News for 'democratic India'

JD-U sacks Manipur unit chief soon after he withdrew support from BJP

JD-U sacks Manipur unit chief soon after he withdrew support from BJP

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Janata Dal-United state unit in Manipur has withdrawn support to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Biren Singh government and the party has informed its decision to governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Current Lok Sabha Sets Record For...

Current Lok Sabha Sets Record For...

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

The average age is 56, making the Lower House the oldest in India's parliamentary history and a year older than the previous Lok Sabha.

Farmers call off Chandigarh march after Punjab Police crackdown

Farmers call off Chandigarh march after Punjab Police crackdown

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Punjab Police thwarted farmers' attempt to go to Chandigarh on the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's call for a week-long dharna beginning Wednesday, as multiple checkpoints were set up across the state and security stepped up at all entry points of the Union Territory.

President's rule imposed in Manipur to buy time: Opposition

President's rule imposed in Manipur to buy time: Opposition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in India have criticized the imposition of President's rule in strife-torn Manipur, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to address the ethnic violence and using the measure to cover up internal conflicts within the party. They demanded a clear roadmap for restoring peace and questioned the government's lack of transparency and inaction on the issue. The violence, which erupted in May 2023, has left over 250 people dead.

Why India Will Like Shigeru Ishiba

Why India Will Like Shigeru Ishiba

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

Shigeru Ishiba is expected to prioritise strengthening Japan's military capabilities and fostering deeper international partnerships, particularly with India, with whom Japan shares significant strategic interests, explains Dr Rajaram Panda.

Rijiju's message to Cong on alleged 'Sonia-Soros link'

Rijiju's message to Cong on alleged 'Sonia-Soros link'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday urged all political parties, including the Congress, to unite against anti-India forces, and raise their voice if they find their leaders working against the country's interest.

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding pleas seeking verification of burnt memory and symbol loading units in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The court directed the ECI to refrain from erasing or reloading data during the verification process and to explain the procedure adopted for verification. The bench also expressed concerns over the high cost of verification and directed the ECI to reduce the fee. The court's directive comes following its previous judgement where it allowed aggrieved candidates to seek verification of EVMs.

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief, mourned the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him a "friend, philosopher and guide." She described him as the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, whose contributions to India's progress and development are immeasurable. She also said that Singh's passing is a deeply personal loss and he was loved by the people of India for his pure heart and fine mind.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president and a champion of peace and human rights, has died at the age of 100. Carter, who was known for his work with the Carter Center, promoting democracy and conflict resolution, was also a close friend of India. He visited the country in 1978, forging a lasting relationship between the two nations.

SC directs Centre to safeguard domestic workers' rights

SC directs Centre to safeguard domestic workers' rights

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India directed the government to establish a legal framework to protect domestic workers and address their exploitation.

Historic win for BJP-led alliance in Maha; INDIA gets Jharkhand

Historic win for BJP-led alliance in Maha; INDIA gets Jharkhand

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday pulled off a stunning performance in Maharashtra winning a record number of seats to propel the party-led ruling Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory while the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) stormed back to power in Jharkhand on the back of a spectacular showing by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India as a sovereign democratic republic completed 75 years of its eventful journey on Sunday, with the stage set at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi for the ceremonial parade during which the country will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage.

'Kamala Harris is a fighter, she will make a comeback'

'Kamala Harris is a fighter, she will make a comeback'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'We were hoping for her victory and had planned celebrations bigger than Deepavali'

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Yamuna 'poisoning': Referred to high ammonia level, Kejriwal tells CEC

Yamuna 'poisoning': Referred to high ammonia level, Kejriwal tells CEC

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal went to the Election Commission's office in New Delhi on Friday and furnished his reply to the poll body over its notice to him on his 'poison mixed' in Yamuna water remark.

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Subramanyam's mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport, watched her son being sworn-in on the Bhagavad Gita.

Jaishankar, Rubio Meet At Quad Mini-Summit

Jaishankar, Rubio Meet At Quad Mini-Summit

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Soon after he was sworn in by Vice President J D Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Penny Wong from Australia and Japan's Iwaya Takeshi for his first multilateral meeting as the top American diplomat.

2 more BJP MPs included in 'one nation, one poll' JPC

2 more BJP MPs included in 'one nation, one poll' JPC

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The government has moved to increase the strength of the joint committee of Parliament that will scrutinise the two bills proposing simultaneous elections from 31 MPs to 39, giving representation to more parties.

Parliamentary panel's solution to discourage 'award wapsi'

Parliamentary panel's solution to discourage 'award wapsi'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

A parliamentary committee has suggested 'consent of the recipient' was a must in case a National Akademi decided to confer an award to prevent the honour's return by the individual for political reasons as it was 'disgraceful' to the country.

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

Manmohan Singh: Man of few words but immense wisdom

Manmohan Singh: Man of few words but immense wisdom

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister of India and architect of the country's economic reforms, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Born in a village in undivided Punjab, now in Pakistan, Singh's family witnessed first-hand the tragic Partition. Throughout his long public life, he often spoke of communal harmony and democratic values. He served two terms as prime minister from 2004 to 2014 and was known for his wisdom and quiet demeanor.

