News for 'Swami'

CBI arrests 4 in Tirupati laddu adulteration case

CBI arrests 4 in Tirupati laddu adulteration case

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Those arrested have been identified as Vipin Jain and Pomil Jain, former directors of Bhole Baba Dairy, Apoorva Chawda from Vaishnavi Dairy and Raju Rajasekharan from AR Dairy, they said.

Jallianwala Bagh becomes a distinct possibility if...: Ex-SC judge

Jallianwala Bagh becomes a distinct possibility if...: Ex-SC judge

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Nariman has warned that events similar to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre could occur if the 'basic structure' doctrine of the Constitution is diluted. In his new book, 'The Basic Structure Doctrine: Protector of Constitutional Integrity,' Nariman argues that the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati judgment, which established the doctrine, is essential for protecting fundamental rights and preventing constitutional amendments that could lead to such tragedies. Nariman's concerns are echoed by Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan, who applauds the book for its "chilling clarity" and underscores the importance of the Kesavananda Bharati ruling. The book provides a detailed analysis of the doctrine and its implications, highlighting the robustness of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment and the lack of a compelling alternative theory.

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The prolonged delay over electing J P Nadda's successor possibly stems from the RSS leadership wanting a person who is at least equidistant from the Sangh as well as the Modi/BJP edifice, observes BJP-RSS watcher Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald case, accusing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of a "criminal conspiracy" to "usurp" properties worth Rs 2,000 crore of its public company AJL by transferring 99 per cent shares for just Rs 50 lakh to their private company Young Indian. The ED has named Sonia Gandhi as accused no 1 and Rahul Gandhi as accused no 2 in the chargesheet, which was filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

A Shiv temple in Ludhawala, a predominantly Muslim locality in Muzaffarnagar, was reopened on Monday after being closed for over 30 years. The temple, built in 1971, was shut down during the communal tensions triggered by the Ayodhya incident in 1992. The reopening ceremony was conducted peacefully with a 'havan' and local Muslims showering flowers on a procession of Hindu activists. The event was marked by a display of harmony, highlighting the importance of religious tolerance and understanding.

'Unwell' Steve Jobs' wife recovers after 'Ganga snan'

'Unwell' Steve Jobs' wife recovers after 'Ganga snan'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Named 'Kamala ' by Giri, Mrs Jobs arrived in Prayagraj on Monday. She is staying at the Kumbh tent city at the Niranjini Akhara camp till January 15, before returning to the US to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.

'I'll Think Twice Before I Make A Film Like Bombay Again'

'I'll Think Twice Before I Make A Film Like Bombay Again'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

'Films like Roja and Bombay, at that point of time, were not something about which I would be too worried.' 'I thought if I'm honest and if I'm reflecting what a normal person like me is feeling, then that honesty will come through.'

ED books Sonia, Rahul in National Herald case; Cong says vendetta

ED books Sonia, Rahul in National Herald case; Cong says vendetta

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others on charges of money laundering in the National Herald case. The chargesheet, filed on April 9, names Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey as accused persons. The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent takeover of properties valued over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald news platform. The ED alleges that Young Indian, a private company "beneficially owned" by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, "acquired" AJL properties for a mere Rs 50 lakh, significantly undervaluing its worth. The case has been transferred to Special Judge Vishal Gogne's court for further proceedings.

BJP's Swamy moves HC over RTI denial on Chinese encroachment

BJP's Swamy moves HC over RTI denial on Chinese encroachment

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Centre seeking its stand on the former MP's petition for a direction to the authorities to give an "effective response" to his query.

HC seeks Centre's stand on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

HC seeks Centre's stand on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

The Delhi high court on Friday directed the Centre to place its stand on Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs to decide over Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship.

6 devotees killed, dozens hurt in stampede at Tirupati temple

6 devotees killed, dozens hurt in stampede at Tirupati temple

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Four devotees, including three women, died and several more were injured in a stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati on Wednesday night. Hundreds of devotees had turned up for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which begins on January 10.

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Priests at the famed Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan have rejected a demand to stop using attires made by Muslim artisans for its deity, emphasizing that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions. The demand was raised by a right-wing group, who argued that the deity's attire should be made only by those who adhere to "religious purity." The temple priests countered by highlighting the historical contributions of Muslim artisans to temple traditions and the impracticality of replacing them.

