News for 'Several Heads of State'

How EPS, Stalin Keep Allies In Check

How EPS, Stalin Keep Allies In Check

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

EPS' acceptance of Amit Shah's proposal for an electoral alliance with the BJP is being interpreted to mean how the AIADMK has signed up the NDA national leader as a junior partner. Not many have appreciated EPS for this strategic move that has now forced the BJP to play second fiddle to the AIADMK. This has meant that the BJP has buried its ambitions of capturing power in Tamil Nadu now, and is willing to wait until after the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Indian students at Harvard, on condition of anonymity, shared their concerns and experiences of the last few months during which the prestigious university has seen relentless attacks by the Trump administration.

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Rediff.com30 May 2025

All-party parliamentary delegations on Friday met leaders and diplomats from several countries to galvanise international action against terrorists and decisively counter the tactics of those who perpetrate, support and sponsor cross-border terror activities against India.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections were a 'blueprint for rigging democracy' and this 'match-fixing' would next happen in Bihar and 'anywhere the Bharatiya Janata Party is losing'.

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

Rediff.com3 May 2025

At least six people were killed and 30 injured in a stampede during a temple festival in North Goa, India. The incident occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km from Panaji, as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual festival.

Violent protests against Waqf law shift to other areas of Bengal

Violent protests against Waqf law shift to other areas of Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police in West Bengal on Monday during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to several injuries and the torching of multiple police vehicles. The clash occurred after police stopped ISF supporters from attending an anti-Waqf Act rally in Kolkata. The protests escalated when the crowd attempted to break through police barricades. The situation was brought under control after a large police force was deployed. ISF leader Naushad Siddique condemned the Waqf Act and accused the BJP of trying to incite communal tension. Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress dismissed the ISF as a "party of no consequence." Communal violence related to the Waqf Act has also occurred in other parts of West Bengal.

'Op Sindoor is 'not over', Pak must hand over Hafiz, Lakhvi'

'Op Sindoor is 'not over', Pak must hand over Hafiz, Lakhvi'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The fight against terrorism will continue. We have set a new normal and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists and we have to destroy their infrastructure. So it is still not over but as we speak the ceasefire is still intact'

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took a major step to implement its key plank of "one nation, one election" as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, sources said.

Bengal BJP ex-chief Dilip Ghosh, 60, marries party colleague

Bengal BJP ex-chief Dilip Ghosh, 60, marries party colleague

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The couple met during morning walks, and the relationship grew over time.

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The metro, it seems, is politics-proof -- even if it comes at a high cost.

Trial of Manipur violence cases to be held in Guwahati: SC

Trial of Manipur violence cases to be held in Guwahati: SC

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the trial of the Manipur ethnic violence cases, probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, would be conducted in Guwahati, Assam, where it was transferred to earlier.

Madras university cancels lecture on spreading Christianity in India

Madras university cancels lecture on spreading Christianity in India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The University of Madras has cancelled a lecture titled "How to Spread Christianity in India" after facing protests from student groups, Hindu organisations and outrage on social media. The lecture, scheduled for March 14, was part of the Sir S Subramania Ayyar Endowment Lecture series. The university stated that the department organising the lecture did not obtain approval from the university to conduct it. The ABVP, a student wing of the BJP, claimed credit for the lecture's cancellation, highlighting their commitment to preventing the promotion of biased ideologies within universities.

Ajit Pawar ticks off Nitesh Rane: No communal rift, please!

Ajit Pawar ticks off Nitesh Rane: No communal rift, please!

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has criticized his cabinet colleague, Nitesh Rane, for making "misleading" statements about Muslims not being part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army. Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party, called for restraint from political leaders and stressed the importance of maintaining communal harmony in the state. He emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj never discriminated based on caste or creed and highlighted the contributions of Muslims during his reign.

