News for 'Forum'

Joint Pak-Afghanistan jirga calls for immediate ceasefire

Joint Pak-Afghanistan jirga calls for immediate ceasefire

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A joint Pakistan-Afghanistan jirga in Peshawar has called for an immediate ceasefire to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, emphasising dialogue and mutual respect.

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the use of information from 'WhatsApp University' as evidence in a case concerning religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites, including the Sabarimala Temple.

Can non-believer from North India claim right of entry to Sabarimala, asks SC

Can non-believer from North India claim right of entry to Sabarimala, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, and the scope of religious freedom practised by multiple faiths.

Why Modi Empowered ED To Tackle Financial Crimes

Why Modi Empowered ED To Tackle Financial Crimes

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

Caretaker Found Dead: Concerns Over Minority Safety In Bangladesh

Caretaker Found Dead: Concerns Over Minority Safety In Bangladesh

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A Hindu temple caretaker was found dead in Bangladesh, sparking outrage and demands for justice from minority groups. The caretaker had been missing for three days before his body was discovered.

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, And Egypt Aim To Boost Cooperation

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, And Egypt Aim To Boost Cooperation

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt convened in Antalya to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and stability.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

Enforcement Directorate Widens Probe Into Merlin Group Money Laundering

Enforcement Directorate Widens Probe Into Merlin Group Money Laundering

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against entities being probed in connection with the money laundering case against Kolkata-based real estate company Merlin Group and others. The action follows previous raids on April 8 and focuses on alleged financial links between the company and West Bengal politicians and officials.

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.

India, New Zealand FTA to be signed on April 27

India, New Zealand FTA to be signed on April 27

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India and New Zealand are poised to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) on April 27 in New Delhi, aiming to provide tariff-free access for Indian goods to New Zealand's market and attract USD 20 billion in investment over the next 15 years.

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

Why Congress MPs Were Barred From Kerala Assembly Polls

Why Congress MPs Were Barred From Kerala Assembly Polls

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader M K Raghavan has criticised the party's decision to bar MPs from contesting in the recent Kerala Assembly elections, attributing it to the stubbornness of some party leaders rather than a high command directive.

Badminton World Federation Approves New Scoring System

Badminton World Federation Approves New Scoring System

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has approved the adoption of the 3x15 scoring system, set to take effect on January 4, 2027, following a vote at its Annual General Meeting in Horsen, Denmark. The decision aims to enhance the sport's appeal, improve match scheduling, and benefit player welfare, despite reservations from some leading Indian players.

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has extended the deadline for implementing SIM-binding rules for mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to December 31, following requests from the industry. The Department of Telecom has also relaxed the mandatory six-hour log-out rule for web versions of these apps.

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A top government official says that while India has made significant progress in renewable energy, technical issues are hindering large-scale implementation. The government is working on solutions such as grid flexibilisation and battery storage.

Father not an 'illegal custodian': HC dismisses mother's habeas plea

Father not an 'illegal custodian': HC dismisses mother's habeas plea

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a woman's habeas corpus petition seeking custody of her children from her estranged husband, stating that a father is a natural guardian and cannot be accused of illegal detention unless violating a court order.

Why Court Dismissed Mother's Custody Plea

Why Court Dismissed Mother's Custody Plea

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a mother's habeas corpus petition, asserting that a father, as the natural guardian of a Hindu minor, cannot be deemed to illegally detain the child unless a court order is violated.

'Mark Mobius Saw India's Rise Before Other Investors'

'Mark Mobius Saw India's Rise Before Other Investors'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'Mark Mobius's life was dedicated to investing.'

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Realty Firm's Ties to West Bengal Politicians

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Realty Firm's Ties to West Bengal Politicians

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating a Kolkata-based realty company, Merlin Group, for alleged financial links to West Bengal politicians and officials as part of a money laundering probe, seizing digital devices and documents during raids.

India-Africa Initiative Aims to Bridge AI Skills Gap

India-Africa Initiative Aims to Bridge AI Skills Gap

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

JNS Cloud Solutions, in partnership with upGrad Enterprise, has launched the Africa AI Skilling Initiative to accelerate digital transformation and address the skills gap in Africa.

