News for 'social welfare'

Pleas filed opposing Maratha quota in Bombay HC

Pleas filed opposing Maratha quota in Bombay HC

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Petitions challenging the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to the Maratha community for reservation have been filed in the Bombay High Court. The pleas claim the decision is arbitrary and unconstitutional.

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'If all of us (all the 57 Shiv Sena MLAs) stand together we can change the dynamic. We are not afraid of anyone.'

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has stirred controversy by suggesting that members of the "upper castes" should handle the tribal affairs portfolio. Gopi, an actor-turned-politician, argued that true progress in tribal welfare would only be achieved under the leadership of individuals from "upper castes." His comments have been met with widespread criticism, including from CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam and prominent tribal leader C K Janu.

Reject divisive tendencies based on social hierarchies: President

Reject divisive tendencies based on social hierarchies: President

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday emphasised the need to strengthen affirmative action as a tool for inclusion while urging the rejection of divisive tendencies rooted in perceived social hierarchies.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

If betrayed over Maratha quota...: Jarange issues warning

If betrayed over Maratha quota...: Jarange issues warning

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Activist Manoj Jarange warns of political consequences if the Maratha community is 'betrayed' on quota promises, asserting that all Marathas will be included in the OBC category. He also addresses concerns from OBC leaders and the ongoing agitation.

Primatologist and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall dies at 91

Primatologist and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall dies at 91

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Her research legacy laid the foundation for modern primatology: in Gombe Stream National Park, she discovered that chimpanzees can form lasting social bonds and use basic tools. Goodall also found that, like humans, primates experience emotions such as joy, fear, empathy, and grief.

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was shifted from the agriculture ministry to the sports and youth welfare department in a late-night reshuffle. Dattatrey Bharne will be the new agriculture minister. The reshuffle comes after Kokate faced controversy for playing online rummy during a legislative council session and allegedly equating farmers with beggars.

6 held for attempt to give electric shock to Dalit boys at Andhra hostel

6 held for attempt to give electric shock to Dalit boys at Andhra hostel

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The incident occurred on August 7 and reportedly stemmed from an attempt to separate one of the victims from a minor girl with whom he was in a mutual relationship.

SC flags discrimination against disabled in jobs, seeks Centre's reply

SC flags discrimination against disabled in jobs, seeks Centre's reply

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, questioning the Centre on the lack of 'upward movement' for meritorious candidates. The court also ordered nationwide monitoring of care institutions for persons with cognitive disabilities.

Woman on FBI's 'top 10 most wanted' list held in India

Woman on FBI's 'top 10 most wanted' list held in India

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The FBI has arrested Cindy Rodriguez Singh, a woman on the agency's '10 Most Wanted Fugitive' list, accused of killing her six-year-old son and fleeing to India to evade prosecution.

SC probe into Vantara: Reliance Foundation responds

SC probe into Vantara: Reliance Foundation responds

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

Reliance Foundation's Vantara has pledged full cooperation with the Supreme Court-appointed SIT investigating allegations of legal non-compliance and animal acquisition irregularities.

PhysicsWallah reveals safety issues that plague India's education sector

PhysicsWallah reveals safety issues that plague India's education sector

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

A student allegedly threatened a PhysicsWallah teacher with a slipper during an online class in 2023 -- one of the several safety-related incidents revealed by the edtech unicorn in its updated draft papers filed ahead of its initial public offering (IPO).

10 Things Gen Z Looks For In A Job Today

10 Things Gen Z Looks For In A Job Today

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

If you want to inspire the young workforce, focus on building transparency, purpose and social responsibility, says notes Varun Sachdeva, SVP and APAC head, NLB Services.

Tribals to be kept out of ambit of proposed UCC: Rijiju

Tribals to be kept out of ambit of proposed UCC: Rijiju

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifies that tribal communities in the northeast and other areas will be exempt from the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to preserve their traditional way of life.

