News for 'Civil Society'

Treating stray dogs with cruelty, hate not acceptable: HC

Treating stray dogs with cruelty, hate not acceptable: HC

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

"These animals are also living beings and a part of our society...we have to take care of them," the court added.

Kukis, Meiteis hold separate protests across Manipur

Kukis, Meiteis hold separate protests across Manipur

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Kuki-Zo Council called for a 13-hour shutdown in Manipur's hill areas on Tuesday, demanding an investigation into the death of 11 people in a clash with security forces in Jiribam. The shutdown, which began at 5 am, saw schools, markets, and public transport remain closed. Various Kuki-Zo organizations, including the Kuki Students' Organisation, the Zomi Students' Federation, and the Hmar Students' Association, demanded a probe into the incident, accusing the Central Reserve Police Force of "treacherous murder." The Hmar Village Volunteers, who were identified by the Kuki-Zo groups as the victims, condemned the incident and called for intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Scale of human rights abuses increased under Modi: US report

Scale of human rights abuses increased under Modi: US report

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

An independent United States Congressional research report has alleged that the scope and scale of human rights abuses in India has increased under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Uniform civil code is nothing but a deliberate attempt to...: Jamiat

Uniform civil code is nothing but a deliberate attempt to...: Jamiat

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

Tthe Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said it opposes the UCC as it is "totally against the religious freedom and fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens in Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution."

Decision on caste census unlikely in near future: Sidda minister

Decision on caste census unlikely in near future: Sidda minister

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi has stated that a decision on the Social and Educational Survey report, popularly referred to as caste census, is unlikely in the near future and may take up to a year due to the complexities involved. He expressed concerns that any missteps in addressing the concerns raised by various castes over the report could cause problems for the ruling Congress party in the future. The cabinet is scheduled to take up the matter again on May 2.

Lessons For Start Ups From UPI Success Story

Lessons For Start Ups From UPI Success Story

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Isn't there something significant in the UPI example for all of us to learn from and execute to enable world-scale success for our startups?, asks Ajit Balakrishnan.

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.

Law panel gets 8.5 lakh replies on Uniform Civil Code in just 2 weeks

Law panel gets 8.5 lakh replies on Uniform Civil Code in just 2 weeks

Rediff.com28 Jun 2023

The Law Commission had on June 14 invited views from all stakeholders, including people and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.

Manipur unrest: Security tightened in Mizoram ahead of Mizo groups' protests

Manipur unrest: Security tightened in Mizoram ahead of Mizo groups' protests

Rediff.com23 Jul 2023

Mizoram's director general of police Anil Shukla held a high-level meeting on Sunday to assess the security arrangements, a statement said.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Rahul adamant on giving Cong chief post to a non-Gandhi

Rahul adamant on giving Cong chief post to a non-Gandhi

Rediff.com22 Aug 2022

At the same time, Sonia Gandhi does not want to hold the post due to health reasons and Rahul wants a non-Gandhi should hold the post in place of Sonia.

Kuki-Meitei-Naga MLAs meet in Delhi but no Amit Shah or Biren Singh

Kuki-Meitei-Naga MLAs meet in Delhi but no Amit Shah or Biren Singh

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Around 20 MLAs belonging to the warring Meitei and Kuki communities of Manipur met in New Delhi on Tuesday for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in the northeastern state 17 months ago, in a bid to hammer out a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.

Rahul visits relief camps, meets guv in violence-hit Manipur

Rahul visits relief camps, meets guv in violence-hit Manipur

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

On Thursday, he had visited relief camps in Churachandpur, one of the worst affected towns in the ethnic rioting, which has plagued the northeastern state for the last two months.

U'khand CM promises Uniform Civil Code if re-elected

U'khand CM promises Uniform Civil Code if re-elected

Rediff.com12 Feb 2022

The panel will comprise legal experts, retired people, intellectuals and other stakeholders, the chief minister announced on the last day of campaigning for the 70 assembly seats in the state going to polls on February 14.

Law panel extends deadline for feedback on Uniform Civil Code till July 28

Law panel extends deadline for feedback on Uniform Civil Code till July 28

Rediff.com14 Jul 2023

The Law Commission said it values the input of all stakeholders and aims to create an "inclusive environment that encourages active engagement".

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The BJP government in Gujarat has formed a five-member committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to assess the need for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and to draft a bill for the same. The committee will submit its report within 45 days. The decision has sparked debate with the Opposition claiming it is an attempt to divert attention from pressing issues ahead of the upcoming local body polls, while the government insists the UCC will protect the rights of tribal communities. The committee will consult with religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community.

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.

