News for 'Liberal'

Mismatched Season 3 Review: Breezy Watch

Mismatched Season 3 Review: Breezy Watch

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Like most rom-com shows, this one lives up to the feel-good factor to a large extent despite getting a bit boring here and there, observes Namrata Thakker.

Kuki-Meitei divide deepens as chaos reigns in Manipur

Kuki-Meitei divide deepens as chaos reigns in Manipur

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Manipur experienced a year of intense turmoil in 2024, marked by escalating violence, displacement, and deepening divisions between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki tribes in the hills. The conflict, rooted in historical grievances and fueled by political tensions, resulted in numerous casualties, mob attacks, and drone strikes on civilian areas. The situation has led to widespread displacement, fear, and a sense of insecurity among the affected communities, with no signs of peace in sight.

Hathiram Chaudhary: A Hero For Our Times

Hathiram Chaudhary: A Hero For Our Times

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

We do not whistle for Hathiram Chaudhary. And yet the bond we feel towards him is spontaneous, almost effortless. This is because he shares something of our too-ideal dreams, our wry acceptance of our limitations, our useful frustrations, and our pointless sprints, explains Sreehari Nair.

Willing to lead INDIA bloc if....: Mamata Banerjee

Willing to lead INDIA bloc if....: Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Asked why she is not taking the charge of the bloc, given her credentials as a strong anti-BJP force, Banerjee said, "If given the opportunity I would ensure its smooth functioning."

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

'Suddenly we had a new comprehension of affairs, which reminded that the luxury of politics floated atop a foundation by economics.' 'Along with this, finance ministers became crucial in molding the perception and reputation of Union Cabinets.' 'Governments couldn't afford a wrong person in that portfolio,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

The Man Who Booted Assad Out Of Syria

The Man Who Booted Assad Out Of Syria

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani addressed Syrians at the Ummayad mosque in Damascus after Bashar al-Assad resigned as president and fled Syria, December 8, 2024.

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

After being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Trump started his inaugural address with a sentence that echoed Modi's coinage some years ago, notes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Oppn To Push For JPC On Adani Issue

Oppn To Push For JPC On Adani Issue

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Floor leaders of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance met on Monday ahead of the start of Parliament's winter session and decided to raise the issue of alleged corruption in the Adani Group and demand a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the matter.11111111111111111111111111

Prashant Kishor begins fast unto death seeking BPSC exam repeal

Prashant Kishor begins fast unto death seeking BPSC exam repeal

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has begun a fast unto death in Patna, demanding the cancellation of a recent examination held by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). Kishor's hunger strike comes after he gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nitish Kumar government to act on the demand, raised by aggrieved candidates who allege the exam was rigged. The administration has declared the hunger strike illegal as it is not the designated site for protests.

Canada's deputy PM resigns citing rift with Trudeau

Canada's deputy PM resigns citing rift with Trudeau

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

'For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada'

How Tibet was brutally 'liberated'

How Tibet was brutally 'liberated'

Rediff.com19 Oct 2020

India was fooled into believing that Communist China wanted a 'negotiated' settlement with the Tibetans; it was never the case, says Claude Arpi.

India comeback? Rahane's fire still burns bright

India comeback? Rahane's fire still burns bright

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Perhaps, that brave attitude keeps his India dream still burning bright without getting disheartened by the domestic grind.

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Prayagraj is a must-visit place in 2025, but in January and February you can't miss the Maha Kumbh, a spectacular event like no other.

'Trump's Win Won't Affect Skilled Immigrants'

'Trump's Win Won't Affect Skilled Immigrants'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

'As far as skilled immigration is concerned, the US needs Indian skills and Indian talent, and there are no two opinions about it even among US companies.'

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its senior leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim regarding the Muslim percentage in the population. Hakim, in a speech, had claimed that Muslims constitute 33 per cent of the population in West Bengal and 17 per cent nationwide, adding that they could become a numerical majority if they empower themselves. The party issued a statement on Monday condemning Hakim's remarks, asserting that they do not reflect its ideology and commitment to communal harmony. The remarks have sparked a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments. Hakim later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he was advocating for the empowerment of minorities through education and skill development. However, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC and complicated the party's messaging.

