News for 'Ashoka'

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna has been asked to resign after allegedly blaming his own Congress government for 'vote theft' in an Assembly segment. The issue sparked controversy and led to demands for clarification in the state assembly.

Bengaluru stampede: IPS officer reinstated; suspension termed mechanical

Bengaluru stampede: IPS officer reinstated; suspension termed mechanical

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has overturned the Karnataka government's suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, who was suspended following a fatal stampede at a stadium last month. The tribunal's decision could also lead to the reinstatement of other suspended officers.

The 18-Year-Old Taking Mental Health To Classrooms

The 18-Year-Old Taking Mental Health To Classrooms

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Vaikhari Sonawane tells us how she went from writing blogs about her therapy sessions to creating a nationwide student-led mental health network.

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Supreme Court would likely hear on Wednesday a plea of Ashoka University's faculty Ali Khan Mahmudabad against his arrest for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor.

Ashoka University founders step down from board after CBI probe

Ashoka University founders step down from board after CBI probe

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Ashoka University co-founders Vineet Gupta and Pranav Gupta, who were booked last week by the Central Bureau of Investigation in a Rs 1,600 crore fraud case, on Thursday stepped down from all boards and committees of the varsity.

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'At Keeladi, we have not come across any evidence for organised religion.'

Sidda clarifies 'no need for war' remark; BJP calls him 'Pakistan Ratna'

Sidda clarifies 'no need for war' remark; BJP calls him 'Pakistan Ratna'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clarified his remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, saying he did not call for no war with Pakistan, but emphasized that war should only be a last resort. His comments, which were played up by Pakistan media, have sparked criticism from the BJP, which accused him of acting like a "puppet" of an enemy nation.

Will fix lapses: Ashoka Univ on Mehta, Subramanian exits

Will fix lapses: Ashoka Univ on Mehta, Subramanian exits

Rediff.com21 Mar 2021

The university in Haryana's Sonipat became the centre of a controversy earlier this week, when Mehta, who had resigned as its vice chancellor two years back, chose to step down as professor, saying that the founders made it "abundantly clear" that his association with the institution was a "political liability".

Free speech suffered a blow: Rajan on Ashoka University exits

Free speech suffered a blow: Rajan on Ashoka University exits

Rediff.com20 Mar 2021

Free speech is the soul of a great university. By compromising on it, the founders have bartered away its soul, said Rajan.

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The BJP has vehemently criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, labeling it an "unconstitutional misadventure." The party has pledged to challenge the move in court and has vowed to oppose it at all levels. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress party has defended the reservation, arguing that it aligns with constitutional provisions. The issue has led to heated exchanges in the Karnataka Assembly, with both parties accusing each other of engaging in appeasement politics.

Lokayukta finds no evidence against Siddaramaiah, wife in MUDA case

Lokayukta finds no evidence against Siddaramaiah, wife in MUDA case

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Lokayukta police probing the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case on Wednesday said that the charges against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife Parvathi could not be proved for want of evidence.

Ruckus in K'taka assembly over 'honeytrap' scandal

Ruckus in K'taka assembly over 'honeytrap' scandal

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Marshals had to forcefully evict the BJP MLAs who had surrounded the Speaker's chair.

Why Study Abroad When You Can Study In India?

Why Study Abroad When You Can Study In India?

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'Indian private universities can provide world-class education at one fourth the cost, home comforts, and direct links to Indian and global industries.'

'Heartbreaking': Prez, PM, Rahul condole stampede deaths

'Heartbreaking': Prez, PM, Rahul condole stampede deaths

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress top leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday condoled the Bengaluru stampede deaths and the Bharatiya Janata Party asked the Congress government to own up responsibility for what it called the 'state-sponsored negligence'.

'Even God can't...': Shivakumar's statement sparks row

'Even God can't...': Shivakumar's statement sparks row

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that even God can't fix Bengaluru traffic in the next two or three years, has come under severe criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, with leader of opposition R Ashoka on Friday demanding that the former step down and make way for someone more capable if he is unable to take responsibility and address the city's traffic issues.

