News for 'religious places'

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and 12 states on a PIL challenging the validity of their anti-conversion laws. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) filed the PIL, seeking a stay on the operation of these laws.

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'We will give Rs 25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself.'

'I Would Like To Do My Gareeb Films'

'I Would Like To Do My Gareeb Films'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

'Filmmaking is such a weird line of work, artistic expression and collaboration.' 'It is letting go, then holding on to something, being democratic and then being tyrannical.'

Mohan Bhagwat calls for Hindu unity, backs three-child norm

Mohan Bhagwat calls for Hindu unity, backs three-child norm

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the need for Hindu unity, vigilance, and social harmony, advocating for family values and addressing concerns about infiltration and social divisions.

Man held for posting 'misleading' video in J-K; curbs on online news

Man held for posting 'misleading' video in J-K; curbs on online news

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Police in Kishtwar detained a person for allegedly uploading a misleading video related to a clash between two communities. The district magistrate also issued an order regulating unregistered online news portals and social media pages to prevent misinformation and maintain public order.

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

A 62-year-old Hindu trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Bangladesh, raising concerns about violence against the minority community.

No prayer bell, only Jana Gana Mana at this Gujarat factory now

No prayer bell, only Jana Gana Mana at this Gujarat factory now

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The idea, Shah explains, was to keep the discipline of a shared start, without asking anyone to participate in a religious act that wasn't theirs. The anthem, he felt, offered a "common minimum" that didn't privilege one faith over another: stand together, start together, get to work.

Assam publishes final voters list, drops over 2.43 lakh names

Assam publishes final voters list, drops over 2.43 lakh names

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Election Commission of India has published the final voters list for Assam after a Special Revision, deleting over 2.43 lakh names from the draft roll. The final roll comprises nearly 2.49 crore voters, a decrease of 0.97 per cent from the draft roll.

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.

White-collar terror: Doctors formed 'Ansar Interim' to target J-K, beyond

White-collar terror: Doctors formed 'Ansar Interim' to target J-K, beyond

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted a 'white-collar' terror module, revealing that doctors arrested in the case had been radicalized since 2016 and formed a new terror organization named 'Ansar Interim' to carry out subversive activities.

'My character questioned': Influencer Harsha quits promoting Sanatan Dharma

'My character questioned': Influencer Harsha quits promoting Sanatan Dharma

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Influencer Harsha Richhariya, known for promoting Sanatan Dharma, has decided to step away from the religious path due to continuous criticism and mental stress.

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has voiced concern over a 'new type of fraud' involving individuals from dominant upper-caste backgrounds in Haryana converting to Buddhism solely to claim minority reservation benefits. The court has sought a report from the chief secretary of Haryana on the issuance of minority certificates.

31 killed, 169 hurt in suicide attack at Shia mosque in Islamabad

31 killed, 169 hurt in suicide attack at Shia mosque in Islamabad

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The attack came less than three months after a suicide bomber killed 12 people in a blast outside a district and sessions court building in Islamabad.

Hyderabad tense after temple vandalism, cops injured in clashes

Hyderabad tense after temple vandalism, cops injured in clashes

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Tension prevailed in Hyderabad after a Plaster of Paris idol was partially damaged at a temple, leading to protests, attacks on police, and vandalism of a religious structure. Police have registered two cases and are investigating the incidents.

IB warns of terror attacks on religious places

IB warns of terror attacks on religious places

Rediff.com13 Mar 2008

Terrorists planned to target the Vaishno Devi temple at Jammu, according to the latest report of the Intelligence Bureau. The IB, which intercepted a satellite phone conversation of terrorists around 2 weeks ago, said in its report that a plan was being devised to attack the temple and move to New Delhi and Mumbai in case they failed in their mission. The plan involved infiltrating the border and then hurl grenades on places of religious worship.

'Against Islam': Ashoka emblem at JK shrine sparks row

'Against Islam': Ashoka emblem at JK shrine sparks row

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The inauguration plaque placed inside the shrine has the national emblem etched in the stone, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

SP leader links U'khand tragedy to demolition of religious sites

SP leader links U'khand tragedy to demolition of religious sites

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

Former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan links the Uttarakhand disaster to the demolition of religious sites, claiming it angers God and disrupts spiritual balance. He also cites environmental destruction as a contributing factor to increasing natural disasters.

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.

Kerala couple among 7 held in Maha over forced conversion

Kerala couple among 7 held in Maha over forced conversion

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Police in Maharashtra's Amravati district arrested a pastor from Kerala and seven others on charges of hurting religious sentiments after allegations of offering money for conversion to Christianity. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the arrests.

