News for 'Civil Society'

Army conspiring to restore monarchy: Nepal civil society

Army conspiring to restore monarchy: Nepal civil society

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

A civil society alliance in Nepal has alleged a conspiracy to restore the monarchy, even as political parleys for a transitional government continue.

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Union government has deferred census operations in Manipur, originally scheduled to begin on September 1, following persistent demands from civil society organisations for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address concerns about demographic changes due to alleged illegal immigration.

Civil society: Hidden persuader

Civil society: Hidden persuader

Rediff.com15 Feb 2003

Will JD-U Blink On UCC In Bihar?

Will JD-U Blink On UCC In Bihar?

Rediff.com5 days ago

'Nitishji as CM never supported the UCC and publicly expressed his strong reservations over UCC.'

Bhushan CD: Amar, civil society trade charges

Bhushan CD: Amar, civil society trade charges

Rediff.com21 Apr 2011

While Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh demanded resignation of father-son duo Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan from the Lokpal Bill drafting committee, the civil society members raised doubts over the forensic test report.

Delimitation panel meets citizens, civil society groups in Srinagar

Delimitation panel meets citizens, civil society groups in Srinagar

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

Scores of individuals and groups including from many political parties, and Panchayati Raj Institutions members, met the commission.

Census Brings Meiteis, Nagas Closer, Puts Kukis On Edge

Census Brings Meiteis, Nagas Closer, Puts Kukis On Edge

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Amidst ongoing ethnic tensions, a new political alignment in Manipur sees Meitei and Naga groups uniting to demand an update to the National Register of Citizens with a 1951 base year, a move fiercely opposed by Kuki-Zo communities who fear it will disenfranchise them.

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by India, to designate November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to combat this harmful practice, which disproportionately affects women and girls, hindering their education, health, and overall human rights.

Indian envoy defends FCRA bill after US lawmaker flags concerns

Indian envoy defends FCRA bill after US lawmaker flags concerns

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has clarified that the recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are primarily aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring accountability in foreign financial flows.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Let's thrash out issues on Lokpal: Civil society

Let's thrash out issues on Lokpal: Civil society

Rediff.com1 Jun 2011

As serious differences over various provisions marred the drafting of the Lokpal Bill, civil society members on Wednesday invited government nominees for a public debate on contentious issues, which could be telecast live on TV.

Maoists being encouraged by civil society: WB guv

Maoists being encouraged by civil society: WB guv

Rediff.com21 Jan 2011

Maoists were getting encouragement from civil society and support of well-minded citizens was required to stem the menace, West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan said on Friday."The Maoists are getting the upper hand in people's mind because they are getting encouragement from a section of civil society," Narayanan said. "We need the support of well minded citizens so that matters don't go out of control," he said.

No consensus between govt, civil society on Lokpal

No consensus between govt, civil society on Lokpal

Rediff.com15 Jun 2011

Talks between the government and Anna Hazare-led civil society failed to make any headway on Wednesday and the two sides have agreed to meet again on June 20 and 21 to bridge "strong divergence" of opinion.

Manipur groups demand NRC update ahead of Census 2027

Manipur groups demand NRC update ahead of Census 2027

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Fourteen civil society organisations from Manipur have urged the Centre to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state before the completion of Census 2027. They argue this is essential to address concerns over demographic changes and alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar, which they believe has altered the state's population profile.

Everyone deserves a voice in their govt, Blinken tells civil society

Everyone deserves a voice in their govt, Blinken tells civil society

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

All people deserve to have a voice in their government and be treated with respect no matter who they are, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday while noting that Indians and Americans believe in human dignity, in equality of opportunity, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and belief.

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A parliamentary committee is actively working to establish a mechanism for implementing the 'One Nation, One Election' reform, with its chairperson, PP Chaudhary, indicating that it could be fully operational by the 2029 general elections. Chaudhary highlighted that nearly 99 per cent of civil society stakeholders consulted have supported the proposal, which aims to mitigate an estimated Rs 7 lakh crore economic loss due to frequent polls.

Delimitation panel begins interaction with public, civil society in Jammu

Delimitation panel begins interaction with public, civil society in Jammu

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

It has met 20 such delegations and members of the public from Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Kathua and Doda districts.

Why Do Meitei Groups Want NRC Before the 2027 Census?

Why Do Meitei Groups Want NRC Before the 2027 Census?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A coalition of 14 Meitei civil society organisations in Manipur has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to implement a National Register of Citizens before the 2027 Census, arguing it is crucial for resolving the state's ongoing ethnic conflict and identifying 'illegal migrants'.

Govt's Lokpal draft vs civil society's version

Govt's Lokpal draft vs civil society's version

Rediff.com21 Jun 2011

Government and civil society exercise to work out an agreed draft of the Lokpal Bill ended in failure tonight after which Anna Hazare announced that he will go ahead with his fast from August 16 to "teach the government a lesson".

Civil societies emerge as new warfare areas, says Ajit Doval

Civil societies emerge as new warfare areas, says Ajit Doval

Rediff.com28 Oct 2021

National security advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday said the new areas of warfare have shifted from territorial frontiers to civil societies, adding that factors like people's health, their sense of well-being and security, and their perception of government impact the will of a nation.

