News for 'religious respect'

Punjab BJP deletes post paying tributes to 'martyrs' of Op Bluestar

Punjab BJP deletes post paying tributes to 'martyrs' of Op Bluestar

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The post, which has now been deleted, read, "June 1, 1984'?' 'Saka Neela Tara'. A humble tribute to all the martyrs of the day one of the attack on the Darbar Sahib by the Congress government."

'Ball Is In BJP's Court'

'Ball Is In BJP's Court'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

'They have to prove the credibility of their talk; whether they want to focus on the secular face of India, whether they want to focus on democracy and above all freedom of an individual to practice his or her religion.'

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Vijay, despite the loud message from his delayed arrival at the road-show/stampede venue, and more so his continued inaccessibility for fans-turned-cadres after graduating from a super-star to a political party leader with electoral ambitions, refuses to change. Or, so it seems, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Kanwar Yatra: SC refuses to stay QR code order for eateries

Kanwar Yatra: SC refuses to stay QR code order for eateries

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh said it was not going into the other issues over display of names of the hotel or dhaba owner and the QR code, Tuesday being the last day of the Kanwar Yatra.

Sholay Still Speaks to India's Soul

Sholay Still Speaks to India's Soul

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Even after 50 years, Sholay remains a lasting reminder of unity, shared memories and the joy of cinema, notes Mohammad Asim Siddiqui.

Why UP Expects 1.3 Billion Tourists This Year

Why UP Expects 1.3 Billion Tourists This Year

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

This would be a 100 per cent jump over 2024, when the state had logged tourist inflow of 650 million

'Kannada was born out of Tamil': Kamal Haasan remark sparks row

'Kannada was born out of Tamil': Kamal Haasan remark sparks row

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Kamal Haasan's comments invited sharp criticism in Karnataka.

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing for urgent hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Rupani cremated with full state honours; Shah leads tributes

Rupani cremated with full state honours; Shah leads tributes

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

Thousands of people gathered along the entire route of the funeral procession to give a poignant send-off to the late BJP leader at his hometown, where his mortal remains were flown from Ahmedabad four days after the tragedy.

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Arundhati Roy is like a ballerina performing on a high wire, cool, supremely at ease but conscious of all the adoring eyes on her,' notes P Vijaya Kumar.

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its interim orders on three key issues related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the power to denotify waqf properties, the composition of waqf boards, and the provision regarding government land. The court heard arguments from both the petitioners, who challenged the validity of the amended law, and the Centre, which defended the Act as a secular concept. The petitioners sought interim orders to prevent the implementation of certain provisions while the court considers the legal challenges.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

Rath Yatra peaceful in Ahmedabad despite elephant scare; 1 hurt

Rath Yatra peaceful in Ahmedabad despite elephant scare; 1 hurt

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

One person was injured on Friday during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad, when a male elephant, agitated by excessive noise, broke a barricade and rushed into a narrow lane, officials said.

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted after an NCERT Class 8 textbook depicted present-day Rajasthan as part of the Maratha Empire, drawing criticism from royal families and political leaders who call the depiction factually incorrect and misleading.

How To Answer 'Are You Married' And More Tricky Job Qs

How To Answer 'Are You Married' And More Tricky Job Qs

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Career gaps and marital status don't have anything to do with your commitment or capability, says Shruti Swaroop, founder of Embrace Consulting and co-founder of International Inclusion Alliance.

'Iranians Love India'

'Iranians Love India'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Iranians admire Indian cinema and often mention Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan when you meet them.'

Radico Khaitan withdraws 'Trikal' whisky brand after outrage

Radico Khaitan withdraws 'Trikal' whisky brand after outrage

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Radico Khaitan is the maker of award-winning single malt 'Rampur' and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin. Besides, it owns IMFL brands as 8 PM Whisky and Magic Moments Vodka.

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Quraishi asserted that India has, is and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles.

Conversion to Islam bona fide if done by free-will, with sound mind: HC

Conversion to Islam bona fide if done by free-will, with sound mind: HC

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The HC said this while dismissing a petition by Taufik Ahmad who had sought quashing of proceedings against him on charges of rape and unlawful religious conversion of a Hindu girl to Islam through misrepresentation under the UP anti-conversion law.

Modi, Egypt's grand mufti discuss social, religious harmony

Modi, Egypt's grand mufti discuss social, religious harmony

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

The MEA said the Grand Mufti appreciated the Prime Minister's leadership in fostering inclusivity and pluralism.

Designers apologise for fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan

Designers apologise for fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Designer duo Shivan and Narresh, who are facing backlash for displaying 'obscene' garments at a fashion show in Gulmarg last week, have said their sole intention was to celebrate creativity and regret any hurt caused by the event during the holy month of Ramzan.

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising'.

'Those Resisting Mughals Should Never Be Forgotten'

'Those Resisting Mughals Should Never Be Forgotten'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'Whenever present-day politics do get involved, history sinks to the level of a morality play, with advocates for this or that cause seeking to praise their heroes or condemn their villains.'

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

UN chief's aide calls for halt to religious violence in India

UN chief's aide calls for halt to religious violence in India

Rediff.com15 Jun 2022

The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a halt to any sort of violence, especially one based on perceived religious differences and hatred, amidst protests in India over the controversial remarks by two now-suspended/expelled Bharatiya Janata Party functionaries against Prophet Mohammed.

China, Pak listening, Jaishankar reminds SCO of its '3 evils' pitch

China, Pak listening, Jaishankar reminds SCO of its '3 evils' pitch

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Jaishankar said the UN Security Council condemned the attack and underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the reprehensible act and bring them to justice.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The message from Sunday's event will undoubtedly reverberate globally. It's a landmark occasion that will be remembered for generations and will inspire many other states to introduce the story of Rajendra Chola into school curricula, says Tarun Vijay.

Mahua Moitra claims fish shops being shut down, Delhi police launches probe

Mahua Moitra claims fish shops being shut down, Delhi police launches probe

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The Delhi Police will investigate claims by TMC MP Mahua Moitra that right-wing individuals attempted to force the closure of fish shops in South Delhi's Chittaranjan Park. Moitra posted videos and messages alleging the incident, while Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva denied the claims and called for community harmony. The police are verifying the incident's authenticity and the market's licensing status.

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In his address, Singh said there should be "no double standards" in combating terrorism and urged the SCO member nations to condemn the menace with unity.

Won't tolerate attacks on religious buildings: Aus PM

Won't tolerate attacks on religious buildings: Aus PM

Rediff.com11 Mar 2023

The Australian prime minister also said that he briefed Prime Minister Modi on AUKUS - a trilateral security arrangement between Australia, the UK and the United States that was unveiled in September 2021.

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that there cannot be a blanket stay on the law as there is a presumption of its constitutionality. The Centre countered the pleas challenging the law's validity, asserting that the amendments were undertaken after a comprehensive study by a parliamentary panel. The government also highlighted the "reported misuse" of earlier provisions and the increase in waqf land, claiming that over 20 lakh hectares were added after 2013.

India vs Pakistan called off! All about WCL controversy

India vs Pakistan called off! All about WCL controversy

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

A veterans' cricket match involving India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in London on Sunday has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to be a part of it citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

Kannappa Review: Superstar Cameos Can't Save The Film

Kannappa Review: Superstar Cameos Can't Save The Film

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Kannappa is a bloated mess of a film that underutilises interesting story ideas, observes Arjun Menon.

Kashmir Valley shuts down after 35 yrs to protest Pahalgam attack

Kashmir Valley shuts down after 35 yrs to protest Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Kashmir valley observed a shutdown on Wednesday in protest against a terror attack that killed at least 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam. This was the first time in 35 years that the valley observed a shutdown for a terror attack. Organisations from all walks of life supported the bandh call, including political parties, socio-religious organisations, trade bodies, and civil society groups. Security has been beefed up across the valley, especially at vital tourist spots.

Gujarat father-son duo on pilgrimage killed in Pahalgam

Gujarat father-son duo on pilgrimage killed in Pahalgam

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A father-son duo from Gujarat and a tourist from Surat were among the 26 people killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Yatish Parmar and his son Smit were in Kashmir to attend a religious discourse, while Suresh Kalathiya was on vacation with his family. The Gujarat government has expressed condolences and is providing support to the families of the victims.

Security of rape survivor's family tightened as Asaram gets 3-month bail

Security of rape survivor's family tightened as Asaram gets 3-month bail

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Following the granting of a three-month interim bail to religious preacher Asaram Bapu, police in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have heightened security measures at the residence of the rape survivor's family. The family, who have expressed concerns for their safety, will now need to inform the police before traveling outside the district. Asaram was convicted in 2018 for sexually assaulting a minor girl in 2013 and sentenced to life imprisonment. His latest conviction in Gujarat in 2023 resulted in another life sentence. The police have deployed a guard at the victim's house, provided personal gunners for her father and brother, and installed surveillance cameras. The police are also monitoring the area and have prohibited unauthorized gatherings. The victim's father expressed concern over Asaram's ability to manage his affairs from outside prison despite his health issues.

SC to hear pleas challenging state laws regulating religious conversion

SC to hear pleas challenging state laws regulating religious conversion

Rediff.com30 Jan 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday said it would hear on February 3 a batch of pleas challenging controversial state laws regulating religious conversions due to interfaith marriages.

Forced religious conversions affect nation's security, freedom of faith: SC

Forced religious conversions affect nation's security, freedom of faith: SC

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

Terming forced religious conversion a "very serious" issue, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to step in and make sincere efforts to check the practice.

'Misleading': B'desh on US Spy Chief's 'Islamist caliphate' remark

'Misleading': B'desh on US Spy Chief's 'Islamist caliphate' remark

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The US spy chief, now in India, earlier on Monday said the "longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration."