News for 'welfare-state'

Was Maduro's Capture A Warning Shot To China?

Was Maduro's Capture A Warning Shot To China?

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

China has made serious inroads into Latin America, which the US may now be hinting is simply not ok: Stay in your lane, Xi! In simple terms, China will no longer have access to Venezuelan oil, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

'Nitish Kumar Is Amitabh Bachchan Of Bihar Politics'

'Nitish Kumar Is Amitabh Bachchan Of Bihar Politics'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

'This election was won because of Nitish Kumar's face and his policies.'

'So Many Doctors Converging In A Single Conspiracy Is Unusual'

'So Many Doctors Converging In A Single Conspiracy Is Unusual'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'India has experienced any number of doctors, engineers, and individuals from professional backgrounds being implicated in terrorism. This is not a novel development.' 'These are mobilisations of opportunity. One does not exclusively associate with one's own kind. A comprehensive conspiracy requires diverse skill sets.' 'One needs individuals with local community contacts, those possessing physical capabilities, technical expertise -- an entire spectrum of capacities.'

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

More than 25 crore workers engaged in sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal to coal mining, highway and construction are expected to go on a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, potentially disrupting services across the country. A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or 'Bharat Bandh' to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government".

What Nitin Gadkari told India Inc

What Nitin Gadkari told India Inc

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday asked the industry not to perennially demand a reduction in taxes as the government needs funds to implement welfare schemes for the poor. Addressing an event, the road transport and highways minister said the logistics cost in India will come down to 9 per cent within two years.

'We will become a good welfare State if...'

'We will become a good welfare State if...'

Rediff.com29 May 2020

'... the government provides adequate cash and kind support for the poorest of the poor for survival... ...conditional cash and skilling support for the economically poor to raise their incomes to adequate levels... ...and make functional arrangements for providing unemployment allowance to the vulnerable poor during disasters like the present one.'

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

On its 177th anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra explores the history and relevance of The Communist Manifesto.

Will SC drop 'secular, socialist' from Preamble?

Will SC drop 'secular, socialist' from Preamble?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday observed the 1976 amendment to the Constitution adding terms 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' to the Preamble underwent judicial reviews and it cannot say whatever Parliament did during the emergency period was all nullity.

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed all high courts, state governments, and union territories to ensure the availability of separate toilet facilities for men, women, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender persons in all court premises and tribunals across the country. The court stressed the importance of public health and the right to privacy, stating that adequate public toilets protect women and transgender persons. The court also expressed concern about the condition of public toilets near toll plazas on national highways and emphasized the need for proper sanitation facilities in court premises for judges, advocates, litigants, and staff members. This decision highlights the importance of access to basic amenities in ensuring a fair and dignified justice system.

SC rejects plea to remove 'Socialist', 'Secular' from Preamble

SC rejects plea to remove 'Socialist', 'Secular' from Preamble

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed petitions challenging the 1976 amendment to the Constitution that added the terms "socialist", "secular", and "integrity" to the Preamble. The court ruled that the inclusion of these terms, made through amendments, is valid and does not affect the original adoption of the Constitution in 1949.

'Govt CAN'T Create More Jobs'

'Govt CAN'T Create More Jobs'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

An interesting excerpt from Virender Kapoor's latest book Inspiring India: Taking India from Big to Great.

'Judgment Is A Constitutional Earthquake'

'Judgment Is A Constitutional Earthquake'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

'It has changed the political character of India by ejecting socialism as an ideology from the Constitution of India.'

SC says 'trust deficit' behind Shambhu border stand-off between govt, farmers

SC says 'trust deficit' behind Shambhu border stand-off between govt, farmers

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Observing that there is a trust deficit between farmers and the government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed constitution of an independent committee comprising eminent persons to reach out to the protesters to find a solution to their demands.

'Modi-Yogi Rift Seems Only A Bogey'

'Modi-Yogi Rift Seems Only A Bogey'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

'There might be some internal tussles that can be expected between any two persons in any party.' 'But I do not see any tussle which might weaken the possibility of dictatorship.'

Manmohan vs Modi Debate: India Is The Loser

Manmohan vs Modi Debate: India Is The Loser

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

False and acrimonious debates such as Modi versus Manmohan might allow for victories that are political and partisan. But the real loser is the nation, India and Bharat, notes Arvind Subramanian, former chief economic advisor to the Modi government in its first term.

Can Sharmila Help Congress Win AP?

Can Sharmila Help Congress Win AP?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2024

If she cannot recast the party, bring together the factions opposed to her, and present herself as her brother's true challenger, there will be little left for her in politics, notes Aditi Phadnis.

'How can you forget what Christians do for nation building?'

'How can you forget what Christians do for nation building?'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2023

'Even if they try to silence us, even if they kill so many of us, we won't give up.' 'We won't give up doing the good work we are doing for society.' 'Because we love this country.'

How UK became Global Money Laundromat

How UK became Global Money Laundromat

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

A whirlwind trip of the dark underbelly of global finance, covering everything from tax law changes to aiding criminals to decamp with money from bank accounts.

Is Waqf Act unconstitutional, Delhi HC asks Centre following PIL

Is Waqf Act unconstitutional, Delhi HC asks Centre following PIL

Rediff.com12 May 2022

The Delhi high court on Thursday sought the stand of the central government and Central Waqf Council on a PIL seeking to declare that the Waqf Act is in violation of the Constitution and that private properties of citizens can only be governed by a Uniform Civil Code.