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.

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

Misri blasts Pak for blaming India for attacks on places of worship

Misri blasts Pak for blaming India for attacks on places of worship

Rediff.com9 May 2025

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent drone attacks on Indian cities and civilian infrastructure, calling it a "deranged fantasy" and a desperate attempt to deceive the world. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also accused Pakistan of attacking religious sites, including a gurdwara in Amritsar, in an attempt to give a communal color to the situation. Misri criticized Pakistan's "blatantly farcical denial" of the attacks and said the country is resorting to disinformation tactics.

Attacks may soon target prayers inside, warns Kerala church head

Attacks may soon target prayers inside, warns Kerala church head

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, condemns attacks against Christians in India and urges government authorities to control religious fanatics. He highlights the constitutional right to religious freedom and criticizes the silence of governing bodies in the face of increasing attacks.

Bhojshala sees peace as Hindus perform puja, Muslim offer namaaz

Bhojshala sees peace as Hindus perform puja, Muslim offer namaaz

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Peace prevailed at the disputed 11th-century Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district on Friday as Hindus performed puja to mark Basant Panchami festival while Muslims offered namaaz within the same premises but at a different location.

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

How India Sleeps

How India Sleeps

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India Rests In The Most Unlikely Places...

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'People don't believe that a 15-year-old girl subjected to sexual intercourse within a marriage is a victim of rape.'

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Nestled in the mountain ranges of Kabirdham district, Bhoramdeo has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, about 125 km from Raipur.

Over 50 detained in Hazratbal Ashoka emblem vandalism case

Over 50 detained in Hazratbal Ashoka emblem vandalism case

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Police have detained over 50 people for questioning after a plaque with the Ashoka emblem was vandalized at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. The incident has sparked controversy, with political parties and religious figures expressing outrage.

Violence Against Christians On Rise

Violence Against Christians On Rise

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

There has been an increase in violence against Christians over the past 12 years -- from 147 cases in 2014 to 706 in 2025 (till November).

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indians across the country welcomed the New Year 2026 with celebrations, religious observances, and gatherings at tourist spots. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended greetings for peace and prosperity.

Turkman Gate violence: Whatsapp groups, 10 influencers under scanner

Turkman Gate violence: Whatsapp groups, 10 influencers under scanner

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

According to police, rumours claiming the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was demolishing the mosque spread primarily through voice notes shared across community, religious and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups ahead of a court-ordered anti-encroachment drive.

SC upholds dismissal of Christian officer for refusing to enter temple

SC upholds dismissal of Christian officer for refusing to enter temple

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Describing the act as the 'grossest kind of indiscipline', the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a former Christian officer's plea challenging his termination from the armed forces, after he allegedly refused to participate in regimental religious activities at the sanctum sanctorum of a temple at a place of his posting.

Massive row in Kashmir over emblem plaque at Hazratbal mosque

Massive row in Kashmir over emblem plaque at Hazratbal mosque

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

A massive controversy is raging in Jammu and Kashmir after a plaque with the Ashoka emblem was vandalised in the Hazratbal shrine as parties on Saturday accused Waqf Board chief Darakshan Andrabi of hurting religious sentiments by using the national emblem in the mosque and demanded registration of a criminal case and her immediate removal.

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Karnataka cabinet has approved eight draft bills, including those addressing hate speech, cattle slaughter, and social boycott, to be tabled in the upcoming legislative session.

Apple harvest made J-K man quit Red Fort terror plot

Apple harvest made J-K man quit Red Fort terror plot

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Investigations into the 'white collar' terror module busted after the recent car bombing near Red Fort showed that the mastermind Dr Umar-un Nabi had attempted to recruit a second suicide bomber but could not succeed as he backed out of the terror plot citing the need to help his family during the apple harvest, officials said on Sunday.

SC allows Hindus, Muslims to offer prayers at MP's Bhojshala on Basant Panchami

SC allows Hindus, Muslims to offer prayers at MP's Bhojshala on Basant Panchami

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Hindus will offer prayers from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami while Muslims to offer namaz from 1 pm to 3 pm on Friday.

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

These nations officially top the list when it comes to maximum number of official days off.

Under fire for 'miya' comment, Himanta cites SC verdict on 'demographic invasion'

Under fire for 'miya' comment, Himanta cites SC verdict on 'demographic invasion'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The CM recently said that only'miyas' were being 'harassed' during the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in the state, as they cannot be allowed to vote in Assam, and claimed that no Assamese -- Hindus or Muslims -- were facing any problem in the exercise. Opposition parties criticised him for this comment.