News for 'Independent'

Don't Expect A Reprieve From Trump!

Don't Expect A Reprieve From Trump!

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'There are times when India should stand up without hesitation and voice its indignation over the US' pressure tactic. This is one such moment,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Improving ties: Afghanistan's Taliban govt to send diplomats to India

Improving ties: Afghanistan's Taliban govt to send diplomats to India

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced that Kabul will send diplomats to India as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations. He assured New Delhi that Afghan soil will not be used for activities detrimental to India's interests.

25 Elections; 0 Wins, This Lalu Yadav Won't Give Up!

25 Elections; 0 Wins, This Lalu Yadav Won't Give Up!

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Meet the maverick serial election contester who shares his name with current Bihar's best known politician.

He Brought Bharat To Indian Advertising

He Brought Bharat To Indian Advertising

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Few people have left the kind of imprint on India's advertising canvas as Piyush Pandey. An observer who seemed to know what made the country tick, a man who could find humour in life's everyday struggles and spin magic from it, one who understood that to reach the masses you needed to communicate with them in their language and context -- he was all of this and more.

'Brought Pak to its knees': Modi hails armed forces

'Brought Pak to its knees': Modi hails armed forces

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the exceptional coordination among the three armed forces -- fear instilled by the Navy, extraordinary skills of the Air Force and bravery of the Army -- forced Pakistan to its knees during Operation Sindoor in no time.

HC directs Air India to pay Rs 35,000 to passenger over hair in food

HC directs Air India to pay Rs 35,000 to passenger over hair in food

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

The Madras High Court has directed Air India to pay Rs 35,000 to a passenger who suffered health complications after consuming food containing hair on a flight. The court partly allowed Air India's appeal against a lower court's order for a larger compensation.

AI 171 crash: SC seeks govt, DGCA replies on 'fair, expeditious' probe plea

AI 171 crash: SC seeks govt, DGCA replies on 'fair, expeditious' probe plea

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the preliminary report on the Air India crash and has asked for a more independent and thorough investigation.

BJP MLA attacked in Bengal day after assault on MP

BJP MLA attacked in Bengal day after assault on MP

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon was allegedly attacked by TMC workers while distributing flood relief materials in Alipurduar. The TMC has denied the charges.

'BJP Is On Shaky Ground In Gujarat'

'BJP Is On Shaky Ground In Gujarat'

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

'The BJP will win comfortably if the Congress and AAP fight separately -- though not with 162 seats.' 'But if they form an alliance, it will become a major problem for the BJP. That's precisely why this expansion is happening now.'

Bihar: INDIA bloc in disarray as nomination deadline nears

Bihar: INDIA bloc in disarray as nomination deadline nears

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Confusion prevailing in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) showed little signs of let up on Saturday, with just two days to go before the filing of nomination papers for the second and final phase of assembly elections comes to a close.

Will Nitish Surprise Modi Or Vice Versa After Bihar Poll?

Will Nitish Surprise Modi Or Vice Versa After Bihar Poll?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The BJP's MoSha leadership are past masters in encouraging defections from their allies if it helped their party capture the chief minister's chair. In Bihar, they are not sure if JD-U MPs and MLAs would be willing to cross over to the BJP if the Nitish leadership came on top -- and the NDA crossed the halfway mark together, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea seeking a special investigation team (SIT) probe into alleged electoral roll manipulation in Bengaluru Central and other constituencies, advising the petitioner to approach the Election Commission of India.

Indian youth fighting for Russia surrenders to Ukrainian forces

Indian youth fighting for Russia surrenders to Ukrainian forces

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

An Indian national fighting alongside the Russian military surrendered to Ukrainian forces. The individual, identified as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein from Gujarat, claimed he was forced to join the Russian military to avoid prison after being convicted on drug-related charges.

India, Russia, China oppose foreign military in Afghanistan

India, Russia, China oppose foreign military in Afghanistan

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

India joined Russia, China, and other nations in opposing the deployment of foreign military infrastructure in Afghanistan during 'Moscow Format' talks. The discussions focused on bringing prosperity and development to Afghanistan, with participants emphasizing the need to eliminate terrorism and integrate Afghanistan into regional connectivity.

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

With nominations for the first phase of Bihar elections closing soon, the INDIA bloc is struggling to finalize seat sharing, while the NDA has announced its candidates. Key political figures are actively campaigning.

HC bars Rupa from publishing Constitution of India

HC bars Rupa from publishing Constitution of India

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

The judge restrained Rupa from manufacturing, publishing, marketing, selling, or advertising its red-and-black coat-pocket edition of the Constitution by itself or by franchisees, dealers, distributors, or agents.

Gau Bhakts To Enter Poll Fray In Bihar

Gau Bhakts To Enter Poll Fray In Bihar

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'The Bihar assembly polls will open the eyes of everyone once the Gau Bhakts receive votes.'

'This Election Commission Has To Go!'

'This Election Commission Has To Go!'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

'The current Election Commission functions more like a government department than an autonomous body.'

Have You Watched Ekta Kapoor's OTT Channel?

Have You Watched Ekta Kapoor's OTT Channel?

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Jeetendra and his family-backed Balaji Telefilms is focusing on expanding the content slate on its streaming platform Kutingg through micro dramas and long-format binge shows after the recent ban on its subscription-based video-on-demand platform ALTT due to obscene content.

