News for 'friday prayers'

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that claiming a particular religion is the 'only true religion' is inappropriate in a secular country like India and could violate laws against disparaging other faiths. The court dismissed a petition filed by a Reverend Father, stating that such claims could fall under Section 295A of the IPC, which addresses acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A group of Indian sailors recount their harrowing experience of being detained in Iran on suspicion of smuggling, and their subsequent escape from the country as regional tensions escalated into open conflict.

T20 World Cup win bigger than anything for me in this life: Sanju Samson

T20 World Cup win bigger than anything for me in this life: Sanju Samson

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Sanju Samson expressed heartfelt gratitude after playing a key role in India's successful campaign at the T20 World Cup, saying the moment felt like the realisation of a long-cherished dream.

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.

Gaurav Gogoi: 'There's A Growing Fatigue With Divisive Politics'

Gaurav Gogoi: 'There's A Growing Fatigue With Divisive Politics'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

'Never before has the Congress been part of a rainbow coalition, and the response from the people has been overwhelming.' 'Assam's diversity cannot be represented by a single voice -- it requires a collective effort, and that is what we are building.'

Daughter's Tears of Joy as Kashmiri Separatist Shabir Shah Gets Bail

Daughter's Tears of Joy as Kashmiri Separatist Shabir Shah Gets Bail

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, prompting an emotional response from his daughter, Sehar Shabir Shah, who described it as the end of a long wait for justice.

Middle East conflict nears nuke flashpoint, warns WHO; urges restraint

Middle East conflict nears nuke flashpoint, warns WHO; urges restraint

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Tedros said that the war in the Middle East has reached a perilous stage with strikes reportedly hitting the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran, and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear facility is located.

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'.

13 dead, 22 injured in Andhra Pradesh bus-tipper collision, fire

13 dead, 22 injured in Andhra Pradesh bus-tipper collision, fire

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Thirteen people were killed and 22 injured after a private bus collided with a tipper and caught fire in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, with President Murmu and PM Modi expressing condolences and announcing ex-gratia payments.

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of attempting to suppress voting rights and polarise the electorate ahead of the assembly elections.

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Iranian terrorist regime launched a long-range missile for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion that could reach a distance of ~4,000 km, Israel said.

Gautam Adani Meets BJP MP Nishikant Dubey

Gautam Adani Meets BJP MP Nishikant Dubey

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, on Sunday, meet Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and also offered prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar.

Days after T20 World Cup win, Abhishek Sharma seeks blessings at Vaishno Devi

Days after T20 World Cup win, Abhishek Sharma seeks blessings at Vaishno Devi

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Abhishek Sharma visited the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra after India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory, days after his match-winning fifty in the final against New Zealand on Sunday, March 8.

'So jaao, theek hai': Harish Rana prepares to say final goodbye

'So jaao, theek hai': Harish Rana prepares to say final goodbye

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

After a landmark Supreme Court ruling, the family of Harish Rana, comatose for 12 years, prepares for his passive euthanasia, marking a significant moment in India's end-of-life care debate.

Varanasi: 14 sent to custody for holding iftar on a boat in Ganga

Varanasi: 14 sent to custody for holding iftar on a boat in Ganga

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A Varanasi court has remanded 14 people to judicial custody after they allegedly held an Iftar party and consumed chicken biryani on a boat in the Ganga river, sparking outrage and accusations of hurting religious sentiments.

Afghan cricketers visit Kabul blast victims after deadly airstrikes

Afghan cricketers visit Kabul blast victims after deadly airstrikes

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Afghanistan national cricket team players visited injured civilians in Kabul hospitals after deadly airstrikes, as calls grow for an international investigation.

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Russia has expressed strong concern over a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a key transit hub on the INSTC, warning of the risk of drawing Caspian states into the ongoing conflict.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

NIA Court Denies Elgar Parishad Accused Hany Babu's Travel Request

NIA Court Denies Elgar Parishad Accused Hany Babu's Travel Request

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A special NIA court in Mumbai has denied Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case accused Hany Babu permission to visit Kerala, citing previous similar rejections and readily available medical facilities in Mumbai.

Harish Rana, allowed passive euthanasia by SC, passes away after 13-year coma

Harish Rana, allowed passive euthanasia by SC, passes away after 13-year coma

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted passive euthanasia, has died at AIIMS-Delhi after being in a coma for over 13 years. His case led to a landmark Supreme Court judgment allowing passive euthanasia and sparked discussions about the right to die with dignity in India.

