News for 'United Democratic Fund'

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

US lawmakers have expressed concerns that policies enacted by the Trump administration, such as the H1B visa fee and tariffs on India, are detrimental to American businesses and threaten the relationship between the United States and India.

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticizes the government's proposed bill to replace MGNREGA, arguing it weakens the guaranteed 100 days of employment for the poor and centralizes control over the scheme.

US government shuts down for first time in 6 years

US government shuts down for first time in 6 years

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

This is America's 15th funding lapse since 1981 and the first since the record 35-day shutdown of 2018-2019.

If 'Communist' Mamdani wins...: Trump warns NYC voters

If 'Communist' Mamdani wins...: Trump warns NYC voters

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

"I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a record of success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE," Trump said.

Not just Zohran Mamdani, these PIOs too win US mayoral polls

Not just Zohran Mamdani, these PIOs too win US mayoral polls

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Ghazala Hashmi, an India-born American politician, has been elected as Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, marking a historic moment as the first Muslim and South Asian American to hold the position.

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

What appeared to be a generous act of friendship was, in truth, a manoeuvre within a much larger strategic game. The United States used the 1962 war not just to aid India but to test how far it could be pulled into the Western fold, points out Dr Kumar.

'No Kings' protests draw 7 mn across US against Trump policies

'No Kings' protests draw 7 mn across US against Trump policies

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

According to the police, the widespread rallies have been largely peaceful with no reports of incidents or arrests.

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

'This outcome is thoroughly unexpected.' 'I travelled extensively across villages, engaged in detailed discussions with residents, and consulted with party workers who had been canvassing from village to village, from one location to another, seeking grassroots feedback.' 'Not a single interlocutor suggested that there would be an NDA wave of this magnitude.'

Are Bihar polls turning into a contest of political heirs?

Are Bihar polls turning into a contest of political heirs?

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Bihar's upcoming elections are marked by the significant presence of candidates from political families, raising questions about ideological commitments and democratic principles.

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Left to its machinations, the BJP would have loved to cut Nitish down to size, but it can't afford to do so as the JD-U is in alliance with the BJP at the Centre, and cannot form a government on its own in Bihar. For now, both need each other: Nitish for legitimacy, the BJP for numbers, points out Ramesh Menon.

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

If he cannot do it this term by using his bureaucracy and experts from different fields, it will be a tragedy, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Kirk murder: Trump declares Antifa 'major terror group'

Kirk murder: Trump declares Antifa 'major terror group'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he is designating the far-left, anti-fascist movement Antifa as a 'major terrorist organisation', days after the fatal shooting of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk.

'Bihar Is At A Takeoff Stage'

'Bihar Is At A Takeoff Stage'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

''Now the roads in Bihar are as good as any other Indian state. The power sector has improved.' 'Connectivity, law and order, gender justice...' 'Bihar now stands for all these things that were totally absent when it was under jungle raj.'

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

While both sides have announced the decision to restart talks for a trade deal, government officials said discussions are continuing virtually.

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticizes the government's focus on cross-voting in the vice presidential poll, urging attention to issues like US tariffs, Manipur violence, and MGNREGA funds.

Sikh Woman's Deportation Sparks Outrage

Sikh Woman's Deportation Sparks Outrage

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

'This is so sad the way she was humiliated.' Harjit Kaur's deportation has drawn condemnation from civil rights organisations and the Sikh American community.

Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' clears House by 4 votes

Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' clears House by 4 votes

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

In a narrow 218-214 vote, the United States House of Representatives on Thursday passed President Donald Trump's massive $4.5 trillion tax and spending bill -- his signature second-term policy package -- just ahead of the July 4 deadline.

'Putin's war chest': Trump official fires fresh salvo at India

'Putin's war chest': Trump official fires fresh salvo at India

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro accuses India of being an 'oil money laundromat' for Russia, alleging that India's oil purchases are funding Putin's war in Ukraine. The accusations come amid existing trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the US.

'Steeped in fanaticism, serial borrower': India shreds Pak at UN

'Steeped in fanaticism, serial borrower': India shreds Pak at UN

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said that the Indian sub-continent offers a "stark contrast" in terms of progress, prosperity and development models.

