News for 'Civil Society'

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hit out at the Opposition for initiating impeachment notices against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Allahabad high court's Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, saying 'whoever speaks the truth' is threatened in this way.

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.

Glorification of violence: India slams Canada over Khalistani float in parade

Glorification of violence: India slams Canada over Khalistani float in parade

Rediff.com8 May 2024

India also accused Canada of allowing "celebration and glorification" of violence, expressing concerns over the security of Indian diplomats in that country, and said it expects Ottawa to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear.

'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'.

The Menace Of Illegal Constructions

The Menace Of Illegal Constructions

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

As we brace for unprecedented rates of urbanisation, it is crucial to ensure that illegal constructions and unauthorised land use are curbed, asserts Amit Kapoor.

Kanwar Yatra order forces Muslim, Hindu dhaba owners to remove staff

Kanwar Yatra order forces Muslim, Hindu dhaba owners to remove staff

Rediff.com21 Jul 2024

A Muslim man used to work on the tandoor at my restaurant. But due to this issue, I asked him to leave. Because people can make an issue over it. We don't want such trouble here

UP asks eateries on kanwar yatra route to display owner names

UP asks eateries on kanwar yatra route to display owner names

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera called the order "state-sponsored bigotry".

'Did no wrong': Banned Manipuri actor stands her ground

'Did no wrong': Banned Manipuri actor stands her ground

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

The ban was imposed on her by civil society group Kangleipak Kanba Lup for taking part in the event held in Delhi, amid the ongoing violence in Manipur.

Fresh clashes in Imphal between RAF, riotous mob

Fresh clashes in Imphal between RAF, riotous mob

Rediff.com16 Jun 2023

Police used tear gas shells to disperse the mob as it was believed that it would target other properties.

1 dead in Aurangabad violence, 7 held for attack on police station

1 dead in Aurangabad violence, 7 held for attack on police station

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

Normalcy returned to the city, recently renamed as 'Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar', even as the government deployed five companies of the State Reserve Police Force as a precaution.

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.

Why India Can't Be A Modern, Civilised, Free Society

Why India Can't Be A Modern, Civilised, Free Society

Rediff.com15 Apr 2022

On such things as the meat ban and hijab ban, we are finding that elements that comprise the system are enthusiastic about denying people their rights. It says something awful about us as a society, asserts Aakar Patel.

We've got independence for the 2nd time: Muhammad Yunus

We've got independence for the 2nd time: Muhammad Yunus

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Muhammad Yunus on Thursday promised to deliver a government which assures safety to its citizens, as the Nobel laureate returned to the protest-torn Bangladesh from Paris to take oath as the head of the interim government following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

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.

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.

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

From bhikshus of Ashokan 3rd century BC and medieval Sufis to Oxfam, Omidyar and Soros now, non-State actors have any real power only when they work in conjunction with a real State, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

3 more killed in Manipur, Kuki groups lift blockade

3 more killed in Manipur, Kuki groups lift blockade

Rediff.com2 Jul 2023

The incident took place in Khoijumantabi village late on Saturday night when the 'village volunteers' were guarding the area in a makeshift bunker, a police officer said.

EC defers counting of votes in Mizoram to Monday

EC defers counting of votes in Mizoram to Monday

Rediff.com1 Dec 2023

The counting of votes in Mizoram will take place on December 4, a day after it was originally scheduled, the Election Commission said on Friday.

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.

'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.'

Something seriously wrong in our society: Mehbooba on Kathua rape

Something seriously wrong in our society: Mehbooba on Kathua rape

Rediff.com18 Apr 2018

Addressing the sixth convocation at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, the chief minister said the heinous act of the perpetrators "has shocked us as a society" and showed that the value system was facing a crisis.

'The Only Way We Can Stop Rapes...'

'The Only Way We Can Stop Rapes...'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

'Even if we have laws in place, which we must, we need a societal change.' 'Rather than telling our daughters that, "Listen, leave your house at so and so time, come back by so and so time," we must tell the men and boys that "Whatever point of time you encounter a woman in public space or wherever, you treat her with respect, dignity, and as an equal participant in these public spaces".'

