News for 'Most Backward'

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse highlights the positive impact of the Khelo India Tribal Games on Chhattisgarh, shifting its image from a region associated with naxalism to one with opportunities for tribal youth through sports.

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has stated that festivals like Navratri are inclusive and there is nothing wrong with Muslim individuals attending the celebrations, despite the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call to bar Muslims from such events and BJP leader Nitesh Rane's support for the ban.

Doing Your PhD? You Could Get A Rs 33,000 Scholarship

Doing Your PhD? You Could Get A Rs 33,000 Scholarship

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund invites applications for Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies for the year 2026. A candidate may apply for scholarship in any one of the following areas of specialization:: Indian History & Civilization, Sociology, Comparative Studies in Religion & Culture, Ecology & Environment and Economics

We are ready to give up reservations if...: Athawale

We are ready to give up reservations if...: Athawale

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that opposing reservation is unconstitutional and that the policy would be given up if casteism is eliminated. He highlighted the historical context of reservations for SC/ST and OBCs, and the Modi government's EWS quota. Athawale also criticised the opposition, praised government achievements, and discussed various welfare schemes and infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh.

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced a new dress code of blue T-shirt and jeans for the party's student wing, Chhatra Sabha, along with a two-week student awareness campaign. The move aims to connect with young people in educational institutions, familiarise them with the party's ideology, and promote socialist values. Yadav explained the symbolism of the blue colour, associating it with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, and the 'Bahujan samaj', while jeans represent rebellion and workers. The initiative is part of the party's broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak, and also Prem, Daya, Apnapan) campaign to establish social justice.

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

An 'illegally' constructed mosque within the Saharanpur district collectorate complex was demolished following a court order, drawing strong condemnation from opposition parties who accused the government of engaging in 'politics of hate' and undermining social harmony.

Padikkal's Fighting Ton Steadies India After Pant Injury Blow in Colombo

Padikkal's Fighting Ton Steadies India After Pant Injury Blow in Colombo

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India faced early pressure in the second Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 88 for two at lunch on day one. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed after a solid start, with Devdutt Padikkal and Shubman Gill at the crease. The session also saw some on-field drama and a dropped catch.

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan's Facebook post criticising Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar's alleged anti-women remarks has disappeared, with the CMO citing a technical error. The incident has sparked political criticism from CPI(M) and BJP, who question the explanation and accuse the Congress of hypocrisy.

Veteran Roelof Van Der Merwe Targets Dream World Cup Finale

Veteran Roelof Van Der Merwe Targets Dream World Cup Finale

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

At 41, Roelof van der Merwe aims to conclude his international cricket career at the upcoming ODI World Cup, ideally in Centurion, South Africa, representing the Netherlands. He discusses his dedication to national duty over franchise cricket, his fitness goals for future World Cups, and his continued impact as a left-arm spinner and fielder. He also highlights the potential of the European T20 Premier League to unearth new talent.

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday stood firm on his demand for Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas as his indefinite hunger strike entered the second day, warning that he would march to Mumbai if the Maharashtra government failed to act.

Sooryavanshi Misses Century After Breaking 57-Year Old Duleep Trophy Record

Sooryavanshi Misses Century After Breaking 57-Year Old Duleep Trophy Record

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old batter, made history by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy. Playing for East Zone against Central Zone, he scored an unbeaten 80 off 69 balls, breaking a 57-year-old record.

India on brink of series sweep despite Sri Lanka's brief fightback

India on brink of series sweep despite Sri Lanka's brief fightback

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

India is on the verge of a comprehensive series-sweeping victory against Sri Lanka in the second and final Test, despite a defiant 115-run partnership between Pasindu Sooriyabandara (92) and Kamindu Mendis (55) in Sri Lanka's follow-on innings.

Exercise restrain, youngsters must be pacified: SC to forces

Exercise restrain, youngsters must be pacified: SC to forces

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stressed the importance of law enforcement agencies exercising restraint during protests, advocating for the pacification and counselling of youngsters, even if some engage in stone-pelting, as it agreed to hear a plea regarding accountability for protest organisers.

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that the Maharashtra government immediately issue caste certificates based on the 58 lakh Kunbi records identified earlier, asserting that the Maratha community will not grant any further time.

Sivagiri Mutt Head Calls for Equal Political Representation for Backward Communities in Kerala

Sivagiri Mutt Head Calls for Equal Political Representation for Backward Communities in Kerala

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Satchidananda has voiced concerns over the lack of adequate representation for backward communities in elections by political parties in Kerala, India. He also welcomed the Kerala High Court decision disqualifying the leadership of the SNDP Yogam.

70-year-old woman dies after collision between Mercedes, WagonR in Delhi

70-year-old woman dies after collision between Mercedes, WagonR in Delhi

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A tragic head-on collision between a Mercedes and a Maruti WagonR in Delhi's Narela area resulted in the death of a 70-year-old woman, prompting a detailed police investigation into the fatal road accident.

