News for 'Society Policy Institute'

Jharkhand Speaker Calls For Stringent Cybercrime Policy

Jharkhand Speaker Calls For Stringent Cybercrime Policy

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato has called for the formulation of a more effective and stringent policy to curb cybercrimes, fraud, and digital scams. He highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence, which simplifies life but also presents serious challenges through misuse. Various experts and MLAs at a workshop emphasised the importance of cybersecurity education, personal digital responsibility, and empowering legislators to strengthen institutional resilience against cyber threats.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Experts highlight India's significant market potential for assistive technologies, estimated at Rs 75,000-95,000 crore by 2030. They advocate for a National Assistive Technology Policy to address current gaps in access and service delivery, fostering inclusion, independence, and economic participation for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Punjab Assembly Approves Prison Reform, Societies Amendment Bills

Punjab Assembly Approves Prison Reform, Societies Amendment Bills

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, to modernise the prison system, and the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026, to enhance transparency and accountability of societies.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

Alzheimer's Can't Be Cured, But Delayed

Alzheimer's Can't Be Cured, But Delayed

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

'Think of the brain like a machine, and Alzheimer's is like rust.'
'Like a rusty machine breaks down, a rusty brain also breaks down. And when it breaks down, you have memory loss, cognitive issues and so on.'

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Holding Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for alleged police brutalities on protesting students, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that "Jan Shakti" (people's power) will "drag him out" one day to make him accountable.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'After more than 12 years in power, he has been forced to retreat under public pressure. The education minister's resignation is the biggest political climbdown of his government so far.'

Want To Study At Melbourne University?

Want To Study At Melbourne University?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'We're doing a lot of work around work-integrated learning, providing students with every opportunity to take at least part of their education as a practical work-based experience.'

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday approved a new Excise Policy, permitting the sale of hard liquor through retail vends, reducing documents to obtain a licence from 16 to six and extending the liquor availability to four more districts.

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab jails minister Dr Ravjot Singh has warned that jail superintendents and concerned officials will be held responsible for any violent incidents, security breaches, or administrative lapses within prisons, and will face strict disciplinary action.

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab jails minister Dr Ravjot Singh has warned that jail superintendents and concerned officials will be held responsible for any violent incidents, security breaches, or administrative lapses within prisons, and will face strict disciplinary action.

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'Even lower middle class parents in cities opt for just one child. A son is a must.'

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Michel Danino, one of the NCERT academics previously barred by the Supreme Court over a controversial chapter on the judiciary, maintains the content was 'correct' and defends its inclusion in the textbook.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Jammu And Kashmir Police Arrest 202 In Anti-Drug Drive

Jammu And Kashmir Police Arrest 202 In Anti-Drug Drive

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered 176 cases and arrested 202 individuals in the first 50 days of their anti-drug trafficking campaign. The operation has resulted in significant seizures of heroin, poppy straw, ganja, and opium, along with the freezing of assets and demolition of properties linked to drug-related activities.

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Centre has notified draft rules for the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, outlining the framework for the new rural employment programme replacing MGNREGA. The draft rules are open for public feedback until June 21, 2026.

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said infiltration and other reasons are causing 'unnatural' demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

'Don't Know Whether Vijay Understands...'

'Don't Know Whether Vijay Understands...'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

'...the enormous responsibility and faith the youth has put on his shoulders, that he is going to solve their problems.'

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

Swiss Official Highlights Science Diplomacy as Key to Global Security

Swiss Official Highlights Science Diplomacy as Key to Global Security

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A top Swiss official has emphasised the growing importance of science and technology in international affairs, leading Switzerland to prioritise anticipatory science diplomacy in its foreign policy. Collaboration with India reflects a shared vision between two global innovation leaders.

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Thousands of Naga students and citizens rallied in Kohima, Nagaland, opposing the central government's directive to mandate the singing of Vande Mataram in official functions and educational institutions, citing concerns over secularism and religious freedom.

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay did not defeat Dravidian politics from outside. He entered the Dravidian field and claimed ownership of it. 'His argument was not that the room should be destroyed. It was that the present occupants no longer deserved to remain in it.'

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Secularism or social development or social justice is no longer part of development, according to the youth in Kerala.' 'They are concerned about material wellbeing and material welfare, and they believe that Narendra Modi is capable to giving them that kind of development.' 'So, they don't have any ideological hesitation in voting for him.'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

Students Urged to Embrace AI Wisely, Not Fear It

Students Urged to Embrace AI Wisely, Not Fear It

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

At the D Y Patil International University's Foundation Day, experts advised students to embrace AI wisely, highlighting its potential and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age.

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Migration from Kerala has become a significant issue in the upcoming Assembly elections, with political parties promising to create more opportunities within the state to discourage emigration for studies and jobs. Experts suggest focusing on 'brain gain' strategies to attract talent back to Kerala after gaining experience abroad.

SC stays UGC regulations on hold, flags 'dangerous impact'

SC stays UGC regulations on hold, flags 'dangerous impact'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed a recent University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation following petitions arguing that the Commission's definition of caste-based discrimination was too narrow, excluding certain categories from institutional protection.

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A large-scale international study published in the journal, Molecular Psychiatry, has been tracking over 7 lakh individuals and has shown that 34.6 per cent of mental disorders begin before the age of 14 years, 48.4 per cent before 18 years and 62.5 per cent by the age of 25 years.

'What? There are Jews in Iran?!'

'What? There are Jews in Iran?!'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'Jews are very much safe in Iran. They are our brothers. There is a difference between a Jew and a Zionist.' A conversation around a tea table in Mumbai serves as an eye-opener for Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on charges of indiscipline after he resigned from service in protest against government policies.