News for 'People's Book Society'

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In Kerala's society, known for its high material standard of living, plunging into a state of having nothing overnight can be terrible for one's social standing and sense of self-esteem. Rehabilitation entails piecing a community back together after a disturbance and while its aim is noble, the act of reassembling will bring alive disparities and inequalities, explains Shyam G Menon.

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Nobel laureate economist Abhijit Banerjee has said the current situation in Bangladesh is unlikely to trigger a fresh round of exodus of minority Hindus into India. He believes that migration is primarily driven by social networks and economic opportunities rather than persecution. Banerjee, known for his work in poverty alleviation, further emphasized that India's overt preference for Hindu migrants from Bangladesh in the past has been a significant factor in their migration, rather than attacks on the community.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

A Wedding Where Guests Gifted Books!

A Wedding Where Guests Gifted Books!

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com reports on a revolutionary wedding in Tamil Nadu at which guests were exhorted to gift only school books -- and got 1500 of them!

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Delhi assembly results have underscored that a section of Arvind Kejriwal's committed supporters abandoned him because they were let down by his refusal to take a stand on crucial issues that impinge on the security and Constitutionally enshrined rights of the people, notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'AI Might Enslave Or Annihilate Us'

'AI Might Enslave Or Annihilate Us'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

'It is the first technology in history which is not just a tool, it is an agent.' Yuval Noah Harari on the dangers on AI.

'Without incentives people will not purchase EVs'

'Without incentives people will not purchase EVs'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

'Wherever the government has provided incentives for the purchase of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, buses, and trucks, it gets a push for most of these alternate fuels. '

Right-wing vlogger booked for remarks on Kerala blast

Right-wing vlogger booked for remarks on Kerala blast

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

A right-wing vlogger has been booked for allegedly spreading hatred via social media in connection with the recent blast at a religious gathering that killed four people near Kochi last week, police said on Wednesday.

The Friend Who Changed An IPL Star's Life

The Friend Who Changed An IPL Star's Life

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'One day I told him, if you want to be a cricketer with a long career, you cannot be a fast bowler.' 'I felt more than pace, unorthodox left arm spin would suit him better.' 'Please don't give me credit for what he is doing now. I only made a suggestion.'

Case booked as Noida boy throws puppy to death

Case booked as Noida boy throws puppy to death

Rediff.com4 Feb 2024

Acting on a complaint, the Greater Noida police have registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons in an incident of a minor boy allegedly throwing a puppy from a high-rise on the road killing the young canine, officials said on Sunday.

What Sudha And Akshata Murty Don't Want...

What Sudha And Akshata Murty Don't Want...

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Sudha and Akshata Murthy's candid confessions about each other.

A Formula For Start Up Success

A Formula For Start Up Success

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

'80% of start ups fail because they don't have a support system to help them in the very early phase.' 'It's not just an idea that takes an entrepreneur through the initial three years of journey.' 'What plays a definitive role in making a start-up successful is idea+team+capital+mentors+access to a larger ecosystem.'

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The meltdown in Dalal Street that wiped out investor wealth to the tune of 44 trillion in 2025 also seems to be having a ripple effect on the country's vibrant automobile retail sales.

Can't accept illegal immigrants for sake of inclusivity: Manipur CM

Can't accept illegal immigrants for sake of inclusivity: Manipur CM

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

He emphasised that the people of Manipur are enduring hardships for the benefit of future generations and that protecting the rights of indigenous communities must remain a top priority.

Shocking! 16-year-old girl raped in moving ambulance in MP

Shocking! 16-year-old girl raped in moving ambulance in MP

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The alleged crime in the ambulance being operated under '108' emergency service took place on November 22 and two of the four accused in the case, including the driver, have been arrested, they said.

BJP ridiculing Savarkar when...: Rahul in Lok Sabha

BJP ridiculing Savarkar when...: Rahul in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for claiming to protect the Constitution while citing V D Savarkar's remarks that there was nothing Indian about it. He also drew parallels to the story of 'Eklavya' to illustrate the BJP's alleged economic policies hurting small businesses and farmers. He further supported the removal of the 50 percent cap on reservations and advocated for a caste census.

He Delivered Milk When He Was 6. At 29 He's A Magistrate!

He Delivered Milk When He Was 6. At 29 He's A Magistrate!

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

'Studying was never an important part of our life, surviving was.'

The People Mumbai Forgot

The People Mumbai Forgot

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

'When the mill strike started, there was crisis in every mill worker household.' 'One entire generation went without education.' 'Hunger forced them to take to crime.'

3 temples vandalised in Bangladesh amid protests over Hindu leader's arrest

3 temples vandalised in Bangladesh amid protests over Hindu leader's arrest

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Three Hindu temples were vandalized by a mob in Bangladesh's Chattogram on Friday, following protests and violence sparked by the arrest of a former ISKCON member on sedition charges. The attack occurred in the port city's Harish Chandra Munsef Lane, where the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, the nearby Shoni Temple, and the Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple were targeted. Temple authorities reported that a group of hundreds threw brickbats at the temples, causing damage to the Shoni Temple and the gates of the other two. The incident has triggered diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, with both countries expressing concerns over the safety of their respective minorities.

