder Case

Bengaluru Police Arrest Eight in Real Estate Businessman Kidnapping and Murder Case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Bengaluru police have arrested eight people, including two minors, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a real estate businessman. The investigation is ongoing, with a possible motive involving business rivalry and allegations of black magic.

Eight Held in Connection with Bengaluru Businessman's Kidnapping and Murder

Eight Held in Connection with Bengaluru Businessman's Kidnapping and Murder

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Police in Bengaluru have arrested eight people, including two minors, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a real estate businessman. The victim, Gopal alias Gopi, was allegedly kidnapped after a car collision and his body was later found in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The investigation revealed a long-standing rivalry between the victim and the main conspirator, who believed Gopal was using black magic against him.

57% Americans disapprove of Trump's performance: Poll

57% Americans disapprove of Trump's performance: Poll

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A new poll indicates that President Donald Trump's approval rating is suffering as economic anxieties and the rising cost of living weigh heavily on US voters, revealing deep political divides and widespread dissatisfaction with the government.

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Trump also called upon China, France, and Japan, among others, to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

SC halts execution in 2024 Madhya Pradesh child sexual assault and murder case

SC halts execution in 2024 Madhya Pradesh child sexual assault and murder case

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has stayed the execution of a man convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering a five-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh in 2024, pending further investigation and review of the case.

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly attempting to bribe Odisha Congress MLAs, who are staying at a resort, as part of what Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar claims is the BJP's 'Operation Lotus'.

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, President Trump is urging nations dependent on Middle Eastern oil to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard critical global energy supplies.

Kerala Woman Pushed from Train Recovering After Hospital Discharge

Kerala Woman Pushed from Train Recovering After Hospital Discharge

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

A 20-year-old woman, Sreekutty, who was pushed from a moving train in Kerala, has been discharged from hospital after three months of treatment for severe injuries.

Smart Money Tips Every Woman MUST READ

Smart Money Tips Every Woman MUST READ

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

'Money is not just about greed or accumulation. It gives you freedom, dignity and choice. And you have every right to all three.'

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

Meghalaya LoP Files FIR Against Ex-MLA Over Alleged Provocative Speech

Meghalaya LoP Files FIR Against Ex-MLA Over Alleged Provocative Speech

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Meghalaya's Leader of the Opposition, Mukul Sangma, has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against former legislator Estamur Momin over an allegedly provocative speech concerning the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

Actor Vijay requests delay in CBI questioning over Karur stampede case

Actor Vijay requests delay in CBI questioning over Karur stampede case

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Actor Vijay has requested a delay in his CBI questioning regarding the Karur stampede case, citing political engagements. The CBI is also seeking to question Karur MLA V Senthil Balaji.

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the replacement of Edwin Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan with one of C Rajagopalachari, emphasizing a move away from colonial symbols and towards honoring Indian leaders.

'Attempt to externalise internal failures': India slams Pak's airstrikes in Afghanistan

'Attempt to externalise internal failures': India slams Pak's airstrikes in Afghanistan

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, decrying the civilian casualties and reaffirming its support for Afghan sovereignty amidst rising tensions.

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

The Rapper Who Will Be Nepal's New PM

The Rapper Who Will Be Nepal's New PM

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

With the Rastriya Swatantra Party likely to win a two thirds majority, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah will be Nepal's next prime minister.

Veteran journalist HK Dua, media advisor to 2 PMs, passes away

Veteran journalist HK Dua, media advisor to 2 PMs, passes away

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Eminent journalist HK Dua, who led editorial operations at three of India's leading newspapers, has died at the age of 88. He was also a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha and served as media advisor to two prime ministers.