News for 'Cultural House'

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Iran's representative in India, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, describes the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance as a state of 'no war, no peace,' calling for an immediate halt to the conflict and questioning the lack of pressure on the US and Israel to cease aggression.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a strong attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of appeasement politics, encouraging illegal immigration for votes, and leading the state into misrule and corruption.

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the TMC, accusing the party of looting West Bengal for 15 years, destroying the state's identity through corruption and infiltration, and turning Jadavpur University into a symbol of disorder.

Bihar MP's Comments On Women Spark Outrage

Bihar MP's Comments On Women Spark Outrage

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Bihar MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, has faced criticism for his controversial remarks regarding women's reservation in Parliament, with his comments sparking outrage and prompting a notice from the Bihar Women's Commission.

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

...is a way out, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War. What the indefinite extension produces is a prolonged condition of not-war-not-peace, in which oil markets cannot stabilise, Asian refineries cannot plan, European governments cannot stop subsidising consumption they cannot afford, and the next flashpoint -- a seized tanker, a miscalculated drone strike, a Truth Social post that claims too much -- is one news cycle away.

'Maoists Collapsed Like A House Of Cards'

'Maoists Collapsed Like A House Of Cards'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'For the remaining Maoist cadres, they shall soon confront one of two outcomes: Either surrender or face neutralisation.'

PM Modi Extends Congratulations to Thailand's Anutin Charnvirakul

PM Modi Extends Congratulations to Thailand's Anutin Charnvirakul

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anutin Charnvirakul on his re-election as the prime minister of Thailand, expressing his commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Thailand.

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The nepotism, corruption, bad governance and 15 years of rampant crime that has happened across West Bengal under her rule led to her ouster.'

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has announced a significant investment in sports infrastructure, with the goal of transforming the state into a sports hub and positioning Ahmedabad as a potential host city for the 2036 Olympic Games.

BJP Claims Pressure Forced Himachal Government to Reopen Chester Hills Probe

BJP Claims Pressure Forced Himachal Government to Reopen Chester Hills Probe

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered a fresh probe into alleged irregularities in the Chester Hills housing project following pressure from the BJP, who claim the government initially tried to suppress the case.

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has claimed victory for the state after the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha. Stalin criticised the Centre's handling of the Women's Reservation Bill and delimitation process, accusing the BJP of prioritising political gain over fairness and consultation.

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

'Vijay Is Not Accessible Even To His Parents'

'Vijay Is Not Accessible Even To His Parents'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'He is not accessible even to his family, his wife or his mother or his father. No one.' 'He has created a barrier so that nobody can go and talk to him.' 'This kind of a mentality is a big question mark in politics.'

13 killed in blast at fireworks unit ahead of Thrissur Pooram

13 killed in blast at fireworks unit ahead of Thrissur Pooram

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Thrissur, Kerala, has resulted in at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident occurred as the unit was preparing crackers for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival.

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which provides graded punishment for bodily harm to transgender persons, has been approved by the President of India. The bill has faced criticism from opposition MPs for excluding gays and lesbians and for the establishment of an authority to determine transgender status.

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called for collective efforts to restore the state's past glory, highlighting concerns over economic and educational indicators. His remarks coincided with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising him for allegedly 'abusing' her instead of extending New Year greetings.

PM Modi to Launch Semiconductor Plant, Development Projects in Gujarat

PM Modi to Launch Semiconductor Plant, Development Projects in Gujarat

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a semiconductor plant in Sanand, Gujarat, and launch multiple development projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore, marking a significant boost to India's semiconductor industry and infrastructure.

Adityanath Accuses TMC of Appeasement, Promises 'Double-Engine' Growth in Bengal

Adityanath Accuses TMC of Appeasement, Promises 'Double-Engine' Growth in Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, accusing it of appeasement policies and urging voters to elect a BJP government for inclusive governance and development.

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'

Why India is Poised to Lead in AI Enablement

Why India is Poised to Lead in AI Enablement

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Cognizant's Chief AI Officer, Babak Hodjat, highlights India's unique position in AI enablement due to its strong technology foundation and large pool of digitally skilled people. He emphasises the continued importance of developers in the age of AI and Cognizant's focus on becoming an 'AI builder' company.

71 Bihar Monuments Under ASI Care: Details Revealed

71 Bihar Monuments Under ASI Care: Details Revealed

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the maintenance of 71 monuments and archaeological sites of national importance in Bihar, according to information provided to Parliament.

Why India is Poised to Lead in AI Enablement

Why India is Poised to Lead in AI Enablement

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Cognizant's Chief AI Officer, Babak Hodjat, discusses India's unique position in AI enablement due to its strong technology foundation and skilled workforce, emphasising the continued importance of developers in the age of AI-generated code.

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general, has replaced a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing a move away from colonial influences and embracing Indian heritage.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Arunachal Pradesh Lawmakers Unite Against Racial Discrimination, Demand Stricter Laws

Arunachal Pradesh Lawmakers Unite Against Racial Discrimination, Demand Stricter Laws

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has strongly condemned racial discrimination against people from the Northeast and urged the central government to enact a stringent anti-racism law.

Iran vows revenge after killing of supreme leader Khamenei

Iran vows revenge after killing of supreme leader Khamenei

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday issued a formal address and said that the event is a moment of profound religious and historical consequence.

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

At Border Pillar 609 at Babliyan near Jaisalmer, the one thing that dominates the landscape is something entirely different, something central to our identity -- the Tiranga -- flying boldly above the blazing desert.

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The intriguing bit is that Trump is likely to attend the talks in Islamabad this weekend -- if he does, it will be the clearest signal yet that the US is ready to exit the war with some sort of win to show, since he cannot afford to go for the talks and return empty-handed, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War

Thailand: Always A Place To Return To

Thailand: Always A Place To Return To

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Discovering the stunning land of breathtaking temples.

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

How Shabana Azmi Celebrates Holi This Year

How Shabana Azmi Celebrates Holi This Year

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

'Javed (Akhtar) and I are inviting only very close friends for Holi this time.'

Sun TV vs CSK: Rajinikanth film music row reaches Madras High Court ahead of IPL

Sun TV vs CSK: Rajinikanth film music row reaches Madras High Court ahead of IPL

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Sun TV Network has sued Chennai Super Kings in the Madras High Court for allegedly using songs and dialogues from Rajinikanth films Jailer, Jailer 2 and Coolie in IPL promotional content without permission, seeking 1 crore in damages.

My Mother, Asha Bhosle

My Mother, Asha Bhosle

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Asha Bhosle's only daughter Varsha Bhosle, who died in 2012, had penned this beautiful ode to her mother.

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji's statue to replace Lutyens' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the replacement of Edwin Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan with one of C Rajagopalachari, emphasizing a move away from colonial symbols and towards honoring Indian leaders.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Our government is committed to addressing it firmly while protecting the rights of genuine citizens.'

Trump celebrates Diwali at White House, wishes Modi

Trump celebrates Diwali at White House, wishes Modi

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

US President Donald Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and greeted him on Diwali, amid ongoing trade tensions between the two countries.