News for 'Independent'

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Haryanvi singer booked over offensive language at U'khand college event

Haryanvi singer booked over offensive language at U'khand college event

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma has been booked by police for allegedly using indecent and offensive language during a performance at a DAV College event in Dehradun. A police investigation has been launched following complaints from student representatives.

Trump's Signature on US Currency Marks Historic First

Trump's Signature on US Currency Marks Historic First

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump's signature will soon appear on US paper currency, coinciding with the 250th anniversary celebrations of American Independence.

'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh to be arrested again

'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh to be arrested again

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Amritpal Singh, chief of 'Waris Punjab De', will be formally arrested again by Punjab Police after his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) ends. He will remain in Dibrugarh Central Jail, where he has been lodged for three years, and face trial via video-conferencing in the Ajnala police station attack case.

Gujarat High Court Bans AI in Key Judicial Processes

Gujarat High Court Bans AI in Key Judicial Processes

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Gujarat High Court has issued a policy prohibiting the use of Artificial Intelligence in judicial decision-making, reasoning, and judgment preparation, emphasising human oversight and limiting AI to administrative support roles.

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A new report suggests that blending 20 per cent dimethyl ether (DME) with LPG could significantly reduce India's LPG imports, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange.

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

When Will Jio Credit Reach AUM Level Of Rs 1 Trillion?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'We are staying away from making forward-looking statements on when we will reach 1 trillion, etc. But growth will be rapid; it's only a matter of time.'

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire At Dinner

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire At Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump and other top officials were evacuated unharmed from the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association after a man armed with multiple weapons fired shots outside the hotel ballroom.

Legendary photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83

Legendary photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Raghu Rai, one of India's most celebrated photographers, passed away at a private hospital in New Delhi at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.

Guwahati Court Rejects NBW Against Pawan Khera

Guwahati Court Rejects NBW Against Pawan Khera

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'The grounds shown by the investigating officer (IO) for issuance of non-bailable warrant were 'entirely based on presumptions and conjectures, and are not supported by any material on record',' the court said.

Low Birth Weight Linked To Increased Stroke Risk In Young Adults

Low Birth Weight Linked To Increased Stroke Risk In Young Adults

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A Swedish study reveals that individuals born with low birth weight face a significantly elevated risk of stroke in early adulthood, regardless of their BMI or gestational age.

IPL 2026: Why RCB Will Wear Green Against DC

IPL 2026: Why RCB Will Wear Green Against DC

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will wear their green jerseys in their home game against Delhi Capitals as part of their 'Green Initiative', highlighting their commitment to sustainability.

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'

Lahore Event Honours Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Victims

Lahore Event Honours Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Victims

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Civil society members and lawyers in Lahore, Pakistan, commemorated the 107th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, paying tribute to the victims of the 1919 tragedy.

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the TMC, accusing the party of looting West Bengal for 15 years, destroying the state's identity through corruption and infiltration, and turning Jadavpur University into a symbol of disorder.

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 Review: Band Baaja Boredom!

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 Review: Band Baaja Boredom!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 is a humourless romcom weighed down by lazy writing and forced emotional conflicts.

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

Court to Decide Sentence for Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni in BJP Leader Murder Case

Court to Decide Sentence for Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni in BJP Leader Murder Case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A special court in Bengaluru has reserved its order on the sentence for Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others convicted in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogesh Goudar. The sentencing is scheduled for April 17, following arguments from both prosecution and defence.

Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni Found Guilty in 2016 Murder of BJP Leader

Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni Found Guilty in 2016 Murder of BJP Leader

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A special court in Bengaluru has convicted Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogesh Goudar, finding them guilty of criminal conspiracy and related offences. The court has also ordered perjury proceedings against multiple witnesses and directed the CBI to take the accused into custody.

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'It was diminishing even before Trump came to power.' 'The US was at the centre of the global economy. That position is going to become less and less important and less central.'

Inter-caste marriages: Telangana data reveals sharp social divide

Inter-caste marriages: Telangana data reveals sharp social divide

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A caste survey conducted in Telangana reveals that certain communities, such as Iyengers/Iyers, report the highest rates of inter-caste marriages, indicating a weakening of social barriers and increased social mobility.

Stars to Storytellers: 10 Best Hindi Films Directed by Actors

Stars to Storytellers: 10 Best Hindi Films Directed by Actors

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

As Riteish Deshmukh turns director again with Raja Shivaji, we look at past actors who stepped behind the camera and delivered some of Hindi cinema's most memorable films.

