News for 'People's Book Society'

HC stays release of 'Udaipur Files' movie amid pleas for permanent ban

HC stays release of 'Udaipur Files' movie amid pleas for permanent ban

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Delhi High Court has stayed the release of the movie 'Udaipur Files' amid concerns that it could promote communal disharmony. The court has directed petitioners to approach the central government with their grievances, and the stay will remain in effect until the government decides on the matter.

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung deserves to be complimented in telling his life story and that of his people, as subaltern communities within this vast and diverse nation of ours clamour for recognition and a plea for their voices to be heard and their aspirations to be met, notes Lieutenant General Gautam Moorthy.

Arvi Singh Bahal Is Going To Space!

Arvi Singh Bahal Is Going To Space!

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

This mission is the 14th human flight for the New Shepard programme and the 34th in its history.

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

There is no guarantee that if we speak in only Indian languages, all our faults will be washed away and India will shine. Why then do they bully and belittle the English-speaking? asks Shyam G Menon.

Uddhav, Raj to hold joint march against 'Hindi imposition'

Uddhav, Raj to hold joint march against 'Hindi imposition'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will unite for the cause of the Marathi language, as their parties will stage a joint protest against the 'imposition' Hindi and the state government's three-language formula for Classes 1-5.

After Nagpur violence, RSS says Aurangzeb not relevant

After Nagpur violence, RSS says Aurangzeb not relevant

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'Any type of violence is not good for the health of the society and I think police have taken cognizance of it and so they will get into the details'

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

11th Fail To IIT: Pani Puri Seller's Inspiring Story

11th Fail To IIT: Pani Puri Seller's Inspiring Story

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Harsh Gupta's first JEE attempt was plagued by ill-health. But he did not give up.

Tension escalates in Etawah after 'caste-based' tonsuring of preacher

Tension escalates in Etawah after 'caste-based' tonsuring of preacher

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Days after the alleged caste-based tonsuring of a Bhagwat Katha preacher and his aide in Etawah's Dandarpur village, tensions escalated on Thursday as members of Yadav groups staged protests demanding the arrest of all accused and withdrawal of the case registered against the victims.

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Travel booking major OYO has launched a new check-in policy for partner hotels, starting from Meerut, introducing guidelines effective this year whereby unmarried couples will no longer be welcome to check in.

When Guru Dutt Demolished His House...

When Guru Dutt Demolished His House...

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

'The pain of not having a home is bearable, but the pain of having one -- and not finding peace in it -- is far worse.'

'Acting Is In My Karma'

'Acting Is In My Karma'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

'The industry has never accepted me.' 'When I was shooting Aashiqui, I would hear comments like, "Yeh toh bahut lambi hai. Heroine nahin dikhti hai".' 'Aashiqui became such a big hit, and you know how the industry is.' 'You have success, then you have everything.'

'I Didn't Work Because Of Lack of Good Offers'

'I Didn't Work Because Of Lack of Good Offers'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'It's important to keep doing your work. Do what you understand and don't expect much.'

Will maintain decency in shows, podcaster Allahbadia tells SC

Will maintain decency in shows, podcaster Allahbadia tells SC

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia has filed an undertaking in the Supreme Court stating he will maintain decency in his shows. The undertaking was filed after the court allowed him to resume his podcast "The Ranveer Show" on March 3, subject to maintaining "morality and decency." Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, was booked for his comments on parents and sex on comic Samay Raina's YouTube show "India's Got Latent." The Supreme Court previously called his comments "vulgar" and said he had a "dirty mind" which put society to shame.

NCERT axes caste-based discrimination in Class 6 books

NCERT axes caste-based discrimination in Class 6 books

Rediff.com21 Jul 2024

There are tweaks in references to B R Ambedkar's experience about the discrimination.