RSS gets HC nod for route march in TN on rescheduled dates

RSS gets HC nod for route march in TN on rescheduled dates

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

Also, the RSS was asked to ensure strict discipline and make sure there is no provocation or incitement on their part during the march.

Can mining baron's new party make a dent in K'taka poll?

Can mining baron's new party make a dent in K'taka poll?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

Janardhana Reddy said he has not launched it with the objective of becoming CM right away in 2023.

SC agrees to hear plea seeking rules for menstrual leave on Feb 24

SC agrees to hear plea seeking rules for menstrual leave on Feb 24

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

The plea was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, which said it would be listed on February 24.

Is Imran Khan's PTI Party Imploding?

Is Imran Khan's PTI Party Imploding?

Rediff.com25 May 2023

These are obviously not 'organic' desertions but brought about under intense military pressure, post the 9/5 arrests. It seemed as if the party was being dismantled the same way it was brought into power!, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W, India's external intelligence agency.

Will Hindutva Improve India's Future?

Will Hindutva Improve India's Future?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2023

It is a question that his supporters must ask of the prime minister. It may be enjoyable for them to pass through this phase of going after other Indians. But once this has been achieved to satisfaction, then what?, questions Aakar Patel.

Menstrual leave policy decision, says SC, tells petitioner to approach govt

Menstrual leave policy decision, says SC, tells petitioner to approach govt

Rediff.com24 Feb 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a direction to all the states to frame rules for menstrual pain leave for female students and working women at their respective workplace, observing that the issue falls under the policy domain of the government.

Covid death compensation: States asked to appoint nodal officers

Covid death compensation: States asked to appoint nodal officers

Rediff.com4 Feb 2022

A bench of Justices MR Shah and BV Nagarathna said the nodal officer to ensure all eligible claimants apply for ex-gratia compensation.

Freebies: Nothing Called A Free Lunch

Freebies: Nothing Called A Free Lunch

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

To help the country emerge as a true welfare State, political parties must put the country's interests first before strategising to win elections and short-term goals, argues Ramesh Menon.

Will Kerala Go North-East Way To BJP?

Will Kerala Go North-East Way To BJP?

Rediff.com13 Mar 2023

If Kerala wants to sustain its room for independent thinking and talk back to Delhi when needed, it should put its finances in order. Or - if one takes the North East example - Kerala's political posturing may end up commensurate with its financial dependence on others, suggests Shyam G Menon.

Imran surprises Oppn, but pushes Pak into political uncertainty

Imran surprises Oppn, but pushes Pak into political uncertainty

Rediff.com3 Apr 2022

Khan, who faced his toughest political test since assuming office in 2018 due to defections in his party and cracks in the ruling coalition, in a surprise announcement during an address to the nation on Sunday said he had advised the president to 'dissolve assemblies'.

Imran Khan becomes 1st Pak PM to lose no-trust vote

Imran Khan becomes 1st Pak PM to lose no-trust vote

Rediff.com10 Apr 2022

While in power, Khan repeatedly talked about making Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. However, he failed to fix the economy and the basic problem of keeping the prices of commodities in control.

Can Modi Change India's Freebie Culture?

Can Modi Change India's Freebie Culture?

Rediff.com23 Aug 2022

Blame the voter, who invariably chooses the promise of hand-outs today in preference to a vague promise of, say, better schools tomorrow. Getting the Supreme Court to issue an edict, or Parliament to pass a law, is no solution, observes T N Ninan.

India@75: Beacon Of Light In Gloomy World

India@75: Beacon Of Light In Gloomy World

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

World over, pluralism is in retreat. Luckily for us, Indian pluralism and its consequent tolerance of diversity is rooted in our basic values. As long as we remain faithful to these values and keep our institutions in good health, the Indian miracle of last 75 years is likely to last centuries, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'Average Muslim in UP can't run away'

'Average Muslim in UP can't run away'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

'He won't be able to migrate; he must survive in that environment.' 'He will go back after the election to becoming invisible.'

'BJP is insecure about the youth vote'

'BJP is insecure about the youth vote'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

'They have to be seen as being responsive to the employment woes and economic stagnation afflicting many young people.'

World will realise Pak's potential once India ties improve: Imran

World will realise Pak's potential once India ties improve: Imran

Rediff.com22 Jan 2020

Khan also said Pakistan has decided to partner any other country only for peace and named the partnership with the US as the one.

Rising inequality is a concern: Manmohan

Rising inequality is a concern: Manmohan

Rediff.com24 Jun 2019

"India is a welfare state and, therefore, we cannot allow either extreme poverty or inequality," he said.

Assemblies, Parliament meant for debate, not disruption: VP

Assemblies, Parliament meant for debate, not disruption: VP

Rediff.com18 Aug 2021

Referring to the ugly scenes witnessed in the Rajya Sabha recently and indicating action against those involved, he reminded elected representatives of their responsibilities.

It's raining poll promises in TN but here's the catch

It's raining poll promises in TN but here's the catch

Rediff.com17 Mar 2021

Back of the envelope calculations put government expense on each of the new schemes promised by the DMK and the AIADMK at tens of thousands of crores. But then, neither party has said how they are going to also address the mounting debt burden either, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

Why BJP Needs A Democratic Check-Up

Why BJP Needs A Democratic Check-Up

Rediff.com2 Apr 2022

The country may become militarily impressive, pile on GDP and the durbar of the ruling party may fill with the wealthy indebted to the rulers for their riches. But the spontaneous camaraderie of a free people will diminish and with it, our shared ownership of the country, warns Shyam G Menon.