India's Russian oil import rebounds in Oct after dip in Q2

India's Russian oil import rebounds in Oct after dip in Q2

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India's crude oil imports from Russia strengthened in the first half of October, reversing a three-month slide in arrivals seen during July-September as refineries were back on full stream to meet festive demand, according to ship tracking data.

'Friend' Modi Assured Me...: Trump Claims India Will Stop Buying Russian Oil

'Friend' Modi Assured Me...: Trump Claims India Will Stop Buying Russian Oil

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, describing it as "a big step" in efforts to increase global pressure on Moscow.

'Conspicuously muted': Sonia Gandhi slams govt's Palestine stance

'Conspicuously muted': Sonia Gandhi slams govt's Palestine stance

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi criticizes the Modi government's stance on Palestine, calling it a 'profound silence' and an abdication of humanity and morality. She argues that India needs to demonstrate leadership on the issue and that the government's actions are driven by personal friendship rather than constitutional values or strategic interests.

'Vijay Is Still In KG': BJP

'Vijay Is Still In KG': BJP

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

'Vijay is a very confused, amateur politician.'

Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story' poster sparks controversy

Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story' poster sparks controversy

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'Bollywood now pushing propaganda with #TheTajStory a film twisting history by showing the Taj Mahal as a temple. A country boasting of being the 4th largest economy is drowning in fantasy & communal myths. When propaganda feels ashamed, you know it's India 2025'

RSS centenary: PM releases stamp, coin featuring Bharat Mata

RSS centenary: PM releases stamp, coin featuring Bharat Mata

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin featuring Bharat Mata to mark the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

In May, 40 Rohingyas were blindfolded and flown to the Andaman and Nicobar islands and then thrown into the sea and made to swim to an island in Myanmar. And after the Pahalgam attack, at least 300 Muslims were 'pushed back' to Bangladesh from Assam.

Time has come to decriminalise defamation law: SC

Time has come to decriminalise defamation law: SC

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notice to former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Amita Singh.

SC may scrap order for CBI probe into Karur stampede: DMK MP

SC may scrap order for CBI probe into Karur stampede: DMK MP

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has ordered a CBI probe into the Karur stampede, prompting varied reactions from political parties. DMK claims misrepresentation in the petition, while AIADMK sees the decision as a setback for DMK. Other parties express their views on the investigation and its implications.

Wangchuk's wife alleges his lectures wrongly translated

Wangchuk's wife alleges his lectures wrongly translated

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, claims his speeches were quoted out of context and wrongly translated to support an 'anti-national narrative' in his detention order. She asserts the charges are frivolous and will be challenged in court.

'India should target 20 medals in LA 2028 Olympics'

'India should target 20 medals in LA 2028 Olympics'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

India's 2024 Paris Olympics medallists, including star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shooter Manu Bhaker, were felicitated with cash awards by the Indian Olympic Association.

From Gujarat To Global Stage: Modi's 25 Year Journey

From Gujarat To Global Stage: Modi's 25 Year Journey

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

'I disagree with much of Modi's politics, but it cannot be denied that in these years in office, he has carved more than a niche for himself in history,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, author, Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times.

Hospital Fires Expose Alarming Safety Failures

Hospital Fires Expose Alarming Safety Failures

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

'Faulty alarms, delays in shutting off oxygen, poor electrical maintenance and staff untrained for emergencies. These are not isolated incidents but reflect a larger pattern of weak oversight.'

At 103 minutes, Modi delivers longest I-Day speech

At 103 minutes, Modi delivers longest I-Day speech

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Modi broke his own 98-minute record from the 78th Independence Day last year.

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has criticized the selective publication of a preliminary report on the Air India crash, calling it 'unfortunate and irresponsible'. The court raised concerns about privacy, dignity of victims' families, and the potential for biased narratives.

Bidding For Rs 10,000 Banknote Crosses Rs 18 Lakh

Bidding For Rs 10,000 Banknote Crosses Rs 18 Lakh

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Rashtrapati Bhavan has introduced a new initiative, the E-Upahaar auction, to monetise valuable assets for a social cause, in alignment with a broader governmental policy, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of auctioning gifts received by dignitaries to fund welfare programmes.

RBI outlines steps to improve EPFO's investment management

RBI outlines steps to improve EPFO's investment management

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The RBI advisory follows a labour ministry request earlier this year seeking the central bank's expertise to identify gaps in EPFO's investment strategy and fund management practices, including accounting, risk management, and internal governance.

'Ukraine counts on India': Zelenskyy thanks Modi

'Ukraine counts on India': Zelenskyy thanks Modi

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

Zelenskyy, in a social media post, said Ukraine appreciates India's dedication to "peace and dialogue".

SA spinner Subrayen cleared of suspect bowling

SA spinner Subrayen cleared of suspect bowling

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

South Africa spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who was reported for illegal bowling action in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia last month, has been cleared by the ICC.

Karnataka HC cites Manusmriti to deny bail to rape accused

Karnataka HC cites Manusmriti to deny bail to rape accused

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

The Karnataka high court has refused to grant bail to a man accused in a rape case, invoking a verse from Manusmriti pertaining to respecting women and a remark by Mahatma Gandhi while underscoring the need to safeguard women's dignity.

Why Modi Needs Mission-Mode Bureaucrats

Why Modi Needs Mission-Mode Bureaucrats

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

Learning from East Asia, India must reform its district administration with performance, accountability, and vision to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, points out Deepak Mishra.