News for 'back to basics'

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 to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has questioned the Chief Justice of India's involvement in executive appointments, specifically citing the selection of the CBI director. He believes this practice undermines democratic principles and calls for revisiting the existing norms. Dhankhar also raised concerns about the "doctrine of basic structure", suggesting it has a debatable jurisprudential basis. He emphasized the importance of each institution operating within its constitutional boundaries and highlighted the need for coordinated autonomy. The vice president also discussed the need for a balanced approach to judicial review and the importance of judges focusing on judgments rather than other forms of expression. He stressed the need to revisit the current state of affairs to restore the judiciary's sublimity.

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'The earlier a child is given a smartphone, the worst it becomes when they are 17, 18.' 'Every year you delay in giving a smartphone to child, the outcome becomes better.' 'The behavioural changes that are very specific to smartphones are aggression and anger.'

Isha Malviya's Sassy Avatars

Isha Malviya's Sassy Avatars

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Her personality and sense of style reflect confidence and poise.

IPL PIX: Suryavanshi slams 35-ball century as Royals destroy GT

IPL PIX: Suryavanshi slams 35-ball century as Royals destroy GT

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, became the youngest ever centurion in the IPL to propel Rajasthan Royals to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against Gujarat Titans.

State T20 leagues the cradle for emerging IPL talents

State T20 leagues the cradle for emerging IPL talents

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'These (State T20 Leagues) are really good because you get an opportunity to play and these guys play with the Kookaburra ball, they (get to) play in those special situations.'

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

Indian EVMs tamper-proof: EC after US intel chief's remark

Indian EVMs tamper-proof: EC after US intel chief's remark

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The Congress demanded that the government and the Election Commission come clean on the EVM issue and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Starlink's application for offering satcom services in India had been held up for the company's inability to comply with mandatory ownership disclosure norms.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

How Nehra's coaching style is transforming Gujarat Titans

How Nehra's coaching style is transforming Gujarat Titans

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

As GT gears up to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2025 season, Nehra reaffirmed his confidence in captain Shubman Gill, who is in his second season as the franchise's leader.

TriServices need own space warfare schools, says CDS

TriServices need own space warfare schools, says CDS

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has highlighted the emergence of space as a new domain of warfare and emphasized the need for developing a "space culture" to prepare for future conflicts. He called for dedicated space warfare schools and research institutions to generate ideas, develop doctrines and strategies, and create new capabilities for space warfare. Chauhan believes that space will be crucial for future warfare, impacting all traditional domains of land, sea, and air. The CDS's remarks were made at the Indian DefSpace Symposium, where he also highlighted the importance of space research and its role in shaping the future of warfare.

AI To Design: Career Choices After Class 12

AI To Design: Career Choices After Class 12

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

rediffGURU Radheshyam Zanwar offers guidance on the various courses students can pursue after completing Class 10 and 12.

Class 3 student loses vision in one eye after injury at UP school

Class 3 student loses vision in one eye after injury at UP school

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

A Class 3 student in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly suffered a severe eye injury, leading to the loss of vision in one eye. The student's mother has accused the school principal of causing the injury, while the principal denies the allegations and claims the injury occurred due to an accidental elbow strike by a classmate. Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident.

Trump's Tariff Tsunami: Will India Sink or Reform?

Trump's Tariff Tsunami: Will India Sink or Reform?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The Trump trade shock is a chance to push long-overdue reforms, rather than tinker with tariffs to appease the US, suggests M Govinda Rao.

Prayagraj demolitions: SC orders Rs 10 lakh compensation to houseowners

Prayagraj demolitions: SC orders Rs 10 lakh compensation to houseowners

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and Prayagraj Development Authority for the demolition of homes in the city, calling the actions "inhuman and illegal." The court ordered the authority to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation each to the homeowners, stating that the demolitions were carried out in a "high-handed" manner without following due legal process. The petitioners, whose homes were demolished, argued that the state government wrongly believed the land belonged to gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed. The Allahabad High Court had previously rejected their plea challenging the demolition.

ISSF WC: Can Manu Bhaker make history in Buenos Aires?

ISSF WC: Can Manu Bhaker make history in Buenos Aires?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The first batch of 22 Indian shooters, accompanied by 13 support staff, has departed for Buenos Aires to compete in the first ISSF World Cup of the year.

'We Were Shocked By JD-U's Stand On Waqf Bill'

'We Were Shocked By JD-U's Stand On Waqf Bill'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'When the Bill was passed all have been exposed. There is no difference between communal and secular.'

The Lady Doctor Taking On The Pakistan State

The Lady Doctor Taking On The Pakistan State

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'The Pakistani government's growing fear of Dr Mahrang's rising popularity is evident.' 'Her defiance is inspiring.'

'I Never Had To Deal With My Inhibitions'

'I Never Had To Deal With My Inhibitions'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Say hello to The Royals!

'Zero-For-Zero Tariff Is Best Medicine For India'

'Zero-For-Zero Tariff Is Best Medicine For India'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'No retaliatory tariffs now. You can retaliate after a few months.' 'Today, there is no need to retaliate because it is a question of long term benefits.'

