News for 'Reporters Without Borders'

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Nationalist Citizens Party of India leader Abu Taher attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for NDA allies but asserted that his party is not part of the ruling alliance. He stated his attendance was solely to raise public issues directly with the Prime Minister.

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Will India Extradite Sheikh Hasina?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India's position appears to be anchored around three red lines: Hasina's safety and the guarantee of a fair trial; assurances that Bangladeshi territory will not be used for activities hostile to India; and the restoration of an inclusive democratic process in Bangladesh.

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal and is developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while also maintaining focus on its rivalry with Pakistan.

15 dead as rains pound Kerala, 7 missing

15 dead as rains pound Kerala, 7 missing

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that the death toll from rain-related incidents has reached 15, with seven people still missing. He confirmed that the overall situation is under control, except for a few areas in Pathanamthitta, as the state intensifies rescue and relief operations. The CM detailed the deployment of rescue teams, functioning relief camps, and immediate compensation measures for victims and affected families, while also cautioning against rumours regarding dam water release.

Unconventional Opener Travis Head Ready for India Test Challenge

Unconventional Opener Travis Head Ready for India Test Challenge

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'We're going to play in a lot of different conditions over the next 12 months. It's going to require different efforts. It may not look like the traditional thing all the time.'

Can Damp Clothes Cause Fungal Infections?

Can Damp Clothes Cause Fungal Infections?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The damp, humid monsoon weather can increase the risk of infections, warns Dr Ritika Shanmugam, founder, chief dermatologist and director of Skin Hair Aesthetics.

Gambhir suffers big blow as trusted coach steps down

Gambhir suffers big blow as trusted coach steps down

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Ryan ten Doeschate has resigned as India's men's assistant coach after the England white-ball series, reportedly to join IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. He was a key part of the coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir, contributing to India's white-ball successes but also witnessing Test struggles.

Suspected Jaish operative held in Bengal; STF probes spy network

Suspected Jaish operative held in Bengal; STF probes spy network

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

A suspected operative of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was arrested in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district, and investigators believe he could be part of an ISI-backed network tasked with collecting intelligence on VIPs including BJP leaders, recruiting operatives and laying the groundwork for possible terror activities in the state.

Danish national arrested near India-Pakistan border

Danish national arrested near India-Pakistan border

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A Danish national was detained near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan after allegedly entering a restricted area without permission, prompting an investigation into his motives and visa status.

Heroin-smuggling drone bound for India crashes in Pakistan's Punjab

Heroin-smuggling drone bound for India crashes in Pakistan's Punjab

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A drone carrying 5 kg of heroin, allegedly being smuggled to India, crashed in Pakistan's Narang Mandi area, close to the India-Pakistan border. Police have seized the drone and the contraband, initiating an investigation into the incident.

Rs 85 Lakh Seized, Six Detained At Indo-Nepal Border

Rs 85 Lakh Seized, Six Detained At Indo-Nepal Border

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A joint team of police and SSB seized over Rs 85 lakh in Indian and Nepalese currency and detained six persons along the Indo-Nepal border in Bahraich district.

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

West Bengal police have unearthed a sophisticated Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting state ministers, their families, and other high-profile individuals, leading to the arrest of a third suspect, Aditya Singh, an alleged associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Hamim Mondal.

Shiprocket to use IPO funds for AI push, eyes broader merchant operating system

Shiprocket to use IPO funds for AI push, eyes broader merchant operating system

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Shiprocket plans to allocate a significant portion of its IPO proceeds towards artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to evolve its e-commerce enablement platform into a comprehensive operating system for merchants, enabling conversational commands and reducing manual tasks.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.

Trump presses Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria, Lebanon

Trump presses Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria, Lebanon

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli military units from southern Syria and Lebanon, warning that Israel's continued presence could escalate regional tensions.

Report flags India's vulnerability to cyber attacks, CBRN threat

Report flags India's vulnerability to cyber attacks, CBRN threat

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A new report highlights India's increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks and CBRN threats due to geopolitical tensions, industrial growth, and urbanisation, calling for an urgent strengthening of its CBRN security strategy through collaboration and investment.

Pakistan Army Kills Eight Militants Near Afghan Border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan Army Kills Eight Militants Near Afghan Border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Pakistani security forces killed eight militants in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. The army criticised the Afghan Taliban government for failing to ensure effective border management.

Rohit Sharma hails T Dilip's 'magic' and 'workhorse' efforts for Indian cricket

Rohit Sharma hails T Dilip's 'magic' and 'workhorse' efforts for Indian cricket

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Indian batter Rohit Sharma lauded former fielding coach T Dilip for his significant contributions, including two T20 World Cup wins and the Champions Trophy, calling him a 'legend' and a 'workhorse' who 'created magic within the group.' Dilip, who served from 2021 until recently, expressed gratitude for his tenure, especially cherishing the popular fielding medal ceremony.

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final saw a galaxy of stars on the field and off it.

