News for 'Freedom House'

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed relief and condemnation following a shooting incident outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where US President Donald Trump and other top officials were present. Leaders from various countries reiterated that political violence has no place in a democracy.

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed their relief and condemnation following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy.

Global support pours in for Trump after White House dinner shooting

Global support pours in for Trump after White House dinner shooting

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed their relief and condemnation following a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents' Dinner, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy. Leaders including Narendra Modi, Mark Carney, and others have voiced their support and concern for President Trump and all attendees.

Karnataka Passes Landmark Bills on Marriage Freedom and Manuscript Preservation

Karnataka Passes Landmark Bills on Marriage Freedom and Manuscript Preservation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Karnataka Assembly has passed two significant bills aimed at social reform and heritage preservation: the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, and the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill, 2026.

Delhi police seal UNI office; action sparks media freedom debate

Delhi police seal UNI office; action sparks media freedom debate

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Delhi Police sealed the office of news agency UNI following a high court order, leading to allegations of media suppression and manhandling of staff.

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a way of life, stating that mandatory temple visits or rituals are not necessary to be considered a Hindu; even lighting a lamp at home suffices.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 rebound as US-Iran negotiations progress, easing oil price fears

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 rebound as US-Iran negotiations progress, easing oil price fears

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw a significant rebound in early trade, driven by a decline in crude oil prices. This drop followed US President Donald Trump's announcement of progress in negotiations with Iran towards an agreement to end the war, leading to a temporary pause in 'Project Freedom' to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

House functions by rules, not privilege: LS Speaker Birla

House functions by rules, not privilege: LS Speaker Birla

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed concerns about fairness and speaking privileges in the House, emphasising that all members, including the Prime Minister, must adhere to parliamentary rules and procedures.

Stock markets rally as US-Iran talks progress, crude oil prices tumble

Stock markets rally as US-Iran talks progress, crude oil prices tumble

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, rallied significantly following a sharp decline in crude oil prices. This decline was triggered by US President Donald Trump's announcement of progress in negotiations with Iran towards a peace agreement, which led to renewed optimism in global markets.

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

Rediff.com5 hours ago

As many as 35 vessels, including cargo carriers and oil tankers, successfully navigated through the strategic maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz over the last 24 hours, according to Iran's state media reports citing a formal declaration by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

Starmer Expresses Relief After Shooting Near Trump

Starmer Expresses Relief After Shooting Near Trump

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer contacted US President Donald Trump to express his relief following a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents Dinner. The leaders also discussed the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday as he boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

'You'd be speaking French': King Charles roasts Trump at state dinner

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

King Charles III reaffirmed the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, underscored NATO's centrality to global security, and shared light-hearted moments with President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner.

Trump rejects Iran's peace plan as 'totally unacceptable'

Trump rejects Iran's peace plan as 'totally unacceptable'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's proposal to end the ongoing war, deeming it 'totally unacceptable'. This decision comes amid efforts to negotiate an end to hostilities that began on February 28 and have disrupted global oil supplies.

Satheesan Consults Antony, Sudheeran After Being Named Kerala CM

Satheesan Consults Antony, Sudheeran After Being Named Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Newly appointed Kerala CM V D Satheesan seeks guidance from senior Congress leaders A K Antony and V M Sudheeran, receiving advice on navigating the challenges of leadership and addressing the state's financial and developmental issues.

'My Father-In-Law's Death Saved Our Marriage'

'My Father-In-Law's Death Saved Our Marriage'

Rediff.com1 days ago

Chitra tells us how her strained relationship with her husband and mother-in-law gradually improved after her father-in-law passed away.

India Installs Mock Container Housing for Asian Games Athletes

India Installs Mock Container Housing for Asian Games Athletes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India is preparing its athletes for the upcoming Asian Games by installing makeshift container housing units at SAI centres to familiarise them with the unique accommodation arrangements in Japan.

Asian Games 2026: India Prepares Athletes For Unique Container Housing Experience

Asian Games 2026: India Prepares Athletes For Unique Container Housing Experience

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India is preparing its athletes for the unique accommodation arrangements at the upcoming Asian Games, which will feature repurposed shipping containers as housing units.

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.

'Nehru And Patel Were Like Jai And Veeru'

'Nehru And Patel Were Like Jai And Veeru'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'Gandhi was Thakur and Gabbar was Jinnah.'

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the TMC, accusing the party of looting West Bengal for 15 years, destroying the state's identity through corruption and infiltration, and turning Jadavpur University into a symbol of disorder.

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

There are enough people at the top decision-making level in Tehran who are still willing to negotiate, provided Trump can create the right setting for the negotiation to acquire a dynamic of its own, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Saif Ali Khan Was Told Not To Play A Cop

Why Saif Ali Khan Was Told Not To Play A Cop

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Shah Rukh Sir gave us a lot of room to make the film we wanted to make.'

Trump says Iran war 'close to over' amid Hormuz blockade

Trump says Iran war 'close to over' amid Hormuz blockade

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has stated that the war with Iran is "close to over," while the US Central Command reports blocking traffic to Iranian ports.

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A US federal government commission has raised concerns about the state of religious freedom in India, recommending its designation as a 'Country of Particular Concern' and suggesting targeted sanctions.

Chhattisgarh Government Tables Bill to Prevent Forced Religious Conversions

Chhattisgarh Government Tables Bill to Prevent Forced Religious Conversions

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has introduced a bill in the state assembly to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraud, or misrepresentation. The bill, titled the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026), aims to curb conversions achieved through coercion or undue influence.

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticised India's record on religious freedom and called for linking US security assistance and trade to improvements in this area.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has introduced a bill aimed at preventing religious conversions through force, inducement, or misrepresentation, sparking opposition and debate in the state assembly.

UK law firm challenges legality of Hasina's death penalty in Bangladesh

UK law firm challenges legality of Hasina's death penalty in Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A leading British law firm has challenged the fairness and legality of the trial and death sentence handed down to deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing violations of international law and a politically hostile environment.

Karnataka Passes Bills to Tackle Honour Killings and Protect Ancient Manuscripts

Karnataka Passes Bills to Tackle Honour Killings and Protect Ancient Manuscripts

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Karnataka Assembly has passed two significant bills aimed at social reform and heritage preservation: the Karnataka Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Unity, Freedom, Dignity and Tradition in Marriage Bill, 2026, and the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026.

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a strong attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of appeasement politics, encouraging illegal immigration for votes, and leading the state into misrule and corruption.

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The US blockade on Iranian ports is aimed to curb Iranian energy exports, thereby crippling its economy to force Iran back to the negotiating table, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Iran will be decimated within 4 hours if...: Trump

Iran will be decimated within 4 hours if...: Trump

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Trump also brushed off criticism of his expletive-laden references to causing destruction in Iran if they failed to make a deal to end the war.

I can't turn off mics, says Birla as no trust motion defeated

I can't turn off mics, says Birla as no trust motion defeated

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the House, reaffirming his commitment to impartiality and adherence to parliamentary rules and regulations following a motion seeking his removal.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The three principles he taught in particular -- Ahimsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha -- are as alive and necessary today as they were then. Perhaps more so.