News for 'Communities and Local Government'

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The theme for this year is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" echoes India's vision of global wellness.

After 20 yrs, Uddhav, Raj to reunite over Marathi push

After 20 yrs, Uddhav, Raj to reunite over Marathi push

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, estranged cousins and leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS respectively, will share a public stage after two decades to celebrate the Maharashtra government's decision to roll back the three-language policy in primary schools.

Return to Bengal if harassed in BJP states: Mamata to migrant workers

Return to Bengal if harassed in BJP states: Mamata to migrant workers

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims a Bengali-speaking woman and her child were threatened in Delhi after an alleged assault. She urges Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states to return to Bengal if harassed and questions the absence of central commissions in BJP-ruled states when atrocities occur.

'This will only increase panic between people and dogs'

'This will only increase panic between people and dogs'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR localities has sparked mixed reactions, with RWAs welcoming the move and animal rights activists raising concerns about implementation and potential harm.

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'There is a clear relationship between the Char Dham road widening and these landslides.' 'The situation has further worsened with the massive influx of tourists whose number are running into several lakhs per month.' 'No parameters have been laid down to control tourist inflow and the result is that the Char Dham yatra has seen a sharp escalation in accidents and loss of lives.'

16 held for illegal slaughter of cattle in Assam during Eid: Himanta

16 held for illegal slaughter of cattle in Assam during Eid: Himanta

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

People from the Hindu community blocked roads in Hojai during the day, alleging that some pieces of meat were thrown by miscreants on Saturday night, and while Muslims also held another roadblock and the police had to use batons to disperse protesters, a senior officer said.

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The Bihar government has formed a state-level task force to monitor actions taken by authorities to prevent and eradicate child marriages in the state. Bihar has the second-highest rate of child marriage in India, with 40.8% of women getting married before turning 18. The government is implementing a multipronged strategy to combat child marriage, including stricter enforcement of the law, empowering girls through education, and raising awareness.

Tourist hub Matheran shuts down indefinitely. Here's why

Tourist hub Matheran shuts down indefinitely. Here's why

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The move has come after an organization 'Matheran Paryatan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti' (Save Matheran Tourism Struggle Committee) has called for the indefinite bandh due to growing menace of horse owners operating in the hill station.

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.

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'The nuns were subjected to abusive language and all types of mental torture.'

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Police detained MNS leader Avinash Jadhav ahead of a rally planned in Thane to counter a protest staged by traders against the slapping of a food stall owner for not speaking in Marathi.

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Expressing sorrow over the incident, Khandre immediately ordered an investigation into the matter, which will be led by a team under the principal chief conservator of forests.

Vadodara bridge collapse: One still missing, toll rises to 20

Vadodara bridge collapse: One still missing, toll rises to 20

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The death toll in the Mahisagar river bridge collapse in Gujarat's Vadodara district climbed to 19 on Friday after one of the injured persons succumbed to injuries at a hospital, officials said.

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'...they always address problems superficially, never tackling root causes.' 'Currently, the policy response will focus on immediate relief -- getting people to safety, providing facilities, clearing debris.' 'This is necessary, but once immediate relief operations end, everything returns to 'normal' without addressing underlying vulnerabilities.'

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

By naming a sworn swayamsevak for vice president, the Modi-Shah duo have sent out a clear and positive message to Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters is located, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Flash floods devastate Uttarkashi village; 4 killed, houses buried

Flash floods devastate Uttarkashi village; 4 killed, houses buried

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

A cloudburst in the high altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand led to flash floods, causing damage to houses and sweeping away structures. Several people are feared buried under debris.

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'When I undertook a study of temple desecration in precolonial India, it was not enough simply to document what temples were desecrated, by whom, when, and where.' 'It was also important to explore the total historical context of such incidents, with a view to discovering patterns, which in turn could reveal the reasons why they occurred.'

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

A study published in the journal Environment and Planning F has revealed that cameras and drones originally intended for conservation activities in Corbett National Park are being misused by local government officials and men to surveil women without consent. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, found that forest rangers intentionally flew drones over local women to scare them and prevent them from collecting natural resources, despite their legal right to do so. The researchers argue that these technologies, deployed under the guise of wildlife monitoring, are being used to intimidate and exert power over women, invading their privacy and altering their behavior in the forest. This has had a negative impact on women's mental health, with one woman interviewed for the study being killed in a tiger attack.

Tension escalates in Etawah after 'caste-based' tonsuring of preacher

Tension escalates in Etawah after 'caste-based' tonsuring of preacher

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Days after the alleged caste-based tonsuring of a Bhagwat Katha preacher and his aide in Etawah's Dandarpur village, tensions escalated on Thursday as members of Yadav groups staged protests demanding the arrest of all accused and withdrawal of the case registered against the victims.

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that there are currently over 10,000 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails. The Ministry of External Affairs shared country-wise data, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the highest number of Indian prisoners. The government has assured that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and provides consular assistance, legal aid, and financial support to those imprisoned.

For How Long Will Nitish Hold The Fort?

For How Long Will Nitish Hold The Fort?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Now it's all jibes about his chameleon-like politics and fading grip on the administration. But there was a time Nitish had the BJP trembling in the state, points out Aditi Phadnis.

