News for 'Religion'

Indian envoy defends FCRA bill after US lawmaker flags concerns

Indian envoy defends FCRA bill after US lawmaker flags concerns

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has clarified that the recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are primarily aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring accountability in foreign financial flows.

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Poor families, she said, cut corners on their own needs to pay for coaching and fees, and when their child clears JEE, it's the happiest day the family has had in years. So why, she asked, her voice already starting to climb, does the same system that we're told is the best in the country keep pushing those very students toward what she called 'institutional deaths'?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

How Researchers Uncovered A Unique Earthworm Eel In The Gangetic Basin

How Researchers Uncovered A Unique Earthworm Eel In The Gangetic Basin

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

An international research team has discovered a new species of subterranean earthworm eel, named Gangaichthys indonepalicus, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar. This small, colourless fish, adapted to life in dark underground aquifers, is the first stygobitic fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin. The discovery followed a TikTok video and involved challenging manual pumping of borewell water to secure samples for scientific analysis.

Kharge alleges BJP 'purified' stage after his Uttarakhand rally

Kharge alleges BJP 'purified' stage after his Uttarakhand rally

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kharge, who is also the Congress President, demanded that cases should be registered, under the Untouchability Act, against those who purified the stage in Haldwani, and they should be arrested and sent to jail.

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad responds to Gautam Gambhir's criticism regarding taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple, emphasising respect for all religions and the dignity of athletes.

10 Malayalam Songs That Capture Onam Best

10 Malayalam Songs That Capture Onam Best

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

From timeless classics to modern favourites, these 10 Malayalam songs capture the colour, warmth and togetherness of Onam like few others can.

AICC 'Vande' row: Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi's apology

AICC 'Vande' row: Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi's apology

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, a descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has demanded an unconditional apology from Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi. This demand follows an alleged incident at the AICC headquarters on Independence Day, where Chatterjee claims there were attempts to prevent the full singing of "Vande Mataram," which he described as a "shameless repetition of a historical mistake."

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Basit Ali's 100-seat mission: BJP steps up Muslim outreach in UP

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Newly appointed BJP Minority Morcha national president Kunwar Basit Ali announced a strategic focus on approximately 100 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, aiming to connect the Muslim community with the BJP by highlighting government welfare schemes and dispelling "misconceptions" about the party.

A true Hindu treats everyone equally: Annamalai

A true Hindu treats everyone equally: Annamalai

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai stated that a true Hindu treats everyone equally and emphasised his identity as a nationalist and Indian, keeping caste and religion private. He also predicted that young voters would bring significant regime changes in future Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, particularly in 2031.

Calcutta HC backs college: No right to job after hurtful religious posts

Calcutta HC backs college: No right to job after hurtful religious posts

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has upheld a college's decision to deny an assistant professor appointment due to his social media posts, observing that the right to profess one's religion does not permit hurting others' faith. The court ruled that the college's decision was bona fide and in the institution's best interest, despite the candidate's claims of infringed freedom of speech and religion.

Has Shehzad Poonawalla quit BJP? X bio sparks buzz

Has Shehzad Poonawalla quit BJP? X bio sparks buzz

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has updated his X (formerly Twitter) bio, removing any mention of the BJP and listing himself as a "Lifelong follower of PM Narendra Modi," sparking speculation about his potential exit from the party and active politics.

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court verdict. The High Court had ruled that individuals converting to Islam are not automatically entitled to reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on their conversion.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Coming so soon after Main Vaapas Aaunga, also a Partition era tale with a message of compassion, the flaws in Batwara 1947 are even more grating, observes Deepa Gahlot.

'There's Anger On The Ground Against BJP'

'There's Anger On The Ground Against BJP'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'If elections are held with honesty you will see their defeat.'

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Two youths from Bareilly, allegedly harassed and assaulted by an activist linked to a Hindu outfit while en route to a NEET paper leak protest in Delhi, have demanded strict legal action. The incident, captured in a viral video, has drawn condemnation from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who called for the accused's immediate arrest.

