News for 'Society'

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian government has allocated an additional 2 million tonnes of surplus broken rice from FCI stocks for its ethanol blending programme, while simultaneously issuing a detailed rebuttal to widespread misinformation regarding the E20 fuel, addressing concerns from water consumption to engine damage and environmental impact.

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has entered its 15th day, garnering support from AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, while a student leader from AISA was hospitalised after her condition turned critical.

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Centre is committed to curbing unnatural demographic growth caused by abnormal factors, such as infiltration, with a ruthless approach and a quadrangular security grid has been created for the purpose, transforming India's approach from reactive to proactive.

Siya's family pressured her into marriage: Ketan's family

Siya's family pressured her into marriage: Ketan's family

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The family of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal, allegedly murdered by his fiance Siya Goyal and her lover Chetan Chaudhary, held a candlelight march demanding justice. Ketan's grandfather, parents, and community members participated, calling for capital punishment for the accused and a thorough investigation into Siya's family. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured a speedy trial with Ujjwal Nikam as public prosecutor.

What is hurting ease of doing business for Indian automakers?

What is hurting ease of doing business for Indian automakers?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Automobile manufacturers are increasingly vocal about the mounting paperwork and delays associated with India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automotive sector, arguing that compliance requirements are becoming as challenging as meeting technical eligibility conditions. They are pushing for a simpler, faster, and more predictable certification and compliance framework.

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.

Gurugram Lift Operator Loses Eye After Brutal Attack Over Elevator Snag

Gurugram Lift Operator Loses Eye After Brutal Attack Over Elevator Snag

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A lift operator in Gurugram was severely beaten by six youths with sticks and clubs, resulting in a ruptured eye and potential permanent sight loss. The attack occurred after four of the youths were briefly trapped in an elevator due to a technical glitch. Despite a complaint, police have yet to register a formal case.

FIFPRO Calls For Urgent Action On Rising Player Abuse At World Cup

FIFPRO Calls For Urgent Action On Rising Player Abuse At World Cup

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Global players' union FIFPRO has highlighted a "growing pattern of abuse," including racist and discriminatory attacks, against players at the World Cup, both online and in person. The union is demanding urgent collective action from football stakeholders, law enforcement, and social media platforms to protect players and ensure meaningful consequences for perpetrators.

How Exercise Reverses Muscle Ageing

How Exercise Reverses Muscle Ageing

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Healthy muscles do much more than enable movement. They are essential for maintaining metabolism, regulating blood sugar levels and supporting overall health.

Ranked 114th, Arthur Fery chases a Wimbledon miracle

Ranked 114th, Arthur Fery chases a Wimbledon miracle

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

British wildcard Arthur Fery, ranked 114th in the world, has made a remarkable run to the Wimbledon semi-finals, defeating ninth seed Flavio Cobolli and setting up a clash with French Open champion Alexander Zverev.

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that the performance of customary rites and ceremonies, particularly 'saptapadi', is essential for the validation of a Hindu marriage, stating that registration alone is insufficient. The court emphasised that marriage is a sacrament and not merely a social occasion, highlighting the spiritual and legal significance of traditional rituals.

Gurugram Lift Operator Brutally Attacked After Elevator Snag

Gurugram Lift Operator Brutally Attacked After Elevator Snag

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A lift operator in Gurugram was brutally thrashed by six youths, allegedly rupturing his eye, after four of them were briefly trapped in an elevator. Despite a complaint being lodged, police have reportedly not yet registered a formal case, raising concerns about justice for the severely injured operator.

VB G RAM G Faces Monsoon Test

VB G RAM G Faces Monsoon Test

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

As MGNREGA comes to a close, both critics and supporters keenly eye VB G RAM G's performance.

'Bro, I'm an artist': Diljit Dosanjh to stay away from CJP protest

'Bro, I'm an artist': Diljit Dosanjh to stay away from CJP protest

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has publicly distanced himself from the ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, which are focused on alleged exam irregularities and the NEET paper-leak controversy. Dosanjh reiterated his identity as an artist, not a politician, despite his past support for the farmers' protest and recent appeals to enter politics.

CJP protest: Wangchuk loses 6 kg as fast enters 8th day

CJP protest: Wangchuk loses 6 kg as fast enters 8th day

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities, entered its 16th day on Sunday, while it was the eighth day of an indefinite hunger strike announced by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has lost around six kg since beginning the fast.

Nothing to do with track 2 India-Pakistan dialogue: Govt

Nothing to do with track 2 India-Pakistan dialogue: Govt

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the Indian government has no involvement or official support for Track 2 discussions on India-Pakistan ties, even when retired Indian officials participate. He clarified that such participants speak in their personal capacities and do not represent the government's views, and New Delhi does not take cognisance of these private events.

'Heroines Still Get Paid Less Than Heroes'

'Heroines Still Get Paid Less Than Heroes'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'Heroes get private chartered planes while we don't even make as much money. Unfortunately, that discrimination still exits.'

Court Orders Case Against 69 Indian Bank Staff In Rs 5 Crore Embezzlement

Court Orders Case Against 69 Indian Bank Staff In Rs 5 Crore Embezzlement

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Police in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against 69 former and serving officers and employees of an Indian Bank branch for allegedly embezzling nearly Rs 5 crore from a union account. The case was filed following a court order after the accused failed to return the embezzled funds despite an earlier undertaking.

Wangchuk's hunger strike enters Day 6, Dipke calls for solidarity fast

Wangchuk's hunger strike enters Day 6, Dipke calls for solidarity fast

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

As activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered the sixth day on Friday, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said he appeared "far weaker and more exhausted" and urged supporters across the country to observe a one-day fast in solidarity with the protest.

The Unforgettable Lesson My Father Taught Me

The Unforgettable Lesson My Father Taught Me

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Udaipur's Dilip Shah reveals why he is so proud of his father. A Father's Day Special.

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.

After Class 8 row, new NCERT Class 9 textbook hails judiciary

After Class 8 row, new NCERT Class 9 textbook hails judiciary

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A new Class 9 NCERT textbook describes the judiciary as an "impartial and independent institution" that safeguards citizens' rights and upholds the Constitution, contrasting with a previous Class 8 textbook that sparked controversy over its depiction of judicial corruption. The new textbook was prepared before the Class 8 controversy erupted.

10 Jailed for Life in Rajasthan Over Cooperative Society Feud Murder

10 Jailed for Life in Rajasthan Over Cooperative Society Feud Murder

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A special court in Kota, Rajasthan, sentenced ten individuals to life imprisonment for the 2019 murder of a police constable's brother, stemming from rivalry in a local cooperative society election.

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'We ourselves hadn't heard it initially. Many people called us. The entire village was overjoyed.'

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Congress leader Manish Tewari expressed his disappointment after being overlooked in the recent Punjab Congress reshuffle for upcoming assembly polls, posting a cryptic message on X about "insecurities of individuals and institutions" while reaffirming his loyalty to the party. The reshuffle saw key appointments for election committees, including Charanjit Singh Channi as Campaign Committee chairman, but notably excluded Tewari.

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

WhatsApp is finally letting you hide your phone number behind a custom username. While it's a massive win for privacy, cybersecurity experts warn it could unleash a wave of identity scams. Here is what you need to know.

Why Bombay High Court Says FIR Delay Cannot Quash Sexual Assault Cases

Why Bombay High Court Says FIR Delay Cannot Quash Sexual Assault Cases

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that delay in lodging an FIR for sexual assault and harassment cases cannot be the sole ground for quashing a criminal prosecution, especially given the societal challenges families face in reporting such incidents. The court dismissed a petition by a man accused of molesting his domestic help, rejecting his arguments about delayed complaint and false implication.

Police Book Greater Noida Resident Over Domestic Help Assault

Police Book Greater Noida Resident Over Domestic Help Assault

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Police in Greater Noida have booked a housing society resident for allegedly slapping a domestic help during a dispute over advance payment. The incident occurred at Purvanchal Royal City Society, and a case has been registered under Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Stepping up attack against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to demand his resignation and exhorted students, farmers and civil society groups to join him at Jantar Mantar on June 28.

Gurugram: Youths Held For Ruckus, Assaulting Security Guard

Gurugram: Youths Held For Ruckus, Assaulting Security Guard

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Three people were arrested in Gurugram for allegedly creating a ruckus and assaulting a security guard at a housing society after playing loud music from their SUV.

UN Women warns AI amplifies gender bias, digital violence

UN Women warns AI amplifies gender bias, digital violence

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

UN Women has issued a stark warning that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is placing women at a higher risk of discrimination and digital violence, citing studies that reveal significant gender bias in AI systems and large language models.

'People Want To Kill Me'

'People Want To Kill Me'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

'My wife was disturbed. She didn't know how to sleep next to me. It was traumatising.' 'I remember having a frankie at a roadside stall, and a lady came to me and shouted, 'Oh my God!'' 'I said, 'No, no, no... I'm just an actor'.

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.

The 10 Best Indian Films Of 2026 So Far

The 10 Best Indian Films Of 2026 So Far

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

From Ikkis to Balan: The Boy, these are the 10 Indian films that truly deserved the loudest applause in the first half of 2026.

'What If A Mother's Daughter Goes Missing?'

'What If A Mother's Daughter Goes Missing?'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'How will this woman find her? And how does that affect her, because it's not a biological relationship.'

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Free, customizable "fan bands" have become the unexpected must-have souvenir at the 2026 World Cup, with over 700,000 distributed. Sponsored by Bank of America, these charm wristlets feature subtle branding and have gone viral, even appearing on resale platforms. This marketing strategy offers a counterpoint to the tournament's high ticket and merchandise prices, proving that unique, free items can create significant fan engagement and brand visibility.

Indian Conservationist Dr Krithi K Karanth Wins Prestigious Royal Geographical Society Prize

Indian Conservationist Dr Krithi K Karanth Wins Prestigious Royal Geographical Society Prize

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Dr Krithi K Karanth, CEO of the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), has been awarded the 2026 Esmond B Martin Royal Geographical Society Prize for her contributions to understanding ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.

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.

'Terrorist is a terrorist,' no justification for murderous ideology: India at UN

'Terrorist is a terrorist,' no justification for murderous ideology: India at UN

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, asserted that 'a terrorist is a terrorist' and called on the international community to collectively root out the 'murderous ideology' without seeking any justification for terrorism.