News for 'Following Union'

Vivek Agnihotri declines Oxford Union invite to debate on Kashmir

Vivek Agnihotri declines Oxford Union invite to debate on Kashmir

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

Calling it a direct challenge to India's sovereignty, film director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri said on Thursday that he declined an invitation by the Oxford Union and found the theme of the debate -- 'This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir' meaningless.

Kolkata gangrape: Custody of 3 accused extended; SIT probes call records

Kolkata gangrape: Custody of 3 accused extended; SIT probes call records

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Mishra vanished from police radar at that time before resurfacing in 2017 when he took readmission to the college from where he passed out in 2022.

Puri: 3 killed in stampede during Rath Yatra ceremony

Puri: 3 killed in stampede during Rath Yatra ceremony

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The incident took place around 4 am when hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple to witness Rath Yatra festivities, Puri district collector Siddharth S Swain said.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Initially, we will look to take a small batch of a few hundred students, with a plan to increase this to 5,000 students in the next five years, and eventually 10,000 by 2036.'

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Only in the event of the RSS managing to force Modi into accepting a consensual candidate, will the party not continue to 'being' the 'next Congress', observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

HISTORIC: Shuks heads to ISS, 1st Indian in space in 41 years

HISTORIC: Shuks heads to ISS, 1st Indian in space in 41 years

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The Lucknow-born Shukla, former NASA astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the Axiom-4 mission that marks the return to space for the three nations.

Terrorists targeted civilians, not IB officials: Sources

Terrorists targeted civilians, not IB officials: Sources

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Some pro-Kashmir resistance handles on social media have claimed that the citizens who were injured in the Pahalgam terrorist attacks were not 'ordinary', but connected with internal security and counter-intelligence agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Hope my demotion won't last long: Omar's banter with Modi

Hope my demotion won't last long: Omar's banter with Modi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Mixing humour with political resolve, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday used the flagging-off ceremony of the first train to Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Katra to subtly but clearly articulate his government's demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The MEA said that Pakistan had been stonewalling India's requests for a government-to-government negotiation over the treaty due to changes in the ground situation since it was signed.

'Why Haven't Amitabh, Salman, Shah Rukh Learnt Marathi?'

'Why Haven't Amitabh, Salman, Shah Rukh Learnt Marathi?'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'There are tall personalities who have utilised Mumbai and Maharashtra for their career growth, but they never thought it is their responsibility to learn Marathi.'

Op Sindoor exposed Pakistan's terror sponsorship: Amit Shah

Op Sindoor exposed Pakistan's terror sponsorship: Amit Shah

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the Operation Sindoor undertaken by the Indian armed forces in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack has "completely exposed" the fact that terrorism in India is sponsored by Pakistan. Shah also said that the operation showed the "firm" political will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the "precise" intelligence inputs from agencies, and the "lethal" capabilities of the armed forces. He added that the operation was successful as it used the correct firepower and achieved its aims besides "showing the reality" to Pakistan.

Govt approaches all parties to impeach cash row judge

Govt approaches all parties to impeach cash row judge

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday underlined the government's resolve to take all political parties on board in moving an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma, saying corruption in the judiciary cannot be approached through a 'political prism'.

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town.

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

An Indian delegation led by the BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad will tour key European capitals to expose Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism and State-sponsored extremism.

'Biggest Problem Industrialists Face Is From Politicians'

'Biggest Problem Industrialists Face Is From Politicians'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

'If you don't fulfil whatever they ask, you are in trouble.'

BJP's 3-day crash course for MP leaders amid over Op Sindoor remarks

BJP's 3-day crash course for MP leaders amid over Op Sindoor remarks

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh will hold a three-day training camp for its leaders from June 14 in Pachmarhi in Narmadapuram. The move comes amid the party facing flak for some statements from its leaders post Operation Sindoor. BJP president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been invited to the camp to lecture the party cadre. The BJP said the event was pre-planned and was a routine affair, but the camp is seen as an attempt to discipline party leaders who have been making controversial statements.

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn.'

Kerala CPM leader booked over postal ballot breach remarks

Kerala CPM leader booked over postal ballot breach remarks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Following that, Sudhakaran, at another event in Alappuzha on Thursday, claimed that what he had said earlier was not completely true and he had added something extra to it from his "imagination".

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

There is no guarantee that if we speak in only Indian languages, all our faults will be washed away and India will shine. Why then do they bully and belittle the English-speaking? asks Shyam G Menon.

