News for 'social welfare'

Why We Hurt Those We Love Is A Mystery

Why We Hurt Those We Love Is A Mystery

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

'We may rationalise that we say or do things to get those close to us on the right path.' 'The conversations could range from one's physical appearance to one's social standing or the choice of friends.' 'What we overlook is that we may cause someone deep pain while leaving them scarred for life,' notes Aarti David.

Import duties on 25 critical minerals, 36 drugs removed

Import duties on 25 critical minerals, 36 drugs removed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the removal of import duties on 12 critical minerals, lithium-ion batteries scrap, cobalt products, LED, zinc and 36 drugs for cancer and rare diseases.

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of non-compliance with laws and irregularities at Vantara, a Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat. The SIT will examine the acquisition of animals, compliance with wildlife protection laws, and other related issues.

Tension in UP's Fatehpur as Hindu groups claim mausoleum was temple

Tension in UP's Fatehpur as Hindu groups claim mausoleum was temple

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Members of Hindu right-wing outfits allegedly created ruckus at a mausoleum in Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh, demanding permission to offer prayers and claiming a temple had previously existed at the site. The incident has led to heightened security and political reactions.

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks focusing on economic ties and global stability amid trade tensions and the aftermath of the Ladakh border row.

Ladki Bahin aide cannot be raised to Rs 2,100: Maha min

Ladki Bahin aide cannot be raised to Rs 2,100: Maha min

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Maharashtra government, led by a coalition of the BJP and Shiv Sena, has admitted that it cannot increase the monthly financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana to Rs 2,100, as promised during the 2024 assembly polls. The government cites severe financial stress as the reason. Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, a Shiv Sena leader, has said that the scheme will continue with the existing amount of Rs 1,500, but the increase is not feasible at this time. The minister also accused the Finance Department, led by Ajit Pawar, of diverting funds from his department without his knowledge. He called for a law to ensure that the social justice and tribal affairs departments receive their allocated funds. The statement comes as an embarrassment for the Mahayuti government, which had heavily campaigned on the promise of increasing the Ladki Bahin Yojana aid.

Violence erupts in Bengal during protest against Waqf Act

Violence erupts in Bengal during protest against Waqf Act

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Protesters in West Bengal's Murshidabad district set fire to police vehicles and hurled stones during a demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Jangipur area, where a large crowd had gathered demanding the withdrawal of the legislation. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas to control the situation. Several people were detained and police personnel were injured in the stone-pelting. The West Bengal Police has said the situation is under control and strict action will be taken against those who resorted to violence.

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

Eid: Delhi Bans Illegal Animal Sacrifice

Eid: Delhi Bans Illegal Animal Sacrifice

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The advisory features a ban on taking or sharing photos and videos of the sacrifice rituals on social media platforms.

Prez hails Op Sindoor, Atmanirbhar Bharat in I-Day address

Prez hails Op Sindoor, Atmanirbhar Bharat in I-Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day, praising the response to terrorism, highlighting achievements in defense self-reliance, and emphasizing unity and progress.

One Party's Freebies Are Another's Welfare Schemes

One Party's Freebies Are Another's Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com11 Aug 2022

As some BJP pollsters concede, the Modi leadership's sweeping success in elections 2019, especially across central India, owed not to Hindutva ideology, but to welfare schemes, all of them borrowed from Tamil Nadu, reveals N Sathiya Moorthy.

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Despite facing financial constraints, Kerala has been able to invest in welfare schemes and targeted programmes.

Omar's 'chance meet' with Rijiju sparks political storm

Omar's 'chance meet' with Rijiju sparks political storm

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A chance meeting between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing the National Conference of laying out a red carpet for the BJP leader in the aftermath of the Waqf Amendment Act. While NC sources termed the interaction as a purely coincidental encounter, opposition parties like the PDP and Peoples' Conference condemned the meeting, accusing the NC of surrendering to the BJP. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by Parliament last week, aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

'The Maha Kumbh Was A Splendid Spiritual Journey'

'The Maha Kumbh Was A Splendid Spiritual Journey'

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

'When we finally immersed ourselves in the sacred waters, remembering Ganga Maa and Lord Mahadev, we felt a profound sense of accomplishment,' says Satish V.

Explained: Waqf And The New Waqf Bill

Explained: Waqf And The New Waqf Bill

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Puzzled about the Waqf Bill? Syed Firdaus Ashraf explains how the amended Waqf law will plug loopholes in the existing legislation.

Akshay's Grand Gesture For Stuntmen

Akshay's Grand Gesture For Stuntmen

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Akshay Kumar has been personally funding medical insurance premiums worth Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore annually for over 650 stuntmen and their families for the past eight years.

Is Telangana Headed For Bankruptcy?

Is Telangana Headed For Bankruptcy?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Experts say the state's economy is grappling with hidden debt, rising welfare costs, and lack of transparency.

Pak Hindus allege 100-yr-old temple land illegally occupied

Pak Hindus allege 100-yr-old temple land illegally occupied

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Land grabbers have illegally occupied the land surrounding a 100-year-old Shiv temple near Tando Jam in Pakistan's Sindh province, obstructing access to the temple and starting construction on the surrounding land. The Hindu community representative, Shiva Kachhi, has appealed to the government to stop the illegal activities and protect the temple and other historical Hindu sites in Sindh.