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move from 'endless war to the end of war' in Ukraine, emphasising that a peaceful resolution is humanity's shared priority.

Babita Singh Reporting Review: Cop Movie With A Difference

Babita Singh Reporting Review: Cop Movie With A Difference

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Babita Singh Reporting goes past the messy homes and humming markets to reflect the daredevilry of a protagonist coming into her own. What ensues is a raw and thrilling marriage of momentum and meltdown across awkward inquiries made within junkie hideouts, suspicious relatives, battered classmates and Ravan's effigy, applauds Sukanya Verma.

England rout Pakistan at Headingley to go one up in Test series

England rout Pakistan at Headingley to go one up in Test series

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A dominant display against a hugely disappointing Pakistan side saw the game wrapped up before tea on the third day despite the loss of more than half a day's play to rain.

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.

1st Test: Dinusha's maiden ton gives Sri Lanka hope, but India remain firmly in charge

1st Test: Dinusha's maiden ton gives Sri Lanka hope, but India remain firmly in charge

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Sonal Dinusha's maiden Test hundred sparked Sri Lanka's fightback in Galle, but India retained firm control after bowling out the hosts for 284 to secure a 178-run lead.

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Delhi Police detained several anti-reservation protesters at Jantar Mantar who were demanding that economic criteria be prioritised over caste for government support and reservation. The protest, mobilised via social media by 'Reservation Hatao Andolan', proceeded despite police denying permission for Jantar Mantar and offering Ramlila Ground as an alternative venue. Demonstrators called for a review of the existing reservation system and the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

Punjab police uncover ISI terror network, 4 juveniles among 9 arrested

Punjab police uncover ISI terror network, 4 juveniles among 9 arrested

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Punjab Police have successfully dismantled two ISI-backed cross-border terror modules, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including four juveniles. The modules were involved in recruiting local youth, conducting surveillance of security installations, and procuring illegal weapons under the direction of foreign-based ISI handlers.

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

In many ways, 17th century India occupied a position in the global economy comparable to that of the United States today. Just as millions of people now look towards America because of its economic opportunities, merchants, adventurers and trading companies once looked towards India.

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court judgment. The High Court ruled that individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on conversion, striking down a state Government Order that allowed such benefits.

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology have developed 'MutAIverse', a generative AI platform designed to decode DNA damage and identify potential causes of cancer. Tested on head and neck cancer patients in Guwahati, the platform successfully traced exposure to smokeless tobacco as a contributing factor. This innovation aims to shift focus from just diagnosis to understanding causative factors, potentially aiding in prevention and protection.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

What Kind Of Friend Are You Based On Your Style?

What Kind Of Friend Are You Based On Your Style?

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Friendship Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the people who make life a little more fun and your wardrobe might just reveal which one you are.

'Maini will need to choose between Formula E and Formula 1'

'Maini will need to choose between Formula E and Formula 1'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Mahindra Racing CEO Frederic Bertrand has stated that while Indian reserve driver Kush Maini has the potential to become a Formula E driver, the team will not compromise its competitive ambitions for nationality.

Vedanta targets $10 billion Ebitda by FY27, plans to cut debt by over Rs 20,000 crore

Vedanta targets $10 billion Ebitda by FY27, plans to cut debt by over Rs 20,000 crore

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Metals and mining conglomerate Vedanta aims to achieve $10 billion in group Ebitda by FY27, a significant increase from $6 billion in FY26, and plans to reduce its overall debt by more than 20,000 crore during the same period, according to CFO Ajay Goel.

How To Get A Rs 14 LPA Package After Engineering

How To Get A Rs 14 LPA Package After Engineering

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

'There is no college that can guarantee a Rs 14 lakh per annum (LPA) package,' clarifies rediffGURU Chocko Valliappa.

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'I remember that Indira Gandhi was virtually worshipped as a goddess. The kind of power wielded by Indira Gandhi in the early 1970s was much more than what Modi does today, but in just three years down the line Indira Gandhi faced defeat.' 'So you cannot take people's sentiments for granted. That is a lesson that the BJP should learn.'

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'It is not because of the war in West Asia, which began on February 28.' 'Petroleum product prices are already going through the roof. They are bound to have a serious inflationary impact.' 'A country's leadership is tested in trying times. It is here that the current leadership is failing.'

Did Gambhir's Absence In Zimbabwe Help India? Fans Think So

Did Gambhir's Absence In Zimbabwe Help India? Fans Think So

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Following India's dominant T20I victory over Zimbabwe, social media erupted with fan discussions, with many attributing the team's relaxed performance to Gautam Gambhir's absence and V V S Laxman's oversight, while others cautioned against overreacting to a single match.

Why Bank Frauds Keep Rising

Why Bank Frauds Keep Rising

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'It's not about individuals operating the mule accounts being more or less skilled. Instead, 'lower-level' refers to the role the individual account plays in the broader mule network.'