News for 'The Independent News'

Fix a time, let's close Nehru chapter: Priyanka to Modi

Fix a time, let's close Nehru chapter: Priyanka to Modi

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a Lok Sabha debate on Jawaharlal Nehru's 'mistakes' to address criticisms and focus on current issues like unemployment and inflation.

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has criticized the State Election Commission's decision to postpone some local body elections, calling it unfair to candidates. The decision follows petitions and sub judice matters, which Fadnavis argues should not halt the election process. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed disappointment, while tensions rise between BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of local polls.

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

In a measured but scathing attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing a 'big sin' by creating a controversy over Vande Mataram and claimed that the government pushed for a debate on the national song as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching.

SC to hear review plea in ISKCON Bengaluru temple case

SC to hear review plea in ISKCON Bengaluru temple case

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a review petition filed by ISKCON India regarding the ownership of the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru, reopening a long-standing legal dispute with the Bengaluru faction of ISKCON.

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Bandana Preyashi, the bold IAS officer from Bihar who took on dreaded dons, is the court-appointed mentor to 18-year-old Sakshi, who had fled home to follow her IAS dream.

At UNSC, India calls for 'pragmatic engagement' with Taliban

At UNSC, India calls for 'pragmatic engagement' with Taliban

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

India told the UN Security Council that it calls for a pragmatic engagement with the Taliban, underlining that a focus on only punitive measures will ensure a 'business as usual' approach.

IndiGo Board Unsure If CEO Must Go

IndiGo Board Unsure If CEO Must Go

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'I don't think it is right to remove him over one lapse. The focus should be on restoring operations, not on removing a key management personnel.'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Board nod must for bank entities to do same biz: RBI

Board nod must for bank entities to do same biz: RBI

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday allowed multiple entities in a bank group to undertake the same business as long as they cater to different client segments, while mandating board approval to ensure that any overlap in business has proper rationale and justification.

This Blind Army Officer Is An Inspiration For India

This Blind Army Officer Is An Inspiration For India

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Lieutenant Colonel C Dwarakesh is the only completely blind officer to continue in the Indian Army after losing his eyesight while in service. In his remarkable journey after disability, he enhanced his education qualification, scaled the Siachen Glacier and found purpose in sport.

Entrance Exams After Class 12 In 2026

Entrance Exams After Class 12 In 2026

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Nayagam PP, founder of Edujob360, offers a list of the top entrance exams, their timelines, eligibility criteria, exam patterns and preparation strategies to help you plan the year ahead.

'Biggest reform in sports since independence': LS passes Sports Bill

'Biggest reform in sports since independence': LS passes Sports Bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Sports Bill is a key reform aimed at building a "transparent, accountable and world-class sports ecosystem" in India.

SC quashes parts of tribunals reforms law as unconstitutional

SC quashes parts of tribunals reforms law as unconstitutional

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has struck down key provisions of the 2021 Tribunals Reforms law, citing violations of separation of powers and judicial independence. The court restored earlier directions on tenure for tribunal members.

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

A Trinamool Congress delegation on Friday alleged before the Election Commission top brass that around 40 SIR-related deaths had occurred in West Bengal so far, a charge junked by the poll authority.

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

DGCA provides exemptions to crisis-hit IndiGo

DGCA provides exemptions to crisis-hit IndiGo

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Apart from the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) exemptions, the regulator has provided certain other relaxations that will help IndiGo have more pilots for duty to reduce the disruptions and normalise operations.

BJP won't be able to put single blot on Nehru: Cong

BJP won't be able to put single blot on Nehru: Cong

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Congress on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to 'rewrite history' and giving a 'political colour' to the Vande Mataram debate, and asserted that no matter how much the Bharatiya Janata Party tries, it will not be able to put a single blot on the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru.

How A Silk Sari Started A Fashion Revolution

How A Silk Sari Started A Fashion Revolution

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'Women weavers are hardworking, open to learning, resilient.' 'They finish their cooking, housework, puja, then they come to weave.' 'They care about design. They care about beauty.'

Vijay's 7-hour deliberate delay to reach venue caused stampede: TN in SC

Vijay's 7-hour deliberate delay to reach venue caused stampede: TN in SC

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Tamil Nadu government has informed the Supreme Court that the Karur stampede, which resulted in 41 deaths, was caused by the "reckless and uncoordinated actions" of the TVK party's organizers and workers. The government's affidavit alleges an intentional delay by party leader Vijay, contributing to the tragedy.

Shinde Sena workers behaving like goons: BJP minister

Shinde Sena workers behaving like goons: BJP minister

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Union minister Raksha Khadse of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday alleged that Shiv Sena workers were intimidating people in the Muktainagar assembly segment in her home district of Jalgaon in north Maharashtra, a claim exposing strains between the two Mahayuti allies.