'Freebie' shouldn't be confused with genuine welfare measures: SC

'Freebie' shouldn't be confused with genuine welfare measures: SC

Rediff.com17 Aug 2022

Political parties and individuals cannot be prevented from making poll promises aimed at fulfilling the constitutional mandate and the term 'freebie' should not be confused with genuine welfare measures, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday.

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Indian government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to ban online games played with money, aiming to curb addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud. The bill also targets advertisements and financial transactions related to such games.

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Jammu and Kashmir AAP chief and MLA Mehraj Malik was detained under the Public Safety Act for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district. The detention has sparked condemnation from opposition parties.

Kanimozhi eats food cooked by SC woman to send a social message

Kanimozhi eats food cooked by SC woman to send a social message

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

Kanimozhi also encouraged the school children to have the delicious meal.

Jh'khand principal sends 80 schoolgirls home without shirts for writing on them

Jh'khand principal sends 80 schoolgirls home without shirts for writing on them

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The incident took place in a prestigious school in Digwadih under Jorapokhar police station area on Friday, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra said.

Return to Bengal if harassed in BJP states: Mamata to migrant workers

Return to Bengal if harassed in BJP states: Mamata to migrant workers

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims a Bengali-speaking woman and her child were threatened in Delhi after an alleged assault. She urges Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states to return to Bengal if harassed and questions the absence of central commissions in BJP-ruled states when atrocities occur.

Women achievers to run Modi's social media on Int'l Women's Day

Women achievers to run Modi's social media on Int'l Women's Day

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he will hand over his social media accounts to women achievers from different walks of life to mark International Women's Day on March 8. In his monthly "Mann Ki Baat" address, Modi said these successful women will talk about their work and experience on his social media accounts. He also renewed his appeal to people to take measures to deal with the growing problem of obesity and encouraged people to visit research laboratories or planetariums to mark National Science Day on February 28. Modi highlighted India's progress in space science and artificial intelligence, and emphasized the importance of celebrating and respecting the indomitable spirit of women. He also spoke about the diversity of India's wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.

Delhi CM attacker planned protest against SC verdict on stray dogs

Delhi CM attacker planned protest against SC verdict on stray dogs

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The man accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta told investigators he planned a protest against the Supreme Court's order on relocating stray dogs, similar to Anna Hazare's anti-corruption protests.

Weekend Recipe: Lajjaya's Alu Halwa

Weekend Recipe: Lajjaya's Alu Halwa

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Halwa can be created from anything, from mung dal to doodhi and carrots. Potatoes make for a wholesome halwa.

K'taka to conduct fresh caste census in Sep-Oct; to map wealth, land data

K'taka to conduct fresh caste census in Sep-Oct; to map wealth, land data

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Karnataka government will conduct a new 'Social and Educational survey', popularly known as 'caste census', in the state for 15 days, from September 22 to October 7. The survey aims to eliminate caste discrimination and gather data on financial status and land ownership.

Internet suspended in Bengal town rocked by violence over Waqf

Internet suspended in Bengal town rocked by violence over Waqf

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The situation in Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which was marred by incidents of violence following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, was calm and peaceful on Wednesday with no reports of any untoward incident. Prohibitory orders were clamped in and around Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas and large police force deployed in all sensitive areas of the district, especially in and around Jangipur town, where a large number of people had assembled on Tuesday afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of the legislation. Internet connectivity remained suspended within the areas under the Jangipur sub-division to prevent the spread of any disinformation. Protestors, who had gathered in large numbers on the NH-12 in the Jangipur area to protest against the Waqf Bill, hurled stones at the police who were deployed in the area, on Tuesday afternoon. A couple of vehicles belonging to the police were allegedly torched during the protest and police had to resort to lathi-charge and use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. A few policemen were injured in the stone pelting. Police have also detained a few people in connection with the incident. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose condemned the incident and said attempts to disturb the law and order situation in the state "should be put down with an iron hand". The opposition BJP alleged that the law and order situation in the state was "crumbling" under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was busy with "minority appeasement". The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. The Act aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare. It also seeks to improve governance by enhancing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities and protecting stakeholders' rights.

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Both NDA and INDIA are racing to woo marginalised groups with Assembly polls fast approaching.

Row over K'taka minister's gunman tying his shoes

Row over K'taka minister's gunman tying his shoes

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

Terming as "unfortunate" the incident being turned into a controversy, Mahadevappa said he respects the honour and dignity of every individual and has no intention of displaying superiority by making someone help him to wear his shoes.

Op Sindoor biggest, most successful anti-terror mission': Modi

Op Sindoor biggest, most successful anti-terror mission': Modi

Rediff.com31 May 2025

"In Pahalgam, terrorists not only shed the blood of Indians, but also attacked our culture. They tried to divide our society and the biggest thing is that the terrorists have challenged the women power of India," Modi said.

Hindi Diwas: Modi, Shah hail Hindi as 'unifying force'

Hindi Diwas: Modi, Shah hail Hindi as 'unifying force'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Hindi Diwas was observed across India with leaders emphasizing Hindi's role as a unifying factor and the need to enrich all Indian languages. Events were held in India and abroad to promote the language.

Jarange to stop drinking water as fast enters 4th day

Jarange to stop drinking water as fast enters 4th day

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Activist Manoj Jarange vows to intensify his hunger strike for Maratha reservation under OBC, while the Maharashtra government seeks legal opinion on the issue.

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Citing evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, he said that the civil service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant.

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Protests against the Waqf Act turned violent in parts of West Bengal on Friday, with demonstrators setting ablaze vehicles, disrupting traffic and rail movement, and injuring several policemen. The unrest erupted in Suti, Murshidabad district, where protesters defied prohibitory orders, hurled stones at security personnel, and torched police vans and public buses during processions. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas, while some officers were forced to seek refuge in a nearby mosque. Similar protests were held in Malda and Kolkata, prompting Governor C V Ananda Bose to direct the state government to take swift action against those responsible. The governor also contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah and held discussions with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was recently passed by both houses of Parliament, aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, safeguarding heritage sites and promoting social welfare.

Don't view India-China ties through 'third country lens': Modi

Don't view India-China ties through 'third country lens': Modi

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to work towards a "fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable" resolution of the festering boundary issue and pledged to work towards stabilising global trade.

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has announced a massive increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge that will fundamentally alter how American companies hire skilled foreign workers, particularly impacting Indian IT professionals who comprise the largest group of beneficiaries.

Do you want border wall to stop immigrants, SC asks govt

Do you want border wall to stop immigrants, SC asks govt

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the central government about the possibility of constructing a border wall to prevent illegal immigration, drawing parallels with the US border policy. The court also addressed concerns about the detention and deportation of Bengali-speaking migrant workers.

'Waqf law bonhomie': Oppn slams Omar's Tulip garden meet with Rijiju

'Waqf law bonhomie': Oppn slams Omar's Tulip garden meet with Rijiju

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The opposition Peoples' Democratic Party and Peoples' Conference targeted the ruling National Conference over the meeting, and accused it of surrendering to the Bharatiya Janata Party without even a pretence over the passage of the Waqf act.

'Radical organisation': Plea seeks ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh

'Radical organisation': Plea seeks ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

This comes amid the row over the arrest of former priest of ISKCON Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, over sedition charges, which led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh.

You have clothes, shoes, mobiles because of us: BJP MLA sparks row

You have clothes, shoes, mobiles because of us: BJP MLA sparks row

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

A video of Lonikar's controversial remarks surfaced on social media on Thursday and invited strong criticism from the opposition.

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

For nearly two decades, Nitish Kumar has cultivated women as a distinct constituency. 'To create a broader vote base, he thought it would be better to bring women to electoral politics.'