News for 'democratic world'

SC questions delay as Centre says Wangchuk getting 'best treatment'

SC questions delay as Centre says Wangchuk getting 'best treatment'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, considering his health condition and allegations of inciting unrest in Ladakh.

Mamdani's success story to inspire generations

Mamdani's success story to inspire generations

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indian-descent democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the Mayor of New York City, marking a new era for the city with a focus on affordability and working-class New Yorkers.

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.

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.

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.

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Trump said the Department of Justice had already released "tens of thousands" of pages linked to Epstein and argued that Democrats were trying to target Republican leaders while ignoring figures such as Bill Clinton and others he named.

What Epstein files say about Ayurveda, massage practices

What Epstein files say about Ayurveda, massage practices

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Newly released Epstein files contain references to 'massage techniques' and Ayurveda from India. The files, released by the US Justice Department, also include photos of former US President Bill Clinton and the late pop star Michael Jackson.

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.

Cong stands for truth, defends truth of India: Rahul Gandhi in Berlin

Cong stands for truth, defends truth of India: Rahul Gandhi in Berlin

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Rahul Gandhi engaged with German think-tanks and addressed the Hertie School in Berlin, discussing India's trajectory, democracy, and global cooperation. He also addressed the Indian community, emphasizing the importance of truth and democratic values.

Will Putin's India visit complicate US trade talks? Jaishankar answers

Will Putin's India visit complicate US trade talks? Jaishankar answers

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

On President Putin's two-day trip to India, Jaishankar said for a "big" and "rising" country like India, it is important to maintain good cooperation with as many important players as possible in the world in line with freedom of choice.

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.

'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.'

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".

Trump says his New Year wish is to see...

Trump says his New Year wish is to see...

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump held a New Year bash at his Florida resort on Thursday and when he was quizzed about his wish for the New Year he said he wanted peace on Earth, reported Fox News.

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.

What Will Xi Jinping Do Next With All That Power?

What Will Xi Jinping Do Next With All That Power?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'For the first time in a hundred years, the army has been taken out of the political equation. And for the first time ever, there is only one man who calls the shots. Not even Mao had this kind of power.'

'If US can do it...': Experts on Trump's action in Venezuela

'If US can do it...': Experts on Trump's action in Venezuela

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Indian strategic affairs experts criticize the US strike on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, warning of a 'bad precedent' and potential for similar actions by other powers.

Kochi Biennale faces Christian group's ire over Christ painting

Kochi Biennale faces Christian group's ire over Christ painting

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A painting displayed at the Kochi Biennale has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from Christian groups, who allege that the artwork hurts religious sentiments by presenting a distorted depiction of Christ's Last Supper.

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.

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Mundane as it may seem, this is in some ways a metaphor for the challenges facing the nation, argue Arvind Subramanian and Devesh Kapur in their new book, A Sixth Of Humanity.

Union minister's 'go to hell' jibe on 'naqab' sparks outrage, backs Nitish

Union minister's 'go to hell' jibe on 'naqab' sparks outrage, backs Nitish

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Union minister Giriraj Singh's controversial remarks regarding the 'naqab' incident in Bihar have drawn criticism from opposition leaders, escalating the political row.

US lawmakers move resolution to end Trump tariffs on India

US lawmakers move resolution to end Trump tariffs on India

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Representatives Deborah Ross of North Carolina, Marc Veasey of Texas and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois introduced the resolution on Friday in the House of Representatives to terminate Trump's national emergency authorising tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India, helping to restore Congress' constitutional authority over trade.

Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize For Mara Corina Machado

Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize For Mara Corina Machado

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was accepted by Ana Corina, daughter of Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been living in hiding from Nicolas Maduro's authoritarian regime.

'Mamdani's win NYC's answer to right-wing movements'

'Mamdani's win NYC's answer to right-wing movements'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'We should not look at him as a representative of the Indian community, especially now that he is the mayor of New York. What is important is the value he upholds, which are general values that liberals across the world would believe in'

X blocks 3,500 posts, deletes 600 accounts after Grok AI row

X blocks 3,500 posts, deletes 600 accounts after Grok AI row

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

X has accepted its mistake, and said it will comply with Indian laws, sources said, adding that in future, the platform will not allow obscene imagery.