Manipur violence: Kuki MLAs, civil society groups refuse talks with Biren govt

Manipur violence: Kuki MLAs, civil society groups refuse talks with Biren govt

Rediff.com18 May 2023

During the meeting, it was decided to hold consultations on a wider scale so as to arrive at a common political agenda with other groups, it said.

Assam Rifles files sedition case against Manipur civil society group

Assam Rifles files sedition case against Manipur civil society group

Rediff.com23 Jul 2023

A highly-placed defence source said a first information report was registered against COCOMI on July 10, after the outfit gave a call to people 'not to surrender weapons.'

Nilekani Panel Invites Exam Reform Suggestions

Nilekani Panel Invites Exam Reform Suggestions

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The task force's move to directly solicit views from students, parents and teachers marks a parallel effort to bring education stakeholders into the reform process.

Civil society to assist in probe against Dinkaran

Civil society to assist in probe against Dinkaran

Rediff.com18 May 2011

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a non-government organisation to assist the Rajya Sabha-appointed panel in its ongoing probe into the charges of corruption and judicial misconduct against Sikkim high court Chief Justice P D Dinakaran.

Nagaland churches body opposes compulsory 'Vande Mataram'

Nagaland churches body opposes compulsory 'Vande Mataram'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has voiced strong opposition to any directive making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, especially for Christians. They argue that patriotism should not be reduced to forced conformity and that India's constitutional values of liberty, pluralism, and freedom of conscience must be respected. The council also called for dialogue and sensitivity from state institutions.

Biden raised human rights, civil society, free press with Modi

Biden raised human rights, civil society, free press with Modi

Rediff.com10 Sep 2023

Biden told reporters in Hanoi in the Vietnamese capital that he also raised the importance of respecting human rights with Prime Minister Modi.

K'taka suspends two govt teachers for taking part in RSS route march

K'taka suspends two govt teachers for taking part in RSS route march

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Two government school teachers in Yadgir, Karnataka, have been suspended pending inquiry for participating in an RSS Patha Sanchalana. The Education Department cited violations of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which prohibit government employees from associating with political organisations or participating in agitations. The teachers argued their participation was outside working hours and cultural, but their explanations were rejected.

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Major General Faisal Naseer, infamously dubbed 'Dirty Harry' for his controversial tenure in the ISI, has been appointed national co-ordinator of Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Authority.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has launched an online petition urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address India's youth on critical issues like education, unemployment, and the rising cost of living during his Independence Day speech. This initiative follows CJP's successful 36-day agitation against NEET irregularities, which led to the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The CJP is now broadening its campaign with a nationwide "Kya Bolti Public" tour to gather youth views for a comprehensive Youth Reform Charter.

Manipur DGP Issues Stern Warning On Weapons, Misinformation

Manipur DGP Issues Stern Warning On Weapons, Misinformation

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Manipur's police chief, Mukesh Singh, has issued a stern warning against individuals taking the law into their own hands or firing at security forces, stating they will be dealt with strictly. He also highlighted efforts to recover looted weapons and combat social media misinformation.

Mamdani opposes RSS chief's Madison Square event, but can't stop it

Mamdani opposes RSS chief's Madison Square event, but can't stop it

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced his opposition to the upcoming event at Madison Square Garden where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora. Mamdani, however, noted that the city might lack jurisdiction to cancel the private event, which has also drawn protests from various interfaith and civil rights organisations.

Switzerland To Lead Global AI Governance Discussions In 2027

Switzerland To Lead Global AI Governance Discussions In 2027

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Switzerland will host the next global AI summit in June 2027 in Geneva, aiming to establish stable processes for AI governance and promote its responsible use. Building on previous summits, including one in New Delhi, the event will focus on AI as a driver of prosperity and human-centred innovation, bringing together governments, organisations, and civil society to address global challenges.

'Civil society group has right to form political party'

'Civil society group has right to form political party'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2012

In the wake of Team Anna stating that it is considering a political alternative, Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said the civil society group has every right to form a political party and nobody has the authority to prevent anybody from contesting the elections.

BJP vs civil society: Who won the battle?

BJP vs civil society: Who won the battle?

Rediff.com26 May 2016

When it came to dealing with the media and academia, it has been a roller coaster ride for the National Democratic Alliance, observes Nitin Sethi.

'Civil society has taken on the White man's burden'

'Civil society has taken on the White man's burden'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2012

'Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Delhi are the richest states in the country. Except Haryana and Punjab, the remaining states produce 40 to 90 per cent less than their food grain requirement. It is states like Punjab, Haryana and UP that are feeding these rich, food-deficit states,' says Pradeep Bhargava, thinker.

Hazare-led civil society under attack in Lok Sabha

Hazare-led civil society under attack in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com13 May 2012

Anna Hazare-led civil society on Sunday came under scathing attack in the Lok Sabha with Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad saying any design to target the Constitution and Parliament should be thwarted.

Civil society in law-making: 'Won't happen again'

Civil society in law-making: 'Won't happen again'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2011

After a not so pleasant experience of engaging with Anna Hazare's team in drafting of the Lokpal Bill, the government says that there will be no such experiment in the future.

Buying Property? Verify Title First

Buying Property? Verify Title First

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Examine the complete title chain to establish how the present owner acquired the property.

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee said the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content should include robust technology-enabled age-verification mechanisms, effective parental controls and suitable penalties for non-compliance.