News for 'Freedom House'

From Yoga to Bollywood, T20 is America's next obsession

From Yoga to Bollywood, T20 is America's next obsession

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

Indian-American businessman Sanjay Govil is convinced Twenty20 cricket can be the next big cultural import into the United States, following a trail blazed by yoga and Bollywood-style weddings.

How much freedom Indians have on the Internet? Find out...

How much freedom Indians have on the Internet? Find out...

Rediff.com21 Oct 2013

Let's take a look at Internet freedom across the world, including India.

Emergency at 50: JP's diary tells nation's darkest tale

Emergency at 50: JP's diary tells nation's darkest tale

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

On that fateful day, Narayan, popularly known as JP and a fierce critic of the then-Indira Gandhi government, addressed a massive gathering at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

BSE: Stock Exchange That Refused To Die

BSE: Stock Exchange That Refused To Die

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The story of the Bombay Stock Exchange and the people who shaped its growth: From wars and bomb blasts to speculators, reformers and wealth creators.

The Home Netaji Left Never To Return

The Home Netaji Left Never To Return

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Subhas Chandra Bose was under house arrest, yet he pulled out a daring escape from his Elgin Road residence in Calcutta to Germany via Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia...

Chhonzin Angmo Creates History On Everest

Chhonzin Angmo Creates History On Everest

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Chhonzin Angmo became the first visually-impaired woman from India to plant the Tricolour on Earth's highest mountain.

'A Complete Team Performance': Rohit Hails MI

'A Complete Team Performance': Rohit Hails MI

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Rohit Sharma was delighted to make a critical contribution to Mumbai Indians' victory over Gujarat Titans in a must-win IPL Eliminator match.

Lawmakers cannot claim privilege unconnected to working of the house: SC

Lawmakers cannot claim privilege unconnected to working of the house: SC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

The privileges enjoyed by MPs and MLAs are "tethered intrinsically" to the functioning of the legislature collectively, the Supreme Court said on Monday while holding that lawmakers taking bribe to vote or make a speech in the house are not immune from prosecution.

Article 370 abrogation anniversary: Mehbooba claims house arrest

Article 370 abrogation anniversary: Mehbooba claims house arrest

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti and several other regional party leaders on Monday claimed that they have been placed under house arrest on the fifth anniversary of the reading down of Article 370 of the Constitution that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday detained Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of the leading Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Samachar, following a raid on their premises in Ahmedabad, sources said.

'Scope for a further rate cut in this cycle itself, if...'

'Scope for a further rate cut in this cycle itself, if...'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'India has the potential to grow at more than 7%, with the monetary policy providing a supportive hand.'

Financial Freedom: One Woman's Inspiring Comeback

Financial Freedom: One Woman's Inspiring Comeback

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

Inspired from a real life incident, this is the story of how Aarti buckled herself up after her divorce and rebuilt her financial life.

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Madras High Court has ordered Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Limited to remove a caricature depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi shackled in chains during a meeting with United States President Donald Trump. The court ruled that the caricature, published in the magazine, was not protected under freedom of expression and could be considered offensive under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The court also directed the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to unblock the Ananda Vikatan website upon receipt of confirmation that the caricature has been removed.

'Amen': How world reacted to Trump-Zelensky's fiery clash

'Amen': How world reacted to Trump-Zelensky's fiery clash

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy and the resulting outpouring of support for the Ukrainian leader highlighted the deep fissures that have emerged between America and Europe over Ukraine.

Is This A Good Time To Buy A House?

Is This A Good Time To Buy A House?

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Experts say you should be certain of living in a city and locality for a long time before purchasing a home.

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing for urgent hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, will debate the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties who claim it is unconstitutional. The government, however, insists the bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India by bringing transparency and efficiency.

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will likely hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 15. The Act, which came into force on April 8, has been met with widespread criticism from various stakeholders, including politicians, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. They argue that the law is discriminatory and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The petitions allege that the amendments give the government more control over the administration of Waqf, effectively sidelining the Muslim minority from managing their own religious endowments.

Kamal Haasan not to release Thug Life in Karnataka

Kamal Haasan not to release Thug Life in Karnataka

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life will not be released in Karnataka on June 5, the scheduled date for the pan-India release of the much-anticipated movie, its producers informed the Karnataka high court on Tuesday.

Can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families?: UP CM

Can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families?: UP CM

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that if Hindus are safe, then Muslims are also safe in his state.

The Scotsman Who Loves India

The Scotsman Who Loves India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

'You have to separate the concept of India as a nation State which is very young and the Upanishadic wisdom which is timeless.'

