News for 'Secular India'

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

Rediff.com1 days ago

There is record underperformance and under-ownership. Some of this is cyclical and will turn on its own. However, we also need to regain our growth credentials. For this, both the government and companies have a role to play, as do investors, points out Akash Prakash.

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Rediff.com3 days ago

A video purportedly showing people pledging to boycott Muslims socially and economically after a screening of 'The Kerala Story' has sparked strong reactions in Vasai, Maharashtra. Police are investigating the video's authenticity, while politicians and social media users express concern over rising communal polarisation.

Street Signs: Narrowing window, upping the colo game, and test of patience

Street Signs: Narrowing window, upping the colo game, and test of patience

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

With domestic markets turning choppy, investors are increasingly scouting for opportunities overseas to diversify portfolios and hedge against a weakening rupee.

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

Rediff.com2 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to honour 59 retiring members, emphasising their contributions to national life and urging them to continue their service.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is best to remain vigilant. Tarique Rahman arranged arms smuggling to Indian insurgent groups.' 'He has criticised India for sheltering Sheikh Hasina, but has also sought India's support.'

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Mark had such a profound understanding of India, which was, of course, the land of his birth as well as of his death... He loved India, and lived two-thirds of his life here.'

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com4 days ago

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'Many senior Bangladeshis feel Bangladesh will fall into anarchy if the Jamaat becomes an important part of a future government or has disproportionate influence in the government.'

Vijayakanth's party joins DMK alliance for Tamil Nadu polls

Vijayakanth's party joins DMK alliance for Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The DMDK officially joined the DMK-led alliance ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, marking a significant political development in the state.

The Kerala Story 2: Targetted Hate Ruins A Good Cautionary Tale

The Kerala Story 2: Targetted Hate Ruins A Good Cautionary Tale

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

It's not the clothes or the rebellion that invites violence, but the mindset that continues to police and condition girls and encourages the perpetrator, instead of punishing the criminals. This lack of empathy is what ultimately brings The Kerala Story 2 down, observes Divya Nair.

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Following attacks in West Asia, hundreds of Indians, including prominent personalities, are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports due to flight disruptions, prompting appeals for government assistance.

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'If this region destabilises, then we are not far away. This region should not destabilise.'

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Aiyar's endorsement of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp rebukes from his own party.

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'I want to show bearded men actually caring and loving for their sons or a woman from Pakistan in a position of power. How radical is that?'

Sasikala announces new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Sasikala announces new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

V K Sasikala, a close aide of the late J Jayalalithaa, has announced the launch of a new political party in Tamil Nadu, potentially leading to a four-way contest in the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Is Congress-DMK alliance sliding towards collapse over power tussle?

Is Congress-DMK alliance sliding towards collapse over power tussle?

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The DMK leads the multi-party Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu and the constituents include the Congress and the Left parties.

End Of Bangladesh's Two Women Political Era

End Of Bangladesh's Two Women Political Era

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Tarique Rahman is Bangladesh's first male prime minister in more than three decades, ending an era of female leadership that began in 1991.

Gold, Silver Fall: Investors Must Stay Cautious

Gold, Silver Fall: Investors Must Stay Cautious

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The recent correction suggests that while precious metals hedge geopolitical tension and inflation, they are not immune to sharp short-term corrections and profit-booking.

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'The BNP's election manifesto lists grievances against India, mirroring the attitude of past BNP governments.' 'Political parties have been careful not to say bad things about China.'

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar became a ray of hope for Muslims, the only man in power who could resolve their grievances.

'India sees chaos': Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus over violence

'India sees chaos': Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus over violence

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

'The strain you are witnessing is entirely of Yunus's making. His government issues hostile statements against India, fails to protect religious minorities, and allows extremists to dictate foreign policy, then expresses surprise when tensions rise'

6 Key Facts About The Constitution

6 Key Facts About The Constitution

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

India's Constitution is far more than a supreme legal framework for ideal governance. It is a living chronicle.

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The armed forces of India will be wise to remember that its public interface needs to be tempered with discretion, maturity and example, keeping in mind the nation's multi-cultural and multi-religious fabric which is its greatest strength but which can also become its biggest fault-line, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Will Gold Price Cross 2 Lakhs In 2026?

Will Gold Price Cross 2 Lakhs In 2026?

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

'A breakout above 158,000 to 160,000 could trigger the next leg higher toward 165,000 to 170,000.'

No need for socialism, secularism in India: Shivraj

No need for socialism, secularism in India: Shivraj

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said 'there is no need for socialism in India', adding 'secularism is not the core of our culture'.

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Bangladesh is preparing for elections and a referendum on reforms, but the absence of the Awami League and rising political tensions are raising concerns about the legitimacy and stability of the process.

Why Kerala's Twenty20 Party Joined The NDA

Why Kerala's Twenty20 Party Joined The NDA

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'When the prime minister and home minister promised their full support for the development of Kerala, why should we not be a part of them?'

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'The RSS, that advocated military strength, remained in the ideological doghouse for over half a century. Many of the RSS' responses even today carry the burden of this past,' points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Amid the race for mayoral posts across civic bodies in Maharashtra, a new political equation emerged in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation on Wednesday with five corporators of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena offering support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Multi-cornered contests, deep divisions within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, reflected in the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray fighting separately and lack of a robust plan among its rivals helped the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai polls as it looks poised to rule India's richest civic body for the first time.

Why RSS Must Choose Bharatiyata Over Hindutva

Why RSS Must Choose Bharatiyata Over Hindutva

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The future of India will be shaped and decided by the choices the RSS makes now, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'If at all human beings require a religion, the future religion will be Hinduism.'

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing prosecution material suggesting their involvement in planning and strategic direction. The court granted bail to other activists but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'There is no substantive basis for Bangladesh-Pakistan relations. The only real link they can have is mischief, with Pakistan's intelligence agency using Bangladesh to create trouble along our eastern borders.'

Desis Rally For Secular India

Desis Rally For Secular India

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

The Constitution's Preamble says that we Indians have resolved to secure for Indians 'fraternity, assuring the dignity of the individual'. Fraternity can come only when we stand up for each other. The desis of the Boston South Asian Coalition actually attempt to do that, points out Aakar Patel.

Union minister's 'go to hell' jibe on 'naqab' sparks outrage, backs Nitish

Union minister's 'go to hell' jibe on 'naqab' sparks outrage, backs Nitish

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Union minister Giriraj Singh's controversial remarks regarding the 'naqab' incident in Bihar have drawn criticism from opposition leaders, escalating the political row.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'