News for 'Agenda'

Protesters set afire Mujibur Rahman's home in Dhaka during Hasina's address

Protesters set afire Mujibur Rahman's home in Dhaka during Hasina's address

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

A large group of protesters vandalized and set fire to the residence of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka during a live online address by his daughter and deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The incident occurred as Hasina was delivering a speech organized by the Awami League's now disbanded student wing Chhatra League, calling upon the countrymen to resist the current regime.

After The Oval Office Fracas, What Next For Ukraine?

After The Oval Office Fracas, What Next For Ukraine?

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Trump knows by now that the western narrative of Biden's war is a load of bullshit peppered with falsehoods and outright lies, and that the war erupted only out of the diabolic western plot to poke the bear, which got provoked finally and hit out, explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Despite warning, JNU students screen BBC documentary on Modi

Despite warning, JNU students screen BBC documentary on Modi

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) defied an advisory from the university administration and screened a banned BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The screening, organized by the Left-backed All India Students' Federation (AISF), was initially planned to be displayed on a projector but was moved to a laptop after security personnel allegedly damaged the projector. The university had warned of disciplinary measures for violating the advisory, which stated that the documentary could "disrupt communal harmony" on campus. The AISF and the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) condemned the advisory, calling it an attack on students' fundamental rights and alleging that the administration was attempting to stifle dissent and curb freedom of expression.

Will India Have A Peace Keeping Role In Ukraine?

Will India Have A Peace Keeping Role In Ukraine?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A peace keeping role for India is a distinct possibility. Indian military has both the numbers and experience to carry out this job, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Rishi Sunak joins Oxford, Stanford in academic roles

Rishi Sunak joins Oxford, Stanford in academic roles

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken on new academic roles at the University of Oxford and Stanford University, both alma maters of the Conservative Party member of Parliament. Sunak will join Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government as a member of the World Leaders Circle and a Distinguished Fellow, while at Stanford, he will be the William C Edwards Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution. Sunak expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to both institutions, highlighting their leading research in global challenges, economic policy, and technological advancements. He emphasized the significance of his education at both universities in shaping his life and career. The appointments have been welcomed by both institutions, with leaders praising Sunak's expertise and experience in global affairs and economic policy.

'The agenda is 'insurance for all by 2047''

'The agenda is 'insurance for all by 2047''

Rediff.com31 Dec 2023

'If you want it to grow well and serve the true needs of the economy, it needs a lot of freedom and flexibility, which comes in terms of the reform objective set by the regulator.'

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The real intention of the 'Tariff Man' (as Trump calls himself) may not even be to put the 'Tariff King' (as he describes India) on the mat with a knockout punch but to arm-twist the Indian leadership to agree to some multi-billion dollar mega arms deal, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

If you want to destroy...: India's envoy to Canada slams Trudeau

If you want to destroy...: India's envoy to Canada slams Trudeau

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

Evidence should have been shared first, but someone decided to stand in the Parliament and talk about a thing for which he himself has said there was 'no hard evidence'

Localised campaign helped BJP dislodge AAP from power

Localised campaign helped BJP dislodge AAP from power

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The BJP's hyper-local campaign targeting the AAP's loyal base among the poor, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's depiction of Delhi's ruling party as "AAP-da" (disaster), proved decisive in the Delhi assembly elections. This victory marks the end of a 26-year drought for the BJP in the national capital. The BJP's campaign highlighted perceived failures in governance and corruption allegations against the AAP, while emphasizing its own welfare schemes. The party's focus on local issues resonated with voters, particularly the middle class and poor who were disenchanted with the AAP's performance. This win is a major setback for the AAP and the INDIA bloc, which has been on a losing streak after its strong performance in the Lok Sabha elections.

New ICC chief Jay Shah to stay as BCCI secretary till December

New ICC chief Jay Shah to stay as BCCI secretary till December

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Jay Shah will not step down from his current role as BCCI Secretary during the upcoming AGM, as he is scheduled to assume his new position only from December 1.

