News for 'free'

Maharashtra's Saundala village declares itself 'caste-free'

Maharashtra's Saundala village declares itself 'caste-free'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Saundala village in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district has passed a resolution declaring itself 'caste-free' to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.

New baggage rules come into effect; duty-free limit hiked

New baggage rules come into effect; duty-free limit hiked

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The new baggage rules, 2026, come into effect from midnight on February 2 and replace a decade-old baggage rule.

7 Wonderful Car-Free Places

7 Wonderful Car-Free Places

Rediff.com6 days ago

Visit places without emissions, car noise pollution.

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'After the Galwan clash, the rules of engagement changed with the army commanders allowed to use any means at their disposal as they deem fit for tactical operations.'

Boost For IAF: Free Hand On Weapons For 114 Rafales

Boost For IAF: Free Hand On Weapons For 114 Rafales

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The additional Rafales will be from a vastly improved version compared to the 36 acquired for the IAF under the 2016 deal.'

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement, which is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said.

India free to buy oil from any country, says Russia amid US claims

India free to buy oil from any country, says Russia amid US claims

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Kremlin has stated that India is free to purchase oil from any country, dismissing claims that India agreed to reduce Russian oil imports. Russia maintains that energy trade with India benefits both nations and contributes to international energy market stability.

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

Rediff.com7 days ago

The court made the remarks while reviewing a petition from Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. regarding free electricity distribution policies.

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The Mahayuti alliance has released its manifesto for the upcoming Mumbai civic elections, promising technology-led governance, concessions for women, and addressing issues like illegal immigration and infrastructure.

India's free trade agreements decoded

India's free trade agreements decoded

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

India on Monday announced closure of negotiations for a free trade agreement signed with New Zealand, its 18th deal so far as the country aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. The India-New Zealand FTA is expected to be signed in the next three months and it is likely to come into force next year.

Meitei man shot dead, Kuki wife set free by militants in Manipur's Churachandpur

Meitei man shot dead, Kuki wife set free by militants in Manipur's Churachandpur

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The kidnappers are suspected to be members of the United Kuki National Army (UNKA), a non-signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

Agricultural shift from subsidies to sustainability may be the way ahead

Agricultural shift from subsidies to sustainability may be the way ahead

Rediff.com11 hours ago

India is already a heavyweight in global farm trade in pockets such as rice exports, but experts are urging a pivot from a subsidy- and procurement-driven mindset to a productivity and nutrition strategy that still shields farmers from volatility.

Abhishek Kumar Clinches Victory at DP World PGTI NexGen Event

Abhishek Kumar Clinches Victory at DP World PGTI NexGen Event

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Abhishek Kumar shot a final round 64 to win the DP World PGTI NexGen event in Faridabad. It was his first professional win.

How Parents Can Deal With Child's Gaming Addiction

How Parents Can Deal With Child's Gaming Addiction

Rediff.com1 days ago

'Look at what kind of sites the child is visiting, what kind of games they are playing and then tell them about the pitfalls.' 'After the child sleeps, parents can check the history of sites visited and block sites that could be dangerous or inappropriate.'

Sebi Alerts Investors to Fake STT Payment Demands

Sebi Alerts Investors to Fake STT Payment Demands

Rediff.com1 hour ago

Sebi cautions investors against fake notices demanding Securities Transaction Tax (STT) payments and warns about fraudsters posing as account handlers promising risk-free profits.

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Rediff.com1 days ago

India may adopt a "calibrated" and a "step-by-step" approach to easing norms on investments originating from China, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He was in a conversation with A K Bhattacharya on Day 1 of Business Standard's two-day annual event, Manthan 2026. The minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) from China was certainly not "banned", but it goes through an approval process. "The government's approach at the moment is to accelerate the approval process."

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS release a joint manifesto for Mumbai civic polls, promising free power, allowances for domestic helps, and property tax waivers.

Now, no charges for cancelling air ticket before 48 hrs

Now, no charges for cancelling air ticket before 48 hrs

Rediff.com7 hours ago

The DGCA has revised air ticket refund norms, allowing passengers to cancel or change tickets without additional charges within 48 hours of booking, subject to conditions. The new rules also address name correction fees and medical emergency cancellations.

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the replacement of Edwin Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan with one of C Rajagopalachari, emphasizing a move away from colonial symbols and towards honoring Indian leaders.

Trio Nabbed with Hydroponic Ganja in Navi Mumbai

Trio Nabbed with Hydroponic Ganja in Navi Mumbai

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Navi Mumbai police arrested three individuals and seized hydroponic ganja worth Rs 12.91 crore near Vashi railway station. The accused were found with over 12 kilograms of the drug concealed in a trolley bag.

