News for 'cultural identity'

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has resigned from the party's primary membership, a move accepted by BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Annamalai's resignation follows his replacement as state president and the BJP's renewed alliance with AIADMK. He is expected to address his future plans, including the possibility of launching a new political party, during a social media interaction.

Cristo Fernandez Trades Acting For Pro Football

Cristo Fernandez Trades Acting For Pro Football

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas, has signed a professional football contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, a U.S. second-tier team, fulfilling a lifelong dream after overcoming a past knee injury.

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'This is a major rupture in Tamil Nadu's political order.' 'For the Dravidian parties, the message is clear: The old DMK-AIADMK binary is no longer guaranteed a future.'

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has launched a new political movement focused on 'common man politics,' rejecting personality cults and hereditary power, aiming to position Tamil Nadu as the premier state in India.

How Punjab Schools Are Joining The Fight Against Drug Abuse

How Punjab Schools Are Joining The Fight Against Drug Abuse

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has called upon schools to play a proactive role in safeguarding youth from drug abuse. He emphasised the role of educational institutions in the statewide anti-drug campaign and criticised the neighbouring country for allegedly pumping drugs into Punjab.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'...appearing culturally coercive or administratively vindictive.' 'If it governs as a conquering force, resistance will build.'

'Bengali Nationalism May Help Mamata Banerjee Retain Power'

'Bengali Nationalism May Help Mamata Banerjee Retain Power'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

'If the BJP becomes our political identity, our political face, if we are represented by the BJP, then what happens to our identity as Bengalis?'

How Manav Shah Chose Golf Over Medicine And Reached US Open

How Manav Shah Chose Golf Over Medicine And Reached US Open

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Indian-origin golfer Manav Shah, born in California to Gujarati parents, is set to make his US Open debut after years of dedication on public courses and global qualifying circuits. His journey includes reconnecting with his Indian roots through the Asian Tour and the Indian Golf Premier League, which he credits for strengthening his self-belief.

Bait Review: Brown Bond For The Win!

Bait Review: Brown Bond For The Win!

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Riz Ahmed's new series Bait delivers a bitingly humorous, and topical commentary on a British-Pakistani actor's audacious journey auditioning for James Bond, challenging traditional casting norms and exploring complex themes of identity and representation.

Shape of Momo Review: Sublime Slice Of Womanhood

Shape of Momo Review: Sublime Slice Of Womanhood

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Shape of Momo is a compelling drama that masterfully portrays a young woman's rebellion against societal expectations in Sikkim, offering a nuanced look at feminism, family dynamics, and the search for identity, observes Sukanya Verma.

How Food Is Stirring Up West Bengal Elections

How Food Is Stirring Up West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The TMC and BJP are clashing over Bengal's food culture, with allegations of potential dietary restrictions adding spice to the West Bengal election campaign.

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Nagaland is seeking to implement the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations in a way that respects the state's customary laws and traditional systems of care, while remaining legally sound.

Modi Slams TMC Over Infiltration And 'Jungle Raj' In Bengal

Modi Slams TMC Over Infiltration And 'Jungle Raj' In Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, accusing it of facilitating cultural changes through infiltration, presiding over a 'Maha jungleraj' in tribal areas, and betraying women, farmers, and youths.

'Betrayed again': Modi accuses TMC of denying Bengal women 33% quota

'Betrayed again': Modi accuses TMC of denying Bengal women 33% quota

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of betraying women by obstructing the passage of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to reserve 33 per cent of seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women. Modi asserted that women in West Bengal would punish the TMC in the upcoming assembly elections.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

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.

Modi unveils India's first nature-themed airport in Guwahati

Modi unveils India's first nature-themed airport in Guwahati

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

The Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati has inaugurated a new nature-themed terminal building, designed to handle 13.1 million passengers per year and serve as a key aviation hub for the northeast and a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Priests see red over the Rs 2,390 crore project to overhaul infrastructure around one of Bihar's most significant pilgrimage site, particularly for those performing pind daan.

