News for 'civil-society'

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'I'm sure those few terrorists who are continuing to operate in the Valley are not reading books.' 'Are they trying to tell us that there are certain people who first intellectualise themselves and then go about picking up guns?' 'It is absolutely absurd.'

The Kashmiri Ex-Militants Who Joined The Army

The Kashmiri Ex-Militants Who Joined The Army

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

'The Indian Army won't induct anyone who has killed Indian soldiers.' 'That's why the army respects these reformed men so much -- they're on the frontline now, protecting India.'

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising'.

Mahua challenges EC's Bihar voter list revision in SC

Mahua challenges EC's Bihar voter list revision in SC

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Trinamool Congress leader and Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra has moved the Supreme Court challenging an order of the Election Commission of India for special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

'Militants are taking over the administration. Fundamentalists have been released from jail.'

A year after RG Kar doctor's rape-murder, parents await justice

A year after RG Kar doctor's rape-murder, parents await justice

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

A year after a young woman doctor was raped and murdered in Kolkata, her parents express their disappointment with the investigation and their continued pursuit of justice.

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Underscoring the 'presumption of genuineness' of Aadhaar and voter ID, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the publication of draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar and said it would once and for all decide pleas against Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

SC to hear pleas against EC's Bihar voter list overhaul on Monday

SC to hear pleas against EC's Bihar voter list overhaul on Monday

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi is likely to take up the matter in which the EC has justified its ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar, saying it adds to the purity of the election by "weeding out ineligible persons" from the electoral rolls.

Delimitation panel begins interaction with public, civil society in Jammu

Delimitation panel begins interaction with public, civil society in Jammu

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

It has met 20 such delegations and members of the public from Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Kathua and Doda districts.

Manipur name row: Meitei group raises bus incident with Centre

Manipur name row: Meitei group raises bus incident with Centre

Rediff.com28 May 2025

A delegation of a Meitei civil society group from Manipur has conveyed its concerns to the Centre over an incident where the state's name written on a bus windshield was covered with white paper. The group, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), expressed its commitment to peace and its willingness to cooperate in efforts to restore normalcy. They also raised concerns over the growing threats posed by narco-terrorism, cross border illegal immigration, and widespread illegal opium cultivation in the state.

Why bomb threats through VPNs, dark web evade detection

Why bomb threats through VPNs, dark web evade detection

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Delhi Police are investigating a series of bomb threats targeting schools and colleges, sent via encrypted networks. The threats have caused panic and disruption, prompting increased security measures and a police investigation into the source and motives behind the emails.

New IOC chief to strive for consensus on gender policy

New IOC chief to strive for consensus on gender policy

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will spearhead discussions on gender eligibility criteria in sports, its new President Kirsty Coventry said on Thursday, four years after the ruling body had urged federations to handle the issue independently.

Uddhav, Raj to hold joint march against 'Hindi imposition'

Uddhav, Raj to hold joint march against 'Hindi imposition'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will unite for the cause of the Marathi language, as their parties will stage a joint protest against the 'imposition' Hindi and the state government's three-language formula for Classes 1-5.

Everyone deserves a voice in their govt, Blinken tells civil society

Everyone deserves a voice in their govt, Blinken tells civil society

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

All people deserve to have a voice in their government and be treated with respect no matter who they are, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday while noting that Indians and Americans believe in human dignity, in equality of opportunity, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and belief.

Civil societies emerge as new warfare areas, says Ajit Doval

Civil societies emerge as new warfare areas, says Ajit Doval

Rediff.com28 Oct 2021

National security advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday said the new areas of warfare have shifted from territorial frontiers to civil societies, adding that factors like people's health, their sense of well-being and security, and their perception of government impact the will of a nation.

SC to hear pleas against Bihar voter review on July 10

SC to hear pleas against Bihar voter review on July 10

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to revise electoral rolls in Bihar. The hearing is scheduled for July 10.

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

From royalty to a tea vendor-turned-politician's wife and from a first lady to a Bengali actress, the 18 Muslim women who treaded the hallowed corridors of power in the Lok Sabha are an eclectic mix, with each of them having an interesting backstory, but one common thread -- their path to power was always strewn with struggle and hurdles.

Cong asks T'gana govt to talk to all stakeholders on UoH land row

Cong asks T'gana govt to talk to all stakeholders on UoH land row

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Amidst growing protests from students and other groups over the Telangana government's plan to develop 400 acres of land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad (UoH) for IT infrastructure, the Congress party has urged the state government to hold discussions with all stakeholders. The Congress leader, Meenakshi Natarajan, who is in charge of party affairs in Telangana, said the government should also consider the objections raised by students and others and await the Supreme Court's ruling on the land issue. The matter is currently being heard in both the Telangana High Court and Supreme Court.

Former Nepal King fined by civic body for vandalism

Former Nepal King fined by civic body for vandalism

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Former King Gyanendra Shah was on Saturday issued a letter demanding fine by Kathmandu's civic body following the damage caused to public property and environment during the pro-monarchy protests in parts of the Nepalese capital a day before.

CBI to probe TN custodial death; 5 cops held for murder

CBI to probe TN custodial death; 5 cops held for murder

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Amid widespread outrage and criticism, and opposition demand for a CBI probe, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday ordered transferring to the central agency, the investigation into death of Ajithkumar (29), who was picked up by a "special team" for interrogation in connection with a theft case.

