News for 'Human and Civil Rights'

California Senate passes bill banning caste discrimination

California Senate passes bill banning caste discrimination

Rediff.com12 May 2023

Promoters of the bill, being led by non-profit Equality Lab, said that a similar bill is being introduced in the State House of Representatives, before it can be sent to the Governor to be signed into a law.

Indian woman threatens to sue UK minister

Indian woman threatens to sue UK minister

Rediff.com20 Jun 2008

An Indian-origin civil rights campaigner has threatened to sue a cabinet minister for allegedly insinuating that her relationship with former shadow Home Secretary David Davis was inappropriate.Shami Chakrabarti, 39, the prominent director of civil rights group Liberty, has demanded a public apology from Andy Burnham, the Culture Secretary, who she accuses of tawdry character assassination and innuendo.

Desis Rally For Secular India

Desis Rally For Secular India

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

The Constitution's Preamble says that we Indians have resolved to secure for Indians 'fraternity, assuring the dignity of the individual'. Fraternity can come only when we stand up for each other. The desis of the Boston South Asian Coalition actually attempt to do that, points out Aakar Patel.

'Landslides Used To Be Quite Frequent In The Olden Days'

'Landslides Used To Be Quite Frequent In The Olden Days'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

'Except that the population was much less.' 'I remember my uncle and family moving away from the base of a hill whenever it rained for more than a couple of days without a dry day in between.' 'Perhaps the older generations knew if it rained for more than a certain time, they must pack up to a camp or to a relative.' 'As some of the interviews of the survivors on the Malayalam television channels show, the elderly people had a premonition a tragedy would happen, and those who acted on those premonitions survived.'

In Vanita, US trusts: Desi picked as acting attorney general

In Vanita, US trusts: Desi picked as acting attorney general

Rediff.com16 Oct 2014

'Vanita Gupta is the greatest civil rights lawyer of her generation' Praise comes flying in from all corners Vanita Gupta is appointed acting US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. The 39-year-old is known for her work in criminal justice reforms, legalising marijuana and racial justice, reports Aziz Haniffa/Rediff.com.

Extending AFSPA won't solve Manipur crisis: Irom Sharmila

Extending AFSPA won't solve Manipur crisis: Irom Sharmila

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

A day after AFSPA was extended in most parts of Manipur, rights activist Irom Sharmila said the "oppressive law" was not a solution to the conflict in the state.

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

'What's sad today is that there are so many people who cannot find work, not because the country is devoid of that opportunity, but because we are not doing enough in the country.'

Lok Sabha clears 3 criminal law bills in absence of Opposition

Lok Sabha clears 3 criminal law bills in absence of Opposition

Rediff.com20 Dec 2023

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed three bills to replace the colonial-era criminal laws by voice vote.

Resolution seeking probe into Stan Swamy's death introduced in US Congress

Resolution seeking probe into Stan Swamy's death introduced in US Congress

Rediff.com6 Jul 2022

A resolution commemorating the life of Indian human rights defender Father Stan Swamy and seeking an independent investigation into the death of the Jesuit priest has been introduced in the US Congress, Congressman Juan Vargas has said.

Patna HC ex-CJ-led fact-finding team en route Sandeshkhali detained

Patna HC ex-CJ-led fact-finding team en route Sandeshkhali detained

Rediff.com25 Feb 2024

Citing Section 144 CrPC was in force in parts of Sandeshkhali and it would not be prudent to allow them access to the area even in groups of four-five, senior police officers stopped their convoy at the Bhojerhat area, which is around 52 km from the riverine area, on Basanti Highway.

India hits back at UN rights chief over Rohingya remark

India hits back at UN rights chief over Rohingya remark

Rediff.com12 Sep 2017

There appears to be inadequate appreciation of the freedoms and rights that are guaranteed and practised daily in a vibrant democracy, India says.

