News for 'Society Policy Institute'

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'If you align your ambition with India's rise, the peak of your careers will unfold alongside the peak of India's power.'

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

'Curbs on sporting engagements standard safeguard'

'Curbs on sporting engagements standard safeguard'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Implementation of sports bill in 6 months, regulation of participation standard safeguard: Mandaviya

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Despite the alarming figures on job displacement, AI is expected to generate millions of new roles, echoing historical trends of technological transformation.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung deserves to be complimented in telling his life story and that of his people, as subaltern communities within this vast and diverse nation of ours clamour for recognition and a plea for their voices to be heard and their aspirations to be met, notes Lieutenant General Gautam Moorthy.

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Budget And ULIPs: Should You Invest?

Budget And ULIPs: Should You Invest?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'The incentives to switch to the new tax regime... are viewed as a negative due to potential loss of customers who buy policies for saving tax.' 'The tax-saving value proposition for the sector reduces.'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Matter of policy: Rijiju on opposing recognition to same sex marriages

Matter of policy: Rijiju on opposing recognition to same sex marriages

Rediff.com13 Mar 2023

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Monday the government does not "disturb" the personal freedom and activities of individuals but the issue related to the institution of marriage was a matter of policy.

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Presumption of innocence must guide all formal actions, but transparency must not be mistaken for pre-judgment.' 'The cruel irony, however, is that Justice Varma is a fine judge who enjoys a reputation for writing well-reasoned judgments.'

Climate change: 'World in worse situation'

Climate change: 'World in worse situation'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The head of the UN's climate science panel, Jim Skea, has expressed concern over the accelerating pace of climate impacts, saying scientists have been surprised by the speed of temperature rise. Skea attributed the worsening situation to inaction on climate change and highlighted the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He also addressed concerns about the scientific messaging and the perception of imposed climate policies, emphasizing the importance of involving societies and people in climate change action.

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Caste census politics took centre stage on Thursday with the Congress terming the government's decision as a 'diversionary tactic' and a move for headlines management and the Bharatiya Janata Party saying it has exposed the difference between the Centre's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the opposition party.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'It has the potential to sow seeds of furthering discord when the direction of the discourse is aimed at propagating the perceived supremacy of 'cultural nationalism' from a distant past over the prevailing dominance of 'Constitutional nationalism',' argues N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Controlled Indo-Pak suits both ruling elites': Ex-NSA

'Controlled Indo-Pak suits both ruling elites': Ex-NSA

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Former National Security Advisor (NSA) Shivshankar Menon has stated that the political dynamics between India and Pakistan have resulted in a "controlled level of hostility" that benefits the ruling elites in both nations. Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Menon described Pakistan as a "brand new state" still grappling with its national identity. He argued that India's foreign policy towards Pakistan is influenced by its domestic politics, resulting in an uneasy equilibrium characterized by a "controlled level of hostility." Menon also questioned the concept of a multipolar world, stating that the current global order is merely "confused." He emphasized that the United States remains the world's true military hegemon, while other nations, including China, are regional powers. Menon further argued that there is no binding international order, leading to a state of "between orders." He highlighted the absence of definitive international agreements on crucial issues in recent decades.

'90% sitting outside system': Rahul's fresh pitch for caste census

'90% sitting outside system': Rahul's fresh pitch for caste census

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Gandhi said just like the Constitution, the "caste census" is a policy framework and a guide for the Congress.

Skip Canada! 10 Places To Study Abroad

Skip Canada! 10 Places To Study Abroad

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Indian students are looking at destinations that offer quality education coupled with unique cultural and career experiences, often at more affordable costs, says Gaurav Batra, CEO, Infinite Group.

Relations with India changed after Sheikh Hasina's ouster: B'desh

Relations with India changed after Sheikh Hasina's ouster: B'desh

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

India needs to address Bangladesh's longstanding concerns to improve bilateral ties between Dhaka and New Delhi, Hossain said adding: Bangladesh's previous (ousted) government addressed the concerns of India, but India did not address Bangladesh's concerns.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'Granting the country's highest civilian honour to Prime Minister Modi was surprising as it indicated the government was going out of its way to have India as a close partner.'

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

'If we truly wish to understand and apply Marx's insights today, we must reject the rigid dogmas that later 'Marxists' imposed in his name.'

