News for '-democratic'

Is this INDIA bloc's best chance to defeat Nitish-led NDA?

Is this INDIA bloc's best chance to defeat Nitish-led NDA?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

A SWOT analysis of the INDIA bloc, led by the RJD-Congress combine, as Bihar prepares for Assembly elections. Examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the opposition alliance.

Baramulla CEO sacked for controversial gag order

Baramulla CEO sacked for controversial gag order

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The chief education officer of Baramulla district was removed from his post after issuing a circular restricting teaching staff from criticizing government policies on social media, sparking controversy and criticism.

SC seeks Centre's response on Wangchuk's detention

SC seeks Centre's response on Wangchuk's detention

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Union Territory of Ladakh regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. Wangchuk's wife filed a plea seeking his release. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14.

Activists demand Wangchuk's release, back Ladakh's statehood

Activists demand Wangchuk's release, back Ladakh's statehood

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Activists from Himalayan states condemn the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, demanding his release and supporting the call for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They also warn of a larger crisis unfolding across the Himalayan region due to climate change and poor governance.

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Vijay, despite the loud message from his delayed arrival at the road-show/stampede venue, and more so his continued inaccessibility for fans-turned-cadres after graduating from a super-star to a political party leader with electoral ambitions, refuses to change. Or, so it seems, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

I am accepting this...: What Nobel Peace prize winner told Trump

I am accepting this...: What Nobel Peace prize winner told Trump

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

Trump, who had expected to receive the prize for his efforts to "end seven wars," also linked the conflict in Ukraine to his broader peacemaking claims.

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

With nominations for the first phase of Bihar elections closing soon, the INDIA bloc is struggling to finalize seat sharing, while the NDA has announced its candidates. Key political figures are actively campaigning.

Bihar polls: Less than 70 seats for Cong? Oppn manifesto this week

Bihar polls: Less than 70 seats for Cong? Oppn manifesto this week

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

The 'Mahagathbandhan' alliance in Bihar is expected to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement and announce candidates along with a joint manifesto soon. Talks between RJD and Congress are ongoing, with potential meetings in Delhi. The Congress is aiming for a respectable number of seats and highlighting the desire for change in Bihar.

Japan's PM Ishiba Shigeru announces resignation

Japan's PM Ishiba Shigeru announces resignation

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Earlier in July, Ishiba had faced a major setback after a significant electoral defeat in the upper house of Japan's parliament as his coalition failed to attain a majority. This came after his party also failed to attain a majority in the lower house of the parliament last year.

'Ready to stay here': Wangchuk's first message from jail

'Ready to stay here': Wangchuk's first message from jail

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

Jailed activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace and unity and continue with the ongoing struggle for statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the true Gandhian way of non-violence, his lawyer said on Sunday.

Jolt to Trump as US court rejects defamation case against NYT

Jolt to Trump as US court rejects defamation case against NYT

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Instead, Merryday called the filing "decidedly improper and impermissible," likening it more to a political screed than a legitimate legal complaint.

Will it be Tejashwi vs Prashant Kishor? Jan Suraaj chief drops big hint

Will it be Tejashwi vs Prashant Kishor? Jan Suraaj chief drops big hint

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

"I am going to Raghopur to get feedback from the people of the constituency, which wants an end to the supremacy of one family. Before Tejashwi Yadav, a second-term MLA, his father Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi had represented that seat. Yet, it is crying for basic amenities," alleged Kishor.

What works for NDA under Nitish Kumar, what doesn't

What works for NDA under Nitish Kumar, what doesn't

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

A SWOT analysis of the NDA coalition led by Nitish Kumar as Bihar heads into assembly elections, examining its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats against the INDIA bloc.

Shining example of...: Modi on Nepal's Interim PM

Shining example of...: Modi on Nepal's Interim PM

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

Addressing a rally in Manipur capital Imphal, Modi said India and Nepal have been close friends bound by shared history, faith and cultural ties, and New Delhi stood firmly with the people of the neighbouring country during its transitional phase.

Bihar SIR 'accurate', not a single appeal from voter: EC to SC

Bihar SIR 'accurate', not a single appeal from voter: EC to SC

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Election Commission defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise for Bihar's voter list in the Supreme Court, calling it accurate and dismissing allegations of impropriety by political parties and NGOs.

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

A string of welfare schemes and promises tests the state's budget, which is already heavily dependent on central support and spends little as capital outlay.

LG clamps curfew in Ladakh, vows action against violence perpetrators

LG clamps curfew in Ladakh, vows action against violence perpetrators

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta blamed 'vested interests' for violence that led to four deaths, announcing a curfew and vowing action against those responsible. He cited incitement and conspiracy behind the clashes during a shutdown sponsored by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which is demanding statehood for Ladakh.

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The chief education officer (CEO) of Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir directed teaching and non-teaching staff employed under the department to refrain from criticising government policies on social media, warning them of punitive action, including dismissal from service.

Differences emerge in NDA over seat sharing in Bihar

Differences emerge in NDA over seat sharing in Bihar

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Cracks appear within Bihar's ruling NDA alliance as partners bicker over seat sharing ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM demands a respectable number of seats, while Chirag Paswan's LJP seeks more than initially agreed upon.