Unfortunate that India aren't travelling to Pakistan for CT: Watson

Unfortunate that India aren't travelling to Pakistan for CT: Watson

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

'The CT is a critically important tournament in world cricket because the One Day World Cup is only once in every four years. It is great because it breaks up those four years.'

MIT expels Indian-origin student for pro-Palestine essay

MIT expels Indian-origin student for pro-Palestine essay

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

An Indian-origin PhD student at MIT, Prahlad Iyengar, has been suspended until January 2026 for his pro-Palestinian activism. The suspension effectively ends his NSF fellowship and disrupts his academic career. Iyengar is appealing the decision, arguing that it is a violation of free speech and a result of MIT's ties to the war industry. The suspension comes after MIT banned the distribution of a pro-Palestinian student-run magazine, "Written Revolution", which featured Iyengar's article "On Pacifism." The article included imagery and language that MIT deemed could be interpreted as a call for violent protest. Iyengar has been barred from campus and is facing a series of sanctions for his activism.

'Why Oppose Singing Gandhiji's Bhajan?'

'Why Oppose Singing Gandhiji's Bhajan?'

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

'The BJP should identify those involved in the protest against singing Gandhiji's bhajan and take action against them.' 'Such people should be removed from the party because they harm the BJP's image.'

Why I Mourn Sitaram Yechury

Why I Mourn Sitaram Yechury

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

There are few leaders in the Opposition line up who can claim a path to party leadership like Sitaram Yechury and certainly, very few who blended that ascent through student politics with awareness about non-elite real India, urban India and liberal politics, as he did, notes Shyam G Menon.

Wayanad, 31 assembly seats face bypoll test on Wednesday

Wayanad, 31 assembly seats face bypoll test on Wednesday

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Bypolls will be held on Wednesday in 31 assembly seats spread across 10 states and Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, from where Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her electoral debut. Though these bye-elections are not going to have any bearing on the governments, they are seen as a big test for the Congress and the INDIA bloc which failed to put up a united show in the recent Haryana assembly polls. Most of these seats fell vacant after the sitting MLAs contested the Lok Sabha elections and won while in some constituencies, the bypolls are being held due to death of the representatives. The Wayanad seat was vacated by Rahul Gandhi, who also won from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency which he kept. Voting will be held in seven seats in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, five in Assam, four seats in Bihar, three in Karnataka, two seats in Madhya Pradesh, and one seat each in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala and Meghalaya. Votes will be counted on November 23.

Lankan president's party sweeps parliamentary polls

Lankan president's party sweeps parliamentary polls

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Sri Lanka's National People's Power of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday swept the parliamentary elections by winning a two-thirds majority, and also dominating the Jaffna electoral district -- the heartland of the nation's Tamil minority.

Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy to lead Trump's new department

Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy to lead Trump's new department

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department will be tasked with dismantling government bureaucracy, slashing excess regulations, cutting wasteful expenditures, and restructuring federal agencies. Trump has called this initiative "The Manhattan Project of the current time."

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Firhad Hakim, a senior minister in West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), has defended his remarks on the Muslim population in the state and India, saying he is a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. Hakim's comments, made at a minority students' event, have sparked controversy with the BJP, Congress, and Hindu monks accusing him of promoting communalism and advocating for a Muslim majority. Hakim, however, clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was merely advocating for the empowerment of the Muslim community. He also highlighted the need for greater representation of Muslims in the judiciary.

I didn't endorse anybody: Jarange after results

I didn't endorse anybody: Jarange after results

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday refuted talk of his stir not being a factor in the Maharashtra assembly polls, which were swept by the Mahayuti comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party.

2nd Test: Expect a rejig in batting order with Rohit's return

2nd Test: Expect a rejig in batting order with Rohit's return

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Rohit's numbers with the willow has been a bit underwhelming during the five home Tests but those were played on difficult tracks.

