News for 'People and Culture'

Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi clash over President Murmu's remarks on tribal development in West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi clash over President Murmu's remarks on tribal development in West Bengal.

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after President Droupadi Murmu raised concerns about the lack of development among tribal communities, leading to a clash between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Lady Who Got A Dreaded Maoist To Surrender

The Lady Who Got A Dreaded Maoist To Surrender

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'They are not abandoning their ideology. They now believe it is better to pursue their goals through the Constitution rather than from the barrel of a gun -- even if the ideology itself remains intact.'

Violence erupts during protest over Hadi's murder in B'desh; 50 hurt

Violence erupts during protest over Hadi's murder in B'desh; 50 hurt

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Witnesses said the police in riot gear turned tough as the protestors tried to break through security barricades in front of Jamuna from a nearby sit-in demonstration, defying the earlier announced ban on rallies adjacent to Jamuna.

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.

AI is fast becoming central to how drugs will be discovered

AI is fast becoming central to how drugs will be discovered

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a side conversation for Indian pharma. It is fast becoming central to how drugs will be discovered, made, and supplied. Along with that shift comes a sharper focus on innovation, on the one hand, and quality and trust, on the other.

Thank you Maharashtra, says Modi after civic poll win

Thank you Maharashtra, says Modi after civic poll win

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for supporting the NDA's agenda in the recent municipal corporation elections, which saw the BJP-led alliance secure significant wins.

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

MLS enters its 31st season amid World Cup buzz and Lionel Messi's impact, with Don Garber calling it a defining moment for the league's future.

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet has reportedly approved the Kerala government's proposal to officially change the state's name to Keralam, following a resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly.

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The armed forces of India will be wise to remember that its public interface needs to be tempered with discretion, maturity and example, keeping in mind the nation's multi-cultural and multi-religious fabric which is its greatest strength but which can also become its biggest fault-line, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that Uttar Pradesh enjoys a clean environment, unlike Delhi, which he likened to a 'gas chamber' due to its pollution levels.

Banerjee Questions President's Silence on Tribal Issues, Alleges Political Interference

Banerjee Questions President's Silence on Tribal Issues, Alleges Political Interference

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused President Droupadi Murmu of acting on the advice of the BJP and questioned her silence on issues affecting tribal communities in other states. This comes after Murmu raised concerns about the pace of tribal development in West Bengal.

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlinale

Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlinale

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlin International Film Festival, as she was 'shocked and disgusted' by the comments of the jury members regarding their stance on Gaza.

Mahayuti rift widens as Sena ministers slam Sunetra Pawar; Fadnavis steps in

Mahayuti rift widens as Sena ministers slam Sunetra Pawar; Fadnavis steps in

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Several ministers within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance have voiced criticism regarding Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy Chief Minister shortly after her husband, Ajit Pawar's, death, leading to disapproval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

T20 World Cup: Long Live Cricket, Long Live India-Pakistan Games

T20 World Cup: Long Live Cricket, Long Live India-Pakistan Games

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

In Sri Lanka, an India-Pakistan game becomes more than cricket. There will be only one silent wish: May cricket live long.

If language pride is a 'disease'...: Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief

If language pride is a 'disease'...: Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In a post on X, Thackeray also claimed that those who attended Bhagwat's programme in Mumbai on February 7-8 to mark the RSS centenary did not come out of love for him but due to the fear of Narendra Modi's government.

Truth Behind Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic, Mounjaro: A Doctor Explains

Truth Behind Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic, Mounjaro: A Doctor Explains

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'Weight loss drugs can be life changing but are not without risks,' says Dr Vishnu Radhakrishnan as he explains the truth behind Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Cong handed over Assam's land to infiltrators for votes: Modi

Cong handed over Assam's land to infiltrators for votes: Modi

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Congress of handing over Assam's land to infiltrators for votes during its rule in the northeastern state.