'Seven Actresses Said No To Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

'Seven Actresses Said No To Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

'I don't hold grudges against them; they are all my friends.' 'Guess who suggested Rani Mukerji's name?'

Is The 'Bhunja Party' Really Running Bihar?

Is The 'Bhunja Party' Really Running Bihar?

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishore claim that a group of senior Janata Dal-United leaders and retired bureaucrats, locally dubbed the 'Bhunja Party', manages the state administration on Nitish Kumar's behalf.

'This Is Why Trump Has Scored'

'This Is Why Trump Has Scored'

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

'I realised why the farmers and the rural folks are going for Trump. They are so insecure and vulnerable that anybody who is throwing a line of hope to them, they seize it.'

Kerala school declares holiday amid hijab row

Kerala school declares holiday amid hijab row

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A private school in Kerala declared a two-day holiday following a dispute with parents over a student's hijab. The school alleges outside interference, while the parents claim discrimination.

No talks with Centre till Wangchuk, others released: Kargil body

No talks with Centre till Wangchuk, others released: Kargil body

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced it will not participate in talks with the central government until climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others arrested in Leh are released and a judicial probe into the recent firing incident is ordered.

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Amidst speculation over the NDA seat-sharing deal in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar distributed JD(U) tickets, while the BJP announced its first list of candidates. The INDIA bloc also faces internal challenges as parties prepare for the upcoming elections.

Why Modi plans to transfer Rs 10K each to Bihar's 75 lakh women

Why Modi plans to transfer Rs 10K each to Bihar's 75 lakh women

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Bihar's 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana' on Friday and transfer Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across the state, totalling Rs 7,500 crore.

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Gor, 38, was among 107 nominees confirmed by the Senate in a single en bloc vote on Tuesday, with 51 senators voting in favour and 47 against.

India, Canada unveil roadmap to revive ties

India, Canada unveil roadmap to revive ties

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

India and Canada have unveiled a roadmap to boost cooperation in trade, critical minerals, and energy, signaling efforts to rebuild strained relations following the killing of a Sikh separatist in 2023. Discussions include addressing concerns over pro-Khalistan elements and pursuing a balanced partnership.

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

While both sides have announced the decision to restart talks for a trade deal, government officials said discussions are continuing virtually.

'Sonam Wangchuk In Jail May Cause More Problems...'

'Sonam Wangchuk In Jail May Cause More Problems...'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'...than free Sonam Wangchuk.'

Strict curfew in violence-hit Ladakh, 50 detained

Strict curfew in violence-hit Ladakh, 50 detained

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

At least 50 people were detained as police and paramilitary forces strictly implemented curfew on Thursday in the violence-hit Leh, where four people were killed and over 80 others were injured when widespread clashes broke out a day before.

'She Behaved Like A Very Ordinary Person, Without Any Airs'

'She Behaved Like A Very Ordinary Person, Without Any Airs'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'She is a nice girl, simple, patient and affectionate. Because she is so empathetic, because she has the ability to feel for people, I am sure she will be able to solve the problems ordinary citizens face in this country.'

Ladakh Buddhist groups seek judicial probe into Leh violence

Ladakh Buddhist groups seek judicial probe into Leh violence

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Buddhist religious bodies and the Kargil Bar Association are demanding a judicial inquiry into the recent violence in Leh, Ladakh, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. They are also calling for the release of detained individuals and compensation for victims' families.

Bihar to vote on Nov 6, 11 in 2 phases; results on Nov 14

Bihar to vote on Nov 6, 11 in 2 phases; results on Nov 14

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The entire election process will be concluded by November 16.

Ladakh's LAB hardens stand, suspends talks with Centre

Ladakh's LAB hardens stand, suspends talks with Centre

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

The home ministry said the central government would continue to welcome the discussion with LAB and KDA through the high powered committee on Ladakh or any such platform.

'Whatever We Have, That Is Being Taken Away By The Government'

'Whatever We Have, That Is Being Taken Away By The Government'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'The government is distributing land in Ladakh as if they are selling cinema hall tickets.'

India Needs SuperGen To Fight Corruption

India Needs SuperGen To Fight Corruption

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Correction of India's ills requires focussed direction of our energy. For this, we need a collective Conscience. We need Commitment. We need Cleanliness. We need Cooperation. We need Collaboration. We need Courtesy. And, we need enlightened Conversation, asserts Biswajit Dasgupta.

4 killed, 80 hurt in Ladakh statehood protests; Wangchuk calls off fast

4 killed, 80 hurt in Ladakh statehood protests; Wangchuk calls off fast

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his hunger strike as protests for Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule extension turned violent. The BJP office was set on fire, vehicles were torched, and clashes erupted, leading to the imposition of prohibitory orders.

Wangchuk being probed for Pak links: Ladakh police chief

Wangchuk being probed for Pak links: Ladakh police chief

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

Ladakh Director General of Police S D Singh Jamwal on Saturday said Sonam Wangchuk is being probed for allegedly having links with Pakistan on the back of last month's arrest of a Pakistani Intelligence Operative who sent videos of his protests across the border.

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar State Legal Service Authority to assist voters excluded from the final electoral rolls in filing appeals with the Election Commission.