News for 'Question Hour'

Tharoor explains 'distorted' remarks on Rahul's student outreach event

Tharoor explains 'distorted' remarks on Rahul's student outreach event

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has clarified his recent remarks about Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron ki goonj' programme and the Cockroach Janata Party's protest, stating that the media misinterpreted his comments as an attack on his party or its leadership. He insisted he was advocating for political parties to engage more with the next generation.

Govt ready for Lok Sabha debate on student protests, Amit Shah to respond

Govt ready for Lok Sabha debate on student protests, Amit Shah to respond

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian government has confirmed its readiness for a Lok Sabha debate on the ongoing student protests and police action, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to address the concerns, particularly those related to the NEET paper leak issue.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Taslima backs UCC in India, Bangladesh, Pak to end bias against women

Taslima backs UCC in India, Bangladesh, Pak to end bias against women

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has strongly advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, citing its importance in eliminating discrimination, especially against women. Her remarks come as the West Bengal government examines a draft UCC. Nasreen also expressed dismay over a disruption at her felicitation ceremony in Kolkata, where poet Joy Goswami was prevented from speaking.

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has expressed profound satisfaction with his decision to retire from international cricket, stating he has 'no regrets at all' after giving his '200 per cent' on the field. Rahane also revealed his openness to venturing into coaching or mentorship roles in the future, aiming to share his extensive experience globally.

What Your Health Insurance Policy Really Covers -- And The Fine Print You Should Never Ignore

What Your Health Insurance Policy Really Covers -- And The Fine Print You Should Never Ignore

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Here's decoding the fine print so that you know exactly what your health insurance policy covers, what it doesn't and the policy conditions that deserve your attention before you need to make a claim.

Why Pakistan's Hangors Submarines Face India's ASW Shield

Why Pakistan's Hangors Submarines Face India's ASW Shield

Rediff.com1 days ago

Hangors are effectively 'dead-on-arrival' with Pakistanis saddled with deadweights that displace around 3,000 tons. Last time it was near Vishakhapatnam. This time, barnacles will clog the Hangors in Karachi port itself, points out Dr Abhishek Puri.

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

Rediff.com2 days ago

VVS Laxman, chief of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), confirmed that the search for a permanent Head of Sports Science and Medicine is ongoing, nearly 18 months after Nitin Patel's departure, despite mounting injury cases among Indian cricketers.

Why Is Odisha BJD Questioning Dharmendra Pradhan's Family Trust?

Why Is Odisha BJD Questioning Dharmendra Pradhan's Family Trust?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Odisha's opposition BJD has requested Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to clarify his family's connection with the Vikas Foundation Trust, which is alleged to have purchased properties in the US. BJP leaders have dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Rediff.com1 days ago

Thousands of job aspirants in Jharkhand clashed with police during a protest against alleged exam irregularities, demanding a CBI probe and comprehensive reforms in the state's public service commissions.

WhatsApp begins testing age checks for Indian users

WhatsApp begins testing age checks for Indian users

Rediff.com7 days ago

WhatsApp is testing new ways for users in India to confirm their age as it prepares to comply with upcoming legal requirements, including those related to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, the Meta-owned messaging platform said on Tuesday.

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Rediff.com4 days ago

Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.

How did an overweight player clear BCCI fitness test?

How did an overweight player clear BCCI fitness test?

Rediff.com5 days ago

The BCCI's fitness monitoring system is under scrutiny after pacer Harshit Rana was found overweight despite being cleared for selection for the England tour. This incident, coupled with other player injuries, has prompted the board to introduce stricter, uniform fitness benchmarks, including a fixed Bronco Test standard, to address inconsistencies and improve player fitness assessment.

'Not settled and done': Meta summoned over Modi's post removal

'Not settled and done': Meta summoned over Modi's post removal

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Indian government has summoned Meta's global head of public policy after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, addressing youth and promising action against paper leaks, was temporarily removed. Meta attributed the removal to a 'glitch' in its automated content filters, an explanation the government deems insufficient, demanding further discussions.

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

Rediff.com3 days ago

Rewari's Kamaljeet, a 22-year-old pistol shooter, is set to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after an injury ended his athletics dream and he transitioned to shooting in 2019, overcoming financial struggles with strong family and institutional support.

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'I remember that Indira Gandhi was virtually worshipped as a goddess. The kind of power wielded by Indira Gandhi in the early 1970s was much more than what Modi does today, but in just three years down the line Indira Gandhi faced defeat.' 'So you cannot take people's sentiments for granted. That is a lesson that the BJP should learn.'

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Rediff.com3 days ago

Protesting aspirants in Jharkhand have vowed to continue their agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment exams, despite talks with a five-member government panel. The protesters, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto who is on a fast, demand the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into irregularities.

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

Rediff.com1 days ago

Vidarsa K Vinod, a 27-year-old shooter from Kerala, has secured a spot in India's Asian Games squad for the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events, overcoming significant financial hurdles and training setbacks through resilience and family support.

