News for 'media freedom'

Suryavanshi a fantastic attraction for the sport: Waugh

Suryavanshi a fantastic attraction for the sport: Waugh

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Steve Waugh expressed disbelief at 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's impeccable timing and advised him to focus on 'control' to avoid being a supernova.

MIT punishes Indian-American student for pro-Palestine speech

MIT punishes Indian-American student for pro-Palestine speech

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

MIT leadership said that they stand by the punishment they issued to Vemuri.

'Have they totally lost it?': Ashoka univ prof's arrest sparks outrage

'Have they totally lost it?': Ashoka univ prof's arrest sparks outrage

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Mahmudabad, head of the political science department at the private university, was arrested on Sunday after two FIRs were lodged on stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor, police and his lawyer said.

SRK On MET Gala: 'It's Not My 'Space''

SRK On MET Gala: 'It's Not My 'Space''

Rediff.com7 May 2025

After impressing with his MET Gala debut, Shah Rukh Khan expressed gratitude to Designer Sabyasachi and his team for making him feel 'comfortable' in a 'space' that doesn't belong to him.

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date, the first in 'calibrated steps' to restore stability to the 'very important relationship', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

Assam MLA Aminul Islam arrested for defending Pak in Pahalgam attack

Assam MLA Aminul Islam arrested for defending Pak in Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Assam's opposition AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam was arrested on Thursday on sedition charges for allegedly defending Pakistan and its complicity in the Pahalgam terror attack, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The AIUDF has distanced itself from the legislator's comments, stating that the views were his own and not of the party. Islam was arrested from his residence in Nagaon district. Sarma said no attempt to directly or indirectly support Pakistan through any means, including on social media, will be tolerated and the police have strict directions to act against such persons immediately. Assam Police said the AIUDF legislator has been arrested for a "misleading and instigating statement which went viral and had the potential to create an adverse situation ". A case has been registered at Nagaon Sadar police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Meanwhile, AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal said the views expressed by Islam are his personal opinion.

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

His successor issue is also expected to flare up fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington as China's policy comes in conflict with the US Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, which reaffirmed America's steadfast support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism.

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday detained Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of the leading Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Samachar, following a raid on their premises in Ahmedabad, sources said.

Cops reach Allahbadia's home; NCW summons him, Raina, others

Cops reach Allahbadia's home; NCW summons him, Raina, others

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A day after he hit the spotlight with a comment on parents and sex, trouble mounted for influencer Ranveer Allahbadia on Tuesday with Mumbai police at his doorstep, YouTube pulling down the episode of 'India's Got Latent' and the issue being raised in Parliament.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

HC orders removal of YouTube video against Jaggi Vasudev's ashram

HC orders removal of YouTube video against Jaggi Vasudev's ashram

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of a YouTube video by YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh alleging misconduct against spiritual guru Sadhguru's Isha Foundation. The court found the video's title "clickbait" and restrained Singh from further publishing allegations against the foundation. The court also directed X (formerly Twitter), Meta and Google to remove the alleged defamatory content.

India ranks 133 on Press Freedom Index, worse than Afghanistan

India ranks 133 on Press Freedom Index, worse than Afghanistan

Rediff.com20 Apr 2016

The report shows that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom at both the global and regional levels.

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

During his recent appearance on the show, Ranveer Allahbadia asked a contestant whether they would rather watch their parents have sex for the rest of their life or join them once and put a stop to it.

Jitendra Awhad reaches Maha assembly in handcuffs, here's why

Jitendra Awhad reaches Maha assembly in handcuffs, here's why

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MLA Jitendra Awhad arrived in handcuffs at the Vidhan Bhavan complex in Mumbai on the first day of the Maharashtra legislature's budget session on Monday to highlight 'growing attack' on freedom of expression and protest the deportation of illegal immigrants from the United States.

DU professor 'advised' to submit text of US varsity talk

DU professor 'advised' to submit text of US varsity talk

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

A faculty member in the Hindi department, Jha has been invited to speak at a seminar, titled "The University Under a Global Authoritarian Turn", as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the India China Institute at The New School, New York, scheduled from April 23 to May 1.

'The Rejections Used To Shatter Me'

'The Rejections Used To Shatter Me'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'As you gain experience, you realise that none of this is personal.' 'The failures actually teach you bigger and better lessons.'

'Pathetic thinking': Singer B Praak cancels podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia

'Pathetic thinking': Singer B Praak cancels podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

In an Instagram video, Praak on Monday night said: "I was supposed to appear on a podcast, on Beer Biceps, and we cancelled that. Why? Since we are all seeing how pathetic his thinking is. The choice of words that he has used on Samay Raina's show."

Mohanlal apologises over Gujarat riots reference in 'Empuraan'

Mohanlal apologises over Gujarat riots reference in 'Empuraan'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

On Thursday, the opening day of the movie itself, the Sangh Parivar came out with vehement criticism against the film on social media, while the Congress and a section of the Left platforms celebrated the film for portraying the right-wing politics as "villainous".

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

While India today is vastly different from the India of 1975, the need for vigilance against authoritarianism remains the same, asserts Utkarsh Mishra.

Allahbadia row: Mumbai police grills Apoorva, 3 others

Allahbadia row: Mumbai police grills Apoorva, 3 others

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Mumbai Police have recorded statements from four individuals, including social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija, in connection with controversial remarks made by Ranveer Allahbadia on the YouTube show "India's Got Talent." The controversy erupted after a video of Allahbadia's comments sparked debate on freedom of speech and decency. The Maharashtra Cyber Department registered a First Information Report against the show, and a BJP functionary filed a complaint alleging offensive language targeting disabled persons. Allahbadia has issued an apology, but the issue has gained significant attention, prompting calls for regulation of social media and an NCW summons to those involved.

HC orders Google, FB to remove video of woman river rafting

HC orders Google, FB to remove video of woman river rafting

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed Google, Facebook and X to remove links to a video clip of a woman river rafting after she claimed it was uploaded without her consent, leading to trolling and harassment. The court issued notices to the social media platforms, the rafting instructor and the travel agency for their responses on the woman's plea. The court also directed the Centre to take requisite action and posted the hearing on July 22. The woman alleged that the video, which showed her in a "completely panic-stricken" condition, was released without her knowledge or consent, leading to cyber abuse, cyber bullying, threats, hatred, and harassment.

Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' remark reaches Parliament

Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' remark reaches Parliament

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Following complaints from several MPs, a Parliamentary panel on information technology is discussing whether to summon Allahbadia.

'I Want Britain To Apologise'

'I Want Britain To Apologise'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Akshay Kumar wants an apology too: 'I want the British government and King Charles to watch the film. The apology is bound to happen.'

Allahbadia row: Maharashtra cyber police summons 40 persons

Allahbadia row: Maharashtra cyber police summons 40 persons

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Social media influencer Allahbadia is likely to appear before the city police in a day or two.

Three more cases filed against Kunal Kamra in Mumbai

Three more cases filed against Kunal Kamra in Mumbai

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Three separate cases have been filed against Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra at Khar police station over his alleged controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

UP court imposes Rs 200 fine on Rahul Gandhi for...

UP court imposes Rs 200 fine on Rahul Gandhi for...

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's opposition party, was fined Rs 200 for skipping a court appearance in a defamation case related to his comments about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The case stems from Gandhi's remarks during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022, where he allegedly made derogatory comments about Savarkar. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 14.

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

There were reports that the screening of the movie was disrupted in North-West London, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.

His remarks like 'dog whistling': SC grants bail to Ashoka univ prof

His remarks like 'dog whistling': SC grants bail to Ashoka univ prof

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The bench, which examined the online post by the professor, who heads the political science department in the Sonipat-based Ashoka University, questioned his choice of words, saying they were used deliberately to humiliate, insult, or put others in discomfort. "The choice of words are deliberately made to insult, humiliate or cause discomfort to others. The professor, who is a learned person cannot lack a dictionary... he could have conveyed the very same feelings in a simple language without hurting others. He should have shown respect for the sentiments of others. He could have used a simple and neutral kind of language, respecting others," Justice Kant said.

'Palestinians want the same freedom Gandhi fought for'

'Palestinians want the same freedom Gandhi fought for'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2023

'Israelis not only harassed Palestine Muslims, but also Christians.' 'Palestinians have been telling Israel that this will blow up the situation, but they would not listen to us.'

'Propaganda': I&B minister slams NYT for op-ed on Kashmir press freedom

'Propaganda': I&B minister slams NYT for op-ed on Kashmir press freedom

Rediff.com10 Mar 2023

The strong rebuttal by Thakur came after the US-based newspaper published an opinion piece on alleged curbs on information flow in Kashmir.

At least 26 killed in Indian missile strikes, admits Pakistan

At least 26 killed in Indian missile strikes, admits Pakistan

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry in a media interaction said at least 26 people were killed and 46 injured in the missile strikes on cities in Punjab and PoK. "The six locations that India attacked last night... Pakistan lost 26 people and 46 were injured," he said.

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

In one video, apparently of the attack, a shirtless man holding clear bottles in his hands is seen pacing as the grass in front of him burns.

The Kashmiri Militant Who Killed 300 Terrorists

The Kashmiri Militant Who Killed 300 Terrorists

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'A man with a gun commanded respect. I thought if I also got a gun, I could save my family. With this thought, I went to Pakistan and got training there'

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

There is no guarantee that if we speak in only Indian languages, all our faults will be washed away and India will shine. Why then do they bully and belittle the English-speaking? asks Shyam G Menon.

'OTT Has Become Desi Porn'

'OTT Has Become Desi Porn'

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'This kind of content will destroy our culture.'

Who Is Gauri Spratt, Aamir's Latest Love?

Who Is Gauri Spratt, Aamir's Latest Love?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Her grandfather Philip Spratt was accused by the British Raj in the Meerut Conspiracy Case in the late 1920s. Meet the lady in Aamir Khan's life.

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

In a lengthy statement on X late Monday night, a defiant Kamra said those busy leaking his number on social media or calling him incessantly should know that it all goes to his voicemail where they will be subjected to "the very song" that they hate.

Pre-trial stay on news hits freedom of speech, rules SC in Bloomberg vs Zee

Pre-trial stay on news hits freedom of speech, rules SC in Bloomberg vs Zee

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

Courts should not grant ex-parte injunctions against publication of a news article barring in exceptional cases as it may have severe ramifications for the right to freedom of speech of the author and the public's right to know, the Supreme Court has said.