News for 'Civil Society'

INDIA parties spent too much time in...: CPI-ML chief

INDIA parties spent too much time in...: CPI-ML chief

Rediff.com22 Jun 2024

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) could have performed better in the recently-held Lok Sabha polls and perhaps, too much time was spent in reaching seat-sharing agreements, Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has said.

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

As a consequence of prominence given to the brutality during those few days, a very important aspect of that episode got almost glossed over. This was the intervention by a very significant section of people who restored faith in humanity, and conveyed the message that only a small section of Indians, that too politically backed, were consumed by anti-Sikh majoritarianism. The overlooked facet of the events of 1984 was the story of significant sections of the city's populace, public figures and nondescript ones, stepping out hand-in-hand, to first stand with little but bravery in hands, in the way of attackers, and thereafter to provide immediate relief to those who lives were uprooted and who lost family members in the violence, recalls Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

US envoy for democracy, human rights to visit India

US envoy for democracy, human rights to visit India

Rediff.com8 Jul 2023

In India, the Indian-American diplomat will also meet with senior government officials to discuss the deepening US-India partnership, the state department said in a release on Friday.

Nagaland cabinet to meet Amit Shah, NSCN-IM amid impasse over Naga talks

Nagaland cabinet to meet Amit Shah, NSCN-IM amid impasse over Naga talks

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

The Nagaland cabinet has decided to meet both the NSCN-IM and the Government of India to push for a resolution to the Naga political dialogue. This comes after the NSCN-IM threatened to return to the jungles due to delays in the resolution, and demanded third-party intervention. The Nagaland cabinet will meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to press for expediting the negotiations. The NSCN-IM has accused the Centre of refusing to honour key provisions of the Framework Agreement, specifically the recognition of the "Naga national flag and constitution." The state cabinet is also scheduled to meet with the NSCN-IM leadership before their trip to Delhi.

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

Shutdown hits normal life in Kuki areas of Manipur; no fresh violence

Shutdown hits normal life in Kuki areas of Manipur; no fresh violence

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Violence erupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district as Kuki-Zo groups protested a directive allowing free movement across the state. One protester was killed and over 40 others were injured in clashes with security forces. The protests were sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's order, which aimed to restore free movement across the state after ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.

Never faced political pressure from powers that be: CJI Chandrachud

Never faced political pressure from powers that be: CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

"We live lives which are relatively isolated from the political arm of the government -- but obviously judges have to be conversant with the impact of their decisions on the polity at large. That's not political pressure but an understanding by the court of the likely impact of a decision," CJI Chandrachud said in his address at the Oxford Union.

Uniform Civil Code can't be forced on people: Chidambaram

Uniform Civil Code can't be forced on people: Chidambaram

Rediff.com28 Jun 2023

The former Union minister claimed the prime minister was batting for UCC to divert people's attention from issues of unemployment, price rise and hate crimes.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Mood on the ground in Kashmir is against perpetrators

Mood on the ground in Kashmir is against perpetrators

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

The dastardly dimensions of the attack are gradually sinking in even as the Government of India announced its immediate diplomatic and other retaliatory measures. It is generally expected to be followed up with punitive military action across the LoC, sooner than later, observes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Brics likely to focus on closer energy partnerships among members

Brics likely to focus on closer energy partnerships among members

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

The 16th Brics Summit beginning Tuesday in Kazan, Russia, is expected to see more focus on creating a sharper energy policy for Brics that ensures closer partnership among members in both energy security and energy transition, official sources said. The same is expected to be a part of the Kazan declaration, currently being negotiated, they added.

EC 'Super Super Cautious' About Modi

EC 'Super Super Cautious' About Modi

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

The first time the Election Commission has taken cognisance of a model code of conduct complaint against a sitting prime minister.

Out on bail, history-sheeter rapes woman inside in Shivshahi bus in Pune

Out on bail, history-sheeter rapes woman inside in Shivshahi bus in Pune

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

According to the woman, as she was waiting for a bus for Phaltan in Satara district at one of the platforms around 5.45 am on Tuesday, a man approached her and engaged her in conversation, calling her 'Didi' (sister), and said the bus for Satara had arrived at another platform.

Is Modi's Authoritarianism Good For India?

Is Modi's Authoritarianism Good For India?

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

We need not spend much time going over what this government has done and is doing to the Opposition, by misusing the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. There is a daily update on that, notes Aakar Patel.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

Bengali theatre icon returns state award over doctor's murder

Bengali theatre icon returns state award over doctor's murder

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

Bandyopadhyay, eminent playwright and director, said in a statement that he is returning the award conferred on him earlier this year by the Paschimbanga Natya Akademi and the Rs 30,000 monetary grant.

Woman held for thrashing 87-year-old father-in-law in Mangaluru

Woman held for thrashing 87-year-old father-in-law in Mangaluru

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

The footage, which has swiftly gone viral, showcases an act of abuse that has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice among the civil society in Mangaluru.

'New Laws Are Shilanyas Of Hindu Rashtra'

'New Laws Are Shilanyas Of Hindu Rashtra'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

'It will be difficult to challenge Hindutva anymore as the police will have the power to charge you as anti-national.'

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.

RG Kar rape-murder case: Trial to begin on November 11

RG Kar rape-murder case: Trial to begin on November 11

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Eighty-seven days after the body of a woman medic was found at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a Kolkata court on Monday framed charges against the prime accused, Sanjay Roy.