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The reality is that far from being friendless, India is better positioned in the world than at any point post-Cold War, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Like India's New Jersey? Or No?

Like India's New Jersey? Or No?

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The BCCI unveiled the fresh jersey on Wednesday, just ahead of the Champions Trophy, showcasing a prominent display of the Indian Tricolour.

Spying case: Police say many YouTube channels under scanner

Spying case: Police say many YouTube channels under scanner

Rediff.com21 May 2025

An operation was underway to find if more people were involved in espionage against India and several YouTube channels were under scrutiny, a top Haryana official said on Tuesday after five, including a Youtuber, were nabbed from the state for spying.

Tension in Bengaluru after miscreants attack cows, sever udders

Tension in Bengaluru after miscreants attack cows, sever udders

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Unidentified assailants attacked three cows in Bengaluru, severing their udders and sparking outrage in the Chamarajapet area. The incident has led to tension in the city, with the BJP calling for a 'Black Sankranti' if the government fails to take action against the perpetrators. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the police to investigate the case and take action against the culprits.

Posthumous Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra for J-K police bravehearts

Posthumous Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra for J-K police bravehearts

Rediff.com15 Aug 2021

Assistant Sub-Inspector Babu Ram and Constable Altaf Hussain Bhat of Jammu and Kashmir Police were on Saturday posthumously conferred with the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra awards respectively on the eve of the 75th Independence Day. While the Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry honour, Kirti Chakra is the second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.

Bling It On! India's T20 Champs Get Rings of Glory

Bling It On! India's T20 Champs Get Rings of Glory

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The BCCI honoured the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning Indian team with a special Champions Ring at its annual Naman Awards ceremony on February 1.

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Covid is growing milder with time but an occasional surge in cases is expected because the virus that causes it is now endemic and constantly evolving, say scientists while assuring that there is no cause for concern.

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Eighteen BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for disrupting the budget session and disrespecting the Speaker. The incident occurred on the last day of the budget session, when the opposition BJP MLAs staged a massive protest over the allocation of a four percent reservation to Muslims in public contracts. The MLAs climbed onto the podium where the Speaker's chair is situated and threw papers at him.

After Mehta, Arvind Subramanian also resigns from Ashoka University

After Mehta, Arvind Subramanian also resigns from Ashoka University

Rediff.com18 Mar 2021

Two days after political commentator Pratap Bhanu Mehta resigned as a professor from the Ashoka University, his colleague, economist Arvind Subramanian, put in his papers on Thursday and faculty members wrote to the vice chancellor expressing their deep anguish.

Professor Mahmudabad sent to judicial custody

Professor Mahmudabad sent to judicial custody

Rediff.com21 May 2025

A court in Sonipat on Tuesday remanded in judicial custody till May 27 Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the head of Ashoka University's political science department who was arrested for his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor, his lawyer said.

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker from a five-star hotel in Delhi following a brief scuffle. Chhoker, along with his sons, is accused of defrauding over 1,500 homebuyers and siphoning off over Rs 500 crore through their real-estate companies. The ED had been seeking Chhoker's presence in the investigation since May 2022. The politician was caught at the Grappa Bar of the Shangri-La hotel on Ashoka Road. He is currently in ED custody for six days.

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a Bill providing 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts, sparking protests from the opposition BJP. The Bill, which amends the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, aims to increase Muslim participation in government contracts valued up to Rs 2 crore for civil works and Rs 1 crore for goods and services. The BJP criticized the move as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in court.

Wrestling Federation of India to relocate office from Brij Bhushan's home

Wrestling Federation of India to relocate office from Brij Bhushan's home

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The Wrestling Federation of India said this was a temporary arrangement and the body will move to its new office in Connaught Place early next month.