Kashmiri Pandits Celebrate Mahashivratri

Kashmiri Pandits Celebrate Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Kashmiri Pandits offered special prayers at the Shankaracharya temple during Mahashivratri celebrations also locally known as Herath at the Shankaracharya mountain overlooking the Dal lake in Srinagar.

SC asks CBI, ED to conduct 'fair, time-bound' probe into Anil Ambani Group banking fraud

SC asks CBI, ED to conduct 'fair, time-bound' probe into Anil Ambani Group banking fraud

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has ordered a 'fair, dispassionate, transparent, and time-bound' investigation by the CBI and ED into the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, addressing concerns over alleged large-scale banking fraud and demanding accountability.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

SC upholds Madras HC order on 'Deepa Thoon' controversy

SC upholds Madras HC order on 'Deepa Thoon' controversy

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has upheld a Madras High Court decision prohibiting animal sacrifice and granting limited prayer rights to Muslim devotees on the Thiruparankundram hills in Tamil Nadu.

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'. She framed the upcoming assembly elections as a fight for democratic rights and Bengal's social harmony.

Harbhajan slams Kirti Azad for 'politicising' Team India's temple visit with T20 World Cup trophy

Harbhajan slams Kirti Azad for 'politicising' Team India's temple visit with T20 World Cup trophy

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Harbhajan Singh criticises Kirti Azad for questioning Team India's temple visit with T20 World Cup trophy

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

8 Wonderful Iftaar Destinations

8 Wonderful Iftaar Destinations

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

As the sun sets in a riot of colours during the days of Ramzan, the call to prayer is heard and Indian streets are transformed into places of both faith and feasting.

Shajahanpur's mosques are covered up for 'Juta Maar Holi'

Shajahanpur's mosques are covered up for 'Juta Maar Holi'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Shahjahanpur is preparing for its unique 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession, a tradition where revellers hurl footwear at a man impersonating a British Lord. Security has been heightened, mosques covered, and preventive measures taken to ensure a peaceful celebration.

AIIMS-Delhi begins euthanasia process for Harish Rana post SC ruling

AIIMS-Delhi begins euthanasia process for Harish Rana post SC ruling

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

AIIMS-Delhi has begun implementing the Supreme Court's decision to allow passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, who has been in a coma since 2013. A specialised medical team has been formed to oversee the process, which is expected to take two to three weeks.

Iran moves closer to naming Khamenei's successor

Iran moves closer to naming Khamenei's successor

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Quoting assembly of experts member Mirbaqeri, the report stated that while a "majority consensus over Khamenei's successor has been reached," the transition process is not yet fully complete as "some obstacles regarding the process need to be resolved."

Sunetra Pawar Takes Charge

Sunetra Pawar Takes Charge

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Nationalist Congress Party leader Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday took charge as Maharshtra's deputy chief minister, a fortnight after her husband Ajit Pawar died in an air crash.

Speeding Car Accident in Bhilwara Claims Two Lives

Speeding Car Accident in Bhilwara Claims Two Lives

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A father and son were killed, and four other family members were injured when their car fell off a bridge in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The accident occurred near Vijay Gaushala under Gulabpura police station limits. The family was returning from Sanwaliya Seth temple in Chittorgarh when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.

T20 World Cup: Team India postpones practice session in view of lunar eclipse

T20 World Cup: Team India postpones practice session in view of lunar eclipse

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Team India, gearing up to take on England in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup on Thursday, have changed the timing of their practice session on Tuesday because of a lunar eclipse, according to a report in Indian Express.

Friday prayers pass off peacefully in Bareilly amid tight security

Friday prayers pass off peacefully in Bareilly amid tight security

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Security was beefed up in Bareilly after violence following Friday prayers the previous week. Prayers passed off peacefully with heavy security presence and appeals for peace from religious leaders. Restrictions remained in place and arrests were made in connection with the previous violence.

How India Loves: Tum Hi Ho

How India Loves: Tum Hi Ho

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Valentine's Day may be global. But love in India is beautifully local.

First Glimpse: Katrina Kaif After Becoming A Mum

First Glimpse: Katrina Kaif After Becoming A Mum

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Katrina Kaif gets snapped in the city.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.