News for 'Agenda'

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

'As we read and assess what is going on around us in the India of 2025, it is instructive to do this through the lens of 75 years ago and the events that led to the formation of the BJP as we know it,' recalls Aakar Patel.

Amid Hindi row, Maha govt withdraws orders on three-language policy

Amid Hindi row, Maha govt withdraws orders on three-language policy

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

Facing mounting opposition to the introduction of Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, the state cabinet on Sunday decided to withdraw two GRs (government orders) on the implementation of the three-language policy.

IPL final shifted to Ahmedabad due to politics: WB govt

IPL final shifted to Ahmedabad due to politics: WB govt

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The West Bengal government criticised BCCI's decision to relocate the playoff and final matches of IPL 2025 from Kolkata to Ahmedabad.

Weakened majority for BJP poses challenges to reform agenda, says Fitch

Weakened majority for BJP poses challenges to reform agenda, says Fitch

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

The BJP losing its outright majority and relying on allies to form a government could pose challenges for the more ambitious elements of reform agenda like land and labour, Fitch Ratings said in a note on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP lost its majority for the first time since 2014, winning 240 seats in the 543-seat Lok Sabha.

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'If this is true, the Election Commission should come forward with data and officially confirm it.'

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami is under pressure from his party as his unclear stand on the BJP alliance has brought back fears among party workers that the party may lose its identity, be forced into an unwanted coalition, and be taken over by the BJP later, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Delhi govt urges Centre to suspend fuel ban on old vehicles

Delhi govt urges Centre to suspend fuel ban on old vehicles

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

The Delhi government has requested the Centre's air quality panel to suspend the fuel ban on older vehicles, citing implementation challenges and public discontent. The government is also seeking solutions to restrictions on end-of-life vehicles.

5,000 social media accounts from Islamic countries back Assam Cong: CM

5,000 social media accounts from Islamic countries back Assam Cong: CM

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday alleged that over 5,000 social media accounts, mostly operated from Islamic countries, have become active in favour of the Assam Congress.

India Inc to double capex to $850 bn in 5 yrs: S&P report

India Inc to double capex to $850 bn in 5 yrs: S&P report

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Corporate India is embarking on an ambitious investment drive, with capital expenditure (capex) expected to double to $850 billion over the next five years, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings. Indian power & transmission, airlines, and green hydrogen sectors would spearhead the spending, the report said.

Quad condemns Pahalgam attack; silent on Pak, 4-day military conflict

Quad condemns Pahalgam attack; silent on Pak, 4-day military conflict

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The Quad grouping has called for bringing the perpetrators, organisers and financiers of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice without any delay and urged UN member nations to extend cooperation for it.

'India Rewriting Global Higher Education Map'

'India Rewriting Global Higher Education Map'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

India has 54 institutions in the QS World University Rankings, making it the 4th most represented country after the US (192), the UK (90) and China (72).

Sebi sets up panel to look into 'unbundling' of 'black box' charges by clearing corporations

Sebi sets up panel to look into 'unbundling' of 'black box' charges by clearing corporations

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Wednesday announced a slew of measures to ease the compliance burden in the stock markets ecosystem, encourage more companies to list on the bourses after reverse flipping to India, and facilitate greater foreign fund flows into government bonds.

Not love for Marathi, but power play: BJP slams Uddhav-Raj rally

Not love for Marathi, but power play: BJP slams Uddhav-Raj rally

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

BJP leaders in Maharashtra criticized Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's joint rally in Mumbai, calling it a desperate attempt to revive their political fortunes ahead of civic polls. They accused the Thackerays of using the Marathi language issue as a guise to regain power and criticized their past actions.

India slams Canada over 'threatening' parade in Toronto

India slams Canada over 'threatening' parade in Toronto

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India has lodged a strong protest with Canada over the "threatening language" and "unacceptable imagery" targeting Indian leadership at a parade held in Toronto. The floats at the parade reportedly featured pro-Khalistan propaganda and imagery attacking Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India conveyed its concerns to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, calling on Canadian authorities to act against "anti-India elements" who are spreading hatred and advocating extremism and a separatist agenda. This incident comes days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's victory in the general election, which was seen as an opportunity to repair India-Canada ties that had been strained under Justin Trudeau's leadership. The two countries have been grappling with strained relations since Trudeau's allegations in September 2023 of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

Kerala govt's decision on Bakrid holiday triggers uproar

Kerala govt's decision on Bakrid holiday triggers uproar

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Originally Friday (June 6) was marked as holiday for Bakrid. However, following the reports that the festival would be celebrated on Saturday across the state, on Thursday, the Kerala government announced that Saturday, June 7, will be a public holiday for Bakrid.

'This is for people who look like me'

'This is for people who look like me'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Coco Gauff is the first Black American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015.

'Dalit Women Set The Agenda Of This Election'

'Dalit Women Set The Agenda Of This Election'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

'They were very vocal on the defence of the Constitution, reservation, SC/ST Act and democratic rights.'

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

India succeeded in busting the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member nations, where Islamabad sought succour after carrying out terror activities across the border, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said.

Welfare over sops for industry: Mamata digs in ahead of polls

Welfare over sops for industry: Mamata digs in ahead of polls

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

'The chief minister believes the poorest of the poor have the first right on government resources.'

