News for 'Independent'

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's biggest challenge will be to find a new growth driver, particularly against the backdrop of a global economy ravaged by heightened uncertainty and fragmentation, financial markets on a precipice, and global commodity prices on a continued uptrend.

Hugh And Colleen Gantzer Showed India To The World

Hugh And Colleen Gantzer Showed India To The World

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

'The culture of mankind has been spread by the travel gene which pushes one in five people to have the curiosity to move to unknown destinations.'

A long-game Budget

A long-game Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, which was a first, had an excellent domestic macro backdrop. According to the first advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, against 6.5 per cent in 2024-25.

Forced to Buy Home Loan Insurance? Know Your Rights

Forced to Buy Home Loan Insurance? Know Your Rights

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval emphasized the need to strengthen India's security across all sectors, including the economy, to address historical vulnerabilities. He highlighted the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the importance of strong leadership.

T20 World Cup: 'Cannot go to India': Bangladesh accepts ICC decision

T20 World Cup: 'Cannot go to India': Bangladesh accepts ICC decision

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday said it accepted the ICC's decision to replace its national team with Scotland in next month's T20 World Cup, saying there is nothing more they could do now.

Cong, BJP both stake claim to Chandrapur mayor's post

Cong, BJP both stake claim to Chandrapur mayor's post

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Following a hung result in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation elections, both the Congress and BJP are claiming they will secure the Mayor's position. Congress emerged as the single largest party, but the BJP claims to have support from Congress corporators.

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in its probe into an alleged coal-pilferage scam. The ED claims Banerjee removed key evidence during raids on I-PAC offices and the premises of its director, Pratik Jain.

Third row seat: Cong accuses BJP of insulting Rahul, Kharge at R-Day event

Third row seat: Cong accuses BJP of insulting Rahul, Kharge at R-Day event

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP government of disrespecting opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge by seating them in the third row during the Republic Day parade. BJP leaders have responded by questioning Rahul Gandhi's attendance at other important events.

Wonder Man Ending Explained Right Here

Wonder Man Ending Explained Right Here

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

As Simon navigates auditions, rejection, and sudden attention, Wonder Man explores how power and celebrity intersect, often blurring the line between authenticity and performance.

T20 World Cup: ICC chief Jay Shah set to take strict action against Bangladesh over India boycott

T20 World Cup: ICC chief Jay Shah set to take strict action against Bangladesh over India boycott

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

International Cricket Council Chairman Jay Shah is contemplating strict action against Bangladesh if they do not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

Can This Budget Deliver Strategic Growth and Jobs?

Can This Budget Deliver Strategic Growth and Jobs?

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

India is growing fast, but to keep growing strong, the government must make more things at home, create jobs, and spend money wisely, suggests Rajiv Memani, regional managing partner, Africa-India Region, EY.

Ambernath election: HC terms NCP's side-switching as 'globe-trotting'

Ambernath election: HC terms NCP's side-switching as 'globe-trotting'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Bombay High Court criticized the shifting allegiances of NCP members in the Ambernath Municipal Council, referring to it as "globe-trotting," while addressing orders related to alliances within the civic body.

Saffron tsunami in Maha: BJP wins 1,425 seats in 29 corporations

Saffron tsunami in Maha: BJP wins 1,425 seats in 29 corporations

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

According to the final tally, the BJP won 1,425 out of a total 2,869 seats, Shiv Sena 399, Congress 324, NCP 167, Shiv Sena-UBT 155, NCP-SP 36, MNS 13, BSP 6, parties registered with the SEC 129, unrecognised parties 196, and 19 independents.

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.'

25-year-old Hindu youth burnt to death in Bangladesh

25-year-old Hindu youth burnt to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

He was sleeping in a garage when the fire broke out, and CCTV footage suggests foul play.

Dating During Divorce: Is It Legal?

Dating During Divorce: Is It Legal?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'Dating someone during divorce proceedings is legally permissible as long as it does not involve provable physical intimacy,' says lawyer Navaneet Kumar.

Akhand America?: Trump's new US map has Venezuela, Greenland, Canada

Akhand America?: Trump's new US map has Venezuela, Greenland, Canada

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In another post, Trump is seen hoisting a US flag in Greenland, with a milepost that reads, "Greenland US Territory Est 2026".

Hindu parents pull out wards after row over tilak at UK school

Hindu parents pull out wards after row over tilak at UK school

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

A primary school in London is accused of religious discrimination after a pupil was allegedly challenged for wearing a tilak. The school denies the allegations, citing its inclusive environment and existing policy.

'Husband Can't Force Wife To Look After Parents'

'Husband Can't Force Wife To Look After Parents'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'Caring for one's parents is the husband's responsibility, especially if he is the earning member of the family.' 'The wife may be financially dependent on him but that does not create a legal obligation for her to serve or care for her in-laws.'

