News for 'Southern India'

Real estate giant DLF aims to launch Mumbai project by next quarter

Real estate giant DLF aims to launch Mumbai project by next quarter

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

DLF will officially launch its Mumbai housing project in the next quarter as the company has received the RERA approval a day before, while the real estate major sold out all 1,164 units in its luxury residential project Privana North securing Rs 11,000 crore revenue, DLF Homes joint managing director and chief business officer Aakash Ohri said.

Opposition walks out of RS over debate on duplicate voters

Opposition walks out of RS over debate on duplicate voters

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Opposition parties in India's Rajya Sabha, including the Congress and the TMC, walked out of the chamber after their demand for a discussion on the Election Commission's alleged lapses in issuing duplicate voter ID cards and delimitation was disallowed. The Deputy Chairman, Harivansh, rejected the notices under Rule 267, citing non-compliance with previous rulings. While TMC and Congress MPs focused on the duplicate voter ID issue, Tamil parties expressed concerns about the impact of delimitation on southern states. Despite raising slogans and pressing for a discussion, the opposition staged a walkout after their notices were rejected and their statements deemed not part of the official record.

India set to take back 18,000 illegal migrants from US

India set to take back 18,000 illegal migrants from US

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

During his inauguration on Monday, President Trump declared a national emergency at the US southern border.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun questioning Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the deadly strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being held at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi. The interrogation is focused on his possible connection with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his suspected links with the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Israel-Iran: What Are Trump's Options?

Israel-Iran: What Are Trump's Options?

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Trump has a major decision to take in coming days -- specifically, how to rescue Israel from the attritional war that lies ahead, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The editorial came amidst the ongoing tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led Left Democratic Front government over the usage of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official functions being held in Raj Bhavan.

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'Peninsular Indians could ask 'Why should we contribute half of India's tax revenues if we account for only a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha?'.' 'The rest of the country seems likely to counter that 'democracy means one vote per person irrespective of where that person resides in India'.' 'With no easy answers to this thorny debate, the south's economic ascendancy could end up creating a Hobson's choice.' A revealing excerpt from Nandita Rajhansa and Saurabh Mukherjea's book, Behold the Leviathan: The Unusual Rise of Modern India.

They Took The Tiranga Around The World

They Took The Tiranga Around The World

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Lieutenant Commanders Roopa A and Dilna K from the Indian Navy have stamped India's name on the high seas.

Complaint filed against Kamal Haasan, ban on film likely

Complaint filed against Kamal Haasan, ban on film likely

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Actor Kamal Haasan has sparked outrage in Karnataka after he said "Tamil gave birth to Kannada" at an event in Chennai. Pro-Kannada groups have staged protests across the state, demanding an apology from the actor. They have also threatened to disrupt screenings of his upcoming film "Thug Life" in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce is also set to discuss a possible ban on the actor.

Bengaluru stampede: How Mumbai police managed a flawless T20 WC parade

Bengaluru stampede: How Mumbai police managed a flawless T20 WC parade

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

People arriving in the area were asked to move in an orderly manner to Marine Drive, the official said.

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The central government has empowered the Army Chief to call out 'every officer and every enrolled person' of the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or to be embodied to support or supplement the regular Army.

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Vijay is counting on what was once proclaimed as his last filmi outing, Jana Nayagan, or 'People's Hero', to do the trick for him, when it releases on January 9, 2026, only months before the assembly poll, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

IPL Chapter 18 Brings Joy to Iconic No. 18!

IPL Chapter 18 Brings Joy to Iconic No. 18!

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Virat Kohli lifts IPL title finally -- No. 18 meets destiny on the 18th year

Pope Francis likely to visit India after 2025: Union minister

Pope Francis likely to visit India after 2025: Union minister

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Union Minister George Kurian on Saturday said the much-awaited visit of Pope Francis to India is likely to happen after 2025, which has been announced as the 'Jubilee Year' by the Catholic Church.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, is set to be extradited to India from the US. Rana was involved in the planning and execution of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people, including six Americans. He assisted Headley in obtaining a visa for India, established a front company in Mumbai, and helped in reconnaissance of targets in Mumbai and New Delhi. Rana was convicted in the US for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and sentenced to 14 years in prison. His extradition to India will allow authorities to question him about his involvement in the Mumbai attacks and potentially uncover new information about the role of Pakistani state actors.

