News for 'Voice'

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.

Sporting Icons Join Call For Justice In Student Protests

Sporting Icons Join Call For Justice In Student Protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his support for the ongoing student protests against exam paper leaks, characterising it as a "revolt against feeling of suppression in a democracy." His comments follow similar calls from other prominent sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill for lasting solutions. Students are demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured steps to protect student interests amidst the protests, which recently saw a 'Sansad Chalo' march met with police action.

India's youngest athlete bows out of CWG 2026

India's youngest athlete bows out of CWG 2026

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Teenage Indian para cyclist Lisha Das finished sixth and last in the women's C4-C5 4,000m individual pursuit qualifying event at the Commonwealth Games.

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's World Cup goalkeeper Bichu Devi, inspired by cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasises the importance of composure under pressure.

Restaurants dish out special Independence Day menus

Restaurants dish out special Independence Day menus

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, hotels and restaurants across Delhi and other states are rolling out a diverse array of special offerings. These include themed culinary festivals showcasing regional Indian cuisines, fusion menus, live music performances, and attractive discounts. From royal Wazwan feasts to contemporary global blends and staycation packages, establishments are providing unique experiences for patrons to commemorate the occasion over the long weekend.

Ritika, Devisha Back Gen Z Protests

Ritika, Devisha Back Gen Z Protests

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

In times when celebrities rarely show a semblance of a spine, Ritika Sajdeh and Devisha Shetty have showed their backing for the youth protests on social media.

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes the exploding popularity of T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, poses a significant threat to the future of bilateral international cricket, stating that '70 per cent (people are watching club cricket instead of international cricket)'.

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha passed two Bills, including one to rename Kerala as Keralam, without debate as Opposition members continued their protests, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's presence to address police excesses against student protesters and alleged Ram temple fund irregularities.

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Congress party has strongly condemned the 'purification' of a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public meeting addressed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging it reflects an 'anti-Dalit' mindset of the BJP and RSS.

One nation one election panel gets extension, to submit report by December

One nation one election panel gets extension, to submit report by December

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

A joint parliamentary committee tasked with examining the 'One Nation One Election' bill has been granted an extension until the end of the Winter session to submit its report. The 41-member committee is reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and is conducting nationwide consultations on implementing simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies by 2029.

Didn't mention anyone's name, except...: Udhayanidhi Stalin after arrest

Didn't mention anyone's name, except...: Udhayanidhi Stalin after arrest

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Udhayanidhi Stalin, was detained by police following alleged derogatory remarks against actor Trisha, which he dismisses as a 'fake narrative'.

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

BMW India CFO Carsten Lammers has expressed surprise at the extensive scale and prolonged duration of tax and Customs litigation in India, advocating for faster dispute resolution and simpler procedures to ensure business stability.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned 114 items of literature from terrorist organisations like Islamic State and Al Qaeda, citing their role in glorifying extremism, promoting radicalisation, and threatening India's sovereignty and public order. The ban, issued via a gazette notification, follows intelligence inputs and ATS investigations into the circulation of such propaganda material.

Cricket Scotland, Dutch Cricket Association slam ICC over 2027 World Cup format changes

Cricket Scotland, Dutch Cricket Association slam ICC over 2027 World Cup format changes

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association have strongly criticised the International Cricket Council's decision to implement significant structural changes to the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification pathway and tournament format, stating it 'risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket'.

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted crucial resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the lone BJP member opposing both.

Indian envoy defends FCRA bill after US lawmaker flags concerns

Indian envoy defends FCRA bill after US lawmaker flags concerns

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has clarified that the recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are primarily aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring accountability in foreign financial flows.

Bollywood Bats For Youth: 'Our Students Need Hugs, Not Batons'

Bollywood Bats For Youth: 'Our Students Need Hugs, Not Batons'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'This is not the first time this government has show us the 'darkest day of democracy''

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

Indian Idol 16 Winner Jyotirmayee Nayak: 'I Never Planned To Participate'

Indian Idol 16 Winner Jyotirmayee Nayak: 'I Never Planned To Participate'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'People usually send audition videos, but I didn't even send one because I never planned to participate.' 'I had gone there to prepare my students for the auditions.' 'Eventually, I ended up competing and became the winner.'

