News for 'Religion'

'Hateful' graffiti comes up in Kolkata ISI campus, students protest

'Hateful' graffiti comes up in Kolkata ISI campus, students protest

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Researchers and students at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) protested against hateful graffiti targeting a specific community that appeared on campus. The graffiti was discovered shortly after a blast near the Red Fort in Delhi. Students and faculty members participated in rallies and put up posters denouncing the messages and reaffirming the institute's commitment to pluralism and secularism. The ISI Director condemned the act and pledged to take remedial measures.

Ajit Pawar slams party MLA for 'buy from Hindus' remark

Ajit Pawar slams party MLA for 'buy from Hindus' remark

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

Nationalist Congress Party MLA Sangram Jagtap has triggered controversy with his appeal to prioritize Hindu shopkeepers during Diwali, later justifying his statement by referencing the Pahalgam terror attack. NCP president Ajit Pawar has strongly condemned the remarks, and the party plans to issue a show-cause notice to Jagtap.

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Assam assembly on Thursday passed a bill to ban polygamy, making it an offence which may lead to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, barring some exceptions.

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Council passed a bill to curb hate speech, facing strong opposition from BJP and JD(S), who criticized it as 'draconian' and a threat to free speech. The bill proposes jail terms and fines for hate crimes and repeated offenses.

Uddhav, Raj come together for Bal Thackeray's death anniversary

Uddhav, Raj come together for Bal Thackeray's death anniversary

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, cousins and leaders of rival political parties, came together at Bal Thackeray's memorial on his 13th death anniversary, fueling speculation of a possible alliance ahead of local body polls.

No religion promotes pollution: SC on cracker ban

No religion promotes pollution: SC on cracker ban

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih therefore directed the Delhi police commissioner to immediately inform all the stakeholders concerned about the ban order and ensure no sale and manufacture of crackers.

Ganguly brings AI-driven cricket coaching to India

Ganguly brings AI-driven cricket coaching to India

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The device is developed with Cambridge Design Partnership, one of the leading firms in human performance and sports innovation.

'We Know How To Protect Our Religion'

'We Know How To Protect Our Religion'

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

'If someone fiddles us on our religion then we will pay back five times more to that person. We have proved that time and again.'

Why not engage with Hinduism too?: Hindu group to VP Vance

Why not engage with Hinduism too?: Hindu group to VP Vance

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

An American Hindu organisation has asked Vice President J D Vance to engage with Hinduism after he said that his wife, Usha, encouraged him "to re-engage with his faith." The request comes after Vance faced criticism over comments regarding his interfaith marriage.

My wife not Christian, has no plans to convert: Vance

My wife not Christian, has no plans to convert: Vance

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Amid criticism over comments about his interfaith marriage, Vice President J D Vance said on Friday that his wife Second Lady Usha Vance has no plans to convert to Christianity but added that he hoped 'she may one day see things as I do'.

Gandhi's observation on Indians was a false narrative: RSS chief

Gandhi's observation on Indians was a false narrative: RSS chief

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Bhagwat said India's concept of 'rashtra' is ancient, organic and fundamentally different from the Western idea of a nation.

Suicide haram in Islam: Owaisi slams Red Fort bomber

Suicide haram in Islam: Owaisi slams Red Fort bomber

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday condemned a video of Red Fort suicide bomber, saying suicide is 'haram' in Islam and the killing of innocents is a 'grave sin'.

SC sends Buddhist group's plea on Hindu personal laws to law panel

SC sends Buddhist group's plea on Hindu personal laws to law panel

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Law Commission to consider a plea as a representation of a Buddhist group that certain sets of personal Hindu laws, which are applicable to Buddhists also, are against their fundamental rights, including freedom to practice religion.

Hoardings in villages barring entry to pastors not unconstitutional: HC

Hoardings in villages barring entry to pastors not unconstitutional: HC

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

The Chhattisgarh high court has disposed of two petitions seeking the removal of hoardings prohibiting entry to pastors and 'converted Christians' in eight villages, holding that they were installed to prevent forced conversions through allurement or fraudulent means and cannot be termed as unconstitutional.

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP following an assault on food vendors at a Bhagavad Gita recital event in Kolkata, asserting that the state would not tolerate intimidation, communal division, or attempts to dictate dietary choices. She vowed stringent action against those responsible and accused the BJP of trying to import a culture of communal division and weaponize religious texts for political mobilization.

What If Sardar Patel Had Not Passed Away In 1950...

What If Sardar Patel Had Not Passed Away In 1950...

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

If Patel had lived a few years more, he may or may not have become prime minister. But for sure, his presence would have kept Nehru in check, points out Harishchandra.

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved Rs 11,718 crore for conducting the Census of India, 2027, which would include the caste enumeration for the first time.

'We are not pointing a finger at any community'

'We are not pointing a finger at any community'

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

'I don't know what people will say, but as a liberal Muslim, I can say that I had no problems with the viewpoint of the film. Because we are not maligning any community, if we were I wouldn't have done this film...'

No More Beef In The Movies

No More Beef In The Movies

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

According to a source in the know, all references to beef as a cuisine will be banned by the Central Board Of Film Certification.

Will take oath as Bihar CM on November 18: Tejashwi Yadav

Will take oath as Bihar CM on November 18: Tejashwi Yadav

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday asserted that the opposition coalition was certain to form the next government in Bihar, and the swearing-in will take place four days after the results of assembly polls are declared.

Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar's fund remarks; denies rift with Shinde

Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar's fund remarks; denies rift with Shinde

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed concerns about discriminatory fund allocation and reports of a rift with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, dismissing both as unfounded.

SC delivers split verdict on review of Akola riots SIT order

SC delivers split verdict on review of Akola riots SIT order

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on a plea by the Maharashtra government seeking a review of the court's earlier direction to form a special investigation team (SIT) with Hindu and Muslim officers to investigate the 2023 Akola communal riots. Justice Sanjay Kumar refused to review the direction, while Justice Satish Chandra Sharma agreed to hear the review plea in open court.

Varanasi: How Much Priyanka, Mahesh Babu Were Paid

Varanasi: How Much Priyanka, Mahesh Babu Were Paid

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

S S Rajamouli announced his new epic Varanasi at a grand event at Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City over the weekend.

'Doctor said, I will not treat a Muslim woman'

'Doctor said, I will not treat a Muslim woman'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

A controversy has erupted in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, after a Muslim woman alleged that a doctor at the district hospital refused to treat her on religious grounds. Hospital authorities deny the accusation, and an inquiry is underway. The incident has sparked political reactions and a police investigation into journalists who circulated the video of the allegation.

26/11: 'India Must Never Forget'

26/11: 'India Must Never Forget'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

'They came to our bedrooms, woke people who were sleeping, and shot them. For what? For what?'

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to debate with him on his three press conferences in which the Congress leader alleged 'vote chori' by the Bharatiya Janata Party in collusion with the Election Commission.

'False Hindu god': US leader's remark on Hanuman statue sparks row

'False Hindu god': US leader's remark on Hanuman statue sparks row

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Texas Republican leader Alexander Duncan claimed that the US is a Christian nation.

'Suicide bombing is martyrdom op,' justifies Delhi bomber in video

'Suicide bombing is martyrdom op,' justifies Delhi bomber in video

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Data extracted from the mobile phone of the Red Fort suicide bomber, Dr. Umar-un-Nabi, reveals a video justifying the attack as a 'martyrdom operation'. The evidence was unearthed following the interrogation of Umar's brother, Zahoor Illahi.

NDA sweep in Bihar would be fitting tribute to Nehru: Rajnath

NDA sweep in Bihar would be fitting tribute to Nehru: Rajnath

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said a two-thirds majority for the National Democratic Alliance in the 243-member Bihar assembly will be a fitting tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birthday on November 14, the day poll results will be announced.

SC denies bail to man accused of ISIS ties, says 'best morning' to do so

SC denies bail to man accused of ISIS ties, says 'best morning' to do so

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India denied bail to a man accused of being associated with ISIS, citing concerns about a potential 'ring of terror' plot. The decision came after the accused challenged a lower court's denial of bail in a case involving charges under UAPA and IPC.

'Emotion Is Very Scarce Right Now'

'Emotion Is Very Scarce Right Now'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'We have come to the point in civilisation where emotion seems to be something you hide or you have to be discreet about, or to be ashamed of.'

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Day after Diwali, Delhi records worst air quality since 2021

Day after Diwali, Delhi records worst air quality since 2021

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Delhi residents woke up on Tuesday to heavy grey haze darkening the city skies, reduced visibility and the air quality in the 'red zone' after many celebrated Diwali last night by bursting firecrackers beyond the two-hour limit set by the Supreme Court.

OpenAI Trains ChatGPT To 'Think in Indian'

OpenAI Trains ChatGPT To 'Think in Indian'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'The aim is to have curated datasets that create cultural and historical nuances that help us make our models understand these better.'

'This win will change women's cricket forever'

'This win will change women's cricket forever'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed India's ICC Women's World Cup 2025 victory, calling it a historic moment for the nation and praising the team for "bringing the World Cup home."

'This Election Marks End Of Nitish-Lalu Era'

'This Election Marks End Of Nitish-Lalu Era'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

'If the RJD loses it would be out of power for nearly 25 years. Meanwhile, the JD-U will have survival issues if it gets less number of seats.'

Former Kerala police chief Jacob Thomas joins RSS as 'pracharak'

Former Kerala police chief Jacob Thomas joins RSS as 'pracharak'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Former Kerala Police chief Jacob Thomas has joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time 'pracharak'. He participated in an RSS event on Mahanavami, emphasizing the organization's aim to create individuals with cultural strength. Thomas previously joined the BJP in 2021.

RSS march allowed in Kharge's stronghold, conditions apply

RSS march allowed in Kharge's stronghold, conditions apply

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The Yadgir district administration has granted conditional permission for an RSS route march in Gurmitkal town, the constituency of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The march is part of the RSS centenary celebrations and is subject to several conditions to maintain peace and order.

The World Is A Dangerous Place

The World Is A Dangerous Place

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

After Donald Trump became president of the United States, he unleashed economic weaponisation, upsetting the old world order, leading to much unrest. If that wasn't all, the threat of an imminent nuclear war was issued by the US, Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan. In today's fractious times, Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios would have made a dent, notes His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III.

Kashmiri Pandits Are Not A Priority For BJP'

Kashmiri Pandits Are Not A Priority For BJP'

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

'The BJP only talks of Kashmiri Pandits when elections are held.'