TMC Leader Alleges Harassment of Bengali Speakers in BJP-Ruled States

TMC Leader Alleges Harassment of Bengali Speakers in BJP-Ruled States

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states and denying Bengal its rightful dues. He also criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi.

Centre blocks release of ZEE5 series on Lawrence Bishnoi

Centre blocks release of ZEE5 series on Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 not to release 'Lawrence of Punjab', a docu-series on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, after the Punjab Police expressed apprehension that it posed a risk to public order.

Anurag Kashyap's 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Anurag Kashyap's 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Anurag Kashyap, despite his claims of being done with Bollywood, continues to deliver compelling cinema, with his latest film 'Bandar' set to release on June 5.

The Ladakh Cheese That Won The World!

The Ladakh Cheese That Won The World!

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The amazing story of how a little known cheese from Ladakh stunned the world!

Must-Learn Leadership Lessons From HDFC Bank's Aditya Puri

Must-Learn Leadership Lessons From HDFC Bank's Aditya Puri

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Aditya Puri is one of the cleanest examples we have, in Indian corporate history, of a leader who understood early that the measure of his work was not what happened while he was in the chair. It was what would keep happening when he was no longer there, says Suresh M K.

'Modishree', 'Joy Bangla': Sweets ready for Bengal results day

'Modishree', 'Joy Bangla': Sweets ready for Bengal results day

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Sweet shops across West Bengal are preparing themed sweets in anticipation of the election results, reflecting the charged political atmosphere.

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Lakhs of transgender people's identities will get erased. Many of them will go into hiding and lead depressing lives.'

UP's new cuisine map leaves non-veg off the menu

UP's new cuisine map leaves non-veg off the menu

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government's 'One District One Cuisine' initiative, aimed at promoting local delicacies, has drawn criticism for omitting several iconic non-vegetarian dishes closely associated with the state's districts.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

How Social Media Damages Your Child's Brain

How Social Media Damages Your Child's Brain

Rediff.com11 May 2026

'Children are not learning how to handle conflict, communicate effectively or build deeper connections. That's why we see this loneliness paradox -- they are constantly connected yet emotionally disconnected,' says psychiatrist and therapist Dr Ruhi Satija.

BJP Alleges Land Rights Given to Infiltrators in West Bengal

BJP Alleges Land Rights Given to Infiltrators in West Bengal

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

BJP chief Nitin Nabin has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal of altering the state's demography by giving land rights to infiltrators and forcing residents to leave due to appeasement politics and lawlessness.

How TN defeated Constitution Amendment Bill

How TN defeated Constitution Amendment Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin celebrated the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, emphasising the unity of the south and the triumph of democracy. The bill aimed to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase Lok Sabha seats. Stalin criticised the bill as weakening the balance of the union and asserted Tamil Nadu's commitment to justice, dignity, and federalism.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

IPL 2026: Jemimah steals the show as Delhi Capitals unveil tiger-themed jersey

IPL 2026: Jemimah steals the show as Delhi Capitals unveil tiger-themed jersey

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

With the Indian Premier League 2026 season approaching, Delhi Capitals on Thursday unveiled their new jersey, inspired by the fierce tiger spirit that reflects both the team and the city.

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP must respect Bengal's pluralistic ethos and with this historic mandate give the state the constructive change it truly deserves, expects Kolkata native Payal Singh Mohanka.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the TMC, accusing the party of looting West Bengal for 15 years, destroying the state's identity through corruption and infiltration, and turning Jadavpur University into a symbol of disorder.

India not 'Vishwaguru' anymore: BJP veteran M M Joshi

India not 'Vishwaguru' anymore: BJP veteran M M Joshi

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi advocates for greater promotion of Sanskrit, suggesting its importance in modern scientific pursuits and India's aspiration to regain its status as a 'vishwaguru' (global teacher).

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Our government is committed to addressing it firmly while protecting the rights of genuine citizens.'

Adityanath Accuses TMC of Appeasement, Promises 'Double-Engine' Growth in Bengal

Adityanath Accuses TMC of Appeasement, Promises 'Double-Engine' Growth in Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, accusing it of appeasement policies and urging voters to elect a BJP government for inclusive governance and development.