News for 'Culture House'

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced the formation of a panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to study the relationship between the Union and state governments and ensure state autonomy. The panel, which will submit its interim report in January 2026 and its final report in two years, will examine the transfer of subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, citing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) as an example of a subject outside state purview.

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In 2023-2024, 95 scheduled commercial banks received over 10 million complaints from their customers. The process of KYC at many banks has become 'HYC' -- harass your customer, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Row as Nitish Kumar leaves dais before national anthem at sports event

Row as Nitish Kumar leaves dais before national anthem at sports event

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left the dais before the national anthem at the inauguration of an international sports event in Patna, sparking controversy. Opposition RJD president Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav accused the chief minister of disrespecting the national anthem. The Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is being held at the Pataliputra Sports Complex, with 300 players and support staff from 21 countries taking part. Kumar, 74, walked towards the participants and greeted them with a "namaste" and a wave of the hand before the national anthem was played. A video clip of the incident was shared on social media by Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, who both alleged that the chief minister "disrespected the national anthem".

Trump pulls US out of UNHRC, cuts funds for Palestinian refugees

Trump pulls US out of UNHRC, cuts funds for Palestinian refugees

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council and prohibiting any future funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Trump also directed the US to review its participation in UNESCO, citing concerns about anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the organizations. The executive order argues that the UNHRC, UNESCO, and UNRWA have drifted from their missions and act contrary to US interests. Trump previously halted funds for UNRWA during his first term, and President Joe Biden put a block on US funds for UNRWA in January 2024 over allegations that staff for the agency participated in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack against Israel.

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'We wouldn't have had to face all this had our national leaders taken care to select a place for Sindhis and sent us there, instead of sending us all over to settle in places where the locals didn't want us.' 'They could have partitioned Sindh and given us a Sindhi state from its two Hindu-majority districts.' 'Wasn't that the logic of Partition?'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'

'Unless Vaibhav Faces Success And Failure, He Won't Be A Great Player'

'Unless Vaibhav Faces Success And Failure, He Won't Be A Great Player'

Rediff.com1 May 2025

'He has to face both aspects of life to mature as a cricketer.'

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bangladesh has demanded a public apology and compensation from Pakistan for the 1971 atrocities, raising "historically unresolved issues" during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Dhaka also asked Islamabad to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time of East Pakistan's split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh.

'Randeep Hasn't Had It Easy But...'

'Randeep Hasn't Had It Easy But...'

Rediff.com11 May 2025

'He surprised us by telling us he wanted to make a career in acting.' 'We were scared since we knew nothing of this profession but then, he landed a role in Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding.' 'After seeing him holding his own on screen, we decided to let the boy pursue his passion.'

The Scotsman Who Loves India

The Scotsman Who Loves India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

'You have to separate the concept of India as a nation State which is very young and the Upanishadic wisdom which is timeless.'

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

With Piravi, Shaji N Karun joined the select group of great masters of film. Malayalam once upon a time used to produce such films. Today, it is only mindless violence, politics and grotesque humour. The films have no soul, although they are technically quite good. With Shaji's passing, and earlier with his mentor G Aravindan's untimely death, an era is coming to an end. Rajeev Srinivasan salutes the master, who passed into the ages on April 28.

STUNNING Travel Photographs

STUNNING Travel Photographs

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Wondeful shots of African women and giraffes roaming Kenyan grasslands were judged the most outstanding photographs of the year.

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

Rediff.com3 May 2025

'Amaravati will be a game changer for Andhra Pradesh.'

No off-season: Modi bats for round-the-year tourism in U'khand

No off-season: Modi bats for round-the-year tourism in U'khand

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Mukhwa temple in Uttarakhand, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga, and offered prayers. The visit is expected to boost winter pilgrimage and tourism in the state. Modi also flagged off a trek and bike rally and addressed a public meeting in Harshil. This comes a day after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two major ropeway projects to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib worth over Rs 6,000 crore.

Not only in Ramzan, but...: Omar on Gulmarg fashion show

Not only in Ramzan, but...: Omar on Gulmarg fashion show

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Amid controversy over the Gulmarg fashion show held during the month of Ramzan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government would have never given permission for such an event in any month of the year.

'Attacking Dalits has become part of Dravidian culture'

'Attacking Dalits has become part of Dravidian culture'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

'Both the DMK and ADMK are equally to blame.' 'When the question is violence against Dalits, they don't take measures to protect Dalits.'

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Fadnavis vows to put Azmi in jail as Akhilesh backs his MLA

Fadnavis vows to put Azmi in jail as Akhilesh backs his MLA

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi, suspended from the Maharashtra assembly over his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, will be '100 per cent' put in jail, Chief Minister Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the legislative council.

Chaos prevails in J-K assembly, BJP MLAs marshalled out

Chaos prevails in J-K assembly, BJP MLAs marshalled out

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Ruckus prevailed in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly for the third day on Friday as Bharatiya Janata Party members protested over the special status resolution, leading the speaker to marshal out 12 opposition MLAs and Langate legislator Sheikh Khurshid.

Sunita Williams' Happy Diwali From Space

Sunita Williams' Happy Diwali From Space

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

In a video message shared from the International Space Station, the Indian-origin astronaut said that this year she had the unique opportunity to observe Diwali from 260 miles above Earth and reminisced about her father's efforts to keep their cultural roots alive by teaching her and her family about Diwali and other Indian festivals.