Cong wants separate Constitution in Kashmir: Modi

Cong wants separate Constitution in Kashmir: Modi

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress and its allies of plotting to have a separate Constitution for Kashmir and working to restore Article 370. Addressing a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, Modi claimed the Congress is speaking the language of Pakistan and that every Indian wants only Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution in Kashmir. He also highlighted the BJP's fulfillment of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's wish by renaming Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emphasizing the Congress's opposition to the decision. Modi further contrasted the BJP's focus on national pride and development with the Congress's alleged support for Aurangzeb. He pointed out the BJP's achievements in granting classical language status to Marathi and attracting maximum FDI in Maharashtra after forming the Mahayuti government.

Jay Shah joins elite board shaping cricket's future

Jay Shah joins elite board shaping cricket's future

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

ICC chairperson Jay Shah has been inducted into the newly formed World Cricket Connects Advisory Board, an independent group that will discuss the future of cricket at the Lord's on June 7 and 8.

'AAP has become khaas from aam': Kailash Gahlot joins BJP

'AAP has become khaas from aam': Kailash Gahlot joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

He joined the BJP at its headquarters in the presence of Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva and national media head Anil Baluni among others.

He has damaged Indian football: Bhutia blasts AIFF chief

He has damaged Indian football: Bhutia blasts AIFF chief

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Should not entertain him, must be removed: Bhaichung Bhutia criticises AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey for corruption, mismanagement

Logjam over, Oppn agrees to let Parliament function

Logjam over, Oppn agrees to let Parliament function

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

The government and opposition parties on Monday reached an agreement to break the impasse in Parliament with dates announced for discussions on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

PDP chief Mehbooba will not contest J-K polls because...

PDP chief Mehbooba will not contest J-K polls because...

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Mehbooba Mufti said she will not contest the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that she would not be able to fulfil her party's agenda in the union territory set up even if she were to become the chief minister.

We can't take Modi-Trump personal ties for granted because...: Ex-envoys

We can't take Modi-Trump personal ties for granted because...: Ex-envoys

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

As Donald Trump registered a historic comeback in the US presidential election, many former Indian diplomats on Wednesday concurred that the India-US ties will "continue to grow" from strength to strength, even as some of them cautioned that Trump is "highly unpredictable" and New Delhi will have to "wait and watch" to see what position he adopts going forward.

Kejriwal trying to pressure us through allies: Delhi Cong chief

Kejriwal trying to pressure us through allies: Delhi Cong chief

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

With the Aam Aadmi Party facing 'anti-incumbency' in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal is 'panicking' and is trying to pressure the Congress through its partners but 'we are not going to make any kind of alliance' with his party, city Congress chief Devender Yadav said on Thursday.

Beware The American Deep State

Beware The American Deep State

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Do not underestimate the ingenuity of the Deep State in America to have its way. Keeping the guard down will be a catastrophic mistake on the part of the Delhi establishment. We could get hit when least expected. That's what happened in Bangladesh and Syria, warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Jolt to AAP as Gahlot resigns as Delhi transport minister, quits party

Jolt to AAP as Gahlot resigns as Delhi transport minister, quits party

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Kailash Gahlot, a senior leader and Delhi Transport Minister, has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), citing recent controversies facing the party and unfulfilled promises. Gahlot, the MLA from Najafgarh, tendered his resignation from the council of ministers and the party's primary membership. He alleged that the AAP was busy fighting for its own agenda instead of the people's rights, hindering basic services in Delhi.

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Delhi's crime rate against women stood at 144.4 in 2022 -- the highest among all states and Union Territories.

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'It was a disaster on his part to give an oral remark which allowed ascertainment of the religious character of places of worship.' 'This disrupted the social harmony of the country.'

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The time is ideal for a 'Dream Budget' akin to the 1991 reforms that sparked high growth and unlocked significant gains in productivity, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Banks urge RBI for boards' workload mgmt

Banks urge RBI for boards' workload mgmt

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Private sector bank board members have urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) top brass to consider workload management of the boards as they feel there are too many issues that go to the boards for approval and the situation becomes unmanageable at times. The views were conveyed to the regulator on Monday in a conference of directors of private sector bank boards on the theme "Transformative Governance Through Sound Boards". RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, deputy governors Swaminathan J and M Rajeshwar Rao, and other senior officials of the central bank participated in the conference.

Doctors Review: Marred By Chronic Melodrama

Doctors Review: Marred By Chronic Melodrama

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Doctors has soap opera level of plot developments that veer off to melodrama and struggle to keep you engaged, observes Mayur Sanap.