Internet shutdowns cost $1.9 bn to India in Jan-Jun 2023

Internet shutdowns cost $1.9 bn to India in Jan-Jun 2023

Rediff.com29 Jun 2023

Internet shutdowns by law enforcement agencies like the one in Manipur and Punjab cost $1.9 billion to the Indian economy in the first half of 2023, a report said on Thursday. The shutdowns also led to a loss of nearly $118 million in foreign investment and triggered over 21,000 job losses, the global non-profit Internet Society said in its report 'Netloss'. The non-profit arrived at the financial impact of the shutdown going beyond the loss of output and included factors like change in the unemployment rate, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) lost, risks of future shutdowns, population in the working age etc.

Gulberg Society massacre: Lifer for 11 convicts

Gulberg Society massacre: Lifer for 11 convicts

Rediff.com17 Jun 2016

The court said it has decided to award imprisonment for life without any time frame to the 11, who have been convicted for murder, while requesting the state not to use its power to remit the sentence after 14 years of imprisonment.

BJP's Naqvi against order issued to eateries on Kanwar yatra route

BJP's Naqvi against order issued to eateries on Kanwar yatra route

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

In the backdrop of the Muzaffarnagar police's order asking eateries on the Kanwar yatra route to display their owners' names, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said it may spread the 'disease of untouchability'.

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.

At G7, India pledges to protect free speech

At G7, India pledges to protect free speech

Rediff.com28 Jun 2022

Leaders of the powerful G7 grouping and its five partner countries, including India, have said that they are committed to open public debate and the free flow of information online and offline while guarding the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors.

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.

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.

Saudi Arabia opens door to LGBTQ fans for World Cup

Saudi Arabia opens door to LGBTQ fans for World Cup

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid unit, said his country welcomes all visitors, including LGBTQ people and their bid to host the 48-team showpiece event has nothing to do with 'sportswashing' their human rights record.

Marco Review: Gore Fest

Marco Review: Gore Fest

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

The action entertainer Marco is a well shot, gnarly bloodfest that packs some lackluster thrills, notes Arjun Menon.

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.

'Blaming India Is Pakistan's Go-To Excuse'

'Blaming India Is Pakistan's Go-To Excuse'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Neither are Baloch insurgents capable of breaking up Pakistan, nor has Pakistan learned any lessons from the 1971 debacle that led to the country's dismemberment.'

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.

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

'They refuse to be transparent. They refuse to be accountable.'

Manipur: Houses of 4 more MLAs torched, indefinite curfew in Imphal Valley

Manipur: Houses of 4 more MLAs torched, indefinite curfew in Imphal Valley

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

The situation remained calm but tense in Manipur's Imphal Valley, where an indefinite curfew has been imposed and internet services suspended following violent protests after the discovery of the bodies of six persons, three women and children each, allegedly abducted and killed by militants in Jiribam.

'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 Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'It has the potential to sow seeds of furthering discord when the direction of the discourse is aimed at propagating the perceived supremacy of 'cultural nationalism' from a distant past over the prevailing dominance of 'Constitutional nationalism',' argues N Sathiya Moorthy.

What Can India Expect If Modi Returns?

What Can India Expect If Modi Returns?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

'The Opposition will continue to be attacked through misuse of agencies, civil society will be force-marched towards extinction and India's plummeting on global indices will continue.' 'Minorities and especially Muslims will continue to have open season declared on them. Institutions will continue their decline,' predicts Aakar Patel.

Jaishankar and Blinken hold talks on various issues

Jaishankar and Blinken hold talks on various issues

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

This is Blinken's first visit to India after assuming charge as the US Secretary of State and the third by a high-ranking Biden administration official after it came to power in January.

G20 Summit: 'We can only hope for the best'

G20 Summit: 'We can only hope for the best'

Rediff.com7 Sep 2023

Some diplomats feel India's role is not just minding the logistics, but also keeping the G20 agenda on track and "keeping everyone involved and informed".

'How Do You Get Justice For This Doctor?'

'How Do You Get Justice For This Doctor?'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

The anger and the anguish are on the rise. News of a botched-up post mortem, tampering of evidence, a hurried cremation has gone global, reports Payal Singh Mohanka from London.

Amit Shah calls all-party meet on Manipur on Saturday

Amit Shah calls all-party meet on Manipur on Saturday

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has convened an all-party meeting on June 24 in New Delhi to discuss the situation in Manipur which has witnessed sporadic violence since May 3.

Bengal's 3 stage, film icons return state honours over doc's murder

Bengal's 3 stage, film icons return state honours over doc's murder

Rediff.com4 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.

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.