London Police Step Up Security After Antisemitic Incidents

London Police Step Up Security After Antisemitic Incidents

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Metropolitan Police in London are increasing patrols and resources following a series of antisemitic attacks, including an incident targeting a Jewish charity. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating the attacks, which are suspected to be linked to an Islamist group with ties to Iran.

Mamata Banerjee Obstructed Coal Smuggling Probe, ED Tells Supreme Court

Mamata Banerjee Obstructed Coal Smuggling Probe, ED Tells Supreme Court

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of obstructing its investigation into a Rs 2,700-crore coal smuggling case, alleging she used state machinery to halt a search of an I-PAC office in Kolkata.

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

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

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

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.

French Open Announces Significant Prize Money Increase for 2026

French Open Announces Significant Prize Money Increase for 2026

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The French Open will increase its prize money by 9.5% this year, bringing the total purse to 61.7 million euros. This increase reflects a broader trend of Grand Slam tournaments boosting player earnings, particularly in the early rounds, amid ongoing discussions about revenue distribution in tennis.

Landmark Study Assesses Reproducibility in Social and Behavioural Science Research

Landmark Study Assesses Reproducibility in Social and Behavioural Science Research

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A major US study has assessed the reproducibility of research papers in the social sciences, revealing insights into the credibility of findings and highlighting challenges in replicating results.

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A new report indicates a rise in 'red alert' constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with a significant number of candidates facing criminal charges.

'Give all your tickets to Muslim women': Shah vs Akhilesh in Parl

'Give all your tickets to Muslim women': Shah vs Akhilesh in Parl

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Shah has firmly stated that providing reservation to Muslims based on religion is unconstitutional, while also confirming that a caste census will proceed alongside the population enumeration.

Michael Review: Jaafar Jackson Stands Out In A Biopic That Plays Too Safe

Michael Review: Jaafar Jackson Stands Out In A Biopic That Plays Too Safe

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Michael remains a passable biopic that looks good, sounds great, and delivers the moments fans came for. But it also feels formulaic in a way that's hard to ignore, notes Mayur Sanap.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

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.

Delhi Court: Lack of Witnesses Leads to Acquittal in Heroin Case

Delhi Court: Lack of Witnesses Leads to Acquittal in Heroin Case

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A Delhi court acquitted two men accused of possessing heroin, citing the prosecution's failure to prove its case due to a lack of independent witnesses and contradictions in police testimonies.

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the West Bengal government's handling of an incident in Malda district where judicial officers were allegedly attacked. The BJP has accused the TMC of orchestrating the event to obstruct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and protect Rohingyas.

Battle for Assam: BJP eyes hat-trick as Congress leads challenge

Battle for Assam: BJP eyes hat-trick as Congress leads challenge

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Assam is set to hold elections for its 126-member assembly, with a direct contest expected between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition. Key candidates and constituencies are in focus as the state prepares to vote.

Election neutrality can't be ensured if...: SC judge

Election neutrality can't be ensured if...: SC judge

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Supreme Court Justice B V Nagarathna has emphasised the critical importance of an independent Election Commission to ensure the neutrality and integrity of the electoral process in India.

Goa Minister Demands Police Accountability After Viral Videos Show Drugs, Solicitation at Calangute Beach

Goa Minister Demands Police Accountability After Viral Videos Show Drugs, Solicitation at Calangute Beach

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has called for police action and accountability after videos showing alleged drug dealing and solicitation at Calangute beach went viral. He emphasised the need to protect Goa's image as a safe and preferred tourist destination.

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Accuses Party of Caste-Based Campaigning in Kerala

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Accuses Party of Caste-Based Campaigning in Kerala

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran has accused the party of engaging in caste-based campaigning in the Ambalapuzha constituency, leading to a heated exchange with party officials.

CBI Probes Reliance Anil Ambani Group Over 73,000 Crore Loan Fraud

CBI Probes Reliance Anil Ambani Group Over 73,000 Crore Loan Fraud

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the Reliance Anil Ambani Group for alleged bank loan frauds totalling 73,000 crore across seven cases. The Supreme Court is monitoring the investigation, which also involves the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) pledges to collaborate with NADA and the Sports Ministry to address doping concerns after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) categorised India as a high-risk country for doping violations.