Denied tickets, Nagpur BJP leaders rebel against party

Denied tickets, Nagpur BJP leaders rebel against party

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Upset over being denied tickets by the Bharatiya Janata Party despite being its 'loyal workers for years', several aspirants have rebelled against the party and are now contesting the upcoming elections to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) as independent candidates.

T20 World Cup 2026: ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland

T20 World Cup 2026: ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

The International Cricket Council has officially informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board that it has been replaced by Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026.

Civic polls: Mahayuti alliance breaks down in Latur, Jalna

Civic polls: Mahayuti alliance breaks down in Latur, Jalna

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

After weeks of negotiations over seat-sharing, the Mahayuti alliance appears to have broken down ahead of municipal corporation elections in Latur and Jalna, with partners deciding to contest the January 15 polls independently.

'Efficiency Can't Override Judicial Independence'

'Efficiency Can't Override Judicial Independence'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'In a courtroom, the judge can directly assess the witness's demeanour, which is crucial'

CBI summons actor-politician Vijay in Karur stampede case

CBI summons actor-politician Vijay in Karur stampede case

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The CBI took over the case from an SIT following a Supreme Court order, and the investigating agency has been gathering evidence relating to the stampede that occurred during a political meeting addressed by Vijay on September 27 in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The incident had left 41 dead and more than 60 injured.

SC flags airfare fluctuations during festivals, calls it 'exploitation'

SC flags airfare fluctuations during festivals, calls it 'exploitation'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta termed the exorbitant rise of airfares by airlines as "exploitation" and asked the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to file their replies to a PIL seeking binding regulatory guidelines to control the unpredictable fluctuations in airfare and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines in India.

Wanted to play, but this is govt's decision: BCB

Wanted to play, but this is govt's decision: BCB

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Bangladesh Cricket Board maintain they were willing to play the T20 World Cup in India but were overruled by the government, forcing their exit from the tournament.

Big blow to T20 World Cup: Bangladesh say NO to India travel

Big blow to T20 World Cup: Bangladesh say NO to India travel

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Bangladesh refused to send its national cricket team for the T20 World Cup in India, effectively paving the way for Scotland to take its place in the tournament roster after the ICC dismissed the country's demand for a change of venue.

India Boycott Could Hurt Bangladesh: Tamim Warns BCB

India Boycott Could Hurt Bangladesh: Tamim Warns BCB

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board to avoid being driven by "public emotion" while deciding the national team's participation in next month's T20 World Cup.

Accused is entitled to...: Ex-CJI on Umar Khalid's bail

Accused is entitled to...: Ex-CJI on Umar Khalid's bail

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'Because, if someone remains an undertrial prisoner for five or seven years and is finally proven innocent, how will you compensate for the time lost?'

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday claimed that Governor R N Ravi 'insulted' the gubernatorial position he holds, by not reading out the speech at the commencement of the assembly session.

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Mark Tully, the renowned journalist, author, and Indophile, has passed away at the age of 90. He spent a lifetime in India as a journalist, mingling with its people and telling their stories.

Karur stampede: CBI grills TVK chief Vijay for 6 hrs; no fresh summons

Karur stampede: CBI grills TVK chief Vijay for 6 hrs; no fresh summons

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

TVK chief Vijay was questioned by the CBI for six hours in connection with the Karur stampede case. The investigation is ongoing, with the CBI gathering evidence and analyzing statements to determine responsibility.

US ATTACKS VENEZUELA, CAPTURES PRESIDENT MADURO

US ATTACKS VENEZUELA, CAPTURES PRESIDENT MADURO

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

President of the United States Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country.

Govt notifies rules to enable 100% FDI in insurance sector

Govt notifies rules to enable 100% FDI in insurance sector

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Following the notification allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, the Finance Ministry has revised norms to remove the requirement that a majority of directors and key management personnel in an insurance company with foreign investment be Indian residents.

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'If you want to force the press into blacking out the Opposition's views or colour the news to your own liking, we will not do so.' 'We stand by freedom of expression. It is our Constitutional right. We stand by our Constitutional right.'

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day, emphasising India's role in promoting peace, the empowerment of women, and the country's economic growth.

Sri Lanka fails to address sexual violence against Tamil civilians: UN

Sri Lanka fails to address sexual violence against Tamil civilians: UN

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A UN report highlights the lack of justice for Tamil civilians who experienced sexual violence during Sri Lanka's civil war, primarily by security forces.

Most Indian IT leaders find AI augmenting talent: Survey

Most Indian IT leaders find AI augmenting talent: Survey

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Indian IT leaders are betting big on agentic AI adoption for business growth compared to the leading western market, where focus is on enhancing traditional efficiency, a survey report by technology consultancy firm Thoughtworks said. The company has claimed to cover 3,500 C-suite and senior IT decision makers across seven countries, including 500 in India.

Gauri Lankesh murder accused contesting Maha civic polls

Gauri Lankesh murder accused contesting Maha civic polls

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Shrikant Pangarkar is in the fray from ward 13. His opponents are candidates from the BJP and several other parties, though the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has not fielded a contestant.