How Can India Deal With Trump 2.0?

How Can India Deal With Trump 2.0?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

It would be a challenge to India's policy makers how to deal with Trump so that mutual economic growth remains sustained and mutual understanding on global issues are not hampered, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

'We Have Begged For Justice'

'We Have Begged For Justice'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'Justice may or may not happen, but who are those people who did this to her?' 'If the hospital authorities had helped us that day, or the police, then the real culprits would have been caught.' 'Getting justice for my daughter is my goal now and I want the CM to remember that.'

Jaishankar, Rubio Meet At Quad Mini-Summit

Jaishankar, Rubio Meet At Quad Mini-Summit

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Soon after he was sworn in by Vice President J D Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Penny Wong from Australia and Japan's Iwaya Takeshi for his first multilateral meeting as the top American diplomat.

'Only one point agenda should be Indian cricket'

'Only one point agenda should be Indian cricket'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2023

'And how we can take Indian cricket forward, that's the only aim anybody should have.'

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The first and most basic responsibility of any government is to protect its people from external threats and internal harm.' 'Budget 2025-2026 has to focus on meeting this responsibility,' asserts R Jagannathan.

Focus On 26 EV Launches, Charging Infra At Auto Expo

Focus On 26 EV Launches, Charging Infra At Auto Expo

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

With nearly 100 launches and unveils, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held in Delhi from January 17 to 22, made one thing clear to automobile enthusiasts: Electric vehicles (EVs) are the way ahead for the Indian auto market for years to come.

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

Why is Uddhav Sena reviving its hardcore Hindutva stance?

Why is Uddhav Sena reviving its hardcore Hindutva stance?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has shifted its focus back to Hindutva after suffering significant losses in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections. The party has been vocal about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and has taken a stance to "protect" a Hanuman Temple in Mumbai. Observers say this move is an attempt to regain its core voter base and counter the BJP's narrative on Hindutva, ahead of the upcoming civic polls. Analysts believe the party's "secular" stand may not be effective in the BMC elections and that its return to Hindutva is a sign of frustration from electoral setbacks.

The Regret About This Budget Is...

The Regret About This Budget Is...

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'... that it once again shies away from renewing its commitment to strategic divestment,' points out A K Bhattacharya.

India in 'very good position' to listen to Russia, Ukraine: German envoy

India in 'very good position' to listen to Russia, Ukraine: German envoy

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Though he does not know what New Delhi is intending to do, Berlin would "welcome any engagement", he added.

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have ignited political debate in West Bengal, with the ruling TMC and opposition BJP utilizing the issue to advance their respective agendas. While the TMC emphasizes communal harmony and calls for international intervention, the BJP criticizes the TMC's inaction and links the situation to its push for the Citizenship Amendment Act. The issue has also brought other opposition parties into the fray, with all sides highlighting the interconnectedness of the region's socio-political fabric.

One nation, one election bill likely to be tabled in LS today

One nation, one election bill likely to be tabled in LS today

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The Indian Parliament will introduce a constitutional amendment bill on Tuesday that seeks to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. The bill, popularly known as "one nation, one election", will be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and is likely to be referred to a joint committee of both houses for wider consultations. The bill also aims to align elections in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the NCT of Delhi. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the idea of reducing election-related expenses and others expressing concerns about its impact on democratic processes.

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'Modi's intention was to create goodwill that will allow India to be seen by Trump as more than just a bad tariff problem.' 'He succeeded brilliantly on that count but none of these wins are unfortunately permanent.' 'Modi will have to do this again and again if Trump's grievances are to be durably assuaged.'

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Following the lacklustre growth numbers in the second quarter (Q2FY25), economists believe the upcoming Union Budget for 2025-26 should focus on reforms that will stimulate consumption, manufacturing and spur employment. India's growth unexpectedly slowed to 5.4 per cent in the second quarter, due to low capital formation, weak consumption, besides adverse weather impact.

Chaos prevails in J-K assembly, BJP MLAs marshalled out

Chaos prevails in J-K assembly, BJP MLAs marshalled out

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Ruckus prevailed in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly for the third day on Friday as Bharatiya Janata Party members protested over the special status resolution, leading the speaker to marshal out 12 opposition MLAs and Langate legislator Sheikh Khurshid.