News for 'Society'

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21, with plans to transition to a computer-based test from next year. This decision follows allegations of irregularities in the original exam, prompting strict action and a commitment to ensuring fairness for students.

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, suggesting the Muslim community seek land elsewhere for a mosque.

Punjab's New Bill Focuses On Prison Reform And Rehabilitation

Punjab's New Bill Focuses On Prison Reform And Rehabilitation

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, aims to transform prisons into centres of reform, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, focusing on inmates' human rights, transparency, and security.

Shilpa Nadkarni: The INSPIRING Mother Of An Autistic Child

Shilpa Nadkarni: The INSPIRING Mother Of An Autistic Child

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Shilpa Nadkarni's gently told truths, her strong hold on faith and the hard-earned life lessons that she shares... it will make you laud this strong, brave mother.

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the state and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of upcoming elections, following twin blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar.

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an alleged associate of a Punjab Aam Aadmi Party functionary, as part of a money laundering probe against two realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

Woman Ends Life In Ghaziabad; Was Suffering From Mental Health Issues

Woman Ends Life In Ghaziabad; Was Suffering From Mental Health Issues

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A 65-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide by jumping from the 29th floor of a building in Ghaziabad. She had been struggling with mental health issues following the death of her husband.

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an official in the CMO, as part of a money laundering probe against realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

Are You Ready For Shekhar Suman 2.0?

Are You Ready For Shekhar Suman 2.0?

Rediff.com12 May 2026

'Shekhar Tonite will critique the government, but it will not hit out. The show will nudge and point out what can be done better to bring change.'

Unemployed Man Dies After Fall From Faridabad Building

Unemployed Man Dies After Fall From Faridabad Building

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A 33-year-old man, reportedly undergoing treatment for mental health issues, died after falling from the sixth floor of a residential building in Faridabad. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Kolkata Police Vows Strict Action Against Violence

Kolkata Police Vows Strict Action Against Violence

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand has warned of strict action against anyone disturbing law and order following the West Bengal assembly elections. Eighty people have been arrested so far, and rallies involving bulldozers will not be permitted.

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Land Use Violations

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Land Use Violations

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in Punjab and Chandigarh, targeting realty groups and individuals linked to an official in the Chief Minister's Office, as part of a money laundering investigation into fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

Gurugram Flat Fire: Blaze Engulfs Home In Anant Raj Estate

Gurugram Flat Fire: Blaze Engulfs Home In Anant Raj Estate

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A fire broke out in a flat in Gurugram's Anant Raj Estate, Sector 63A, on Wednesday. Five fire tenders took three hours to extinguish the blaze, which gutted the flat. No casualties were reported.

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.

Notorious Drug Peddler Detained In Reasi, Opium Crop Destroyed

Notorious Drug Peddler Detained In Reasi, Opium Crop Destroyed

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Police in Reasi district detained a drug peddler under the PIT-NDPS Act and destroyed an illegally cultivated opium poppy crop in separate anti-narcotics operations.

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

Rediff.com9 May 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities during the elections.

Dog Trainer Jailed For Harassing Teen Online

Dog Trainer Jailed For Harassing Teen Online

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison by a special POCSO court in Thane for sexually harassing and threatening a teenage girl after befriending her on social media while posing as a female.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

Kerala Assembly Polls: NSS Chief On UDF Victory

Kerala Assembly Polls: NSS Chief On UDF Victory

Rediff.com6 May 2026

NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair stated that the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly polls was due to public dissatisfaction with the government, not individual efforts. He also mentioned ongoing differences with Congress leader V D Satheesan but denied issuing directions on whom to support in the elections.

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The BJP, especially in its current edition under the prime minister, is clear that it seeks total exclusion of India's largest minority against whom it holds historical resentment, points out Aakar Patel.

Why The Energy Crisis Will Get Worse

Why The Energy Crisis Will Get Worse

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted some 20 per cent of the global flows but even if it opens, damages to production facilities in the region will take time to repair, points out Sunita Narain.

Jammu Authorities Demolish Homes Of Alleged Drug Peddlers

Jammu Authorities Demolish Homes Of Alleged Drug Peddlers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Authorities in Jammu demolished three houses belonging to alleged drug peddlers as part of an ongoing campaign against drug trafficking in the region.

Punjab Minister Accuses ED Of Defaming Him In Raids

Punjab Minister Accuses ED Of Defaming Him In Raids

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of defaming him by linking his name to a raid operation conducted on realty groups in Punjab and Chandigarh. Arora denies any wrongdoing and claims the ED's actions are politically motivated.

How Auto Driver's Bravery Stopped Chain Snatching In Hyderabad

How Auto Driver's Bravery Stopped Chain Snatching In Hyderabad

Rediff.com5 May 2026

An auto-rickshaw driver in Hyderabad is being hailed as a hero after he bravely intervened to stop a notorious criminal from snatching a gold chain. Mohammed Zaher used his vehicle to block the perpetrator and resisted an assault until police arrived. His actions have been praised by the Hyderabad Police Commissioner.

'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.'

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

J&K Police Deploy Canine Unit To Curb Drug Trade In Shopian

J&K Police Deploy Canine Unit To Curb Drug Trade In Shopian

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district have deployed a canine unit to bolster efforts against drug trafficking and trade under the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan'.

Mumbai Man Arrested For Dangerous Birthday Social Media Reel

Mumbai Man Arrested For Dangerous Birthday Social Media Reel

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A Mumbai automobile dealer was arrested after setting fire to a public road to create a social media reel for his 33rd birthday, police said.

Why Cannes' Pick Amma Ariyan Is A Haunting Masterpiece

Why Cannes' Pick Amma Ariyan Is A Haunting Masterpiece

Rediff.com12 May 2026

John Abraham's 1986 film Amma Ariyan, now heading to the 2026 Cannes film festival, remains one of Malayalam cinema's most politically charged and unsettling masterpieces.

'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.'

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'

Kathua Rape-Murder Case: Court Denies Bail To Accused

Kathua Rape-Murder Case: Court Denies Bail To Accused

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rejected bail for Shubham Sangra, the main accused in the 2018 rape and murder case of a minor nomad girl in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, citing the heinous nature of the crime.

From Vicky Donor to Andhadhun: 10 Best Ayushmann Khurrana Movies, Ranked

From Vicky Donor to Andhadhun: 10 Best Ayushmann Khurrana Movies, Ranked

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Ayushmann Khurrana, known for consistently breaking conventions with his choice of roles and projects since his 2012 debut in 'Vicky Donor', is gearing up for his new release 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do'. Ahead of its release, a list ranks his top 10 standout films, highlighting his unique contributions to Indian cinema.

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Bajaj Auto is set to launch new Pulsar motorcycles in the 125cc and 150-250cc segments in Q2 FY27, aiming to capitalise on the upcoming festival season surge. This move follows strong growth in the 150cc-plus segment, where refreshed Pulsar models already account for over 50 per cent of Bajaj's sales.

UP's new cuisine map leaves non-veg off the menu

UP's new cuisine map leaves non-veg off the menu

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government's 'One District One Cuisine' initiative, aimed at promoting local delicacies, has drawn criticism for omitting several iconic non-vegetarian dishes closely associated with the state's districts.

Punjab Minister Accuses ED Of Politically Motivated Defamation

Punjab Minister Accuses ED Of Politically Motivated Defamation

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Punjab Minister Aman Arora has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of defaming him by linking his name to recent raids in a money laundering probe. Arora alleges the BJP-led Centre is running a politically motivated campaign to malign him and has offered full cooperation with any inquiry.

Why The UK Raised Its Terror Threat Level To Severe

Why The UK Raised Its Terror Threat Level To Severe

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The UK's terror threat level has been raised from 'substantial' to 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely, following antisemitic stabbings in north-west London. The decision was made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre due to rising Islamist and extreme right-wing threats.

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a 'mafia culture' and 'maha jungle raj' in West Bengal following the killing of an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The party alleges the incident reflects institutionalised post-poll violence in the state and demands a CBI probe.

Jammu SSP Warns of Strict Action Against Drug Peddlers and Errant Police Officers

Jammu SSP Warns of Strict Action Against Drug Peddlers and Errant Police Officers

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Jammu police have intensified their crackdown on narcotics under the 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyan', with a zero-tolerance approach. The SSP has warned of strict accountability for police personnel and highlighted the alarming rise in drug peddling, terming it a conspiracy by an 'enemy country'.