News for 'caste system'

ISRO Will Spend 550 Cr On Shukla's ISS Trip

ISRO Will Spend 550 Cr On Shukla's ISS Trip

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

If Rakesh Sharma represented the dreams of a nascent India looking outward, Shubhanshu Shukla embodies a confident India reaching for the controls.

'Never in the history...': Dhankhar vs Kharge in RS

'Never in the history...': Dhankhar vs Kharge in RS

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

The acrimony started when Dhankhar aksed Pramod Tiwari of the Congress not to state unverified facts. To this, Ramesh said it would be authenticated.

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Four cardinals from India, including two from Kerala, are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the new Pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, as per the regulations. Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad; Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Church; and George Koovakkad, the newly appointed cardinal, are the four who can cast votes in the upcoming conclave.

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A new report, "India Justice Report 2025", highlights the stark gender disparity in India's police force, with less than 1,000 women holding senior positions like Director-Generals and Superintendents of Police. Despite growing awareness about the need for gender diversity in law enforcement, not a single state or Union Territory has met its target for women's representation in the police force. The report also emphasizes the significant challenges faced by the justice system as a whole, including infrastructural deficiencies, overcrowding in prisons, and inadequate staffing levels. The report calls for systemic reforms to address these issues and ensure a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Rediff.com30 May 2025

In an interaction with naval warriors on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Goa, Singh sent a stern warning to Islamabad saying India will not hesitate to use the methods to deal with terrorism that Pakistan cannot even think of.

Would ILP Have Prevented Raja's Murder?

Would ILP Have Prevented Raja's Murder?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

'If inner line permit was in place in Meghalaya, the details of the three people who allegedly murdered Raja would have been on record.'

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'Peninsular Indians could ask 'Why should we contribute half of India's tax revenues if we account for only a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha?'.' 'The rest of the country seems likely to counter that 'democracy means one vote per person irrespective of where that person resides in India'.' 'With no easy answers to this thorny debate, the south's economic ascendancy could end up creating a Hobson's choice.' A revealing excerpt from Nandita Rajhansa and Saurabh Mukherjea's book, Behold the Leviathan: The Unusual Rise of Modern India.

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Is it right and proper for the US authorities to allow people like Subrahmanya Swamy [sic] go round the country preaching murder, violence, overthrow of the duly elected Government of India?' A fascinating excerpt from Sugata Srinivasaraju's The Conscience Network: A Chronicle of Resistance to a Dictatorship.

Duplicate voter I-cards issue to be addressed in 3 months: EC

Duplicate voter I-cards issue to be addressed in 3 months: EC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of a "scam" after the poll panel admitted to the existence of duplicate voter ID numbers. The ECI has said it will address the issue in the next three months. TMC leader Saket Gokhale alleged that the ECI is trying to "protect" someone and demanded answers about the extent of the duplication and why it took 25 years to address the problem.

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The latest book, in Singh's words, is "not merely a recounting of events but a mosaic of narratives, each woven with the depth and nuances of storytelling".

'Make caste discrimination in schools and colleges a crime'

'Make caste discrimination in schools and colleges a crime'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2023

'The government should immediately enact an Act to make caste discrimination a criminal offence and lay down a procedure similar to that of the Anti-Ragging Act.' 'Ragging has nearly been eliminated because it is treated as a criminal offence.' 'Similar procedure should be used in case of caste discrimination.'

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections were a 'blueprint for rigging democracy' and this 'match-fixing' would next happen in Bihar and 'anywhere the Bharatiya Janata Party is losing'.

'Not counting caste is as political an act as counting it'

'Not counting caste is as political an act as counting it'

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

'The upper caste elite's belief that they are casteless is a belief that is available only to the upper castes. Because all the lower castes are reminded by society every day what their caste is.'

'If I could change just one thing in India, I would abolish the caste system'

'If I could change just one thing in India, I would abolish the caste system'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2013

'There is a human aspect to relationships in India which is missing in the West... but what really makes me sad with our country is that we don't have our best people in politics,' says politician, academician, activist Dr Subramanian Swamy.

'If I could change just one thing in India, I would abolish the caste system'

'If I could change just one thing in India, I would abolish the caste system'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2013

'There is a human aspect to relationships in India which is missing in the West... but what really makes me sad with our country is that we don't have our best people in politics,' says politician, academician, activist Dr Subramanian Swamy.

'Everybody Is Scared'

'Everybody Is Scared'

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

'We want to hide it (by saying) we are too busy in our lives, we have other things to attend to, we have families.' 'But they all had families, including Jyotiba or Mahatma Gandhi, or anybody who challenged the system.'

Gram Chikitsalay Review: Panchayat Redux

Gram Chikitsalay Review: Panchayat Redux

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Gram Chikitsalay uses the same template as Panchayat but with a fraction of its humour or charm, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Jorhat has many attraction to offer for the discerning and offbeat traveller.

'Why Has Maharashtra Become So Cruel?'

'Why Has Maharashtra Become So Cruel?'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'What attitude has spawned such gruesomeness in the state of Saint Tukaram, Saint Dnyaneshwar, and great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Chhatrapati Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar?'

California governor vetoes anti-caste discrimination bill

California governor vetoes anti-caste discrimination bill

Rediff.com8 Oct 2023

The governor's move has been welcomed by a large segment of the Indian-American community who were opposing the bill.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Caste or cash? Tell us

Caste or cash? Tell us

Rediff.com15 Sep 2006

Will you marry outside your caste for money?

