News for 'Public Affairs'

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The suspension of 18 Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs from the Karnataka Legislative assembly for six months has been revoked, Speaker U T Khader said on Sunday.

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.

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.

Xiaomi India head Muralikrishnan B resigns

Xiaomi India head Muralikrishnan B resigns

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Chinese smart devices firm Xiaomi's India head Muralikrishnan B has resigned from the company to pursue his interest in academic research, the company said on Monday. He will continue to support Xiaomi India as an independent Strategic Advisor, the company said. "Muralikrishnan B, the current President of Xiaomi India, will be transitioning out of his role at the end of the year.

MNS protests insult to Marathis over non-veg food in Mumbai society

MNS protests insult to Marathis over non-veg food in Mumbai society

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) confronted residents of a housing society in suburban Ghatkopar over allegations that Gujarati residents insulted Marathi-speaking families for eating non-vegetarian food. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked intervention from police and condemnation from a state minister. The MNS leader in the video accused the Gujarati residents of calling the Marathi-speaking families "dirty" for their food choices, a claim denied by a resident of the building. The incident highlights simmering tensions between language communities in Mumbai, particularly in the lead-up to civic elections.

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Eighteen BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for disrupting the budget session and disrespecting the Speaker. The incident occurred on the last day of the budget session, when the opposition BJP MLAs staged a massive protest over the allocation of a four percent reservation to Muslims in public contracts. The MLAs climbed onto the podium where the Speaker's chair is situated and threw papers at him.

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, which will mark the conclusion of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years.

Pak bans Indian ships after New Delhi's fresh punitive measures

Pak bans Indian ships after New Delhi's fresh punitive measures

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Pakistan has banned Indian-flagged ships from entering its ports with immediate effect after India imposed fresh punitive measures, including a ban on the import of goods and entry of Pakistani vessels into its ports, against Islamabad amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. The move comes after India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and downgrading of diplomatic ties following the terror attack. The Pakistan Army has also conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 km, saying it was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters. India considers the test launch of the ballistic missile a "blatant" act of "provocation."

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'Horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning. AG Pam Bondi called to let me know and was at the scene. 2 dead in shooting targeting Israeli embassy staffers outside Jewish Museum in Washington DC'

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

BJP vs Cong in Parl over DK Shivakumar's 'changing Constitution' remark

BJP vs Cong in Parl over DK Shivakumar's 'changing Constitution' remark

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament, was adjourned on Monday without transacting any business due to a heated exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress over the issue of reservations to Muslims in public contracts in Karnataka. The BJP accused Congress of seeking to amend the Constitution to provide reservations based on religion, while Congress asserted its commitment to protecting the Constitution. The debate centered around a statement by a senior Congress leader, who was reportedly advocating for changing the Constitution to provide reservations for Muslims.

Be responsible!: SC raps MP minister over Col Sofiya slur

Be responsible!: SC raps MP minister over Col Sofiya slur

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Every word uttered by a minister has to be with a sense of responsibility at a time the country is undergoing "such a situation", the Supreme Court said on Thursday as it reprimanded Madhya Pradesh's Vijay Shah who is facing an FIR for his remarks targeting Col Sofiya Qureshi.

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A special cabinet meeting in Karnataka convened to discuss the contentious Social and Educational Survey report, popularly known as 'caste census', ended without a decision. The cabinet will reconvene on May 2 to discuss the report further and make a final decision.

Cong asks T'gana govt to talk to all stakeholders on UoH land row

Cong asks T'gana govt to talk to all stakeholders on UoH land row

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Amidst growing protests from students and other groups over the Telangana government's plan to develop 400 acres of land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad (UoH) for IT infrastructure, the Congress party has urged the state government to hold discussions with all stakeholders. The Congress leader, Meenakshi Natarajan, who is in charge of party affairs in Telangana, said the government should also consider the objections raised by students and others and await the Supreme Court's ruling on the land issue. The matter is currently being heard in both the Telangana High Court and Supreme Court.

