News for 'Democratic US'

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea by senior advocate Kapil Sibal challenging the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule's 'deemed merger' provision, which allows MLAs and MPs to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, citing its 'huge repercussions on our polity'.

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Rediff.com10 hours ago

For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.

India's youngest municipal chairperson ousted in trust vote

India's youngest municipal chairperson ousted in trust vote

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's youngest municipal chairperson, Diya Binu, on Tuesday lost office after a no-confidence motion moved by the Left Democratic Front was passed in Kerala's Pala Municipality with the support of rebel Congress councillors, ending the United Democratic Front's rule in the civic body.

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Mumbai police on Thursday ordered a probe and removed a police driver from the duty roster after a viral video purportedly showed him threatening student protesters with false narcotics charges if they returned to demonstrate.

They are not worried of Wangchuk's health...: Oppn slams govt

They are not worried of Wangchuk's health...: Oppn slams govt

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Opposition leaders across party lines have condemned the forced removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site in Delhi, accusing the BJP-led central government of undermining democratic freedoms, curbing dissent, and choosing force over dialogue.

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Rediff.com3 days ago

Student organisations across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attributing it to their nationwide protests against alleged NEET irregularities. While welcoming the move as a victory, groups like NSUI, AISA, and SFI affirmed their commitment to continue agitations until broader demands for accountability, transparency, and education reforms, including scrapping the NTA and NEP, are met.

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Rediff.com6 days ago

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for staging a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence regarding the NEET paper-leak issue. Pradhan accused Gandhi of using students as "political tools" to disrupt Parliament, while asserting the government's commitment to discussing NEET concerns in the House. The incident involved Gandhi and other opposition leaders being detained after refusing to end their sit-in.

Assam Minister Faces Heat Over Daughter's Participation In CJP Protest

Assam Minister Faces Heat Over Daughter's Participation In CJP Protest

Rediff.com2 days ago

The controversy has embarrassed the ruling coalition because Keshab Mahanta is one of the senior-most leaders of the Asom Gana Parishad, an NDA constituent.

AIIMS doctors write to Prez, seek probe into police violence

AIIMS doctors write to Prez, seek probe into police violence

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS, Delhi, has appealed to President Droupadi Murmu for an independent, time-bound inquiry into the alleged use of force against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar and raised concerns over activist Sonam Wangchuk's reported inability to leave Safdarjung Hospital.

Sonam Wangchuk Shows No Signs Of Ending Fast

Sonam Wangchuk Shows No Signs Of Ending Fast

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Several Opposition leaders, including the Congress' Pawan Khera, showed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar which has entered twentieth, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged NEET examination irregularities.

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

Rediff.com1 days ago

Two youths from Bareilly, allegedly harassed and assaulted by an activist linked to a Hindu outfit while en route to a NEET paper leak protest in Delhi, have demanded strict legal action. The incident, captured in a viral video, has drawn condemnation from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who called for the accused's immediate arrest.

Mumbai lawyers offer free legal support to student protesters

Mumbai lawyers offer free legal support to student protesters

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Bombay Bar Association and senior lawyer Satish Maneshinde have strongly criticised the use of police force against students protesting the NEET leak issue in Mumbai. Maneshinde has offered pro bono legal assistance to any student facing legal action, while the BBA emphasised the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and dissent.

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

Rediff.com2 hours ago

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has strongly condemned controversial remarks made by right-wing political observer T G Mohandas regarding student protests, stating they are his 'personal thoughts' and deserve to be denounced.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's closed-door meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, just before NCPI MPs were to attend an NDA meeting, has ignited speculation about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India's political future and its potential alignment with the BJP-led alliance. The NCPI comprises 20 rebel TMC MPs who broke away after the West Bengal Assembly election.

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

Rediff.com3 days ago

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged as a prominent youth leader, transforming a satirical movement into a powerful force that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke views this as just the beginning, advocating for issue-based politics over identity politics and demanding further reforms in the examination system.

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Rediff.com1 days ago

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention for the national team's head coach position after his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet drew significant criticism and opposition from Italian football officials and lawmakers.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

Rediff.com1 days ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the recent World Cup, accusing critics of spreading 'hate and false narratives' and overlooking the tournament's success in promoting unity, safety, and inclusion.

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran have drawn strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who are calling for his removal from office, while some Republicans express concern.

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Union Territory administration in Ladakh has announced the establishment of an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) for each of its seven districts, significantly expanding democratic decentralisation. This move extends elected local self-governance beyond Leh and Kargil, with a proposed Union Territory-level body under a customised Article 371 framework to oversee these councils.

