News for 'Defence and Public Backlash'

CJP Spokesperson Under Fire For Eating Burger At Monday's Protest

CJP Spokesperson Under Fire For Eating Burger At Monday's Protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janata Party Spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya has sparked a controversy by defiantly defending his decision to eat a burger during Monday's protests against the NEET paper leak, rejecting public accountability for his personal actions.

CJP sacks spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya over 'insensitive' protest conduct

CJP sacks spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya over 'insensitive' protest conduct

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has removed its spokesperson, Vijeta Dahiya, after videos of him eating a burger during a protest against police violence and the NEET exam paper leak sparked public outrage and were deemed 'insensitive' by the party.

'I get paid millions': Kangana slams trolls sharing her film clips

'I get paid millions': Kangana slams trolls sharing her film clips

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticised online users for employing clips from her films against her, arguing that such actions mislead young people. This comes after her controversial remarks labelling Gen Z protestors as "generation gutter" and their videos as "puke-inducing," which sparked widespread criticism and led to users sharing her film clips in response. Ranaut defended her stance, stating that movie roles and real-life protests are not comparable.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Donald Trump claims a senior defence official urged military action against Iran, revealing escalating tensions and ongoing negotiations in the Middle East.

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.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi said he never wanted to speak on the particular issue, but decided to do so after BJP's Surya questioned the patriotism of the Congress party. Singh maintained that the book had not been published.

Can The Taekwondo Teacher Bring Peace To Manipur?

Can The Taekwondo Teacher Bring Peace To Manipur?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

For now, Yumnam Khemchand Singh's leadership will be judged not by promises or symbolism, but by whether his government can prevent further violence and begin the slow, difficult work of rebuilding trust.

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

CNN, NYT claim US didn't 'destroy' Iran nuke site, Trump says fake news

CNN, NYT claim US didn't 'destroy' Iran nuke site, Trump says fake news

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Trump said CNN, along with The New York Times, teamed up to "demean one of the most successful military strikes in history" and termed it "fake news."

Israel issues new map showing Kashmir in India, but northeast in Nepal

Israel issues new map showing Kashmir in India, but northeast in Nepal

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday issued a new graphic showing Kashmir as Indian territory, rectifying their previous mistake.

Kamal Haasan moves HC for 'Thug Life' release amid Kannada row

Kamal Haasan moves HC for 'Thug Life' release amid Kannada row

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The move comes in response to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce's (KFCC) recent announcement that it would not permit the screening of the film in Karnataka unless Haasan issues a public apology for his comment suggesting that Kannada evolved from Tamil.

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Lee Jae-myung's decisive victory in South Korea's snap presidential election marks a major political shift driven by public backlash against authoritarian, with significant implications for domestic reform and the future of the US-South Korea alliance, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

England stars under fire! McCullum calls for humility

England stars under fire! McCullum calls for humility

Rediff.com21 May 2025

England head coach Brendon McCullum feels his players have lacked humility in their recent public utterances and he would like to see them win back respect from fans ahead of the tough home series against India and the Ashes later this year.

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Maldives government has set a target of attracting 300,000 Indian tourists in 2025, aiming to regain its position as a top destination for Indian travelers. The country's tourism sector has been impacted by strained relations between Male and New Delhi, which led to a decline in Indian tourist arrivals in 2024. To revive the Indian tourist market, the Maldives is planning a major campaign, including a brand ambassador, cricket summer camps, and expanded flight routes from more Indian cities.

Divestment: Fearing backlash, govt opts for minority stake sales over outright privatisation

Divestment: Fearing backlash, govt opts for minority stake sales over outright privatisation

Rediff.com25 Dec 2023

With general elections on the horizon, the government's privatisation bandwagon has almost but stalled as a government wary of being accused of selling family silver opts for minority stake sales on stock exchanges over outright privatisation. The result -- the divestment target for current fiscal year is again likely to be missed. Big ticket privatisation plans such as that of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and CONCOR are already on the backburner and analysts feel meaningful privatisation can happen only after April/May general elections.

Will Japan Instability Derail India Ties?

Will Japan Instability Derail India Ties?

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

There is nothing to be worried about as bilateral ties are robust with solid foundations. Both are on the same page on the economic and defence/security ties bilaterally and globally and that shall continue irrespective of change in political dispensation in either country, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

'As we enter 2025, it must be acknowledged that there is a convergence of capital, influential people (from business and politics) and technology deciding the destiny of others in the name of pride, patriotism, nationalism, nation building, all of it thinly veiled disguises for personal profit and glory,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

Barbs, name calling: Did LS poll campaign breach all limits?

Barbs, name calling: Did LS poll campaign breach all limits?

Rediff.com31 May 2024

As Election 2024 hurtles towards result day in a medley of mangalsutra, mujra, mutton, machli and other barbs, these may sound like character names from Hindi comics of yore. Instead, these are the mocking, sometimes vicious monikers given by political rivals to each other.

Is Xi Losing Control Over Power?

Is Xi Losing Control Over Power?

