News for 'religious scholar'

Afghan govt will be led by religious scholars: Taliban

Afghan govt will be led by religious scholars: Taliban

Rediff.com25 Aug 2021

The Taliban have said that religious scholars will lead the upcoming government in Afghanistan as the country's government collapsed over a week ago when the terror group seized Kabul, a media report said.

Prominent Cleric Killed In Targeted Attack In Pakistan

Prominent Cleric Killed In Targeted Attack In Pakistan

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The incident occurred in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda district, also injuring two security guards. The killing has sparked protests, with demonstrators demanding the arrest of those responsible.

Prominent cleric shot dead by ISIS gunmen in targeted attack in Pakistan

Prominent cleric shot dead by ISIS gunmen in targeted attack in Pakistan

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The assassination has sparked protests and condemnation from political leaders.

Lashkar co-founder Amir Hamza wounded in Lahore gun attack

Lashkar co-founder Amir Hamza wounded in Lahore gun attack

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Amir Hamza was injured in a gun attack in Lahore. Unidentified gunmen targeted his vehicle, raising concerns about security and potential implications for the region.

Why Was Prominent Cleric Assassinated In Pakistan?

Why Was Prominent Cleric Assassinated In Pakistan?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The assassination has sparked protests and condemnation from political leaders.

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Pakistan Cleric's Murder

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Pakistan Cleric's Murder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric was shot dead by gunmen belonging to the Islamic State in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

Key Lashkar figure and Hafiz Saeed aide Yousaf Afridi shot dead in Pakistan

Key Lashkar figure and Hafiz Saeed aide Yousaf Afridi shot dead in Pakistan

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Sheikh Yousaf Afridi, a key Lashkar-e-Taiba figure and close associate of Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said.

Key LeT Figure Yousaf Afridi Killed In Pakistan

Key LeT Figure Yousaf Afridi Killed In Pakistan

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Sheikh Yousaf Afridi, a key Lashkar-e-Taiba figure and a close associate of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said.

Joint Pak-Afghanistan jirga calls for immediate ceasefire

Joint Pak-Afghanistan jirga calls for immediate ceasefire

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A joint Pakistan-Afghanistan jirga in Peshawar has called for an immediate ceasefire to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, emphasising dialogue and mutual respect.

Aakhri Sawal Can't Clear RSS Misconceptions

Aakhri Sawal Can't Clear RSS Misconceptions

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rather than wasting time on rhetoric, emotions and drama, if Aakhri Sawal had engaged in a serious debate with more controversial questions and stronger arguments to counter them, it would have enriched the viewer as well as lifted the discourse, observes Utkarsh Mishra.

Puri Jagannath Temple Plans New Dress Code: No jeans, shirt

Puri Jagannath Temple Plans New Dress Code: No jeans, shirt

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

According to the recommendations, reviewed by Business Standard, any dress code shall always be akin to Hindu culture.

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has asserted its jurisdiction to determine what constitutes a superstitious practice within a religion, during a hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites.

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Centre has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its judgements decriminalising adultery and same-sex relationships, arguing they were based on a subjective application of 'constitutional morality'.

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has stated that laws and regulations should serve as a unifying force between religions and communities, not create discord. The observation came while dismissing a plea against the entry of Christian priests into a Hindu temple.

Jamia Millia issues notice to PhD scholar over protest

Jamia Millia issues notice to PhD scholar over protest

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has issued a show cause notice to a PhD scholar, accusing him of "repeated unlawful acts" and inciting students on religious lines during a Batla House encounter protest march on September 19. The scholar denies the allegations.

Mirwaiz drops Hurriyat title from X bio, alleges coercion

Mirwaiz drops Hurriyat title from X bio, alleges coercion

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a key religious and separatist figure in Kashmir, has removed his designation as 'Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference' from his X profile, signaling a potential shift in the region's political landscape.

'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.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

Sufi scholar leads last-ditch efforts to save Nimisha Priya

Sufi scholar leads last-ditch efforts to save Nimisha Priya

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Last-minute efforts are underway to halt the scheduled execution of an Indian nurse in Yemen, with a Sufi scholar leading negotiations with the victim's family.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

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.

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'What has changed is that the new regulations are backed by a clear enforcement framework. They have real consequences and, for the first time, make compliance unavoidable.'

'How Can You Ask Muslim Women To Wait For The Right Time?'

'How Can You Ask Muslim Women To Wait For The Right Time?'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

'Every issue that Muslims are facing today affects Muslim women. But how come women's issues don't affect the community?' 'How does the community benefit by the practice of halala or polygamy?'

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

'My Wife Regrets She Married Me'

'My Wife Regrets She Married Me'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Right now, the most important thing is clarity -- for you and for her, advises rediffGURU Kanchan Rai.

'Why Would A Doctor Become A Suicide Bomber?'

'Why Would A Doctor Become A Suicide Bomber?'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

'Why would a highly qualified doctor with a promising future choose to wage war against his own country?'

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Luckily for us, a Russia that is desperate to stay relevant in an emerging multipolar world finds in India a reliable geostrategic partner. The Russian proximity to India also keeps China from exploiting its economic dominance vis a vis Russia, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

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.

Dream On... Viksit Bharat

Dream On... Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Can change happen? Not unless the changemakers themselves want it since they benefit the most from the status quo, warns Biswajit Dasgupta.

Etawah tonsure: 'All Hindus have right to recite Bhagavad Katha'

Etawah tonsure: 'All Hindus have right to recite Bhagavad Katha'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

In response to the recent incident in Etawah where a non-Brahmin kathavachak (religious storyteller) was allegedly assaulted and tonsured, the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a prestigious council of Sanskrit scholars and experts on Hindu scriptures, has issued a strong statement defending the rights of all Hindus to recite and narrate the Bhagavad Katha.

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the secular nature of the state does not prevent it from interfering with religious practices and attitudes when they impede development and the right to equality in the larger public interest. The court dismissed pleas challenging the 1976 amendment to the Constitution, which added the terms "socialist", "secular", and "integrity" to the Preamble, stating that Parliament's amending power extends to the Preamble as well.

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

In May, 40 Rohingyas were blindfolded and flown to the Andaman and Nicobar islands and then thrown into the sea and made to swim to an island in Myanmar. And after the Pahalgam attack, at least 300 Muslims were 'pushed back' to Bangladesh from Assam.

Books by Arundhati Roy, Noorani among 25 banned by J-K govt

Books by Arundhati Roy, Noorani among 25 banned by J-K govt

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir government has declared the publication of 25 books as forfeited for promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism. The books include those written by famous authors like Moulana Moudadi, Arundhati Roy, A G Noorani, Victoria Schofield and David Devadas.

Big relief for Kerala nurse as Yemen postpones execution

Big relief for Kerala nurse as Yemen postpones execution

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse on death row in Yemen, has been postponed by Yemeni authorities, sources said on Tuesday.

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Police conduct raids at bookshops in Kashmir to seize banned books promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism, following a government order. The ban and subsequent raids have drawn criticism from authors and political leaders.

The 25 Books Banned In Kashmir

The 25 Books Banned In Kashmir

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Bookstore owners were cautioned against keeping or distributing the books. Police personnel briefed the bookstore owners about the legal consequences of violating the ban.

AP: Scholar's son held for terror activities

AP: Scholar's son held for terror activities

Rediff.com16 Jul 2008

While Moulana Naseeruddin himself is in Ahmedabad jail and undergoing trial on a criminal conspiracy case in Gujarat, another of his sons Mohammd Raziuddin Nasir is in Belgam jail in Karnataka for the last six months on the suspicion of his links with terrorist activities.

Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam anoints junior pontiff

Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam anoints junior pontiff

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Sri Satya Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya, a 25-year-old Rig Vedic scholar from Andhra Pradesh, was anointed as the junior pontiff of the ancient Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam at a grand religious ceremony. The historic event took place on the auspicious Akshya Thritiya, attended by seers from across the country. The new acharya, known as Ganesha Sharma Dravid before his initiation into sanyasa, is the successor to the present Seer Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya. The event coincided with the 2534th Jayanti Mahotsavam (May 2, 2025) of Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, who established Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in 482 BCE.

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.

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.