News for 'legislators'

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Supporters of Congress MLA S N Subba Reddy launched a violent protest in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka, after he was excluded from the state cabinet. The agitation, which included a bandh, road blockades, and an attempted self-immolation, highlights a wider rebellion within the ruling Congress over ministerial berth denials following the recent cabinet expansion.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, which will be introduced in the state assembly's monsoon session. The proposed legislation, excluding the tribal community, addresses marriage, live-in relationships, adoption, and inheritance, aiming for women's empowerment and social harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted broad support and criticised the Congress for its stance.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'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.'

Under pressure, Modi issues midnight video message

Under pressure, Modi issues midnight video message

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a new bill with stringent provisions against paper leaks will be introduced in Parliament next week. The Union Cabinet will finalise the legislation, which aims to address the pain caused to students by such incidents, citing recent actions taken regarding the NEET paper leak and the establishment of fast-track courts.

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.

Govt ready for Lok Sabha debate on student protests, Amit Shah to respond

Govt ready for Lok Sabha debate on student protests, Amit Shah to respond

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Indian government has confirmed its readiness for a Lok Sabha debate on the ongoing student protests and police action, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to address the concerns, particularly those related to the NEET paper leak issue.

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Congress-led Opposition is set to keep the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against protesting students, demanding action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said on Sunday.

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Thousands of job aspirants in Jharkhand clashed with police during a protest against alleged exam irregularities, demanding a CBI probe and comprehensive reforms in the state's public service commissions.

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

As the agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 14th day, talks between the state government and student protesters on Friday failed to break the deadlock, with students deciding to continue their protest and hunger strike until their demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, are met.

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The DMK has been charting an independent course from the Congress-led Opposition bloc on contentious issues during the Monsoon Session, including not joining a walkout over the anti-paper leak bill and participating in a debate on the National Honour Bill, signalling growing fault lines within the Opposition.

TVK's maiden budget fulfils Vijay's poll promises with gold, cows

TVK's maiden budget fulfils Vijay's poll promises with gold, cows

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government on Wednesday allotted over Rs 1,000 crore to provide gifts of gold coin, ring and milch cows to beneficiaries to fulfill the election promise made by the party ahead of the assembly election this year.

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prashant Kishor and Dr Jahnavi Das first met while working on a United Nations public health initiative.

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

Govt softens stand, changes course on CJP protests

Govt softens stand, changes course on CJP protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Indian government has significantly altered its approach to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led agitation over the NEET paper leak, moving from dismissal to calibrated political engagement, including promises of fast-track courts, a new anti-paper leak law, and negotiations with key protest leaders.

Taslima backs UCC in India, Bangladesh, Pak to end bias against women

Taslima backs UCC in India, Bangladesh, Pak to end bias against women

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has strongly advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, citing its importance in eliminating discrimination, especially against women. Her remarks come as the West Bengal government examines a draft UCC. Nasreen also expressed dismay over a disruption at her felicitation ceremony in Kolkata, where poet Joy Goswami was prevented from speaking.

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha introduced four significant bills on Monday, including amendments to mines and minerals regulations, the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, and the renaming of Kerala to Keralam, all while facing continuous protests from opposition members demanding a discussion on the July 20 police crackdown on students.

Journalist questioned, phone seized in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA bribery case

Journalist questioned, phone seized in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA bribery case

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A journalist from a Tamil news channel was questioned by Chennai police and his mobile phone seized in connection with an alleged bribery case involving a ruling TVK MLA. The MLA claimed he was offered Rs 35 crore to vote against his party in a no-confidence motion, part of a larger "Meghalaya Project" to destabilise the government. The Chennai Press Club has condemned the police action, citing concerns over press freedom.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

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.

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message on paper leaks as an 'eyewash', demanding the sacking of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged brutality against student protestors. The party highlighted the government's initial denial of the NEET-UG 2026 leak and its perceived failure to address widespread irregularities.

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

Cauvery issue escalates as TN minister rejects all-party meet; targets Oppn

Cauvery issue escalates as TN minister rejects all-party meet; targets Oppn

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar has rejected calls for an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka, citing a previously passed unanimous resolution in the Assembly. He accused DMK and Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar of working against Tamil Nadu's interests and criticised the DMK's "hasty" Supreme Court petition.

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Indian government and opposition are preparing for a contentious Monsoon Session of Parliament, with key issues including the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and women's reservation, the alleged NEET paper leak, and a row over Ram temple donations set to spark heated debates.

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Personality rights violations are increasingly being used as vehicles for financial fraud, with unsuspecting consumers misled by fabricated endorsements.

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

It is plain to see that the US senate bill's real objective is to derail India's time-tested strategic partnership with Russia, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.com10 Aug 2026

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.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The dramatic postponement came while members were voting on the committee's five principal recommendations, making it an unprecedented moment in the functioning of a parliamentary committee.

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier verdict that a person from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community loses their SC status upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, effective from the moment of conversion.

Delhi Assembly Session Ends with Legislative Business, Speaker Voices Concerns Over Opposition Conduct

Delhi Assembly Session Ends with Legislative Business, Speaker Voices Concerns Over Opposition Conduct

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The budget session of the Delhi Assembly concluded with over 15 hours of legislative business. Speaker Vijender Gupta voiced concerns over the opposition's conduct during the session.

Shalarth scam: BJP-linked education baron held over fake teacher IDs in Maha

Shalarth scam: BJP-linked education baron held over fake teacher IDs in Maha

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An education baron from Jalgaon district in Maharashtra, associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, has been arrested in connection with the alleged Shalarth ID scam, which involves creating fake identities of teachers on a government portal and withdrawing salaries in their names.

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested for an alleged 'double-meaning' remark alluding to actor Trisha, leading to widespread protests by DMK cadres and condemnation from various political leaders.