Pune businessman abducted, murdered in Bihar; 7 arrested

Pune businessman abducted, murdered in Bihar; 7 arrested

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Laxman Sadhu Shinde's body was found in Bihar's Jehanabad district on Tuesday. He had landed at the Patna airport on April 11.

Gold Hits 1 Lakh: Hold, Buy or Sell?

Gold Hits 1 Lakh: Hold, Buy or Sell?

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'Investors' decisions should reflect their financial goals, risk tolerance, and the amount of gold already present in their portfolio.'

No-contest clause in Ratan Tata's will raises questions on legal validity

No-contest clause in Ratan Tata's will raises questions on legal validity

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The inclusion of a "no-contest" clause in Ratan Tata's will has caught the attention of India Inc, prompting a wave of interest among promoters of listed companies and business families. Legal advisors and estate planners are seeing a noticeable uptick in queries, as wealthy individuals look for ways to shield their legacies from courtroom battles.

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The sources said Misri reiterated the government's stand that the decision to stop military actions was taken at a bilateral level, as some opposition members questioned US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions about his administration's role in stopping the conflict.

CBI raids ex-C'garh CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence

CBI raids ex-C'garh CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai on Wednesday. The agency also searched the residences of a senior police officer and a close associate of the former chief minister. The CBI is tight-lipped about the matter in which the searches are taking place. Further details are awaited. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted searches at Baghel's residence in connection with an alleged liquor scam case.

'Pakistanis Called Americans In Panic'

'Pakistanis Called Americans In Panic'

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'The Pakistanis called the US state department and said we agree with India on peace.' 'It was then that US President Donald Trump jumped in and took credit for the ceasefire.'

26 killed as Lashkar offshoot targets tourists in J-K's Pahalgam

26 killed as Lashkar offshoot targets tourists in J-K's Pahalgam

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Terrorists opened fire at a popular tourist spot near Kashmir's Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly holidayers from other states, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The Bombay high court on Wednesday said the Maharashtra government has not taken vindictive action against any person for re-sharing or re-uploading stand-up comic Kunal Kamra's video in which he indirectly passed a 'traitor' jibe at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Some of his directives had the Supreme Court judges disclose their assets whereas the row over the discovery of cash from a sitting judge's official residence paved way for inquiry.

K'taka caste census sparks outrage, Sidda ministers to oppose in cabinet

K'taka caste census sparks outrage, Sidda ministers to oppose in cabinet

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Opposition to the Karnataka government's proposed implementation of a caste census has intensified with dominant communities raising concerns about the survey's findings. The report, which has not been publicly released, is said to contradict traditional perceptions regarding the numerical strength of various castes, particularly Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas. These communities, along with political parties, including sections of the ruling Congress, have criticized the survey as "unscientific" and demanded a fresh assessment. The Vokkaligara Sangha and the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha have expressed strong opposition, alleging that the report misrepresents their populations and demanding a fresh survey. Meanwhile, Dalit and OBC groups have defended the survey and its recommendations, including an increase in reservation for OBCs to 51%. The controversy has fueled political tensions in Karnataka, with opposition parties accusing the Congress government of using the caste census for political gain.

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

With the summer approaching sooner than scheduled, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal have already started experiencing heat waves with temperatures soaring above 40°C.

Why are more than 60 envoys from different nations visiting Assam?

Why are more than 60 envoys from different nations visiting Assam?

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Assam is hosting over 60 ambassadors from various countries on a trip to showcase its potential. The ambassadors will visit Kaziranga National Park, witness a Jhumur dance performance, and attend a business summit. The state government aims to highlight the peaceful atmosphere and convince countries with negative travel advisories to withdraw them.

Bangladesh court issues arrest warrants against Hasina, son in land case

Bangladesh court issues arrest warrants against Hasina, son in land case

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A court in Bangladesh has issued fresh arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wajed, and 16 others in two cases related to alleged irregularities in allocating residential plots on the outskirts of the capital. The warrants were issued based on chargesheets filed by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), which alleges that Hasina and her family members illegally acquired plots in Purbachal New Town by abusing state power. The court has ordered police to submit a report by April 29 on the progress of executing the warrants. This is the latest in a series of legal actions against Hasina and her family members since her Awami League regime was toppled last year in a student-led mass uprising.

