News for 'democratic India'

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Political parties in Kerala are increasingly using AI-generated content to influence voters in the upcoming elections, raising concerns about the blurring lines between reality and fiction in political messaging.

'No difference': Former JD-U leader KC Tyagi joins RLD

'No difference': Former JD-U leader KC Tyagi joins RLD

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Former JD(U) leader KC Tyagi has joined the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), citing shared ideologies with Chaudhary Charan Singh and Ram Manohar Lohia. He aims to strengthen the party and champion the cause of farmers.

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have elevated their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership,' with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. The leaders also inaugurated a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha has revoked the suspension of eight opposition MPs after assurances of maintaining order and decorum in the House. The decision follows a period of disruption and debate over parliamentary conduct.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Promises Enhanced Initiatives for Women's Education and Safety if Party Wins 2027

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Promises Enhanced Initiatives for Women's Education and Safety if Party Wins 2027

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has pledged to introduce more initiatives focused on women's education, safety, and welfare if his party regains power in 2027, highlighting the importance of women's status in assessing a society's condition.

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced a series of welfare measures, including free refrigerators for rice ration cardholders, if the party wins the 2026 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

Key Maoist Leader Surrenders, Marking Progress in Chhattisgarh's Anti-Insurgency Efforts

Key Maoist Leader Surrenders, Marking Progress in Chhattisgarh's Anti-Insurgency Efforts

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A senior Maoist commander, Papa Rao, surrendered with his team in Chhattisgarh, signalling a significant blow to Left-Wing Extremism in the region. This event underscores the impact of sustained security pressure and rehabilitation efforts on the Maoist movement.

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

DYFI Alleges Government Weak Stand on APSC Exam Irregularities

DYFI Alleges Government Weak Stand on APSC Exam Irregularities

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has voiced concerns over the government's handling of the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission report on irregularities in APSC examinations, alleging a weak stance in implementing its recommendations.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'The AIADMK and DMK have 75% of the total votes. 25% of the voters do not support the two majors,' says DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The counsel appearing for the arrested protesters argued that they were associated with a political party and had exercised their democratic right to protest peacefully.

Shekhar Kapur: 'Movie Stars Will Be AI Created'

Shekhar Kapur: 'Movie Stars Will Be AI Created'

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'Storytelling will never change.' 'As long as storytelling can be unpredictable... AI cannot tell you an unpredictable story.'

How India's Children Celebrate Republic Day

How India's Children Celebrate Republic Day

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Happy Republic Day!

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.

Gen Z impact: Ex-rapper's party heads to sweep Nepal polls

Gen Z impact: Ex-rapper's party heads to sweep Nepal polls

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party is surging ahead in the general elections after Gen Z protests ousted the previous government, signaling a potential new era in Nepali politics.

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

The Fall of India's Development Ambitions

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Like the realisation on the failure of development, we have also internalised the failure on democracy, argues Aakar Patel.

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman called for maintaining law and order and sought cooperation in building a safe and humane Bangladesh after his party's victory in parliamentary elections.

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A public exchange of open letters between Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor reveals a significant rift over foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and the Sabarimala temple issue.

Balen defeats 4-time PM Oli, RSP set to form next govt in Nepal

Balen defeats 4-time PM Oli, RSP set to form next govt in Nepal

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is on track for a significant victory in Nepal's general elections, potentially reshaping the country's political landscape.

Rise beyond...: India thrashes Pak at UN over Kashmir

Rise beyond...: India thrashes Pak at UN over Kashmir

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India strongly criticized Pakistan at the United Nations for misusing UN platforms to promote a divisive agenda by repeatedly raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The counting of votes for all 824 seats across four states and one Union Territory will be held on May 4.

SEE: Netanyahu 'surprises' Modi by wearing Indian attire

SEE: Netanyahu 'surprises' Modi by wearing Indian attire

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, 'Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.'

How India Sleeps

How India Sleeps

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India Rests In The Most Unlikely Places...

'Historic bond': Trump's message to India on 77th Republic Day

'Historic bond': Trump's message to India on 77th Republic Day

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

US President Donald Trump greeted India on its 77th Republic Day, highlighting the historic bond between the two democracies amid ongoing trade tensions.

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised to form the next government in Nepal after a decisive victory in the general election, significantly impacting established political parties.

US announces 126% duty on imports of Indian...

US announces 126% duty on imports of Indian...

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The United States has announced a preliminary countervailing duty of 125.87 per cent on imports of certain Indian solar goods, alleging unfair subsidisation. This move could impact India's renewable energy sector and its efforts to boost domestic solar manufacturing.

T20 World Cup: JioStar threatens to sue Pakistan for India match boycott

T20 World Cup: JioStar threatens to sue Pakistan for India match boycott

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

T20WC Boycott: Broadcasters may move court against PCB

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Addressing an event after launching the service, Shah said the rival ride-hailing platforms have reduced commission and are offering many other incentives, including free rides to customers, seeing the success of Bharat Taxi during the pilot operation.

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha rejected a resolution seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker by a voice vote amidst opposition protests and demands for an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah.

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'The entire US ecosystem built over decades at the bases in the Gulf region, especially the UAE, costing trillions of dollars have been decimated, dealing a mortal blow to the US Central Command's war capability,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Economic Survey 2026: Rupee valuation does not accurately reflect India's stellar economic fundamentals

Economic Survey 2026: Rupee valuation does not accurately reflect India's stellar economic fundamentals

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The value of the rupee, which has slipped to the 92 per dollar mark, does not accurately reflect India's stellar economic fundamentals, the Economic Survey said on Thursday.

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly defended Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against a no-confidence motion, accusing the Congress party of attacking constitutional institutions and undermining parliamentary democracy.

2025 Marks India's Arrival As A Great Power

2025 Marks India's Arrival As A Great Power

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

In a world fractured by uncertainty, India stands out for its policy consistency, paired with sustained ambition, points out Pritam Banerjee.

BJP leads with Rs 6,769 cr income in FY25; Congress second at Rs 918 cr

BJP leads with Rs 6,769 cr income in FY25; Congress second at Rs 918 cr

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that the BJP declared the highest income among national parties in FY 2024-25, while the Congress's income declined.