'Where Is The Evidence Against Justice Varma?'

'Where Is The Evidence Against Justice Varma?'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

'We have already prejudged the issue. And now things have reached a point where it is very difficult for a person to say that he could be innocent.'

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun questioning Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the deadly strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being held at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi. The interrogation is focused on his possible connection with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his suspected links with the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

From bedridden to gold: Rahi's unbelievable return to shooting

From bedridden to gold: Rahi's unbelievable return to shooting

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Rahi opened up about her recent battle with neuropathic pain syndrome, a mysterious and excruciating condition that left her bedridden and stripped of any sense of normalcy for months.

'Buy 2 Homes With LTCG And Save Tax?'

'Buy 2 Homes With LTCG And Save Tax?'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Ask rediffGURU and tax expert Mihir Tanna your income tax-related questions.

Capable women shouldn't ask for interim alimony: HC

Capable women shouldn't ask for interim alimony: HC

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court has ruled that qualified women with an earning capacity should not claim interim maintenance from their husbands, stating that the law does not promote idleness. The court dismissed a woman's plea for maintenance from her estranged husband, highlighting her education and potential to earn. The court encouraged her to actively seek employment, stating she had the capability to become self-sufficient.

No woman can be forced to conduct her virginity test: HC

No woman can be forced to conduct her virginity test: HC

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The high court noted that the contention of the petitioner demanding a virginity test of his wife is unconstitutional as it violates Article 21 of the Constitution which includes the right to dignity of women.

Back to basics: Paytm's focus is payments and distribution

Back to basics: Paytm's focus is payments and distribution

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Paytm, the country's leading fintech player which had to shut its payment bank business following regulatory action, is revisiting its business strategy including partnership with lenders. Also, the company's founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Vijay Shekhar Sharma has decided to oversee the day-to-day operations with all the major verticals reporting directly to him now. "The thing on top of everyone's agenda is getting the core businesses back on track," a person in the know said.

India maintains high import duty on American goods: US report

India maintains high import duty on American goods: US report

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

India maintains "high" import duties on a wide range of American goods such as agricultural items, drug formulations, and alcoholic beverages, besides imposing non-tariif barriers, a US report has said. A day before announcing reciprocal tariffs, the US Trade Representative (USTR) released the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on March 31.

Is Walking Good Enough Exercise?

Is Walking Good Enough Exercise?

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar debunks the walking myth and suggests better ways to get fit.

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar denied on Monday making any comments regarding changing the Constitution to accommodate four per cent reservation for Muslims in the state. He claimed he was "misquoted" and warned of moving a breach of privilege motion. Shivakumar's remarks came after the BJP forced repeated adjournments in the Lok Sabha over his alleged comments on the matter. The BJP has accused Shivakumar of seeking to change the Constitution for political gain, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding reservation policies in India.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

'Anti-India' slogans: SC seeks Maha reply to contempt plea

'Anti-India' slogans: SC seeks Maha reply to contempt plea

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has directed a Maharashtra authority to respond to a man's plea for initiating contempt action against it after his properties were demolished for allegedly raising anti-India slogans during a cricket match. The petitioner, who hails from Sindhudurg district in the state, claims his house and shop were demolished on February 24 following an FIR against him, his wife, and his 14-year-old son for allegedly raising anti-India slogans during the India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match. The plea argues that the demolition violated the Supreme Court's November 13, 2024 verdict on demolition of properties, which barred demolition without a prior showcause notice and 15 days' time for the aggrieved party to respond. The petitioner seeks directions for initiating contempt proceedings against the chief officer and administrator of the Malvan Municipal Council.

50 Naxalites surrender ahead of Modi's Chhattisgarh visit

50 Naxalites surrender ahead of Modi's Chhattisgarh visit

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

The Naxalites, 10 of whom are women, turned themselves in before senior officials of the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), he added.

How Tamil Nadu Is Becoming A Global Hub

How Tamil Nadu Is Becoming A Global Hub

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

After Chennai, it is Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli, that are emerging as manufacturing hubs. Coimbatore is India's top Tier-II city in terms of the number of GCCs, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield.

Import duties on 25 critical minerals, 36 drugs removed

Import duties on 25 critical minerals, 36 drugs removed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the removal of import duties on 12 critical minerals, lithium-ion batteries scrap, cobalt products, LED, zinc and 36 drugs for cancer and rare diseases.

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Recalling his detention during Hiteshwar Saikia's tenure as Assam Chief Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that during the Congress government in Assam, he was beaten up and had jail food for seven days in the state.

Remembering Cricket Legend Abid Ali

Remembering Cricket Legend Abid Ali

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

'I could not believe that such a great player could be so friendly. He was like a father figure to all of us.'

'I Lost 10 Kgs In 3 Months'

'I Lost 10 Kgs In 3 Months'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'If you see it as a burden, you'll struggle. But if you're enjoying the process and make small lifestyle changes, it becomes much easier.'