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

China has deployed 72 "robot employees" across Beijing's municipal parks to perform various tasks like cleaning, patrolling, guiding visitors, and pest control. This initiative is part of China's "Robot Plus" strategy, driven by an ageing population and labour shortages, and showcases the growing domestic service robot market. These AI-powered robots enhance efficiency and visitor experience in popular attractions like the Summer Palace and Zizhuyuan Park.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

Raghav Juyal's Brother Makes A Fascinating Film!

Raghav Juyal's Brother Makes A Fascinating Film!

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'Raghav and I complement each other. He talks to me a lot about form and how he approaches his characters. Our paths are different, but we both are very much aligned emotionally.'

Sensex-Nifty closing divergence shrinks, but market worries persist over CAS rollout

Sensex-Nifty closing divergence shrinks, but market worries persist over CAS rollout

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The divergence between the Sensex and Nifty closing values narrowed on the third day of the Closing Auction Session (CAS) rollout, but market participants, including Zerodha's Nithin Kamath, highlight structural issues and the unfortunate timing of its introduction alongside new RBI norms.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned the literature of terrorist organisations such as Islamic State, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda (AQIS), citing its content glorifying violent extremism, promoting radicalisation, and providing information on bomb-making and lone-wolf attacks.

WCA 'concerned' by ICC's World Cup format changes without player consultation

WCA 'concerned' by ICC's World Cup format changes without player consultation

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed 'concern' over the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to revise the format of next year's 50-over World Cup without consulting the players, stating that such significant changes deserve genuine consultation and transparency.

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Personality rights violations are increasingly being used as vehicles for financial fraud, with unsuspecting consumers misled by fabricated endorsements.

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.

Who ordered pellet guns on students? Rahul Gandhi asks Amit Shah

Who ordered pellet guns on students? Rahul Gandhi asks Amit Shah

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for the "barbaric assault" on students protesting in Delhi. Gandhi questioned the use of "lethal force," including pellet guns, and sought clarification on who authorised the violence against students, many of whom suffered serious injuries. The protests, spearheaded by the CJP movement, gained national momentum following the NEET paper leak and subsequent police crackdown.

Bangladesh fumes over Hasina's media interaction in India

Bangladesh fumes over Hasina's media interaction in India

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Bangladesh on Wednesday expressed outrage over deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, saying the event has hurt the sentiments of its people and could adversely affect efforts to improve bilateral ties with India.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India's decision to remove him as junior men's team coach after 17 months, questioning the preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for removing him from his role as junior men's team coach after just 17 months, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating that his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said protest is a legitimate form of dialogue in a democracy and should be aimed at building consensus rather than creating divisions.

Lok Sabha passes amended anti-paper leak bill, increasing jail terms and fines

Lok Sabha passes amended anti-paper leak bill, increasing jail terms and fines

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Lok Sabha has approved an amendment to India's anti-paper leak law, introducing stricter punishments including jail terms of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh, in response to recent large-scale student protests and the NEET paper leak case.

Will show my scholarship letter if PM shows his degree: Dipke

Will show my scholarship letter if PM shows his degree: Dipke

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has publicly challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to disclose his educational degree. Dipke stated he is ready to make his US scholarship and loan documents public if PM Modi reveals his degree, amidst ongoing demands for verification of the Prime Minister's academic qualifications. Dipke also criticised the current political climate, citing concerns about party defections and the use of central agencies.

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'We often lament that even now no mainstream actor wants to come out as openly gay. But Chapal Bhaduri has not hidden his sexuality. He has been open about his relationship with a man for decades. He could well be our first out mainstream actor.'

TMC MP suspended from Lok Sabha for 'unsavoury' language against women members

TMC MP suspended from Lok Sabha for 'unsavoury' language against women members

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has been suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session due to his use of "unsavoury" language against women members during a heated exchange with NCPI members.

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

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The Magic Of India's Long Train Journeys

The Magic Of India's Long Train Journeys

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Back when India moved slowly, every window seat came with a view, and every rail journey came with excess baggage - food, fears, family drama, points out Ajanta Krishnamurthy.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do... You have seen what the youth of our country think about this...'