News for 'Progressive Democratic Front'

Curfew lifted in Leh after funerals, internet ban continues

Curfew lifted in Leh after funerals, internet ban continues

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Authorities relaxed the curfew in Leh, Ladakh, allowing markets to reopen after week-long restrictions following violent clashes. The situation is gradually returning to normal with increased security measures.

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

While both sides have announced the decision to restart talks for a trade deal, government officials said discussions are continuing virtually.

Suspended Kerala Cong MLA defies party, attends assembly

Suspended Kerala Cong MLA defies party, attends assembly

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, suspended from the party over sexual misconduct allegations, attended the Kerala Assembly session, claiming his presence was not in defiance of the party. The move has drawn criticism and sparked reactions from various political leaders.

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

An uneasy calm prevails in Ladakh as authorities enforce a curfew following clashes between security forces and protesters demanding statehood and constitutional protections. The violence resulted in fatalities and injuries, prompting detentions and political reactions.

'China Takes India Seriously', But...

'China Takes India Seriously', But...

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

'The strategic difference over technology and territory between India and China remain great and security interests on both sides will likely prevent a short-term rapprochement of any depth.'

'100% communist lunatic, looks terrible': Trump slams Zohran Mamdani

'100% communist lunatic, looks terrible': Trump slams Zohran Mamdani

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In a stunning victory, Indian-American lawmaker Zohran Kwame Mamdani defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary race for New York City mayor

Govt scraps FCRA licence of Wangchuk's NGO amid Ladakh unrest

Govt scraps FCRA licence of Wangchuk's NGO amid Ladakh unrest

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The cancellation means the Leh-based institute will no longer be able to receive or utilise foreign funding.

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Rediff.com16 May 2025

In a first, the New York State Senate has formally adopted a resolution honouring the Indian Constitution on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, recognising it as a guiding framework for India's ongoing progress as a nation and celebrating the country's democratic values.

Abrogation Article 370 @ 6 Years: Delhi Plays Cat-and-Mouse Game

Abrogation Article 370 @ 6 Years: Delhi Plays Cat-and-Mouse Game

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

New Delhi looks to be testing Omar's endurance with unconcealed glee, never feeling shy to bite whenever a moment comes its way. After all, ruling the country's only Muslim-majority UT/state has been the BJP's burning desire, points out Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

After Waqf, it's Christians: Rahul, Kerala CM slam RSS article

After Waqf, it's Christians: Rahul, Kerala CM slam RSS article

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the RSS of "majority communalism" over an article published in an RSS mouthpiece regarding the Catholic Church's property holdings in India. The article, which has since been removed from the website, called for the government to acquire the church's land, claiming it was illegally leased during the British era. Vijayan said the article reveals the "true mindset" of the RSS and its alleged plan to "target minority groups one by one and destroy them step by step." The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, echoed Vijayan's concerns, stating that the article shows the RSS's intent to target the Church's property. He also claimed that the article's publication coincides with the passing of the Waqf Bill in Parliament, suggesting a pattern of targeting religious communities. Meanwhile, the BJP state president, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, denied the article's accuracy and stated that the article was removed after it was found to be untrue. He also emphasized that owning land is not a crime, and countered allegations that the Congress and Waqf have illegally acquired land in Karnataka. Archbishop Joseph Pamplany of Thalassery, however, expressed confidence that the Church is not afraid of any "Church Bill", as its properties have been earned through hard work. He said the Church will take legal action if necessary.

Hindus fly aerial banner to back Cuomo as NY mayoral race heats up

Hindus fly aerial banner to back Cuomo as NY mayoral race heats up

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

In a bold display of civic engagement, members of the Hindu American community launched an aerial banner over New York City this week, endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor and urging voters to support experienced, inclusive leadership in a high-stakes race that has captured national attention.

Sensex gains 270 pts on fag-end buying in banking stocks

Sensex gains 270 pts on fag-end buying in banking stocks

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

From the Sensex firms, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Eternal, Asian Paints, NTPC, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Adani Ports, Infosys and State Bank of India were among the major gainers. However, Titan tumbled over 6 per cent. Trent, Axis Bank, Maruti and Hindustan Unilever were also among the laggards.

US Needs India As Much As India Needs The US

US Needs India As Much As India Needs The US

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

India-US relations, like Rome, were not built in a day, nor can they be demolished in a day.
All said and done, when the new global order emerges, India can only remain with the democracies, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Trump's Tariffs: India's Second 1991 Moment

Trump's Tariffs: India's Second 1991 Moment

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The crisis may not be as visible this time, but the stakes are just as high, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date, the first in 'calibrated steps' to restore stability to the 'very important relationship', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President Dhankhar had in March this year undergone an angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'Earlier, we used to talk about a deficit economy. There is a deficit in democracy' 'If you read superficially Gandhi and Ambedkar and Nehru, some misconceptions and misunderstanding come to mind, as if they were at loggerheads and they differed radically in their views' 'India is one nation. There is only one citizenship. No citizenship for South India and no citizenship for North India and another for the Northeast'

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party's Gopal Italia on Monday won from Gujarat's Visavadar assembly constituency and his party also retained Punjab's Ludhiana West seat while the Congress-led United Democratic Front wrested Nilambur from the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala, according to results of assembly bypolls in four states.

