News for 'media freedom'

Nepal bans Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Nepal bans Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Nepal has banned several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. The ban affects millions of Nepalese citizens and has drawn criticism from journalists and freedom of expression advocates.

The Surgeon, The Designer & Their Band

The Surgeon, The Designer & Their Band

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

On stage, Sing And Tonic comes across as effortless with tight harmonies, confident vocals and a chemistry that feels instinctive. What the audience doesn't immediately see is that, once the lights go off, the band members step back into lives that are just as demanding.

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.

Stop Wasting UN Time: India Hits Back At Switzerland

Stop Wasting UN Time: India Hits Back At Switzerland

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

India on Wednesday slammed Switzerland's remarks on minorities at the Human Rights Council, urging the Swiss to focus on their own issues like racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia instead of lecturing India.

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP following an assault on food vendors at a Bhagavad Gita recital event in Kolkata, asserting that the state would not tolerate intimidation, communal division, or attempts to dictate dietary choices. She vowed stringent action against those responsible and accused the BJP of trying to import a culture of communal division and weaponize religious texts for political mobilization.

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Council passed a bill to curb hate speech, facing strong opposition from BJP and JD(S), who criticized it as 'draconian' and a threat to free speech. The bill proposes jail terms and fines for hate crimes and repeated offenses.

White House slams Nobel panel for ignoring Trump's contributions

White House slams Nobel panel for ignoring Trump's contributions

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

The White House has criticized the Nobel Peace Prize Committee for allegedly overlooking President Donald Trump's contributions to global peace, citing his efforts in brokering deals and resolving conflicts.

'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.'

Gardner credits Australia's depth for match-winning World Cup ton

Gardner credits Australia's depth for match-winning World Cup ton

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Ashleigh Gardner hailed Australia's strength in depth as key to giving her the freedom to score her match-winning century against New Zealand in the women's World Cup match in Indore on Wednesday.

Kannan, who quit IAS over Article 370 abrogation, joins Congress

Kannan, who quit IAS over Article 370 abrogation, joins Congress

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan, who resigned from service in 2019 as a mark of protest against the "shutdown" of Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, joined the Congress on Monday.

Myself, Rahul ji, Sonia ji will resolve: Kharge on K'taka power tussle

Myself, Rahul ji, Sonia ji will resolve: Kharge on K'taka power tussle

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Amid speculation over leadership change in Karnataka, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the issue will be resolved after discussions with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, while deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar claimed there is unity in the party.

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 may be a comedy filled with chaos, but in its indirect way, it speaks about a time when the Constitution mattered more than one's religion and when the idea of India was larger than personal hate, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

Deepika Wears A Hijab, Gets Trolled

Deepika Wears A Hijab, Gets Trolled

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

When Deepika Padukone wore a hijab for a promotional ad, she probably didn't expect the trolling to be this bad.

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'When the accused has a past record demonstrating unprecedented and unmatched criminality and perversion, I believe the interests of justice would have been better served if such a person remained behind bars.'

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.

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.

The Secret US Hand In 1962 War

The Secret US Hand In 1962 War

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

India emerged from the war militarily bruised and strategically altered. The United States, under the guise of friendship, had succeeded in achieving what open alignment never could: The psychological and political repositioning of India within the Cold War order, points out Dr Kumar.

Dhaka: 1971 war veterans jailed on terrorism charge

Dhaka: 1971 war veterans jailed on terrorism charge

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

A Bangladeshi court has sent 16 people, including veterans of the 1971 Liberation War, to jail under the Anti-Terrorism Act after a mob disrupted their public discussion.

Bihar Electoral Tsunami No One Saw Coming

Bihar Electoral Tsunami No One Saw Coming

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

'Are elections still fair in India, or are we all witness to a macabre style of 'selection' of lawmakers? The jury will be out on this for a long time because there is no definitive evidence on either contention, at least as yet,' notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, author, Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times.

Cong neta forced to wear saree by BJP workers for Modi post

Cong neta forced to wear saree by BJP workers for Modi post

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The 72-year-old local Congress functionary had shared a morphed image on social media of the PM.

