News for 'General Debate'

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'I have a deep affection for Indian cricket. If someone asked me to come back, I wouldn't say no.'

Israel Took 6 Days, India Nailed In 2!

Israel Took 6 Days, India Nailed In 2!

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'For weeks, months and years, it would continue to be debated if India should have pushed the early advantage and decapacitated Pakistan militarily.' 'India refused to bite the provocatively proverbial bullet and escalate it into a full-fledged war,' notes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

When 16 people died during a Kolkata derby in 1980

When 16 people died during a Kolkata derby in 1980

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

On August 16, 1980, the Kolkata football derby between arch rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, played at the Eden Gardens (there was no Salt Lake Stadium then) witnessed a massive clash between the supporters of two teams, leading to 16 deaths.

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.

Bhushan Steel Case: Urgent Need For IBC Reforms

Bhushan Steel Case: Urgent Need For IBC Reforms

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court's ruling in the BPSL case exposes deep flaws in the IBC's institutional framework and raises concern about judicial overreach, notes Rajeswari Sengupta.

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has rejected a privilege notice against Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he cited a 1948 government press release to authenticate his statement that a Congress leader was part of the management of Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had moved the notice against Shah for "casting aspersions" on Congress Parliamentary Party head Sonia Gandhi.

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'We are too important to want to be paired with Pakistan but too intensely connected to it to successfully detach ourselves,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Pak broke Indus treaty spirit with 3 wars, terror attacks, India tells UN

Pak broke Indus treaty spirit with 3 wars, terror attacks, India tells UN

Rediff.com24 May 2025

India has accused Pakistan of violating the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty by engaging in acts of terrorism and refusing to modify the treaty. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting Pakistan's disinformation regarding the treaty and its continued support for cross-border terrorism. He stated that India has always acted responsibly as an upper riparian state and that Pakistan's actions have jeopardized civilian lives, religious harmony, and economic prosperity. India has suspended the treaty until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism.

'Surprising That Sachin Is Not Outraged'

'Surprising That Sachin Is Not Outraged'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

'The Pataudi Trophy vanished overnight -- no farewell, no tribute, just a quiet replacement.' 'If a name can be erased this easily, what faith can we place in the permanence of Tendulkar-Anderson?'

'For The First Time, We Will Be Able To Say A Particular Caste Is More Backward Than The Other'

'For The First Time, We Will Be Able To Say A Particular Caste Is More Backward Than The Other'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

'For the first time in this country, perhaps the first time anywhere, we are going to use backwardness index.' 'It is a fundamental shift in the discourse in the country's social justice.'

Why Asim Munir Wanted War

Why Asim Munir Wanted War

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The launch of the first-ever direct train service from Delhi to Kashmir would be a big turning point in the Valley's mood and its integration with India. He had to thwart it at any cost, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

10 Smart Tips To Connect With Gen Z At Work

10 Smart Tips To Connect With Gen Z At Work

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Gen Z is not so difficult to deal with; they are different in the way they work and communicate, explains Shruti Swaroop, founder of Embrace Consulting and co-founder of International Inclusion Alliance.

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking an independent selection process for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on March 17. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, argues that the current system of appointment solely by the executive and the prime minister violates the Constitution and undermines the CAG's independence. The petition calls for a transparent process involving the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The PIL contends that the CAG's role as a watchdog over government finances requires a fair and non-arbitrary appointment procedure.

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

Rediff.com27 May 2025

On Jawaharlal Nehru's 61st death anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra recalls how India's first prime minister cultivated a unique role for the newly independent country on the world stage.

Gensol promoters likely to come under SFIO glare

Gensol promoters likely to come under SFIO glare

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The government is considering initiating a probe by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) against Gensol Engineering and its promoters, according to sources familiar with the matter. "It is under consideration at this stage. A final decision will be taken soon," a government official said.

War is not your Bollywood movie, should be last resort: Ex-Army chief

War is not your Bollywood movie, should be last resort: Ex-Army chief

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Still, people are asking why we have not gone for a full-out war. As a military man, if ordered, I will go to war, but that will not be my first choice'

Cong urges Modi for special Parl session to discuss Pahalgam terror attack

Cong urges Modi for special Parl session to discuss Pahalgam terror attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Several opposition MPs have made a similar demand to the government in the wake of the dastardly attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed last week, leaving the nation grief-stricken and outraged.

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Can a culture survive as a way of life, even as the language and writing at its core, alter with time? Can we be rational and Malayalee or do we have to necessarily be religious and proudly cultural to be Malayalee? asks Shyam G Menon.

Panipat battle symbol of Maratha bravery, not defeat: Fadnavis

Panipat battle symbol of Maratha bravery, not defeat: Fadnavis

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asserted that the third battle of Panipat, fought in 1761, was a symbol of the bravery of Marathas and not their defeat. He said the state government is building a memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Agra and acquiring land for another memorial in Panipat, where the battle was fought between Marathas and Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali.

