News for 'General Debate'

Sports Ministry Wants Hockey India to Field Strongest Teams for Asian Games

Sports Ministry Wants Hockey India to Field Strongest Teams for Asian Games

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Sports Ministry is encouraging Hockey India to nominate its best teams for the Asian Games, amidst discussions about fielding separate teams for the continental event and the World Cup to prevent player burnout.

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'The Supreme Court stated that once the delimitation plan is approved by Parliament and receives assent of the President, it cannot be undone. Nor can it be modified.'

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Centre Starving West Bengal by Blocking Funds

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Centre Starving West Bengal by Blocking Funds

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the central government of withholding funds from West Bengal to punish voters for supporting the TMC, while highlighting state-led initiatives to support the population.

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India is one of the few nations, and perhaps the only nation, that has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. Knowing that a war in the Gulf would damage our economy, hurt supply of fertilisers and fuel, and cause general chaos, we should have tried to ensure this war did not begin, asserts Aakar Patel.

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump criticised Iran for attempting to use international waterways for leverage, stating that the United States had restrained itself only to allow space for negotiations.

NEET-PG Cutoff Cut Sparks Merit Debate

NEET-PG Cutoff Cut Sparks Merit Debate

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'To fill these seats, eligibility is being diluted. We are compromising merit and producing degree holders instead of good doctors.'

How Research and Applied Sciences Can Drive India's Sustainability Goals

How Research and Applied Sciences Can Drive India's Sustainability Goals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

CSIR Director General N Kalaiselvi emphasised the importance of research and applied sciences in developing sustainable solutions for India's energy security and environmental challenges at an international conference on Sustainability Through Fundamental and Applied Sciences (STFAS), 2026.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.

Pawan Khera's Anticipatory Bail Hearing Adjourned in Telangana High Court

Pawan Khera's Anticipatory Bail Hearing Adjourned in Telangana High Court

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Telangana High Court has adjourned the hearing on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail petition related to a case filed by the Assam government over allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife. The court will resume hearing on April 10.

TMC Leader Accuses BJP's Shankar Ghosh of Discrepancies in Injury Claims

TMC Leader Accuses BJP's Shankar Ghosh of Discrepancies in Injury Claims

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh of inconsistencies in his claims of injury during protests, urging voters to verify the truth. Banerjee also criticised the BJP's neglect of Siliguri and the CPI(M)'s alleged support for the BJP.

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Former US President Donald Trump has criticised Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a form of 'extortion' amid ongoing negotiations for a peace deal. The remarks come as Iran considers imposing transit fees on vessels crossing the strategic waterway.

Vimal Kumar Appeals to BWF to Preserve Current Badminton Scoring System

Vimal Kumar Appeals to BWF to Preserve Current Badminton Scoring System

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Former India coach Vimal Kumar urges the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to maintain the current 21-point scoring system, arguing it represents the true essence of badminton. He highlights the sport's global appeal and the disruption caused by frequent changes.

SC refuses to change religious practices at Banke Bihari temple in UP

SC refuses to change religious practices at Banke Bihari temple in UP

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has stated it will not make structural changes to religious practices at the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan, hearing a petition challenging administrative decisions affecting traditions.

UK-Based Doctor Claims FIR is Attempt to Criminalise Political Speech

UK-Based Doctor Claims FIR is Attempt to Criminalise Political Speech

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

A UK-based doctor, Sangram Patil, is challenging an FIR filed against him in India for alleged objectionable remarks against BJP leaders, claiming it's an attempt to criminalise political speech and dissent.

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

IDF chief stressed the urgent need for legislative measures, including a conscription law, a reserve duty law, and an extension of mandatory military service.

SC defers hearing on CBI's plea against Sengar's suspension in Unnao rape case

SC defers hearing on CBI's plea against Sengar's suspension in Unnao rape case

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the CBI's petition challenging the suspension of Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life imprisonment in the 2017 Unnao rape case.

Kerala Elections 2026: Can An 80-Year-Old Marxist Score A Hat-Trick?

Kerala Elections 2026: Can An 80-Year-Old Marxist Score A Hat-Trick?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Kerala's 2026 assembly election will see a three-cornered contest where religion and communalism have emerged as central themes for the first time, challenging the state's long-celebrated secular fabric.

'No accountability!' Boycott rips into England setup

'No accountability!' Boycott rips into England setup

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has criticised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for retaining head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key following England's Ashes defeat, questioning the lack of accountability.

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly defended Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against a no-confidence motion, accusing the Congress party of attacking constitutional institutions and undermining parliamentary democracy.

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Central government has assured the Bombay High Court that it is taking steps to address the LPG shortage caused by the conflict in West Asia. The court accepted the submission and disposed of a petition filed by LPG distributors.

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Political parties in Kerala are increasingly using AI-generated content to influence voters in the upcoming elections, raising concerns about the blurring lines between reality and fiction in political messaging.

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

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.

Semaglutide Ruling Sparks Generic Pharma Boom

Semaglutide Ruling Sparks Generic Pharma Boom

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

At the heart of this debate is Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, a safeguard designed to prevent drugmakers from extending monopoly protection through trivial modifications to existing medicines.

7 Adorable Animal Celebs

7 Adorable Animal Celebs

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

As famous as movie stars and global leaders are a bunch of animal celebs that the world grew to positively adore.

Stormy first part of Budget Session ends

Stormy first part of Budget Session ends

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The first leg of the Budget session concluded with debates over the India-US trade deal and a former army chief's memoir, and will reassemble on March 9.

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'We will give Rs 25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself.'

Pune Porsche crash: Minor driver's father granted bail in blood sample case

Pune Porsche crash: Minor driver's father granted bail in blood sample case

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Vishal Agarwal, the father of the minor accused of driving the Porsche in the fatal Pune crash, in connection with the blood sample swapping case.

AGI Dream 'Meaningless': Godfather Of AI

AGI Dream 'Meaningless': Godfather Of AI

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

'We could well be in a world where AI already has these dangerous capabilities and that is why there is a need for careful scientific evaluation to determine the risk and capabilities of these machines.'

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha has revoked the suspension of eight opposition MPs after assurances of maintaining order and decorum in the House. The decision follows a period of disruption and debate over parliamentary conduct.

AI Skills Enter Employee Performance Reviews

AI Skills Enter Employee Performance Reviews

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The message is becoming clearer: Employees who fail to meaningfully integrate AI into their work risk falling behind in performance assessments.

Trump tantrum effect? Modi to skip UNGA session in US

Trump tantrum effect? Modi to skip UNGA session in US

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the session on September 27

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Apologises to Mammootty for Online Attacks

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Apologises to Mammootty for Online Attacks

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly apologised to Malayalam actor Mammootty for online abuse following a controversy related to a visit to a Wayanad township.

India's Use Of ChatGPT 4 Times Global Average

India's Use Of ChatGPT 4 Times Global Average

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

'AI adoption is moving faster than our ability to measure it -- and that's a challenge for anyone trying to make smart decisions.'

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A public exchange of open letters between Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor reveals a significant rift over foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and the Sabarimala temple issue.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

Meta Flags DPDP Compliance Timeline Concerns

Meta Flags DPDP Compliance Timeline Concerns

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'We do have some concerns with the timeline being shortened from 18 to 12 months.'