News for '-photos'

Nadda invites CJP again for talks, protesters stick to neutral venue

Nadda invites CJP again for talks, protesters stick to neutral venue

Rediff.com2 days ago

Union Minister J P Nadda has expressed the government's readiness for further talks with the protesting Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding the NEET paper leak, offering his office or residence as venues. However, the CJP, leading protests at Jantar Mantar and demanding the Education Minister's resignation, insists on a neutral venue or the protest site itself for any future discussions, having previously rejected Nadda's invitations.

400 booked in Mumbai for holding pro-CJP protests

400 booked in Mumbai for holding pro-CJP protests

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Mumbai police have registered 13 FIRs since July 18 in connection with the ongoing protests on charges of unlawful assembly and violation of prohibitory orders, booking 400 people, officials said on Wednesday.

Equally talented but mindset separates Virat Kohli and KL Rahul: Wasim Jaffer

Equally talented but mindset separates Virat Kohli and KL Rahul: Wasim Jaffer

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former India opener and coach Wasim Jaffer believes KL Rahul has the talent and technical ability to match Virat Kohli but said Kohli's elite mindset and consistency are what set him apart.

Govt, CJP to discuss education reforms after 4 weeks

Govt, CJP to discuss education reforms after 4 weeks

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has ended its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET issue after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the government accepting all their demands. The agreement includes compensation for suicide victims' families, withdrawal of FIRs, and future discussions on examination system reforms.

35 dead in 2 days as floods ravage Gujarat

35 dead in 2 days as floods ravage Gujarat

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Gujarat has reported 35 rain-related deaths in the past two days, primarily in the worst-affected districts of Valsad and Navsari, as floodwaters recede and authorities initiate damage assessment surveys and post-flood cleanliness drives.

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Student organisations across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attributing it to their nationwide protests against alleged NEET irregularities. While welcoming the move as a victory, groups like NSUI, AISA, and SFI affirmed their commitment to continue agitations until broader demands for accountability, transparency, and education reforms, including scrapping the NTA and NEP, are met.

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill to introduce stricter punishments for examination paper leaks, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement. This new legislation builds upon the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aiming to curb cheating in public examinations conducted by various central agencies amidst recent controversies like the NEET and NET paper leaks.

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com2 days ago

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com2 days ago

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.

31 dead in Assam floods, nearly 6 lakh people affected

31 dead in Assam floods, nearly 6 lakh people affected

Rediff.com3 days ago

Floods in Assam have claimed 31 lives, with 21 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours, affecting nearly 5.65 lakh people across multiple districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited affected areas, announcing an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased's family and acknowledging difficulties in relief distribution to submerged villages.

Digital India RISC-V Symposium To Boost Semiconductor Innovation

Digital India RISC-V Symposium To Boost Semiconductor Innovation

Rediff.com3 days ago

IIT Madras is hosting the 3rd Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Symposium 2026 in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and RISC-V International. The symposium aims to unite stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to advance India's semiconductor innovation, focusing on indigenous processor technologies, secure computing, hardware innovation, and AI, aligning with the government's vision for India as a global semiconductor hub.

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Rediff.com2 days ago

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Opposition of setting pre-conditions for a debate on the critical NEET paper leak issue, stating that the government is ready for a comprehensive discussion.

MPs were frightened that we might be attacked: Kangana on CJP march

MPs were frightened that we might be attacked: Kangana on CJP march

Rediff.com4 days ago

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut recounted the tense moments inside Parliament during recent protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), where MPs feared being attacked by the "mob". She praised Delhi Police for protecting the public and personnel, while protesters demanded accountability for exam irregularities.

Why Hashmatullah Shahidi Resigned As Afghanistan's ODI Captain

Why Hashmatullah Shahidi Resigned As Afghanistan's ODI Captain

Rediff.com3 days ago

Hashmatullah Shahidi has resigned as Afghanistan's One Day International captain, citing a personal decision, though he will continue to play in the 50-over format.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

Rediff.com2 days ago

The government introduced the SHANTI Act, 2025, to support the mission and open the sector to private participation.

Protester who suffered pellet gun injuries discharged from hospital

Protester who suffered pellet gun injuries discharged from hospital

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, an accounts manager from Gurugram, was severely injured by pellets during a protest in Central Delhi on July 20. He underwent surgery at Lady Hardinge Hospital to remove pellets from his face and neck, sustaining injuries near vital structures. The Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, while other protesters, including a 10-year-old boy, also suffered serious injuries during the demonstrations against alleged exam irregularities.

Pradhan's resignation non-negotiable, stir to continue: CJP

Pradhan's resignation non-negotiable, stir to continue: CJP

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das has termed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 'non-negotiable' amidst ongoing protests over the NEET-UG paper leak, while Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for an in-depth discussion on the issue in Parliament.

Police dismantle CJP camp, protesters regroup at Jantar Mantar

Police dismantle CJP camp, protesters regroup at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Cockroach Janata Party's protest site in New Delhi was dismantled by police following a thwarted march to Parliament that involved tear gas and baton charges. Despite the police action, protesters regrouped at Jantar Mantar, vowing to continue their agitation until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over alleged examination irregularities. Activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike stage was also removed, but leaders confirmed the movement's resolve.

