News for 'educational freedom'

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

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.

Meet The 10 Indian-Origin Nobel Laureates

Meet The 10 Indian-Origin Nobel Laureates

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Who have been India's Laureates, winners from India or of Indian-origin?

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".

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day, emphasising India's role in promoting peace, the empowerment of women, and the country's economic growth.

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.

'The Key Is Talent, Technology, Trust'

'The Key Is Talent, Technology, Trust'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

'Our problem is not a budget deficit but a trust deficit. We need to trust our institutions and industries to innovate and lead. That is the way forward for India.'

Bagha Jatin: Forgotten Hero Of The Fight For Freedom

Bagha Jatin: Forgotten Hero Of The Fight For Freedom

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Jyotindranath Mukherjee, popularly known as Bagha Jatin, attained martyrdom while fighting the British in Balasore district on September 9, 1915. It is unfortunate that the supreme sacrifice made by Bagha Jatin and his associates is little known outside Bengal and Odisha.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organisations, including United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance, calling the institutions 'redundant' and 'contrary' to America's interests.

Dating During Divorce: Is It Legal?

Dating During Divorce: Is It Legal?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'Dating someone during divorce proceedings is legally permissible as long as it does not involve provable physical intimacy,' says lawyer Navaneet Kumar.

UP to make singing Vande Mataram compulsory in schools

UP to make singing Vande Mataram compulsory in schools

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that singing 'Vande Mataram' will be made compulsory in every school and educational institution of the state.

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the people of Manipur, assuring them of the government's commitment to strengthening harmony and ensuring security in the wake of ethnic violence. She highlighted the state's resilience, contributions to the nation, and the government's initiatives for development and inclusivity.

'Husband Can't Force Wife To Look After Parents'

'Husband Can't Force Wife To Look After Parents'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'Caring for one's parents is the husband's responsibility, especially if he is the earning member of the family.' 'The wife may be financially dependent on him but that does not create a legal obligation for her to serve or care for her in-laws.'

Nehru's Journey: 12 Historic Places

Nehru's Journey: 12 Historic Places

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

As we celebrate the 136th anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru's birth, let's embark on a journey to places in India, and across the world, that had a connection with India's first prime minister.

Not just Zohran Mamdani, these PIOs too win US mayoral polls

Not just Zohran Mamdani, these PIOs too win US mayoral polls

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Ghazala Hashmi, an India-born American politician, has been elected as Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, marking a historic moment as the first Muslim and South Asian American to hold the position.

From 1905 cry to Modi's 'Vocal for Local': NCERT's new Swadeshi lessons

From 1905 cry to Modi's 'Vocal for Local': NCERT's new Swadeshi lessons

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Two modules published by the NCERT, Swadeshi: Vocal for Local (for middle stage) and Swadeshi: For a Self-Reliant India (for secondary stage), carry excerpts from the prime minister's Independence Day address in which he stressed that self-reliance would drive India's journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

'Our mothers had it much easier': Twinkle Khanna

'Our mothers had it much easier': Twinkle Khanna

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Today, says Twinkle Khanna, motherhood is very different. "You're like a psychologist, you're their trainer, you're the nutritionist, you're seeing how many carbs they're eating, how many vitamins they're having, you're their chef, you're an educator and you are also their screen monitor. And you still have to make the hair along with that."

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

'We Have To Blame Ourselves, Not Macaulay'

'We Have To Blame Ourselves, Not Macaulay'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

'We kept importing educational models from outside that had no connection to our cultural and intellectual strengths.'

36 South Asians on the ballot as US goes to polls

36 South Asians on the ballot as US goes to polls

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Several Indian-American and South Asian candidates are running for key positions in the US elections, including mayoral and gubernatorial races.

