News for 'State for Democracy'

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'They want to keep the pot boiling all the time.' 'The BJP wants to set a political narrative that the Gandhis are doing wrong things.'

Youtuber Savukku Shankar's house targeted; sewage, faeces dumped

Youtuber Savukku Shankar's house targeted; sewage, faeces dumped

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Popular Youtuber Savukku Shankar, known for his criticism of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, had his residence targeted by a group of individuals who allegedly dumped sewage and human faeces inside. The incident has sparked outrage with opposition leaders condemning the act and demanding swift action. Shankar alleges the attack was orchestrated by a top Tamil Nadu Congress Committee leader and a police official, citing a prior corruption expose he made. The police are investigating the incident.

'NSA Mike Waltz would be good for India-US relationship'

'NSA Mike Waltz would be good for India-US relationship'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Waltz after being elected as the Co-Chair of India Caucus in January last year had said that India is the world's largest democracy and an important strategic partner for the United States.

Supreme irony when...: India calls out Pakistan at UN

Supreme irony when...: India calls out Pakistan at UN

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has sharply criticized Pakistan, calling it the "global epicenter of terrorism" and accusing it of providing state support to cross-border terrorism. Harish's remarks came in response to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Ishaq Dar's comments on Jammu and Kashmir during a UN Security Council meeting. India highlighted that Pakistan harbors over 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and has a history of supporting groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat Ul Mujahidin. India also emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that Pakistan's misinformation campaign does not change the reality on the ground.

India to be 3rd largest economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley

India to be 3rd largest economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

India will be the world's third-largest economy by 2028 as it becomes the world's most sought-after consumer market and gains share in global output, driven by macro stability influenced policy and better infrastructure, Morgan Stanley said. From a $3.5 trillion economy in 2023, the Indian economy is projected to expand to $4.7 trillion in 2026, which will make it the fourth largest in the world behind the US, China and Germany.

Test of democracy is will I be allowed to reply, says Rahul Gandhi

Test of democracy is will I be allowed to reply, says Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com17 Mar 2023

If they will allow I will speak inside the parliament, the Wayanad MP said.

Baseless: Ex-CEC Quraishi on $21m poll funding by US agency

Baseless: Ex-CEC Quraishi on $21m poll funding by US agency

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'There was no financing or even promise of finance involved in MoU, forget X or Y amount'

'Mumbai Rises to Save Democracy'

'Mumbai Rises to Save Democracy'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

'The State has played with their lives. Arsenal proved the machines were hacked and false evidence implanted with false files and letters.'

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Hindu Munnani staged a protest in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, against a group of people consuming non-vegetarian food on the sacred Thiruparankundram hill. The protest, which was initially banned, was allowed by the Madras High Court with some restrictions. Several thousands of devotees, Hindu Munnani functionaries, and BJP members participated in the protest, raising slogans hailing Murugan (Lord Subrahmanya). Hindu Munnani state president Kadeshwara Subramaniam and scores of activists were arrested.

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India needs another shot of difficult reform, of the kind only possible at gunpoint. Mr Trump holds that gun to our heads now. A drastic reduction in tariff protection, other elements of sarkari wet-nursing will force entrepreneurial India to become competitive again, argues Shekhar Gupta.

'Putin And Putin's Elite Hate America'

'Putin And Putin's Elite Hate America'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'Putin will not be bound by any kind of deal he would sign with the US.'

Hurt by its success, people attack Indian democracy: PM's dig at Rahul

Hurt by its success, people attack Indian democracy: PM's dig at Rahul

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

When the country is full of confidence and resolve, and intellectuals of the world are optimistic about India, talk of pessimism, showing the country in poor light and hurting the morale of the country also takes place, he said at the India Today Conclave.

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.

When Trump, Modi or I talk...: Italian PM Meloni slams Left

When Trump, Modi or I talk...: Italian PM Meloni slams Left

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Lending her support to Donald Trump's leadership prowess, the Italian PM said that the Left Wing is nervous about leaders from conservative parties winning and collaborating globally.

