News for 'democratic change'

Maduro illegitimate, we won't mourn end of his regime: UK

Maduro illegitimate, we won't mourn end of his regime: UK

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

The UK has called for a safe and peaceful transition of power in Venezuela following a US operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated support for international law and said the UK government will discuss the situation with US counterparts.

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has sought a first information report (FIR) after students allegedly raised 'provocative' slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah inside the university campus during an event on Monday night, varsity officials said.

Mirwaiz drops Hurriyat title from X bio, alleges coercion

Mirwaiz drops Hurriyat title from X bio, alleges coercion

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a key religious and separatist figure in Kashmir, has removed his designation as 'Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference' from his X profile, signaling a potential shift in the region's political landscape.

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin has been formally declared as the BJP national president, succeeding J P Nadda. The leadership transition was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers.

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces legal action against the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, alleging disenfranchisement and procedural flaws.

Nitish Kumar Has Proved He Is Master Of The Game

Nitish Kumar Has Proved He Is Master Of The Game

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

This election is a thank you note to Nitish Babu from a grateful Bihari people, notes Sheela Bhatt.

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'Nitish Kumar previously held tight control over key ministries, but this concession (giving the home portfolio to the BJP) reflects either his weakened political position or a pragmatic acknowledgment of the BJP's growing dominance.'

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's former first female prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.

Zohran Mamdani scripts history, becomes NYC's 1st Muslim mayor

Zohran Mamdani scripts history, becomes NYC's 1st Muslim mayor

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the Mayor of New York City, becoming the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position. He defeated Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus all: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus all: Tarique Rahman

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people to maintain peace as he presented a vision of an inclusive society, saying the country belongs to people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar does not ask audiences to cheer blindly, notes Kumar Abhishek. It asks them to see how power operates in grey zones, and at moral cost.

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticizes the government's proposed bill to replace MGNREGA, arguing it weakens the guaranteed 100 days of employment for the poor and centralizes control over the scheme.

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Tigers refused to forgive Douglas Devananda and tried to assassinate him repeatedly. He later said: "(LTTE chief Velupillai) Prabhakaran cannot kill me." Destiny proved him right.

Rigged, biased, distasteful: Hasina reacts to death penalty

Rigged, biased, distasteful: Hasina reacts to death penalty

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death in absentia in Bangladesh, denounces the tribunal as biased and rigged, claiming the verdict reveals the murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government.

Mamdani invokes Nehru to project 'new-age' leadership

Mamdani invokes Nehru to project 'new-age' leadership

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected Mayor of New York City, quoted Jawaharlal Nehru after his victory, declaring the end of a political dynasty.

Bihar polls: Mahagathbandhan to release joint manifesto on Oct 28

Bihar polls: Mahagathbandhan to release joint manifesto on Oct 28

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav will address joint rallies before the first Phase of voting and, after that, for the seats in the second Phase of voting, they added.

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

In terms of MLA salaries, Odisha is followed by Telangana (about Rs 2.7 lakh), Maharashtra (Rs 2.6 lakh), Manipur (Rs 2.5 lakh), and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 2.4 lakh).

Why did Modi govt change Nehru Memorial to PMs' Museum?

Why did Modi govt change Nehru Memorial to PMs' Museum?

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society, said the Nehru Memorial Museum was converted to the Prime Minister's Museum because it was felt that the earlier building was not "democratic." Misra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to ensure an "element of equity" in the treatment of each prime minister at the museum and that it should display the achievements of all prime ministers.

Trump lowers tariffs on coffee, tomatoes, and more...

Trump lowers tariffs on coffee, tomatoes, and more...

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order retroactively lowering tariffs on a range of agricultural imports, including beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas, with the change taking effect from November 20, CNN reported.

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed "Operation Sindoor" as a turning point in the global fight against terror, describing it as a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose. Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the operation reflects a changing and resolute India, and has inspired patriotism and self-reliance across the country.

How Zohran Mamdani Went From 1% To Frontrunner

How Zohran Mamdani Went From 1% To Frontrunner

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

What an achievement it will be if a young Gujarati-Punjabi man is able to give the most powerful nation in the world a new direction, asserts Aakar Patel.

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'The move to appoint a person with a profile, markedly lower than the leader Nitin Nabin will replace, has the potential to put the brakes on the careers of several others in the party and government in the positions they currently hold,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Family targeted: Ex-CJI reveals attempts to 'coerce' him

Family targeted: Ex-CJI reveals attempts to 'coerce' him

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Former Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has said that cases were filed against his family members to 'coerce' him.

