News for 'Agenda'

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

BJP sources said the government would introduce a fresh Bill on the issue and has reached out to parties that opposed the earlier legislation.

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A crucial meeting of around 250 seers and VHP functionaries in Ayodhya will address issues concerning the Ram temple, including ensuring adherence to Vaishnav-Ramanandi traditions, restoring devotee confidence after an alleged donation theft, and deliberating on the Trust's management. The meeting follows deferred decisions by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on key appointments.

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, aims to democratise global football finance but has been condemned by UEFA as selling the game's "soul."

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at cracking down on 'birth tourism' and limiting eligibility for birthright citizenship, weeks after the Supreme Court rejected a similar directive.

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Indian Parliament remains deadlocked as the Opposition, led by the Congress, insists on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to discussions on alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and student protests, rejecting the government's offer for Home Minister Amit Shah to respond.

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.com22 Jul 2026

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.

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Major bills, including those on women's reservation, delimitation, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), face an uncertain future in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament due to persistent opposition protests and a lack of consensus.

Tata Sons AGM: Will Chandra's Term Be Renewed?

Tata Sons AGM: Will Chandra's Term Be Renewed?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Just in case the AGM, scheduled At the AGM, if it is held, a shareholders' vote on Chandra's renewal as a director on the Tata Sons board is unlikely but not ruled out.

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Leading African football administrators have publicly expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, offering him crucial backing ahead of next March's presidential election, despite his recent decision to abandon a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue.

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An Indian Parliamentary panel has summoned major social media platforms like Meta, Google, X, and Snapchat, along with MeitY and Home Affairs officials, to discuss the regulation of digital platforms. The meeting, scheduled for August 3, will focus on user privacy, public order, and the platforms' role in recent protests.

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Indian government and opposition are preparing for a contentious Monsoon Session of Parliament, with key issues including the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and women's reservation, the alleged NEET paper leak, and a row over Ram temple donations set to spark heated debates.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Ram Temple trust to discuss SIT report, pick new CEO

Ram Temple trust to discuss SIT report, pick new CEO

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to convene in Ayodhya to discuss the preliminary report of the SIT investigating the Ram Temple donation theft. The agenda includes reviewing the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, considering the appointment of a CEO, and approving financial statements. The meeting comes amidst ongoing police and SIT investigations, with eight arrests made in connection with the theft.

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The DMK has been charting an independent course from the Congress-led Opposition bloc on contentious issues during the Monsoon Session, including not joining a walkout over the anti-paper leak bill and participating in a debate on the National Honour Bill, signalling growing fault lines within the Opposition.

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Indian government plans to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. This amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, aims to grant 'Vande Mataram' the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', with penalties up to three years' imprisonment.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'

IPL 2026: Rahane hits back: 'Critics have agenda against me'

IPL 2026: Rahane hits back: 'Critics have agenda against me'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane responds to criticism regarding his strike rate in the IPL, suggesting that his detractors are motivated by jealousy and hidden agendas.

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'After more than 12 years in power, he has been forced to retreat under public pressure. The education minister's resignation is the biggest political climbdown of his government so far.'

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court was strongly urged to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge to investigate alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak across various states. The court, while issuing interim directions, restrained states from coercive action against protesters and ordered the release of minors without criminal antecedents.

Crucial Ram temple trust meeting today amid donation row

Crucial Ram temple trust meeting today amid donation row

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to hold a critical meeting in Ayodhya to address the ongoing probe into alleged donation theft and the resignations of its general secretary and a trustee. The meeting will review the SIT report and discuss potential appointments.

Government clears the track for Formula One's long-awaited India return

Government clears the track for Formula One's long-awaited India return

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India's government is working to resolve tax and regulatory hurdles to bring Formula One back to the Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi in 2028, more than a decade after the race was dropped.