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced its intention to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in court, labeling it a "black law" that threatens the community's rights. The AIMPLB, a major organization representing Muslims in India, asserts that the Bill, if passed, would lead to the seizure of Muslim properties and undermine the autonomy of Waqf Boards. The organization plans to launch nationwide protests against the Bill, echoing the farmers' agitation, and has urged all citizens to resist the legislation. The Bill has been met with criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties, who claim that the Centre is rushing it through Parliament without adequately addressing concerns raised by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Release NOT Allowed

Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Release NOT Allowed

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'We will take all necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India.'

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The UK has strongly condemned a security breach involving a pro-Khalistan extremist rushing towards External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's convoy in London. The incident took place as Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House think tank on Wednesday evening. The protester was swiftly taken aside by officers of the Metropolitan Police, with no arrests being confirmed so far. The UK said such attempts to "intimidate, threaten, or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable". The incident comes after Jaishankar's talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during which both leaders covered the entire gamut of bilateral ties, including the relaunched Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, regional and global issues. The MEA has condemned the security breach and the provocative activities of the "small group of separatists and extremists", calling on the UK to "live up to their diplomatic obligations".

'We have just suspended our retaliatory action': PM's top 10 quotes

'We have just suspended our retaliatory action': PM's top 10 quotes

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism, and has set up a new parameter and new normal. Operation Sindoor is not just a name but a reflection of the emotions of millions of Indians. Operation Sindoor is an unwavering pledge for justice. Terrorists dared to wipe 'sindoor' from the foreheads of our sisters; that is why India destroyed the very headquarters of terror.

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The group waving separatist flags was barricaded and monitored by a significant police presence outside the venue on Wednesday night, with officers rushing to restrain the man as he ran past the barricade in an attempt to block the path of the minister's car pulling at an Indian flag.

The Person Who Made Manoj Kumar Cry

The Person Who Made Manoj Kumar Cry

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Roshmila Bhattacharya shows us just why India has lost her Mr Bharat.

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

'It is important India to stay focussed on its primary national objectives: Combating terrorism; not losing sight of other security and strategic concerns (on the Sino-Indian front for instance); ensuring a strong economy and registering growth which includes improving the lot of common people; and finally making certain that the social fabric remains intact and harmony among people is not jeopardised, at least any further,' asserts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

This is legal, mine...: Kangana on club demolition over Kamra's joke

This is legal, mine...: Kangana on club demolition over Kamra's joke

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticized comedian Kunal Kamra for his recent remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling them "disrespectful" and "in bad taste." Ranaut, who was speaking to reporters outside Parliament, said that Kamra's comedy was "disgracing" and that Shinde had earned his position through hard work. She also echoed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' call for Kamra to apologize for his "low level comedy." The controversy comes after Shiv Sena members damaged the comedy club where Kamra's show took place, in response to his jokes about Shinde's political career and recent developments in Maharashtra.

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Hindu Munnani staged a protest in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, against a group of people consuming non-vegetarian food on the sacred Thiruparankundram hill. The protest, which was initially banned, was allowed by the Madras High Court with some restrictions. Several thousands of devotees, Hindu Munnani functionaries, and BJP members participated in the protest, raising slogans hailing Murugan (Lord Subrahmanya). Hindu Munnani state president Kadeshwara Subramaniam and scores of activists were arrested.

Who Is Gauri Spratt, Aamir's Latest Love?

Who Is Gauri Spratt, Aamir's Latest Love?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Her grandfather Philip Spratt was accused by the British Raj in the Meerut Conspiracy Case in the late 1920s. Meet the lady in Aamir Khan's life.

He was talking about...: White House on Biden's 'xenophobic' remark

He was talking about...: White House on Biden's 'xenophobic' remark

Rediff.com3 May 2024

'He was making a broader point. Our allies and partners know very well that -- how much this president respects them'

India falls in global Internet freedom rank

India falls in global Internet freedom rank

Rediff.com15 Apr 2013

Let's take a look at Internet freedom in India and around the world.

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Many ordinary citizens are drawn to by a sense of history and India's remarkable journey from bondage to freedom which culminated in this monumental building.

'I Am Dying For My Country'

'I Am Dying For My Country'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

It took Udham Singh 21 years to avenge the massacre of Jallianwala Bagh. And 34 years for his remains to return to India after execution in a British prison.

History In A Minute: Sarojini Naidu

History In A Minute: Sarojini Naidu

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

A salute to Sarojini Naidu freedom fighter, poet, women's right activist on her 146th birth anniversary.

What Was Melania Doing On Capitol Hill?

What Was Melania Doing On Capitol Hill?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The first lady met 'members of Congress on a bill could speed the removal of intimate imagery posted online without an individual's consent, or revenge porn,' Associated Press reported.

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."