There will never be another Muhammad Ali...the world reacts

There will never be another Muhammad Ali...the world reacts

Rediff.com4 Jun 2016

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali died on Friday, aged 74. Following are some of the immediate reactions to the news:

'New Laws Will Make India A Police State'

'New Laws Will Make India A Police State'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2023

'These new laws give complete (impunity) to the police.' 'Whatever little accountability the police had, all that is gone now.' 'There is no accountability mechanism against the police for abusing or misusing in the new laws.'

Evidence 'planted' on Stan Swamy's computer: Report

Evidence 'planted' on Stan Swamy's computer: Report

Rediff.com13 Dec 2022

"Over 50 files were created on Swamy's hard drive, including incriminating documents that fabricated links between him and the Maoist insurgency," the report said.

US lawmakers ask Biden to raise 'areas of concern' with Modi

US lawmakers ask Biden to raise 'areas of concern' with Modi

Rediff.com20 Jun 2023

Describing India as an important member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad) and a crucial partner for stability in the Indo-Pacific, the letter said that the lawmakers support the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.

Israeli airstrike on Gaza hospital kills hundreds: Health officials

Israeli airstrike on Gaza hospital kills hundreds: Health officials

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

A Gaza civil defence chief stated on Al-Jazeera television that over 300 people were killed in the explosion at Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital.

What if 'socialist' and 'secular' go from the Preamble

What if 'socialist' and 'secular' go from the Preamble

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

It is in circumstances like this that the Constitution becomes extremely important. It reminds us that we have a commitment towards higher human values to fulfil, a path to get back to, suggests Shyam G Menon.Else, we risk being rudderless in an ocean of money and majoritarianism, suggests Shyam G Menon.

Most Australian athletes against political protest at Olympics

Most Australian athletes against political protest at Olympics

Rediff.com14 Aug 2020

The survey comes amid growing calls on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ease restrictions on protests with other sports organisations allowing athletes to express on-field solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in a time of global anti-racism demonstrations following George Floyd's death in police custody in May.

'Muslims from Nuh have escaped to Rajasthan'

'Muslims from Nuh have escaped to Rajasthan'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2023

'Not only are Muslim homes and shops being bulldozed, but the cops are filing random FIRs even against people who died two-three years ago, against those who have moved to neighbouring states since almost two years to work there.'

India, A Miracle And A Wonder

India, A Miracle And A Wonder

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

'There are many things we need to work on.' 'At the heart of it is, one, the extent of inequality, which is not good for democracy and nation; two, a structural decline on how a country ought to function, how people should be held accountable, whose role is what.'

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

The 'Pesta Demokrasi' is a cause for celebration not only for Indonesia but also for democracy and forces for peace all over the globe, notes Sandeep Chakravorty, India's Ambassador to Indonesia.

70-year-old Telangana RTI activist found dead in stone quarry, 3 held

70-year-old Telangana RTI activist found dead in stone quarry, 3 held

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

He allegedly hired a contract killing gang to eliminate Ramakrishnaiah, a police official said.

US envoy: 'Human rights, religious freedom are issues we are going to raise'

US envoy: 'Human rights, religious freedom are issues we are going to raise'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2015

'We are encouraged by what the prime minister said recently on these issues... We will keep a close eye on these issues. They are very important and as are other elements of our human rights and religious freedom.' 'So, absolutely, we'll keep a focus on them.'

'Beneath Hindutva right-wing's hatred for Nehru lurks a very deep fear'

'Beneath Hindutva right-wing's hatred for Nehru lurks a very deep fear'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2022

'Under the more strident Modi version of Hindutva, Nehru has almost become a contemporary political figure.' 'The ruling party knows that without total erasure and distortion of Nehru, their fantasies will always be wobbly.'

'People are scared to go to a police station'

'People are scared to go to a police station'

Rediff.com9 Aug 2023

'They are afraid that if they approach a police station for filing a complaint they might themselves get arrested under some random charges.'

'India is going to see many more struggles'

'India is going to see many more struggles'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2015

The various meat bans across the country are an attempt to attack civil liberties, says civil rights activist Kavita Srivastava.