As Israel debates response to Iran, US says...

As Israel debates response to Iran, US says...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Additional United States military assets that were moved into the Middle East before Iran's attack on Israel will remain in place, CNN reported, citing Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder.

Patnaik steps in as anger over BJD's flipflop on Waqf continues

Patnaik steps in as anger over BJD's flipflop on Waqf continues

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

A section of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders in Odisha are expressing discontent over the party's decision to support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The issue has sparked internal turmoil, with young leaders submitting a memorandum to party president Naveen Patnaik, urging him to address the situation. Patnaik has held meetings with senior leaders, assuring them that necessary action will be taken to mitigate the fallout and maintain the party's secular image.

Budget session begins on Jan 31 with Prez address

Budget session begins on Jan 31 with Prez address

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The President will address both the Houses of Parliament assembled together in the Lok Sabha chamber on Friday and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the General Budget on Saturday.

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The UN Security Council could meet soon to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan, with the UNSC President expressing concern over rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The President, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris of Greece, said a meeting would provide an opportunity to express views and help diffuse tensions. Sekeris also condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the recent attack in Pahalgam, and called for de-escalation and dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, stating that the Constitution does not allow religion-based quotas. He also said that such reservations go against the wishes of B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He also spoke about the controversy over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra, stating that people who went against the ethos of India were made icons. Hosabale lauded figures like Rajput king Maharana Pratap for resisting Mughal emperor Akbar and said those who resisted invaders were also "freedom fighters". He also spoke about the RSS's idea of 'One Nation, One Culture', stating that it draws inspiration from India's rich cultural heritage and ethos.

President's address on Thursday, debate to be next govt-Oppn friction point

President's address on Thursday, debate to be next govt-Oppn friction point

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Murmu's address to the joint sitting of Parliament will also be the first after the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha.

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We have to be wary because if an uncontrolled transmission happens, random mutations may lead to something which could be virulent and then that could land us in a problem.'

Why Congress Did A U-Turn On Boycotting Exit Poll TV Debates

Why Congress Did A U-Turn On Boycotting Exit Poll TV Debates

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

24 hours was all it took for the Congress to overturn its decision to boycott the TV debates on the exit poll results. Sudhir Bisht offers an explanation.

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

Turkey's Erdogan skips Kashmir in UN speech. Here's why

Turkey's Erdogan skips Kashmir in UN speech. Here's why

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

Erdogan's skipping of the Kashmir reference is being seen as an apparent shift in Turkiye's stance and comes at a time when the country is trying to become a member of the BRICS grouping to forge alliances beyond the West.

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.

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has questioned the Chief Justice of India's involvement in executive appointments, specifically citing the selection of the CBI director. He believes this practice undermines democratic principles and calls for revisiting the existing norms. Dhankhar also raised concerns about the "doctrine of basic structure", suggesting it has a debatable jurisprudential basis. He emphasized the importance of each institution operating within its constitutional boundaries and highlighted the need for coordinated autonomy. The vice president also discussed the need for a balanced approach to judicial review and the importance of judges focusing on judgments rather than other forms of expression. He stressed the need to revisit the current state of affairs to restore the judiciary's sublimity.

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.

Sushma to address UN General Assembly session on Sept 29

Sushma to address UN General Assembly session on Sept 29

Rediff.com7 Aug 2018

Modi had given his maiden address to the UN General Assembly as Prime Minister in 2014.

'Mumbai's Success Depends On Rohit'

'Mumbai's Success Depends On Rohit'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'You need a 400-run season from Rohit Sharma. 15s and 20s converted into 40s and 60s.'

PM Modi likely to skip UN General Assembly session

PM Modi likely to skip UN General Assembly session

Rediff.com26 Jul 2017

Modi had given his maiden address to the UN General Assembly as Prime Minister in 2014.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Egg on my face: Tharoor admits he was wrong on India's Ukraine war stand

Egg on my face: Tharoor admits he was wrong on India's Ukraine war stand

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has conceded that he was wrong in opposing India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the country's current position allows it to play a significant role in achieving lasting peace. Tharoor, who had initially criticized India's neutrality, now acknowledges that the policy has positioned India as a mediator, capable of engaging with both Russia and Ukraine.

'Falsehood': Jaishankar on Rahul's Trump invite charge

'Falsehood': Jaishankar on Rahul's Trump invite charge

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Jaishankar said that Rahul Gandhi's lies damage India at an international level.

Kohli Revolts Against BCCI Family Rule

Kohli Revolts Against BCCI Family Rule

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'Players can apply for permission if they want their families to stay longer on tours.' 'The BCCI will make a decision as it sees fit.'