News for '-special-arrangement'

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

No single individual, institution, or action is to blame for this. The BJP is responding in kind -- definitely not without checking with its government. And they wait for Mr Trump, notes Shekhar Gupta.

Champions Trophy: Sending Team To Pakistan Would Be Dangerous

Champions Trophy: Sending Team To Pakistan Would Be Dangerous

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Even a whiff of an incident like the violent 1989 shirt-ripping attack on Krishnamachari Srikkanth by a Karachi spectator would be ruinous. It would set back the ties further, derail an ongoing tournament, and harden Indian attitudes on playing Pakistan anywhere at all, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Everybody talks of China as the real threat, but we aren't even building a decisive capability against Pakistan, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Adityanath meets UP violence victim's kin; 50 held, internet suspended

Adityanath meets UP violence victim's kin; 50 held, internet suspended

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Over 50 people have been arrested after the communal violence in Maharajgaj town, officials said on Tuesday, as markets remained shut and people stayed indoors for a second day in a row amid heavy deployment of police and other security personnel.

How Haryana Win Revives Modi Aura

How Haryana Win Revives Modi Aura

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

BIf you know this BJP, it will now go forward to Jharkhand and Maharashtra as if June 2024 never happened, notes Shekhar Gupta.

ISI Funds Khalistanis In Canada

ISI Funds Khalistanis In Canada

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The statements the separatists make, the abominable tableaux at their parades, the slogans, posters, and selfies with assault rifles are not India's problem. If they are a nuisance, it should bother their host countries, because they are armed and have their own underworld with deadly gang rivalries. Significantly, none of this happens in the US -- only in snowflaky Canada, points out Shekhar Gupta.

BJP HQ In Mumbai Wears A Deserted Look

BJP HQ In Mumbai Wears A Deserted Look

Rediff.com4 Jun 2024

Loudspeakers blaring indecipherable music alongside a group of musicians beating drums filled the air outside the BJP headquarters in Mumbai but party supporters and workers has deserted the premises.

Why Movies Get Into Trouble...

Why Movies Get Into Trouble...

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

They try to hide behind the smokescreen that these are works of fiction inspired by real events. So, you can pick and choose from facts and fictionalise to push the right triggers with your audience or appease the powers that be, observes Shekhar Gupta.

Bangladeshi Hindus: Why Appeal To Biden?

Bangladeshi Hindus: Why Appeal To Biden?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

It's intriguing that the prime minister now wants his American partner to help protect the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. That's conceding to the Americans a pre-eminence India has always contested, resented and feared, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Summer Heat Catches Up With Elephants

Summer Heat Catches Up With Elephants

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

How the pachyderms at the Elephant Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Tiruchirappalli are cooling off.

Both phases see less voter turnout than 2019 LS poll

Both phases see less voter turnout than 2019 LS poll

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

Heat wave is believed to have contributed to several voters not turning up at polling stations in both the phases.

Can Modi 3.0 Beat The 3 Cs Trap?

Can Modi 3.0 Beat The 3 Cs Trap?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

'Don't be surprised if the Census forms come with a caste box.' 'I will be surprised if it doesn't. It will be a point conceded to Rahul Gandhi and his allies,' asserts Shekhar Gupta. The BJP machine could take all 3 in its stride, but this election has changed that, notes Shekhar Gupta.

What's hot at the Olympics: Daley knitting is all the rage as food wars stir up

What's hot at the Olympics: Daley knitting is all the rage as food wars stir up

Rediff.com27 Jul 2024

US women dazzle in crystal-studded leos

Time To Shut Down Coaching Classes?

Time To Shut Down Coaching Classes?

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The coaching-tuition-profiteering model built on the back of a broken education system is a scandal and an abomination, and must go, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Will Rahul Shoot And Scoot Again?