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Assam government has decided to withdraw all police cases registered against individuals involved in protests concerning the NEET question paper leak and to release those arrested or detained during these demonstrations, citing the need for systemic reforms in the education ecosystem.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do... You have seen what the youth of our country think about this...'

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

Saffron jersey row deepens rift within Hockey India

Saffron jersey row deepens rift within Hockey India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A controversy has erupted within Hockey India over the national teams' new saffron jerseys, replacing the traditional blue.

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for the immediate passage of the women's reservation bill and the delimitation bill, advocating for a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for all states to ensure fair and equitable representation.

Slipper attack on Pappu Yadav at presser as he defends Ram Temple theft skit

Slipper attack on Pappu Yadav at presser as he defends Ram Temple theft skit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The controversy surrounding the Parliament Ram Mandir skit intensified on Sunday after a clash broke out at the residence of Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, who had portrayed a temple priest wearing saffron robes during the performance in Parliament on Friday.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 days ago

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Rediff.com6 days ago

Supporters of Congress MLA S N Subba Reddy launched a violent protest in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka, after he was excluded from the state cabinet. The agitation, which included a bandh, road blockades, and an attempted self-immolation, highlights a wider rebellion within the ruling Congress over ministerial berth denials following the recent cabinet expansion.

'I'd be good at it': Stokes eyes England job

'I'd be good at it': Stokes eyes England job

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former England captain Ben Stokes has expressed his desire to coach the national team one day, believing his experience as a player and captain would make him successful. He is currently pursuing his Level 3 coaching qualification and has an understanding of the responsibilities involved in leadership. Stokes also commented on Harry Brook not being made Test captain despite being vice-captain, questioning the message it sent.

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

Rediff.com6 days ago

China has deployed 72 "robot employees" across Beijing's municipal parks to perform various tasks like cleaning, patrolling, guiding visitors, and pest control. This initiative is part of China's "Robot Plus" strategy, driven by an ageing population and labour shortages, and showcases the growing domestic service robot market. These AI-powered robots enhance efficiency and visitor experience in popular attractions like the Summer Palace and Zizhuyuan Park.

Twisha Sharma Death: Police Question In-Laws, Probe Continues

Twisha Sharma Death: Police Question In-Laws, Probe Continues

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Police are questioning retired judge Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh in connection with the death of Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly harassed for dowry. The Madhya Pradesh government has recommended a CBI probe into the case.

Cauvery issue escalates as TN minister rejects all-party meet; targets Oppn

Cauvery issue escalates as TN minister rejects all-party meet; targets Oppn

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar has rejected calls for an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka, citing a previously passed unanimous resolution in the Assembly. He accused DMK and Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar of working against Tamil Nadu's interests and criticised the DMK's "hasty" Supreme Court petition.

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has resigned with immediate effect, protesting a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, which he labelled 'a bad deal for football'.

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Iran rejigs leadership after rare meet between Supreme Leader, President

Rediff.com1 days ago

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reshuffled Iran's political and national-security establishment, appointing former SNSC Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political adviser and veteran IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative on the Supreme National Security Council, consolidating power amid the West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have taken action against Meta's India head and several social media account operators, registering cases for allegedly circulating morphed and objectionable content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst the ongoing NEET paper leak agitation.

NEET paper leak: Pune school principal arrested for sharing questions

NEET paper leak: Pune school principal arrested for sharing questions

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A Pune school principal, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, has been arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. The CBI alleges she shared examination-related questions and content with students for money. The investigation revealed her collusion with a botany teacher, and the use of handwritten notes containing NEET-related questions.

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former BJP leader K Annamalai has criticised the Centre for its handling of the NEET issue, alleging a lack of accountability despite three question paper leaks and questioning the delay in engaging with student protesters.

NEET leak: Court allows CBI to collect more handwriting samples from accused

NEET leak: Court allows CBI to collect more handwriting samples from accused

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has granted the CBI permission to obtain additional handwriting and signature samples from accused Manisha Sanjay Havaldar in the ongoing NEET paper leak case. This decision aims to facilitate a thorough comparison of evidence, given the bulkiness of the case record and allegations of question sharing.

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress MLA and former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh has criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's national jersey colour from blue to saffron, alleging it reflects the BJP's mindset of 'giving everything a particular colour' and urging a focus on sports development instead.

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

Rediff.com3 days ago

A meeting of Tamil Nadu MPs, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, unanimously decided to oppose the Union government's proposed delimitation exercise, demanding its complete withdrawal and an extension of the delimitation freeze for another 25 years.

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Rediff.com5 days ago

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met with AI major Anthropic to discuss a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption across governance, education, healthcare, research, and the state's startup ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on deploying AI solutions responsibly, ensuring data privacy, and developing AI-focused skilling programmes and an AI University.

What Makes Miss India Nikita Porwal Very Angry

What Makes Miss India Nikita Porwal Very Angry

Rediff.com5 days ago

In a no-filter conversation with Rediff's Rishika Shah, Miss India World Nikita Porwal has a few confessions to make.