News for 'Culture Department'

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Delhi ministers are adopting measures like using public transport, electric vehicles, and virtual meetings to reduce fuel consumption and cut expenditure.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Storm caused Jabalpur cruise boat tragedy: MP minister

Storm caused Jabalpur cruise boat tragedy: MP minister

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh tourism minister blames a sudden storm for the cruise boat tragedy in Jabalpur, raising questions about safety checks and vessel fitness.

IPL 2026: How Punjab Kings' Dream Run Turned Into A Nightmare

IPL 2026: How Punjab Kings' Dream Run Turned Into A Nightmare

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Punjab Kings's downfall has been driven by poor fielding, repeated dropped catches, inconsistent bowling and the continued backing of out-of-form middle-order batters such as Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera, both of whom have struggled with both bat and fielding standards.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu Review: The Force Has Lost Its Spark!

Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu Review: The Force Has Lost Its Spark!

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Star Wars franchise as a whole has struggled creatively in recent years, and sadly, Grogu's cuteness alone is not enough to save the day, asserts Sreeju Sudhakaran.

IPL 2026: Cooper Connolly returns as Punjab Kings gear up for Delhi Capitals showdown

IPL 2026: Cooper Connolly returns as Punjab Kings gear up for Delhi Capitals showdown

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Young Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly is available for Punjab Kings' IPL clash against Delhi Capitals, confirmed spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule.

Explore India's Thanda Funda With 7 Delights

Explore India's Thanda Funda With 7 Delights

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

All about India's favorite summer beverage/dessert indulgences.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Second Edition of Rugby Premier League to be Held in Hyderabad

Second Edition of Rugby Premier League to be Held in Hyderabad

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28, featuring the Rugby 7s format and six franchises from the inaugural season.

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

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.

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's confidant to archnemesis

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's confidant to archnemesis

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari's rise within the BJP in West Bengal has been marked by strategic victories and relentless opposition to the TMC, culminating in his leadership role within the party's legislative wing.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.

Bhutan: Breathtakingly Beautiful!

Bhutan: Breathtakingly Beautiful!

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The first thing you notice about Bhutan is not the mountains, but the silence.

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.

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The Mahayuti alliance has released its manifesto for the upcoming Mumbai civic elections, promising technology-led governance, concessions for women, and addressing issues like illegal immigration and infrastructure.

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

An irate woman confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a BJP demonstration in Mumbai, blaming him for the traffic chaos caused by the protest over the women's reservation bill. The incident, captured on video, has sparked criticism of the BJP's protest tactics.

Traffic Chaos: Woman's Fury Shakes Up BJP Rally

Traffic Chaos: Woman's Fury Shakes Up BJP Rally

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A viral video of a woman confronting a Maharashtra minister over traffic jams caused by a BJP rally has sparked a backlash, forcing the ruling party to defend its actions and prompting apologies for the inconvenience caused to commuters.

Pro-Kannada protest targets Guv over 'Hindi bias', demand recall

Pro-Kannada protest targets Guv over 'Hindi bias', demand recall

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A pro-Kannada organisation protested against the Governor of Karnataka over a letter asking the state government to reconsider its decision to replace the marks system with a grading system for the third language in the SSLC exam.

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Maya Thakur, a transgender icon, advocates for amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, to include self-identification and protect transgender individuals who wish to remain independent from traditional eunuch communities.

Maharashtra Republic Day tableau wins top award

Maharashtra Republic Day tableau wins top award

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Indian Navy has been recognized as the best marching contingent among the armed forces at the Republic Day Parade. Maharashtra won for states/UTs, and the Culture Ministry for ministries/departments.

'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.'

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

Gulf War: 'If America Wants An Exit, It Can'

Gulf War: 'If America Wants An Exit, It Can'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'US and Iran have not annulled the ceasefire, and the possibility of continuing negotiations remains open.'

Afghan cricketers visit Kabul blast victims after deadly airstrikes

Afghan cricketers visit Kabul blast victims after deadly airstrikes

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Afghanistan national cricket team players visited injured civilians in Kabul hospitals after deadly airstrikes, as calls grow for an international investigation.

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Noida International Airport is set for its grand opening as roads are fixed and infrastructure preparations near completion. Here's what's ready and what to expect from the launch.

'Ashaji, Your Music Will Live On Forever'

'Ashaji, Your Music Will Live On Forever'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

'Ashaji was unlike any other, a voice that defined not only one generation but across a span of cinematic universe! I was and have been the massive fan of her voice, her art, her personality...'

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalls writing to Narendra Modi in 2010 about conserving the Great Indian Bustard, amid recent announcements of successful conservation efforts.

India Sends First Delegation to Youth Delphic Games

India Sends First Delegation to Youth Delphic Games

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India is sending its first national delegation of youth artists to the Youth Delphic Games of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member Nations in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

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.

Double-Decker Buses Set To Boost Delhi Tourism

Double-Decker Buses Set To Boost Delhi Tourism

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The 63-seater open-top bus, manufactured by Ashok Leyland's arm Switch Mobility, was gifted to the city's tourism department as a corporate social responsibility initiative.

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet has reportedly approved the Kerala government's proposal to officially change the state's name to Keralam, following a resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly.

Stunning Tableaux Dazzle Republic Day Parade

Stunning Tableaux Dazzle Republic Day Parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

India's 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi featured vibrant tableau, representing the nation's cultural diversity and achievements.

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.

Gujarat to amend marriage registration rules, minister flags 'love jihad'

Gujarat to amend marriage registration rules, minister flags 'love jihad'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Gujarat government plans to amend the Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act to address loopholes and prevent exploitation, particularly concerning "love jihad" cases. The proposed changes include mandatory parental notification and detailed information requirements for marriage registration.

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'In such a scenario, Iran could proclaim itself victor, rebuild, re-enforce its diminished regional proxies to further destabilise neighbouring nations and take control of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.'

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an online meeting with Loka Kerala Sabha members in the Gulf region to discuss support for the expatriate community amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

'Right To Die With Dignity Is A Fundamental Right'

'Right To Die With Dignity Is A Fundamental Right'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

'Why can't we work towards a dignified end of the person when a cure is not possible and the end is inevitable?'

Violence erupts during protest over Hadi's murder in B'desh; 50 hurt

Violence erupts during protest over Hadi's murder in B'desh; 50 hurt

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Witnesses said the police in riot gear turned tough as the protestors tried to break through security barricades in front of Jamuna from a nearby sit-in demonstration, defying the earlier announced ban on rallies adjacent to Jamuna.