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The BJP's surprise announcement of a caste census in the next census has sparked political debate, particularly in Bihar where the issue of backward empowerment holds significant electoral weight. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by the ruling party to counter opposition efforts to mobilize support among disadvantaged sections of society. The decision is also viewed as a recognition of the growing influence of OBC politics in India.

Modi gears up for NDA 3.0, holds meet for 100-day agenda

Modi gears up for NDA 3.0, holds meet for 100-day agenda

Rediff.com2 Jun 2024

Government sources said Modi will also chair meetings to review the aftermath of the Cyclone Remal, especially in the north east region hit by natural disasters.

Pak will respond...: Gen Munir's first remark after escalating tension

Pak will respond...: Gen Munir's first remark after escalating tension

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, has warned that the country will respond with "full force" to preserve its "national prestige" and the wellbeing of its people if its sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated. He made the comments during a workshop on Balochistan, emphasizing that Pakistan seeks peace but will not tolerate threats to its security. General Munir also highlighted foreign-sponsored terrorism as a major threat to Balochistan's security and development, vowing to counter it with unwavering national unity.

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Trump couldn't care less anymore about the Israeli demand for Iran's 'de-nuclearisation' and 'de-militarisation.' Trump pins hopes on a grand bargain with Iran as a partner in America First, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The editorial came amidst the ongoing tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led Left Democratic Front government over the usage of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official functions being held in Raj Bhavan.

'US Taking Relations With Pakistan's Generals To A Very Dramatic Level'

'US Taking Relations With Pakistan's Generals To A Very Dramatic Level'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

'Trump's sons, and the son of Trump's Mideast envoy Steven Witkoff, are in the crypto business and recently signed deals with Pakistan's crypto council.' 'It may not be coincidental that not long before the Trump-Munir meeting, the head of Pakistan's crypto council met with Trump's White House crypto policy czar.'

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The 17 rare earth elements that are at the centre of the current crisis are critical components of everyday products -- from cars to jet engines to electronics like smartphones and flat-screen TVs.

French league's anti-homophobia initiative turns ugly

French league's anti-homophobia initiative turns ugly

Rediff.com19 May 2025

What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Went too far: Musk says he 'regrets' his posts about Trump

Went too far: Musk says he 'regrets' his posts about Trump

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Trump made it clear he had no plans to speak with Musk anytime soon, stating, "I'm too busy doing other things," and added, "I have no intention of speaking to him," NBC News reported.

I will apologise if...: Kamal Haasan on Kannada row

I will apologise if...: Kamal Haasan on Kannada row

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Kamal Haasan stoked a controversy during the audio launch event for his film Thug Life in Chennai, by remarking that Kannada was born out of Tamil.

2 absconding ISIS sleeper cell members held at Mumbai airport

2 absconding ISIS sleeper cell members held at Mumbai airport

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The two accused had been on the run for more than two years and also had non-bailable warrants issued against them by the NIA special court, Mumbai.

Cyber commando unit on home ministry's 100-day agenda

Cyber commando unit on home ministry's 100-day agenda

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

These "cyber commandos" will be different from personnel at cyber police stations and will work with local administration to tackle cyber threats.

Nadal touched by presence of great rivals during tribute

Nadal touched by presence of great rivals during tribute

Rediff.com26 May 2025

'Novak is playing here, so it's easier. But Andy and Roger coming meant a lot to me because they represent a very important part of my tennis career.'

Govt approaches all parties to impeach cash row judge

Govt approaches all parties to impeach cash row judge

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday underlined the government's resolve to take all political parties on board in moving an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma, saying corruption in the judiciary cannot be approached through a 'political prism'.

India can engage in dialogue with Pakistan if...: Tharoor

India can engage in dialogue with Pakistan if...: Tharoor

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The problem in holding talks with Pakistan is not the language but finding a common vision for decency and peace, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Tuesday, stressing that New Delhi can engage in dialogue with Islamabad if it takes significant action against the infrastructure of terrorism that is visible everywhere in the country.

Parl panel seeks action against social media harming national interest

Parl panel seeks action against social media harming national interest

Rediff.com6 May 2025

A parliamentary panel has sought details from two key government ministries on actions planned against social media platforms and influencers who "seem to be working against national interest" following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The panel, headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has asked the ministries of Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology to provide details of any contemplated action to ban such platforms under the IT Act 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. However, a member of the panel, Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale, has denied receiving any communication related to the issue and claims that the chairperson cannot issue a statement without the approval of the committee.

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India will oppose the World Bank funding to Pakistan next month, arguing that Islamabad has used such funds in the past to procure arms and ammunitions. India previously lobbied against the IMF extending a USD 2.3 billion assistance to Pakistan earlier this month, presenting evidence of Pakistan's misuse of funds for military purposes. India feels that Pakistan has failed to act on terror emanating from its territory and has been diverting funds from multilateral agencies to buy arms and ammunition.

Indian Youth Spend More Time on Work

Indian Youth Spend More Time on Work

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

In 2019, out of the 1,440 minutes in a day, Indian youth spent 148 minutes on employment-related activities, which increased to 158 minutes in 2024.