Court Allows Lalu Aide Amit Katyal to Travel, Modifies Bail Terms in Money Laundering Case

Court Allows Lalu Aide Amit Katyal to Travel, Modifies Bail Terms in Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A Delhi court has granted Amit Katyal, a businessman linked to Lalu Prasad's family, permission to travel for religious purposes and modified his bail conditions in a money laundering case.

Tribal Protest Over Arrests Disrupts Normal Life in Odisha's Rairangpur

Tribal Protest Over Arrests Disrupts Normal Life in Odisha's Rairangpur

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Normal life in Odisha's Rairangpur area was disrupted due to a bandh called by the Mayurbhanj Adivasi Ekata Manch, protesting the arrest of 34 tribals following a clash with police during a protest on March 13. The bandh was supported by several political parties and tribal organisations, affecting shops, transport, and educational institutions.

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has engaged in multiple conversations with his Iranian counterpart to secure safe passage for Indian merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating tensions in West Asia.

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'Not an accident': Trump calls Hormuz 'Strait of Trump'

'Not an accident': Trump calls Hormuz 'Strait of Trump'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump jokingly referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Strait of Trump' while discussing ongoing negotiations with Iran, adding that Iran was under pressure and willing to negotiate.

Fino Payments Bank Claims GST Compliance After CEO's Arrest

Fino Payments Bank Claims GST Compliance After CEO's Arrest

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Fino Payments Bank asserts its compliance with GST regulations following the arrest of its MD and CEO, Rishi Gupta, by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). The bank clarifies that the investigation pertains to program managers associated with multiple banks and not the bank's own GST compliance.

Experion Developers' Plea Rejected in Delhi High Court Amid Fraud Investigation

Experion Developers' Plea Rejected in Delhi High Court Amid Fraud Investigation

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to grant interim relief to Gurugram-based Experion Developers Private Limited, who sought to quash an FIR registered against them by the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police on charges of fraud.

RBI Keen to Expand Use of Indian Rupee for Russian Trade

RBI Keen to Expand Use of Indian Rupee for Russian Trade

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is exploring ways for Russian trade counterparts to use accumulated Indian rupees (INR) for imports or capital investments in India, aiming to boost INR-Rouble transactions and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has launched an emergency WhatsApp helpline for state residents stranded in the Middle East due to airspace closures amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is monitoring the situation and coordinating with central agencies.

Anil Ambani seeks debt treatment like Sterling's Sandesaras'

Anil Ambani seeks debt treatment like Sterling's Sandesaras'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Industrialist Anil Ambani has approached the Supreme Court seeking a court-facilitated debt resolution similar to the one provided to Sterling group's Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, and five other members of their families.

Maharashtra govt arranges flights for stranded citizens in UAE

Maharashtra govt arranges flights for stranded citizens in UAE

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, the Maharashtra government is arranging evacuation flights to bring home 164 citizens stranded in the UAE due to airspace closures, offering a crucial lifeline and support.

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

Parliament's lawmaking power absolute: SC on BNS sedition plea

Parliament's lawmaking power absolute: SC on BNS sedition plea

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The observations came from a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi which was hearing pleas questioning the validity of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Our government is committed to addressing it firmly while protecting the rights of genuine citizens.'

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the establishment of independent appellate tribunals, led by former high court judges, to address appeals related to voter list exclusions in West Bengal, while also cautioning against undermining judicial officers involved in the process.

Trump's Davos-bound plane makes U-turn after 'tech snag' mid-air

Trump's Davos-bound plane makes U-turn after 'tech snag' mid-air

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Trump later boarded another aircraft and continued on with his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Thousands of Naga students and citizens rallied in Kohima, Nagaland, opposing the central government's directive to mandate the singing of Vande Mataram in official functions and educational institutions, citing concerns over secularism and religious freedom.

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.

Tension in Manipur as Missing Men Found Dead; NIA Investigation Ordered

Tension in Manipur as Missing Men Found Dead; NIA Investigation Ordered

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Two men who went missing in Manipur's Kamjong district were found dead, leading to protests and demands for justice. The state government has ordered an NIA investigation and announced compensation for the families.