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive. She emphasized that her governance model prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and does not allow discrimination, highlighting the state's diverse population and the need for a human-centric approach.

Rediff Readers Share Their Diwali Pix

Rediff Readers Share Their Diwali Pix

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Urmelesh Swami from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Pankaj Singh from the UAE have made lovely Diwali memories.

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Many states are realising that hosting mega events puts the spotlight on them and raises their profile.

Tirupati stampede: 'Crowd surged as gates opened suddenly'

Tirupati stampede: 'Crowd surged as gates opened suddenly'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

"For five minutes we thought all of us were dead. I have been coming to the temple for the past 25 years and it has never happened like this," D Venkata Lakshmi said, recounting the horrific Tirupati stampede that killed six persons and left over 40 injured.

When police opened gate...: Eyewitnesses recalls Tirupati stampede

When police opened gate...: Eyewitnesses recalls Tirupati stampede

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

'While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death'

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The city of Shahjahanpur in India celebrates Holi with a unique procession called "Laat Saheb," where revellers hurl footwear at a man impersonating a British Lord. The tradition dates back to the 18th century and has evolved over time. The procession involves a seven-kilometer route, prayers at a temple, and a symbolic bribe offered to the police. The event is marked by strict security measures, including barricades, CCTV cameras, and the covering of mosques with tarpaulins. The procession is seen as a way to commemorate the city's history of freedom fighters and to discourage the British colonizers.

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the custodian of Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple, has barred 18 employees from participating in all religious activities for allegedly partaking in non-Hindu activities. The decision has been defended by the Andhra Pradesh government, citing the need to protect the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees. The move has sparked debate, with some supporting the TTD's stance and others criticizing it as discriminatory.

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

"The Maha Kumbh had already passed on Purnima. What is currently happening is the 'Sarkari Kumbh. The real Kumbh takes place in the month of Magh. The full moon of the Magh month had passed, and all the 'Kalpavasi' who were at the Kumbh had already left after the Purnima of Magh month," Shankaracharya said.

Offered money: MUDA complainant alleges pressure from aide of Sidda's wife

Offered money: MUDA complainant alleges pressure from aide of Sidda's wife

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

An RTI activist, Snehamayi Krishna, has alleged that a person claiming to be the personal assistant of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi B M, attempted to lure and pressure him and his son to drop their demand for a CBI probe into the MUDA site allotment scam. Krishna claims that he was offered money in exchange for not pursuing the case further. The incident comes amidst ongoing investigations by the Lokayukta and ED into the alleged irregularities in the allotment of land to Parvathi.

'Mrityu Kumbh' remark: Shankaracharya backs Mamata

'Mrityu Kumbh' remark: Shankaracharya backs Mamata

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Among heavy criticism of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks on Prayagraj's Mahakumbh, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj on Wednesday supported the CM, saying that the religious event has been mismanaged.

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.

Mamta Kulkarni takes sanyas, does own 'pind-daan'

Mamta Kulkarni takes sanyas, does own 'pind-daan'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

Actor Mamta Kulkarni has renounced the worldly life at the Maha Kumbh and will be consecrated as a Hindu nun under the Kinnar Akhara. She performed her own 'Pind Daan' and will be consecrated as 'mahamandaleshwar'.

Elgar Case: Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale walk out of jail

Elgar Case: Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale walk out of jail

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Researcher Rona Wilson and activist Sudhir Dhawale, accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, were released on bail from a Navi Mumbai prison on Friday, more than six years after they were arrested. The duo walked out of the Taloja jail after completing bail formalities before the special NIA court, over a fortnight after they were granted bail by the Bombay High Court. The HC granted bail to Wilson and Dhawale on January 8, noting they had been in jail since 2018 and the trial in the case, in which anti-terror act UAPA has been invoked, was yet to start. Apart from Dhawale and Wilson, 14 other activists and academicians were arrested in the case. Eight of them have been granted bail till now, with one, Mahesh Raut, still in jail as the appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against his bail is pending before the Supreme Court. Jesuit priest and activist Stan Swamy, one of the accused, died in 2021 while lodged in judicial custody. The case pertains to provocative speeches allegedly delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, triggering violence at Koregaon-Bhima, a village outside Pune city, the next day. The Pune police had claimed the conclave was backed by Maoists. The NIA later took over the probe.