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over information regarding USAID funding in India, calling it "concerning" and hinting at potential "bad faith" activities. Jaishankar asserted that India is looking into the matter and that the country should know who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized the need to expand India's security definition in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and narratives on public perception. The statements come amid controversy surrounding USAID funding for certain activities in India, with the US President Donald Trump questioning the agency's funding of voter turnout efforts.

India witnessing death of democracy: Rahul Gandhi

India witnessing death of democracy: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that India is witnessing the 'death of democracy' and anybody who stands against the onset of dictatorship is 'viciously attacked'.

'If India, China join hands...': Beijing's big remark

'If India, China join hands...': Beijing's big remark

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that India-China relations have made positive strides and achieved a series of encouraging outcomes at all levels after last year's breakthrough ending the over four-year-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Wang's remarks came during his annual press conference as he replied to a question on how Beijing views the course of bilateral ties after the two countries ended the prolonged stalemate in the ties.

Jeopardizing...: 6 US lawmakers write to AG against Adani indictment

Jeopardizing...: 6 US lawmakers write to AG against Adani indictment

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Six US Congressmen have written to the Attorney General of the United States expressing concerns over the Department of Justice's indictment of the Adani Group, alleging it jeopardizes relations with India. The letter, signed by Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Mike Haridopolos, Brandon Gill, William R Timmmons, and Brian Babin, criticizes the Biden administration's decision to pursue the case, arguing that it has no real injury to US interests and could negatively impact the strategic partnership between the US and India. The Congressmen call for an investigation into the DOJ's conduct and request records pertaining to the case.

New trend of allegation vs counter-allegation not good for democracy: Om Birla

New trend of allegation vs counter-allegation not good for democracy: Om Birla

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said a "new tradition" of levelling allegations and counter-allegations being observed in Parliament and state Assemblies these days is not proper for the country's constitutional democracy, and stressed the need for constructive debate and discussion in Houses to make democracy "lively and active".

TN governor seems to have adopted own procedure to okay bills: SC

TN governor seems to have adopted own procedure to okay bills: SC

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said, "He (the governor) seems to have adopted his own procedure. He says, 'I withhold assent, but I will not ask you to reconsider the bill'. It does not make sense to keep withholding assent and not send it to the legislature, thereby frustrating the provision of Article 200."

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Journalist and author Chitra Subramaniam has demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) make public its findings from the "box of evidence" received from Switzerland regarding the Bofors payoffs. Subramaniam, author of 'Boforsgate: A Journalist's Pursuit of Truth', expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the evidence, questioning who opened the box, when it was opened, and what it contained. She also raised doubts about the official narrative regarding the alleged bribe in the Bofors case, suggesting the sum of Rs 64 crore may not reflect the full extent of the corruption. Subramaniam also alleged that the CBI planted stories about Hindi film actor Amitabh Bachchan to derail the investigation and launched a political vendetta against the Bachchans. She recalled that Bachchan had come to her home and asked if she had seen his name. The CBI has recently requested assistance from the United States in the case, seeking information from private investigator Michael Hershman, who claims to have crucial details about the scandal. The Bofors scandal, a major bribery case involving the Indian government and the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors in the 1980s, pertains to allegations of a Rs 64-crore bribe in a Rs 1,437-crore deal for the supply of 400 155mm field Howitzers.

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

The United States on Saturday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that organisations funded by the US State Department and elements in the American 'deep state' were behind attempts to destabilise India through targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business tycoon Gautam Adani.

Bypolls held in 7 states amid violence in Uttarakhand, Bengal, Bihar

Bypolls held in 7 states amid violence in Uttarakhand, Bengal, Bihar

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Moderate to high turnout was recorded in 13 assembly constituencies across seven states where bypolls were held on Wednesday amid sporadic incidents of violence in Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal.

'Even Canada and China did not have such bad relations'

'Even Canada and China did not have such bad relations'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The deteriorating ties have raised many questions about the nature of the bilateral relationship, particularly its impact on the large Indo-Canadian population and students currently living in Canada.