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper and made a gesture by raising his hand at a police officer during a protest rally in Belagavi. The incident occurred when a group of people, allegedly BJP workers, attempted to disrupt his speech by displaying a black flag and shouting slogans. Siddaramaiah, visibly upset, summoned the police officer to the stage and instructed him to remove the disruptive individuals. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the CM and BJP leaders, with both sides accusing each other of disrupting rallies and resorting to violence.

2 detained in Bihar for carrying tricolour with 'crescent moon, star'

2 detained in Bihar for carrying tricolour with 'crescent moon, star'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

The flag was immediately seized by the police and two persons have been detained in connection with the case, police said.

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The accused, Syed Nasru, had cut the udders of the cows in Vinayakanagar of Chamarajpet in the wee hours of Sunday, they said.

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

A strong dust storm and gusty winds followed by rain hit Delhi-NCR on Friday evening, causing trees to be uprooted in several parts and leading to traffic congestion. Thunderstorms caused power disruptions in several parts of the city, primarily due to trees and branches falling on electricity cables. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, recommending people stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

WFI office back at tainted Brij Bhushan's house

WFI office back at tainted Brij Bhushan's house

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

However, according to the latest developments, the WFI have now returned to Brij Bhushan's house after their failure to get a new premise because of the ban imposed by the Sports Ministry.

HMPV: 2 cases detected in Maha; Centre asks states to step up surveillance

HMPV: 2 cases detected in Maha; Centre asks states to step up surveillance

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Indian government has advised states to intensify surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARI), following the detection of five human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country. The decision comes amidst reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China. The Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, chaired a virtual meeting with states and union territories to discuss the situation and public health measures. While there is no cause for public concern, the government is emphasizing the importance of preventive measures such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms.

Mob attacks Mysuru police station over social media post

Mob attacks Mysuru police station over social media post

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A mob attacked a police station in Mysuru, Karnataka, after a man was arrested for posting provocative religious content on social media. The mob demanded the accused be handed over to them and turned violent when police refused. Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse the crowd. The incident has led to tension in the city, with senior police officials rushing to the scene to restore order.

BJP claims Lokayukta clean chit to Bommai govt in 40% commission case

BJP claims Lokayukta clean chit to Bommai govt in 40% commission case

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

The BJP in Karnataka has claimed that the Lokayukta probe has cleared the party's previous government from 40 per cent commission charges, calling the allegations by the Congress "false". The BJP leaders claim that the allegations were part of the Congress' "tool kit" and were used during the 2023 Assembly polls to corner the then BJP government. However, the Congress government has stated that they have not yet seen the report and that acquittals happen due to a lack of evidence. The BJP has also alleged that the current Congress government is a "60 per cent commission government" and has cited several scams during their time in power.

Maternal deaths: Karnataka health minister 'ready to resign'

Maternal deaths: Karnataka health minister 'ready to resign'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Another maternal death has been reported at the Ballari Medical College and Research Centre (BMCRC), bringing the total number of such fatalities in the past month to five.

Congress moves to a new office after 47 years

Congress moves to a new office after 47 years

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Congress party has inaugurated its new headquarters, Indira Gandhi Bhawan, located at 9A, Kotla Road in Delhi. The new building, which was constructed during Sonia Gandhi's tenure as Congress chief, features modern facilities and reflects the party's forward-looking vision. The party will not vacate its current headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, which has been its home since 1978, and will continue to house some of its cells.

Sushmita Sen to play Ashoka's wife

Sushmita Sen to play Ashoka's wife

Rediff.com20 Mar 2006

Why do we honour Ashoka and not Tipu?

Why do we honour Ashoka and not Tipu?

Rediff.com18 Nov 2015

'Ashok the Great did not slaughter foreigners or Muslims when he conquered Kalinga. It was Oriya- speaking Hindus whom he butchered by the tens of thousands. But Ashok is called Great, and his lion emblem is the official symbol of the Republic of India.' 'Why do we honour Ashoka and not Tipu, when both men are accused of the same crime?' asks Aakar Patel.