Long-pending electoral cases fuel distrust, says outgoing CEC

Long-pending electoral cases fuel distrust, says outgoing CEC

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Outgoing Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed concerns about long-pending cases questioning electoral processes, arguing they fuel distrust and should be scheduled with consideration for election periods. He also advocated for enhanced transparency in political promises, with clear disclosures on financial viability and impact on state finances. Kumar further stressed the need for a totaliser system to maintain polling station-wise voting confidentiality and urged the empowerment of NRIs to vote remotely. He highlighted the potential of biometric authentication and technology to address issues like impersonation and multiple voting.

'Egalitarian' Mayawati woos upper castes

'Egalitarian' Mayawati woos upper castes

Rediff.com2 Dec 2007

Seeking to expand the BSP's support base in other states after its landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh, party leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday said her party did not want to punish 'Manuwadis' for the caste system.

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.

Kovind panel studied 7 nations on one nation, one poll

Kovind panel studied 7 nations on one nation, one poll

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

A high-level panel on 'One Nation, One Election' studied election processes in seven countries including South Africa, Sweden and Belgium before recommending simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies in India. The other countries where simultaneous elections are conducted are Germany, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The Union Cabinet approved bills to implement 'One Nation, One Election', and the draft legislations are likely to be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing Winter session.

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The United Kingdom extracted USD 64.82 trillion from India over a century of colonialism between 1765 and 1900 and USD 33.8 trillion of this went to the richest 10 per cent -- enough money to carpet London in notes of 50 British pound almost four times over.

Tilak: The Man In His Times

Tilak: The Man In His Times

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Lokmanya Tilak lived a life replete with contradictions, although he modified many of his positions later in life.

2024's Best South Web Series

2024's Best South Web Series

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Arjun Menon looks at 2024's top Web series from South India.

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'You can be sure that the Pakistanis knew when the Indian Air Force aircraft took off, which type these were, and what their likely targets were.' 'The question was: How would they determine that the IAF wanted to fire, and when to bounce them?', notes Shekhar Gupta.

Seattle resolution on caste 'Hinduphobic': Indian-American senator

Seattle resolution on caste 'Hinduphobic': Indian-American senator

Rediff.com23 Feb 2023

"I condemn in the strongest terms the ordinance passed by the Seattle City Council. Caste discrimination simply doesn't exist now," Niraj Antani, the first Hindu and Indian-American state senator in Ohio's history, said.

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A strong demand was made in the Lok Sabha to eliminate online betting and gambling applications. YSRCP member Maddila Gurumoorthy urged the government to set up a dedicated task force to take action against betting and gambling apps. He also asked the government to draft regulations for such applications and launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of online betting. Other issues raised included deposit insurance coverage for bank depositors, representation of Scheduled Castes in the Kerala government, challenges faced by nurses, and the need for paramilitary forces in Jharkhand during upcoming Hindu festivals.

'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.'

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The high-octane campaigning for the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Monday, with big guns from all three major parties holding roadshows, public meetings, padayatras and bike rallies in a final push to sway voters. The Aam Aadmi Party remains confident of securing a third consecutive term, highlighting its governance record and welfare schemes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to reclaim power in Delhi after more than 25 years, held 22 roadshows and rallies across the city. The Congress, seeking a revival after failing to win any seats in the last two elections, also intensified its efforts. The election battle has seen sharp political exchanges, with AI-generated spoofs, catchy slogans, and roadshows dominating the discourse. The outcome of this fiercely contested election will determine whether the AAP continues its dominance, the BJP breaks its losing streak, or Congress makes a surprising comeback. The final verdict will be revealed on February 8, as Delhi awaits the results of what has been one of its most high-stakes electoral battles.

We believe in 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam', yet divided with kin: SC

We believe in 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam', yet divided with kin: SC

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the erosion of the family institution, stating that people in India, while valuing the concept of 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam' (the world is one family), are failing to maintain unity even within their immediate families. This observation came in a case involving a dispute between a mother and her eldest son over property and family relations.

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Carney defeated former cabinet minister Karina Gould, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, and Businessman and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis. All four contenders entered the room to much fanfare and addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for injecting energy into the party.

Why Caste Violence Is On The Rise In Tamil Nadu

Why Caste Violence Is On The Rise In Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

Tamil Nadu is the celebrated home of the 'social justice' movement in the country, yet caste differences and violence has only been increasing in numbers and becoming more brutal in recent years, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

CPM's Karat calls for Left unity to counter 'Hindutva neo-fascism'

CPM's Karat calls for Left unity to counter 'Hindutva neo-fascism'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The 24th CPI(M) Party Congress commenced in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with interim coordinator Prakash Karat emphasizing the need for Left unity to combat "Hindutva neo-fascism." He criticized the BJP-RSS government, accusing it of representing a "Hindutva-corporate nexus" and displaying "neo-fascist characteristics." Other Left leaders, including CPI general secretary D Raja and CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, echoed calls for unity and condemned the current political climate in India.

Baseless: Ex-CEC Quraishi on $21m poll funding by US agency

Baseless: Ex-CEC Quraishi on $21m poll funding by US agency

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'There was no financing or even promise of finance involved in MoU, forget X or Y amount'