'Will Pahalgam killers decide...': Omar in I-Day speech

'Will Pahalgam killers decide...': Omar in I-Day speech

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly criticized linking Jammu and Kashmir's political future to acts of terror, asserting that Pakistan cannot influence decisions on the region's statehood through terrorism. He announced a signature campaign to press for the restoration of statehood.

Former J-K governor Satyapal Malik dies at 79

Former J-K governor Satyapal Malik dies at 79

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Malik had served as the 18th governor of Goa between November 3, 2019, and August 18, 2020.

Documents must, clarifies EC on Bihar voter list review

Documents must, clarifies EC on Bihar voter list review

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

The Election Commission has clarified that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar is progressing as per its order, addressing concerns raised on social media and by opposition parties.

Kerala govt doubles down on Zumba in schools amid opposition

Kerala govt doubles down on Zumba in schools amid opposition

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

The minister clarified the government's position on Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it went against moral values.

'Steeped in fanaticism, serial borrower': India shreds Pak at UN

'Steeped in fanaticism, serial borrower': India shreds Pak at UN

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said that the Indian sub-continent offers a "stark contrast" in terms of progress, prosperity and development models.

Modi meets Yunus of Bangladesh, flags concern over attacks on Hindus

Modi meets Yunus of Bangladesh, flags concern over attacks on Hindus

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

In his first meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged concerns over the attacks on minorities, including Hindus and conveyed that any rhetoric that vitiated the environment was best avoided.

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

The report highlights that India's population in 2036 is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2011 population, as reflected in the sex ratio which is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, highlighting a positive trend in gender equality.

They use religion to justify killings: Owaisi slams Pak in Bahrain

They use religion to justify killings: Owaisi slams Pak in Bahrain

Rediff.com25 May 2025

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi, part of the all-party delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Baijayant Panda, said that terrorist groups wrongly use religion to justify killing innocent people.

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Moderate turnout was recorded in the first four hours of polling across five assembly constituencies across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala where bypolls are underway on Thursday.

Efforts to weaken India's progress must be stopped: Justice Datta on EVM row

Efforts to weaken India's progress must be stopped: Justice Datta on EVM row

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

Writing his views in a separate verdict while concurring with the opinion of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was heading the bench, Justice Datta said the question of reverting to "paper ballot system", on facts and in the circumstances, does not and cannot arise.

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed "Operation Sindoor" as a turning point in the global fight against terror, describing it as a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose. Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the operation reflects a changing and resolute India, and has inspired patriotism and self-reliance across the country.

Social unrest, SC order: What led to Emergency in 1975

Social unrest, SC order: What led to Emergency in 1975

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Amid this unrest came the verdict of the Allahabad high court on June 12, 1975 that found Gandhi guilty over discrepancies in the electoral campaign, which led to the Emergency on the night of June 25.

'We've had no democratic government in J&K since 2018'

'We've had no democratic government in J&K since 2018'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

'If democracy does not exist, if there are no political spaces, there is no media, there is no civil society, what do we rejoice?'

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The RSS-affiliated ABVP has won the post of joint secretary in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) election, ending a nine-year period out of office. The ABVP's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of JNU, breaking the Left's long-standing dominance. Left candidates won the remaining three central panel posts, but the ABVP's victory is seen as a major gain for the right-wing group.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Failed State that spreads falsehoods: India flays Pak at UNHRC

Failed State that spreads falsehoods: India flays Pak at UNHRC

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Human Rights Council, calling it a "failed state" that spreads falsehoods and relies on international handouts. India's delegate, Kshitij Tyagi, highlighted the progress made in Jammu and Kashmir and said Pakistan is in no position to lecture anyone on human rights, given its own record of abuses and support for terrorism.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

As the United States focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its 'downward trend of democratic values and institutions', said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Tharoor shares selfie with BJP minister amid growing rift with Cong

Tharoor shares selfie with BJP minister amid growing rift with Cong

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor welcomed the revival of long-stalled India-UK FTA negotiations, posting a selfie with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and the UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. Tharoor's post comes amid a row over his recent article praising the Kerala government's investment climate, which drew criticism from some Congress leaders.

Reject elite understanding of democratic process: CJI

Reject elite understanding of democratic process: CJI

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

...educated people are better decision-makers must be rejected, the CJI said.