Single Salma Review: Huma Fits The Bill

Single Salma Review: Huma Fits The Bill

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

It's good to see Huma Qureshi help create a film which is as charming as it is empowering, without taking on the stridency that so many women-oriented films invariably adopt, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Kerala school declares holiday amid hijab row

Kerala school declares holiday amid hijab row

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A private school in Kerala declared a two-day holiday following a dispute with parents over a student's hijab. The school alleges outside interference, while the parents claim discrimination.

Shah announces R-Day style parade in Guj on Oct 31. Here's why

Shah announces R-Day style parade in Guj on Oct 31. Here's why

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The Union home minister said that on November 15, a grand celebration will be held at the 'Statue of Unity' to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'Non-compatible with Western Civilization' is about as vague and jingoistic as it gets and Trump saying this gives full license to his acolytes to go full throttle on making life as difficult and scary as possible for as many non-white people as possible,' notes Sree Sreenivasan.

How are you getting money? Cong questions RSS registration, funding sources

How are you getting money? Cong questions RSS registration, funding sources

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader B K Hariprasad have raised concerns about the RSS not being a registered organization and questioned the sources of its funding, alleging that this lack of registration allows the RSS to evade government regulations. BJP leaders have defended the RSS, stating that registration is not mandatory for all organizations.

'You Can't Be Madhuri Dixit Anywhere'

'You Can't Be Madhuri Dixit Anywhere'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

'One day my neighbour in Denver called me and said, "I think somebody is casing your house. So should I call the cops?"... they were scared that people case your house and then rob it.' 'And I said, "no, no, no. It's just that I am an actress".'

Why SIP Beats EMI in the Long Run

Why SIP Beats EMI in the Long Run

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

EMI means you've already spent tomorrow's income; SIP means you're investing today's income to secure tomorrow, explains Ramalingam Kalirajan

'Israel Has Been Targeting Journalists'

'Israel Has Been Targeting Journalists'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

'The world does not know that the families of these journalists were threatened and one by one they too have been killed.'

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

"It is high time India traded dynasty for meritocracy. This would require fundamental reforms, from imposing legally mandated term limits to requiring meaningful internal party elections, together with a concerted effort to educate and empower the electorate to choose leaders based on merit," Tharoor said.

Sardar Patel, The Man Who United India

Sardar Patel, The Man Who United India

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The rising tide of Indian nationalism meant that the people of princely states now were keen to become a part of a united and integrated India rather than remain subjects of a princely state. The Congress too supported the people's wish and it fell upon Patel to get the princes to agree. He did so magnificently, using every trick available, whether it was sweet talk or coercion; the rulers buckled and Patel earned the eternal gratitude of the entire nation.

SC questions RTE exemption for minority institutions

SC questions RTE exemption for minority institutions

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court of India has referred the matter of the Right to Education (RTE) Act's applicability to minority schools to a larger bench for adjudication, expressing concerns about potential misuse and fragmentation of the education system.

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Soros, 94, in the recent past has spoken openly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ruling BJP believe that he tried to interfere in Indian elections.

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue signalled a move from routine talks to deeper cooperation, with new deals on submarine rescue and defence industry to support stability in the Indo-Pacific, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

History In Minutes: Javed Akhtar's Freedom Fighter Family

History In Minutes: Javed Akhtar's Freedom Fighter Family

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Syed Firdaus Ashraf offers a ready reckoner on Javed Akhtar's great great grandfather Fazl e Haq Khairabadi who fought the British empire during the 1857 Mutiny and was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail in Port Blair.

Hindi Diwas: Modi, Shah hail Hindi as 'unifying force'

Hindi Diwas: Modi, Shah hail Hindi as 'unifying force'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Hindi Diwas was observed across India with leaders emphasizing Hindi's role as a unifying factor and the need to enrich all Indian languages. Events were held in India and abroad to promote the language.

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.

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.

1905: The Partition Before Partition

1905: The Partition Before Partition

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The partition of Bengal in 1905 split more than a province, it touched people's hearts and awakened India's fight for freedom.

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'If you align your ambition with India's rise, the peak of your careers will unfold alongside the peak of India's power.'