News for 'The Independent News'

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

Rediff.com4 days ago

The 2026 election appears to have reinforced a new political formula in Assam: Strong organisation, continuous grassroots engagement, effective alliance management and welfare-based voter outreach.

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Rediff.com5 days ago

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the proposal to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 850, while BJP leaders defended delimitation as a democratic necessity at the Stanford India Conference 2026.

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The BJP has taken an early lead in the Gujarat local body elections, winning a significant number of seats as counting progresses. The Congress trails behind, while Independents and other parties, including AAP and AIMIM, have also secured seats.

Priyanka Chopra To Pair Up With Orlando Bloom For Reset

Priyanka Chopra To Pair Up With Orlando Bloom For Reset

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Priyanka Chopra and Orlando Bloom are confirmed to lead Reset, an upcoming survival thriller directed by Matt Smukler, promising a gripping tale of mystery and deceit.

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP and a Trinamool Congress worker were killed in separate incidents of post-poll violence in West Bengal on Tuesday, police said.

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Rediff.com5 days ago

'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'

How Delhi Hospital Gave Woman New Lease Of Life

How Delhi Hospital Gave Woman New Lease Of Life

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A Delhi hospital has successfully performed a bilateral hand transplant on a young mother who lost her hands in an accident, thanks to a brain-dead donor's family consenting to the donation.

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A significant 7.87 per cent increase in the BJP's vote share in West Bengal, reaching 45.84 per cent, propelled the party to secure an additional 130 assembly seats, bringing their total to 207, while the Trinamool Congress experienced a 7.22 per cent decline, losing 135 seats and falling to 80.

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Paytm Reassures RBI Action Has No Financial Impact

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd) has stated that the Reserve Bank of India's action on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) has no financial or business impact on the company. The fintech firm clarified it has no material business arrangements or exposure with the banking entity, which operates independently.

Investment Disclosure Tightens Tax Scrutiny

Investment Disclosure Tightens Tax Scrutiny

Rediff.com7 May 2026

From the financial year 2025-2026, the government has introduced a new column in the tax return form for presumptive taxpayers, requiring them to disclose their year-end investments. This requirement was not present last year.

SC bar body urges CJI to review Andhra HC judge's order against lawyer

SC bar body urges CJI to review Andhra HC judge's order against lawyer

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court Bar Association has expressed deep concern over an Andhra Pradesh High Court judge reportedly sending a young advocate to judicial custody for a procedural lapse, urging the Chief Justice of India to take cognisance of the incident.

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

Rediff.com1 days ago

'22 students are fighting over 35,000 seats. In that situation, when someone tells a desperate parent there is a shortcut, and the shortcut costs Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh versus Rs 1.5 crore -- the maths is seductive.'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Payal Kapadia, celebrated for her Grand Prix win at Cannes, has been appointed jury president for the 65th Cannes Critics Week.

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

King Charles III reaffirmed the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, underscored NATO's centrality to global security, and shared light-hearted moments with President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The plan includes three such formations: A China-focused Northern Theatre Command, a Pakistan-focused Western Theatre Command, and a Maritime Theatre Command.

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Actor Vijay's newly formed party, TVK, has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing a commanding vote share and disrupting the state's traditional bipolar political system.

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has voiced concerns regarding the high rate of doping cases in India and the alleged practice of athletes receiving advance notice before testing, potentially jeopardising the nation's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The AAP government in Punjab successfully moved a Confidence Motion in the state assembly, following the defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted the party's strength and national presence during the special session.

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.

Gulf War: Big Lessons For Investors

Gulf War: Big Lessons For Investors

Rediff.com5 days ago

History is rarely decided by who has the biggest weapons, but by who has the better process. The same rule applies to investing, says Ramalingam Kalirajan.

The Cricket Series Aamir Khan Is Making A Film On

The Cricket Series Aamir Khan Is Making A Film On

Rediff.com4 days ago

Aamir Khan's upcoming film, aims to shed light on the 1952-1953 India-Pakistan series, which occurred just five years after Partition and marked Pakistan's first official Test series.

Punjab Minister Arora In ED Custody Over Money Laundering Allegations

Punjab Minister Arora In ED Custody Over Money Laundering Allegations

Rediff.com6 days ago

A special PMLA court in Gurugram has remanded Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in Enforcement Directorate's custody for a week in an alleged Rs 100-crore GST fraud-linked money laundering case.

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna has cautioned against the over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, emphasising the need for judicial independence from algorithmic influence. She stressed that AI should only serve as a tool and not replace human judgement, which is guided by legal reasoning, constitutional values, and a deep sense of justice.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com7 days ago

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

boAt Aavante Prime X Brings Theatre-Like Audio Home

boAt Aavante Prime X Brings Theatre-Like Audio Home

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The boAt Aavante Prime X is a premium soundbar system designed to deliver an immersive home entertainment experience. With a focus on powerful output, flexible speaker design, and modern connectivity, it aims to bring cinema-like audio into everyday living spaces.

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Rediff.com7 May 2026

IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal explains the reasons behind shifting the IPL final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, citing higher seating capacity and an ICC board meeting.

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Rediff.com6 days ago

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

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A statewide hartal called by Dalit organisations seeking justice in the death of a dental college student has disrupted normal life in Kerala, with protesters blocking vehicles and forcing shops to close.

How Lower Abdominal Fat Can Slow Brain Ageing

How Lower Abdominal Fat Can Slow Brain Ageing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A new study reveals that lower abdominal fat accumulation in midlife is associated with slower brain atrophy, better preservation of brain structures, and improved cognitive performance later in life.

'We deserve more': Players slam French Open pay

'We deserve more': Players slam French Open pay

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has criticised the French Open's prize money structure, supporting players' demands for a fairer share of revenue and broader structural changes in tennis.

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

Suspended GRP constable lynched by mob over rape attempt in Odisha

Suspended GRP constable lynched by mob over rape attempt in Odisha

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A man was beaten to death and another critically injured by a mob for allegedly sexually assaulting two women on the outskirts of the city on Thursday, following which Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi asked the police to ensure no repeat of such incidents in future.

Want To Study At A Foreign University In India?

Want To Study At A Foreign University In India?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Foreign universities are unlikely to gain major ground in India's higher education market in the near term, as students and families continue to prioritise return on investment over brand value in a highly price-sensitive sector.

Avoid These Life Insurance Mistakes

Avoid These Life Insurance Mistakes

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Proposal forms are often filled by the agent. Check the form after it is filled.

How Paytm Can Benefit From PPBL Licence Cancellation

How Paytm Can Benefit From PPBL Licence Cancellation

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Bernstein brokerage firm maintains 'Outperform' rating for Paytm, stating the PPBL licence cancellation will not impact Paytm's business and may open new regulatory opportunities.

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed an appeal by the state government, upholding the acquittal of all 10 accused in the 2010 Tadmetla Maoist attack case due to lack of direct evidence and procedural lapses in the investigation.

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the acquittal of ten accused in the 2010 Tadmetla Maoist attack case, citing lack of direct evidence and procedural lapses in the investigation.