Govt ready for debate in Parliament over paper leak, says Nadda; slams Rahul

Govt ready for debate in Parliament over paper leak, says Nadda; slams Rahul

Rediff.com5 days ago

Union minister J P Nadda on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of playing politics over the NEET paper leak and urged the Opposition to allow an "intensive" discussion on the issue in Parliament to find a "permanent solution" to the problem, instead of indulging in a blame game.

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court asserted that the right to peaceful protest is 'absolutely guaranteed' and an agitation cannot justify 'police excesses' or a 'lathi charge,' while agreeing to hear pleas concerning alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET paper leak.

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com1 days ago

It was left to an incensed Gen Z to show the rest of India that enough was enough, and that the time had come to shatter the fear psychosis generated by the government's authoritarian approach to protests and criticism, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Rediff.com5 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced stringent measures, including the establishment of fast-track courts, to combat exam paper leaks and protect the future of India's youth, following widespread protests over the NEET paper leak.

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Rediff.com4 days ago

Voters who exercise their franchise in favour of a particular political dispensation do not do so unconditionally. Their loyalty is subject to maintaining trust and living up to their expectations. It is subject to allowing the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Rediff.com6 days ago

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has stated he will end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre provides an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against students and youth who participated in protests against alleged examination irregularities.

Ahmedabad blasts an attack on India's sovereignty, meant to topple govt: HC

Ahmedabad blasts an attack on India's sovereignty, meant to topple govt: HC

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Gujarat high court has characterised the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts as a direct assault on India's sovereignty and democratic governance.

Can Prashant Kishor Pull Off The Impossible In Bankipur?

Can Prashant Kishor Pull Off The Impossible In Bankipur?

Rediff.com12 hours ago

The Bankipur assembly bypoll is a high-stakes electoral debut for Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor as he challenges the BJP in a constituency that has been a BJP stronghold for nearly two decades.

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.

Bill in US Senate proposes 100% tariffs on India, China for Russian oil

Bill in US Senate proposes 100% tariffs on India, China for Russian oil

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The bill, introduced on Thursday, was conceived by Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and has the support of over 60 lawmakers.

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The Supreme Court was strongly urged to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge to investigate alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak across various states. The court, while issuing interim directions, restrained states from coercive action against protesters and ordered the release of minors without criminal antecedents.

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

Rediff.com5 days ago

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Students still throng Jantar Mantar protest site to click selfies

Students still throng Jantar Mantar protest site to click selfies

Rediff.com1 days ago

Two days after a 36-day student agitation concluded at Jantar Mantar, the iconic protest site in New Delhi is already witnessing new demonstrations, including calls for Gorkhaland and women's reservation, alongside curious visitors documenting the aftermath.

Mallikarjun Kharge accuses govt of silencing opposition over NEET, police brutality

Mallikarjun Kharge accuses govt of silencing opposition over NEET, police brutality

Rediff.com7 days ago

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised police action against CJP student protesters in the national capital, alleging lathi charge and tear gas use. He also claimed the Opposition was prevented from raising the issue in Parliament, demanding a discussion and a statement from the Home Minister. The protest, which turned violent, saw injuries to both police personnel and protesters, with FIRs registered for vandalism. Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, involved in the protest, continues to receive medical treatment.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com1 days ago

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

RBI caps holding period for immovable assets at 7 years, bars sale to borrowers

RBI caps holding period for immovable assets at 7 years, bars sale to borrowers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that banks must dispose of immovable assets acquired against bad loans within seven years through public auction, effective October 1, 2026, and has also barred their sale back to the original borrower or related parties.

Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Rediff.com5 days ago

Social activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying violence and police action during the students' ongoing protest in Delhi were "deeply distressing", and asserted that "dialogue" was always preferable to confrontation in a democracy.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com6 days ago

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'

Youth Protest: The Lasting Lessons

Youth Protest: The Lasting Lessons

Rediff.com3 days ago

At the end of this journey, no matter now it ends, these youngsters will know something essential about the Indian government, the Indian judiciary, the Indian media, the Indian police, the Indian laws and indeed about Indian society, asserts Aakar Patel.

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The NDA's parliamentary party meetings will now be known as 'Mangal Milan', with the first under this new name scheduled for July 21. This change was informally discussed in the Union cabinet. Additionally, the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), comprising 20 MPs who defected from the TMC, is seeking formal recognition and parliamentary facilities, including a party office and designated floor leaders.

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Rediff.com4 days ago

Nationwide protests against the NEET paper leak have intensified across several Indian states, with demonstrators condemning the Delhi Police crackdown and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress party has called for further demonstrations, while various student and political groups have organised marches and sit-ins, some leading to clashes with police.