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the police for suppressing freedom of speech by filing FIRs against artists for their performances, stating that mere recitation of a poem, stand-up comedy, or any form of art cannot be alleged to incite hatred or animosity between communities. The court quashed an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who was booked for a song performed at a mass marriage function, emphasizing that such actions stifle legitimate expressions of view in a free society.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Rana Pratap, Shivaji Maharaj were not anti-Muslim: Rajnath

Rana Pratap, Shivaji Maharaj were not anti-Muslim: Rajnath

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

' Hakim Khan Suri sacrificed his life in the battle of Haldighati, fighting against the Mughals. Madari, a Muslim youth, was Shivaji Maharaj's bodyguard'

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra continues to face backlash for his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The Legislative Council admitted a breach of privilege notice against him, while a state minister demanded his arrest. The controversy stems from Kamra's stand-up performance where he made satirical remarks about Shinde, leading to protests and vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters. The comedian has been summoned by the police and faces legal trouble, with even Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw justifying the action, emphasizing the need to uphold legal safeguards. Amid the controversy, Kamra lashed out at the mainstream media, calling it a "miscommunication arm" of the ruling party.

Protest Against Aurangzeb's Tomb Turns Violent In Nagpur

Protest Against Aurangzeb's Tomb Turns Violent In Nagpur

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, officials said.

'It was a people's election'

'It was a people's election'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

'There was a strong undercurrent of deprivation, and also frustration against misuse of power and authority.' 'This election was an opportunity for the manifestation of this discontentment.'

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'The larger and more opaque this shadow economy becomes, especially online, the greater the risk to India's national security.'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

Shinde's MLA offers Rs 11 lakh to cut Rahul's tongue; booked

Shinde's MLA offers Rs 11 lakh to cut Rahul's tongue; booked

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhana assembly seat in Vidarbha region, is no stranger to controversies.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The high point of the 19 Shastri months was the 22-day war that he fought against great odds and won in principle, even if military historians often call it a stalemate. Pakistan saw a great opportunity to conquer Kashmir and lost. It was the last time they had the relative strength militarily and diplomatically to take Kashmir. Shastri's resolve buried that dream forever, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

Caste census decision exposes...: BJP

Caste census decision exposes...: BJP

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the next census has exposed the difference between the Modi government's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the Congress.

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

On its 177th anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra explores the history and relevance of The Communist Manifesto.

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'

'Believing In Yourself Changes Everything'

'Believing In Yourself Changes Everything'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something just because it hasn't been done before. Take that first step. Keep learning. Believe in yourself even when no one else does.'

'In a way the India-Pakistan war is already on'

'In a way the India-Pakistan war is already on'

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

'Pakistan cannot sustain a war with India for more than four days. They are in such dire straits. At best they can sustain war for one week.'

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The dramatic moves of Donald Trump, which have shaken up the global order, dominated the discussion. A sense of bewilderment prevailed, but there was also expectation that President Trump would settle down to a more traditional style of governance after a time of shock and awe, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, an attendee at literary festivals in Calicut, Jaipur, Kochi, Sharjah and Thiruvanathapuram.

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'It has the potential to sow seeds of furthering discord when the direction of the discourse is aimed at propagating the perceived supremacy of 'cultural nationalism' from a distant past over the prevailing dominance of 'Constitutional nationalism',' argues N Sathiya Moorthy.

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The latest biopic on Jyotibai Phule has come at a time when the Department of Taking Offence is super-active. Utkarsh Mishra feels it will be interesting to see if it portrays his attack on Brahminism in the same 'no holds barred' manner-- and, if it does, what reaction it provokes.

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'My life has been quite difficult. I felt I could see it in words. I thought if everyone else can write, then I can too.'

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb sparked outrage in the Maharashtra legislature, leading to calls for his suspension and accusations of treason. The issue, which was politicized by both the ruling coalition and opposition parties, led to the adjournment of both Houses of the state legislature. Azmi later retracted his statements, saying they were twisted and that he had not made any derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj or Sambhaji Maharaj. The BJP, however, seized the opportunity to slam the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of trying to "eradicate" Sanatan Dharma. The Mumbai police have initiated a probe into the matter, registering a case against Azmi for his remarks.

Modi visits RSS HQ for 1st time since becoming PM

Modi visits RSS HQ for 1st time since becoming PM

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur and paid tributes at memorials dedicated to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, and second sarsanghchalak (chief) M S Golwalkar.