Civil society: Hidden persuader

Civil society: Hidden persuader

Rediff.com15 Feb 2003

AMPLB calls for 15-min 'lights out' protest against Waqf Act on Wednesday

AMPLB calls for 15-min 'lights out' protest against Waqf Act on Wednesday

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called for a nationwide 'lights out' protest from 9 PM to 9:15 PM on April 30 to oppose the amendments made to the Waqf Act. The AIMPLB spokesperson, SQR Ilyas, stated that the protest is a symbolic expression of solidarity against the 'discriminatory and constitutionally incompatible' amendments. The Board has been running a campaign against the amendments since April 10, organizing meetings and protests across the country.

No headway in search for missing Indore tourist in Meghalaya

No headway in search for missing Indore tourist in Meghalaya

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam had gone missing on May 23, hours after they checked out of a homestay at Nongriat village in Sohra area

No more talks, just PoK: India's firm global stance on Pakistan

No more talks, just PoK: India's firm global stance on Pakistan

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Interacting with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, Banerjee said, "We have been in talks with them (Pakistan) for decades, despite changes in various paradigms and governments. But one thing remains constant, the conflict with Pakistan."

Bhushan CD: Amar, civil society trade charges

Bhushan CD: Amar, civil society trade charges

Rediff.com21 Apr 2011

While Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh demanded resignation of father-son duo Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan from the Lokpal Bill drafting committee, the civil society members raised doubts over the forensic test report.

Pahalgam attack: Kashmir newspapers print black front pages in protest

Pahalgam attack: Kashmir newspapers print black front pages in protest

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Several prominent newspapers in Kashmir on Wednesday printed their front pages black to protest the brutal terrorist attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead in the Pahalgam hill resort the previous day.

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

Pak shelling kills Poonch twins, crushing parents' educational dreams

Pak shelling kills Poonch twins, crushing parents' educational dreams

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The tragedy struck the family on May 7 when they found themselves in the middle of intense Pakistani shelling at their rented accommodation in Poonch which was badly hit by the cross-border shelling.

'Escalation Was Fastest In Indo-Pak History'

'Escalation Was Fastest In Indo-Pak History'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Looking at how quickly the hostilities were escalating, the nuclear threshold did not seem that far.'

First Meitei-Kuki meet held since beginning of Manipur violence

First Meitei-Kuki meet held since beginning of Manipur violence

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

In a significant step towards restoring peace in Manipur, representatives of the warring Meitei and Kuki communities met face-to-face for the first time since ethnic violence erupted nearly two years ago. The meeting, facilitated by the Union Home Ministry, aimed to enhance trust and cooperation between the communities and find a roadmap to restore normalcy in the state.

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to live in overcrowded camps, struggling to rebuild their lives and facing an uncertain future. Despite the sacking of the Chief Minister and the imposition of President's rule, peace remains a distant hope. While hill-based Kukis demand a separate administration, Meiteis seek implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and deportation of those they consider illegal immigrants. The IDPs, grappling with severe psychological distress, feel forgotten by the government and are forced to depend on the mercy of others for basic needs.

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Travel booking major OYO has launched a new check-in policy for partner hotels, starting from Meerut, introducing guidelines effective this year whereby unmarried couples will no longer be welcome to check in.

Deeply shameful: MPs on Allahabad HC's 'not rape' ruling

Deeply shameful: MPs on Allahabad HC's 'not rape' ruling

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

'The Supreme Court should take serious note of it. Such a ruling has no place in a civilized society'

Kashmir Valley shuts down after 35 yrs to protest Pahalgam attack

Kashmir Valley shuts down after 35 yrs to protest Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Kashmir valley observed a shutdown on Wednesday in protest against a terror attack that killed at least 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam. This was the first time in 35 years that the valley observed a shutdown for a terror attack. Organisations from all walks of life supported the bandh call, including political parties, socio-religious organisations, trade bodies, and civil society groups. Security has been beefed up across the valley, especially at vital tourist spots.

Let's thrash out issues on Lokpal: Civil society

Let's thrash out issues on Lokpal: Civil society

Rediff.com1 Jun 2011

As serious differences over various provisions marred the drafting of the Lokpal Bill, civil society members on Wednesday invited government nominees for a public debate on contentious issues, which could be telecast live on TV.

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The reality is that far from being friendless, India is better positioned in the world than at any point post-Cold War, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Protest is a tool in hands of civil society like strike a weapon of workers: SC

Protest is a tool in hands of civil society like strike a weapon of workers: SC

Rediff.com10 Nov 2022

A bench of justices S Abdul Nazeer and V Ramasubramanian said the Kerala Police Act was the successor legislation of certain police enactments of the colonial era which aimed at scuttling the democratic aspirations of the indigenous population.

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

An employee of the famed Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala has resigned, citing personal reasons, following allegations of caste discrimination. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, was recruited for 'kazhakam' duties, which involve preparing garlands and performing ceremonial chores. The resignation has sparked controversy, with the Devaswom Minister assuring support for Balu and criticizing the temple's 'tantries' for their stance. The temple has two 'Kazhakam' positions, one appointed by the 'tantries' and the other filled according to the Acts and Regulations.

Maoists being encouraged by civil society: WB guv

Maoists being encouraged by civil society: WB guv

Rediff.com21 Jan 2011

Maoists were getting encouragement from civil society and support of well-minded citizens was required to stem the menace, West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan said on Friday."The Maoists are getting the upper hand in people's mind because they are getting encouragement from a section of civil society," Narayanan said. "We need the support of well minded citizens so that matters don't go out of control," he said.