AI not a threat but an opportunity to boost quality of legal practice: SC judge

AI not a threat but an opportunity to boost quality of legal practice: SC judge

Rediff.com12 Feb 2023

Justice Kohli said the advent of artificial intelligence has caused some concerns amongst the legal fraternity.

'Nobody's Asking Where Money Will Come For Freebies'

'Nobody's Asking Where Money Will Come For Freebies'

Rediff.com24 May 2024

'The prime minister's comment on 'revdi culture' was welcome. But I am disappointed he did not follow up on that.' 'All political parties, including the BJP, have been guilty of this.' 'Now, Modi's guarantees, the Congress's 'nyay' path and both ruling and Opposition parties are vying with each other for freebies in my home state Andhra Pradesh.'

Lanka army rapes, tortures Tamils: Rights group report

Lanka army rapes, tortures Tamils: Rights group report

Rediff.com26 Feb 2013

Sri Lanka on Tuesday dismissed as "fabricated lies", a report by a leading rights group alleging that its military used rape and other forms of sexual violence to torture suspected Tamil rebels since the end of the island's civil war in 2009.

Won't accept differential standards of security: Jaishankar on Khalistan attack

Won't accept differential standards of security: Jaishankar on Khalistan attack

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

He also accused the UK of not meeting the obligation of providing security to the diplomats of the Mission, which is expected of a country where a high commission or a consulate is located.

Ansari sounds caution over 'imaginary practice of cultural nationalism'

Ansari sounds caution over 'imaginary practice of cultural nationalism'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

Former vice president Hamid Ansari and four US lawmakers have expressed concern over the current human rights situation in India. They were speaking at a virtual panel discussion organised by the Indian American Muslim Council on Wednesday.

'Pro-China' leader Muizzu wins Maldivian presidential polls

'Pro-China' leader Muizzu wins Maldivian presidential polls

Rediff.com1 Oct 2023

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Mohamed Muizzu, won the Maldivian presidential elections on Saturday, Al Jazeera reported citing local media.

'Had he been insane, he would have shot everyone'

'Had he been insane, he would have shot everyone'

Rediff.com17 Dec 2023

'How was it possible for Singh to have got a government job, and that too one involving the handling of guns, had he been insane?'

'It's a clear declaration of emergency': Rights groups on raids on activists

'It's a clear declaration of emergency': Rights groups on raids on activists

Rediff.com28 Aug 2018

Pune police on Tuesday raided homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested at least five of them -- poet Varavara Rao in Hyderabad, activists Vernon Gonzalves and Arun Ferreira in Mumbai, trade unionist and lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj in Faridabad and Chhattisgarh and civil liberties activist Gautam Navalakha in Delhi.

Maoist conspiracy case: NIA raids 62 places in Andhra, Telangana

Maoist conspiracy case: NIA raids 62 places in Andhra, Telangana

Rediff.com2 Oct 2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested a top Maoist leader as it carried out raids at 62 locations across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the Communist Party of India-Maoist conspiracy case, an official said.

'We are losing our independence more and more'

'We are losing our independence more and more'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2022

'Laws have been used in a way to serve the needs of the current regime and its authoritarian ideology.'

What The World Looks Like At Mid-Year

What The World Looks Like At Mid-Year

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

The first five months of 2023 have witnessed at least six major events/trends that augur badly for global economic and socio-political prospects, points out Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

Modi's Cultural Push

Modi's Cultural Push

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

With changes to Delhi's architectural map, a re-naming rash, and more Hindu symbolism in secular spaces, the government is making it clear it wants a clean break with post-colonial India, asserts T N Ninan.

A man of integrity

A man of integrity

Rediff.com14 Jun 2003

Fully uphold rights of minorities, vulnerable people: US to India

Fully uphold rights of minorities, vulnerable people: US to India

Rediff.com22 Oct 2019

India is the birthplace of four major world religions -- Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is home to the world's third largest Muslim population, a diverse community of sects that includes Sufis, Shia, and Bohra. Roughly three per cent of India's citizens are Christian, and notably, Christians are the religious majority in three of India's 29 states, she said.