News for 'Voice of Citizens'

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

Thousands Protest Against Trump In US

Thousands Protest Against Trump In US

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

On Wednesday, protests erupted across the United States in response to President Donald Trump's recent actions.

Kejriwal releases 7-point 'manifesto' for middle class

Kejriwal releases 7-point 'manifesto' for middle class

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The AAP chief stressed the need for an increase in healthcare spending, suggesting a rise to 10 percent of the GDP, along with the removal of taxes on health insurance premiums.

K'taka caste census sparks outrage, Sidda ministers to oppose in cabinet

K'taka caste census sparks outrage, Sidda ministers to oppose in cabinet

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Opposition to the Karnataka government's proposed implementation of a caste census has intensified with dominant communities raising concerns about the survey's findings. The report, which has not been publicly released, is said to contradict traditional perceptions regarding the numerical strength of various castes, particularly Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas. These communities, along with political parties, including sections of the ruling Congress, have criticized the survey as "unscientific" and demanded a fresh assessment. The Vokkaligara Sangha and the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha have expressed strong opposition, alleging that the report misrepresents their populations and demanding a fresh survey. Meanwhile, Dalit and OBC groups have defended the survey and its recommendations, including an increase in reservation for OBCs to 51%. The controversy has fueled political tensions in Karnataka, with opposition parties accusing the Congress government of using the caste census for political gain.

'Pahalgam Bleeds... And So Do We'

'Pahalgam Bleeds... And So Do We'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'No words can heal the wounds of a mother who lost her child, or a friend who lost their companion. But we must speak, we must feel, and we must remember.'

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion and has directed law enforcement agencies to take prompt action against loudspeakers that violate noise pollution norms. The court also ordered the state government to direct religious institutions to adopt mechanisms for controlling noise levels, including calibrated sound systems with auto-decibel limits. The decision came in response to a petition filed by two housing associations alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on mosques in the area.

Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Palestine' bag to Parliament

Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Palestine' bag to Parliament

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

In a show of support for the people of Palestine, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday carried a bag to Parliament that had 'Palestine' emblazoned on it.

Why These Manipuri MLAs Are Gagged

Why These Manipuri MLAs Are Gagged

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

'Our gagged silence today portrays the silencing of justice, but our protest signify our love for India and justice.'

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat were among the early voters to exercise their franchise as polling was underway on Wednesday for the state assembly elections.

Fake call centre 'duping' US citizens busted in Hyderabad, 115 held

Fake call centre 'duping' US citizens busted in Hyderabad, 115 held

Rediff.com11 Aug 2023

According to the police, the accused persons collected data, such as phone numbers and personal data from a portal, and the employees of the call centre randomly made calls using VoIP to US citizens.

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the ruling NDA defending it as beneficial for minorities while the opposition called it "anti-Muslim". All amendments moved by the opposition were rejected and the bill was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that India is the safest place in the world for minorities, refuting claims of their insecurity.

'Time ripe for replacing collegium with NJAC or a better system'

'Time ripe for replacing collegium with NJAC or a better system'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar has argued for replacing the existing collegium system for judicial appointments, asserting that public sentiment leans toward an alternative mechanism, potentially resembling the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). He believes that the government has the authority to propose a revised constitutional amendment for judicial appointments that would withstand judicial scrutiny. Kumar also urged the Supreme Court to establish a robust internal process to address concerns within the judiciary, including allegations against judges.

Stung by lawyer's email, SC says listening to nation's voice

Stung by lawyer's email, SC says listening to nation's voice

Rediff.com15 Sep 2023

It was reacting to lawyer Mathews Nedumpara's email to the top court in which he claimed the apex court has been hearing only constitution bench matters, which have no public interest involved, and not the cases of ordinary citizens.

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'

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.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

New beginning: 186 Pak Hindu refugees cast first-ever votes in Delhi polls

New beginning: 186 Pak Hindu refugees cast first-ever votes in Delhi polls

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

For the first time in their lives, 186 Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi cast their votes in the Delhi Assembly polls, marking a significant moment in their journey towards citizenship. Having received Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, they expressed hope for a better future with permanent homes and stable livelihoods. The refugees, who have lived in makeshift shelters and struggled with daily wage work for decades, felt a sense of belonging and empowerment after exercising their voting right.

Citizen cannot seek right to stand up in Parliament: SC

Citizen cannot seek right to stand up in Parliament: SC

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said that a citizen cannot seek a right to stand up in Parliament.

'Bulldozer justice' simply unacceptable: SC

'Bulldozer justice' simply unacceptable: SC

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Citizens' voices cannot be throttled by a threat of destroying their properties and 'bulldozer justice' is simply unacceptable under the rule of law, the Supreme Court has said.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

Will Renuka Shahane Enter Politics?

Will Renuka Shahane Enter Politics?