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

As a consequence of prominence given to the brutality during those few days, a very important aspect of that episode got almost glossed over. This was the intervention by a very significant section of people who restored faith in humanity, and conveyed the message that only a small section of Indians, that too politically backed, were consumed by anti-Sikh majoritarianism. The overlooked facet of the events of 1984 was the story of significant sections of the city's populace, public figures and nondescript ones, stepping out hand-in-hand, to first stand with little but bravery in hands, in the way of attackers, and thereafter to provide immediate relief to those who lives were uprooted and who lost family members in the violence, recalls Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

ChatGPT Vs DeepSeek: The Plot Thickens

ChatGPT Vs DeepSeek: The Plot Thickens

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The tech community, which was getting ready to use the ChatGPT fever and raise unlimited capital for their businesses, is going to face tougher obstacles now, predicts Ajit Balakrishnan.

Do You Also Feel Lonely In A Crowd?

Do You Also Feel Lonely In A Crowd?

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

One has to accept the reality, that to exist in society one can't live, like an island, observes Aarti David.

AAP, Cong or Owaisi: How will Delhi Muslims vote?

AAP, Cong or Owaisi: How will Delhi Muslims vote?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The broom, the hand or the kite, listen to the mind or the heart, 'tunnel vision voting' to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party or electing the 'right party'. With only two days to go for polling, the choice is anything but clear for Delhi's Muslims, say many voters.

RSS won't celebrate centenary next year because ...

RSS won't celebrate centenary next year because ...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2024

The RSS wants to transform society and believes that victory of society must not be judged on wealth creation but religion, he said.

Sanjay Roy found guilty of raping, murdering RG Kar doctor

Sanjay Roy found guilty of raping, murdering RG Kar doctor

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

A Kolkata court on Saturday convicted prime accused Sanjay Roy of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, 162 days after the crime that sparked nationwide outrage and led to prolonged protests.

UP teacher who asked students to slap Muslim classmate booked

UP teacher who asked students to slap Muslim classmate booked

Rediff.com27 Aug 2023

In her defence, the teacher, Tripti Tyagi, has said that the video has been tampered with in order to stoke tensions.

'We Have Begged For Justice'

'We Have Begged For Justice'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'Justice may or may not happen, but who are those people who did this to her?' 'If the hospital authorities had helped us that day, or the police, then the real culprits would have been caught.' 'Getting justice for my daughter is my goal now and I want the CM to remember that.'

'Disgusting To See Bangladeshis Turning Backs On India'

'Disgusting To See Bangladeshis Turning Backs On India'

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'The present generation, either due to historical amnesia or political propaganda, has been fed a narrative that paints India as an adversary rather than an ally.'

Bangladesh court refuses to ban ISKCON amid violence

Bangladesh court refuses to ban ISKCON amid violence

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The lawyer had sought a ban from the high court on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) after placing some newspaper reports related to the organisation on Wednesday.

'Smita Didn't Want Anything To Do With Films'

'Smita Didn't Want Anything To Do With Films'

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

'Naseer does not have the sense of humour that Om Puri has. 'Also Om has a great deal of compassion as a human being. Naseer was too focused on his own self.' A fascinating excerpt from Sangeeta Datta's book, Shyam Benegal.

'Trump's Going To Be Very Good For India'

'Trump's Going To Be Very Good For India'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'He is the only president, the only American politician, who had the guts to stand with Hindus.'

2024: The Year Of Shift In Politics

2024: The Year Of Shift In Politics

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Much drama is likely to continue in the coming year, within the Sangh Parivar as well as involving the Opposition parties and, of course the BJP's allies, predicts Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

RG Kar rape-murder case: Trial to begin on November 11

RG Kar rape-murder case: Trial to begin on November 11

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Eighty-seven days after the body of a woman medic was found at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a Kolkata court on Monday framed charges against the prime accused, Sanjay Roy.

Dharma doesn't mean eat this, don't eat that: RSS chief

Dharma doesn't mean eat this, don't eat that: RSS chief

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

Some elements are creating obstacles in the path of India's development and are fearful of its rise on the global stage, but they will not succeed, he asserted.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

'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.

'You Need Patience To Be An Actor'

'You Need Patience To Be An Actor'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

'A struggling actor once came to me and told me there's no work.' 'I said when there's no work, that's when you have a lot of work.' 'He said he didn't understand.' 'I explained that you have to keep reading, watching, writing, traveling.' 'It is like riyaaz for an actor.'

Digvijaya Singh booked for sharing FB post on RSS ex-chief Golwalkar

Digvijaya Singh booked for sharing FB post on RSS ex-chief Golwalkar

Rediff.com9 Jul 2023

Following the post, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused Congress leaders of spreading "misinformation" and creating social hatred by sharing a "false" post on Golwalkar.