India climbs to 11th among top FDI destinations in 2025, UN report reveals

India climbs to 11th among top FDI destinations in 2025, UN report reveals

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India has significantly improved its position as a global foreign direct investment (FDI) destination, climbing two places to 11th in 2025, with inflows surging by nearly 44 per cent to $38.89 billion, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) World Investment Report 2026.

Congress to oppose all bills, including on delimitation in monsoon session

Congress to oppose all bills, including on delimitation in monsoon session

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Congress party is set to challenge the Modi government on a range of critical issues, including alleged theft of Ram temple donations, 'systemic corrosion' of the education system, and constitutional amendment bills related to delimitation and dismissal of ministers, during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya Review: Humour, Heart, Hard Realities

Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya Review: Humour, Heart, Hard Realities

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya is as breezy and it is earnest, discovers Deepa Gahlot.

India's Glasgow CWG Focus: Medals And Crucial 2030 Hosting Insights

India's Glasgow CWG Focus: Medals And Crucial 2030 Hosting Insights

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India's Chef de Mission Rohit Rajpal stated that success at the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games will be measured not only by medals but also by the 'knowledge it acquires' for hosting the 2030 edition in Ahmedabad.

Monsoon session likely from July 20, spotlight on NDA's stronger numbers

Monsoon session likely from July 20, spotlight on NDA's stronger numbers

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Monsoon session of Parliament is expected to begin on July 20 and last for three weeks. Key political developments, including recent election victories and party rebellions, are set to influence the session, alongside the government's redrafting of a significant Constitution amendment bill concerning women's reservation and Lok Sabha seats.

Hormuz Crisis Exposes India's Energy Risks

Hormuz Crisis Exposes India's Energy Risks

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Despite decades of efforts towards energy transition, oil will remain the critical energy source for all nations for some decades. We can hope for peace opening the Strait of Hormuz, but must prepare for war closing it, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

11 chargesheeted in Bangladesh Jamaat terror conspiracy, radicalising youth

11 chargesheeted in Bangladesh Jamaat terror conspiracy, radicalising youth

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals involved in a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the proscribed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The plot aimed to spread extremist ideology, radicalise youth, and expand the JMB's network across West Bengal and northeastern states of India.

'A disgraceful blot': Nripendra Mishra on Ram temple donation theft

'A disgraceful blot': Nripendra Mishra on Ram temple donation theft

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra stated that the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya temple was a 'disgraceful blot' and expressed confidence that the temple management system would be improved to prevent future incidents.

From Meiyazhagan To Manjummel Boys: 10 Films Ignored At The National Film Awards

From Meiyazhagan To Manjummel Boys: 10 Films Ignored At The National Film Awards

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

From All We Imagine As Light to Kishkindha Kaandam, these outstanding films deserved National Film Awards far more than several of this year's winners.

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This new position aims to strengthen administrative and financial management following alleged embezzlement concerns. The CEO will be appointed for a three-year term, overseeing various aspects from finance to pilgrim facilities, and must be an actively practising Hindu with specific managerial experience.

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP's 47th Foundation Day, highlighting the Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election' as key unfinished agendas. He also reaffirmed the party's commitment to implementing women's reservation in the 2029 elections and criticised dynastic politics.

Trump aide Graham, who backed tariffs on India, passes away

Trump aide Graham, who backed tariffs on India, passes away

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump and an influential voice on American foreign policy, has passed away at 71 following a 'brief and sudden illness', leaving a significant void in Washington's political landscape.

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has affirmed India's commitment to ensuring issues like a free, open, and rule-based maritime order, seafarer safety, and countering terror financing receive due attention at the UN Security Council during its 2028-29 term.

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Poland's Secretary of State, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in late 2022, highlighting Modi's significant influence on the Russian leader.

Varavu Review: Revenge Saga Stuck In Time

Varavu Review: Revenge Saga Stuck In Time

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Shaji Kailas delivers familiar mass moments, but Varavu never rises above its dated revenge formula.