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'Instead of choosing dialogue, the government chose repression... Force ought to be the last resort, not the first.'

15 Indian tourists killed as speedboat capsizes in Vietnam

15 Indian tourists killed as speedboat capsizes in Vietnam

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.

Assam Flood Leaves Village Buried in Mud

Assam Flood Leaves Village Buried in Mud

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

A single night of deadly floods wiped out an entire village in Assam, leaving families without homes, cattle or hope.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

Nihang-police standoff in Uttarakhand ends after talks

Nihang-police standoff in Uttarakhand ends after talks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Nihangs have called off their planned protest march in Uttarakhand related to a recent dispute at the Karnaprayag market in Chamoli and a gurdwara in Nagrasu.

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Incessant overnight rainfall has triggered severe flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, resulting in at least eight fatalities and six people missing, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cut short his Delhi visit to personally monitor the situation.

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A sensational New York Times report alleging that Israel's Mossad secretly groomed former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a post-Islamic Republic Iran is being scrutinised for its strategic timing amidst Iran's sensitive post-Khamenei transition.

Cross-Border Drug and Arms Racket Busted in Punjab; Three Arrested

Cross-Border Drug and Arms Racket Busted in Punjab; Three Arrested

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border drug and arms smuggling operation, arresting three individuals and seizing heroin, a pistol, ammunition, and drug money.

Spain's World Cup party turns tragic, 13-YO boy dies

Spain's World Cup party turns tragic, 13-YO boy dies

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A 13-year-old boy was killed and two others injured in Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain, when a fountain collapsed during celebrations for Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 victory. The tragic incident cast a shadow over nationwide festivities after Spain secured its second World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Argentina.

Pak parked Iran jets on its airbases to escape US airstrikes: Report

Pak parked Iran jets on its airbases to escape US airstrikes: Report

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A new report alleges Pakistan shielded Iranian military aircraft from potential US airstrikes, raising questions about its role as a neutral mediator in the ongoing US-Iran tensions.

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Cyril Radcliffe drew India's border without ever visiting it. Turns out our environmental clearance system learned the same trick -- and the Western Ghats are paying for it, points out Binu Alex.

Vietnam tragedy: Bodies of Indian tourists being sent back

Vietnam tragedy: Bodies of Indian tourists being sent back

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Fifteen Indian tourists died and one remains critically injured after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members capsized off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to Ho Chi Minh City for repatriation, while most rescued tourists are returning to India. Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Govt softens stand, changes course on CJP protests

Govt softens stand, changes course on CJP protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Indian government has significantly altered its approach to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led agitation over the NEET paper leak, moving from dismissal to calibrated political engagement, including promises of fast-track courts, a new anti-paper leak law, and negotiations with key protest leaders.

Pawar-Shinde meeting leaves Uddhav Sena 'disturbed, hurt'

Pawar-Shinde meeting leaves Uddhav Sena 'disturbed, hurt'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A recent meeting between veteran politician Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited a fierce internal conflict within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, with Shiv Sena-UBT expressing strong disapproval and NCP-SP defending Pawar.

RBI Caps Fraud Compensation at Rs 25,000

RBI Caps Fraud Compensation at Rs 25,000

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Customers must report the fraud both to their bank and to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or Helpline 1930 within five calendar days of the occurrence of the fraudulent transaction.

Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs MVI For Bribery In Nagpur

Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs MVI For Bribery In Nagpur

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) in Nagpur, Sajan Shaligramji Shende, who had previously filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) about corruption within the RTO, has himself been arrested in a bribery case. Shende was allegedly involved in illegally collecting money at the Khursapar RTO border checkpost. The ACB acted on a complaint from a truck owner regarding a Rs 500 bribe, leading to the arrest of Shende and another individual, Praveen Baburao Gaidhane, and the recovery of Rs 47,000 in cash. Both are booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Pakistan Targets Militant Posts on Afghan Border in Coordinated Strikes

Pakistan Targets Militant Posts on Afghan Border in Coordinated Strikes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Pakistani security forces conducted coordinated ground and aerial strikes against militant positions along the border with Afghanistan, targeting posts used by the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan shuts 50 border schools after drone strike

Pakistan shuts 50 border schools after drone strike

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Over 50 educational institutions in districts bordering Afghanistan were shut down following a drone attack on a school in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Security Forces Nab 10 Rebels Near Manipur Border Amid Ongoing Unrest

Security Forces Nab 10 Rebels Near Manipur Border Amid Ongoing Unrest

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Security forces in Manipur have arrested 10 cadres of the banned Prepak (RA) near the India-Myanmar border, including five minors, as search operations continue in the region amid ongoing ethnic violence. A separate incident involved a mob attempting to enter the residence of a Kuki Zo Council chairman.

Bank of Baroda to pay $600 million to settle NMC Health litigation

Bank of Baroda to pay $600 million to settle NMC Health litigation

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) has agreed to pay $600 million (about 5,700 crore) to settle litigation arising from the collapse of NMC Health, ending years of cross-border legal proceedings.