News for 'controversial'

Why UGC's new regulations have sparked controversy, protests

Why UGC's new regulations have sparked controversy, protests

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The University Grants Commission's (UGC) new regulations on promoting equity in higher education institutions have sparked protests and legal challenges. This article explains the regulations, the concerns raised, and the government's response.

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha defends his request for LPG cylinders for Jain temples, claiming criticism is part of a larger anti-Hindu narrative.

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.

Muraleedharan Criticises Blaming Communities for Voting Choices in Kerala

Muraleedharan Criticises Blaming Communities for Voting Choices in Kerala

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan criticises blaming communities for voting choices in Kerala, responding to BJP leaders' remarks about the Catholic church. He also expresses confidence in the UDF's prospects in the upcoming election and criticises the Election Commission's arrangements.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

Umar Khalid moves SC for review of bail denial in Delhi riots case

Umar Khalid moves SC for review of bail denial in Delhi riots case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Student activist Umar Khalid has petitioned the Supreme Court for a review of the verdict denying him bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, arguing that there were errors in the initial decision.

Abhishek Sharma slapped with big fine for dissent in KKR-SRH IPL clash

Abhishek Sharma slapped with big fine for dissent in KKR-SRH IPL clash

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and received a demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

NCP merger debate resurfaces after Tatkare drops Ajit, Sunetra pic

NCP merger debate resurfaces after Tatkare drops Ajit, Sunetra pic

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Two months after the death of Ajit Pawar, leaders within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are advocating for a merger with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), amidst internal disputes and banner controversies.

Bombay High Court Orders Trial in 2014 Custodial Death Case

Bombay High Court Orders Trial in 2014 Custodial Death Case

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has upheld a lower court's decision to frame murder charges against eight police officers in connection with the 2014 custodial death of Agnello Valdaris, citing inconsistencies in police records and evidence of custodial torture.

It undermines women's dignity: Caster Semenya slams IOC's gender testing policy

It undermines women's dignity: Caster Semenya slams IOC's gender testing policy

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya says she intends to fight against the introduction of gender testing for the female category at the Olympics, a policy the South African insists "undermines women's rights".

Ex India pacer says unfair to blame SRK amid controversy

Ex India pacer says unfair to blame SRK amid controversy

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

'Four other teams bid for him and KKR outbid everyone, that is a different story. And if he was included in the auction, it was BCCI's call. Removing a player will not make any difference...'

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. A nine-judge bench is examining the scope of religious freedom and the exclusion of women based on age and menstrual status.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

AAP MLA Italia Alleges Police Harassment; Authorities Explain Visit as Warrant Service

AAP MLA Italia Alleges Police Harassment; Authorities Explain Visit as Warrant Service

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Gopal Italia has accused the police of intimidating his family in Surat, while police officials state they were serving a court warrant related to a case in Mehsana.

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India is considering launching the final phase of its special intensive revision of voters' lists in the remaining states and Union territories after the assembly elections conclude.

Trinamool Congress Persists in Seeking Meeting with President Murmu

Trinamool Congress Persists in Seeking Meeting with President Murmu

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress has sent a third letter to President Droupadi Murmu requesting a meeting to discuss West Bengal's welfare initiatives, following previous rejections and a recent controversy surrounding the President's visit to the state.

Police probe AI-manipulated video targeting Maharashtra Minister Narhari Zirwal

Police probe AI-manipulated video targeting Maharashtra Minister Narhari Zirwal

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Mumbai police are investigating the circulation of an AI-doctored video featuring Maharashtra Minister Narhari Zirwal, following a complaint by a transperson alleging blackmail.

Russian artist's photoshoot with 'pink elephant' draws ire

Russian artist's photoshoot with 'pink elephant' draws ire

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A photo shoot in Jaipur featuring an elephant painted pink has sparked controversy and animal welfare concerns after the elephant's death. The incident has led to calls for stricter regulations on the use of animals in commercial and artistic activities.

NCERT row: IIT-Gandhinagar reviews association with Prof Danino

NCERT row: IIT-Gandhinagar reviews association with Prof Danino

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

IIT-Gandhinagar is reviewing Michel Danino's position as guest professor after the Supreme Court directed institutions to disassociate from him due to a controversy over a chapter on judicial corruption in a withdrawn NCERT textbook.