Manchester City win with O'Reilly brace; Villa, Chelsea held

Manchester City win with O'Reilly brace; Villa, Chelsea held

Rediff.com4 days ago

Aston Villa and Chelsea drop crucial points in the Premier League as Leeds and Burnley earn draws; James Milner sets appearance record.

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com15 minutes ago

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

Rediff.com6 days ago

The US President had hosted Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC, on February 13 last year.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com1 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has suggested that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) consider establishing gaushalas (cowsheds) under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to care for stray animals entering highways. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with several states' efforts to manage stray dog populations and suggested developing an app to report stray animal sightings.

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

Rediff.com1 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on cooperation in various sectors including defense, technology, and trade.

ISL: Odisha FC, Inter Kashi locked in goalless stalemate

ISL: Odisha FC, Inter Kashi locked in goalless stalemate

Rediff.com1 days ago

Odisha FC and Inter Kashi FC played out a goalless draw in an Indian Super League match, with both sides failing to convert their chances.

T20 World Cup: Super Eights: Is Dube India's X-Factor?

T20 World Cup: Super Eights: Is Dube India's X-Factor?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Shivam Dube: 'I worked really hard, but there is something called support that is given by Surya and Gautam. They have given me a free hand. So I go and hit because they trust me a lot.'

Gurugram Man Arrested for Hotel Fraud Using Fake Payment App

Gurugram Man Arrested for Hotel Fraud Using Fake Payment App

Rediff.com2 hours ago

A man in Gurugram was arrested for allegedly defrauding a hotel by using a fake payment application to create screenshots of payments totaling Rs 6 lakhs, allowing him to stay for five months without paying.

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian government is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination program targeting 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer, utilizing a single-dose vaccine and aiming for equitable access across socio-economic groups.

10 WORST Ingredients For Skin and Hair

10 WORST Ingredients For Skin and Hair

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Though some ingredients such as mild odours or silicones might not be actually harmful, others such as sulphates, parabens or formaldehyde releasers can result in skin irritation, hormonal imbalances and skin barrier damage, advises Dr Ameesha Mahajan.

In a first, 41 Maoist-free Chhattisgarh villages set to celebrate R-Day

In a first, 41 Maoist-free Chhattisgarh villages set to celebrate R-Day

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The Tricolour will be hoisted for the first time on Republic Day in 41 villages freed from Maoist influence in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, marking a success in the fight against 'Red Terror' and heralding peace and development.

Winter Olympics: She quit at 16... now she's Olympic queen

Winter Olympics: She quit at 16... now she's Olympic queen

Rediff.com6 days ago

Alysa Liu, after a four-year break, returned to figure skating and won Olympic gold with a joyful performance, emphasizing human connection and overcoming online abuse faced by fellow American skaters.

Why is only holding stocks in your portfolio a very old strategy?

Why is only holding stocks in your portfolio a very old strategy?

Rediff.com13 hours ago

We will explore some of the reasons why a stock-only portfolio may no longer be sufficient and some of the modern alternatives and strategies that can help investors build resilient and profitable portfolios.

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Rediff.com2 days ago

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati addresses sexual abuse allegations, asserting his innocence and claiming the charges are fabricated. An FIR was lodged against him and his disciple following a court order.

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have elevated their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership,' with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. The leaders also inaugurated a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

How Awesome Is Aishwarya Arjun!

How Awesome Is Aishwarya Arjun!

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Aishwarya Arjun refuses to be boxed into a single aesthetic. The Seetha Payanam actress looks equally at home in power blazers and dreamy lehengas.

Vijayan Reflects on Life, Influences in Interview

Vijayan Reflects on Life, Influences in Interview

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reflects on his childhood, political journey, and personal influences in a recent interview, discussing his early reading habits, experiences with political violence, and his approach to governance.

Champions League: Galatasaray down Juventus in a thriller; PSG edge Monaco

Champions League: Galatasaray down Juventus in a thriller; PSG edge Monaco

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Galatasaray struck twice in extra time to end 10-man Juventus' brave fightback and reach the Champions League's last 16, progressing with a 7-5 aggregate victory.

SC Orders CBI to Share Manipur Violence Charge Sheets with Victims

SC Orders CBI to Share Manipur Violence Charge Sheets with Victims

Rediff.com11 hours ago

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI and Manipur SITs to provide copies of charge sheets in the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence cases to the victims and their families, ensuring legal aid and addressing concerns about the progress of investigations and victim support.