News for 'democratic nation'

Mehbooba holds national flag upside down during sit-in; legal action likely

Mehbooba holds national flag upside down during sit-in; legal action likely

Rediff.com6 days ago

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is facing potential legal action after she was seen holding the national flag upside down during a protest in Srinagar. The protest was against the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Officials are considering action for violating the Flag Code of India.

PT Usha hails RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's 'inspiring' talk with Gen Z

PT Usha hails RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's 'inspiring' talk with Gen Z

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha lauded RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's address at an IIMUN event, calling it 'inspirational' and praising his thoughtful responses regarding youth protests and the need for dialogue.

Modi urges people to take 'developed India' pledge on I-Day

Modi urges people to take 'developed India' pledge on I-Day

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon citizens to celebrate Independence Day with honour and pride, urging them to take a pledge for a developed India. This appeal comes amidst parliamentary sessions marked by protests from both ruling and opposition alliances.

'Need to understand chronology': RSS leader on CJP protest

'Need to understand chronology': RSS leader on CJP protest

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

RSS leader Atul Limaye has sparked controversy by alleging that foreign and political elements infiltrated the Cockroach Janata Party's NEET-UG paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar.

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that human-led artificial intelligence will be the defining force in India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at the 29th National Conference on e-Governance, he emphasised that technology must strengthen governance without replacing human accountability, advocating for responsible AI deployment with citizens at the centre. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on e-Governance 2026, outlining a roadmap for AI-enabled, data-driven, and secure digital governance.

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com4 days ago

Nationalist Citizens Party of India leader Abu Taher attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for NDA allies but asserted that his party is not part of the ruling alliance. He stated his attendance was solely to raise public issues directly with the Prime Minister.

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

FIFA has issued a clarification regarding its FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, stating it would 'never entertain' selling football to private parties and aims to ensure meaningful commercial ownership for all member nations, following strong criticism and boycott threats from UEFA and CONCACAF.

25 US states move court against Trump's forced-labour tariffs

25 US states move court against Trump's forced-labour tariffs

Rediff.com7 days ago

A coalition of 25 Democratic-ruled US states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to impose new tariffs on 60 economies, including India. The states contend that these tariffs, ostensibly aimed at combating forced labour, are illegal taxes that will raise costs for consumers and businesses, and were implemented without proper legal justification.

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

Rediff.com2 days ago

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) cancelled permission for a discussion on a book authored by its former student Umar Khalid, currently jailed in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing 'non-disclosure of full facts' about the event. The JNUSU condemned the decision as 'arbitrary and authoritarian', vowing to proceed with the discussion at an alternative venue.

What transpired at Modi's breakfast meet with selected MPs

What transpired at Modi's breakfast meet with selected MPs

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a breakfast meeting with 37 BJP MPs, including recent AAP defectors, where he emphasised the importance of smooth parliamentary proceedings. He also advised MPs on taking their roles seriously, utilising the Parliament library, engaging with youth, and effectively implementing MPLADS.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Rediff.com7 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA leaders reviewed India's progress in international sports and significant growth in youth employment opportunities at their weekly parliamentary meeting.

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Rediff.com2 hours ago

The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Student organisations across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attributing it to their nationwide protests against alleged NEET irregularities. While welcoming the move as a victory, groups like NSUI, AISA, and SFI affirmed their commitment to continue agitations until broader demands for accountability, transparency, and education reforms, including scrapping the NTA and NEP, are met.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com14 hours ago

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Rediff.com4 days ago

The challenge thrown by the youth movement creates the opportunity for a more consequential debate on India's economic trajectory because it must remain centered on India's youth as its driving impulse, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

FIFA to proceed with $20 billion World Cup investment plan despite UEFA boycott

FIFA to proceed with $20 billion World Cup investment plan despite UEFA boycott

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

FIFA has announced it will proceed with its consultation process to bring private investment into the World Cup and other tournaments, despite strong opposition and a boycott threat from UEFA. The plan involves creating a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to manage commercial and event operations, offering external investors up to 20% stakes.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com15 hours ago

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Rediff.com4 days ago

Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for the immediate passage of the women's reservation bill and the delimitation bill, advocating for a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for all states to ensure fair and equitable representation.

100% tariffs on India? US Senate backs Russia, Iran sanction bill

100% tariffs on India? US Senate backs Russia, Iran sanction bill

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

A bipartisan group of US Senators has agreed to fast-track a bill allowing the President to impose sanctions on major purchasers of oil from Russia and Iran. This legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to restrict funding for Russia's war efforts and Iran's energy and weapons sectors, potentially impacting countries like China and India through tariffs and other restrictions.

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the repeated disruptions of parliamentary proceedings, stating that due to the turmoil in the House, the country has been unable to listen to the talented MPs elected in recent times.

Milei government decree targets foreigners inciting hatred against Argentina

Milei government decree targets foreigners inciting hatred against Argentina

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Argentina's President Javier Milei's government has issued a decree allowing the deportation of foreigners who incite hatred or violence against the country and its citizens, a move that comes amid criticism of the national football team's behaviour and political messaging during the recent FIFA World Cup.

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

Rediff.com7 days ago

Leading African football administrators have publicly expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, offering him crucial backing ahead of next March's presidential election, despite his recent decision to abandon a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue.

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention for the national team's head coach position after his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet drew significant criticism and opposition from Italian football officials and lawmakers.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's closed-door meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, just before NCPI MPs were to attend an NDA meeting, has ignited speculation about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India's political future and its potential alignment with the BJP-led alliance. The NCPI comprises 20 rebel TMC MPs who broke away after the West Bengal Assembly election.

BJP slams Congress's 'double standards' for disrupting Parliament

BJP slams Congress's 'double standards' for disrupting Parliament

Rediff.com7 days ago

The BJP has accused the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies of deliberately disrupting the Monsoon Session of Parliament, alleging that their conduct has prevented discussions on key Bills and exposed the Opposition's 'double standards' on issues such as paper leaks and student protests.

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance allies on Tuesday attended the ruling coalition's weekly meeting of parliamentarians, where the absence of three Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MPs stood out amid signs of differences within the 20-member group of Trinamool Congress rebels over its association with the alliance.

Uganda national isolated in Bengaluru tests negative for Ebola

Uganda national isolated in Bengaluru tests negative for Ebola

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A 28-year-old Ugandan woman has been admitted to Bengaluru's Epidemic Diseases Hospital after developing mild symptoms like body ache, following her arrival from an Ebola-affected region, prompting health officials to send her samples for testing at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

Bill in US Senate proposes 100% tariffs on India, China for Russian oil

Bill in US Senate proposes 100% tariffs on India, China for Russian oil

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The bill, introduced on Thursday, was conceived by Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and has the support of over 60 lawmakers.

Assam Minister Faces Heat Over Daughter's Participation In CJP Protest

Assam Minister Faces Heat Over Daughter's Participation In CJP Protest

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The controversy has embarrassed the ruling coalition because Keshab Mahanta is one of the senior-most leaders of the Asom Gana Parishad, an NDA constituent.

They are not worried of Wangchuk's health...: Oppn slams govt

They are not worried of Wangchuk's health...: Oppn slams govt

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Opposition leaders across party lines have condemned the forced removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site in Delhi, accusing the BJP-led central government of undermining democratic freedoms, curbing dissent, and choosing force over dialogue.

Govt ready for debate in Parliament over paper leak, says Nadda; slams Rahul

Govt ready for debate in Parliament over paper leak, says Nadda; slams Rahul

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Union minister J P Nadda on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of playing politics over the NEET paper leak and urged the Opposition to allow an "intensive" discussion on the issue in Parliament to find a "permanent solution" to the problem, instead of indulging in a blame game.

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has stated he will end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre provides an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against students and youth who participated in protests against alleged examination irregularities.

Didn't mention anyone's name, except...: Udhayanidhi Stalin after arrest

Didn't mention anyone's name, except...: Udhayanidhi Stalin after arrest

Rediff.com7 days ago

Udhayanidhi Stalin, was detained by police following alleged derogatory remarks against actor Trisha, which he dismisses as a 'fake narrative'.

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced stringent measures, including the establishment of fast-track courts, to combat exam paper leaks and protect the future of India's youth, following widespread protests over the NEET paper leak.

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran have drawn strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who are calling for his removal from office, while some Republicans express concern.

Why Sharad Pawar Has Not Joined BJP Yet

Why Sharad Pawar Has Not Joined BJP Yet

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

At this point at 85, Sharad Pawar is like a mature but ageing trapeze artist who is assessing if he will still land on his feet if he jumps from the safe perch of INDIA to the NDA. Can a Great Betrayal be presented as a tactical move? Watch Sharad Pawar do it, predicts Aditi Phadnis.

'Some players will be wiped off': Gopichand warns

'Some players will be wiped off': Gopichand warns

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand believes the sport's upcoming shift to a 15x3 scoring system will lead to some players being 'wiped off' due to the increased premium on speed, power, and mental strength.