'India Is Laundromat For The Kremlin'

'India Is Laundromat For The Kremlin'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'India is cosying up to Xi Jinping. They don't need the Russian oil. It's a refining profiteering scheme.'

Electoral bonds: Vast majority of parties including BSP, Left got no funding

Electoral bonds: Vast majority of parties including BSP, Left got no funding

Rediff.com17 Mar 2024

The National People's Party, which rules Meghalaya, is another national party which received no donations through electoral bonds.

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

By naming a sworn swayamsevak for vice president, the Modi-Shah duo have sent out a clear and positive message to Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters is located, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The declared incomes of registered unrecognised political parties witnessed a 223 per cent spike in 2022-23 and more than 73 per cent of these parties failed to publicly disclose their financial records, according to poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

Why Modi Dropped 'Jungle Raj' Jibe In Bihar

Why Modi Dropped 'Jungle Raj' Jibe In Bihar

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

'People are fed up with rising crimes and poor law and order.' 'Modi must have got feedback and decided not to touch the 'jungle raj' issue as it will backfire.'

US court upholds $5mn sexual abuse verdict against Trump

US court upholds $5mn sexual abuse verdict against Trump

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Writer E Jean Carroll had alleged that Trump 'raped' her in the Bergdorf Goodman department store in 1996. He later denied her claim, defamed her by saying she wasn't his type, and suggested she fabricated the story to boost sales of her book.

Is Trump Winning Immigration Battle?

Is Trump Winning Immigration Battle?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Mr Trump's actions, because of their extreme nature and the dangerous rhetoric that accompanies them, receive the most attention, points out Mihir S Sharma.

Went too far: Musk says he 'regrets' his posts about Trump

Went too far: Musk says he 'regrets' his posts about Trump

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Trump made it clear he had no plans to speak with Musk anytime soon, stating, "I'm too busy doing other things," and added, "I have no intention of speaking to him," NBC News reported.

Kerala okays private university bill, marking LDF's major policy shift

Kerala okays private university bill, marking LDF's major policy shift

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Kerala Assembly passed a bill allowing for the establishment of private universities in the state. This marks a significant policy shift for the CPI(M)-led government, which had previously opposed privatization of education. The bill was passed by voice vote following discussions on Monday and Tuesday. The opposition raised concerns about the potential impact of private universities on public institutions and questioned the practicality of the requirements for starting a private university. However, the government defended the bill, stating it was a necessary step to improve higher education in Kerala and elevate public universities to global standards.

'Will Tell Them About Success Of Operation Sindoor'

'Will Tell Them About Success Of Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We will inform them how Pakistan not only helps terrorists, it also provide training to them to target India and spread terror.'

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Trump said that the funds used to support students with disabilities and scholarships will be preserved and these duties will be provided to other institutions.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The RSS-affiliated ABVP has won the post of joint secretary in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) election, ending a nine-year period out of office. The ABVP's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of JNU, breaking the Left's long-standing dominance. Left candidates won the remaining three central panel posts, but the ABVP's victory is seen as a major gain for the right-wing group.

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

As the Centre announced the inclusion of caste enumeration in the next census on Wednesday, opposition parties said it is a victory for their long-standing demand and sought time-bound implementation.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

TN won't hesitate for language war: Stalin amid row over Hindi

TN won't hesitate for language war: Stalin amid row over Hindi

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Whether or not today's protest against NEP escalates into a full-fledged struggle across the state remained in the hands of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government, he said.

Trump defeats Harris in all 7 battleground states

Trump defeats Harris in all 7 battleground states

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The seven battleground states in this election cycle were Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

UDF MLAs defy Kerala Cong chief's call, to donate for Wayanad relief

UDF MLAs defy Kerala Cong chief's call, to donate for Wayanad relief

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Sunday said the UDF will take part in all the rehabilitation efforts and work towards restoring normalcy in the lives of the survivors.

Will earn and...: Kamala Harris after Biden drops out

Will earn and...: Kamala Harris after Biden drops out

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win, Harris said.