News for 'democratic nation'

Thank you Maharashtra, says Modi after civic poll win

Thank you Maharashtra, says Modi after civic poll win

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for supporting the NDA's agenda in the recent municipal corporation elections, which saw the BJP-led alliance secure significant wins.

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration have accused jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of attempting to instigate Gen Z for protests, drawing parallels to unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Arab Spring.

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

'The prime minister didn't come to Parliament.' 'But the BJP MP is charging that you wanted to assault the prime minister.' 'Only a person who has the intellect and ideology of the BJP can come up with such bizarre charges.'

'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.

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

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Bangladesh is preparing for elections and a referendum on reforms, but the absence of the Awami League and rising political tensions are raising concerns about the legitimacy and stability of the process.

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.

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on charges of indiscipline after he resigned from service in protest against government policies.

'Threat to PM': BJP women MPs write to Birla urging action

'Threat to PM': BJP women MPs write to Birla urging action

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

BJP's women MPs have requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to take strict action against opposition MPs for disruptive behavior in Parliament, including protests that prevented Prime Minister Modi from addressing the House.

'Sharif said I saved 10 mn': Trump repeats India-Pak conflict claims

'Sharif said I saved 10 mn': Trump repeats India-Pak conflict claims

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Trump has made similar claims many times since May 10 last year, stating that it was his pressure that led to peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbours as he makes his pitch for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India resumed hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, addressing the use of Aadhaar and concerns about voter deletions.

Was Ajit preparing to quit the NDA?: Fadnavis on NCP merger

Was Ajit preparing to quit the NDA?: Fadnavis on NCP merger

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

On reports of the BJP opposing the NCP merger, Fadnavis asserted that his party hasn't opposed anyone.

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin, a five-time Bihar MLA, has been elected unopposed as the BJP national president, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. His appointment signals a generational shift in the party's leadership as it prepares for key state elections.

'Hindu Unity Is Not What I Am Aiming At'

'Hindu Unity Is Not What I Am Aiming At'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

'The Kerala of today is not the Kerala of yesterday.' 'What has seeped into this society is the feeling of hatred towards other castes and religions.'

Fresh clashes in Kokrajhar: Army, RAF deployed

Fresh clashes in Kokrajhar: Army, RAF deployed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Fresh clashes between Bodos and Adivasis erupt in Assam's Kokrajhar, leading to the deployment of the Rapid Action Force, suspension of internet services, and imposition of prohibitory orders.

Salman Khan's Adorable Maatrubhumi Moment

Salman Khan's Adorable Maatrubhumi Moment

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Film folk celebrated Republic Day by capturing their patriotic spirit through pictures and messages on social media.

Wangchuk denies 'Arab Spring' call in SC; says police twisted words

Wangchuk denies 'Arab Spring' call in SC; says police twisted words

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act, denied allegations in the Supreme Court that he incited sedition. His lawyer argued that the police selectively used video evidence to mislead authorities.

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

A group of US lawmakers has written to the Indian Ambassador to the United States, urging a fair and timely trial for activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained under the UAPA.

After Decades IPKF Set For Overdue Official Honour

After Decades IPKF Set For Overdue Official Honour

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Why are IPKF martyrs not being officially recognised and appropriately honoured? And is the government really changing its mind on this now?', asks Aditi Phadnis.

BJP's Nitin Babu Rises In the Land of Nitish Babu

BJP's Nitin Babu Rises In the Land of Nitish Babu

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

BJP leaders say Nitin Nabin's low-profile image has made him a favourite of Amit Shah, who was in search of such a leader to appoint to the top party position -- someone who follows the Modi-Shah line as BJP president without "ifs and buts".

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The House has been witnessing uproar after Rahul Gandhi was disallowed to cite an article based on excerpts from an unpublished 'memoir' of former Army chief General M M Naravane (retd).

US conducts strikes across Syria

US conducts strikes across Syria

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, along with partner forces, conducted large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria as a part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.

Will remain in NDA, says NCP's Tatkare amid merger buzz

Will remain in NDA, says NCP's Tatkare amid merger buzz

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare reaffirms the party's commitment to the BJP-led NDA, dismissing merger speculations and emphasizing the ideology of the late Ajit Pawar.

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.

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package.

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'Many senior Bangladeshis feel Bangladesh will fall into anarchy if the Jamaat becomes an important part of a future government or has disproportionate influence in the government.'

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar's most dangerous idea is that Director Aditya Dhar envisions an Indian state run by a deep state -- an intelligence machinery not accountable to Parliament, courts, or voters. A future political system where unelected officials decide when Indian democracy is 'fit' to function, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

China, Russia, Iran back Delcy Rodriguez as she takes charge of Venezuela

China, Russia, Iran back Delcy Rodriguez as she takes charge of Venezuela

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Delcy Rodriguez has officially taken office as Venezuela's acting president, just hours after Nicolas Maduro was captured by the United States, the CNN reported.

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Left parties on Saturday denounced the United States for attacking Venezuela and capturing its President Nicholas Maduro, with Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary M A Baby terming the nighttime military action an 'act of international terrorism by US-led imperialism'.

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

US lawmakers have written to the Indian Ambassador to the US, expressing concern over the prolonged detention of activist Umar Khalid and urging a fair trial in accordance with international law.

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.

US kills Qaeda affiliate linked to deadly Syria ambush

US kills Qaeda affiliate linked to deadly Syria ambush

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

The United States military killed a senior Al Qaeda-affiliated leader with direct links to the Islamic State ambush that targeted American soldiers in Syria in December in a strike carried out in the country's northwest region.

10 soldiers killed as Army vehicle plunges into 200-ft gorge in JK

10 soldiers killed as Army vehicle plunges into 200-ft gorge in JK

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The bullet-proof Army vehicle, carrying a total of 17 personnel, was heading towards a high altitude post when its driver lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge.

Bangladeshis Mourn 'Mother Of Democracy'

Bangladeshis Mourn 'Mother Of Democracy'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and a central figure in the country's turbulent political landscape for more than three decades, died in Dhaka on Tuesday at the age of 80.

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.

Assam CM To BJP Workers: Don't Be Overconfident

Assam CM To BJP Workers: Don't Be Overconfident

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Himanta Biswa pointed out that it was 'too early' for surveys to accurately capture the electoral mood, as several key developments vis-a-vis seat-sharing arrangements among NDA partners are yet to be finalised.

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the Indo-Pacific's new era -- where perception shapes reality faster than treaties -- the real entrapment is not of China or the United States. It is the test Japan has set for itself -- and whether partners like India, acting as balancers rather than accelerants, can help ensure that the story ends in stability, points out Varun Arya.

After US, Israel cuts ties with several UN bodies

After US, Israel cuts ties with several UN bodies

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Following an examination and discussions held in the aftermath of the United States' decision to withdraw from dozens of international organisations, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, has decided that Jerusalem will immediately sever all contact with several United Nations agencies and international bodies, citing what the government described as persistent bias, politicisation and actions hostile to Israel.