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National / Rediff

Maha govt orders probe into pregnant woman's death

The Maharashtra government has ordered a probe into the death of a pregnant woman after a hospital in Pune allegedly denied her admission due to non-payment of Rs 10 lakh as advance deposit. The woman, Tanisha Bhise, died after giving birth to twin girls at another hospital. The incident sparked protests outside the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, with opposition parties alleging negligence and demanding action against the hospital.

4 Apr 2025 6:06 pm
Parl's Budget session ends with over 100% productivity

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was ulldozed through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable

4 Apr 2025 5:56 pm
Owaisi, Congress MP move SC against Waqf Bill

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi have challenged the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions. The petitions claim the bill imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, undermining the religious autonomy of the Muslim community. They also allege that the bill discriminates against Muslims by imposing restrictions not present in the governance of other religious en

4 Apr 2025 5:51 pm
3 held for trying to perform havan at Sambhal mosque

Three men from Delhi were detained in Sambhal, India, for allegedly attempting to perform Hindu rituals, including a havan and puja, at the Shahi Jama Masjid. The incident occurred on Friday, with police citing concerns about public order and potential disruption to communal harmony. The mosque is a site of ongoing religious tensions, with four people having died in violence last year related to a court-ordered survey. The detainees claimed they were attempting to perform rituals at a nearby Vis

4 Apr 2025 5:17 pm
Pagodas Destroyed By The Quake

The Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda near Mandalay collapsed, and rescue operations are ongoing, with hopes of finding survivors in collapsed buildings particularly in Mandalay, where dozens are still believed to be trapped.

4 Apr 2025 4:23 pm
682 Indians deported from US since January: Govt

According to the minister, the government continues to be engaged with the US to promote mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks for streamlining the movement of students and professionals and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel.

4 Apr 2025 3:30 pm
SC says NO to ban on social media usage for children

It is a policy matter. You ask Parliament to enact the law, a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih told the counsel appearing for the petitioner.

4 Apr 2025 2:46 pm
Centre denies assent to TN bill seeking NEET exemption

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced that the state's Assembly resolution seeking NEET exemption, which was sent for Presidential assent, has been declined by the Centre. Stalin termed the rejection as a dark chapter in federalism and accused the Centre of disregarding the will of the Tamil Nadu people. He also announced an all-political party meeting on April 9 to discuss the issue further.

4 Apr 2025 2:44 pm
ED raids 'Empuraan' producer over Rs 1,000 cr FEMA case

L2: Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer movie, a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team, has become a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots.

4 Apr 2025 2:27 pm
Birla ticks off Sonia for 'Waqf bill bulldozed' remark

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's remarks about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill being ulldozed through the Lower House. Birla said a senior member casting aspersions on the House proceedings was most unfortunate and against the dignity of parliamentary democracy. He pointed out that the bill was debated for 13 hours and 53 minutes with several members participating and was passed after multiple divisions.

4 Apr 2025 1:51 pm
Modi, Yunus Meet in Bangkok, first since Hasina's ouster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok, their first meeting since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also present. The meeting comes amidst strained ties between India and Bangladesh following the interim government's rise to power, marked by concerns over violence targeting

4 Apr 2025 12:59 pm
US revises India tariffs downwards, to....

These duties will come into force from April 9.

4 Apr 2025 12:02 pm
Congress to Challenge Waqf Bill in Supreme Court 'very soon'

The Congress party announced its intention to challenge the constitutionality of the recently passed Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Supreme Court. AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the party will very soon file a petition, citing concerns about the bill's impact on constitutional principles. Ramesh highlighted the Congress's ongoing legal challenges against other legislation, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and c

4 Apr 2025 11:24 am
No veg food, 1 toilet: Over 250 pax stranded in Turkey

A stranded passenger said that all of them were sitting on the floor and there were no blankets available.

4 Apr 2025 10:51 am
Explained: Waqf And The New Waqf Bill

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

4 Apr 2025 10:44 am
Watershed moment: Modi after Waqf bill passed in Parl

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament as a watershed moment in the country's quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. He said the legislation will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity. Modi stated that the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability, especially harming Muslim women, poor Muslims and Pasmanda Muslims. H

4 Apr 2025 9:40 am
'Difficult To Trust Yunus Govt In Dhaka'

'It was the hostility of the Yunus regime that made India careful and wary of dealing with them.' 'They gradually backed off and lowered the noise, but the damage was done.' 'Their true colours had been exposed.'

4 Apr 2025 9:09 am
Waqf bill passed by Rajya Sabha by 128-95 votes

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.

4 Apr 2025 9:02 am
Rest In Peace, Voice Of America

What despots and dictators, jammers and competitors, had not managed to do in 83 years -- what the Soviet Union had failed to counter during the Cold War; what China had failed to crush during the Tiananmen Square uprising -- a US President had succeeded with his own hand, notes Krishna Prasad.

4 Apr 2025 8:17 am
'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

4 Apr 2025 6:24 am
'We Were shocked By JD-U's Stand On the Waqf Bill'

'When the Bill was passed all have been exposed. There is no difference between communal and secular.'

