News for 'Public Affairs'

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

For Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, currently under fire for his comments aimed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, this is not the first time he has been embroiled in a controversy.

Will Modi do what Vajpayee did?: Cong on Pahalgam attack

Will Modi do what Vajpayee did?: Cong on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'Three days after the Kargil War ended, the Vajpayee Government set up the Kargil Review Committee on July 29 1999. Its report was tabled in Parliament on February 23, 2000 although sections of it have remained classified -- as indeed they must'

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The group waving separatist flags was barricaded and monitored by a significant police presence outside the venue on Wednesday night, with officers rushing to restrain the man as he ran past the barricade in an attempt to block the path of the minister's car pulling at an Indian flag.

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian government defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that waqf, while an Islamic concept, is not an essential part of Islam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that waqf is essentially charity, which is recognized across religions, and cannot be considered a fundamental tenet of any faith. He also argued that the amended law addresses secular aspects of waqf and activities unrelated to Islam, and that "waqf by user" does not grant ownership of public land. Mehta highlighted the extensive consultations involved in the bill's creation, including feedback from various stakeholders. The hearing will continue on Thursday.

Assam Cong leader summoned in case related to 'Gogoi's links with Pak'

Assam Cong leader summoned in case related to 'Gogoi's links with Pak'

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Senior Congress leader Ripun Bora has been summoned by Assam Police for questioning in connection with a case related to party colleague Gaurav Gogoi's alleged links with Pakistan. The summons comes after Bora publicly stated that Gogoi's wife received salaries from the Pakistan government, which prompted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to claim that Bora "knows a lot" about Gogoi's alleged links. The case centers around allegations of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who is claimed to have links with Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn, interfering in India's internal affairs. Gogoi has vehemently denied the allegations and accused Sarma of making baseless accusations.

Gen Munir turned against my wife after...: Imran Khan

Gen Munir turned against my wife after...: Imran Khan

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Khan said the events of May 9, 2023, in which military installations were targeted, were in fact a part of the "London Plan"- the sole purpose of which was to "eliminate Pakistan's largest political force, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf".

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is preparing to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of efforts to improve relations between India and China, which have been strained since a military standoff in 2020. The two countries have also agreed in principle to resume flight services between them.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

Impeachment motion against Justice Varma in next Parl session

Impeachment motion against Justice Varma in next Parl session

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Government sources on Tuesday said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has begun consultations as part of efforts to get leaders of different parties on board for the impeachment motion against Varma following his indictment by a three-member probe committee constituted by the Supreme Court.

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India will oppose the World Bank funding to Pakistan next month, arguing that Islamabad has used such funds in the past to procure arms and ammunitions. India previously lobbied against the IMF extending a USD 2.3 billion assistance to Pakistan earlier this month, presenting evidence of Pakistan's misuse of funds for military purposes. India feels that Pakistan has failed to act on terror emanating from its territory and has been diverting funds from multilateral agencies to buy arms and ammunition.

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan when Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology, Jaishankar acknowledged India's transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, while Pakistan has remained unchanged, continuing with what he termed as its "bad habits."

Can Owaisi, Panda Convince The Saudis?

Can Owaisi, Panda Convince The Saudis?

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Their shared brief: To assert India's case with clarity, rebut hostile narratives, and secure enduring partnerships for global counter-terror cooperation.

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reserved the Bill pertaining to four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts for the President's assent, citing constitutional concerns. The Bill, which has been a subject of controversy in Karnataka, was passed by both houses of the state legislature amid protests from the opposition BJP. The Governor's decision to reserve the Bill highlights the ongoing debate over the constitutionality of religious-based reservations in India.

B'deshi model Meghna Alam accused of $5 mn honey trap on Saudi envoy

B'deshi model Meghna Alam accused of $5 mn honey trap on Saudi envoy

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A former Bangladeshi beauty queen, Meghna Alam, has been detained for allegedly setting up a honey trap for a former Saudi ambassador in Dhaka, in an attempt to extort USD 5 million. Alam, who runs a charity, was initially detained without charge under the controversial Special Powers Act. Her arrest sparked a media outcry and concerns by rights watchdogs. Alam denies the allegations, claiming the diplomat wanted to marry her. The Saudi embassy has not commented, but media reports suggest the envoy left Bangladesh as the scandal unfolded.

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.

Why India Is Angry with Turkiye

Why India Is Angry with Turkiye

Rediff.com28 May 2025

India-Turkiye ties are strained over Ankara's Islamabad tilt, its arms links with Pakistan, and fallout from the Pahalgam terror attack.

'Tharoor Is Perhaps Donning Two Hats'

'Tharoor Is Perhaps Donning Two Hats'

Rediff.com18 May 2025

'The Congress submitted four names to the government as the people who should accompany the delegation.' 'I don't know what happened to those names.' 'When I was approached, I told them to speak to my party.' 'I have no further involvement with this delegation.'

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a Bill providing 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts, sparking protests from the opposition BJP. The Bill, which amends the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, aims to increase Muslim participation in government contracts valued up to Rs 2 crore for civil works and Rs 1 crore for goods and services. The BJP criticized the move as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in court.

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said relations between India and Canada are 'extremely important' and the two nations should work together to achieve win-win cooperation in various sectors.

Will ATMs Dispense Rs 100, 200 By September?