Operation Sindoor: 'This Is Not Just A Film. It Is A Revelation'

Operation Sindoor: 'This Is Not Just A Film. It Is A Revelation'

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

'What emerges is a reality far more complex, far more precise, and far more unsettling than what is available in the public domain.'

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran have drawn strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who are calling for his removal from office, while some Republicans express concern.

Bombay High Court Orders Trial for Police in 2014 Custodial Death

Bombay High Court Orders Trial for Police in 2014 Custodial Death

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has upheld a trial court's decision to frame murder charges against eight police personnel in connection with the alleged custodial death of Agnello Valdaris in 2014, citing inconsistencies in police records and evidence of custodial torture.

Hazaribag Treasury Scam: Arrests Increase as Embezzlement Reaches 28 Crore

Hazaribag Treasury Scam: Arrests Increase as Embezzlement Reaches 28 Crore

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Hazaribag Superintendent of Police (SP) Office treasury scam has seen further developments with more arrests and a significant increase in the embezzlement amount to 28 crore. The investigation continues, with authorities pursuing leads in Bihar and freezing suspicious accounts.

Why Uttarakhand Police Didn't Invoke UCC in Triple Talaq Case

Why Uttarakhand Police Didn't Invoke UCC in Triple Talaq Case

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A triple talaq case in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district has sparked controversy as police did not initially file it under the state's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) due to reported technical issues, raising concerns about the UCC's enforcement.

Congress Attacks PM Modi as SC Orders CBI Probe into Arunachal Pradesh CM's Contracts

Congress Attacks PM Modi as SC Orders CBI Probe into Arunachal Pradesh CM's Contracts

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to investigate contracts awarded to Arunachal Pradesh CM's family, prompting criticism from the Congress party.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to provide jobs in West Bengal during recent rallies.

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has accused the state government of imposing arbitrary conditions on crop purchases, alleging anti-farmer policies and demanding compensation for weather-related crop damage.

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is embroiled in controversy after a video featuring him and a transgender person went viral, prompting calls for his removal from office.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

Congress Leader Venugopal Alleges Vijayan's Collusion with BJP in Open Letter

Congress Leader Venugopal Alleges Vijayan's Collusion with BJP in Open Letter

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal has released an open letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging secret deals with BJP leaders and the central government, raising questions about the LDF government's functioning ahead of the Assembly elections.

Eknath Khadse Faces Fraud Allegations Over Land Deal

Eknath Khadse Faces Fraud Allegations Over Land Deal

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLC Eknath Khadse and his daughter have been booked for allegedly cheating an elderly woman by assuring a sugar factory on her land and taking its possession with the help of forged papers in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district.

Author Alleges Mob Assault During Shah Bano Book Research in Indore

Author Alleges Mob Assault During Shah Bano Book Research in Indore

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A woman claiming to be an author has alleged she was attacked by a mob in Indore while researching the Shah Bano case, but police deny the mob assault, stating the dispute was over a book contract.

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which provides graded punishment for bodily harm to transgender persons, has been approved by the President of India. The bill has faced criticism from opposition MPs for excluding gays and lesbians and for the establishment of an authority to determine transgender status.

Author Claims Mob Assault in Indore Over Shah Bano Book Research; Police Deny Attack

Author Claims Mob Assault in Indore Over Shah Bano Book Research; Police Deny Attack

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

An author claims she was attacked in Indore after being mistaken for a 'child lifter' while researching a book on the Shah Bano case. Police deny the mob assault, citing a dispute over the book contract.

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following the emergence of an alleged video of Humayun Kabir, purportedly claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Sudhakaran Refutes Kerala CM's Contact Claims

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Sudhakaran Refutes Kerala CM's Contact Claims

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an independent candidate, has denied claims by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that the CM attempted to contact him, sparking a political controversy.

Pawan Khera missing as Assam police search his Delhi house; seize devices

Pawan Khera missing as Assam police search his Delhi house; seize devices

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

An Assam Police team is questioning Congress leader Pawan Khera in Delhi regarding allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family.