News for 'Public Domain'

Maha to probe honeytrap allegations after Cong MLA's demand

Maha to probe honeytrap allegations after Cong MLA's demand

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra government has promised to investigate allegations of a honeytrap racket targeting state officials in Thane, Nashik, and Mumbai, following demands from a Congress MLA for a formal statement in the assembly.

SC denies FoE cover to influencers for commercial speech

SC denies FoE cover to influencers for commercial speech

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Commercial and prohibited speeches are not covered under fundamental rights, the Supreme Court on Monday said as it asked five social media influencers, including India's Got Latent host Samay Raina, to display their unconditional apology in their podcasts or shows for ridiculing persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders.

At 20L acre, waqf properties see 116% jump post 2013 amendment: Govt to SC

At 20L acre, waqf properties see 116% jump post 2013 amendment: Govt to SC

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has claimed a significant increase in waqf land following the 2013 amendment to the Waqf Act, asserting that the addition of 20 lakh acres raises concerns about potential "misuse" of the provisions. In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, the Centre highlighted a 116% rise in auqaf area after the amendment and urged the dismissal of petitions challenging the Act's validity.

India Links Pak-Saudi Pact to Israel Strike

India Links Pak-Saudi Pact to Israel Strike

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Experts believe it would be far-fetched to believe that Riyadh would support Pakistan militarily in any conflict with India, which has robust strategic and economic relations with Saudi Arabia.

'Voter before citizen?' Plea seeks probe against Sonia Gandhi

'Voter before citizen?' Plea seeks probe against Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

A plea has been filed seeking action against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, alleging her name was included in the electoral rolls three years before she became an Indian citizen.

PhysicsWallah files IPO papers via confidential route

PhysicsWallah files IPO papers via confidential route

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Physics Wallah has filed Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), a precursor to hitting the primary market from where the edtech Unicorn reportedly plans to raise around Rs 4,500 crore through IPO.

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

These platforms carry with it the solemn duty of accountability to hold, otherwise it will imperil both the rule of law and the fabric of social harmony, the court observed.

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish details of deleted names from the voters list in Bihar, along with reasons for non-inclusion, to enhance transparency in the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

How IoT is going to change India's audit ecosystem

How IoT is going to change India's audit ecosystem

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) has adopted the 2026-28 Work Plan, which prioritises cybersecurity audits and remote audits using Internet of Things technologies, CAG said in a release on Friday. The work plan was adopted at the 34th Annual Meeting of INTOSAI Working Group on IT Audit (WGITA), which was held along with the 17th Steering Committee Meeting of the INTOSAI Knowledge Sharing Committee (KSC) in Hyderabad.

Op Sindoor wasn't just to avenge Pahalgam, but...: CDS

Op Sindoor wasn't just to avenge Pahalgam, but...: CDS

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan identifies China border dispute as India's biggest national security challenge, followed by Pakistan's proxy war. He also highlighted regional instability, future warfare scenarios, and dealing with nuclear-armed adversaries as major concerns.

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has criticized the selective publication of a preliminary report on the Air India crash, calling it 'unfortunate and irresponsible'. The court raised concerns about privacy, dignity of victims' families, and the potential for biased narratives.

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Expressing surprise over political parties not coming forward in filing objections related to 65 lakh excluded voters, the top court directed the chief electoral officer of Bihar to implead them in the court proceedings.

Crash: 'Preliminary Report Will Have Answers'

Crash: 'Preliminary Report Will Have Answers'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'A few answers for the reason of the crash will be known -- whether it was a technical fault, design issue, human error etc.'

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'I'm sure those few terrorists who are continuing to operate in the Valley are not reading books.' 'Are they trying to tell us that there are certain people who first intellectualise themselves and then go about picking up guns?' 'It is absolutely absurd.'

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Confusing academic freedom with the right to free speech of an individual and expecting unconditional institutional support is not realistic. Academic freedom provides an opportunity for an academic to pursue their passion and contribute to the society through the outcome of their research and/or thought process, points out N Ravichandran.

Legal experts hail CJI's decision on Delhi HC judge cash row

Legal experts hail CJI's decision on Delhi HC judge cash row

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

Legal experts have lauded Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna's decision to make public crucial documents related to a controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of cash from Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma's residence. They also welcomed the formation of an in-house committee to further investigate the matter. While some expressed concerns about the incident's impact on the judiciary's image, others emphasized the need for transparency and a fair inquiry. The Supreme Court released the inquiry report by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya, which included photos and videos of the alleged cash discovery. Justice Varma has denied the allegations, calling them a "conspiracy to frame and malign him."

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Arundhati Roy is like a ballerina performing on a high wire, cool, supremely at ease but conscious of all the adoring eyes on her,' notes P Vijaya Kumar.

