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.

Civil society: Hidden persuader

Civil society: Hidden persuader

Rediff.com15 Feb 2003

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.com1 hour ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FCRA bill sent to JPC amid strong Oppn protests

FCRA bill sent to JPC amid strong Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has referred the contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a 31-member joint parliamentary committee for thorough scrutiny.

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.'

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'The anger among the PoK public is unlikely to subside against Pakistani State in the near future.'

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.

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.

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.

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has entered its 15th day, garnering support from AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, while a student leader from AISA was hospitalised after her condition turned critical.

Nothing to do with track 2 India-Pakistan dialogue: Govt

Nothing to do with track 2 India-Pakistan dialogue: Govt

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the Indian government has no involvement or official support for Track 2 discussions on India-Pakistan ties, even when retired Indian officials participate. He clarified that such participants speak in their personal capacities and do not represent the government's views, and New Delhi does not take cognisance of these private events.

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.

Lahore Event Commemorates Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Victims

Lahore Event Commemorates Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Victims

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Civil society members and lawyers in Lahore paid tribute to the victims of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre at an event held at the Lahore High Court.

31 of 38 Naga, Kuki hostages released in Manipur

31 of 38 Naga, Kuki hostages released in Manipur

Rediff.com15 May 2026

These people were taken to unknown areas after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on Wednesday, while a civilian was gunned down and his wife was wounded in Noney district.

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Stepping up attack against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to demand his resignation and exhorted students, farmers and civil society groups to join him at Jantar Mantar on June 28.

Lahore Event Honours Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Victims

Lahore Event Honours Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Victims

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Civil society members and lawyers in Lahore, Pakistan, commemorated the 107th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, paying tribute to the victims of the 1919 tragedy.

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

A derogatory 'cockroach' remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing inadvertently sparked a nationwide student movement, transforming an insult into a powerful symbol of protest that led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

'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.