News for 'The Hindu'

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said he is "more than happy" to take responsibility for everything wrong the party did in its history, including the 1984 Sikh riots. He acknowledged that the party made "a lot of mistakes" when he was not there, but said he has publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was "wrong." The remarks were made during an interaction at Brown University in the US. The video of the interaction was uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs on Saturday. The BJP has criticized Gandhi for his remarks, accusing him of "ridiculing" the beliefs of Hindus and Sikhs.

Missing Indian student found dead in Canada

Missing Indian student found dead in Canada

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

A 21-year-old Indian student who went missing in Canada's Ontario province three days ago has been found dead. Vanshika was last seen leaving her residence at 7 Majestic Drive in Ottawa at around 8-9 pm on Friday to view a rental room. Her phone was switched off at approximately 11.40 pm that night and she missed an important exam the next day, which was "completely out of character" for the student. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa confirmed the student's death and said it was in "close contact with the bereaved kin and local community associations to provide all possible assistance".

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who was the chief priest during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple at Digha on April 30, on Friday joined the voices demanding withdrawal of the 'Jagannath Dham' phrase attached to the new temple in West Bengal.

Tension in Nainital after sexual assault of minor; shops vandalised

Tension in Nainital after sexual assault of minor; shops vandalised

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The police said the accused, Osman, who is a contractor by profession, has been arrested but added that there was heavy deployment of forces to maintain peace.

The Man Who Said No To The Big Bang

The Man Who Said No To The Big Bang

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Jayant Narlikar wrote alternative what-if histories, explained difficult scientific theories with funny analogies, and leavened his lectures with jokes and humorous asides.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj pulls a Priyanka to target Gandhis

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj pulls a Priyanka to target Gandhis

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Her black bag had "National Herald Ki Loot" emblazoned over it in red colour.

UK polls: Sunak, rival Starmer hit temple trail to woo British Hindu voters

UK polls: Sunak, rival Starmer hit temple trail to woo British Hindu voters

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

While 44-year-old Sunak was at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden on Sunday to promise to keep trying to "make the community proud", 61-year-old Starmer chose another north London Swaminarayan Temple in Kingsbury on Friday to reiterate his commitment to building a "strategic partnership with India".

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

'I am determined now to celebrate all festivals together.' 'People don't respond much when you try to convince them by talking about principles of secularism etc. But if we revive our shared cultural practices, specially food, we may get a better response.'

Not just a name, but new normal: Modi on Operation Sindoor

Not just a name, but new normal: Modi on Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Operation Sindoor is not just a name but India's latest policy against terror as it has set a new standard, a 'new normal' in counter-terrorism measures, Prime Minister Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Monday.

No one can stop Holi celebrations inside AMU: Aligarh BJP MP

No one can stop Holi celebrations inside AMU: Aligarh BJP MP

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam has sparked a controversy over the celebration of Holi at Aligarh Muslim University, declaring that "no one can stop anyone from celebrating Holi inside the AMU campus". The controversy erupted after members of right wing Hindu groups accused the AMU administration of denying permission to the Hindu students to organise a 'Holi Milan' function on campus. Gautam has extended his support to Hindu students, saying, "If any Hindu student faces any problem in celebrating Holi inside the campus, then I am there to help him."

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Standing near the noose, he recited a couplet in which he said he wished nothing but to sacrifice his life for the motherland. Utkarsh Mishra remembers Ram Prasad Bismil on the revolutionary leader's 128th birth anniversary.

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan has fired one bullet at us then we have to respond by firing 10 bullets at them. It is our right to do so.'

Will Usha Vance Be First Hindu Second Lady?

Will Usha Vance Be First Hindu Second Lady?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

Asked about the challenges of an interfaith marriage, she said, 'There are a lot of things that we just agree on, I think, especially when it comes to family life, how to raise our kids. And so I think the answer really is, we just talk a lot.'

I-T dept notifies ITR forms 1, 4 for AY 2025-26

I-T dept notifies ITR forms 1, 4 for AY 2025-26

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The income tax department has notified ITR forms 1 and 4 for assessment year (AY) 2025-26 that are to be filed by individuals and entities with total income of up to Rs 50 lakh a year. Now individuals having long-term capital gains of up to Rs 1.25 lakh in a fiscal year can also file ITR-1.

Men wave saffron flags on UP dargah during Ram Navami

Men wave saffron flags on UP dargah during Ram Navami

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The incident comes on the day Ram Navami processions were being taken out in many parts of Prayagraj.

Tax dept notifies all 7 ITR forms for assessment year 2025-26

Tax dept notifies all 7 ITR forms for assessment year 2025-26

Rediff.com12 May 2025

The income tax department has notified all seven income tax return forms for assessment year 2025-26. While ITR forms 1 and 4, which are filed by small and medium taxpayers, were notified on April 29; ITR-7, filed by trusts and charitable institutions, was notified on May 11.

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Some pleaded with terrorists, those who resisted were shot'

'Some pleaded with terrorists, those who resisted were shot'

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Speaking to reporters, he became emotional recounting the incidents of that day, and thanked the pony ride operators who helped the injured after the attack.

