News for 'Citizen Journalists'

Ruchira Gupta: The icon we called 'Kiddy'

Ruchira Gupta: The icon we called 'Kiddy'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2017

When Subir Roy met Ruchira Gupta at The Telegraph 35 years ago she was not quite 20 and not a graduate. Today she is the indomitable founder of Apne Aap, which has touched the lives of over 21,000 women who were victims of sex trafficking.

Lotus blooms in Rajini's hint of water politics

Lotus blooms in Rajini's hint of water politics

Rediff.com18 Feb 2019

Rajini's call may now force other political parties, including the DMK and the Congress, who are in alliance talks already, to come up with water proposals of their own in their poll manifesto. In a way, this may be a 'tactical victory' for Rajinikanth, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

Draft data protection bill provides for Rs 15 cr fine for violation

Draft data protection bill provides for Rs 15 cr fine for violation

Rediff.com28 Jul 2018

The report touches on variety of issues including consent, rights of children, data protection authority and right to recall data.

Why do we outrage so much about Padmavati?

Why do we outrage so much about Padmavati?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2017

'The mainstream media is alive with discussion of the rights and wrongs of the situation.' 'Mass immolation is being rediscovered as a worthy goal for young women, and we have also consoled ourselves at length with the reflection that Muslims Are Bad while Rajputs Are Good,' says Mihir S Sharma.

Imran Khan claims victory amid allegations of rigging

Imran Khan claims victory amid allegations of rigging

Rediff.com27 Jul 2018

A single party will need at least 137 of the directly elected seats to be able to form the government on its own.

Sheena Bora Case: Why was Indrani's voice recorded?

Sheena Bora Case: Why was Indrani's voice recorded?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2020

At the prison, both Ranjan and Manglik's cell phones were pressed into service by the CBI. Why the CBI didn't bring its own equipment seems a mystery... Ranjan's cell handset was given to Indrani and Manglik dialed it. Indrani then spoke and her speech, that emanated from the phone, via speaker mode, was recorded.

The role and power of Muslims in UP politics post 2017

The role and power of Muslims in UP politics post 2017

Rediff.com16 Mar 2017

'Compared to other social groups, managing the Muslim constituency has always been easier for the secularists.' 'Just some symbolic measures and window-dressing would keep the Muslim flock together.' 'Having been betrayed by all the supposedly 'secular' political parties, Muslims should turn into citizens without any ascriptive identity marks,'says Mohammad Sajjad.

Voices of dissent are only heard at lit fests these days

Voices of dissent are only heard at lit fests these days

Rediff.com31 Jan 2018

'Many of the biggest events at such lit fests have nothing to do with books or authors, but about current events and the changing nature of society,' points out Aakar Patel.

Why do TV channels play the divisive game?

Why do TV channels play the divisive game?

Rediff.com17 Oct 2018

'Embedded with the divisive regime, they administer heavy doses of the opium of religion and nationalism day in and day out,' observes Mohammad Sajjad.

Manipur, Meghalaya seek exemption from Citizenship Bill

Manipur, Meghalaya seek exemption from Citizenship Bill

Rediff.com11 Jan 2019

The BJP, which has two MLAs in the MDA government, backed the Cabinet decision.

Why dissent will become more difficult in India

Why dissent will become more difficult in India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2016

'These trends put at risk not only minorities or the media or some other out-of-favour group, they can and do concern everyone,' warns T N Ninan.

How ex Sebi chief Damodaran changed the way firms function

How ex Sebi chief Damodaran changed the way firms function

Rediff.com28 Jul 2015

NEDICT has also got in touch with companies, which will be limited to the role of 'donors'.

So, what's news?

So, what's news?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2014

Some 800 million or more Indians gaze at their mobile phones all day. Whoever can crack what's news on the mobile phone for them and their families, for a nominal payment of Rs 10 a month, is a winner, says Ajit Balakrishnan.

How its political promise is helping the Pheran stage a comeback

How its political promise is helping the Pheran stage a comeback

Rediff.com6 Feb 2018

What used to be confined to homes as a winter garment has become a political and cultural symbol, with most leaders and many citizens donning the long cloak at offices and their places of work, observes Athar Parvaiz.

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain dies, suicide suspected

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain dies, suicide suspected

Rediff.com8 Jun 2018

The TV personality's friend, French chef, Eric Ripert, found him unresponsive in his hotel room on Friday morning.

India will soon drag HSBC Geneva to court

India will soon drag HSBC Geneva to court

Rediff.com16 Feb 2015

The entire HSBC list features names of 1,668 Indians

US bugged EU computer networks, offices: Report

US bugged EU computer networks, offices: Report

Rediff.com1 Jul 2013

German magazine expose could have 'severe impact' on US-EU relations

They all had the same answer: 'Amazing'

They all had the same answer: 'Amazing'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2014

10 takeaways from Modi@Madison show

Swiss govt says HSBC list from 'stolen data'

Swiss govt says HSBC list from 'stolen data'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2015

Switzerland, long known as a place with unbreakable banking secrecy, has come under intense global pressure, including from India, to crack down on illicit fund flows.

Thailand votes peacefully amid opposition boycott

Thailand votes peacefully amid opposition boycott

Rediff.com2 Feb 2014

Thailand voted on Sunday under heavy security in violence-plagued snap elections amid boycott calls from the opposition, which forced cancellation of polls in 45 constituencies across the politically polarised country.