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

Mamata questions curbs on 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' in Parl

Mamata questions curbs on 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' in Parl

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Banerjee said she had come across media reports claiming that the patriotic slogans were not being permitted in the House.

Active banking funds fail to capitalise on PSU rally: Value Research data

Active banking funds fail to capitalise on PSU rally: Value Research data

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Sectoral funds, focused exclusively on public sector banks (PSBs), have delivered the strongest returns among domestic mutual fund (MF) categories over the past six months. However, active banking funds have significantly lagged because of their heavy tilt towards private lenders.

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to debate with him on his three press conferences in which the Congress leader alleged 'vote chori' by the Bharatiya Janata Party in collusion with the Election Commission.

Uber Adds Teen Rides With Parental Control

Uber Adds Teen Rides With Parental Control

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Guardians continue to have full oversight of teen trips and activity on the app.

IndiGo seeks 10 days to normalise ops as 1,000 flights cancelled on Friday

IndiGo seeks 10 days to normalise ops as 1,000 flights cancelled on Friday

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

IndiGo cancelled over 1,000 flights on Friday and said operations are expected to normalise in the next 10 days, as the country's largest airline received flight duty norms relaxation from watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which will probe the disruptions that have impacted thousands of passengers for four straight days.

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The Centre's move on Chandigarh has raised the hackles of various parties in Punjab, with Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal terming it as a "direct attack" on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights.

Can Humayun Kabir's revolt dent TMC's fortunes in Bengal?

Can Humayun Kabir's revolt dent TMC's fortunes in Bengal?

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Humayun Kabir, a former TMC minister, has been suspended from the party after announcing plans to lay the foundation of a "Babri Masjid-style" mosque on December 6. This move has sparked controversy and raised concerns about communal tensions in West Bengal.

Simone Tata: The Vision Behind Lakm

Simone Tata: The Vision Behind Lakm

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

In a country where wearing lipstick could still invite disapproval, Simone Tata understood that Lakmé's future depended on shifting attitudes.

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a TMC MLA announced plans to lay the foundation stone of a mosque modeled on the Babri Masjid, leading to political backlash and concerns over communal polarization.

US report claims Pak 'military success' during May 7-10 conflict

US report claims Pak 'military success' during May 7-10 conflict

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The report describes the Pahalgam terror attack orchestrated by Pakistan as 'deadly insurgent attack that killed 26 civilians in India's contested Jammu and Kashmir region.'

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking the formal completion of its construction.

TMC suspends MLA who proposed to build 'Babri Masjid'

TMC suspends MLA who proposed to build 'Babri Masjid'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Thursday suspended its Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir, who had triggered a storm with the proposal to build 'Babri Masjid' in Murshidabad district.

'Cannot win everyday': Star shooter Manu Bhaker admits

'Cannot win everyday': Star shooter Manu Bhaker admits

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

That Bhaker couldn't feature among the 13 Indian medallists in the just-concluded tournament has come as a bit of a surprise to many in the shooting fraternity.

Kerala RSS leader ends life after being denied BJP ticket in local polls

Kerala RSS leader ends life after being denied BJP ticket in local polls

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

An RSS activist in Thiruvananthapuram allegedly committed suicide, claiming he was denied a BJP ticket for local elections. The incident has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from BJP leaders and allegations of corruption.

Expelled from RJD, Tej Pratap to contest Bihar polls as independent

Expelled from RJD, Tej Pratap to contest Bihar polls as independent

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

Tej Pratap was expelled a day after he reportedly confessed on social media to being "in a relationship" with a woman named Anushka.

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert?' 'In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe.'

How New Labour Code Will Change The Workplace

How New Labour Code Will Change The Workplace

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

From appointment letters becoming mandatory to gig workers receiving social security to enhanced rights for women and contract labour, the changes reflect India's attempt to balance ease of doing business with stronger worker welfare.

How Indian Institutions Can Shine On Global Stage

How Indian Institutions Can Shine On Global Stage

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The recipe for Indian higher education institutions to succeed in the global markets is excellence in academics, promoting contemporary socially relevant material, and enabling individuals (learners) to realise their full potential, suggests N Ravichandran.

'You trust UK, not India': SC raps petitioners over Covid data

'You trust UK, not India': SC raps petitioners over Covid data

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court questioned petitioners who challenged the accuracy of India's COVID-19 vaccine adverse effect data, suggesting they unduly trusted UK figures. The court heard arguments about alleged deaths due to the Covishield vaccine and reserved its order.