News for 'The Connections and Freedom'

UP Statues of Freedom Fighters Reinstalled After Outrage

UP Statues of Freedom Fighters Reinstalled After Outrage

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Statues of freedom fighters demolished in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, have been reinstalled within 24 hours following the Chief Minister's orders, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.

UP CM Adityanath Pays Tribute to Freedom Fighters on Shaheed Diwas

UP CM Adityanath Pays Tribute to Freedom Fighters on Shaheed Diwas

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru on Shaheed Diwas, commemorating their sacrifice for India's independence.

Every religion will break...: SC in Dawoodhi Bohras case

Every religion will break...: SC in Dawoodhi Bohras case

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has voiced concerns about the potential consequences of individuals questioning religious practices in constitutional courts, warning it could lead to the fragmentation of religions and civilisation. A nine-judge Constitution bench is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places and the scope of religious freedom.

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday fixed May 2 for giving its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed by TCS employee Nida Khan, an accused in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion at the IT firm's local unit.

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

Rediff.com3 days ago

Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia conflict, urging for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and global commerce.

'If Ashaji Cooked For You, It Meant She Liked You'

'If Ashaji Cooked For You, It Meant She Liked You'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'My conversations during the meal would be peppered with her priceless anecdotes on Lata Didi and the rest of the singing legends.' 'And she would sing her songs whenever I asked her to.' 'I came away from every meal at her place a richer man.'

Why JJP Leader Digvijay Chautala Faces Charges Over University Event

Why JJP Leader Digvijay Chautala Faces Charges Over University Event

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Police have filed a case against JJP leader Digvijay Singh Chautala and members of the INSO for allegedly damaging public property during an event at Kurukshetra University. The FIR cites damage to chairs and other property, leading to accusations of political disruption and government interference.

West Bengal CM Pays Tribute to Martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

West Bengal CM Pays Tribute to Martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Hari Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar on their death anniversary, observed as Shaheed Diwas.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Centre regarding the eligibility of non-devotees to challenge the customs of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, during a hearing on religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites.

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Political Fury

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Political Fury

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Statues of Kakori train action martyrs demolished in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, during road construction, triggering outrage and demands for action.

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being 'afraid' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing corruption allegations and a desire to protect his children.

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasised the importance of Sikh Gurus' teachings at the Baisakhi Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, highlighting the government's efforts to promote these values and support the Sikh community.

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders and defended the 'Jai Bangla' slogan.

India Launches Robotic Surgery Systems for Battlefield Emergencies

India Launches Robotic Surgery Systems for Battlefield Emergencies

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched indigenous robotic technologies, Project Vimana and Project Operion, designed to perform life-saving surgeries on the battlefield, potentially revolutionising emergency care for injured security personnel.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being 'afraid' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging corruption and a compromise of governance to protect his children.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

Satheesan Slams Vijayan's Alleged Communal Appeasement Tactics

Satheesan Slams Vijayan's Alleged Communal Appeasement Tactics

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Congress leader V D Satheesan has criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of appeasing both majority and minority communities for political gain. Satheesan's remarks follow allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP deal in the upcoming election and Vijayan's claim that Satheesan has RSS support.

Neha Singh Rathore Granted Anticipatory Bail in Social Media Post Case

Neha Singh Rathore Granted Anticipatory Bail in Social Media Post Case

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to folk singer Neha Singh Rathore in connection with a case filed against her over a social media post related to the Pahalgam terror attack. The court's decision comes after Rathore appeared before authorities and cooperated with the investigation.

Tribal role in freedom struggle overlooked to favour a 'few families': Modi

Tribal role in freedom struggle overlooked to favour a 'few families': Modi

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for allegedly neglecting the tribal community's contributions to India's freedom struggle during its 60-year rule. He spoke at an event marking Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and inaugurated development projects for tribal communities.

Dhurandhar: Storytelling In The Age Of Restless Viewers

Dhurandhar: Storytelling In The Age Of Restless Viewers

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

If the stories are food for the mind then our digestive system has changed. If they are a piece of art, our gaze has altered. This calls for a change not in stories, but in the grammar of storytelling so that it can cut through the deluge and gluttony and force people to savour, appreciate and re-visit it. That is what the creators of Taskaree or Dhurandhar are trying, points out Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.

Hrithik Roshan Gets Ready To Storm Us With His Mess On OTT

Hrithik Roshan Gets Ready To Storm Us With His Mess On OTT

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Amazon Prime Video promises big releases coming up this year!

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general, has replaced a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing a move away from colonial influences and embracing Indian heritage.

Single On Valentine's Day? Must Watch These Films

Single On Valentine's Day? Must Watch These Films

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Deepa Gahlot picks 10 must-watch movies about singles and the consciously uncoupled.

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India has joined the US-led 'Pax Silica' alliance, aimed at building a resilient supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic security.

Conscious Unbossing: GenZ's New Workplace Trend

Conscious Unbossing: GenZ's New Workplace Trend

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Contrary to popular misconception, Gen Z's work ethic isn't about avoiding responsibility. It's about choosing impact over hierarchy, explains Kartik Narayan, CEO of jobs marketplace, Apna.

'I Knew This Would Be The Toughest Film Of My Career'

'I Knew This Would Be The Toughest Film Of My Career'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

'The first time (T-Series CEO and Border 2 Co-Producer) Bhushan Kumarji offered the film to me I said No.'

TVS Orbiter: Big on range, short on hill climb

TVS Orbiter: Big on range, short on hill climb

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The TVS Orbiter works best as a city scooter with good range and comfort, but it quickly runs out of steam on steep climbs.

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Today's situation in the Shaksgam Valley is the consequence of what happened in Gilgit in 1947. But is India ready to militarily get back its territories? asks Claude Arpi.

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has questioned the NIA regarding the detention of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a terror funding case, asking the agency to justify his detention for over six years.

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Leading Bangladeshi newspapers report increasing threats to media freedom following attacks on newspaper offices, raising concerns about journalists' safety and freedom of expression.

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

A group of US lawmakers has written to the Indian Ambassador to the United States, urging a fair and timely trial for activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained under the UAPA.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

US lawmakers have written to the Indian Ambassador to the US, expressing concern over the prolonged detention of activist Umar Khalid and urging a fair trial in accordance with international law.

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The upcoming Republic Day Parade will center around the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram,' featuring themed decorations, performances, and special guests.