'ECI Has No Right To Ask Anyone To Apologise'

'ECI Has No Right To Ask Anyone To Apologise'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

'The EC should not have let the initiative go into the hands of the political leadership. By allowing this to happen, they have opened a Pandora's box.'

Why Are Bankers Committing Suicide?

Why Are Bankers Committing Suicide?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

In the past 10 years, over 500 PSB officers have died by suicide. When targets are overwhelming, senior management and customers are both impatient, and there is constant fear, not every banker has the resilience to survive and thrive, warns Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Important Lessons Learnt After Being Laid Off

Important Lessons Learnt After Being Laid Off

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

A software engineer who was suddenly laid off after 15 years shares the lessons he learnt about how to cope in these uncertain, insecure times.

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Digipin promises to revolutionise location-based services in India with safeguards.

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.

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

'The Bhashini Mission has delivered a working technology at large scale, which is as good as or better than the one with MNC tech giants.'

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

China displayed a range of new weapons at a military parade, including laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, giant underwater drones, and fifth-generation aircraft.

New jetty at Mumbai's Gateway of India gets SC nod

New jetty at Mumbai's Gateway of India gets SC nod

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea against the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, upholding a Bombay High Court verdict that allowed the project to proceed. The project aims to improve passenger travel between South Mumbai and other locations.

Sebi attaches bank, demat, MF accounts of Mehul Choksi to recover Rs 2.1 cr dues

Sebi attaches bank, demat, MF accounts of Mehul Choksi to recover Rs 2.1 cr dues

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Markets regulator Sebi has ordered the attachment of bank accounts and shares and mutual fund holdings of absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi to recover dues totalling Rs 2.1 crore in a case of violation of insider trading rules in the shares of Gitanjali Gems.

Centre blocks 25 OTT platforms for 'vulgar' content

Centre blocks 25 OTT platforms for 'vulgar' content

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The ban is aimed at curbing the easy availability of pornographic material, particularly to minors, and ensuring that digital content remains within the bounds of decency and the law, they said.

'Justice Sinha never regretted decision disqualifying Indira'

'Justice Sinha never regretted decision disqualifying Indira'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'He must have been aware of the consequences, that too against Mrs Indira Gandhi, who at that point in time was all powerful. The easiest way out would have been to dismiss the petition, but he didn't do that'

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Indian government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to ban online games played with money, aiming to curb addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud. The bill also targets advertisements and financial transactions related to such games.

No duty cuts by India on UK wines under FTA

No duty cuts by India on UK wines under FTA

Rediff.com11 May 2025

India will not provide any duty concessions on British wines and is offering only limited import duty benefits on UK beer under the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, announced on May 6, according to an official. The other sensitive agri products where India will not offer any reduction in the import duty include dairy products, apples, cheese, oats, animals and vegetable oils under the agreement with the United Kingdom.

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

'Personalities are temporary, policies provide for stability.' 'With the former, when personalities change so does the nature of the relationship.' 'Policies and structures, on the other hand, are idiot-proof, as well as maverick-resistant,' explains Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

'Dhankhar's Resignation Laced With Intrigue'

'Dhankhar's Resignation Laced With Intrigue'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

'Something very drastic must have happened.'

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Archaeological Survey of India informed the JPC that 280 protected monuments have been listed as Waqf properties.

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

Seniors gang rape student inside Kolkata college, main accused linked to TMC

Seniors gang rape student inside Kolkata college, main accused linked to TMC

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

A first-year student of a law college in south Kolkata was allegedly "gang-raped" inside the institution by an alumnus and two senior students of the institution, a police officer said on Friday.

Casual Gaming To Gain From RMG Ban

Casual Gaming To Gain From RMG Ban

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'There is responsibility to make great games that are played by audiences, that fill the gap from an entertainment perspective.'

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the police for suppressing freedom of speech by filing FIRs against artists for their performances, stating that mere recitation of a poem, stand-up comedy, or any form of art cannot be alleged to incite hatred or animosity between communities. The court quashed an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who was booked for a song performed at a mass marriage function, emphasizing that such actions stifle legitimate expressions of view in a free society.

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has written an open letter to BookMyShow requesting the online ticketing platform to either not delist him or to hand over the contact information of audience members he has earned through his solo shows over the years. The letter comes days after Shiv Sena claimed BookMyShow had taken Kamra off the sale and artists list from its platform amid ongoing controversy around his 'traitor' jibe against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

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.

A Giant Of Science Passes Into The Ages

A Giant Of Science Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

In Professor Sulochana Gadgil's passing, India has lost a scientific giant, a fierce intellect, and a compassionate soul, remembers Dr Madhavan Nair Rajeevan.