News for 'Instead India'

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com18 hours ago

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

The Only Desi Designer At The Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

The Only Desi Designer At The Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Indian fashion just had another big moment as Vaishali S Studio became the first Indian designer to showcase at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and she didn't just show up, she made it a moment.

ED Issues Lookout Notice For Kolkata Police Officer In Money Laundering Case

ED Issues Lookout Notice For Kolkata Police Officer In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a lookout notice against Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas in connection with a money laundering case after he evaded multiple summons.

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com5 days ago

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

Rediff.com2 days ago

West Bengal's new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved several key policy changes, including the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer for border fencing, and the adoption of new criminal laws.

Bengal govt approves land transfer to BSF, joins Ayushman Bharat

Bengal govt approves land transfer to BSF, joins Ayushman Bharat

Rediff.com2 days ago

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key administrative and policy measures, including the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer to the BSF for border fencing, and the implementation of the BNS criminal law.

West Bengal To Adopt Ayushman Bharat, BNS Criminal Law

West Bengal To Adopt Ayushman Bharat, BNS Criminal Law

Rediff.com2 days ago

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key administrative and policy measures, including the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer to the BSF for border fencing, and the implementation of the BNS criminal law.

Zeel Desai's Debut Win Gives India Lead in Billie Jean King Cup Tie

Zeel Desai's Debut Win Gives India Lead in Billie Jean King Cup Tie

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Zeel Desai secured a dominant victory in her Billie Jean King Cup debut, giving India a 1-0 lead against Mongolia in the Asia/Oceania Group I tie.

10 Famous Maa Temples

10 Famous Maa Temples

Rediff.com2 days ago

We journey to 10 famous Maa temples, each devoted to a different form of Devi or the female force...

Why IOA Sacked Official From Equestrian Federation Ad-Hoc Panel

Why IOA Sacked Official From Equestrian Federation Ad-Hoc Panel

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) removed Col Ashok Yadav (Retd) from the ad-hoc committee running the affairs of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) citing infighting and disagreements within the panel.

Ex-Official Accused Of Swiss Francs Scam Granted Bail

Ex-Official Accused Of Swiss Francs Scam Granted Bail

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Delhi court granted bail to a former accounts officer accused of swindling more than 2 lakh Swiss francs from India's Permanent Mission in Geneva to fund his crypto-gambling ventures.

Punjab BJP Seeks Sedition Case Against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Punjab BJP Seeks Sedition Case Against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Punjab BJP has called for a sedition case against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for blaming the party for recent blasts in the state, alleging his remarks could be used by Pakistan to defend against accusations of sponsoring terrorism.

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Rediff.com4 days ago

Who were the mothers who shaped Mahatma Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar, Narendra Modi and other well-known Indians?

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

Rediff.com2 days ago

Vinesh Phogat's attempt to compete in the National Open Ranking tournament was rejected by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), leading to a confrontation where she alleged a 'pre-planned conspiracy' to prevent her return to wrestling.

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

Rediff.com2 days ago

The central bank is yet to consider actions such as a rate hike or mobilising dollar inflows from non-resident Indians to boost forex reserves as it cannot afford to continue with them for long when the rupee's internationalisation tops its agenda, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Should You Fall In Developers' Flexible Payments Trap?

Should You Fall In Developers' Flexible Payments Trap?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Deferred payment plans may come with a cost, which may not be immediately visible.

Ex-Official Accused Of Swiss Francs Scam Granted Bail: Here's Why

Ex-Official Accused Of Swiss Francs Scam Granted Bail: Here's Why

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Delhi court granted bail to a former accounts officer accused of swindling more than 2 lakh Swiss francs from India's Permanent Mission in Geneva to fund his crypto-gambling ventures.

Pixxel And Sarvam Partner To Launch Orbital Data Centre

Pixxel And Sarvam Partner To Launch Orbital Data Centre

Rediff.com4 May 2026

US-Indian space company Pixxel has partnered with Bengaluru-based artificial intelligence firm Sarvam to build an orbital data centre satellite.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.

Ashwin reveals Dhoni was 'annoyed' by his wild celebration

Ashwin reveals Dhoni was 'annoyed' by his wild celebration

Rediff.com5 days ago

Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that his excessive celebration after dismissing Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Challenger Trophy early in his career had annoyed the iconic former captain. Ashwin believed that dismissing Dhoni could give him a chance to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Tax changes sweeten the deal, making share buybacks attractive for Indian companies

Tax changes sweeten the deal, making share buybacks attractive for Indian companies

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Indian companies are increasingly turning to share buybacks as a preferred payout strategy, driven by recent tax framework changes that make them more tax-efficient for non-promoter shareholders and a fall in stock prices.

4 AI Careers For Creative Professionals

4 AI Careers For Creative Professionals

Rediff.com5 days ago

In part 3 of a Rediff series exploring new careers for aspiring professionals, Sanjay Salunkhe, founder of Jaro Education highlights how young professionals can adapt to the evolving AI-driven landscape in the creative industry.

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

Rediff.com22 hours ago

'Vijay did not defeat Dravidian politics from outside. He entered the Dravidian field and claimed ownership of it. 'His argument was not that the room should be destroyed. It was that the present occupants no longer deserved to remain in it.'

Zeel Desai and Sahaja Yamalapalli Secure India's Victory Over Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup

Zeel Desai and Sahaja Yamalapalli Secure India's Victory Over Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Zeel Desai and Sahaja Yamalapalli secured dominant victories for India against Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I, with both players winning in straight sets.

Karnataka Man Allegedly Sets Wife Ablaze Over Nightdress Dispute

Karnataka Man Allegedly Sets Wife Ablaze Over Nightdress Dispute

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A 34-year-old man in Karnataka has been arrested for allegedly setting his wife on fire after an argument over her wearing a nightdress instead of a sari. The incident occurred in Nandgad village, where the accused, Krishna Patil, reportedly had frequent disputes with his wife, Manjula Patil, over her choice of attire. Manjula sustained severe burn injuries and is receiving treatment.

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Iran's representative in India, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, describes the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance as a state of 'no war, no peace,' calling for an immediate halt to the conflict and questioning the lack of pressure on the US and Israel to cease aggression.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com4 days ago

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the restoration of his security cover after it was withdrawn following his defection from AAP to BJP. Singh cites a mob attack on his residence and potential threats as reasons for the plea.

India's Wrestling Squad Poised for Asian Championships Challenge

India's Wrestling Squad Poised for Asian Championships Challenge

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

India's wrestling team, featuring a mix of experienced and emerging talent, is set to compete in the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, with high hopes for medal contention.

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The government plans to expand its central bank digital currency (CBDC)-based food subsidy programme to Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu by June, following its implementation on a pilot basis in Gujarat and Puducherry, official sources said.

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure the safety of Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and his family, following his defection from AAP to BJP and subsequent protests outside his residence.

Court Rejects Plea Of Couple Accused In Rs 122-Crore Fraud

Court Rejects Plea Of Couple Accused In Rs 122-Crore Fraud

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A Mumbai court has rejected a plea by a couple, former officials of New India Co-operative Bank, accused of a Rs 122-crore fraud, to appear via video conferencing from the UK, deeming their request as showing 'huge abysmal entitlement'. The couple cited a 'hostile environment' and 'threats to their lives' if they returned to India.

In 4 seats Vijay's TVK polled more votes than DMK-AIADMK combined

In 4 seats Vijay's TVK polled more votes than DMK-AIADMK combined

Rediff.com7 days ago

In Tiruppur (North), where the TVK victory margin of 69,992 votes was higher than the 61,760 votes polled by the major Dravidian parties combined -- DMK got 351 votes and AIADMK 61,409 votes.

India Sweeps Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup with Zeel Desai's Debut Win

India Sweeps Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup with Zeel Desai's Debut Win

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie, with Zeel Desai making a successful singles debut. India now faces Korea in their final match, hoping to keep their playoff chances alive.

HC puts child's welfare first, refuses to send 10-year-old to Canada

HC puts child's welfare first, refuses to send 10-year-old to Canada

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has refused to send a 10-year-old girl to Canada to join her father, stating that a child's welfare is paramount, even over a foreign court's order.

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'So far our production is not affected. But every day the situation prolongs, it does bring risks in terms of shipments getting delayed.'

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The nepotism, corruption, bad governance and 15 years of rampant crime that has happened across West Bengal under her rule led to her ouster.'

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com5 days ago

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.