Maha Kumbh to feature lectures on simultaneous polls

Maha Kumbh to feature lectures on simultaneous polls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

A Haridwar-based community welfare organisation, Divya Prem Seva Mission, will host a series of seven lectures on diverse themes, including one on the contentious subject of simultaneous polls, at its camp at the Maha Kumbh site in Prayagraj. The lecture series, starting on January 12, will also cover topics like Swami Vivekananda's philosophy, India's glorious past, global terrorism, gender equality, and the challenges of privacy and safety on social media. The organization has been involved in philanthropic activities for 29 years and is raising awareness about the discrimination faced by people with leprosy.

Lokayukta finds no evidence against Siddaramaiah, wife in MUDA case

Lokayukta finds no evidence against Siddaramaiah, wife in MUDA case

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Lokayukta police probing the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case on Wednesday said that the charges against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife Parvathi could not be proved for want of evidence.

Maha Kumbh: Seers warn politicians against...

Maha Kumbh: Seers warn politicians against...

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Saints and seers gathered at the Triveni Sangam for the 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of Basant Panchami on Monday cautioned political leaders against misusing Sanatan Dharma and spreading rumours for political gain, and praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over arrangements at the Maha Kumbh.

Priyank Kharge's close aide among 6 booked for plot to kill BJP MLA

Priyank Kharge's close aide among 6 booked for plot to kill BJP MLA

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

A case has been registered against Raju Kapanur, a close aide of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, and five others in connection with a conspiracy to kill BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu and other leaders. The case was registered based on a suicide note by a civil contractor, Sachin Panchal, who accused Kapanur and his aides of making death threats. The BJP has demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI, while Priyank Kharge has denied the allegations and accused the BJP of politicising Sachin's death.

Secularism part of Constitution's basic structure, says SC

Secularism part of Constitution's basic structure, says SC

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar passed the remark while hearing a batch of petitions filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and others, who have challenged the inclusion of words "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble of the Constitution.

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

Swamy given adequate security: Centre tells court

Swamy given adequate security: Centre tells court

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

Taking note of the central government's submission, Justice Yashwant Varma closed the proceedings in the application filed by Swamy in which he claimed that in spite of an earlier assurance, the Centre was yet to make adequate security arrangements at his private accommodation.

Paush Purnima Dip At Triveni Sangam

Paush Purnima Dip At Triveni Sangam

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Devotees gathered to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam on the occasion of the first Amrit Snan during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

'I Didn't Tell My Family About Aashram'

'I Didn't Tell My Family About Aashram'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'I knew I wouldn't be offered hero roles anymore. That is why when I accepted this show.'

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

A proposal by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to rename a stretch of road in the city after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked strong objections from the opposition JD(S) and citizens. The proposal, which calls for naming a stretch of KRS Road as 'Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga', has been met with criticism, with the JD(S) calling it a "betrayal and insult" to the city's history and the state. The proposal has also drawn ire from RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who alleges that the road holds historical significance and that Siddaramaiah is an accused in the MUDA site allotment case. Citizens have also voiced their objections to the proposal, and Krishna has announced her intention to challenge it legally.

Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 Review: More Of The Same

Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 Review: More Of The Same

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

If Prakash Jha is able to transfer today's social and political reality onto the screen, the future seasons of Aashram might just get a much-needed dose of eyeball-grabbing power, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Shah takes holy dip in Triveni Sangam at Maha Kumbh

Shah takes holy dip in Triveni Sangam at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh Nagar on Monday and described the Maha Kumbh as a unique symbol of the Sanatan culture's philosophy, which is rooted in harmony.

Let's Not Forget Father Stan Swamy!

Let's Not Forget Father Stan Swamy!

Rediff.com8 Jul 2023

The tributes to Fr Stan by his associates and his co-accused (which were read out) provided a clue to why his death continues to touch so many.

Will SC drop 'secular, socialist' from Preamble?

Will SC drop 'secular, socialist' from Preamble?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday observed the 1976 amendment to the Constitution adding terms 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' to the Preamble underwent judicial reviews and it cannot say whatever Parliament did during the emergency period was all nullity.

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Kumbh Mela is what it is because of the devotion of millions who make it an experience like no other. It is experiencing the heart and soul of India and the brotherhood of mankind.