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Slovak Republic's President, Peter Pellegrini, has expressed interest in adopting a tree-planting initiative similar to India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inspiration came during a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who was on a two-day state visit to Slovakia. During a tree-planting ceremony in Nitra, Murmu highlighted Modi's initiative to plant trees in the name of mothers. Pellegrini was impressed and suggested that Slovakia could consider a similar program. The initiative, launched on World Environment Day last year, encourages people to plant a tree in their mother's name as a symbolic gesture of love and respect.

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.

Biren Singh's controversial tenure comes to an end

Biren Singh's controversial tenure comes to an end

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh is facing renewed scrutiny over his handling of the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in May 2023. Leaked audio tapes allegedly featuring Singh, in which he is purportedly heard discussing how the violence was instigated with his approval, have sparked fresh controversy. The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has demanded a court-monitored investigation into the authenticity of the tapes, leading to a Supreme Court ruling ordering the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to verify the tapes' authenticity and submit a report. Singh's tenure has been marked by controversies, including allegations of instigating conflict and questions regarding his governance. Despite a public apology in December 2023 for the violence, the leaked audio tapes have further intensified criticism of his leadership.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'We are too important to want to be paired with Pakistan but too intensely connected to it to successfully detach ourselves,' asserts Aakar Patel.

'Not letting you off the hook': SC asks Ramdev to issue public apology

'Not letting you off the hook': SC asks Ramdev to issue public apology

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

The Supreme Court Tuesday granted one-week time to yoga guru Ramdev, his aide Balkrishna and Patanjali Ayurved to issue a public apology in the misleading advertisements case, but said it was not letting them 'off the hook' now.

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr S Ramadoss has announced taking up the complete reins of the party, relegating his president son Anbumani to the role of working president. The move, announced ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Chennai, comes in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly election.

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

Why Are Banks Striking On March 24-25?

Why Are Banks Striking On March 24-25?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Bank employees want a five day work week.

India, China draw closer amid Trump's tariff war

India, China draw closer amid Trump's tariff war

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday pledged to strengthen the strategic relationships with neighbouring countries by 'appropriately' managing differences and enhancing supply chain ties as China's tariff war with the United States escalated.

Wrestling's world body threatens India with suspension

Wrestling's world body threatens India with suspension

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

UWW, the world governing body for wrestling, has threatened to suspend India if the political interference in the affairs of the national federation does not end soon.

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.

IOA to form ad-hoc committee to manage WFI affairs

IOA to form ad-hoc committee to manage WFI affairs

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

The ministry's decision came after the country's top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, resumed their sit-in protest in New Delhi on Sunday and demanded the public disclosure of the findings of the oversight panel that investigated the sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Trudeau announces immigration cuts for next 2 years

Trudeau announces immigration cuts for next 2 years

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to significantly reduce the number of immigrants coming to Canada for the next two years.

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.

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.

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, and his organisations like OSF have been accused by the ruling BJP of acting against India's interests. His utterances during the Adani-Hindenburg controversy also drew criticism from the party.

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

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.

Man dances away to renounce Indian citizenship

Man dances away to renounce Indian citizenship

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

An undated viral video of an Indian citizen dancing all the way to become a citizen of New Zealand has angered and divided netizens.

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.

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.

Banks can now declare ex-IL&FS directors 'wilful defaulters'

Banks can now declare ex-IL&FS directors 'wilful defaulters'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has allowed state-owned Canara Bank and Indian Bank to pursue proceedings against former IL&FS directors, who are not part of the new board, to declare them as wilful defaulter. However, the appellate tribunal said those directors who are part of the new board of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and its various subsidiaries after October 1, 2018, would remain protected.

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

'The Ceasefire Is A Band-Aid Solution'

'The Ceasefire Is A Band-Aid Solution'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'It brings precarious peace because the red lines have shifted. 'The next Pahalgam attack would mean a full scale war.'

BFI secretary general Kalita suspended for financial fraud

BFI secretary general Kalita suspended for financial fraud

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Before being elected as secretary general for the 2021-25 term, Kalita had served as the treasurer of the apex boxing body.