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'On the governmental level, we are saying all the right things, like beti bachao, beti padhao. Yet, a High Court judge in Prayagraj, who is highly educated, has studied the Constitution and its laws, says breaking the naada of a pyjama or touching the breasts of a minor girl is not part of the reform process. Just giving lip service is not enough, the general mindset has to change.'

'Indian Mantras Are Much More Understood'

'Indian Mantras Are Much More Understood'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

'It feels great to carry on this musical tradition.'

AAP, Cong or Owaisi: How will Delhi Muslims vote?

AAP, Cong or Owaisi: How will Delhi Muslims vote?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The broom, the hand or the kite, listen to the mind or the heart, 'tunnel vision voting' to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party or electing the 'right party'. With only two days to go for polling, the choice is anything but clear for Delhi's Muslims, say many voters.

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.

Should citizens be allowed to petition Parliament? SC to hear plea

Should citizens be allowed to petition Parliament? SC to hear plea

Rediff.com17 Feb 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear after four weeks a plea seeking a direction to the Centre and others to take steps to create an appropriate system which empowers citizens to petition Parliament and seek initiation of deliberations on issues highlighted by them.

AI Takes Over Delhi Election Campaign

AI Takes Over Delhi Election Campaign

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

From dubbing voices to putting faces with the help of AI, political campaigns are undergoing a Bollywood makeover. Among the favourites is a scene from the Anil Kapoor-starrer Nayak, posted by the BJP, where Kapoor asks about the Chunaavi Vaade (poll promise), with Arvind Kejriwal at the receiving end instead of Amrish Puri.

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hit out at the Opposition for initiating impeachment notices against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Allahabad high court's Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, saying 'whoever speaks the truth' is threatened in this way.

Eminent Citizens Write To Prez, CJI Against Newsclick

Eminent Citizens Write To Prez, CJI Against Newsclick

Rediff.com11 Aug 2023

Over 250 eminent citizens, including former judges and ambassadors, have written to the President and Chief Justice of India calling for strong action against online news portal NewsClick, which is alleged to have received dubious funds from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham to spread Chinese propaganda.

Emergency Review: Kangana's Disaster

Emergency Review: Kangana's Disaster

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Kangana Ranaut's decline as an actor feels complete, observes Utkarsh Mishra.

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said his party was fighting the 'Bharatiya Janata Party, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Indian state itself', triggering a row with the BJP alleging that everything the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha does or says is in the direction of breaking India and dividing the society.

Let Us Salute Narayana Murthy

Let Us Salute Narayana Murthy

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

No great achievement or discovery or invention has been achieved without hard work. While the inspiration may have been an insight, it needs work to flesh the insight which requires hard work, asserts Mudit Jain.

Manu, Vinesh, Babita, Bajrang Vote

Manu, Vinesh, Babita, Bajrang Vote

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

Sports stars in Haryana stepped out to cast their vote on Saturday.

India first, citizen first, says Modi ahead of Budget Session

India first, citizen first, says Modi ahead of Budget Session

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

"The ray of hope being seen by the world will glow brighter -- for this, I firmly believe the finance minister will make all efforts to meet these aspirations," Modi said.

'Canada ignored India's warning on organised crime'

'Canada ignored India's warning on organised crime'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

India first raised the presence of organised crime in Canada but the issue was ignored because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday, rejecting the targeting of its high commissioner and diplomats by the Trudeau government.

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

'Suddenly we had a new comprehension of affairs, which reminded that the luxury of politics floated atop a foundation by economics.' 'Along with this, finance ministers became crucial in molding the perception and reputation of Union Cabinets.' 'Governments couldn't afford a wrong person in that portfolio,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

'Mamata Should Have Done Something Else'

'Mamata Should Have Done Something Else'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

'She could have sat down with the students and taken a list of their grievances including their allegations and suspicions.' 'Not all suspicions are true, but you have to listen, you have to let the steam come out.'

UN concerned over violence against minorities in India

UN concerned over violence against minorities in India

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

On India, while appreciating the measures adopted by it to address discrimination, the Committee expressed concern about alleged discrimination and violence against minority groups, including religious minorities, such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, "scheduled castes" and "scheduled tribes", and LGBTI people.

UP doctor duped of Rs 60 lakh after 'digital arrest'

UP doctor duped of Rs 60 lakh after 'digital arrest'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

Digital house arrest is a tactic where cybercriminals confine victims to their homes in order to scam them. The offenders generate fear by making audio or video calls, frequently posing as law enforcement officers using AI-generated voices or video technology.

Guv calls emergency meet as Bengal women hit the streets again

Guv calls emergency meet as Bengal women hit the streets again

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

In a rerun of the 'Reclaim the Night' campaign, hundreds of women took to the streets in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal on Sunday night, demanding justice for the alleged rape and murder of a doctor in the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Govt muzzling people's voices, says Cong

Govt muzzling people's voices, says Cong

Rediff.com19 Dec 2019

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra warned that 'the more the government tries to suppress the voice of people, the louder it will become'.