News for 'State Honours'

Amid row, govt to allocate space for Manmohan Singh memorial in Delhi

Amid row, govt to allocate space for Manmohan Singh memorial in Delhi

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The Indian government has announced it will allocate space for a memorial to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, following a request from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The announcement comes after the Congress party criticized the government for not finding a location for Singh's cremation and memorial, calling it a deliberate insult. Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.

'Op Sindoor is 'not over', Pak must hand over Hafiz, Lakhvi'

'Op Sindoor is 'not over', Pak must hand over Hafiz, Lakhvi'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The fight against terrorism will continue. We have set a new normal and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists and we have to destroy their infrastructure. So it is still not over but as we speak the ceasefire is still intact'

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The reality is that far from being friendless, India is better positioned in the world than at any point post-Cold War, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

'It is important India to stay focussed on its primary national objectives: Combating terrorism; not losing sight of other security and strategic concerns (on the Sino-Indian front for instance); ensuring a strong economy and registering growth which includes improving the lot of common people; and finally making certain that the social fabric remains intact and harmony among people is not jeopardised, at least any further,' asserts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'Granting the country's highest civilian honour to Prime Minister Modi was surprising as it indicated the government was going out of its way to have India as a close partner.'

A Salute To The Brave Who Gave Us Their All

A Salute To The Brave Who Gave Us Their All

Rediff.com16 May 2025

With respect and gratitude we honour the memory of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Operation Sindoor.

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Kabir, the son of Col Manpreet Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir, believes his father will return home after receiving the Kirti Chakra. The 10-year-old boy, who lit his father's pyre 19 months ago, clings to the hope that his father is alive and well, despite the reality of his death.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine

Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed holding direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions, a move welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who insisted that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire first.

Trump picks China hawk, India's friend as NSA, Secy of State

Trump picks China hawk, India's friend as NSA, Secy of State

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

By picking Rubio and Waltz as his top diplomat and NSA guarantees a continuation of bi-partisan support and further strengthening of India-US relationship under the second Trump administration.

Conversion to Islam bona fide if done by free-will, with sound mind: HC

Conversion to Islam bona fide if done by free-will, with sound mind: HC

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The HC said this while dismissing a petition by Taufik Ahmad who had sought quashing of proceedings against him on charges of rape and unlawful religious conversion of a Hindu girl to Islam through misrepresentation under the UP anti-conversion law.

Country, Army have bowed down before Modi, says MP deputy CM

Country, Army have bowed down before Modi, says MP deputy CM

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The controversy followed after another Madhya Pradesh minister, Vijay Shah, came under fire for remarks about Col Sofiya Qureshi who conducted media briefings on Operation Sindoor along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Delegations firm on terror: World must eradicate this scourge

Delegations firm on terror: World must eradicate this scourge

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

All-party parliamentary delegations on Monday met with the leaders of several countries and highlighted India's resolve to combat terrorism, which they stressed must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity.

You're the only leader who can talk to...: Chile Prez praises Modi

You're the only leader who can talk to...: Chile Prez praises Modi

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

India and Chile on Tuesday announced starting negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership pact as PM Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font held wide-ranging talks focusing on boosting the ties in areas of trade, defence, critical minerals and health.

Congress leaders pay last respects to Manmohan Singh at AICC HQ

Congress leaders pay last respects to Manmohan Singh at AICC HQ

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's mortal remains were brought to the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday, where top party leaders paid their last respects. Singh, who headed the Congress-led UPA government and is considered the architect of India's economic reforms, died on Thursday at 92. A seven-day national mourning will be observed throughout the country in his honor.

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called upon the West Bengal government to "act urgently" to address the grievances of the riot-hit people of Murshidabad district, particularly women. Rahatkar, who visited the riot-affected areas in Murshidabad and Malda over the weekend, said the commission is preparing a report which will be submitted soon to the Centre with copies to top state officials. The report will incorporate the views of women who narrated their ordeal during the violence, including demands for a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the affected area. Rahatkar also expressed concern about the lack of action by the State Women's Commission in visiting the affected areas.

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'In today's political spectrum, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party that always says, nation first.'

New Head Coach Gambhir 'honoured to serve tricolour'

New Head Coach Gambhir 'honoured to serve tricolour'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

'I have always taken pride while donning the Indian jersey during my playing days and it is going to be no different when I take up this new role.'