FIR Filed Against Ranveer Singh For Insulting Chavundi Daiva

FIR Filed Against Ranveer Singh For Insulting Chavundi Daiva

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The complainant stated that Ranveer Singh, while present on stage and in the presence of the lead actor of Kantara: Chapter-1, allegedly performed acts that mocked and insulted the sacred Bhoota Kola tradition practiced in coastal Karnataka.

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

10 Human-Forward Work Skills You Must Master in 2026

10 Human-Forward Work Skills You Must Master in 2026

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Here are ten human-forward skills that will quietly but decisively shape professional growth in 2026.

Why I Cycled From Kashmir To Kanyakumari

Why I Cycled From Kashmir To Kanyakumari

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

'That journey across India has changed me forever.'

BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls; Tarique Rahman to be PM

BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls; Tarique Rahman to be PM

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

If the Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins, Tarique Rahman will be Bangladesh's first male prime minister in 36 years.

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The upcoming Republic Day Parade will center around the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram,' featuring themed decorations, performances, and special guests.

The Story Behind World's Longest Sari

The Story Behind World's Longest Sari

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Supreet Singh, filmmaker and co-founder of Red Dot Foundation, explains how the 4km long Infinite Saree is a larger campaign against all forms of sexual abuse, including marital rape.

Pakistan gives nod to direct flight from Dhaka

Pakistan gives nod to direct flight from Dhaka

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Pakistan's aviation authorities have issued permission to the Bangladesh national airline, Biman Airways, to start direct operations on the route of Dhaka-Karachi.

Is Your Cough Serious? A Doctor Answers

Is Your Cough Serious? A Doctor Answers

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Pulmonologist Dr Harish Chafle highlights when and why you must not ignore a common cough.

Shekhar Kapur: 'Movie Stars Will Be AI Created'

Shekhar Kapur: 'Movie Stars Will Be AI Created'

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'Storytelling will never change.' 'As long as storytelling can be unpredictable... AI cannot tell you an unpredictable story.'

Why India's Local-First AI Strategy Could Be A Winner

Why India's Local-First AI Strategy Could Be A Winner

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Country's startups are carving a unique path by prioritising local, application-led innovation over the global pursuit of scale.

T20 World Cup: Coach Stuart Law warns Nepal's players over social media

T20 World Cup: Coach Stuart Law warns Nepal's players over social media

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Nepal head coach Stuart Law expressed disappointment over the team's 10-wicket defeat to debutants Italy, saying players had "not shown commitment".

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'It would have polarised the Marathi-non Marathi divide further. 'Fadnavis had a very clear strategy: Let all Marathi people campaign for us (the BJP), and whatever results we get will be delivered by Marathi people only.'

Tirupati Laddu Reignites Political Battle In Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati Laddu Reignites Political Battle In Andhra Pradesh

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

With TDP and YSRCP trying to score political points, the sacred laddu may well create a storm in days to come.

What Were Tamannaah, Shanaya, Ashnoor Upto?

What Were Tamannaah, Shanaya, Ashnoor Upto?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

They were at the Elle List 2026 party; it wasn't just another red carpet night where fashion stopped at pretty outfits. This one came with intent.

India now trusted partner for growth, Modi tells diaspora in Malaysia

India now trusted partner for growth, Modi tells diaspora in Malaysia

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Modi, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday on a two-day visit, referred to the trade deals India agreed with various countries and said India is seen as a "trusted partner for growth".

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The tragedy struck the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday evening, when about 19 people were riding the swing before it suddenly tilted and then crashed onto the ground.

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony, showcasing Italian culture and athletic spirit, while also highlighting global political tensions through crowd reactions and protests.

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The Mahayuti alliance has released its manifesto for the upcoming Mumbai civic elections, promising technology-led governance, concessions for women, and addressing issues like illegal immigration and infrastructure.

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day, emphasising India's role in promoting peace, the empowerment of women, and the country's economic growth.