News for 'India Independence'

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Recent changes to tax exemptions and allowances, including increased education, hostel, and HRA limits, have made the old tax regime more competitive against the new regime, prompting salaried employees to re-evaluate their choice for the current financial year.

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.

How Paytm's Separation From PPBL Secured Its Future

How Paytm's Separation From PPBL Secured Its Future

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Following regulatory action against Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL), Paytm strategically separated its core operations, a move praised by analysts for preserving business continuity and governance. This separation has enabled Paytm to sustain growth and improve profitability.

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Vote Is My Only Weapon, Blunted As It May Be

Rediff.com2 May 2026

I wonder if I can rest assured -- before the election ink on my finger fades -- that my home state is at the threshold of a better future, wonders Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Shaheed Diwas 2026: PM Modi Leads Tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Shaheed Diwas 2026: PM Modi Leads Tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Shaheed Diwas 2026: India observes Martyrs' Day on March 23, marking 95 years since Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged by the British in 1931. PM Modi leads tributes. History, significance, quotes and how the nation is remembering the martyrs today.

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The alliance between Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and AIMIM in West Bengal has collapsed following allegations of a multi-crore deal with the BJP, leading to AIMIM's withdrawal and both parties planning to contest the elections independently.

Bihar MP's Comments On Women Spark Outrage

Bihar MP's Comments On Women Spark Outrage

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Bihar MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, has faced criticism for his controversial remarks regarding women's reservation in Parliament, with his comments sparking outrage and prompting a notice from the Bihar Women's Commission.

IAF to get indigenous unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft

IAF to get indigenous unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian government is planning to develop an unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft for the Indian Air Force, designed to operate autonomously and in challenging terrains.

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.

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.

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's handling of the Iran crisis reflects a growing strain between strategic autonomy and geopolitical alignment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) has launched its 'vision document' outlining its ideological direction and commitment to the rise of the 'Panth' and the progress of Punjab. The 'Akali Declaration 2026' addresses issues concerning youth, farmers, women, and other sections of society, with a focus on education, health, and internal party reforms.

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Science today is very interconnected, and that helped me become part of the Muon g-2 team.'

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.

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has granted provisional recognition to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) while also raising concerns with the IOA regarding visa delays for athletes and pending dues from private partners.

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.'

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government's handling of the women's quota bill, accusing them of political maneuvering and neglecting the rights of OBCs.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

Must-Learn Leadership Lessons From HDFC Bank's Aditya Puri

Must-Learn Leadership Lessons From HDFC Bank's Aditya Puri

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Aditya Puri is one of the cleanest examples we have, in Indian corporate history, of a leader who understood early that the measure of his work was not what happened while he was in the chair. It was what would keep happening when he was no longer there, says Suresh M K.

UP: NIA court sentences 3 in Al-Qaeda linked terror plot

UP: NIA court sentences 3 in Al-Qaeda linked terror plot

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

An NIA court has sentenced three men for their involvement in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror conspiracy to carry out attacks in Uttar Pradesh. The convicts received jail terms ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment.

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of sheltering goons who torture women and promised citizenship to refugees in West Bengal. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to women's security by giving poll tickets to victims of violence.

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Years after the Nano exit, Singur's farmers now seek industry and jobs, as the land remains caught between failed promises and political contest.

Kritika Kamra: 'Love Scenes Are Like Action Or Dance'

Kritika Kamra: 'Love Scenes Are Like Action Or Dance'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'Sometimes it can get a little difficult to assert yourself, whether it's an opinion or your presence. It gets really exhausting.' 'They're still not able to accept that an intelligent woman can also really love wearing red lipstick!'

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

'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.'

'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.'

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.

'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.

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.

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called for collective efforts to restore the state's past glory, highlighting concerns over economic and educational indicators. His remarks coincided with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising him for allegedly 'abusing' her instead of extending New Year greetings.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

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.

'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.'

RBI approves Emirates NBD's 74% stake acquisition in RBL Bank

RBI approves Emirates NBD's 74% stake acquisition in RBL Bank

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for UAE-based Emirates NBD (ENBD) PJSC to acquire up to a 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, marking the largest foreign investment ever in a domestic Indian bank.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.