Aamir Khan: 'Neither Gauri, Kiran Nor Reena Converted'

Aamir Khan: 'Neither Gauri, Kiran Nor Reena Converted'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan has addressed recent 'love jihad' allegations, clarifying his family's inclusive stance on interfaith marriages.

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

With political divisions dominating conversations, can couples with opposing views stay together?

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Two NCPI MPs from Murshidabad, West Bengal, met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to express concerns over the removal of mosque loudspeakers, alleging police overreach and targeting of Muslims. They also sought his intervention to expedite hearings for approximately 27 lakh people excluded from electoral rolls, highlighting difficulties faced by genuine voters due to delays in tribunal decisions.

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A Nashik court has granted bail to five individuals accused in a sexual harassment and forcible conversion case at the local TCS unit. The court cited the completion of the investigation and the filing of the chargesheet, stating there was no serious apprehension of witness tampering. The accused face multiple FIRs related to alleged inappropriate conduct and religious belittling.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Where is the official record? Media bytes are not parliamentary records. What matters is what is recorded on the floor of Parliament. I am not denying that we had a heated exchange.'

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.

BJP slams Congress's 'double standards' for disrupting Parliament

BJP slams Congress's 'double standards' for disrupting Parliament

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The BJP has accused the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies of deliberately disrupting the Monsoon Session of Parliament, alleging that their conduct has prevented discussions on key Bills and exposed the Opposition's 'double standards' on issues such as paper leaks and student protests.

Awarapan 2 Review: Emraan Hashmi Goes Massy

Awarapan 2 Review: Emraan Hashmi Goes Massy

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Awarapan 2 may give Emraan Hashmi the massy comeback his fans have been waiting for, but nostalgia can only do so much, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Sunny Deol: 'We Don't Make Films To Create Controversy'

Sunny Deol: 'We Don't Make Films To Create Controversy'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'We don't make films to create controversy. I believe our stories are sincere and pure. When people watch them, they connect emotionally.'

Hyderabad teacher booked for giving 'Islamic homework' to Hindu student

Hyderabad teacher booked for giving 'Islamic homework' to Hindu student

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

An FIR has been registered against a teacher and others at a private school in Hyderabad after a Hindu student was allegedly assigned "Islamic religious practices" as homework. The incident sparked outrage from political and religious groups, leading to the teacher's termination.

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.

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.

Nashik court invokes Lord Krishna's birth to grant bail to Nida Khan in TCS case

Nashik court invokes Lord Krishna's birth to grant bail to Nida Khan in TCS case

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Nashik court granted bail to a pregnant Nida Khan, an accused in a TCS sexual harassment and alleged religious conversion case, citing the trauma of giving birth in prison. The court noted the investigation suggests Khan attempted to 'brainwash the victim' and change her religious views, but prioritised the welfare of the unborn child. Khan was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 75,000, while a Special Investigation Team probes nine related cases.

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Congress leaders on Monday termed the reorganisation of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board with the inclusion of two Hindu members as "inappropriate" and said they would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.

'Within framework of law': Nagpur top cop defends RSS event speech

'Within framework of law': Nagpur top cop defends RSS event speech

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Nagpur Commissioner of Police Vishwas Nangare Patil has addressed the controversy surrounding an old video where he appeared to praise the RSS. He asserted that his remarks at the event were within legal frameworks and did not violate service rules, emphasising his commitment to the Constitution and respect for all communities. The controversy arose after the Maharashtra Congress and MNS chief Raj Thackeray criticised his speech, questioning his neutrality.

'Every Voice Deserves To Be Heard With Dignity'

'Every Voice Deserves To Be Heard With Dignity'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

'Injustice and violence is not new in our country. It has only just arrived at your doorstep, and now even you cannot ignore it.'

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'India should hold several high-level chess tournaments that would attract the world's top players so that the country will have a say in the game.'