Sheikh Hasina's Biggest Blunder

Sheikh Hasina's Biggest Blunder

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

'The dominance of her party also meant that the institutions became lopsided -- whether it was the bureaucracy or the courts or the military.' 'She centralised power to the extent that you would see her representatives or her party office bearers having overly represented in these institutions.' 'That perhaps would have been the biggest blunder that she committed.'

RSS chief seeks population control policy applicable to all

RSS chief seeks population control policy applicable to all

Rediff.com5 Oct 2022

Speaking at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Dussehra rally in Nagpur, Bhagwat said community-based population imbalance is an important subject and should not be ignored.

Nothing wrong in PM's visit to my residence: CJI Chandrachud

Nothing wrong in PM's visit to my residence: CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Monday said there was 'nothing wrong' in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to his residence on Ganpati Puja and underscored the need for a 'sense of maturity in political sphere' on such issues.

'Budget Lacks Big Ideas'

'Budget Lacks Big Ideas'

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'This Budget did not live up to expectations.'

'Trump's Going To Be Very Good For India'

'Trump's Going To Be Very Good For India'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'He is the only president, the only American politician, who had the guts to stand with Hindus.'

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court has sought details from the Allahabad High Court regarding controversial statements made by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav at a VHP function. The development comes amid calls for action against the judge for his remarks, which have been labeled as hate speech by some. The judge's statements were made at a VHP function on December 8, where he spoke about the Uniform Civil Code and the law working according to the majority. Several individuals and organizations, including lawyer Prashant Bhushan and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, have called for an inquiry into the judge's conduct and for his removal from judicial duties.

Earth records hottest year ever in 2024, surpasses 1.5C mark

Earth records hottest year ever in 2024, surpasses 1.5C mark

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The year 2024 was the hottest year on record, with the global average temperature exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time, according to the European climate agency Copernicus. Every month from January to June was the warmest ever recorded, and from July to December (except August), each month was the second warmest on record. Scientists are warning that the world is entering a new climate reality, with extreme heatwaves, floods, and storms becoming more frequent and severe. The report also highlights the failure of developed nations to meet their climate finance commitments to developing countries, despite the urgency of the situation.

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

Asia Society's India-born president to quit

Asia Society's India-born president to quit

Rediff.com10 May 2012

US-educated Vishakha Desai would leave her post on September 1 and join the city-based Guggenheim Foundation, a preeminent institution for the collection, preservation and research of modern and contemporary art, as Senior Advisor for Global Policy and Programmes.

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

From bhikshus of Ashokan 3rd century BC and medieval Sufis to Oxfam, Omidyar and Soros now, non-State actors have any real power only when they work in conjunction with a real State, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

New education policy is foundation of New India: PM

New education policy is foundation of New India: PM

Rediff.com7 Aug 2020

"NEP has given rise to a healthy debate and the more we discuss and debate the more it will benefit the education department. It is palpable that questions will arise on how this huge plan will be implemented. "We all will together do this implementation. Each one of you is directly involved in implementation of the NEP. In terms of political will, I am totally committed and with you," he said.

What's the govt policy to deter China, asks Sonia

What's the govt policy to deter China, asks Sonia

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

Addressing party MPs at the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the central hall of Parliament, she said when facing a significant national challenge, it has been the tradition in our country to bring Parliament into confidence.

'America Is In For A Period Of Extended Domestic Turmoil'

'America Is In For A Period Of Extended Domestic Turmoil'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

'Trump's disregard for norms and institutions could prove very costly for America's social fabric.'

Explained: How National Testing Agency functions

Explained: How National Testing Agency functions

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Here is an explainer on the functioning of the seven-year-old body.

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The BJP may win more seats in the February 5 assembly election, but not enough to trump AAP, notes Ramesh Menon.

Should You Invest In ESG Schemes?

Should You Invest In ESG Schemes?

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

'A 20 per cent equity allocation to ESG funds is a good start.' 'As more evidence on ESG performance builds, investors may increase allocations.'

Bibek Debroy: A Guru I Could Look To

Bibek Debroy: A Guru I Could Look To

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Bibek Debroy was one of the very few economists not bound by any single area of expertise and was simultaneously curious about economics and politics, myths and maths, chess and chemistry, and what not, remembers Laveesh Bhandari.