News for 'Public Affairs'

India's legacy liquor brands raise a toast to growth, reinvention

India's legacy liquor brands raise a toast to growth, reinvention

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

By 10 am, Rakshit N Jagdale is already deep into the rhythm of the day, which promises to be a carousel of meetings, calls, and strategic decisions. As managing director of Amrut Distilleries, he balances ritual and ambition, tradition and transformation, like many other legacy players in India's alcoholic beverages sector who are staring at a rosy future.

China, Pak listening, Jaishankar reminds SCO of its '3 evils' pitch

China, Pak listening, Jaishankar reminds SCO of its '3 evils' pitch

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Jaishankar said the UN Security Council condemned the attack and underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the reprehensible act and bring them to justice.

Has Karur Tragedy Halted Vijay's Political Rise?

Has Karur Tragedy Halted Vijay's Political Rise?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

The Karur tragedy has exposed the huge gaps in Vijay's understanding of realpolitik, elections and political administration, asserts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Veteran politician Satyapal Malik, who served as governor of multiple states and later became a vocal critic of the government, has died at the age of 79.

ABVP wrests key positions in DUSU polls, NSUI limited to one seat

ABVP wrests key positions in DUSU polls, NSUI limited to one seat

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The RSS-affiliated ABVP won the president's post and two other positions in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, restricting the NSUI to just one seat. The victory celebrations were muted due to court orders against disruptive festivities.

Kalyan Banerjee quits as TMC chief whip in LS amid coordination issues

Kalyan Banerjee quits as TMC chief whip in LS amid coordination issues

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee resigned as the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, citing unfair blame for lack of coordination among MPs and internal party conflicts.

Trump says lost India, Russia to 'darkest' China; New Delhi says...

Trump says lost India, Russia to 'darkest' China; New Delhi says...

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

From mobilising protests to choosing the interim prime minister -- Discord, Bitchat became virtual control rooms, even as familiar platforms like TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, etc. played their part.

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Mrs Gandhi's power ebbed and peaked with the times. Mr Modi's has almost been constant, barring the few months of hard dip after the 240 seats of 2024, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Allow certain good things to happen too: SC on Vantara

Allow certain good things to happen too: SC on Vantara

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court acknowledged a clean chit from a special investigation team (SIT) regarding the Vantara zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat's Jamnagar, following allegations of irregularities.

7-year jail, no bail, property seizure: Inside Maha's harsh new security law

7-year jail, no bail, property seizure: Inside Maha's harsh new security law

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra legislature has passed a special bill, the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, to curb activities of Left-wing extremist organizations, introducing strict measures and penalties for individuals and organizations involved in unlawful activities.

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'Non-BJP state governments and their leaders, navigating today's political landscape, know well they have no clue what awaits around the corner.' 'The chances of charges pressed and oneself getting parked in custody play out on an uneven playing field,' points out Shyam G Menon.

ASI to host yoga at 81 sites, Amit Shah to attend near Ahmedabad

ASI to host yoga at 81 sites, Amit Shah to attend near Ahmedabad

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Also, as part of the IDY celebrations, entry to all ASI sites will be "free of cost" for the public on June 21, the ministry of culture said in a statement on Friday.

2.17 lakh fake notes of various denominations detected in FY25

2.17 lakh fake notes of various denominations detected in FY25

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

As many as 2.17 lakh pieces of fake notes of various denominations were detected during 2024-25 compared to 2.23 lakh such notes in the previous year, Parliament was informed on Monday. Of this, highest -- 117,722 pieces -- counterfeit notes of 500 [MG (New) Series] were detected in FY25, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

No, thanks! Anurag Thakur can't run for BFI presidency

No, thanks! Anurag Thakur can't run for BFI presidency

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur was once again rendered ineligible to contest the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) elections, with his name omitted from the electoral college released on Wednesday for the August 21 polls.

AliExpress removes Jagannath doormats after backlash, apologises

AliExpress removes Jagannath doormats after backlash, apologises

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

A major controversy has erupted in Odisha after Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress was found selling doormats featuring the image of Lord Jagannath, sparking outrage and prompting police complaints and demands for an apology.

Tibet issue 'thorn' in ties with India, says China

Tibet issue 'thorn' in ties with India, says China

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

China has called Tibet-related issues a 'thorn' in India-China bilateral relations and a 'burden' for New Delhi, ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to China.

FinMin Raps PSBs on Property Doc Delays

FinMin Raps PSBs on Property Doc Delays

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

State Bank of India has 18,000 pending cases and Bank of Baroda has around 1,000 cases.

Woman stabbed to death by 3 including minor in full public view in Kolkata

Woman stabbed to death by 3 including minor in full public view in Kolkata

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

A woman was stabbed to death in Kolkata after being chased and allegedly stabbed multiple times outside a popular eatery by three people, including a minor. Police suspect the attack was an honor killing, as the victim was reportedly having an extramarital affair with one of the suspects. The three suspects have been arrested.

'Ethanol-blended petrol could reduce mileage by 2-4%'

'Ethanol-blended petrol could reduce mileage by 2-4%'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

'The E20 usage accrues the huge benefit to the nation, to the society, to the farmer, to the environment, to the exchequer and all of us'

Hindu temple vandalised in US; India seeks stringent action

Hindu temple vandalised in US; India seeks stringent action

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was desecrated, marking another incident targeting Hindu temples in the United States. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) condemned the act and called for unity against hate, while the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) demanded a thorough investigation and highlighted a pattern of such incidents in recent years.