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Two of Xi Jinping's chosen officials have disappeared from view, an indication of turmoil in Xi's government, months after he installed a collection of loyalist leaders in his cabinet, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Maldives suspends 3 deputy ministers over Modi remarks after India's protest

Maldives suspends 3 deputy ministers over Modi remarks after India's protest

Rediff.com7 Jan 2024

The row erupted on a day President Dr Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a week-long visit to China.

As Israel erupts in protest, Netanyahu urges agitators to behave responsibly

As Israel erupts in protest, Netanyahu urges agitators to behave responsibly

Rediff.com27 Mar 2023

Israel's President Isaac Herzog on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to immediately halt his controversial judicial overhaul, warning that the move has put the country's security, economy and society under threat.

Israel to probe misuse of Pegasus, review licensing process

Israel to probe misuse of Pegasus, review licensing process

Rediff.com23 Jul 2021

The alleged use of the Pegasus software to spy on journalists, human rights defenders, politicians and others in a number of countries including India triggered concerns over issues relating to privacy.

Lankan Prez's whereabouts still not known, protesters camp at his house

Lankan Prez's whereabouts still not known, protesters camp at his house

Rediff.com10 Jul 2022

The anti-government protesters in Sri Lanka on Sunday continued to occupy the residences of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, a day after they stormed into the premises and set on fire one of the buildings protesting over the nation's severe economic crisis even as the island nation is still in the dark about the embattled President's whereabouts.

'Imran has divided the Pakistan army'

'Imran has divided the Pakistan army'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2022

'Many senior officers are unhappy with him, but many lower level officers are still supportive.' 'This is also not something that has happened for a long time. So this is certainly a milestone.'

The Woes Of Wayanad Continue

The Woes Of Wayanad Continue

Rediff.com19 Apr 2023

Away from the distraction of its new high-profile politics, Wayanad's worries seemed very down to earth, discovers Shyam G Menon.

A former ISI chief's SENSATIONAL story

A former ISI chief's SENSATIONAL story

Rediff.com16 Nov 2020

General Asad Durrani's disclosures could leave considerable egg on the face of those currently wielding the stick in Pakistan, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Sitharaman visits Rafale manufacturing facility in France

Sitharaman visits Rafale manufacturing facility in France

Rediff.com13 Oct 2018

RM took stock of progress in production of the fighter jets whose delivery to India will begin in September next year.

Football Focus: 'Booing players taking a knee was not racist'

Football Focus: 'Booing players taking a knee was not racist'

Rediff.com7 Dec 2020

News of all that transpired on and off the football field

Modi's bid to ease land for companies could impact reforms

Modi's bid to ease land for companies could impact reforms

Rediff.com24 Feb 2015

Narendra Modi has made it easier for businesses to buy farm land.

Pak military elements had links to Taliban, Qaeda: Obama

Pak military elements had links to Taliban, Qaeda: Obama

Rediff.com17 Nov 2020

Barack Obama has said that he had ruled out involving Pakistan in the raid on Osama bin Laden's hideout because it was an "open secret" that certain elements inside Pakistan's military, and especially its intelligence services, maintained links to the Taliban and perhaps even al-Qaeda, sometimes using them as strategic assets against Afghanistan and India.

China: 'India is not going to blink'

China: 'India is not going to blink'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

'Neither will China -- at least for now -- because its troops are deployed in equal strength.' 'We are negotiating at equal terms right now and it's a game of patience.'

India must be ready to attack in the event of another terror strike

India must be ready to attack in the event of another terror strike

Rediff.com2 Jan 2016

'That the terrorists could still kill three security personnel, including men of the Defence Service Corps, indicates highly trained men are being sent across the border,' says national security expert Nitin A Gokhale, founder, BharatShakti.in

'BJP ran a well-oiled strategy to destroy Rahul's image'

'BJP ran a well-oiled strategy to destroy Rahul's image'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2020

'Rahul Gandhi has personally paid a heavy price for this character assassination and remorseless ridiculing and the Congress, of course, has been demolished politically.'

Actress Ramya faces sedition complaint for praising Pakistan

Actress Ramya faces sedition complaint for praising Pakistan

Rediff.com23 Aug 2016

She said that Defence Minister Manohar Parikar was wrong in comparing Pakistan with 'hell'. She said, "It is nothing like that. People there are just like us and there is no difference. They treated us very well."

Watch out Mr Modi! Danger confronts India

Watch out Mr Modi! Danger confronts India

Rediff.com16 Jul 2014

'Three security challenges could emerge shortly. The possibility (almost bordering on certainty) is as certain as the fact that night follows day: A terrorist attack by a Pakistan-based group. Chinese intrusion on the border.Communal tension/riots.' Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) explains what the Modi Sarkar needs to be prepared for.

What ties North Korea to Syria?

What ties North Korea to Syria?

Rediff.com13 Apr 2017

North Korea considers Assad's Syria an ally, so it views Donald Trump's decision to strike Syria as a message to Pyongyang as well.

Yashwant sticks to his guns, son Jayant counters father

Yashwant sticks to his guns, son Jayant counters father

Rediff.com29 Sep 2017

Sinha, a former finance minister, hogged the limelight and started trending high on social media on Wednesday after he criticised his own government for sinking economy in an article.