News for 'Ministry of Minority Affairs'

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Be it a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist or Jain, everyone is welcome at the dargah, Rijiju said.

China angry as Modi greets Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday

China angry as Modi greets Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

China has protested to India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and the attendance of Indian officials at the celebrations, stressing New Delhi should appreciate Beijing's sensitivities on Tibet-related issues.

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has expressed concerns over a rise in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reporting 2,200 cases in Bangladesh and 112 in Pakistan this year. The Indian government has urged both countries to take measures to ensure the safety of minorities and has highlighted the issue at international forums. The government has also stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and has shared its concerns with the respective governments.

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

India has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of violence and extremist rhetoric against minorities in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to fulfill its responsibility of protecting all minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India has consistently raised the issue of threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. Jaiswal emphasized that these developments cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggeration and called upon Bangladesh to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

Act cautiously: China to India over Dalai Lama's incarnation

Act cautiously: China to India over Dalai Lama's incarnation

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

China has objected to Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju's remarks on the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, urging India to be cautious on Tibet-related issues to avoid impacting bilateral relations. China insists any future Dalai Lama must receive its approval.

Govt limits pre-matric scholarship to class 9-10, hitting SC/ST/OBC, minorities

Govt limits pre-matric scholarship to class 9-10, hitting SC/ST/OBC, minorities

Rediff.com29 Nov 2022

Stating that RTE covers compulsory education up to class 8th for all students, the government has now limited its pre-matric scholarship scheme meant for backward and minority communities to students of class 9th and 10th.

Foreign secretary raises safety of minorities in Bangladesh

Foreign secretary raises safety of minorities in Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a day-long visit to hold talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart, amid strained bilateral ties since August following the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

New CJI-led bench to hear Waqf pleas on May 20

New CJI-led bench to hear Waqf pleas on May 20

Rediff.com15 May 2025

A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for those challenging the validity of the law, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to file their written notes by Monday.

SC gives Centre 6 weeks for identifying minorities at state-level

SC gives Centre 6 weeks for identifying minorities at state-level

Rediff.com22 Nov 2022

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has held consultative meetings with all state governments, Union territories and other stakeholders on the issue of identification of minorities at the state level and 14 states have furnished their views so far.

SC to hear pleas against amended Waqf law on Thursday

SC to hear pleas against amended Waqf law on Thursday

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The matter would be heard by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih.

High drama at waqf bill JPC meet; Oppn MPs walk out

High drama at waqf bill JPC meet; Oppn MPs walk out

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

However, BJP members claimed that the opposition members were abusing the chairman of the committee Jagadambika Pal.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

India slams Bangladesh govt, condemns killing of Hindu leader

India slams Bangladesh govt, condemns killing of Hindu leader

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

India on Saturday condemned the alleged abduction and killing of a Hindu minority leader in Bangladesh and called on the interim government in Dhaka to live up to its responsibility of protecting the minorities.

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has ordered notices to be issued to three parties in a civil suit claiming the existence of a Shiva temple within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The suit, filed in September, seeks directions to resume worship at the alleged temple. The court has issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20.

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

Rediff.com16 May 2025

As soon as one of the pleas came up for hearing on Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, objected and said there can't be an "endless" filing of pleas challenging the Act.

Consult states, says SC as Centre changes stance on identifying minorities

Consult states, says SC as Centre changes stance on identifying minorities

Rediff.com10 May 2022

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh said in a matter like this an affidavit is filed that Centre and state both have powers.

Yunus dials Modi, assures protection of Hindus, minorities in B'desh

Yunus dials Modi, assures protection of Hindus, minorities in B'desh

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

This is the first conversation between Modi and Yunus after he assumed the responsibility following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Naqvi, Singh bow out of Cabinet; ministries given to Irani, Scindia

Naqvi, Singh bow out of Cabinet; ministries given to Irani, Scindia

Rediff.com6 Jul 2022

During a cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Modi lauded both Naqvi and Singh for their contributions to the country during their ministerial tenure, sources said.