Will Rahul Shoot And Scoot Again?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

That he hasn't done so yet, has continued to be active on the political street, in public debate and on social media, signals an important change. It will give his party hope. Maybe the achievement of reducing Mr Modi well below the majority mark will now motivate him to stay committed, observes Shekhar Gupta

The Challenges That Await Modi 3.0

The Challenges That Await Modi 3.0

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

'The lack of a majority isn't the issue. He has enough in 240, especially as none of his allies can pull down his coalition.' 'That's why he's started as if this were just another, normal term. That pretence is vital for him.' 'The change for Modi 3.0 comes not from numbers, but from the new environment of contestation,' points out Shekhar Gupta.

Kerala bids farewell to 23 victims of Kuwait fire tragedy

Kerala bids farewell to 23 victims of Kuwait fire tragedy

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Kerala on Friday said a tearful goodbye to most of the 23 victims from the state who died in the Kuwait fire tragedy -- one of the biggest incidents to ever affect the state's expatriate community known for their dedication and hard work.

Ram Lalla's 'Surya Tilak' done at Ayodhya temple on Ram Navami

Ram Lalla's 'Surya Tilak' done at Ayodhya temple on Ram Navami

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

A beam of sunlight fell directly on Ram Lalla's idol at the new temple in Ayodhya on noon Wednesday, marking the 'Surya Tilak' of the idol on the first Ram Navami since its consecration.

Is Modi Ki Vote Guarantee Finished?

Is Modi Ki Vote Guarantee Finished?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

Now, every state election -- first up, Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand later this year, then Delhi in January and Bihar in September next year -- will be seen by his followers for evidence of his recovery, and by rivals of sharpening decline, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Govt targets zero load shedding this summer

Govt targets zero load shedding this summer

Rediff.com3 Apr 2024

As India's electricity demand soars, the power ministry on Tuesday reviewed the power supply situation to ensure 'zero load shedding' during the summer months. The ministry has drafted plans ranging from delaying planned maintenance of thermal power stations to mandatory operations of imported coal-based and gas-based stations till September. In a series of meetings with industry stakeholders, Union Minister for Power, New, and Renewable Energy R K Singh emphasised the importance of adequate planning to avoid situations where one state has surplus power while another state faces shortages.

Mo-Sha Are Indispensable For RSS

Mo-Sha Are Indispensable For RSS

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Occasional lovers' tiffs have marked the history of RSS-BJP relations. To think that Nagpur will bring about any change in leadership is a misreading of both its intent and its power, points out Shekhar Gupta.

A Request To Fund Managers

A Request To Fund Managers

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

Please promise, especially those millions who trust you with their hard-earned money, never to let your voting preferences determine your actions on the markets. The most appalling and scary phenomenon was fund houses and brokerages going out on election yatras and writing copious reports promising more than 300 for the BJP. That was your wish as voters. Your investors are paying for it now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

LS poll: Over 24,000 Manipuris to vote from relief camps

LS poll: Over 24,000 Manipuris to vote from relief camps

Rediff.com7 Apr 2024

A majority of over 50,000 internally displaced people are currently staying at relief centres across five valley districts and three hill districts.

Will it be BJP or INDIA? Delhi to vote on Saturday in 6th phase

Will it be BJP or INDIA? Delhi to vote on Saturday in 6th phase

Rediff.com24 May 2024

While the Aam Aadmi Party is contesting on four seats, the Congress has fielded candidates for the remaining three seats.

If Congress Wins 90 Seats, Politics Can Be Rocked

If Congress Wins 90 Seats, Politics Can Be Rocked

Rediff.com28 May 2024

If the Congress reached 90, it would have a pretty good chance of holding the BJP below the 272 mark. A hundred seats will rock national politics, argues Shekhar Gupta.

J-K doesn't have 'internal sovereignty', rules SC in Article 370 verdict

J-K doesn't have 'internal sovereignty', rules SC in Article 370 verdict

Rediff.com11 Dec 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday ruled the former state of Jammu and Kashmir did not have any 'internal sovereignty' that was distinguishable from the powers and privileges enjoyed by other states in the country.

