News for 'Centre of Civil Society'

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Mahayuti govt conspired to shift C-295 facility to Gujarat: Cong

Mahayuti govt conspired to shift C-295 facility to Gujarat: Cong

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The Congress on Monday claimed that the Tata-Airbus C-295 aircraft facility inaugurated in Vadodara was earlier supposed to be set up in Nagpur and alleged that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions, the Centre and the Mahayuti dispensation have conspired to ensure the 'wholesale surrender' of Maharashtra's interests.

'Modi is most popular PM, still he had to change his 101 MPs'

'Modi is most popular PM, still he had to change his 101 MPs'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2024

'He had to change them because he recognises that even with his popularity....could lead to a problem. So, democracy has this way of offering corrections and telling the ruling party or the prime minister that you need to take some steps to compensate for excesses'

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'If his health was good he would have become CM again after polls.' 'Those who are with Nitish Babu today will remain with him till the elections to use his name for votes and would definitely play games with him after the polls.'

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

The Lady Judge Who Heads Gujarat UCC Panel

The Lady Judge Who Heads Gujarat UCC Panel

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

On the basis of her committee's report, the UCC in Uttarakhand established mandatory registration for marriages and live-in relationships, banned polygamy, and provided equal inheritance rights for women.

Uniform Civil Code draft ready to be submitted to Uttarakhand govt

Uniform Civil Code draft ready to be submitted to Uttarakhand govt

Rediff.com1 Jul 2023

Hours after Desai said that the draft is ready to be submitted to the state government, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the Uniform Civil Code will soon be implemented in Uttarakhand.

Was Centre sleeping till now, ask Oppn MPs on Manipur

Was Centre sleeping till now, ask Oppn MPs on Manipur

Rediff.com29 Jul 2023

'Everyone's voice must be heard. We will be talking to both Kukis and Meiteis'

Gujarat govt to form panel for implementing Uniform Civil Code

Gujarat govt to form panel for implementing Uniform Civil Code

Rediff.com29 Oct 2022

Earlier, the BJP governments in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh had announced implementation of the UCC in their states.

Mizo Voters Signal Change On Horizon

Mizo Voters Signal Change On Horizon

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

For the Mizo people, tribal and family identity are important. But so are jobs, farmers' access to markets, roads, and health facilities for a young population where drugs are a big affliction.

SC stays demolition of Adarsh society, asks Centre to take possession

SC stays demolition of Adarsh society, asks Centre to take possession

Rediff.com22 Jul 2016

The Centre gave an assurance to the court that the building would not be demolished.

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In Kerala's society, known for its high material standard of living, plunging into a state of having nothing overnight can be terrible for one's social standing and sense of self-esteem. Rehabilitation entails piecing a community back together after a disturbance and while its aim is noble, the act of reassembling will bring alive disparities and inequalities, explains Shyam G Menon.

Centre should start dialogue in J&K : Delegation

Centre should start dialogue in J&K : Delegation

Rediff.com4 Dec 2010

A delegation of members of Parliament and civil society members, who are on a "fact-finding" tour of Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday asked the Centre to start a dialogue process for resolution of Kashmir issue and include separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani in it.

LS polls: Why 'weapon drop boxes' are put in Manipur

LS polls: Why 'weapon drop boxes' are put in Manipur

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

In violence-hit Manipur, the general buzz associated with elections and the related paraphernalia of posters, banners and rallies are missing but it is the presence of these brown boxes with pictures of guns that is symbolic of the strife-ridden society struggling to return to normalcy.

Tomato price volatility exposes gaps in India's agriculture supply chain

Tomato price volatility exposes gaps in India's agriculture supply chain

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

Tomato prices have been on the boil for more than a month. Data from major cities show that the spike has been between 125 and 150 per cent at the wholesale level. Soaring vegetable prices, including tomatoes, pushed the retail inflation rate to a nine-month high of 5.49 per cent in September, according to government data. Though reports say prices are expected to come down in the next few weeks after supplies improve from Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, how long will the respite last is anybody's guess.

Manipur violence: Govt forms panel to initiate peace process

Manipur violence: Govt forms panel to initiate peace process

Rediff.com10 Jun 2023

The members of the peace committee include the chief minister, a few ministers, MPs, MLAs, leaders from different political parties and civil society groups.

SC asks Centre, Manipur to airdrop supplies to overcome blockades

SC asks Centre, Manipur to airdrop supplies to overcome blockades

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

As Manipur grapples with protracted ethnic strife, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre and the state government to ensure uninterrupted supply of basic commodities like food and medicines to people facing economic blockade in certain areas of the border state.

As tribal body seeks Prez rule, Meiteis urge PM not to talk to Kuki militants

As tribal body seeks Prez rule, Meiteis urge PM not to talk to Kuki militants

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

The Zomi-Kuki organisation also sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention for a permanent solution to the ongoing ethnic strife

'Character of services being changed': 82 ex-babus write to Prez

'Character of services being changed': 82 ex-babus write to Prez

Rediff.com25 May 2023

In an open letter, they appealed to her to convey their concerns to the Union government and caution them that the attempt to change the character of the civil services is fraught with extreme danger and will 'spell the death of the constitutional government in India'.

Will Uniform Civil Code Do Away With Hindu Undivided Family?

Will Uniform Civil Code Do Away With Hindu Undivided Family?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2023

The 21st Law Commission said the special status given to the entity of HUF was a 'so-called gift by the British', who could not comprehend the complex socioeconomic structure of Indian families. 'Now, this status is being used for the evasion of tax only,' it said.