EU rep takes up communal violence, condition of minorities with govt

EU rep takes up communal violence, condition of minorities with govt

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

EU special representative for human rights Eamon Gilmore said on Friday that in his meetings with the Indian government he has discussed issues such as the use of sedition and anti-terrorism laws, condition of minorities, communal violence and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Increase in hate speech against minorities in India concerning: US

Increase in hate speech against minorities in India concerning: US

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

India has previously rejected the US state department's annual human rights report on the country, saying they continue to be based on "misinformation and flawed understanding".

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

As a protege of Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to scale bilateral ties much higher. Trade and investment shall grow. People-to-people contacts shall be scaled up, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau showed that the crime rate in 2023 stood at 39.9 per one-lakh child population, in comparison to 36.6 in 2022.

Identification of minorities: Govt gets 6 wks for talks with stake holders

Identification of minorities: Govt gets 6 wks for talks with stake holders

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

The apex court perused the status report filed by the ministry of minority affairs which said meetings were held with the states on the issue.

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has raised the issue of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok. However, Indian officials have denied that the extradition request was discussed. The meeting has sparked controversy with differing accounts of the discussions.

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The irony of this country is that the party in Opposition and the party in power both depend on Muslims.'

Waqf Property Income Falls 99%

Waqf Property Income Falls 99%

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

In FY24, the net income generated from Waqf properties fell to about Rs 1.26 crore from Rs 150 crore in FY20.

Hindu leader abducted, killed in Bangladesh

Hindu leader abducted, killed in Bangladesh

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Body of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, a resident of Basudebpur village of Dinajpur, about 330 kilometres northwest of Dhaka, was recovered on Thursday night, The Daily Star said quoting police and family members.

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A body representing the 'Khadims' of the Ajmer dargah has condemned a plea in a local court that seeks to declare the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz as a temple, saying right-wing forces were trying to "isolate" Muslims and "disrupt" communal harmony in the country.

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will likely hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 15. The Act, which came into force on April 8, has been met with widespread criticism from various stakeholders, including politicians, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. They argue that the law is discriminatory and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The petitions allege that the amendments give the government more control over the administration of Waqf, effectively sidelining the Muslim minority from managing their own religious endowments.

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act's constitutional validity will now be taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice B R Gavai on May 15 as the incumbent CJI will be demitting office on May 13.

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level, Hossain said, adding that there was no element of formation of any alliance.

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

According to a statement issued by the Grand Mufti's office, the decision was made after a high-level meeting held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, where it was decided to completely cancel the death sentence, which had been temporarily suspended earlier.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

Scholarships for minority students to go online

Scholarships for minority students to go online

Rediff.com8 Apr 2011

Government to launch a new system to ensure better transparency in the implementation of plans to uplift students from minority communities

'Govt to examine if minorities benefiting from schemes'

'Govt to examine if minorities benefiting from schemes'

Rediff.com29 Oct 2012

The government will examine whether minorities are benefiting from various programmes being run for them, new Minority Affairs Minister K Rehman Khan said on Monday.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

'Deprived' minorities will see growth under UP govt: Naqvi

'Deprived' minorities will see growth under UP govt: Naqvi

Rediff.com18 Mar 2017

The BJP does 'empowerment and not appeasement,' Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi asserted.

Rijiju shunted out of law ministry, given earth sciences

Rijiju shunted out of law ministry, given earth sciences

Rediff.com18 May 2023

In a major cabinet reshuffle, Arjun Ram Meghwal has replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union law and justice minister, a communique from the President's Secretariat said on Thursday.

States can declare religious or linguistic community as minority: Centre

States can declare religious or linguistic community as minority: Centre

Rediff.com27 Mar 2022

Upadhyay, in his plea, challenged the validity of section 2(f) alleging that it gives unbridled power to the Centre terming it "manifestly arbitrary, irrational, and offending".