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The likes of Sengottaiyan can help Vijay navigate it better and faster -- but not necessarily to his goal, which is farther, and can move towards or away from him as well in the weeks and months to come, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Nepal PM KP Oli resigns amid violent protests

Nepal PM KP Oli resigns amid violent protests

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Oli stepped down shortly after hundreds of demonstrators entered his office shouting anti-government slogans.

Won't be shy to approach them for advice: Gill

Won't be shy to approach them for advice: Gill

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

As India prepare for a high-stakes ODI series, all eyes naturally turn to Rohit and Kohli as this series marks their return since the title-winning ICC Champions Trophy Final earlier this year.

Banks may not require RBI nod for floating arms

Banks may not require RBI nod for floating arms

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

For commercial banks to float subsidiaries, approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may not remain mandatory, according to highly placed sources.

'Shubman Gill Isn't Meant For T20s'

'Shubman Gill Isn't Meant For T20s'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'In a format driven by aggression and innovation, the question remains: Can Shubman Gill's classical batting style continue to find space in India's T20 future?'

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.

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant is set to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, bringing extensive experience and a record of significant verdicts on key issues.

Cong slams oil ministry post featuring Savarkar with Gandhi on I-Day

Cong slams oil ministry post featuring Savarkar with Gandhi on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

A post by the oil ministry featuring V.D. Savarkar alongside Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters has drawn criticism from the Congress party, accusing the BJP of distorting history.

'Form is just a word for Virat Kohli'

'Form is just a word for Virat Kohli'

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Arshdeep feels that being a master of 50-over cricket, Kohli will score runs in the remaining two games of this series.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Allows Haq Release

Madhya Pradesh High Court Allows Haq Release

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court has dismissed a petition filed by Shah Bano Begum's daughter seeking to stop the release of the Hindi film Haq, inspired by her mother's famous legal battle, holding that a person's right to reputation or privacy is not heritable.

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

The United States on Saturday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that organisations funded by the US State Department and elements in the American 'deep state' were behind attempts to destabilise India through targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business tycoon Gautam Adani.

HC allows release of film 'Haq' based on Shah Bano case

HC allows release of film 'Haq' based on Shah Bano case

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the release of the Hindi film 'Haq', which is inspired by the life and legal struggle of Shah Bano Begum. The court found the petition devoid of merit, clearing the way for the film's release.

Manu Bhaker's National Anthem Tribute

Manu Bhaker's National Anthem Tribute

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Manu Bhaker, who created history by winning two medals at the Paris Olympic Games, shared a heartfelt video on Instagram playing the violin to the tune of the national anthem.

Why You Must Watch Freedom at Midnight

Why You Must Watch Freedom at Midnight

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Freedom At Midnight is a bold attempt to revisit the whole discourse about Partition, its causes, and the predicament under which the Congress leaders accepted it. It perfectly captures the extremely confused and complicated situation to which it seemed the only viable solution, observes Utkarsh Mishra.

Why You Don't Need a Market Rally to Build Wealth

Why You Don't Need a Market Rally to Build Wealth

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Every investor loves a bull market - that feeling of watching portfolios rise and headlines being filled with record highs is gratifying. Yet, wealth creation in the stock market is not just a matter of market rallies. Some of the most successful investors make their fortunes in periods of slow or even negative market momentum. The secret is mindset, strategy, and disciplined investing, not chasing short-term rallies.

India, UK natural partners: Modi after talks with Starmer

India, UK natural partners: Modi after talks with Starmer

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strong partnership between India and the UK, highlighting its importance for global stability and economic progress amidst global uncertainty. Discussions covered trade, defense cooperation, and geopolitical issues.

Why Indians Are Enslaved To Toxic Bosses

Why Indians Are Enslaved To Toxic Bosses

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'I try to convince myself to stay calm, do my work and not let his behaviour get to me. Some days it works; most days, it doesn't.'

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

"We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But nonetheless, what I say is that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech," the external affairs ministry spokesman said.

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra continues to face backlash for his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The Legislative Council admitted a breach of privilege notice against him, while a state minister demanded his arrest. The controversy stems from Kamra's stand-up performance where he made satirical remarks about Shinde, leading to protests and vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters. The comedian has been summoned by the police and faces legal trouble, with even Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw justifying the action, emphasizing the need to uphold legal safeguards. Amid the controversy, Kamra lashed out at the mainstream media, calling it a "miscommunication arm" of the ruling party.