50 years later: The City of Dawn thrives

50 years later: The City of Dawn thrives

Rediff.com17 Mar 2018

Auroville just turned 50. Aurovilians who grew up in The experimental city speak of how their childhood was marked by a sense of openness and possibility.

Was Nirav Modi tipped off?

Was Nirav Modi tipped off?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2018

'It can't be a coincidence that he and his family, uncles and all, vanished from India only days before the scam was discovered.'

Rajdeep Sardesai: 'I have never been anti-Modi'

Rajdeep Sardesai: 'I have never been anti-Modi'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2014

On the eve of the release of his book, 2014: The election That Changed India, Rajdeep speaks candidly in an interview with Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com.

Had asked Sidhu to reconsider Pak visit, says Amarinder

Had asked Sidhu to reconsider Pak visit, says Amarinder

Rediff.com27 Nov 2018

Sidhu said that the corridor would promote peace and erase "enmity" between India and Pakistan and create infinite possibilities between them, including the resumption of cricket ties.

Will NGT call the Yamuna expert panel's bluff?

Will NGT call the Yamuna expert panel's bluff?

Rediff.com11 May 2017

The Art of Living case will go down as a test for environment activism in the country, notes M Rajaque Rahman.

Privatisation, India style

Privatisation, India style

Rediff.com8 May 2017

Over the years India's governments have turned several public goods into private ones, says T C A Srinivasa-Raghavan.

In life and death, Vajpayee's influence looms large over BJP

In life and death, Vajpayee's influence looms large over BJP

Rediff.com16 Aug 2018

Only on Wednesday, in his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Modi said he wants to resolve the Kashmir issue through Vajpayee's doctrine of "Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat" - a testimony to the former PM's lasting legacy.

Database State to Surveillance State

Database State to Surveillance State

Rediff.com31 Jan 2017

The plan of UID/Aadhaar-based surveillance does not end with the collection of fingerprints and iris scan, it goes quite beyond it and poses a lethal threat to the idea of India, says Gopal Krishna.

BSP war room is turning up the heat on BJP and SP

BSP war room is turning up the heat on BJP and SP

Rediff.com1 Mar 2017

Faceless Ambedkarite groups from across the country are running BSP's election war rooms, writes Archis Mohan.

Tried to protect Constitution, not just in letter but in spirit as well: Prez

Tried to protect Constitution, not just in letter but in spirit as well: Prez

Rediff.com23 Jul 2017

Members of Parliament on Sunday bid adieu to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee.

Can we believe the government's GDP figures?

Can we believe the government's GDP figures?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2016

With the government claiming that the economy has been growing robustly and the Opposition refuting these claims, the common man is none the wiser, says Rajeev Sharma.

Kashmir: Not reachable!

Kashmir: Not reachable!

Rediff.com21 Jul 2016

The suspension of mobile communication for the past 12 days in Kashmir amid strict curfew has put citizens in a desperate situation, says Athar Parvaiz.

But where is the heart to fight the Maoists?

But where is the heart to fight the Maoists?

Rediff.com29 May 2013

The State must stand as a solid tower of confidence to provide a guarantee of safety to its citizens and instill fear in the hearts of offenders. But where is that State, asks Tarun Vijay

Celebrating azaadi: Listening for the concern behind the complaint

Celebrating azaadi: Listening for the concern behind the complaint

Rediff.com10 May 2016

'We live in a time when hideous anger easily flares up, particularly on identity-related issues.' 'Often advocates of harmony and compassion fall victim to the same anger and end up hating the 'haters'!' 'This changes the moment we are able to turn the slanging match into a conversation.' 'More often than not you may find that there is agreement on a fundamental truth -- respect for the life and dignity of all.'

Modi to give Xi the personal touch in Ahmedabad

Modi to give Xi the personal touch in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com17 Sep 2014

Narendra Modi will turn 64, playing host to the visiting Chinese leader in Ahmedabad on Wednesday

Rajni or Kamal, who will take the plunge first?

Rajni or Kamal, who will take the plunge first?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2017

For Rajnikanth, who the BJP is wooing, politics looks more likely to happen in 2019, although his friend Kamalahaasan could afford to wait a little longer, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

Advertising: Another turn of the wheel due?

Advertising: Another turn of the wheel due?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2018

The world awaits a creative breakthrough for mobile phone ads, says Ajit Balakrishnan.

Sheena Bora Trial: And the SuperCop takes the stand

Sheena Bora Trial: And the SuperCop takes the stand

Rediff.com3 Jul 2018

Clusters of policemen and television journalists alertly anticipated the arrival of Mumbai's joint commissioner of police, who, it was confirmed by most people I asked, does not visit court often. No one could remember when they had last heard of Deven Bharti appearing as a witness in a murder trial.

Lessons from Gauri Lankesh's murder

Lessons from Gauri Lankesh's murder

Rediff.com21 Sep 2017

'Once you set up a tweet-storm of vilification, labelling individuals anti-nationals, traitors, blasphemous, and foreign agents, you are creating enough justification for somebody with a gun to kill, or for a mob to lynch,' warns Shekhar Gupta.

Why do fire extinguishers attract 28% GST?!

Why do fire extinguishers attract 28% GST?!

Rediff.com13 Nov 2017

'In a nation where safety standards are the lowest in the world, why make compliance expensive?' asks Aakar Patel.