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.

If 'Communist' Mamdani wins...: Trump warns NYC voters

If 'Communist' Mamdani wins...: Trump warns NYC voters

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

"I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a record of success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE," Trump said.

We will deport every infiltrator from India: Amit Shah

We will deport every infiltrator from India: Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar polls was a mandate against infiltrators in the country because citizens will never favour those parties that support such illegal immigrants.

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.

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.

When Harry Met Sally Director, Wife Stabbed To Death

When Harry Met Sally Director, Wife Stabbed To Death

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The deaths are being investigated as a homicide by the Los Angeles police department, with reports indicating that the couple was stabbed to death.

Mamdani hates Indians, plans to arrest Netanyahu: Trump Jr

Mamdani hates Indians, plans to arrest Netanyahu: Trump Jr

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Mamdani has repeatedly said that he would honour the ICC warrant and arrest Netanyahu at the airport itself, if he ever visits the city.

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

US lawmakers have expressed concerns that policies enacted by the Trump administration, such as the H1B visa fee and tariffs on India, are detrimental to American businesses and threaten the relationship between the United States and India.

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A street vendor in Bihar's Nawada district died after a group of youth tortured him for hours because he was Muslim.

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the 'wholesale attack on the democratic system' currently underway in India is the single biggest risk the country is facing, and asserted that allowing different traditions to thrive is very important as 'we cannot do what China does, which is to run an authoritarian system'. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Speaking at a seminar titled 'The Future is Today' at the EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Gandhi also alleged that there are 'huge amounts of corruption at a centralised level' in India now. "In India, we have huge amounts of corruption now at a very centralised level. So, three or four businesses taking over the whole economy, having a direct relationship with the prime minister, is rampant in India," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said. "But I believe decentralising power, making things more transparent, bringing people into conversations, and bringing people into processes is the best way forward," Gandhi said while addressing the seminar on Wednesday. Hitting back at the Congress leader for his remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday accused Gandhi of insulting and degrading India on foreign soil. Posting a video clip of Gandhi's speech on X, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, 'Rahul Gandhi does it again, degrades India on foreign soil. From defaming our democracy in London, to mocking our institutions in the US, now in Colombia he spares no chance to insult Bharat globally.' 'This isn't dissent. It's disgrace to the fake Gandhi. Criticising BJP may be your right but dare you malign Mother India for your cheap and petty politics,' Bhatia said. Speaking at the seminar, Gandhi said India has a much more complex system as compared to China and its strengths are very different from that of the neighbouring country. India also has a very old spiritual tradition and a thought system with profound ideas that are useful in today's world, he said, adding that there is a lot that the country can offer in terms of tradition and way of thinking. "I am very optimistic about India, but at the same time, there are fault lines within the Indian structure. There are risks that India has to overcome. The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India," the Leader of Opposition said. "India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. India is actually a conversation between all its people. Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is the democratic system," he said. "Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk. The other big risk is different conceptions -- some 16-17 different languages, different religions... So, allowing these different traditions to thrive, and giving them space to express themselves is very important for a country like India.

Brazilian model among 25 lakh fake voters in Haryana: Rahul

Brazilian model among 25 lakh fake voters in Haryana: Rahul

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

During the presser, Gandhi showed a picture of a woman who appears on the voter list 22 times in 10 booths in the Rai assembly constituency, and said this shows that this was a 'centralised operation'.

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The new US national security strategy signals a retreat from global dominance while reaffirming continuity in India's role in Indo-Pacific security and Quad cooperation, points out former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Japan's PM Ishiba Shigeru announces resignation

Japan's PM Ishiba Shigeru announces resignation

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Earlier in July, Ishiba had faced a major setback after a significant electoral defeat in the upper house of Japan's parliament as his coalition failed to attain a majority. This came after his party also failed to attain a majority in the lower house of the parliament last year.

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.

'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.