'Amen': How world reacted to Trump-Zelensky's fiery clash

'Amen': How world reacted to Trump-Zelensky's fiery clash

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy and the resulting outpouring of support for the Ukrainian leader highlighted the deep fissures that have emerged between America and Europe over Ukraine.

Elect me to save democracy, says Yashwant Sinha

Elect me to save democracy, says Yashwant Sinha

Rediff.com18 Jul 2022

'The presidential poll would decide the direction of the country as to whether democracy will remain or not'

Anti-Trump protests rock Washington ahead of inauguration

Anti-Trump protests rock Washington ahead of inauguration

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

Thousands of people gathered in Washington to protest against Donald Trump's policies ahead of his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The People's March, a coalition of nonprofit bodies, organized the demonstration to voice their opposition to Trump's policies and values. The protesters, displaying anti-Trump posters and banners, chanted slogans against Trump and his supporters, including Tesla owner Elon Musk. Similar protests, though on a smaller scale, were also held in cities like New York, Seattle, and Chicago.

Room for many beliefs but conform to Constitution: SC

Room for many beliefs but conform to Constitution: SC

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that individuals affiliated with political parties are not barred from contesting elections for bar bodies. The court dismissed a PIL seeking directions to prevent such candidates, arguing that a diverse range of ideologies is essential in a democracy and that there is no law prohibiting politically active individuals from participating in bar body elections.

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The US is currently Earth's most powerful country and a certain latitude of understanding -- a world view -- is popularly expected from its leadership. From a country identified with freedom, constitution, debate, democracy and the likes of Abraham Lincoln even as it had the most powerful military around, the US, following Trump's actions, seemed repositioned as militarily powerful with other qualities secondary, observes Shyam G Menon.

'It's A Sad Ending For The BSP'

'It's A Sad Ending For The BSP'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'BSP will remain a player, but only a marginal player, as long as the BJP is extremely dominant in North India politics.'

Elections Are MUST For Democracy

Elections Are MUST For Democracy

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

Democracy is the heart of our body politic and elections are its life blood. Because there is some disease that affects it, we cannot apply leeches to drain it off, killing the body in the process, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

'If we truly wish to understand and apply Marx's insights today, we must reject the rigid dogmas that later 'Marxists' imposed in his name.'

'Indian democracy faces an unprecedented challenge'

'Indian democracy faces an unprecedented challenge'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2021

'The larger intention is to create a political State where there is no opposition.'

'Elon Musk was fascinated about Kumbh Mela'

'Elon Musk was fascinated about Kumbh Mela'

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

Musk said on Friday that he believes India-US ties are "trending positive" and that he favours an enhanced trade partnership between the two nations.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president and a champion of peace and human rights, has died at the age of 100. Carter, who was known for his work with the Carter Center, promoting democracy and conflict resolution, was also a close friend of India. He visited the country in 1978, forging a lasting relationship between the two nations.

Now, Ajit Pawar posts video of checking of his bags

Now, Ajit Pawar posts video of checking of his bags

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's bags were checked by poll personnel on Wednesday while he was onboard a helicopter to travel for poll campaign, and the Nationalist Congress Party leader said such measures are needed to ensure free and fair elections.

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Assam Cabinet on Sunday had decided not to register any case against the Congress MP or his British spouse, who the BJP has accused of having ISI links, but instructed the DGP to file an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

The Two Faces of India's Democracy

The Two Faces of India's Democracy

Rediff.com22 Sep 2022

How should one billion Indians, for whom deprivation has become an inescapable way of life, join us in celebrating 75 years of Independence? And where do we go from here? asks Kalyan Singhal.

Elon Musk joins Trump to address thousands in US city where ex-prez shot at

Elon Musk joins Trump to address thousands in US city where ex-prez shot at

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

Joined by high-profile figures like Tesla owner Elon Musk and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, Trump (78) made a passionate plea to "defeat" Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate in the November 5 presidential poll.

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Trump signed an order to pause enforcing of the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits American companies and foreign firms from bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain or retain business.