Hijab Case: Why Muslim Liberals Will Lose

Hijab Case: Why Muslim Liberals Will Lose

Rediff.com17 Oct 2022

The educated, respectable and established Muslims voices, that were on the modernising side on the Shah Bano issue, are fighting on the opposite side now, mostly because they worry about Narendra Modi, observes Shekhar Gupta.

Hemant Soren back as Jharkhand CM for 4th time

Hemant Soren back as Jharkhand CM for 4th time

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

JMM leader Hemant Soren was sworn in as the 14th chief minister of Jharkhand in a grand ceremony in Ranchi, amid the presence of a galaxy of INDIA bloc leaders. This is Soren's fourth stint as chief minister. The JMM-led alliance won a majority in the recent assembly polls, securing 56 seats in the 81-member assembly.

Gandhi And Bose: A Complex Partnership

Gandhi And Bose: A Complex Partnership

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The two leaders had a complex relationship yet formed a partnership and even after their parting of ways, the two admired each other in their efforts for India's freedom.

Tributes pour in for Dr Singh from across the globe

Tributes pour in for Dr Singh from across the globe

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Condolences have poured in from across the globe, including from the United States, Canada and Sri Lanka following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

India maintained assertive approach along LAC in 2024

India maintained assertive approach along LAC in 2024

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

In a year bookended by intractable conflicts and geopolitical fragmentation, India focused on ramping up military prowess by broadly firming up defence procurement worth Rs 4.22 lakh crore even as Indian and Chinese militaries completed pulling back their troops from border face-off points in eastern Ladakh.

One nation, one election: 32 parties back proposal, Cong among 15 to oppose

One nation, one election: 32 parties back proposal, Cong among 15 to oppose

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Among the national parties, the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Communist Party of India-Marxist opposed the proposal, while the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National People's Party supported it.

Soren invites Modi to his swearing-in ceremony

Soren invites Modi to his swearing-in ceremony

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Acting Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, in his first visit to the national capital after leading his ruling alliance to an unprecedented second straight term in the state.

India-Australia Sign Air-To-Air Refuelling Pact

India-Australia Sign Air-To-Air Refuelling Pact

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

'India is a top-tier security partner for Australia and we continue to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.'

Bangladesh to seek Interpol help to repatriate Hasina

Bangladesh to seek Interpol help to repatriate Hasina

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Bangladesh's interim government on Sunday said it will seek Interpol's assistance in repatriating deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, and other 'fugitives', to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity.

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

China on Monday conducted day-long large-scale military drills aimed at surrounding Taiwan by deploying an aircraft carrier group, besides army, navy, air force and missile forces, in an apparent response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's remarks that Beijing has no authority to represent Taipei.

Will Rohit's captaincy lead India to victory at Gabba?

Will Rohit's captaincy lead India to victory at Gabba?

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

With the series locked at 1-1, Brisbane could well decide the course of the rubber and whether Rohit's men would continue to be the master of their fate in the ongoing World Test Championship.

Call them back to office, they'll quit: Musk-Vivek's bold plan

Call them back to office, they'll quit: Musk-Vivek's bold plan

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Tesla owner billionaire Elon Musk and Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in an op-ed provided an insight into their blueprint for an unprecedented government reform that includes mass federal job cuts and massive expense reduction.

'I Never Once Doubted Dilip Sahib'

'I Never Once Doubted Dilip Sahib'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

'The purest form of love lies in having faith in your beloved, to the point where the need for questioning simply fades away. '

'Radical left lunatic': Trump attacks Kamala Harris

'Radical left lunatic': Trump attacks Kamala Harris

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

Trump, 78, launched a scathing attack on his Democratic rival, as he took the stage for the first time to address an election rally after Harris became the presumptive nominee.

Did the liberals lose the elections?

Did the liberals lose the elections?

Rediff.com31 May 2019

'No, the liberals haven't lost because there weren't any liberals in the fray to begin with.' 'What has happened is that left-wing orthodoxy has lost to right-wing orthodoxy.' 'That is at best a Pyrrhic victory for India,' argue Sonali Ranade and Sheilja Sharma.