Poonch deaths: Rajnath assures justice, asks Army to 'avoid mistakes'

Poonch deaths: Rajnath assures justice, asks Army to 'avoid mistakes'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday assured justice to the families of three civilians who were found dead last week after being allegedly picked up by the Army following an ambush on two of Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

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

Gene Hackman's 10 Must Watch Films On OTT

Gene Hackman's 10 Must Watch Films On OTT

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Gene Hackman had a long and rich career, playing leading and supporting roles in many Hollywood films.

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.

Baba's arrest is strangulation of democracy: Anna

Baba's arrest is strangulation of democracy: Anna

Rediff.com5 Jun 2011

Strongly condemning the police action against yoga guru Baba Ramdev, civil rights activist Anna Hazare termed it as "strangulation of democracy" and said civil society will launch protests throughout the country to "teach the government a lesson"

Last Chance For Congress Before Rigor Mortis Sets In

Last Chance For Congress Before Rigor Mortis Sets In

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

A flop Bharat Jodo Yatra could unleash more resignations from a party which under its current leadership is dying a slow death, warns Virendra Kapoor.

Clashes erupt as Rahul's yatra stopped from entering Guwahati

Clashes erupt as Rahul's yatra stopped from entering Guwahati

Rediff.com23 Jan 2024

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said earlier that the Yatra would not be allowed to enter Guwahati in order to avoid traffic jams.

Apple warns iPhone users of Pegasus-like spyware attacks

Apple warns iPhone users of Pegasus-like spyware attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

iPhone maker Apple has warned its users about ongoing Pegasus-like sophisticated spyware attacks that target a very small number of individuals often journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats.

Tripura violence: SC grants protection to 3 charged with UAPA

Tripura violence: SC grants protection to 3 charged with UAPA

Rediff.com18 Nov 2021

A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant also issued a notice to the Agartala police on the plea filed by advocates, Mukesh and Ansarul Haq, and journalist Shyam Meera Singh against lodging of the FIR.

US panel to hold hearing on religious freedom in India

US panel to hold hearing on religious freedom in India

Rediff.com15 Sep 2023

Coming on the heels of two successful bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden -- the Official State Visit of the Indian leader here in June and a bilateral meeting in New Delhi in September -- USCIRF in its announcement of the meeting said the Congressional hearing is on how the US government can work with the Indian government to address violations.

That messy compromise called Lokpal

That messy compromise called Lokpal

Rediff.com24 Jun 2011

The time has come for the government of the day to stop behaving like a supplicant before self-appointed representatives of civil society

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.

'Encroached by Pak Army', PoK temple seeks Indian help

'Encroached by Pak Army', PoK temple seeks Indian help

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

The Save Sharda Committee (SSC) in Bengaluru on Friday sought the help of the Indian government to remove the 'encroachment by the Pakistan Army' on the Sharda temple premises in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), in order to pave way for its restoration.

'Both groups are armed, with weapons they have looted'

'Both groups are armed, with weapons they have looted'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2023

'Who is the aggressor and who is the victim is not clear, each blames the other.'

Health minister suggests 'fully-vaccinated' stickers for families

Health minister suggests 'fully-vaccinated' stickers for families

Rediff.com16 Nov 2021

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday suggested that stickers for houses to notify completion of both doses of COVID-19 vaccines should be given to fully vaccinated families to encourage uptake of vaccine among the population.

'Modi will win with largest majority ever recorded'

'Modi will win with largest majority ever recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2024

Ron Somers, founder and CEO of India First Group and the former President of leading business advocacy group US-India Business Council said that when Lok Sabha election results are declared on June 4, "I believe that Narendra Modi will win Parliament by the largest majority ever recorded in the country's history.

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.

SC to hear review pleas on same-sex marriage verdict on Jan 9

SC to hear review pleas on same-sex marriage verdict on Jan 9

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court will consider review pleas challenging the October 2023 verdict that declined legal sanction to same-sex marriage. The review pleas will be heard in chambers on January 9, with Justice P S Narasimha being the only member of the original bench that delivered the verdict.