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his visit to France, which included co-chairing an AI summit and bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He is now headed to the US for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. Modi's visit to France included discussions on trade, defense, energy, and cultural linkages. He also inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille. During his visit to the US, Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Leaders from around the world extended their greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and expressing hope for a stronger future. The Indian diaspora across the globe celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm at Indian missions abroad, where the national tri-colour was unfurled, accompanied by cultural performances and patriotic fervour. The celebrations highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its global partners.

Adani issue national matter, not personal: Rahul Gandhi

Adani issue national matter, not personal: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his response to questions about the Adani Group controversy during his US visit. Gandhi alleged that Modi downplayed the issue as a 'personal matter' and did not raise it with US President Donald Trump. Gandhi argued that the controversy is a 'matter of the country' and should not be ignored by the Prime Minister.

PIX: Modi meets J D Vance, Usha and their sons in Paris

PIX: Modi meets J D Vance, Usha and their sons in Paris

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice President J D Vance and his family, Estonian President Alar Karis, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. The meetings focused on bilateral relations, AI collaboration, and trade opportunities. Modi also invited Estonia to explore opportunities in India's growth story. He concluded the summit by expressing India's willingness to host the next AI Action Summit.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Kumbh stampede to rock Parliament's Budget session

Kumbh stampede to rock Parliament's Budget session

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

India's Parliament is set to begin its Budget session on Friday, with opposition parties poised to demand a discussion on the alleged mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, where 30 pilgrims died in a stampede. The opposition also accused the government of politicising parliamentary committees and pushing its agenda through its majority. The session will start with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both houses of Parliament. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on Saturday for the eighth consecutive time.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

'The Ire Was Aimed At Kunal Kamra'

'The Ire Was Aimed At Kunal Kamra'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Habitat was viewed as the proxy for him and got unjustly targeted.'

15 Scenes When Salman Ditched The Formula

15 Scenes When Salman Ditched The Formula

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Sukanya Verma lists 15 scenes that reveal facets of Salman outside the formula.

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Soros, 94, in the recent past has spoken openly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ruling BJP believe that he tried to interfere in Indian elections.

Never discuss such individual issues: Modi on Adani issue

Never discuss such individual issues: Modi on Adani issue

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

In November last year, an indictment was unsealed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, charging prominent Indian executives, including Chairman of the Adani Group, Gautam Adani, by linking them to an alleged bribery scheme.

Jinnah House to be SAARC cultural hub

Jinnah House to be SAARC cultural hub

Rediff.com30 Jan 2007

The first of its kind in the country, the hub -- termed SACAC (South Asian Centre for Arts and Culture) -- will come up in what was once the home of Pakistan founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah.

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed both Houses of Parliament, highlighting the government's achievements in various sectors, including economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development. She emphasized the government's efforts to lift the economy out of "policy paralysis" and create a more inclusive society. Murmu also acknowledged the challenges posed by digital fraud and cybercrime and stressed the need for a social infrastructure revolution. The President's speech is considered a policy statement, outlining the government's vision and roadmap for the future.

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Maha Kumbh as a "Mrityu Kumbh" (Death Kumbh), accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of suppressing the actual toll in the stampede that occurred at the religious gathering. Banerjee also criticized the lack of planning and management at the event, highlighting the plight of Bengal residents who died in the stampede. The BJP, however, has condemned Banerjee's remarks, calling her an "anti-Hindu chief minister" and accusing her of political opportunism.

Court orders FIR against former SEBI chief Madhabi Buch

Court orders FIR against former SEBI chief Madhabi Buch

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

A special court in Mumbai has directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to register a first information report (FIR) against former Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and five other officials in connection with alleged stock market fraud and regulatory violations.

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'While I would never wish for anyone to go through what we are, it has brought out the best in us by making each one of us a better version of ourselves.' 'Being courageous, fighting for freedom, taking the burden of responsibility to help each other...' 'I know hundreds and hundreds of examples where Ukrainians are risking their lives for complete strangers and it is only in moments like this that we truly understand what it means to be human.'

Will reclaim every inch of land taken under pretext of waqf: Yogi

Will reclaim every inch of land taken under pretext of waqf: Yogi

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed to reclaim every inch of land taken under the pretext of Waqf, stating that the state government will actively investigate all "occupied" land. He also criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) and its leaders, alleging that they failed to uphold the principles of socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Adityanath praised the Maha Kumbh, highlighting its significance as a symbol of India's spiritual heritage and national unity.

'Weddings Are As Cinematic As A Sanjay Leela Bhansali Set'

'Weddings Are As Cinematic As A Sanjay Leela Bhansali Set'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Wedding photography is pushing the limits of creativity with photoshoots around the world.

The Scotsman Who Knows India Better Than Many Of Us

The Scotsman Who Knows India Better Than Many Of Us

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bill Aitken came to India nearly 60 years ago. He never returned. An Indian citizen since 1972, he tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih how India changed his life forever.

'Early Retirement: Smart Move Or Stupid Idea?'

'Early Retirement: Smart Move Or Stupid Idea?'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Milind Vadjikar your insurance, stocks, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.