News for 'Political Weekly'

Actor Mammootty under cyber attack after spat with Kerala CPM leader

Actor Mammootty under cyber attack after spat with Kerala CPM leader

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Senior CPI(M) leaders address online attacks against Malayalam actor Mammootty after his visit to a Wayanad township for landslide survivors, following reports of his displeasure with a local party leader's presence.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

NCP (SP) leader Anish Gawande has urged the government to withdraw the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026, arguing that it undermines the right to self-determination of gender identity and was drafted without adequate consultation.

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A public exchange of open letters between Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor reveals a significant rift over foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and the Sabarimala temple issue.

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A close aide to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claims that Pakistan has achieved its targets in the recent military operation against Afghanistan, following attacks by Afghan Taliban forces along the border.

Opposition plans to impeach chief election commissioner

Opposition plans to impeach chief election commissioner

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in India are preparing to move a motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging degradation of the office. The move requires significant support from both houses of Parliament and follows concerns raised by opposition leaders.

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

It may now be time to question the price India is paying for Israel's disregard of the serious undermining of India's energy security, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'Enemy of my enemy': How Saudi, Israel helped trigger Iran strike

'Enemy of my enemy': How Saudi, Israel helped trigger Iran strike

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

For years, these two powers operated as "frenemies" in the shadow of Iran's regional influence. The frame here is "The Enemy of My Enemy."

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Congress and Raijor Dal have finalised a seat-sharing agreement for the Assam assembly elections, with Congress leaving 11 constituencies for Raijor Dal and a friendly contest in two others. The alliance aims to defeat the BJP government.

Bharat Ratna Demand For Nitish BJP Ploy?

Bharat Ratna Demand For Nitish BJP Ploy?

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

'Demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Nitishji is to sideline him in politics and force him to retire from politics.'

Modi Slams TMC for Alleged Disrespect Towards President Murmu

Modi Slams TMC for Alleged Disrespect Towards President Murmu

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of insulting President Droupadi Murmu and disrespecting tribal communities and the Constitution, following a controversy surrounding the President's visit to West Bengal.

Never required permission to buy Russian oil: Officials

Never required permission to buy Russian oil: Officials

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A senior government official asserts India's independence in purchasing Russian oil, stating that US sanctions waivers merely remove friction but do not dictate India's energy policy. The official highlights India's commitment to energy security and affordability for its citizens.

Probe into Foreigners' Activities Aims to Uncover Conspiracy Against India

Probe into Foreigners' Activities Aims to Uncover Conspiracy Against India

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Security agencies in India are investigating a potential conspiracy involving arrested foreigners, including a US mercenary, who allegedly aimed to exploit Indian ethnic groups to undermine national security. The investigation involves data extraction from mobile phones and scrutiny of social media accounts to uncover the full extent of the plot and identify all involved parties.

Tarique Rahman's remarkable turnaround from 17-year self-exile

Tarique Rahman's remarkable turnaround from 17-year self-exile

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Tarique Rahman, after 17 years in self-exile, has led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a significant victory, becoming the country's Prime Minister. This marks a major turnaround for the BNP after years of being targeted by the Awami League government.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'The AIADMK and DMK have 75% of the total votes. 25% of the voters do not support the two majors,' says DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai.

Chhattisgarh Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Opium Cultivation After Recent Cases

Chhattisgarh Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Opium Cultivation After Recent Cases

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered strict action against illegal opium farming after several cases surfaced in the state. The government has instructed departments to investigate and ensure stringent action against those involved.

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.'

Mojtaba, Khamenei son, becomes Iran's new Supreme Leader

Mojtaba, Khamenei son, becomes Iran's new Supreme Leader

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Iranian state media reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, has been appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, a move criticised by US President Donald Trump.

Shirtless protest at AI Summit: Another Youth Cong worker held, total arrests 5

Shirtless protest at AI Summit: Another Youth Cong worker held, total arrests 5

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Delhi Police made a fifth arrest in the AI Impact Summit shirtless protest case, as investigations continue into the political demonstration against the government and the India-US trade deal.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Urges End to Moratorium on Digital Product Tariffs

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Urges End to Moratorium on Digital Product Tariffs

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) is advocating for the termination of the moratorium on customs duties for electronically transmitted digital products, arguing that it hinders self-reliance, causes revenue losses, and restricts India's ability to tax emerging technologies like AI.

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.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Just Who Is Allu Sirish's Bride Nayanika Reddy?

Just Who Is Allu Sirish's Bride Nayanika Reddy?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Telugu actor star Allu Sirish's wedding celebrations is on full swing in Hyderabad. His bride Nayanika Reddy is not from the film industry, so just who is she? Namrata Thakker finds out.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.

Days after landslide poll victory, BNP office set ablaze in Bangladesh

Days after landslide poll victory, BNP office set ablaze in Bangladesh

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Unidentified miscreants smashed a window and threw "petrol or similar substance" inside before igniting the blaze

Why Scottish MP With India Connect Quit Politics

Why Scottish MP With India Connect Quit Politics

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Kate Forbes, the second highest minister in Scottish government has chosen family over politics. The realisation that she must spend more time with her baby came to her in an orphanage in Pune.

Key Maoist Leader Surrenders, Marking Progress in Chhattisgarh's Anti-Insurgency Efforts

Key Maoist Leader Surrenders, Marking Progress in Chhattisgarh's Anti-Insurgency Efforts

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A senior Maoist commander, Papa Rao, surrendered with his team in Chhattisgarh, signalling a significant blow to Left-Wing Extremism in the region. This event underscores the impact of sustained security pressure and rehabilitation efforts on the Maoist movement.

Haryana CM Saini Denies Opposition's Pension Cancellation Claims

Haryana CM Saini Denies Opposition's Pension Cancellation Claims

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has refuted claims by the opposition regarding the cancellation of old-age pensions, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He assured that the government is verifying discrepancies to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive pensions and highlighted the increase in pension amounts and the number of beneficiaries under the current regime.

Now INDIA bloc unites behind Tejashwi Yadav after weeks of discord

Now INDIA bloc unites behind Tejashwi Yadav after weeks of discord

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

The INDIA bloc in Bihar has announced Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, signaling a united front after weeks of internal disagreements. The move aims to challenge the incumbent NDA government, with both sides engaging in political maneuvering and accusations.

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.

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

For nearly two decades, Nitish Kumar has cultivated women as a distinct constituency. 'To create a broader vote base, he thought it would be better to bring women to electoral politics.'

'Suddenly, LPG Supply Stopped On Sunday'

'Suddenly, LPG Supply Stopped On Sunday'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

'Nobody explained why. After that there was panic buying, there was hoarding -- and then nothing reached us.'

Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Divide Bengal Through Voter Deletions

Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Divide Bengal Through Voter Deletions

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of manipulating voter rolls to divide the state, alleging a conspiracy to deprive Bengali-speaking people of their voting rights. She claims the Election Commission is complicit in deleting lakhs of names from voter lists.

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission to respond to petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The court has also asked the Madras and Calcutta High Courts to keep proceedings on similar petitions in abeyance.

Myanmar insurgent training: 7 foreigners' phones sent for analysis

Myanmar insurgent training: 7 foreigners' phones sent for analysis

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 11-day custody of several foreign nationals accused of training Myanmar-based Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs) known to support insurgent groups in India.

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.