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian education ministry has undergone a significant reshuffle of top officials, including the removal of higher education secretary Vineet Joshi, amidst widespread controversies surrounding NEET-UG paper leaks and CBSE digital evaluation glitches, with the opposition demanding the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amidst widespread nationwide protests concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, citing the larger interest of students and the need to prevent exploitation by anti-national forces. The government is also preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law.

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Rediff.com4 hours ago

India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.

Is Rohit Sharma Being Forced Out?

Is Rohit Sharma Being Forced Out?

Rediff.com7 days ago

If Rohit Sharma's ODI exit is coming, it should be announced with dignity and not through rumours and leaks. You don't whisper exits for great players -- you announce them with respect, asserts K R Nayar.

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the forcible shifting of activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital during his hunger strike. The court noted that the issue of his hospitalisation had been previously addressed and dismissed the new petition, advising the petitioner to lodge an FIR if still aggrieved.

TMC MP suspended from Lok Sabha for 'unsavoury' language against women members

TMC MP suspended from Lok Sabha for 'unsavoury' language against women members

Rediff.com3 days ago

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has been suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session due to his use of "unsavoury" language against women members during a heated exchange with NCPI members.

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com1 days ago

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Mumbai police on Thursday ordered a probe and removed a police driver from the duty roster after a viral video purportedly showed him threatening student protesters with false narcotics charges if they returned to demonstrate.

'We Can Beat Any Team': India Men Confident Of Ending 51-Year Jinx At Hockey World Cup

'We Can Beat Any Team': India Men Confident Of Ending 51-Year Jinx At Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton is focused on ending the 51-year World Cup medal drought, aiming for consistency and a strong performance at the upcoming tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Maruti Brezza Targets First-Time SUV Buyers

Maruti Brezza Targets First-Time SUV Buyers

Rediff.com1 days ago

The refreshed Brezza will target first-time, replacement and additional-car buyers as Maruti responds to changing preferences and intensifying competition in compact SUVs.

Bangladesh pushes for India cricket tour in September to revive ties

Bangladesh pushes for India cricket tour in September to revive ties

Rediff.com4 days ago

Bangladesh is actively pursuing a cricket series against India in September, utilising sports diplomacy to mend strained bilateral ties following a controversy involving Mustafizur Rahman and Bangladesh's subsequent T20 World Cup boycott.

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

Rediff.com6 hours ago

A derogatory 'cockroach' remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing inadvertently sparked a nationwide student movement, transforming an insult into a powerful symbol of protest that led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former BJP leader K Annamalai has criticised the Centre for its handling of the NEET issue, alleging a lack of accountability despite three question paper leaks and questioning the delay in engaging with student protesters.

How BJP Plans To Scuttle Prashant Kishor's Bankipur Campaign

How BJP Plans To Scuttle Prashant Kishor's Bankipur Campaign

Rediff.com4 days ago

'It is a well calculated strategy of the BJP to hit the JSP and widely propagate that leaders have been leaving PK sensing his defeat in the bypoll.'

Kolkata HC orders immediate arrest of Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel in rape case

Kolkata HC orders immediate arrest of Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel in rape case

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the immediate arrest of Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel in connection with a rape case and instructed police to seize his electronic devices to safeguard the complainant's privacy during the investigation.

Opposition using students protest as political tool: Rajnath Singh

Opposition using students protest as political tool: Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com3 days ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed serious concern over ongoing student protests in Delhi, accusing the opposition of using them as a 'political tool' to further their interests. He urged opposition parties to raise issues in Parliament rather than on the streets, amidst demonstrations against the NEET paper leak.

Delhi HC allows Wangchuk's transfer to private hospital; Centre says...

Delhi HC allows Wangchuk's transfer to private hospital; Centre says...

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Delhi High Court has proposed transferring activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on an indefinite fast since June 28 over alleged examination irregularities, from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. This development follows a plea by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging a previous court order that refused to interfere with his ongoing treatment at the central government hospital. The government has indicated no objection to the transfer, provided Wangchuk does not seek discharge against medical advice.

Pujara lauds Rohit Sharma's calm approach after record Lord's century

Pujara lauds Rohit Sharma's calm approach after record Lord's century

Rediff.com5 days ago

Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised Rohit Sharma for staying calm despite intense scrutiny and outside criticism after his historic century against England at Lord's on Sunday, July 29, 2026.

Dharmendra Pradhan meets LS speaker as govt agrees to paper leak debate

Dharmendra Pradhan meets LS speaker as govt agrees to paper leak debate

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian government has expressed willingness to hold a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha regarding the NEET paper leak issue, while cautioning against street protests. The opposition, however, is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has staged protests, including wearing black clothes in Parliament, highlighting the widespread concern among students.

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged as a prominent youth leader, transforming a satirical movement into a powerful force that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke views this as just the beginning, advocating for issue-based politics over identity politics and demanding further reforms in the examination system.