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'While I would never wish for anyone to go through what we are, it has brought out the best in us by making each one of us a better version of ourselves.' 'Being courageous, fighting for freedom, taking the burden of responsibility to help each other...' 'I know hundreds and hundreds of examples where Ukrainians are risking their lives for complete strangers and it is only in moments like this that we truly understand what it means to be human.'

Karnataka home minister: If Prajwal doesn't return...

Karnataka home minister: If Prajwal doesn't return...

Rediff.com30 May 2024

Hours ahead of Janata Dal-Secular MP Prajwal Revanna's scheduled return from abroad to face the law over sexual abuse allegations, the Karnataka government on Thursday said the next course of action, such as cancellation of his passport, will follow if he fails to show up as promised.

Activists urge govt not to increase women's marriage age

Activists urge govt not to increase women's marriage age

Rediff.com25 Aug 2020

The government is considering revising the age of marriage of women and for that a task force has been formed.

Around 31 mn households demand work under MGNREGA in May

Around 31 mn households demand work under MGNREGA in May

Rediff.com1 Jun 2022

Around 31 million households have demanded work under the flagship MGNREGA in the month of May this year, which is almost 11 per cent more than the same period last year and much higher than the corresponding pre-Covid period, data sourced from the website showed today. In April 2022, around 23.26 million households have sought work under the scheme which as per the provisional data for May has risen to almost 31 million households. The April 2022 work demand was almost 11.15 per cent less than the corresponding period of April 2021.

'Modi-Yogi Rift Seems Only A Bogey'

'Modi-Yogi Rift Seems Only A Bogey'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

'There might be some internal tussles that can be expected between any two persons in any party.' 'But I do not see any tussle which might weaken the possibility of dictatorship.'

41 firms facing probe donated Rs 2,471 cr to BJP: Petitioners

41 firms facing probe donated Rs 2,471 cr to BJP: Petitioners

Rediff.com23 Mar 2024

Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, who appeared for the petitioners in the court, said at least 30 shell companies purchased electoral bonds worth over Rs 143 crore.

Why NGOs fear the Modi govt

Why NGOs fear the Modi govt

Rediff.com8 Oct 2020

'It is especially discouraging for young people in the development sector. I've noticed that many of them are actively considering other career options to escape this atmosphere.' Geetanjali Krishna reports.

Govt report on next-gen civil services stresses on tech in governance

Govt report on next-gen civil services stresses on tech in governance

Rediff.com14 Jun 2022

Governments need to proactively plan for attracting and retaining the next generation of talent for its civil services, an official report has said.

Ashok Gehlot: 'Magician' leaves centre stage in Rajasthan

Ashok Gehlot: 'Magician' leaves centre stage in Rajasthan

Rediff.com3 Dec 2023

"I sometimes think of leaving it, but the chief minister's post doesn't leave me," Ashok Gehlot famously said earlier this year, in part as a signal to the Congress top brass not to pick someone else for the job if the party wins the assembly polls.

5 held so far for attack on foreign students of Guj University over namaaz

5 held so far for attack on foreign students of Guj University over namaaz

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

The university has also directed security agencies to deploy ex-Army personnel to strengthen the security of its hostel blocks, the official said.

AIMPLB asks Centre to clarify stand on Muslims' places of worship

AIMPLB asks Centre to clarify stand on Muslims' places of worship

Rediff.com18 May 2022

'The courts should not dishearten the people that might end the hope of last justice'

Yunus takes oath as head of interim B'desh; says will rein in conspirators

Yunus takes oath as head of interim B'desh; says will rein in conspirators

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

Yunus, 84, was administered the oath of office by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at a ceremony at the presidential palace 'Bangabhaban'.

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.

Thousands take out rally to seek early solution to Naga issue

Thousands take out rally to seek early solution to Naga issue

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

Thousands of people joined a public rally organised by Nagaland People's Action Committee (NPAC) on Friday to demand an early solution to the Naga political issue.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

B'desh crisis: 'India should not focus only on one person and party'

B'desh crisis: 'India should not focus only on one person and party'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

'We should be mindful that the religious minority community in one country is the majority in another (and) so treatment of the minority community in our respective countries will be an important variable in our relationship'

SC raps Nagaland assembly for scrapping civic polls, says to follow law of land

SC raps Nagaland assembly for scrapping civic polls, says to follow law of land

Rediff.com18 May 2023

The apex court observed that it respects the local sentiments but asserted authorities cannot let the law of the land not prevail especially when there is nothing affecting the personal rights or personal laws.

Mizoram CM, ministers join rallies in state against violence in Manipur

Mizoram CM, ministers join rallies in state against violence in Manipur

Rediff.com25 Jul 2023

Chief Minister Zoramthanga, deputy CM Tawnluia, ministers, and MLAs of the state cutting across party lines took part in the massive protest rally in Aizawl.

Ulema's role crucial in countering extremism, radicalisation: Ajit Doval

Ulema's role crucial in countering extremism, radicalisation: Ajit Doval

Rediff.com29 Nov 2022

The ulema have a leading role in educating the people on the original tolerant and moderate principles of Islam and countering extremism with progressive ideas and thought, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said Tuesday.

Justice Khanna to take oath as CJI on Monday, Justice Chandrachud retires

Justice Khanna to take oath as CJI on Monday, Justice Chandrachud retires

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who has been part of several landmark Supreme Court judgements such as scrapping the electoral bonds scheme and upholding abrogation of Article 370, will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday.