News for 'Society'

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan faces criticism for using his caste surname 'Menon' during his swearing-in ceremony, igniting a debate on caste identity and political messaging.

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Nagaland is seeking to implement the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations in a way that respects the state's customary laws and traditional systems of care, while remaining legally sound.

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already jailed for alleged rape and fraud, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Rs 70-crore money laundering case. The arrest follows court approval and is part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale extortion racket.

Throwing non-veg food waste in Ganga could hurt religious sentiments: HC on iftar party row

Throwing non-veg food waste in Ganga could hurt religious sentiments: HC on iftar party row

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has observed that throwing non-vegetarian food waste into the river Ganga could hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, while granting bail to five persons accused of throwing leftovers into the river during an iftar party on a boat in Varanasi.

'Saif Ali Khan Is Angrez, But When He's Performing...'

'Saif Ali Khan Is Angrez, But When He's Performing...'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'He is 500 times better than you think he is.'

'Life Is Too Short To Be Unhappy': Amrita Puri

'Life Is Too Short To Be Unhappy': Amrita Puri

Rediff.com7 May 2026

In the latest episode of The Rediff Podcast, Amrita Puri opens up about breaking stereotypes, dealing with the stigma of divorce and how therapy helped her find peace and self-love.

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'People don't like leaders who just crib and complain without offering a clear objective.' 'Theoretically and pragmatically, Rahul has to show an agenda beyond bad-mouthing Mr Modi on economic policies, foreign policy...'

Conrad Sangma Calls For Action After Northeast Woman Assaulted In Delhi

Conrad Sangma Calls For Action After Northeast Woman Assaulted In Delhi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has expressed his concern over the alleged assault of a woman from the Northeast in Delhi and called for stringent legal action against the accused.

Former Army Chief Naravane supports RSS leader's push for talks with Pakistan

Former Army Chief Naravane supports RSS leader's push for talks with Pakistan

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Former Army Chief General (retd) Manoj Naravane has supported RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale's stand for fostering dialogue and people-to-people connections with neighbouring Pakistan, saying that such engagements are 'important'.

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India has reiterated its commitment to human rights and democracy following criticism from a Norwegian newspaper commentator during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Norway.

Woman Maoist carrying Rs 15 lakh bounty held in Kolkata, another surrenders

Woman Maoist carrying Rs 15 lakh bounty held in Kolkata, another surrenders

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A woman Maoist leader carrying a bounty of Rs 15 lakh was arrested in Kolkata, while another red rebel surrendered before the police, a senior officer said.

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.

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'Congress needs a positive agenda rather than primarily picking up on two business houses.'

Delhi Congress To Launch Yatra Demanding Justice For Slain Agent

Delhi Congress To Launch Yatra Demanding Justice For Slain Agent

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Delhi Congress will launch a 12-day 'Kalash Yatra' across 33 Purvanchal-dominated Assembly constituencies, carrying the ashes of slain delivery agent Pandav Kumar and demanding Rs 1 crore in compensation for the deceased's family.

Ex-Company Officials Get Jail Term In IDBI Fraud Case

Ex-Company Officials Get Jail Term In IDBI Fraud Case

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Delhi court has sentenced three former officials of a company to four years in jail for defrauding the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI). The court emphasised that leniency would undermine the justice system and public confidence in the law.

Kaziranga Turtle Conservation Milestone

Kaziranga Turtle Conservation Milestone

Rediff.com16 May 2026

India's first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle released in Kaziranga.

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.

'Challenges Are Not New To Us'

'Challenges Are Not New To Us'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'Unfortunately the treasury is empty, in zero. So we have to first make money for the development activities of the state, and also to continue the welfare measures.'

Supreme Court Overturns Order Suspending Kuldeep Sengar's Life Sentence

Supreme Court Overturns Order Suspending Kuldeep Sengar's Life Sentence

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has overturned a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, instructing the High Court to reconsider the plea.

ED Raids In Punjab: Money Laundering Probe Intensifies

ED Raids In Punjab: Money Laundering Probe Intensifies

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an alleged associate of an OSD in the CMO, as part of a money laundering probe into a land fraud case.

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.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

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.

Nirbhaya again: Woman gang-raped inside sleeper bus in Delhi

Nirbhaya again: Woman gang-raped inside sleeper bus in Delhi

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Based on the woman's statement, a first information report (FIR) has been registered and an investigation has been launched into the matter.

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.

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.

Trio Arrested In Ahmedabad For Illegal Cow Slaughter

Trio Arrested In Ahmedabad For Illegal Cow Slaughter

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Three individuals have been arrested in Ahmedabad's Vejalpur area for allegedly slaughtering cows in violation of Gujarat's strict laws against cow slaughter. The arrests followed a police raid on an open field where the act was reportedly taking place.

How Sports Can Positively Impact Young People

How Sports Can Positively Impact Young People

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlights the transformative role of sports in shaping young minds and fostering community spirit at a documentary screening.

Chouhan Launches Free Coaching For Disadvantaged Students

Chouhan Launches Free Coaching For Disadvantaged Students

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched 'Mama Coaching Classes' in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha to provide free coaching and guidance for competitive examinations to economically disadvantaged yet talented students.

Five Arrested In Faridabad Over Sextortion Racket

Five Arrested In Faridabad Over Sextortion Racket

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Faridabad police arrested five suspects, including the kingpin, linked to a sextortion racket that allegedly trapped people using fake profiles on social media and online dating platforms before coercing them for money.

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Belagavi, Karnataka, have arrested the operator of Shivam Associates, accused of running a multi-crore Ponzi scheme that promised high returns to depositors. The case has been registered under the BUDS Act and KPID Act, and will be transferred to the CID for further investigation.

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has permitted euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs to mitigate the threat to human life. The ruling includes several directives to manage the rising stray dog population, emphasising public safety and animal welfare.

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya advocated a new land policy to facilitate large-scale industrialisation and assured investors of a 'fearless' environment in the state.

St Stephen's College Names First Woman Principal Since 1881

St Stephen's College Names First Woman Principal Since 1881

Rediff.com12 May 2026

St Stephen's College, Delhi University, has appointed Professor Susan Elias as its first woman principal since its establishment in 1881. The appointment is effective from June 1, 2026.

Bihar DGP: Gang Rape Cases More Common Now

Bihar DGP: Gang Rape Cases More Common Now

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar expressed concern over the increasing frequency of gang-rape incidents in the state, attributing it to growing social tolerance and calling for stricter implementation of laws and a change in mindset.

Scientists Decode How Plants Use Molecular Traps To Fight Viruses

Scientists Decode How Plants Use Molecular Traps To Fight Viruses

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Scientists at CSIR-CCMB have decoded the molecular mechanisms behind how plants use 'sticky' protein droplets to trap and disable invading viruses, potentially leading to more resilient crops and new treatments for human diseases like dementia.

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka: Key Developments

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka: Key Developments

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Karnataka have arrested an individual running a firm accused of operating a multi-crore deposit scam, attracting investments with promises of high returns. The case involves Shivaanand S Neelanavar and his firm Shivam Associates, also known as Acumen, who allegedly failed to return money to depositors after promising a 36 per cent annual return.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a woman who was allegedly harassed for dowry. Her family had requested a second autopsy, which was initially rejected by a court.

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A Hindu party has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court regarding the Bhojshala complex dispute, seeking a hearing before any orders are passed on appeals against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision.