News for 'social welfare'

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received Rs 13,611 crore in the Union Budget announced on Saturday, while the allocation for disability welfare now stands at Rs 1,275 crore.

Will 'permanently pause' migration from all 3rd world countries: Trump

Will 'permanently pause' migration from all 3rd world countries: Trump

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Trump administration said it will conduct a "rigorous" re-examination of all Green Cards issued to immigrants from "every country of concern".

Deepika Aims To Improve Mental Health

Deepika Aims To Improve Mental Health

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

As India's first mental health ambassador, Deepika Padukone will drive de-stigmatisation initiatives, encourage help-seeking and preventive practices.

Instead of removing Aurangzeb's tomb...: BJP ally

Instead of removing Aurangzeb's tomb...: BJP ally

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Republican Party of India-Athawale leader said that removing Aurangzeb's tomb would not solve anything.

'Nitish Kumar Will Be Chief Minister From 2025 to 2030'

'Nitish Kumar Will Be Chief Minister From 2025 to 2030'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

'Modi and Shah made it clear that the next government will be led by Nitishji.'

'BJP Will Replace Nitish Kumar If...'

'BJP Will Replace Nitish Kumar If...'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'If the NDA returns with the BJP substantially ahead of the JD-U, a BJP CM bid becomes plausible; if the gap is narrow or JD-U holds pivotal seats, continuity with Nitish is the lower-risk option.'

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'Nitish Kumar previously held tight control over key ministries, but this concession (giving the home portfolio to the BJP) reflects either his weakened political position or a pragmatic acknowledgment of the BJP's growing dominance.'

How India Let Sri Lanka Steal Its Tea Crown

How India Let Sri Lanka Steal Its Tea Crown

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

India, the land that gave the world Darjeeling and Assam tea, risks losing its place at the global tea table, not because of its leaves, but because of its lost opportunities, notes Kanika Datta.

'Doctor said, I will not treat a Muslim woman'

'Doctor said, I will not treat a Muslim woman'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

A controversy has erupted in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, after a Muslim woman alleged that a doctor at the district hospital refused to treat her on religious grounds. Hospital authorities deny the accusation, and an inquiry is underway. The incident has sparked political reactions and a police investigation into journalists who circulated the video of the allegation.

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

A string of welfare schemes and promises tests the state's budget, which is already heavily dependent on central support and spends little as capital outlay.

Indian-origin woman raped in UK: 32-year-old 'white male' arrested

Indian-origin woman raped in UK: 32-year-old 'white male' arrested

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

I have been living here for 61 years and have never, ever heard of such an incident. The local community are getting seriously concerned because this is the second (racially aggravated) attack in the West Midlands

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Political tensions rise in Maharashtra as OBC, SC, and ST groups express concerns over a government resolution on the Maratha quota. Chief Minister Fadnavis cautions against divisive politics, while Sharad Pawar accuses the government of weakening the social fabric.

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.

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The National Democratic Alliance was set to sweep the Bihar assembly polls, surging ahead in over 200 of 243 seats on Friday with the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as single largest party with about 90 per cent strike rate, reaffirming the popularity and campaign clout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the face of the ruling alliance through the poll battle in the highly sensitive political state.

Delhi Crime 3 Review: Gritty And Disturbing

Delhi Crime 3 Review: Gritty And Disturbing

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

This Delhi Crime series belongs to Huma Qureshi, who plays Badi Didi as a hateful woman. She also commands some admiration for the way she negotiates with venal men and even some degree of sympathy for making the best of whatever life throws at her, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Tejashwi likely to be announced as Mahagathbandhan CM face tomorrow

Tejashwi likely to be announced as Mahagathbandhan CM face tomorrow

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Tejashwi who is meeting senior Conngress leader Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday is expected to be announced as the CM face of the Mahabgathbandhan on Thursday.

'BJP High Command Will Decide NDA Chief Minister'

'BJP High Command Will Decide NDA Chief Minister'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

'The name will be declared at the right time.'

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

Bidding For Rs 10,000 Banknote Crosses Rs 18 Lakh

Bidding For Rs 10,000 Banknote Crosses Rs 18 Lakh

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Rashtrapati Bhavan has introduced a new initiative, the E-Upahaar auction, to monetise valuable assets for a social cause, in alignment with a broader governmental policy, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of auctioning gifts received by dignitaries to fund welfare programmes.

Manipur BJP leader's house torched for supporting Waqf Act

Manipur BJP leader's house torched for supporting Waqf Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The house of the BJP Minority Morcha's Manipur president, Asker Ali, was set on fire by a mob allegedly for supporting the Waqf Amendment Act. The incident happened at Lilong in Thoubal district on Sunday night. Ali had expressed his support for the Act on social media on Saturday. An irate mob gathered outside his residence around 9 pm, vandalised it and later set it on fire. Following the incident, Ali posted a video on social media, apologising for his earlier statement. He also expressed opposition to the Act.

Rahul Gandhi's 'photo' on sanitary pads: IYC files complaints

Rahul Gandhi's 'photo' on sanitary pads: IYC files complaints

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The Indian Youth Congress has filed police complaints in multiple states alleging a "coordinated and defamatory" digital campaign targeting Rahul Gandhi and undermining the dignity of women, following a row over his image on sanitary pad packets to be distributed in Bihar.

Siddique Kappan booked for protest over Kerala scribe's UAPA arrest

Siddique Kappan booked for protest over Kerala scribe's UAPA arrest

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Police have registered a case against journalist Siddique Kappan and 10 others in connection with a solidarity event held in Kochi condemning the arrest of journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek.

'No Anti-Nitish Or Pro-Tejashwi Wave'

'No Anti-Nitish Or Pro-Tejashwi Wave'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

'This will be a close election. At least now, it appears that the NDA has an edge.'

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked the Congress to tell the nation who prevented India's military response after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks linked to Pakistan, and accused the party of weakening the fight against terrorism when in power.

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

As a protege of Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to scale bilateral ties much higher. Trade and investment shall grow. People-to-people contacts shall be scaled up, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

What Nepal Gen-Z demands after toppling Oli govt

What Nepal Gen-Z demands after toppling Oli govt

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Youth-led Gen Z group in Nepal demands Parliament dissolution and Constitution amendment amid anti-government protests and a rising death toll. They emphasize dialogue and warn against political manipulation.

Punjab orders DNA test of children begging with adults

Punjab orders DNA test of children begging with adults

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

In a move aimed at checking child trafficking and their exploitation for begging, the Punjab government directed all deputy commissioners (DC) to conduct DNA tests on children found begging with adults on the streets to verify their relationship, officials said on Thursday.

Ahead of polls, Nitish govt announces series of schemes

Ahead of polls, Nitish govt announces series of schemes

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Another populist decision of the government was the announcement of an unemployment allowance for the youth: Rs 1,000 per month for two years for graduates and those who have completed class 12 but remain unemployed.

When Will Vijay Smell The Coffee?

When Will Vijay Smell The Coffee?

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

TVK cadres are worried, the leadership looks weak, and the party is not fully prepared for the 2026 elections, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Shapoorji Pallonji calls for public listing of Tata Sons

Shapoorji Pallonji calls for public listing of Tata Sons

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

SP Group chairman Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry on Friday reiterated calls for public listing of Tata Sons to bring transparency, amid infighting among trustees of Tata Trusts which controls a 66 per cent stake in the holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate. Shapoorji Pallonji family is the single largest minority shareholder with about 18.37 per cent in Tata Sons.

NPS: MSF Makes Investing Simpler, Smarter

NPS: MSF Makes Investing Simpler, Smarter

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Those who have long retirement horizons of 15 to 20 years and seek higher long-term returns may opt for MSF. Investors nearing retirement (under 10 years) or those with low risk tolerance should stay away.

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

Bihar polls: Will Oppn's SIR protests or NDA's dominance prevail?

Bihar polls: Will Oppn's SIR protests or NDA's dominance prevail?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

An analysis of the upcoming Bihar elections, focusing on the key players, alliances, and issues that will shape the outcome. The article examines the strength of the ruling NDA coalition led by Nitish Kumar and the challenge posed by the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, as well as the potential impact of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party.

Modi hails 'Vijay Utsav' as Opposition gears up to corner govt

Modi hails 'Vijay Utsav' as Opposition gears up to corner govt

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said Parliament's Monsoon session is like a 'Vijay Utsav' as the Indian armed forces achieved their objectives under Operation Sindoor 100 per cent, and expressed confidence that the MPs will articulate this sentiment in one voice.

Allow certain good things to happen too: SC on Vantara

Allow certain good things to happen too: SC on Vantara

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court acknowledged a clean chit from a special investigation team (SIT) regarding the Vantara zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat's Jamnagar, following allegations of irregularities.

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Left to its machinations, the BJP would have loved to cut Nitish down to size, but it can't afford to do so as the JD-U is in alliance with the BJP at the Centre, and cannot form a government on its own in Bihar. For now, both need each other: Nitish for legitimacy, the BJP for numbers, points out Ramesh Menon.

After Bihar, Is It Target Stalin For BJP?

After Bihar, Is It Target Stalin For BJP?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

After big win in Bihar, the BJP is likely to push harder in Tamil Nadu, where the DMK government and the uneasy BJP-AIADMK alliance are preparing for a tense election filled with seat-sharing fights, changing alliances, and the unpredictable entry of Vijay's TVK party, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

RCB Cares: IPL champions' 6-point plan for better crowd control

RCB Cares: IPL champions' 6-point plan for better crowd control

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

RCB will work closely with IPL and KSCA to design better crowd management protocols after 11 people were crushed to death in a stampede during the team's trophy IPL title celebrations in June.

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Confusing academic freedom with the right to free speech of an individual and expecting unconditional institutional support is not realistic. Academic freedom provides an opportunity for an academic to pursue their passion and contribute to the society through the outcome of their research and/or thought process, points out N Ravichandran.