Maha govt declares Ganeshotsav as state festival, to 'bear expenses'

Maha govt declares Ganeshotsav as state festival, to 'bear expenses'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra government has officially declared the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as the 'State Festival of Maharashtra', emphasizing its commitment to preserving and promoting the festival's cultural legacy. The government has also addressed issues related to POP idols and pledged financial support for celebrations.

Modi to address NDA parliamentary party meet amid Oppn protests

Modi to address NDA parliamentary party meet amid Oppn protests

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the BJP-led NDA parliamentary party meeting, focusing on current issues, the upcoming vice president's election, and likely addressing opposition concerns.

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Amit Shah seemingly encouraging AIADMK dissident Sengottaiyan after party boss Edappadi K Palaniswami had removed his one-time mentor from all party posts has not gone down well with party cadres. They are now ready to buy Team EPS' theory that the BJP and Amit Shah are out to liquidate the AIADMK, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Downfall Of A Govt In 2 Days Is No Small Event'

'Downfall Of A Govt In 2 Days Is No Small Event'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'This revolution has sparked an awakening. Gen Z realises the power it holds.'

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'The current strain in the relationship is serious and likely to be long lasting.' 'Even if Trump suddenly changes his attitude toward India -- which he is entirely capable of doing -- it is unlikely that New Delhi will be able to pick up the pieces and respond as if nothing has happened.'

High drama in Mumbai over 'kabutarkhana' as protesters clash with police

High drama in Mumbai over 'kabutarkhana' as protesters clash with police

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

The Jain community, for whom feeding pigeons is a sacred tradition, have fiercely opposed the closure, with demonstrations in Mumbai highlighting the cultural significance and the distress of pigeons dying on streets.

Cabinet clears Ahmedabad as 'ideal host' for 2030 CWG

Cabinet clears Ahmedabad as 'ideal host' for 2030 CWG

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

"Commonwealth Games in India would leave lasting impact by boosting tourism, and creating jobs, the Government said in a statement.

SC refuses to entertain HDFC Bank CEO's plea challenging FIR by Lilavati Trust

SC refuses to entertain HDFC Bank CEO's plea challenging FIR by Lilavati Trust

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea by HDFC Bank CEO and MD Sashidhar Jagdishan challenging an FIR of cheating and fraud registered against him on a complaint by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which runs the prominent Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and R Mahadevan noted that the matter was already listed for hearing on July 14 before the Bombay high court.

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'The background for the Saudi-Pakistan agreement is the fact that the regional security order has collapsed due to the Israeli attack on Doha.' 'The Americans have largely abandoned their security guarantee for West Asia and the region has no choice but to look at alternatives.'

Mehul Choksi extradition: India assures Belgium on prison conditions

Mehul Choksi extradition: India assures Belgium on prison conditions

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The Indian government has provided assurances to Belgian authorities regarding the prison conditions awaiting Mehul Choksi if he is extradited. The details focus on meeting European standards for humane treatment and addressing concerns about overcrowding and solitary confinement.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'Whatever Trump Says, India Can't Stop Buying Russian Oil'

'Whatever Trump Says, India Can't Stop Buying Russian Oil'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

'America is adopting the typical 'my way or the highway'/'Either you are with us or against us' stance.' 'This is a policy India is not going to accept.'

Thakur re-enters Boxing Federation of India's election race

Thakur re-enters Boxing Federation of India's election race

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

The Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association (HPBA) has nominated Anurag Thakur to contest for the post of president of the Boxing Federation of India.

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A big question mark is on whether Shashi Tharoor, who had led the delegation to the US among other countries, will be picked as speaker by the Congress, as the seasoned Lok Sabha member's enthusiastic endorsement of the government's action following the terror attack has soured his ties with his party.

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'In my 26 years at Raj Bhavan, working with more than ten governors, I can tell you C P Radhakrishnan Sir stands out.'

Maha Guv CP Radhakrishnan named NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate

Maha Guv CP Radhakrishnan named NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated Maharashta Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan as their candidate for Vice-President of India. The announcement was made by BJP President J P Nadda, highlighting Radhakrishnan's extensive public service and cross-party respect.

Parliament logjam ends, discussion on Pahalgam next week

Parliament logjam ends, discussion on Pahalgam next week

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Opposition parties have agreed to the agenda of taking up a special discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor on Monday in Lok Sabha and the next day in Rajya Sabha, brightening up the prospect of normalcy returning to Parliament after the virtual washout of first-week proceedings.

Why Did Manoj Sinha Accept Blame For Pahalgam Massacre?

Why Did Manoj Sinha Accept Blame For Pahalgam Massacre?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The delayed timing of J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's admission has more to do with deflecting the thrust of the Opposition attack on the prime minister and Union home minister during the monsoon session of Parliament, points out Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Do you want border wall to stop immigrants, SC asks govt

Do you want border wall to stop immigrants, SC asks govt

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the central government about the possibility of constructing a border wall to prevent illegal immigration, drawing parallels with the US border policy. The court also addressed concerns about the detention and deportation of Bengali-speaking migrant workers.