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people will be affected for the time being.'

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation cuts funds, there could be more impact.'

Samsung management, workers reach agreement on wage hike

Samsung management, workers reach agreement on wage hike

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The discord between the Samsung workers affiliated to the Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam and the company management over wage hike has been amicably resolved with the company agreeing to increase the wages, Tamil Nadu Labour Minister C V Ganesan informed on Monday. Noting that employee welfare remained a top priority for it, Samsung India said the company 'constructively engaged' with all its workers at the Chennai plant and was delighted to announce a mutual agreement to enhance wages and benefits for the next three years.

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion has ignited a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the arrest and the Chief Minister defending the police action.

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

More than 25 crore workers engaged in sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal to coal mining, highway and construction are expected to go on a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, potentially disrupting services across the country. A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or 'Bharat Bandh' to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government".

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

'Problem Solving Is A Big Skill To Have Today'

'Problem Solving Is A Big Skill To Have Today'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'We give them problems so that they can come up with solutions using the technological skills they have learnt.' 'In fact, changemaking and problem solving are interchangeable, in a way.'

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The newly-formed Delhi Cabinet in its first meeting approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the national capital. The cabinet also decided to present 14 pending CAG reports in the first session of the assembly. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the previous AAP government did not allow the health scheme in the city, preventing the people from availing its benefits.

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. He was a founding member of the CPI(M) and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.

Manmohan Singh nearly solved Kashmir issue: Omar's fulsome praise

Manmohan Singh nearly solved Kashmir issue: Omar's fulsome praise

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that India and Pakistan came closer to resolving the Kashmir issue during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. He added that he does not expect a return to that situation in his lifetime. Abdullah lauded Singh's efforts on Kashmir, including the setting up of working groups on the issue, and said he practically initiated measures for the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. The chief minister also praised Singh's contribution to India's economic development.

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

India would neither succumb to the Americans on issues of national security, such as its defence ties with Russia, nor cede ground on its domestic interests in the agriculture and dairy sectors.

'If NDA Manipulates Elections, They May Return To Power'

'If NDA Manipulates Elections, They May Return To Power'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'They have no chance of winning if free and fair polls are conducted.'

Prez Murmu visits Odisha harassment victim at AIIMS; principal held

Prez Murmu visits Odisha harassment victim at AIIMS; principal held

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The principal of a college in Odisha was arrested after a student set herself ablaze following alleged sexual harassment. The incident has sparked protests and political tensions in the state.

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Kerala Police are investigating the mysterious deaths of an IRS officer, his sister, and their mother in Kochi. The officer, Maneesh Vijay, and his sister, Shalini Vijay, were found hanging inside their house, while their mother, Shakuntala Agarwal, was discovered dead on her bed. Police have not yet established a direct link between the deaths and a CBI case in which Shalini was summoned as an accused. Preliminary findings suggest the siblings died by suicide, but the cause of their mother's death is still under investigation. The family had been residing in the quarters for the past year and a half but reportedly kept to themselves, maintaining limited interaction with neighbours, police added.

How Do You Parent A Mini Adult?

How Do You Parent A Mini Adult?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

As the digital age turns children into informed, opinionated little adults, what guardrails should parents employ? Parents with new-age sensibilities admit to oftentimes feeling stumped. A psychologist, a principal and an eye doctor suggest how they can navigate this new parental landscape.

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The Bihar government has formed a state-level task force to monitor actions taken by authorities to prevent and eradicate child marriages in the state. Bihar has the second-highest rate of child marriage in India, with 40.8% of women getting married before turning 18. The government is implementing a multipronged strategy to combat child marriage, including stricter enforcement of the law, empowering girls through education, and raising awareness.

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

While the BJP went back to the drawing board to recraft its political and governance outreach and regained momentum by notching up surprisingly big wins in a string of assembly polls, the burst of fresh optimism in the main opposition Congress and other INDIA bloc parties fizzled out.

How about granting same sex couples social benefits, SC asks govt

How about granting same sex couples social benefits, SC asks govt

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre whether social welfare benefits can be granted to same-sex couples without going into legalising their marriage.

Centre expects US to consider visa applications of Indian students

Centre expects US to consider visa applications of Indian students

Rediff.com29 May 2025

India on Thursday said it expects the United States to consider visa applications of Indian students on merit amid growing concerns over the Trump administration halting new student visa interviews.

Why Modi Dropped 'Jungle Raj' Jibe In Bihar

Why Modi Dropped 'Jungle Raj' Jibe In Bihar

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

'People are fed up with rising crimes and poor law and order.' 'Modi must have got feedback and decided not to touch the 'jungle raj' issue as it will backfire.'

What makes Hemant Soren Jharkhand's unchallenged leader

What makes Hemant Soren Jharkhand's unchallenged leader

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Despite these challenges, his strong voice for the state's tribal population has been central to his political identity

How Ratan Tata reacted when govt picked BMW bullet-proof cars over TaMo

How Ratan Tata reacted when govt picked BMW bullet-proof cars over TaMo

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

On another occasion, he recalled, as part of the SPG, he was tasked with the security of the then prime minister Manmohan Singh and assigned the responsibility of escorting Tata from Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi.