News for 'Independent'

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

IPL 2026: Buttler reveals how he balances IPL and England cricket

IPL 2026: Buttler reveals how he balances IPL and England cricket

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

England's Jos Buttler discusses the challenges of balancing franchise cricket with international duties, the importance of saying 'no', and managing external pressures as a professional cricketer.

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

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.

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.

Jewellery, precious stones worth Rs 2 cr stolen from Travancore palace

Jewellery, precious stones worth Rs 2 cr stolen from Travancore palace

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Police in Thiruvananthapuram have launched an investigation into the alleged theft of jewellery worth over Rs two crore from Kowdiar Palace, the official residence of the Travancore royal family.

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.

American firms investing in IPL franchises show confidence in league's growth

American firms investing in IPL franchises show confidence in league's growth

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Satyan Gajwani, chairman of Times Internet Limited and RCB's new co-owner, discusses the significance of American companies investing in IPL franchises like RCB and Rajasthan Royals, highlighting the league's immense growth potential and global appeal.

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.

'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.

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.

Delhi High Court Acquits Sonu Punjaban in Trafficking Case

Delhi High Court Acquits Sonu Punjaban in Trafficking Case

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Delhi High Court has overturned the conviction and 24-year jail sentence of Geeta Arora, also known as Sonu Punjaban, in a case involving the alleged trafficking of a 12-year-old girl, citing inconsistencies and contradictions in the victim's testimony and gaps in the prosecution's case.

Airline stocks fly into rough weather again

Airline stocks fly into rough weather again

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India's aviation sector is facing fresh turbulence, with rising fuel costs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation's free-seat directive, and geopolitical disruptions in West Asia clouding near-term earnings visibility.

History In Minutes: The Right To Water: Ambedkar's Mahad Satyagraha

History In Minutes: The Right To Water: Ambedkar's Mahad Satyagraha

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Ninety-nine years ago, a young Dr B R Ambedkar embarked on a revolutionary and most overdue reformatory path -- he led hundreds of men and women to a water tank in the town of Mahad, western Maharashtra, to fulfil one of the most basic human needs: The right to drink water from the tank.

Accused Acquitted as Witnesses Turn Hostile in Delhi Attempted Murder Case

Accused Acquitted as Witnesses Turn Hostile in Delhi Attempted Murder Case

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A Delhi court acquitted a man accused of attempted murder after key witnesses turned hostile and failed to identify him as the assailant, leading to a lack of evidence.

Key Witnesses Turn Hostile: Delhi Court Acquits Man in Attempted Murder Case

Key Witnesses Turn Hostile: Delhi Court Acquits Man in Attempted Murder Case

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A Delhi court acquitted a man accused of attempted murder after key witnesses turned hostile and failed to support the prosecution's case, leading to doubts about the accused's identity and the reliability of evidence.

Premium petrol price up Rs 2, industrial diesel up Rs 22; no change in normal petrol, diesel rates

Premium petrol price up Rs 2, industrial diesel up Rs 22; no change in normal petrol, diesel rates

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Petrol diesel price today March 20, 2026: IOCL & HPCL hike premium petrol (XP95, Speed, Power) by 2/litre and industrial diesel by 22/litre. Regular petrol in Delhi 94.77, diesel 87.67 unchanged. Full city-wise rates inside.

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticised India's record on religious freedom and called for linking US security assistance and trade to improvements in this area.

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.

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government is facing criticism after an acid attack on a Class 6 girl student in Sangamner. The Congress party has slammed the government in the legislative assembly, alleging a deterioration in law and order in the state. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of women and girls in Maharashtra.

How Sugar Metabolism in Brain Tumour Immune Cells Fuels Growth

How Sugar Metabolism in Brain Tumour Immune Cells Fuels Growth

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A new study reveals that immune cells within brain tumours may be manipulating sugar metabolism, specifically breaking down fructose, to suppress immune responses and promote tumour growth. Blocking fructose breakdown in these cells could improve immunotherapy outcomes for glioblastoma patients.

The Actor Who Plays The Most Special Role In Dhurandhar The Revenge

The Actor Who Plays The Most Special Role In Dhurandhar The Revenge

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Ahida Sarmai, a special child with Down's Syndrome, makes her own space among Dhurandhar's biggest stars.

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.

BJP Claims Mamata Banerjee's Allegations Show Election Desperation

BJP Claims Mamata Banerjee's Allegations Show Election Desperation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya refutes Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claims of the BJP bringing in outsiders to cause trouble, accusing her of desperation ahead of the assembly elections and highlighting alleged failures of the TMC government.

Petrol, Diesel Price March 20, 2026: Premium Petrol Hiked Rs 2, Industrial Diesel Rs 22 - Regular Rates Unchanged

Petrol, Diesel Price March 20, 2026: Premium Petrol Hiked Rs 2, Industrial Diesel Rs 22 - Regular Rates Unchanged

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Petrol diesel price today March 20, 2026: IOCL & HPCL hike premium petrol (XP95, Speed, Power) by 2/litre and industrial diesel by 22/litre. Regular petrol in Delhi 94.77, diesel 87.67 unchanged. Full city-wise rates inside.

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.

Humpy Stands by Cyprus Tournament Withdrawal, Cites Safety Concerns

Humpy Stands by Cyprus Tournament Withdrawal, Cites Safety Concerns

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy defends her decision to withdraw from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns amid regional tensions, stating that playing peacefully is impossible when surrounded by warships.

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Congress party has issued a show-cause notice to a fifth MLA from Haryana, Jarnail Singh, for alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, further exposing internal rifts within the state unit.

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Nehru was an idealist, he was certainly a visionary in one way, but Mao Zedong was not. Mao Zedong was a very down-to-earth strategist. He wanted to take Tibet, to take the plateau, to take the rivers, to take the minerals.'

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.

RSS doesn't practice Hindutva politics, rather...: Bhagwat

RSS doesn't practice Hindutva politics, rather...: Bhagwat

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that the Sangh focuses on individual development to build a strong society and nation, rather than practicing Hindutva politics. He emphasized the importance of unity, devotion to the motherland, and the need for women's equal participation in governance.

'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 asks CBI, ED to conduct 'fair, time-bound' probe into Anil Ambani Group banking fraud

SC asks CBI, ED to conduct 'fair, time-bound' probe into Anil Ambani Group banking fraud

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has ordered a 'fair, dispassionate, transparent, and time-bound' investigation by the CBI and ED into the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, addressing concerns over alleged large-scale banking fraud and demanding accountability.

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.

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.

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.

Gurdaspur Murder Suspect Blames Others for Police Killings

Gurdaspur Murder Suspect Blames Others for Police Killings

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

One of the accused in the Gurdaspur police killings has blamed his accomplices for the crime, while questions arise regarding the encounter death of another suspect, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

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.

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.