1 dead in clashes after Hindu leader's arrest in Bangladesh

1 dead in clashes after Hindu leader's arrest in Bangladesh

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

A lawyer was killed on Tuesday during clashes between the security personnel and followers of a Hindu community leader, who was denied bail and sent to jail by a court in the port city of Chattogram in Bangladesh, police said.

Hundreds evacuated from LoC, border in J-K

Hundreds evacuated from LoC, border in J-K

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Hundreds of residents along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir were evacuated to safer zones after Pakistani shelling following Indian airstrikes on terror targets in Pakistan. The shelling killed 12 people, including four children and two women, and injured over 50. The evacuations come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. The government has provided temporary shelter for those evacuated.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

Everest climbing fees hiked to tackle trash crisis

Everest climbing fees hiked to tackle trash crisis

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Nepal has sharply increased permit fees for climbing Mount Everest by 36 per cent and also introduced a slew of measures aimed at controlling garbage pollution on the world's tallest peak, officials said.

Smile never returned: Bengal's Jhalda mourns IB officer lost in Pahalgam

Smile never returned: Bengal's Jhalda mourns IB officer lost in Pahalgam

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A retired school headmaster from Jhalda, West Bengal, mourned the loss of his 33-year-old son, an Intelligence Bureau officer, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The incident sparked outrage and calls for justice as families and political leaders expressed grief and condemned the attack. The victims' families recounted the horrifying details of the attack and praised the courage of a local taxi driver who rescued survivors and provided support.

History In Minutes Panshet Dam Burst: Remembering 1,000 Deaths In Pune

History In Minutes Panshet Dam Burst: Remembering 1,000 Deaths In Pune

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

64 years after the Panshet Dam burst claimed 1,000 lives, the tragedy stands as both a haunting memory and a vital lesson in engineering caution.

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'The Election Commission is conducting the National Register of Citizens in Bihar through the backdoor.'

Independent countries...: Kanimozhi on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

Independent countries...: Kanimozhi on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

Rediff.com25 May 2025

The delegation will now head to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, where they are expected to arrive on Sunday. Member of the delegation, Brijesh Chowta left earlier for Ljubljana.

England will not boycott Afghanistan match at Champions Trophy

England will not boycott Afghanistan match at Champions Trophy

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Last month, a group of British lawmakers urged England to boycott the Champions Trophy group stage match against Afghanistan.

OpenAI says India poised to be AI talent powerhouse

OpenAI says India poised to be AI talent powerhouse

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

India has always led in developer talent and now has a strong opportunity to lead in AI talent, OpenAI Global Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Jason Kwon said on Thursday as the ChatGPT-maker launched OpenAI Academy in partnership with IndiaAI Mission.

Why Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha is angry with Piyush Goyal

Why Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha is angry with Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's scathing remarks on Indian startup ecosystem and its innovation priorities have drawn sharp reaction from the industry, with Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha putting up a strong defence citing the company's contribution to jobs, FDI and terming it a "miracle in Indian innovation".

HC grants bail to student held over Op Sindoor post; slams govt, college

HC grants bail to student held over Op Sindoor post; slams govt, college

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for arresting a 19-year-old student from Pune for her social media post on Indo-Pak hostilities, calling its reaction "radical." The court granted the student bail and said the state's actions were unwarranted and had turned a student into a criminal. The court also questioned the conduct of the college for rusticating the student, stating that an educational institution's approach should be to reform, not punish. The student had reposted a post on Instagram that criticized the Indian government for provoking a war against Pakistan, but she later deleted the post and apologized for her actions. The college, however, deemed the post to be anti-national and expelled the student. The court emphasized that mistakes are bound to happen, especially at a young age, and urged the college to focus on reforming students rather than punishing them.

Manipur BJP leader's house torched for supporting Waqf Act

Manipur BJP leader's house torched for supporting Waqf Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The house of the BJP Minority Morcha's Manipur president, Asker Ali, was set on fire by a mob allegedly for supporting the Waqf Amendment Act. The incident happened at Lilong in Thoubal district on Sunday night. Ali had expressed his support for the Act on social media on Saturday. An irate mob gathered outside his residence around 9 pm, vandalised it and later set it on fire. Following the incident, Ali posted a video on social media, apologising for his earlier statement. He also expressed opposition to the Act.

BJP plans massive outreach to gain Dalit votes in Delhi

BJP plans massive outreach to gain Dalit votes in Delhi

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The BJP is hopeful of improving its performance in Dalit-dominated constituencies in Delhi ahead of the February 5 assembly polls, following a sustained outreach campaign. The party failed to win any of the 12 SC reserved constituencies in the 2015 and 2020 elections. The party has been out of power in the city since 1998.

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

Rediff.com3 May 2025

At least six people were killed and 30 injured in a stampede during a temple festival in North Goa, India. The incident occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km from Panaji, as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual festival.

'Every Indian Is A Potential Illegal Immigrant'

'Every Indian Is A Potential Illegal Immigrant'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

'The long term strategy is that this government wants to create a second class citizen list.'

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'If this is true, the Election Commission should come forward with data and officially confirm it.'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

Afghanistan players in tricky situation over boycott calls, says coach

Afghanistan players in tricky situation over boycott calls, says coach

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

'I can see the world's concern. I am concerned. I have daughters who play cricket.'