Draft roadmap for first 100 days, next 5 yrs of new govt: Modi to ministers

Draft roadmap for first 100 days, next 5 yrs of new govt: Modi to ministers

Rediff.com17 Mar 2024

The Cabinet also initiated the process of notifying the dates of the seven-phase parliamentary elections by sending the Election Commission's recommendation to President Droupadi Murmu.

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, whose political influence has surged with the passage of time, on Monday was marked by bitter trading of charges between the ruling BJP and opposition parties as they fought for his legacy.

Modi brainstorms over 'Viksit Bharat 2047' in last meet with ministers

Modi brainstorms over 'Viksit Bharat 2047' in last meet with ministers

Rediff.com3 Mar 2024

Sources said a 100-day agenda for immediate steps to be taken after a new government is formed in May was deliberated upon during the meeting for its quick implementation.

India, EU hold human rights dialogue, agree to safeguard freedom of activists, journalists

India, EU hold human rights dialogue, agree to safeguard freedom of activists, journalists

Rediff.com15 Jul 2022

After a fresh round of human rights dialogue, India and the European Union on Friday concurred on the importance of safeguarding freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors, including human rights defenders and journalists.

Social media companies can rig elections, make any party win, says Rahul

Social media companies can rig elections, make any party win, says Rahul

Rediff.com16 Nov 2022

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that polls can be rigged through social media, and that if social media companies want, they can make any party win an election.

'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'

SC protects ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar from arrest till Feb 14

SC protects ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar from arrest till Feb 14

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, who is accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination. Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC civil services examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her.

More Kuki outfits join Manipur poll boycott amid fresh violence

More Kuki outfits join Manipur poll boycott amid fresh violence

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

The Kukis have already declared that they are not fielding any candidate in the parliamentary polls as an act of boycott.

Uniform Civil Code: What Centre told SC last year

Uniform Civil Code: What Centre told SC last year

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

Citizens belonging to different religions and denominations follow different property and matrimonial laws which is 'an affront to the nation's unity', the Centre had said last year in its affidavit in the Supreme Court on the Uniform Civil Code matter.

Rahul reluctant, Sonia urges Gehlot to lead Congress

Rahul reluctant, Sonia urges Gehlot to lead Congress

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

Senior party leaders stressed that no one except the Gandhi family can hold the party together, the party will disintegrate and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should be given command after 2024.

Ghulam Nabi hints at quitting politics, says all parties divide people

Ghulam Nabi hints at quitting politics, says all parties divide people

Rediff.com21 Mar 2022

While stating that all political parties, including the Congress, create division amongst people, former Union Minister and G-23 member of Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad hinted at quitting politics to work for the civil society.

What If China, America Make Up?

What If China, America Make Up?

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Trump spoke approvingly of his recent telephone conversation with Xi Jinping. This could indicate the possibility of America and China reaching some level of tactical accommodation, which would not be good news for India, points out Ambassador Shyam Saran, a former foreign secretary.

Bengal guv opens 'Peace Home' for Sandeshkhali women

Bengal guv opens 'Peace Home' for Sandeshkhali women

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has also appealed to political parties and people from all walks of life to come together and organise a 'peace visit' to trouble-torn Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district to show solidarity with the aggrieved women.

Almost all pending ideological tasks completed: Amit Shah

Almost all pending ideological tasks completed: Amit Shah

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that the Narendra Modi government has "almost all" completed its ideological tasks, including the abrogation of Article 370, and will continue on the same path in its third tenure. Shah, a senior BJP leader, was speaking at the Hindu Spiritual & Service Fair in Gujarat, where he highlighted the government's achievements in areas such as the Ram Temple construction, abolition of triple talaq, and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand. He also emphasized the government's success in promoting Yoga internationally and repatriating stolen idols of Hindu deities. Shah lauded Hindu temples and organizations for their service to society, especially their contributions to education and healthcare for the poor.

'Rahul Has To Be More Ruthless'

'Rahul Has To Be More Ruthless'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

'I want to ask the Congress only one question: What is more important than election management in politics?'

Manipur: Amit Shah assures safe return to those displaced

Manipur: Amit Shah assures safe return to those displaced

Rediff.com1 Jun 2023

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a review meeting in Moreh town of Manipur on Wednesday to take stock of the security situation in the northeastern state which has been witnessing sporadic violence for nearly a month.

Sanjay Roy found guilty of raping, murdering RG Kar doctor

Sanjay Roy found guilty of raping, murdering RG Kar doctor

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

A Kolkata court on Saturday convicted prime accused Sanjay Roy of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, 162 days after the crime that sparked nationwide outrage and led to prolonged protests.

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer M G Devasahayam, who was one of the signatories to the representation on the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) and the vote-counting process, had filed an application with the poll panel under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, seeking details of the action taken on it.

Term of 22nd law panel to end, UCC report pending

Term of 22nd law panel to end, UCC report pending

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

The term of the 22nd Law Commission, which is without a chairperson for the past few months, ends Saturday with its key report on the uniform civil code still in works. The report prepared by the law panel on simultaneous elections is ready and is pending submission to the law ministry.

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'Granting the country's highest civilian honour to Prime Minister Modi was surprising as it indicated the government was going out of its way to have India as a close partner.'