India no longer a democratic country, claims Rahul

India no longer a democratic country, claims Rahul

Rediff.com11 Mar 2021

This comes after another global report by a US government-funded NGO, Freedom House downgraded India's status from "free" to "partly free" and claimed that "political rights and civil liberties have eroded in India since Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014".

Vijayan responds to BJP leader's 'Kerala mini-Pakistan' remark

Vijayan responds to BJP leader's 'Kerala mini-Pakistan' remark

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane for calling Kerala a "mini Pakistan", saying the remark is "highly provocative and condemnable". Vijayan said Rane's comments expose the Sangh Parivar's approach towards Kerala, which he said involves alienating and spreading hate campaigns against the state. He also criticised the leadership of the ruling party for not reacting to Rane's "serious breach of oath". Vijayan called for all democratic and secular forces to unite against the Sangh Parivar's "hateful propaganda".

India 'abuser' of import tariffs; Modi 'fantastic man': Trump

India 'abuser' of import tariffs; Modi 'fantastic man': Trump

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Trump made the announcement while campaigning in Michigan, but did not provide any further details of their meeting.

India wants to prove that Canada doesn't...: Trudeau's big charge

India wants to prove that Canada doesn't...: Trudeau's big charge

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

India believes that Canada doesn't take seriously violence or terrorism or incitement to hatred seriously, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday as he cited foundational responsibility for the Canadian government for not taking actions against those espousing violence and terrorism against a third country.

'Trump has a style which Americans like'

'Trump has a style which Americans like'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'Trump would like the war in Ukraine to be over, and that it would be weighing on his mind even before the Inauguration ceremony in January next year.'

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Indians are the main beneficiaries of the H-1B visas, which bring in the best of the talent and brains from across the world. Highly skilled professionals from India walk away with the overwhelming number of H-1B visas - which is Congressional mandated 65,0000 every year and another 20,000 for those who received higher education from the US.

'Nitish, Naidu Cheated Muslims On Waqf'

'Nitish, Naidu Cheated Muslims On Waqf'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'When voting clause by clause on Waqf came up in the JPC, the TDP and JD-U supported the BJP on each and every clause.'

Canada didn't act on Bishnoi gang despite info: India

Canada didn't act on Bishnoi gang despite info: India

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

During the briefing, Jaiswal reiterated that so far no evidence has been shared by Canada.

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Canada's Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya has announced that he is running to be the next prime minister, hours before his Liberal Party announced that their next leader will be chosen on March 9.

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

These self-appointed well-wishers of AMU are basically for the control or police model of university governance. They have no faith whatsoever in the democratic functioning of the universities, observes Faizan Mustafa, former dean, Faculty of Law, and Registrar, Aligarh Muslim University.

Trump orders 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay

Trump orders 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The Guantanamo Bay facility, which has so far been used to hold terrorists, will now also house illegal immigrants with criminal records.

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The first and most basic responsibility of any government is to protect its people from external threats and internal harm.' 'Budget 2025-2026 has to focus on meeting this responsibility,' asserts R Jagannathan.

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

What India needs more than one simultaneous election is better governance both at the central and state level. Yes, we need reforms, but our priority should be to make elections less expensive, make it more democratic, do away with freebies which are actually bribes before elections, allow only those who are educated to contest, and bring in a bill to make it impossible for criminals to contest, advocates Ramesh Menon.

Risk of mpox upsurge very low in India now: Official sources

Risk of mpox upsurge very low in India now: Official sources

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

Official sources said the last case of monkeypox in India was reported from Kerala in March this year.

TDP Reacts Cautiously To Adani Charges

TDP Reacts Cautiously To Adani Charges

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The Telugu Desam Party, a key member of the National Democratic Alliance, will react to allegations of the Adani Group paying bribes for solar power contracts in Andhra Pradesh only after studying the issue.

One nation, one election: 32 parties back proposal, Cong among 15 to oppose

One nation, one election: 32 parties back proposal, Cong among 15 to oppose

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Among the national parties, the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Communist Party of India-Marxist opposed the proposal, while the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National People's Party supported it.

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion and has directed law enforcement agencies to take prompt action against loudspeakers that violate noise pollution norms. The court also ordered the state government to direct religious institutions to adopt mechanisms for controlling noise levels, including calibrated sound systems with auto-decibel limits. The decision came in response to a petition filed by two housing associations alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on mosques in the area.

'Kamala Doesn't Have Feelings For India'

'Kamala Doesn't Have Feelings For India'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

'Never, not even once, has Kamala Harris said that she is Indian American. I know why.' 'From the Indian American community she can get maybe 1% percent votes. But if she says she's African American she gains about 20% votes.'

Fake voters' list row rocks Palakkad bypoll; EC warns of action

Fake voters' list row rocks Palakkad bypoll; EC warns of action

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Election Commission has said it will allow suspected fake voters to cast their ballots in the Palakkad assembly by-poll, but will take action against them later. The CPI(M), Congress, and BJP have accused each other of enrolling fake voters. The by-poll is scheduled for November 20.