News for 'Public Affairs Centre'

Tharoor admits to differences with Congress leadership

Tharoor admits to differences with Congress leadership

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he has differences of opinion with some in the party leadership, but he is not going to speak about them in light of the bypoll in the Nilambur constituency.

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Vijay, with his chief ministerial ambitions, is a one-man army, at least as of now, and his campaign team considers him omnipresent. He has to be present in all districts, if not all constituencies at the same time, as there is no second-line leader or platform speaker in the party, who can draw crowds, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

'This will only increase panic between people and dogs'

'This will only increase panic between people and dogs'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR localities has sparked mixed reactions, with RWAs welcoming the move and animal rights activists raising concerns about implementation and potential harm.

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

With local body elections approaching in Maharashtra, a significant portion of the Congress party is advocating for contesting independently to regain lost ground amidst the BJP's growing influence. The party is currently part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

Will Language Politics Help Didi Win 4th Term?

Will Language Politics Help Didi Win 4th Term?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Will Mamata's bhasha andolan campaign sway Bengal's bhadralok before the 2026 election in the TMC's favour?

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'The Election Commission's involvement in the avoidable SIR controversy has carried a message down to the last voter -- who just does not like it,' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

I was in the room: Jaishankar on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

I was in the room: Jaishankar on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Jaishankar said that the Pahalgam attack "was an act of economic warfare. It was meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, which was the mainstay of the economy. It was also meant to provoke religious violence because people were asked to identify their faith before they were killed."

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

The CBI has significantly increased the rate of fugitive repatriation, bringing back 134 individuals in the last five years, doubling the number from the previous decade. This success is attributed to enhanced diplomatic efforts, technological advancements, and improved coordination with Interpol.

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.

'Hindus go back': Another BAPS temple vandalised in US

'Hindus go back': Another BAPS temple vandalised in US

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

This was the second incident of desecration at a BAPS temple in less than a month in the US amidst the growing trend of temple vandalism as part of a systematic hate crime against the Hindu community in the country.

Yamuna first: HC refuses to stop Majnu Ka Tila refugee camp demolition

Yamuna first: HC refuses to stop Majnu Ka Tila refugee camp demolition

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The court observed that protection of the floodplains aimed to secure the fundamental human right to a clean and healthy environment for Delhi residents and future generations.

Elon Musk's X sues govt over censorship, content regulation

Elon Musk's X sues govt over censorship, content regulation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Social media giant 'X' (formerly Twitter) has filed a lawsuit in the Karnataka High Court against the Government of India, challenging what it called unlawful content regulation and arbitrary censorship. The lawsuit argues that the government's use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act violates Supreme Court rulings and undermines free expression online. 'X' further claims that the government's Sahyog portal acts as a "censorship tool" that pressures platforms to remove content without proper legal review.

Trouble for Kejriwal as ED gets Centre's nod to prosecute AAP chief

Trouble for Kejriwal as ED gets Centre's nod to prosecute AAP chief

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The federal agency has filed a chargesheet against the 56-year-old politician before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here last year after arresting him in March.

What Led Dhankhar To QUIT

What Led Dhankhar To QUIT

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The BJP had no option but to get Jagdeep Dhankhar out of its way for the sake of the Modi government's stability, reveals Sheela Bhatt, the legendary political journalist.

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government will send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, later this month to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Among the cities that have fully implemented their projects are Agra, Varanasi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Pune, Surat, and Vadodara

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government may seek the help of agencies like the Interpol in investigating the alleged interference of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who allegedly has links with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife, in India's internal affairs. Sarma said the probe is at an initial stage and he has informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the developments in the case.

India reacts 'strongly' to temple vandalism in US

India reacts 'strongly' to temple vandalism in US

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

This was the second incident of desecration at a BAPS temple in less than a month in the US amidst the growing trend of temple vandalism as part of a systematic hate crime against the Hindu community in the country.

When wives kill: Women, crime, and breaking of stereotypes

When wives kill: Women, crime, and breaking of stereotypes

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Until they were arrested on charges of murdering their husbands. That they were women from small towns who broke out of stereotype in the most brutal way possible led to sensational headlines, frantic curiosity and also gave fodder to a series of misogynistic memes and jokes.

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

On July 2 or July 6, the Dalai Lama will reveal his mind on his successor. This makes Beijing extremely nervous as the Communist regime fully realises the importance of controlling the next Dalai Lama, points out Claude Arpi.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear on May 6 the pleas of the Kerala government against the governor over the delay in approving bills passed by the state assembly. The court will consider whether the issues raised in the Kerala petition are covered by a recent judgment on a similar plea by Tamil Nadu, which set timelines for governors and the President on granting assent to bills.

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The ministry of external affairs also seemed to reject Trump's forceful comments that Washington brokered the understanding between India and Pakistan on ending their four-day military conflict.

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been taken into 18-day custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India. Rana was extradited from the United States after years of legal battles and will be questioned to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the attacks.

116 US Deportees Arrive In Amritsar

116 US Deportees Arrive In Amritsar

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

It was not immediately known whether the deportees were in shackles, as the previous batch was.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider the separate pleas of opposition-ruled Kerala and West Bengal, alleging the denial of assent to bills passed by the respective legislative assemblies.

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'One good outcome of Operation Sindoor -- perhaps, its best outcome -- could be that India has resumed meaningful contact directly with Pakistan at the military-to-military level,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

First issue in engaging with Pak is...: India's UN envoy

First issue in engaging with Pak is...: India's UN envoy

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The first issue in engaging with Pakistan is the cessation of terrorism, India's envoy at the United Nations said, underlining that India has been a long-standing victim of cross-border and global terrorism and has zero tolerance towards the scourge.

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Rabri Devi, calling her appointment as Chief Minister "suspension-induced" during a heated debate in the state legislative council. The verbal sparring, marked by accusations and counter-accusations on law and order, saw Kumar accusing the RJD of being unable to handle Hindu-Muslim tensions and engaging in "mischief." Rabri Devi, in response, asserted her right to speak about her achievements during her tenure as Chief Minister. Kumar, however, retorted with a sharp, local phrase, dismissing Rabri Devi's claims. The exchange, which saw both sides engage in mudslinging, ended with the Chairman admonishing the opposition for their unruly behavior.

Will LG Allow Rekha Gupta To Function?

Will LG Allow Rekha Gupta To Function?

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

'Will the LG be ready to rule with a light hand, having been vested with powers that amount to using a hammer to kill a fly?' asks Aditi Phadnis.

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The interest rate on these schemes have remained unchanged for over a year now.

NEET row: NTA DG shunted out; Centre orders CBI probe

NEET row: NTA DG shunted out; Centre orders CBI probe

Rediff.com23 Jun 2024

The Centre on Saturday night announced that the probe into alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET will be handed over to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation.

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Do we have enough trained oncologists and medical professionals in India to man these over 4,500 beds in the public sector?

J-K mysterious disease: AIIMS to test samples for toxicity cause

J-K mysterious disease: AIIMS to test samples for toxicity cause

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

A five-member team of experts from AIIMS Delhi, including specialists in toxicology, is investigating a mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The team has spoken to 11 patients undergoing treatment and will collect samples from affected homes and surrounding areas to determine the cause of toxicity. Meanwhile, no new cases have been reported in the past nine days, and the village has been declared a containment zone with strict measures in place to prevent further spread.

Centre asks states to put curbs on festivals in public space

Centre asks states to put curbs on festivals in public space

Rediff.com24 Mar 2021

Amid a spike in Covid-19 infections in some parts of the country, the Centre on Wednesday asked states and Union territories to consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of the upcoming festivals and limit or do away with mass gatherings for effective control of the pandemic.

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.