Nine people, including women, have been arrested and jailed for allegedly vandalising a liquor shop in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, during a protest against its opening.
rediffGURU Vipul Bhavsar answers readers' personal income tax queries
Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Trump issued a harsh warning to Tehran, threatening to target Iran's energy and civil infrastructure if the Strait is not opened.
AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal has released an open letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging secret deals with BJP leaders and the central government, raising questions about the LDF government's functioning ahead of the Assembly elections.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which provides graded punishment for bodily harm to transgender persons, has been approved by the President of India. The bill has faced criticism from opposition MPs for excluding gays and lesbians and for the establishment of an authority to determine transgender status.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of searching her car and criticised the BJP for alleged election misconduct during a rally in Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur district.
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called for collective efforts to restore the state's past glory, highlighting concerns over economic and educational indicators. His remarks coincided with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising him for allegedly 'abusing' her instead of extending New Year greetings.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has publicly criticised its MP Raghav Chadha, accusing him of avoiding raising critical issues against the central government in Parliament and instead focusing on 'soft PR'. Senior AAP leaders have questioned his commitment to the party line and his absence during key parliamentary events.
A 24-year-old man in Maharashtra's Beed district died by suicide after being excluded from a friend's birthday party, highlighting the impact of social isolation and strained relationships.
A 10-year-old girl died in Sangli district, Maharashtra, after allegedly being tortured by her father, who suspected her of stealing money. Her sister was also subjected to similar treatment and is hospitalised. The father has been apprehended and a case has been registered.
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly debated whether students should be encouraged to clean school premises to improve their hygiene habits, raising questions about child rights and skill development.
'Workers are being pushed into 12- to 14-hour shifts under poor conditions. These largely leaderless protests are likely to continue.'
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee addressed a rally in Murshidabad, accusing political rivals of working for the BJP and promising to restore voting rights to disenfranchised citizens if his party returns to power.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of misusing democratic institutions and stoking communal discord in Bengal, criticising their 'double engine' governance model.
'I don't want to be called a new Indian voter when I am an old Indian voter.'
A combination of security pressure and rehabilitation efforts has significantly weakened Naxalism in India, leading to numerous surrenders and the elimination of key leaders.
This will be India's 16th Census and the eighth since Independence. For the first time, citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration.
Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval's latest film Oru Durooha Sahacharyathil (Under Mysterious Circumstances), showcases both his directorial strengths and inconsistencies, starting as a compelling tale of brotherhood before shifting awkwardly into a psychological study.
A Congress leader was murdered in Punjab's Ludhiana district, prompting strong reactions and raising concerns about the state's law and order situation.
A US Congressman has introduced a resolution urging the US government to recognise the 1971 atrocities committed against Bengali Hindus in Bangladesh by the Pakistani Army as a genocide, seeking justice and historical acknowledgement.
A man in Mysuru has been arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly sending fake bomb threat messages to government offices, schools, and courts, causing widespread alarm.
A CAG report has revealed significant deficiencies in the management and security of prisons in Odisha, including shortages of staff, infrastructure, and equipment, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of inmates and the public.
Trump's message, posted on his Truth Social platform, is a reminder of his 10-day ultimatum given to the Islamic Republic earlier to make progress toward a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane.
America's population and its media and its democratic structures seem fine with this, which is why Trump continues as he does, asserts Aakar Patel.
The Lok Sabha faced repeated adjournments due to opposition demands for a debate on the West Asia situation, preventing a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla from being taken up. The government and the Chair criticised the opposition for disrupting House proceedings.
India has officially refuted claims that Elon Musk was involved in a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.
A former chairperson of the Amethi Nagar Panchayat, Chandrama Devi, has been sent to judicial custody in connection with a property fraud case. She is accused of fraudulently transferring a local trade leader's house during her tenure.
Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.
Three individuals, including the brother of a former BSP district president, have been booked in Bhadohi for allegedly defrauding a man with promises of a government job and subsequently threatening him.
The Gujarat assembly complex received a bomb threat via email during the budget session, leading to an evacuation and police investigation. The threat was later declared a hoax.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and alleging restrictions on non-vegetarian food consumption in BJP-ruled states.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of instigating violence during Ram Navami rallies in West Bengal, alleging the party is disrupting the state's tradition of communal harmony. He also criticised the BJP's governance record and promises in other states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the West Asia crisis and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. They also reviewed progress in bilateral ties and anticipated upcoming deals in the energy sector.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of stoking fights among all sections of society and attempting to loot the country by exploiting these divisions. She also criticised the BJP's economic policies and alleged discrimination in welfare schemes.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticises Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct, accusing him of being unduly influenced by advisors and questioning his casual attire in the House.
The Haryana Assembly was informed that nearly 18,000 people aged 18-45 died due to heart attacks or heart failures between January 2020 and January 2026. The government stated that no survey was conducted to ascertain if these deaths correlate with COVID-19 infection or vaccinations.
The Delhi government's 2026-27 budget prioritises social welfare, introducing the 'Vayo Anand' scheme for senior citizens' recreational activities and constructing an integrated complex for children in juvenile reform homes.
The Indian government is unlikely to allow a parliamentary debate on the West Asia crisis, citing prior briefings by the External Affairs Minister. This decision comes amid opposition protests and a pending no-confidence motion against the Speaker.
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.
'Many of the children I work with had never attended school before and had never been given the right environment or opportunity to learn.'
'When education became accessible -- through flexible learning spaces, creative methods and community-based classrooms -- these same children began to thrive.'
'Over time, many who had never stepped into a formal classroom not only entered the education system but continued their studies further, with some going on to university.'
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