From 96% holding to a sliver: How Gensol promoters made swift exit

From 96% holding to a sliver: How Gensol promoters made swift exit

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

When Gensol Engineering made its public market debut through a small and medium enterprises (SME) initial public offering (IPO) in September 2019, its promoters held a commanding 96 per cent stake. Now, that figure has shrunk to a "negligible" fraction.

Indian student critical after accident in US, MEA pushes for urgent visa

Indian student critical after accident in US, MEA pushes for urgent visa

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Neelam Shinde from Maharashtra's Satara was critically injured in the accident on February 14 and has been in a coma at a hospital since then.

Punjab govt cracks down on farmer leaders ahead of protest

Punjab govt cracks down on farmer leaders ahead of protest

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Ahead of their planned protest in Chandigarh on March 5, several Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders were detained in early morning raids at their residences on Tuesday and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann denounced the agitating farmer unions, saying they have turned Punjab into a 'state of dharnas' and caused huge losses to it.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

States can't acquire all private properties for common good, rules SC

States can't acquire all private properties for common good, rules SC

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court by a majority of 7:2 on Tuesday held all private properties cannot form part of "material resources of the community" empowering states to take them over for distribution to serve "common good" under the Constitution.

Rahul's battle cry in Gujarat: 'Defeat RSS-BJP!'

Rahul's battle cry in Gujarat: 'Defeat RSS-BJP!'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has promised to revamp the party in Gujarat, vowing to defeat the BJP in the state. He acknowledged that Congress cadres are "demoralised" due to the party's long absence from power, but expressed confidence in their ability to defeat the BJP. Gandhi outlined a plan to strengthen district units, empower local leaders, and identify and remove inactive or "BJP-friendly" party members. He also emphasized the need to promote active grassroots workers and ensure a connection between the party organization and election candidates. He vowed to hold senior leaders accountable for their performance and promised to create a corpus fund for district units.

Australia Visa Changes: What Indian Students Must Know

Australia Visa Changes: What Indian Students Must Know

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Australia's new student visa rules focuses on stricter eligibility, higher financial and English language requirements among others.

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Any proof of 200 deaths in Delhi stampede, asks SC; dismisses petition

Any proof of 200 deaths in Delhi stampede, asks SC; dismisses petition

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking directions on crowd management at the New Delhi railway station, following a stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people. The court questioned the claim of 200 deaths and suggested the petitioner approach the Delhi High Court.

Bombs hurled, shots fired outside Bengal BJP leader's residence

Bombs hurled, shots fired outside Bengal BJP leader's residence

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Unidentified assailants hurled bombs and opened fire outside the residence of BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh in Bhatpara, West Bengal, injuring a youth. Singh alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Sunita Singh's son, Namit Singh, was behind the attack. Police are investigating the incident and have deployed security forces in the area.

MX Player Is The Horse To Bet On In OTT Biz

MX Player Is The Horse To Bet On In OTT Biz

Rediff.com12 May 2025

At 250 million unique visitors a month, MX Player has for long been in the same bracket as YouTube (454 million) and Meta (324 million) in reach.

1971 Census should be basis for delimitation: Stalin at all-party meet

1971 Census should be basis for delimitation: Stalin at all-party meet

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Moving a resolution, Stalin said that in the event of increase in the number of seats in Parliament, 1971 Census should be the basis for it. Also, the 1971 Census should be basis for delimitation of LS seats for 30 years from 2026, he asserted.

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Abuse of power, financial misconduct, and the never-ending turf wars are now coming to light as Boxing Federation of India's officials jostle to escape blame for the shocking turn of events.