News for 'Office of Religious Life'

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

Rediff.com8 May 2026

As Vijay prepares for his next innings as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he would do well to learn from the life lessons of NTR.

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Court Denies Bail To TCS Employee In Conversion Case

Court Denies Bail To TCS Employee In Conversion Case

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Nashik court denied pre-arrest bail to a TCS employee accused of sexual harassment and forcible conversion, citing a 'systematic plan' to brainwash the victim and send her to Malaysia. The court emphasised the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the root of the case, highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of the alleged offence.

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

Rediff.com5 days ago

According to pollster Pradeep Gupta, years of TMC "misrule" that created a "climate of fear", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and the organisational abilities of Amit Shah and the RSS brought the BJP to power in West Bengal.

Punjab To Enact Strict Anti-Drug Law, Confiscate Properties

Punjab To Enact Strict Anti-Drug Law, Confiscate Properties

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the state government will introduce a stringent anti-drug law allowing for the confiscation of drug smugglers' properties. Mann criticised previous administrations for allegedly enabling the drug trade and vowed stricter penalties for sacrilege. He also accused the BJP of divisive politics and criticised the Akali Dal for alleged political manipulation of religious institutions.

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A woman engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik has alleged harassment and religious coercion, including derogatory slurs and inappropriate touching. Police have arrested eight people and are searching for another accused. TCS has launched an internal probe and suspended employees allegedly involved.

Sikh Activist Ends 560-Day BSNL Tower Protest After Sacrilege Law Change

Sikh Activist Ends 560-Day BSNL Tower Protest After Sacrilege Law Change

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa ended his 560-day protest atop a BSNL tower after the Punjab government notified a stricter anti-sacrilege law. Khalsa had been demanding stricter laws against sacrilege incidents in Punjab.

Journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets derogatory, communal, says Delhi HC

Journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets derogatory, communal, says Delhi HC

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Delhi high court is reviewing a petition to remove journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets, and seeks her stand on a petition seeking the removal of the allegedly objectionable content from social media.

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam Review: Very Funny Sequel

Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam Review: Very Funny Sequel

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam emerges as a surprisingly superior sequel, boldly transitioning from a slice-of-life narrative to a dark comedy crime-thriller, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

Pakistani Man Admits Plotting ISIS-Inspired Attack on New York Jewish Centre

Pakistani Man Admits Plotting ISIS-Inspired Attack on New York Jewish Centre

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Pakistani national has pleaded guilty to attempting to commit an ISIS-inspired attack at a Jewish centre in New York in 2024, coinciding with the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

How Mahavir Jayanti Is Celebrated In India

How Mahavir Jayanti Is Celebrated In India

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

One of the notable celebrations includes the Rath Yatra -- a spectacular procession through the streets with Lord Mahavir's idol on a chariot, with followers accompanying it while chanting hymns and performing prayers.

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

As Iran heads into crucial peace talks with the United States of America, here are the six men who decide the Islamic Republic's course.

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar due to her alleged connections with a self-proclaimed numerologist, Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested for rape and exploitation.

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Protests

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Protests

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Statues of Kakori train action martyrs were allegedly demolished during road beautification work in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, leading to widespread protests and an FIR being filed against the responsible company.

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Political Fury

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Political Fury

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Statues of Kakori train action martyrs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were allegedly demolished during road beautification work, sparking outrage and demands for action against those responsible.

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The demolition of statues of Kakori train action martyrs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked widespread outrage and political condemnation, leading to an FIR and government action.

Iran vows revenge after killing of supreme leader Khamenei

Iran vows revenge after killing of supreme leader Khamenei

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday issued a formal address and said that the event is a moment of profound religious and historical consequence.

Delhi's Uttam Nagar on edge ahead of Eid; HC tells police not to be lax

Delhi's Uttam Nagar on edge ahead of Eid; HC tells police not to be lax

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have implemented heightened security measures in Dwarka, including Uttam Nagar, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, following communal tensions sparked by a recent incident. The Delhi High Court has directed the police to ensure a peaceful environment for the festival.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

Ahead of Carney visit, Canada says India no longer linked to violent crimes

Ahead of Carney visit, Canada says India no longer linked to violent crimes

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The statement suggests that Canadian authorities do not see ongoing foreign interference or violent activity tied to India at present.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

10 Must Watch Movies From Around The World

10 Must Watch Movies From Around The World

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Aseem Chhabra lists his top 10 films from this year's Sundance festival, a blend of narratives and documentaries made in the US and other parts of the world.

Sarvam Maya Review: Middling Entertainer

Sarvam Maya Review: Middling Entertainer

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Sarvam Maya banks on its leading man, Nivin Pauly, who grasps at straws and makes the improbable scenes work with his charm, notes Arjun Menon.

'Hindus Voted Overwhelmingly For BNP'

'Hindus Voted Overwhelmingly For BNP'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'Tarique Rahman's refrain during the electoral campaign was that the minorities are safe under BNP. He has to honour that promise.'

AstroSpeak: Your Predictions For 2026

AstroSpeak: Your Predictions For 2026

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla, who is following in the footsteps of his famed astrologer father, the late Bejan Daruwalla, helps you navigate the Naya Saal.

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'Many senior Bangladeshis feel Bangladesh will fall into anarchy if the Jamaat becomes an important part of a future government or has disproportionate influence in the government.'

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'What has changed is that the new regulations are backed by a clear enforcement framework. They have real consequences and, for the first time, make compliance unavoidable.'

'India sees chaos': Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus over violence

'India sees chaos': Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus over violence

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

'The strain you are witnessing is entirely of Yunus's making. His government issues hostile statements against India, fails to protect religious minorities, and allows extremists to dictate foreign policy, then expresses surprise when tensions rise'

The Top 10 Films Of 2025

The Top 10 Films Of 2025

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The year had a variety of films to choose from. Not all of them were successful at the box office, but had merit.

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 may be a comedy filled with chaos, but in its indirect way, it speaks about a time when the Constitution mattered more than one's religion and when the idea of India was larger than personal hate, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

'My Wife Regrets She Married Me'

'My Wife Regrets She Married Me'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Right now, the most important thing is clarity -- for you and for her, advises rediffGURU Kanchan Rai.

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Whether it was in the company of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan -- or, on rare occasions with both together, among others -- Saravanan's demeanour would stand out, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Glorification Of Demolitions Incentivises Leaders'

'Glorification Of Demolitions Incentivises Leaders'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'The implementation of the judgment has largely been left to the discretion of the very executive authorities it sought to restrain.'

Adityanath an 'infiltrator', send him back to Uttarakhand: Akhilesh

Adityanath an 'infiltrator', send him back to Uttarakhand: Akhilesh

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav likened Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to an infiltrator, saying he is from Uttarakhand and should be sent back to the state. Yadav also criticized the BJP's governance and alleged injustices against Dalits and backward communities.

From Gujarat To Global Stage: Modi's 25 Year Journey

From Gujarat To Global Stage: Modi's 25 Year Journey

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

'I disagree with much of Modi's politics, but it cannot be denied that in these years in office, he has carved more than a niche for himself in history,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, author, Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times.