Modi's Approach To Election Is Intriguing

Modi's Approach To Election Is Intriguing

Rediff.com8 May 2024

The big surprise is that Narendra Modi, the greatest conjurer in our national politics, has not yet presented a theme to this election, observes Shekhar Gupta.

Advani to attend Ram temple consecration, says VHP

Advani to attend Ram temple consecration, says VHP

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

Alok Kumar said that all the required medical facilities and other arrangements will be provided to Advani during his visit to the Pran Pratistha ceremony in Ayodhya.

Puri temple implements mandatory dress code for devotees; bans gutkha, pan

Puri temple implements mandatory dress code for devotees; bans gutkha, pan

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

A Shree Jagannath Temple Administration official said devotees will be required to wear "decent clothes" to enter the shrine.

Art 370 repeal, women's quota, security breach among key highlights of 17th LS

Art 370 repeal, women's quota, security breach among key highlights of 17th LS

Rediff.com10 Feb 2024

It also saw the suspension of 100 members in a span of four days for unruly conduct and a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack.

Emotional scenes as Israeli hostages released by Hamas meet their families

Emotional scenes as Israeli hostages released by Hamas meet their families

Rediff.com25 Nov 2023

Ohad Munder, 9, in a video released by Schneider Children's Medical Centre (SCMC) can be seen running and hugging his father in a tight embrace for the first time since he was released by Hamas from the Gaza Strip on Friday.

Why Congress Rose To Kejriwal's Defence

Why Congress Rose To Kejriwal's Defence

Rediff.com3 Apr 2024

The Congress now knows that it is the only force -- however weakened it might be -- that stands between the BJP and India's evolution into a single-party Republic. Because, once it is out of the way, the BJP could sort out the other regional powers: Co-opting some, demolishing others, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Why Modi Should Thank Indira Gandhi

Why Modi Should Thank Indira Gandhi

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

If Indira Gandhi hadn't targeted the RSS, Narendra Modi wouldn't be sitting pretty with his second majority and looking at a third, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Amy Jackson-Ed Westwick Attend BAFTA

Amy Jackson-Ed Westwick Attend BAFTA

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

The 2024 British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) were held at the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre, London, and saw its share of the good and the bad.

Why Congress Can't Keep Its Flock Together

Why Congress Can't Keep Its Flock Together

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

If the party's members aren't sure what it stands for, see no path to wealth or power, and endure control by a dynasty, which, almighty as it is within the party, cannot get them the votes, they are likely to explore options, notes Shekhar Gupta.

A 10-Point Wishlist For Modi's Third Term

A 10-Point Wishlist For Modi's Third Term

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

If Modi wants to leave a real legacy, breaking India's strategic triangulation would be the real gift, notes Shekhar Gupta.

You can send Rs 2,000 notes by post to RBI for direct credit in bank accounts

You can send Rs 2,000 notes by post to RBI for direct credit in bank accounts

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

People can send their Rs 2,000 banknotes to specified regional offices of the Reserve Bank through the insured post for credit in their bank accounts. This is a hassle-free option for the people who are away from the regional offices of the Reserve Bank. Besides, the RBI is offering TLR (Triple Lock Receptacle) form to people for a deposit of Rs 2,000 banknotes in their bank account.

Children Celebrate Eid

Children Celebrate Eid

Rediff.com22 Apr 2023

Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and festivities.

Is The Indian Republic Dead?

Is The Indian Republic Dead?

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

Will January 22 mark a point of no return for our Constitutional secularism? asks Shekhar Gupta.

Wankhede Celebrates Sachin@50

Wankhede Celebrates Sachin@50

Rediff.com23 Apr 2023

Sachin Tendulkar, who turns 50 on Monday, cut a chocolate cake near the team's dugout during the Punjab Kings innings.