News for 'media freedom'

Iran protests hit day 14, hundreds feared dead

Iran protests hit day 14, hundreds feared dead

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Anti-government protests in Iran have continued for the fourteenth consecutive day on Saturday, with authorities tightening security measures as demonstrations spread across multiple cities.

Iran's military command is gone, op to continue: Trump

Iran's military command is gone, op to continue: Trump

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Trump also asserted that US forces had struck hundreds of targets across Iran, including facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and air defence systems.

The Mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Missing Cap

The Mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Missing Cap

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'My colleague Naveen Bamel -- he is an advocate of the Supreme Court -- went to the museum at the Red Fort specifically to look for the cap.' 'He inquired with the ASI officials there, and nobody had a clue.' 'So I thought this is not right. This must be brought to the notice of the prime minister.'

Lakshmi, Durga And The Quiet Irony of Women's Day

Lakshmi, Durga And The Quiet Irony of Women's Day

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Indian civilisation has long imagined wealth and power as feminine forces. And yet, when these qualities appear in real women, admiration sometimes gives way to discomfort, observes Vatsal Ramaiya.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

Dhaka trashes reports on Mujib's freedom fighter status

Dhaka trashes reports on Mujib's freedom fighter status

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Bangladesh's interim government on Wednesday dismissed as 'completely baseless' and 'misleading' the media reports that claimed it has dropped the 'Father of the Nation' title for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and revised the definition of freedom fighter.

SC mulls guidelines to regulate social media posts

SC mulls guidelines to regulate social media posts

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said citizens must know the value of the right of freedom of speech and expression, and exercise self restraint as it mulled guidelines to regulate offensive social media posts.

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'If you want to force the press into blacking out the Opposition's views or colour the news to your own liking, we will not do so.' 'We stand by freedom of expression. It is our Constitutional right. We stand by our Constitutional right.'

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is best to remain vigilant. Tarique Rahman arranged arms smuggling to Indian insurgent groups.' 'He has criticised India for sheltering Sheikh Hasina, but has also sought India's support.'

Hindu tea garden worker found dead in B'desh with hands, feet tied

Hindu tea garden worker found dead in B'desh with hands, feet tied

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A young Hindu tea garden worker was found murdered in Bangladesh, raising concerns amid upcoming parliamentary elections and a series of attacks against the Hindu community.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

In UK, Modi warns against 'misuse of democratic freedom'

In UK, Modi warns against 'misuse of democratic freedom'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer discussed the need to prevent the misuse of democratic freedoms by extremist ideologies. They also addressed terrorism and trade ties.

Bandwaale Review: Soulful

Bandwaale Review: Soulful

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Kudos to the makers for attempting to create a meaningful series, Bandwaale, that blends the beauty of music to inspire you to look within, and find your voice, raves Divya Nair.

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Leading Bangladeshi newspapers report increasing threats to media freedom following attacks on newspaper offices, raising concerns about journalists' safety and freedom of expression.

Godfather Actor Robert Duvall Dies At 95

Godfather Actor Robert Duvall Dies At 95

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'Robert Duvall's passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.'

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'The story of Ghooskhor Pandat focuses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility -- to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.'

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

From mobilising protests to choosing the interim prime minister -- Discord, Bitchat became virtual control rooms, even as familiar platforms like TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, etc. played their part.

Protests intensify in Iran after exiled prince's call, internet shut

Protests intensify in Iran after exiled prince's call, internet shut

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Thousands of people took to the streets in Iran's capital late Thursday after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for a mass demonstration, marking a fresh escalation in nationwide protests driven by economic distress, witnesses said.

Elon Musk launches 'America Party' to 'give back freedom'

Elon Musk launches 'America Party' to 'give back freedom'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

United States tech billionaire Elon Musk said he has formed a new political party to give Americans their freedom back, after a dramatic falling out with Donald Trump.

3 Indians among crew on board Russian tanker seized by US

3 Indians among crew on board Russian tanker seized by US

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The US Coast Guard seized a Russian oil tanker, the Marinera, in the North Atlantic. The crew includes three Indian citizens. Moscow has protested the seizure, calling it a violation of international maritime law and demanding humane treatment of the crew.

BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya is no stranger to controversies

BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya is no stranger to controversies

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya is facing criticism for his crass comments regarding the water crisis in Indore. This is the latest in a series of controversial remarks made by the veteran politician.

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling process of mosques, madrassas, and individuals associated with their management following the exposure of a 'white collar' terror module. The enumeration drive focuses on the finances of these institutions and the backgrounds of their personnel.

Does Toxic Teaser Have Too Much Sex?

Does Toxic Teaser Have Too Much Sex?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

A social activist asserted that the Toxic teaser contains 'scenes that are grossly obscene, sexually explicit, and vulgar in nature'.

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated corporator Ritu Tawade for the Mumbai mayor election, while its ally Shiv Sena declared Sanjay Ghadi as its candidate for the deputy mayor's post.

After Shinde, BJP too moving its corporators to safer place: Raut

After Shinde, BJP too moving its corporators to safer place: Raut

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Shiv Sena has shifted its 29 members to a hotel in Mumbai, ostensibly for an orientation workshop to make them aware of the functioning of the country's richest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

US Visa Shocker: Make Social Media Public Throughout!

US Visa Shocker: Make Social Media Public Throughout!

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The US Embassy has directed all international students aspiring to study in the United States to adjust privacy settings on their social media profiles to 'public' not just while applying for a visa but also during their entire course of study, effective immediately.

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

A group of US lawmakers has written to the Indian Ambassador to the United States, urging a fair and timely trial for activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained under the UAPA.

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.

Celina Jaitley: 'My Entire World Was Snatched From Me'

Celina Jaitley: 'My Entire World Was Snatched From Me'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'When I asked for an amicable separation, I was told that my professional background & achievements were irrelevant & was advised to take up work as a cleaner or in a supermarket in the small village where we lived in Austria, simply to retain the joint custody of my children.'

'Wonderful gesture': Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

'Wonderful gesture': Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Venezuelan opposition leader Mara Corina Machado presented a Nobel Peace Prize to former US President Donald Trump, who hailed it as a gesture of mutual respect. The meeting occurred after reported US military action in Venezuela.

No baggage, only runs: De Kock back in ruthless touch

No baggage, only runs: De Kock back in ruthless touch

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Quinton de Kock seems to have found another gear since his return to cricket and the South African attributed the new-found freedom in his batting to a mind without any 'baggage'.

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

US lawmakers have written to the Indian Ambassador to the US, expressing concern over the prolonged detention of activist Umar Khalid and urging a fair trial in accordance with international law.

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Today's situation in the Shaksgam Valley is the consequence of what happened in Gilgit in 1947. But is India ready to militarily get back its territories? asks Claude Arpi.

US will come to rescue if Iran targets protesters, warns Trump

US will come to rescue if Iran targets protesters, warns Trump

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

This comes as people in Iran continue to protest against rising prices and economic hardship pouring into the streets across several provinces in Iran, with some protests escalating into fatal confrontations with security forces, CNN reported.

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

Usman Khawaja Batted For Integrity On And Off The Field

Usman Khawaja Batted For Integrity On And Off The Field

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

'In choosing to be fully himself, even when it was uncomfortable, Usman Khawaja expanded the meaning of representation and conscience in Australian sport,' notes Asif Ullah Khan.

'Kamasutra and Christmas' event in Goa cancelled after outrage

'Kamasutra and Christmas' event in Goa cancelled after outrage

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The Goa police have ordered the cancellation of the four-day event, which was advertised on social media under the banner of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Foundation.

Assam Bans Jihadi Digital Content

Assam Bans Jihadi Digital Content

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Officials said the digital ban was intended to disrupt ideological channels that facilitate cross-border radicalisation, particularly in areas where socio-economic vulnerabilities are exploited by extremist networks.

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

To 'protect national interest', US now require all F, M, and Jvisa applicants (students/exchange visitors) to make socialmedia profiles public for nationalsecurity vetting.