If they're deep in Pak, we'll go deep into Pak: Jaishankar

If they're deep in Pak, we'll go deep into Pak: Jaishankar

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'As far as I'm concerned, how effective the Rafale was or frankly, how effective other systems were -- to me, the proof of the pudding is the destroyed and disabled airfields on the Pakistani side'

No headway in search for missing Indore tourist in Meghalaya

No headway in search for missing Indore tourist in Meghalaya

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam had gone missing on May 23, hours after they checked out of a homestay at Nongriat village in Sohra area

ED conducts multi-state raids in Bihar constable recruitment 'scam'

ED conducts multi-state raids in Bihar constable recruitment 'scam'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The agency seized documents like answer sheets, OMR codes, hand-written notes related to IDs and names of candidates apart from their education certificates, the sources said.

Pahalgam attack: Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting of security officials

Pahalgam attack: Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting of security officials

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to review the security situation in Kashmir following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including tourists. Shah chaired a high-level meeting of security officials, including those from the Army, CRPF, and police. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, is the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike.

Was Simla Agreement violated, Cong asks Modi govt

Was Simla Agreement violated, Cong asks Modi govt

Rediff.com12 May 2025

The Congress party also called for a special session of Parliament to evaluate the situation in detail, to identify any mistakes that were made, and to ensure that they are not repeated in the future.

TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay opts out of diplomatic outreach

TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay opts out of diplomatic outreach

Rediff.com17 May 2025

Bandyopadhyay told PTI that he received a call from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and the external affairs ministry, and was asked to go to the US but he informed them that he would not be able to go due to health reasons.

Can Congress rely on Gehlot-Pilot truce to regain lost ground?

Can Congress rely on Gehlot-Pilot truce to regain lost ground?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Gehlot's remark hinted at a possible thaw between the two senior Congress leaders after years of political tussle.

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

There is no confusion or dispute in the 'Mahagathbandhan' over Tejashwi Yadav being the main face for the Bihar chief minister's post, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar said on Friday while asserting that the CM will be from the Rashtriya Janata Dal if the alliance gets a majority in the upcoming polls.

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India's recent missile strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Bahawalpur, mark a significant escalation in the long-standing military tensions between the two nations. This article provides a historical overview of the Indo-Pak military confrontations, tracing their roots back to the 1947 war following India's independence and the partition of the sub-continent, and highlighting key conflicts such as the 1965 war, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the 1999 Kargil War, the 2016 Uri attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The theme for this year is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" echoes India's vision of global wellness.

India to send multi-party delegations for diplomatic outreach

India to send multi-party delegations for diplomatic outreach

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The diplomatic exercise aimed at presenting India's stance against Pakistan on terror comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor -- the Indian offensive against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Cash row: Govt mulls impeachment motion against Justice Varma

Cash row: Govt mulls impeachment motion against Justice Varma

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Union government is considering an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma, who was indicted by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel after burnt cash was found at his residence. The government is likely to consult with opposition parties before moving forward with the motion, which would require a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament.

Raj Thackeray calls off agitation to enforce Marathi

Raj Thackeray calls off agitation to enforce Marathi

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray has asked his party workers to temporarily halt the agitation demanding the use of Marathi language in banks and other establishments. Thackeray said the agitation has been successful in raising awareness about the issue and that the government should now implement the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) norms on the use of local languages. He warned that the MNS will take action if the government fails to ensure the law is followed.

BSF to raise 16 new battalions, 2 field HQs for Pak, B'desh borders

BSF to raise 16 new battalions, 2 field HQs for Pak, B'desh borders

Rediff.com4 May 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) is set to receive government approval for 16 new battalions, comprising around 17,000 personnel, and two forward headquarters for its western and eastern commands. The move aims to strengthen security along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders, respectively. The new battalions and headquarters are part of a larger plan to address evolving security dynamics and challenges in the border regions.

Pahalgam probe reveals terror-Pak communication nodes

Pahalgam probe reveals terror-Pak communication nodes

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The attack has "footprints and tracks" similar to previous attacks claimed by The Resistance Front, the ministry said in a presentation, adding the terror organisation is just another name of designated terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba.

Pahalgam attack: India bans Pak PM Sharif's official YouTube channel

Pahalgam attack: India bans Pak PM Sharif's official YouTube channel

Rediff.com3 May 2025

When searched for his account, YouTube displays an error message.

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

A statement issued by the parliamentary affairs ministry earlier on Saturday said the all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Shakur Khan was detained on Wednesday night by an intelligence department team who were acting on security-related inputs.

Day 10: Pak troops open fire at 8 locations along LoC

Day 10: Pak troops open fire at 8 locations along LoC

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Pakistani troops continued unprovoked small arms firing in different sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the 10th consecutive night, prompting effective retaliation by the Indian army. The ceasefire violations, which started after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, were reported from eight places across five districts in the Union Territory during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately to the unprovoked firing, a defence spokesperson said.