7 held after 'Free Palestine' posters surface in Sambhal

7 held after 'Free Palestine' posters surface in Sambhal

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Posters with the message "Free Gaza, Free Palestine" and calls to boycott Israeli goods were found in the Narauli town of Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh, India. Police are investigating the incident based on CCTV footage and information gathered from shop owners. The posters emerged following Israel's offensive in Gaza, launched after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel in October 2023.

Hindu body moves SC to lift restriction on ASI 'Bhojshala' report

Hindu body moves SC to lift restriction on ASI 'Bhojshala' report

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

The application filed by the Hindu Front of Justice, which is the original petitioner in the case before the Madhya Pradesh high court, and others said that after the April 1 order of the apex court, proceeding before the HC has also virtually stayed.

MP minister refers to Col Quershi as 'sister of terrorists', apologises

MP minister refers to Col Quershi as 'sister of terrorists', apologises

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Shah has sparked a major controversy with objectionable comments that appeared to be directed at Colonel Sofia Qureshi, whom he tried to project as a 'sister of terrorists'.

Social media post leads to bandh in J-K's Bhaderwah, internet shut

Social media post leads to bandh in J-K's Bhaderwah, internet shut

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Protests and a partial bandh were observed in the communally sensitive Bhaderwah town of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday following an objectionable social media post allegedly put up by a leader of a Hindu group. The post drew resentment from members of both Hindu and Muslim communities, prompting authorities to suspend mobile internet services as a precautionary measure. An FIR has been registered against the accused, Virender Razdan, and raids are underway to nab him.

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.

Rape of Bhopal college students: Main accused shot

Rape of Bhopal college students: Main accused shot

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The main accused, arrested for the rape and blackmailing of some girl students of a college in Bhopal, was shot and injured after he allegedly tried to escape custody by snatching a policeman's pistol, an official said on Saturday.

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The high point of the 19 Shastri months was the 22-day war that he fought against great odds and won in principle, even if military historians often call it a stalemate. Pakistan saw a great opportunity to conquer Kashmir and lost. It was the last time they had the relative strength militarily and diplomatically to take Kashmir. Shastri's resolve buried that dream forever, points out Shekhar Gupta.

HOLI HAI! India Celebrates Festival Of Colour

HOLI HAI! India Celebrates Festival Of Colour

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated across India with traditional fanfare and gaiety.

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Rediff.com24 May 2025

India has secured international support in its fight against terrorism, with Russia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates expressing solidarity and a commitment to working together to combat the threat. This follows a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which claimed 26 lives. Multi-party parliamentary delegations from India briefed the leaderships of these countries on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the attack, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and combating radicalism. These developments highlight the growing global consensus against terrorism and the importance of international collaboration to address this shared challenge.

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian government defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that waqf, while an Islamic concept, is not an essential part of Islam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that waqf is essentially charity, which is recognized across religions, and cannot be considered a fundamental tenet of any faith. He also argued that the amended law addresses secular aspects of waqf and activities unrelated to Islam, and that "waqf by user" does not grant ownership of public land. Mehta highlighted the extensive consultations involved in the bill's creation, including feedback from various stakeholders. The hearing will continue on Thursday.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'Don't worry': Rahul meets Pak shelling victims in Poonch

'Don't worry': Rahul meets Pak shelling victims in Poonch

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, offering condolences to families affected by cross-border shelling and encouraging students who lost two classmates to the violence. During an hour-long visit, Gandhi met with students at the convent school that lost the twins, and visited families whose homes were damaged in the shelling.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Indians in Russia to seek Modi's help to build Hindu temple

Indians in Russia to seek Modi's help to build Hindu temple

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

The Indian community in Russia are eagerly waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow and will be seeking his support to build a Hindu temple in the country, a new Indian school building and the availability of more direct flights to India.

Power of Two: How MNS Workers Made Banner Disappear

Power of Two: How MNS Workers Made Banner Disappear

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'For three months Raj Thackeray becomes a staunch Hindu and for the next three months he becomes anti-Hindu.'

After Waqf, BJP will move to land of temples: Uddhav

After Waqf, BJP will move to land of temples: Uddhav

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has slammed the BJP over its stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the party of a "fraudulent" approach and of trying to take away land for its industrialist friends. He also dared the BJP to remove the green color from its party flag if it disliked Muslims. Thackeray's comments come after the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Newly-married UP bizman killed in Pahalgam cremated with state honours

Newly-married UP bizman killed in Pahalgam cremated with state honours

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, was cremated at his native village with full state honours on Thursday morning. The cremation was attended by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet ministers Yogendra Upadhyay and Rakesh Sachan, who placed wreaths on Dwivedi's mortal remains and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. A guard of honour was also presented to the departed soul. Dwivedi, who got married to Ashanya on February 12, was among the 26 persons, mostly tourists, who were killed on Tuesday at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Anantnag district in one of the most gruesome attacks targeting civilians in Kashmir in a long time.

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Sambhal mosque in spotlight again over ASI signboard

Sambhal mosque in spotlight again over ASI signboard

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The blue-coloured ASI board, currently kept at the Satyavrat police outpost, is expected to be installed soon, replacing the older sign that bore the name "Shahi Jama Masjid."

Assam's future at risk as Hindu-Muslim population balance eroding: Himanta

Assam's future at risk as Hindu-Muslim population balance eroding: Himanta

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

The CM also said that to prevent the sale of land from the indigenous communities like tribals and Adivasis to others in undivided Goalpara district, a strong law will be brought.