Will ATMs Dispense Rs 100, 200 By September?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Filling of Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes result in faster depletion and more frequent cash replenishment. This will cost banks and managed service providers more.

From 96% holding to a sliver: How Gensol promoters made swift exit

From 96% holding to a sliver: How Gensol promoters made swift exit

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

When Gensol Engineering made its public market debut through a small and medium enterprises (SME) initial public offering (IPO) in September 2019, its promoters held a commanding 96 per cent stake. Now, that figure has shrunk to a "negligible" fraction.

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.

Why Was This Bangladesh Model Arrested?

Why Was This Bangladesh Model Arrested?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Meghna Alam's arrest came soon after she claimed that she had an affair with a married Saudi diplomat posted to Bangladesh, who she blamed for 'trying to silence her with the help of law enforcement agencies'.

Mumbai attack: Tushar Mehta-led team appointed for trial against Rana

Mumbai attack: Tushar Mehta-led team appointed for trial against Rana

Rediff.com15 May 2025

He was sent to judicial custody on May 9 and lodged in Tihar jail after his custodial interrogation by the NIA.

'Ameriki papa ne war rukwa di kya': Cong's swipe at govt

'Ameriki papa ne war rukwa di kya': Cong's swipe at govt

Rediff.com14 May 2025

With United States President Donald Trump reiterating his claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the Congress on Wednesday asked what do the 'typically loquacious' Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have to say about this revelation and did they 'mortgage' India's security interests in the face of US 'pressure'.

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

India on Friday said that the United States' administration's information regarding funding in India is 'deeply troubling' and has led to concerns regarding foreign interference in India's internal affairs.

India pushes to get Pakistan back in FATF 'grey list'

India pushes to get Pakistan back in FATF 'grey list'

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India will argue for Pakistan's return to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list due to its alleged failure to combat money laundering and terror financing. The move comes after recent tensions between the two countries following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India. India believes Pakistan has not adequately addressed the issue of terrorism emanating from its territory and has diverted funds from multilateral agencies towards arms purchases.

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bangladesh has demanded a public apology and compensation from Pakistan for the 1971 atrocities, raising "historically unresolved issues" during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Dhaka also asked Islamabad to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time of East Pakistan's split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh.

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The reality is that far from being friendless, India is better positioned in the world than at any point post-Cold War, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

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.

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.

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Government employees in Bangladesh locked down the main gate of the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, protesting a new service law that allows for easier dismissal of officials for misconduct. The protest, which lasted for about half an hour, disrupted government operations. The employees also threatened to continue their protests until the ordinance was scrapped. Meanwhile, the protest by employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation, demanding the installation of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as its mayor, has brought administrative services to a halt. These protests, coupled with concerns raised by the business community and the military, highlight a growing sense of unease in Bangladesh over the policies of the interim government.

NCW steps in as foreign secy, daughter trolled after India-Pak truce

NCW steps in as foreign secy, daughter trolled after India-Pak truce

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who faced trolling on social media in the wake of India and Pakistan reaching an understanding on May 10 to halt all military actions, has received support from veteran diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao, a body of Indian diplomats and a host of politicians from several parties.

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is working closely with Belgium to extradite fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who was arrested in Antwerp on Saturday based on a formal request from the Indian government. Choksi is wanted by Indian probe agencies in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore bank loan fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB). His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also facing extradition proceedings in the UK.

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that 25 Indian nationals have been sentenced to death in the UAE, but the judgments are yet to be implemented. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that 10,152 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, are currently incarcerated in foreign prisons. The government provides assistance to Indian nationals sentenced to death abroad, including consular access and legal aid. In the past five years, Indian nationals have been executed in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The UAE authorities have not shared any data regarding the execution of Indians, but informal information suggests no executions have occurred since 2020.

ED seeks confiscation of Rs 661cr assets in National Herald case

ED seeks confiscation of Rs 661cr assets in National Herald case

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the Associated Journals Limited-Young Indian-National Herald money-laundering case, seeking confiscation of assets worth Rs 661 crore and appending statements of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The agency has accused the Gandhis of orchestrating a conspiracy to illegally obtain the underlying assets of AJL by the beneficial owners of YI (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi). Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have denied any wrongdoing and said the takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian (YI) was not for commercial purposes. The Congress has slammed the chargesheet, alleging that the ED action against its leaders shows panic and moral bankruptcy of the "despotic" government, while the BJP has continued to call out the role of the Gandhi family in the matter.

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper and made a gesture by raising his hand at a police officer during a protest rally in Belagavi. The incident occurred when a group of people, allegedly BJP workers, attempted to disrupt his speech by displaying a black flag and shouting slogans. Siddaramaiah, visibly upset, summoned the police officer to the stage and instructed him to remove the disruptive individuals. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the CM and BJP leaders, with both sides accusing each other of disrupting rallies and resorting to violence.

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

While the BJP backs Nitish Kumar as chief minister, Chirag isn't hiding his readiness for the role, reports Aditi Phadnis.

Karnataka Speaker revokes suspension of 18 BJP MLAs

Karnataka Speaker revokes suspension of 18 BJP MLAs

Rediff.com25 May 2025

The suspension of 18 Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs from the Karnataka Legislative assembly for six months has been revoked, Speaker U T Khader said on Sunday.