How 2 Women Spent 8 Months At Sea

How 2 Women Spent 8 Months At Sea

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

What tasks they accomplished, how they stayed fit, what did they eat, whom did they meet, what they brought back... amazing stories from an epic voyage.

India's southern-most constituency

India's southern-most constituency

Rediff.com12 May 2009

Kanyakumari has the highest per capita income in Tamil Nadu and the second highest literacy rate. There are 23 candidates the fray.

Amazon Pay UPI surpasses 100 million customers, marking a major milestone

Amazon Pay UPI surpasses 100 million customers, marking a major milestone

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

Amazon Pay UPI has crossed 100 million customers, with the online platform used mainly for e-commerce transactions, utility bill payments and mobile recharges, the company announced on Monday.

NCERT drops Mughals, Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 books, adds Maha Kumbh

NCERT drops Mughals, Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 books, adds Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed all references to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate from its class 7 textbooks. The new textbooks, released this week, have been designed in line with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasize incorporating Indian traditions, philosophies, knowledge systems, and local context into school education. The textbooks now include new chapters on ancient Indian dynasties, sacred geography, and government initiatives like Make in India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The revamp has been met with criticism from opposition parties who equate it with "saffronisation."

Why did India plan to pick cheetahs from Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan?

Why did India plan to pick cheetahs from Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2024

Due to the differences in circadian rhythms between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, some cheetahs developed thick winter coats during the Indian summer and monsoon last year, anticipating the African winter (June to September).

India's cement sector sees a concrete 2024 with over 10 major deals

India's cement sector sees a concrete 2024 with over 10 major deals

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

With over 10 deals announced in 2024, the cement sector logged the highest number of pacts, including acquisitions and fresh financial investments, in a single calendar year since 2014, with the combined value of investments over $3.5 billion. During the year so far, 11 deals have been announced, according to Bloomberg data.

How ITC plans to build a future-ready portfolio

How ITC plans to build a future-ready portfolio

Rediff.com6 May 2025

There remains a debate on who said this: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, Sir?" Was it the British economist John Maynard Keynes or the American economist Paul Samuelson. Irrespective of who said it, this sentiment appears to have found resonance in ITC's boardroom in recent years.

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Actor Kamal Haasan launched Makkal Needhi Miam at a public meeting in Madurai in 2018.

Are Luxury Homes Fuelling Surge In Home Loan Growth?

Are Luxury Homes Fuelling Surge In Home Loan Growth?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

More than 58% of individual housing loans disbursed in 2023-2024 were more than 25 lakh in size.

Stunning Sanya, Draped In Gold

Stunning Sanya, Draped In Gold

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

Blending the magic of the Kanjeevaram as a sculpted corset, worn with a Banarasi sari, the effect is both contemporary and exquisite.

Wipro Consumer to launch snack brand, focus on southern markets

Wipro Consumer to launch snack brand, focus on southern markets

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting on Thursday announced the acquisition of Brahmins - a Kerala-based traditional vegetarian, spice mix and ready-to-cook brand - and it has also drawn up plans to launch its snacks brand targeting the southern market. The company will focus on the southern market and is in the process of launching its own brand in the fast-growing ready-to-eat and snacks segment, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting and managing director Vineet Agrawal told PTI. He further said Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting would take the acquisition route for expanding in the spices segment.

Ambedkar favoured smaller states; proposed MP, UP's division

Ambedkar favoured smaller states; proposed MP, UP's division

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Ambedkar argued that smaller states would allow citizens to have more control over public spending and governance.

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The IMD issued a "Nowcast" warning, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph at isolated places in Mumbai in the next three to four hours.

'3-Language Formula Is A Burden On All Students'

'3-Language Formula Is A Burden On All Students'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'Why should children, who are already burdened with so many subjects, be over-burdened with three languages?'

2 Women, 1 Boat & A Journey Around The World

2 Women, 1 Boat & A Journey Around The World

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'The Pacific crossing was the longest and toughest leg.' 'Temperatures dropped near zero and they navigated through two cyclones.'

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A new report, "India Justice Report 2025", highlights the stark gender disparity in India's police force, with less than 1,000 women holding senior positions like Director-Generals and Superintendents of Police. Despite growing awareness about the need for gender diversity in law enforcement, not a single state or Union Territory has met its target for women's representation in the police force. The report also emphasizes the significant challenges faced by the justice system as a whole, including infrastructural deficiencies, overcrowding in prisons, and inadequate staffing levels. The report calls for systemic reforms to address these issues and ensure a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.

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.