Kerala school teacher gets life term for raping 10-year-old student

Kerala school teacher gets life term for raping 10-year-old student

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

He was also sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment each and a fine of Rs 50,000 each under sections 5(f) (penetrative sexual assault on a child) and 5(l) (penetrative sexual assault on a child more than once) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Will Nitish get a record 5th term? Bihar to decide today

Will Nitish get a record 5th term? Bihar to decide today

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

People of Bihar wait with bated breath for Friday's counting of votes polled in the recent assembly elections, which will decide whether Janata Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister, will get a record fifth term or whether a change in government will be witnessed.

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticizes the BJP's functioning, stating he is not being consulted. He rules out rejoining the Congress but expresses willingness to help Sonia Gandhi personally. He also discusses Punjab's political landscape, AAP's performance, and national security.

India slams Pakistan at UN: 'Democracy is alien to you'

India slams Pakistan at UN: 'Democracy is alien to you'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Asserting that democracy is an 'alien' concept for Pakistan, India has called upon Islamabad to end grave human rights violations in territories under its illegal occupation, where the population is in 'open revolt' against military occupation, repression, brutality and exploitation.

From state lawmaker to mayor of America's largest city

From state lawmaker to mayor of America's largest city

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, of Indian descent, has won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the first Muslim, first Indian-origin, first African-born, and youngest mayor in over a century. His victory is seen as a significant moment for the city and the Indian-American community.

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking the formal completion of its construction.

Bihar polls: Jehanabad's youths want jobs, not rhetoric, from next govt

Bihar polls: Jehanabad's youths want jobs, not rhetoric, from next govt

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Voters in Bihar's Jehanabad and Ghosi express their hopes for change, particularly regarding job creation and development, in the upcoming government following the state elections.

The Smallest Nation To Qualify For FIFA World Cup

The Smallest Nation To Qualify For FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

With a population of 156,000, Curacao is the least populous country to go to the World Cup, beating the previous record held by Iceland with its 350,000 inhabitants.

Activists demand Wangchuk's release, back Ladakh's statehood

Activists demand Wangchuk's release, back Ladakh's statehood

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Activists from Himalayan states condemn the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, demanding his release and supporting the call for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They also warn of a larger crisis unfolding across the Himalayan region due to climate change and poor governance.

Ethiopia PM drives Modi to his hotel in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia PM drives Modi to his hotel in Addis Ababa

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ethiopia on a bilateral visit, engaging with Ethiopian leadership to strengthen partnerships in various sectors. He was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and participated in cultural events, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations.

Trump Praises 'Great Mayor' Mamdani

Trump Praises 'Great Mayor' Mamdani

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

'I met with a man who really wants to see New York be great again. I think he can bring it back. I think he wants to make it greater than ever before, and if he can, we'll be out there cheering. I'll be cheering for him.'

How Modi Has Changed Babus

How Modi Has Changed Babus

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

At the PMO, policies are framed by factoring in analytical perspectives, implications, sustainability, and other dimensions.

The Importance Of Putin's India Visit

The Importance Of Putin's India Visit

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The enduring relationship between the two countries have survived the disintegration of the erstwhile USSR in 1991, the end of the Cold War and the regime change in both countries, points out Rup Narayan Das.

'An Abnormal, Unnatural, Result'

'An Abnormal, Unnatural, Result'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

'This calls for a very serious investigation, investigation and introspection both.' 'Wherever we went wrong needs proper introspection; but the results also need investigation.'

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to debate with him on his three press conferences in which the Congress leader alleged 'vote chori' by the Bharatiya Janata Party in collusion with the Election Commission.

Will Cash Transfer Win Bihar For Modi?

Will Cash Transfer Win Bihar For Modi?

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

If women voters are mobilised in big numbers to the voting booths on November 6 and 11 by the Nitish Kumar-led NDA, then it will be quite difficult for the Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan to defeat the incumbent government, points out Sheela Bhatt.

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Left to its machinations, the BJP would have loved to cut Nitish down to size, but it can't afford to do so as the JD-U is in alliance with the BJP at the Centre, and cannot form a government on its own in Bihar. For now, both need each other: Nitish for legitimacy, the BJP for numbers, points out Ramesh Menon.