Bengali theatre icon returns state award over doctor's murder

Bengali theatre icon returns state award over doctor's murder

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

Bandyopadhyay, eminent playwright and director, said in a statement that he is returning the award conferred on him earlier this year by the Paschimbanga Natya Akademi and the Rs 30,000 monetary grant.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

NCW steps in as foreign secy, daughter trolled after India-Pak truce

NCW steps in as foreign secy, daughter trolled after India-Pak truce

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who faced trolling on social media in the wake of India and Pakistan reaching an understanding on May 10 to halt all military actions, has received support from veteran diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao, a body of Indian diplomats and a host of politicians from several parties.

'Tharoor Is Perhaps Donning Two Hats'

'Tharoor Is Perhaps Donning Two Hats'

Rediff.com18 May 2025

'The Congress submitted four names to the government as the people who should accompany the delegation.' 'I don't know what happened to those names.' 'When I was approached, I told them to speak to my party.' 'I have no further involvement with this delegation.'

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

New York City declares April 14 as Dr BR Ambedkar Day

New York City declares April 14 as Dr BR Ambedkar Day

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Mayor's Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan made the announcement in the presence of Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Ramdas Athawale, who delivered the keynote address at a special event organised at the UN headquarters on Monday to commemorate Dr Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary.

Tharoor in diplomatic delegation: Cong accuses govt of playing politics

Tharoor in diplomatic delegation: Cong accuses govt of playing politics

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The opposition party's attack came after Shashi Tharoor, not part of the four leaders nominated by the Congress, was named as the head of a delegation to key partner countries to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following Operation Sindoor.

When Delhi CM Rekha Gupta felt like Nayak's Anil Kapoor

When Delhi CM Rekha Gupta felt like Nayak's Anil Kapoor

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said she felt like the protagonist of the Hindi movie Nayak after being selected for the post and asserted that it was not a 'lottery' but an honour for all daughters of the country.

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

Rediff.com15 May 2025

While Sachin Tendulkar's 2013 farewell became a national pilgrimage, a vibrant celebration befitting a cricketing deity, the exits of many other Indian icons this century have been quieter journeys into the twilight.

'Marks Don't Matter...': College Topper's Viral Post

'Marks Don't Matter...': College Topper's Viral Post

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'I am a topper aur mujhe internship nahi mil rahi hai (I am a topper but I don't have an internship),' says Bisma Fareed.

AIADMK, BJP patch up after 2 yrs; EPS to lead alliance in TN, says Shah

AIADMK, BJP patch up after 2 yrs; EPS to lead alliance in TN, says Shah

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bharatiya Janata Party and all the alliance parties will contest the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu together under the National Democratic Alliance. The significant political development comes ahead of the TN Assembly election to be held in 2026,

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

Mother, family targeted over Nadeem invite: Neeraj Chopra

Mother, family targeted over Nadeem invite: Neeraj Chopra

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Two-time Olympic medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra hit out at those targetting him and his family for inviting Pakistan's javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem for the Neeraj Chopra Classic.

Har Har Mahadev! Gujarat village celebrates Sunita's return

Har Har Mahadev! Gujarat village celebrates Sunita's return

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Williams' father, originally from Jhulasan, migrated to the United States in 1957.

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, whose political influence has surged with the passage of time, on Monday was marked by bitter trading of charges between the ruling BJP and opposition parties as they fought for his legacy.

'World lost a giant with a giant heart'

'World lost a giant with a giant heart'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

United States Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressed condolences on veteran industrialist, Ratan Tata's demise on Thursday and said that India, and the world have 'lost a giant with a giant heart'.

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India is confident of securing the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, despite Canada and Nigeria expressing interest in bidding for the event.

CA to honour Hughes to mark his 10th death anniversary

CA to honour Hughes to mark his 10th death anniversary

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

CA said it had produced a documentary in conjunction with Hughes's family to mark the occasion, which will be broadcast before play at Adelaide Oval.

India informs Pakistan why it suspended Indus Water Treaty

India informs Pakistan why it suspended Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect, accusing Pakistan of breaching the pact by refusing to negotiate modifications and engaging in sustained cross-border terrorism. The decision follows a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. Pakistan has rejected India's move, calling it an "act of war."

Sunita's village plans Diwali-like festivities for astronaut's return

Sunita's village plans Diwali-like festivities for astronaut's return

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Residents of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat are celebrating her safe return to Earth with Diwali-like festivities. The village, Jhulasan, is alive with excitement and prayers for Williams' safe return after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. A grand procession will be held in her honour, accompanied by prayer chanting and fireworks.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.