News for 'social activist'

UPA undermining NREGA, say activists

UPA undermining NREGA, say activists

Rediff.com28 Sep 2010

The Centre, last year, had also decided to freeze the minimum wage paid under NREGA at Rs 100. Subsequently, the wages paid in many states under NREGA are lower than the minimum wages in the state.

A Political Legend Turns 100

A Political Legend Turns 100

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

A product of the 1942 Quit India movement, a Gandhian and a Socialist who remains closely connected with grassroot movements, Dr G G Parikh remains a familiar figure in Maharashtra.

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'If Uddhav bhau and Raj bhau come together, who can stop us?' Prasanna D Zore reports on the fervour and hope set off by the Thackeray cousins coming together.

SP MP refuses to aplogise for Rana Sanga remark, 'unknown mob' booked

SP MP refuses to aplogise for Rana Sanga remark, 'unknown mob' booked

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman on Thursday said he will not apologise for his remarks on Rana Sanga because one cannot deny history.

Pandit's killing: Protestors write 'India' on Hurriyat gate, bring down signboard

Pandit's killing: Protestors write 'India' on Hurriyat gate, bring down signboard

Rediff.com17 Oct 2022

The protesters assembled outside the office of the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat at Rajbagh in Srinagar and held a protest.

'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.

Pleas filed in HC against Wangchuk's detention

Pleas filed in HC against Wangchuk's detention

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

A habeas corpus petition was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela for listing on October 3 by a lawyer for Wangchuk's "next friend".

'Absolute hypocrisy': Activists on PM's pledge to protect free speech at G7

'Absolute hypocrisy': Activists on PM's pledge to protect free speech at G7

Rediff.com28 Jun 2022

'On the international platform, the prime minister is talking about freedom of speech and he should be ashamed of it'

Sulabh founder, pioneer in building public toilets, dies

Sulabh founder, pioneer in building public toilets, dies

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

The cause of the death was cardiac arrest, t aide said

The Gorgeous Sari's Amazing Evolution

The Gorgeous Sari's Amazing Evolution

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

The length and drape of the sari varies; some may be less than the traditional six yards, like the half sari, while others like the Maharashtrian Nnauvari or the Tamilian Madisar is be nine yards. Kodagu saris too can be nine yards long.

Activist Sandeep Pandey among 4 held in Guj ahead of march for Bilkis

Activist Sandeep Pandey among 4 held in Guj ahead of march for Bilkis

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

Police have detained social activist Sandeep Pandey and three others ahead of a foot march planned on Monday to express solidarity with Bilkis Bano, who was gang-raped and seven of her family members murdered during the 2002 Gujarat riots, police said.

Millions could have died: Trump hails India, Pak leaderships for truce

Millions could have died: Trump hails India, Pak leaderships for truce

Rediff.com11 May 2025

He went on to say that even though this has not been discussed, he is going to 'increase trade substantially with both of these great Nations.'

Sorry thief returns valuables to Marathi writer's home

Sorry thief returns valuables to Marathi writer's home

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

A thief was overcome with remorse after realising that the house he stole valuables from belonged to a famous Marathi writer and returned the valuables he had decamped with, the police said on Tuesday.

Activists slam PM's remarks on RTI Act

Activists slam PM's remarks on RTI Act

Rediff.com13 Oct 2012

Social activists, led by National Advisory Council member Aruna Roy, on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's observations on the Right To Information Act, alleging it signals support from the "highest quarters" to those keen on diluting the law. The "concerns expressed by the PM will support and pass a signal to those who want to dilute and weaken the Act that they have support from the highest quarters," a statement signed by several RTI activists said.

'Action Needs To Be Taken Against Ranveer Allahbadia'

'Action Needs To Be Taken Against Ranveer Allahbadia'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

'He should be made an example of so that others will follow the law.'

Transition of Kapil Mishra: From BJP, Modi critic to Delhi minister

Transition of Kapil Mishra: From BJP, Modi critic to Delhi minister

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Kapil Mishra, a former AAP member and a vocal critic of the BJP, RSS, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has undergone a complete political transformation, becoming a controversial figure often regarded as the "posterboy of Hindutva." He has now been inducted as a minister in the newly formed Delhi government, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance and raising questions about his role in shaping the city's future.

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled for 2027, political experts are observing an increasing trend of temple-mosque disputes in the state, leading to heightened polarization. Recent bypolls saw the use of divisive slogans, and analysts believe this trend will intensify as the 2027 elections approach. The recent surge in claims about the existence of Hindu temples at the sites of mosques in various cities has fueled this polarization. The BJP-led government has been accused of promoting communal polarization, while opposition parties like the SP have criticized the ruling party's actions. The RSS chief has called for restraint in raising new temple-related disputes. Experts predict that communal polarization is likely to escalate in the coming days.

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'It concerns the sea and the security of the nation. What has happened is a big tragedy.'

'Deeply sorry', says Kunal Kamra to...

'Deeply sorry', says Kunal Kamra to...

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The banker was asked to be present as the police wanted to record statements of witnesses, the official said.

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has reiterated the state government's willingness to engage in unconditional peace talks with Naxalites, following a statement by the Maoist group outlining preconditions for a ceasefire. Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, stated that the government has already made its stance on unconditional talks clear and has implemented a surrender and rehabilitation policy for Naxal cadres. He criticized the Maoists' demands as unreasonable and emphasized the importance of ending violence and joining the national mainstream. Sharma also called on the Naxalites to send a representative if they are serious about peace talks, but ruled out the formation of a separate committee for negotiations. The Maoist statement, released in Telugu, highlighted the group's concerns regarding intensified counter-insurgency operations and alleged human rights violations. They appealed for a positive atmosphere for peace talks, calling for a halt to anti-Naxal operations and the establishment of new security camps.

Medha Patkar gets 5 months jail in 23-yearr-old defamation case

Medha Patkar gets 5 months jail in 23-yearr-old defamation case

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

The court sentenced Patkar after considering the evidence before it and the fact that the case went on for over two decades.

Many hurt as ABVP activists, Left groups clash at JNUSU poll meet

Many hurt as ABVP activists, Left groups clash at JNUSU poll meet

Rediff.com10 Feb 2024

While the warring groups blamed the other side for the ruckus, there was no immediate reaction from the JNU administration.

Support pours for Manipur's fasting activist

Support pours for Manipur's fasting activist

Rediff.com13 Sep 2007

The solidarity demonstration and the fast is being organised by rights activists to attract global glare on the unabated human rights violation in the conflict zone of the Northeast by security forces empowered by the AFSPA.

Activist Nafisa Ali rejoins Congress

Activist Nafisa Ali rejoins Congress

Rediff.com5 Nov 2009

52-year-old Nafisa, who is in Lucknow, was seen campaigning alongside Congress state president Rita Bahuguna Joshi for party candidate from Lucknow (West) Assembly constituency, Shyam Kishore Shukla, for the byelections on November 7.

History In A Minute: Sarojini Naidu

History In A Minute: Sarojini Naidu

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

A salute to Sarojini Naidu freedom fighter, poet, women's right activist on her 146th birth anniversary.

Uddhav-Raj reunion: 'It's easier said than done'

Uddhav-Raj reunion: 'It's easier said than done'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Speculations about a rapprochement between Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray are gathering steam, but leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) acknowledge that personal ties and organisational synergy are significant hurdles that need to be overcome. While both parties have expressed a willingness to put aside "trivial issues" and unite, the prospect of a reunion is complex, involving family dynamics, ideological differences, and the potential for internal conflicts. The reunion buzz has come at a time when both parties are experiencing a political nadir, with the Sena (UBT) winning 20 seats and the MNS drawing a blank in the 2024 assembly polls. The prospect of the two cousins coming together has enthused supporters of both parties, but it might not be the case with a section of cadres and party leaders. Key concerns include seat-sharing agreements, potential conflicts in areas with strong bases for both parties, and ideological differences.

More institutes scrap MoUs with Turkiye, Azerbaijan; jewellers join protest

More institutes scrap MoUs with Turkiye, Azerbaijan; jewellers join protest

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The move came against the backdrop of Turkiye backing Pakistan and its condemnation of India's strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

Human rights activists protest govt's 'witch hunt'

Human rights activists protest govt's 'witch hunt'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2010

Human right activists and civil society groups have protested the arrest of Abdul Shakeel Bhasha, who was picked up from his residence in Delhi on June 17 for his 'Maoist links'.He was detained in connection with a case registered against him and several others in Kamrej near Surat. They alleged that the arrest of Abdul Shakeel Basha was an example of the government "unleashing a witch hunt against rights activists and civil society groups in India".

BJP declares Maha swearing-in date, but not CM's Name

BJP declares Maha swearing-in date, but not CM's Name

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner to become the next chief minister of Maharashtra, according to a senior BJP leader.

'Surrender immediately': Gujarat HC denies activist Teesta Setalvad bail

'Surrender immediately': Gujarat HC denies activist Teesta Setalvad bail

Rediff.com1 Jul 2023

Setalvad was taken into custody on June 25 last year along with former Gujarat Director General of Police R B Sreekumar and ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in an offence registered by Ahmedabad crime branch police for allegedly fabricating evidence to frame "innocent people" in the post-Godhra riots cases.

Pak human rights activist, friend gunned down in Karachi

Pak human rights activist, friend gunned down in Karachi

Rediff.com8 May 2016

No one has taken responsibility for the attack.

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

Activists endorse Justice Sachar's name for President

Activists endorse Justice Sachar's name for President

Rediff.com11 Jun 2012

A group of noted social activists, writers, filmmakers, journalists, advocates and retired army officials have come up with an online petition seeking support to endorse the name of retired Justice Rajinder Sachar for the post of President of India.

Murder of RSS activist: CBI arrests 3 CPI-M activists in Kerala

Murder of RSS activist: CBI arrests 3 CPI-M activists in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Nov 2014

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday arrested three Communist Party of India-Marxist activists in connection with the September 1 murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader E Manoj in the district, official sources said.

Anna Hazare to go on hunger strike from Feb 14 against Maharashtra's wine policy

Anna Hazare to go on hunger strike from Feb 14 against Maharashtra's wine policy

Rediff.com9 Feb 2022

The 84-year-old activist in a statement warned that he will start his indefinite hunger strike from his village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district on February 14.

Delhi LG gives nod to prosecute Arundhati Roy under UAPA for 2010 speech

Delhi LG gives nod to prosecute Arundhati Roy under UAPA for 2010 speech

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has accorded sanction to prosecute author Arundhati Roy and a former professor in Kashmir under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly making provocative speeches at an event in New Delhi in 2010, Raj Niwas officials said on Friday.

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Hindu Munnani staged a protest in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, against a group of people consuming non-vegetarian food on the sacred Thiruparankundram hill. The protest, which was initially banned, was allowed by the Madras High Court with some restrictions. Several thousands of devotees, Hindu Munnani functionaries, and BJP members participated in the protest, raising slogans hailing Murugan (Lord Subrahmanya). Hindu Munnani state president Kadeshwara Subramaniam and scores of activists were arrested.

UID an assault on individual liberty: Activists

UID an assault on individual liberty: Activists

Rediff.com6 Sep 2010

The Centre's plan for a unique biometric-enabled number to every Indian resident is facing opposition from social activists who say it will impact civil liberties - state-citizen relations and privacy.

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.