News for 'General Debate'

'Judges Don't Descend From Mars Or The Moon'

'Judges Don't Descend From Mars Or The Moon'

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

'The quality of justice is directly linked to the quality of judges -- if that suffers, justice delivery suffers.'

How many jets were downed during Op Sindoor, asks Cong

How many jets were downed during Op Sindoor, asks Cong

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the central government regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, demanding accountability from Home Minister Amit Shah and clarification on the number of Indian jets downed during the operation.

Kuldeep benched! Gavaskar says Gill may not be in charge

Kuldeep benched! Gavaskar says Gill may not be in charge

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

Maybe Shubman Gill didn't want Shardul Thakur , wanted Kuldeep Yadav: Sunil Gavaskar questions captain's say in XI

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.

Shah talked about Nehru, Indira, but didn't...: Priyanka tears into govt

Shah talked about Nehru, Indira, but didn't...: Priyanka tears into govt

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the government regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning intelligence failures and demanding accountability.

Why Is US Going Through This Madness?

Why Is US Going Through This Madness?

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The answer is to be found in the rise of the global south and in particular, the rise of China, explains Aakar Patel.

Trump, Harris lock horns during fiery first debate

Trump, Harris lock horns during fiery first debate

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have sparred over all major issues, including United States foreign policy, economy, border security and abortion, during their first presidential debate that could alter the course of the race for the White House.

Trump refuses to debate Kamala Harris until...

Trump refuses to debate Kamala Harris until...

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

Former United States president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Thursday refused to debate with his Democratic rival and Vice President Kamala Harris until the Democrats formally decide on their nominee, whereas the latter said that she is ready for a debate.

The General Who Stood By His Convictions

The General Who Stood By His Convictions

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

'General Paddy was amongst the last line of generals who stood by his convictions and brooked no interference in matters which were his domain.' Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (retd) salutes his former chief who passed away on August 19.

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'When I undertook a study of temple desecration in precolonial India, it was not enough simply to document what temples were desecrated, by whom, when, and where.' 'It was also important to explore the total historical context of such incidents, with a view to discovering patterns, which in turn could reveal the reasons why they occurred.'

IAEA chief: Iran may restart uranium enrichment in months

IAEA chief: Iran may restart uranium enrichment in months

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While the final military and intelligence assessment has yet to come, Trump has repeatedly claimed to have "completely and totally obliterated" Tehran's nuclear programme.

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

Rediff.com19 May 2025

When the country has been at war, the Opposition has buried its differences with the government, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Kerala govt's decision on Bakrid holiday triggers uproar

Kerala govt's decision on Bakrid holiday triggers uproar

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Originally Friday (June 6) was marked as holiday for Bakrid. However, following the reports that the festival would be celebrated on Saturday across the state, on Thursday, the Kerala government announced that Saturday, June 7, will be a public holiday for Bakrid.

Biden stumbles in first presidential debate with Trump

Biden stumbles in first presidential debate with Trump

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

Joe Biden, seeking a second term in the White House, stumbled in his first televised presidential debate with his predecessor Donald Trump, setting off alarm bells among top Democrats about whether the incumbent President can stay atop in the gruelling months ahead of the elections.

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'All governments are scared of a negative image.' 'Somehow, this government has a tendency to create a narrative that things are improving.' 'When the real data gives a different picture, they are upset.'

PM's reply to debate in both houses on July 2-3

PM's reply to debate in both houses on July 2-3

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Anurag Thakur is likely to initiate the discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the debate expected on July 2, sources said.

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'At Keeladi, we have not come across any evidence for organised religion.'

Pak hikes defence budget amid tension with India

Pak hikes defence budget amid tension with India

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Pakistan on Tuesday increased its defence budget by 20 per cent, allocating PRs. 2,550 billion ($9 billion) for the fiscal year 2025-26, amid tensions with India.

Are The Rich Paying Less Tax?

Are The Rich Paying Less Tax?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

They are not just underreporting income; they are reshaping what the income tax system perceives, says study.

'Indian Stocks Unlikely To Give Significant Returns In 12 Months'

'Indian Stocks Unlikely To Give Significant Returns In 12 Months'

Rediff.com30 May 2025

'Right now, silver -- and especially platinum -- are very cheap compared to gold. If I were buying today, I would choose platinum.'

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has sparked controversy and legal challenges. The Bill, passed by Parliament after heated debates, has been criticized by opposition parties as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". The government, however, maintains that the reform will benefit the Muslim community. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Bill, alleging discrimination against Muslims and undermining their religious autonomy. The Bill repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, and introduces restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, which have raised concerns about the impact on the Muslim community.

Speaker Birla ticks off Sonia for 'Waqf bill bulldozed' remark

Speaker Birla ticks off Sonia for 'Waqf bill bulldozed' remark

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's remarks about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill being "bulldozed through" the Lower House. Birla said a senior member casting aspersions on the House proceedings was "most unfortunate" and against the dignity of parliamentary democracy. He pointed out that the bill was debated for 13 hours and 53 minutes with several members participating and was passed after multiple divisions.

India-Pak clash is about terrorism, West will suffer too: Jaishankar

India-Pak clash is about terrorism, West will suffer too: Jaishankar

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said the recent confrontation between India and Pakistan was not just a mere conflict between two neighbours, but it was about combating terrorism, which will eventually come back to haunt the West.

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move, reports Ramesh Menon.

Pakistan's Evil Designs: What India Must Do!

Pakistan's Evil Designs: What India Must Do!

Rediff.com26 May 2025

'Will this near-war, India's strongest military response so far, buy India another seven years of deterrence?' asks Shekhar Gupta.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'