4 Apr 2025 6:01 am
HC relief for Ramdev, Balakrishna in misleading ad case

The Kerala High Court has stayed all proceedings in a lower court against Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, his associate Acharya Balakrishna and their company Divya Pharmacy in a misleading advertisement case. The court found merit in their claim that cognisance of the offence was taken after the period of limitation.

4 Apr 2025 1:18 am
Eight die after inhaling toxic gas in well in MP

Eight people died in a well in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India, after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning it for immersions during the Gangour Mata festival. The well had been unused for a long time, allowing toxic gases to form. Rescue efforts lasted for nearly four hours before the bodies were recovered. The district administration announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

4 Apr 2025 1:05 am
Two leaders quit JD-U over party's support to Waqf bill

Two individuals claiming to be members of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) in Bihar announced their esignation from the party, citing dissatisfaction with its support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The JD(U) denied the resignations, claiming the individuals were not party members. However, some senior JD(U) leaders have expressed discontent over the passage of the bill, which they believe is detrimental to Muslims. The controversy over the Waqf Bill is likely to influence the upcoming assembly e

4 Apr 2025 12:55 am
Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has defended her support for teachers who were dismissed following a Supreme Court verdict, accusing the BJP and CPI(M) of hatching a conspiracy to influence the ruling. She dared the BJP to arrest her for supporting the affected candidates, while asserting that her government will abide by the verdict but explore all legal options. The development has triggered political reactions with the BJP demanding Banerjee's resignation, while the CPI(M) expresse

4 Apr 2025 12:06 am
SC upholds firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court of India has refused to relax the ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region, citing continued alarming levels of air pollution. The court emphasized the right to a pollution-free atmosphere as a fundamental right, stating that the ban is necessary to protect public health. The court also highlighted the issue of noise pollution caused by firecrackers. The decision comes after a batch of petitions were filed by firecracker manufacturers seeking relaxation of the ban.

3 Apr 2025 11:32 pm
Christian Michel alleges poisoning attempts in Tihar

Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, has claimed that attempts were made to poison him inside Tihar Jail. A Delhi court has sought a response from the prison authorities on his plea. The court has also directed that James be taken to AIIMS on April 7 for a check-up. James was extradited from Dubai in 2018 and has been in custody since then. He has been granted bail in the ED and CBI cases against him but has refused to accept bail citing security concerns. He

3 Apr 2025 9:53 pm
US tariffs: India to follow wait and watch approach

The official said there are both challenges and opportunities for India as many of its competitor countries in exports, such as China Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand, face higher duties.

3 Apr 2025 9:26 pm
Manipur situation not satisfactory, Shah tells Parl

Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that the situation in Manipur is largely under control, with no deaths reported in the last four months. However, he acknowledged that the situation cannot be considered satisfactory as displaced people are still living in relief camps. Shah attributed the violence to a high court decision regarding a reservation-related dispute, emphasizing that it was not terrorism-related but ethnic violence between two communities. He highlighted governmen

3 Apr 2025 8:11 pm
LG's transfer of 48 officers may spark tension with Omar

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the transfer and posting of 48 J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, potentially creating friction with the National Conference-led government in the Union Territory. The move, seen by many as an attempt by the LG to assert control over the bureaucracy, includes the transfer of 14 additional deputy commissioners and 26 sub-divisional magistrates. The timing of the order, coinciding with the

3 Apr 2025 7:02 pm
Stalin to challenge Waqf Bill in SC, backed by AIADMK

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin announced that his party will file a case in the Supreme Court against the Waqf Bill passed in the Lok Sabha. The opposition AIADMK expressed solidarity with the DMK's stance, while the BJP members staged a walkout from the Assembly in protest. The CM argued that the amendment was passed at the behest of a few allies despite opposition from majority parties and that it is an attack on the Constitution and religious harmony. The DMK claims th

3 Apr 2025 6:50 pm
Meet Modi's Host In Bangkok

Meet Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's 38-year-old prime minister.

3 Apr 2025 6:28 pm
Terrorists elude security forces after 12 days of Kathua ops

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing a multi-agency operation to track down three terrorists who have escaped multiple encounters. The operation has entered its 12th day and has seen the deployment of additional troops, aerial surveillance, and a crackdown on terrorist supporters.

3 Apr 2025 4:50 pm
Waqf bill deals only with...: After LS, govt faces RS test

The bill aims to include all the Muslims sects in the Waqf board, Rijiju said.

3 Apr 2025 4:09 pm
Remove green colour from party flag if...: Uddhav to BJP

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has slammed the BJP over its stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the party of a fraudulent approach and of trying to take away land for its industrialist friends. He also dared the BJP to remove the green color from its party flag if it disliked Muslims. Thackeray's comments come after the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

3 Apr 2025 3:04 pm
Chaitra Navratri At Ma Shringar Gauri

Glimpses of the Ma Shringar Gauri temple, located near the outer wall of the Gyanvapi mosque (western gate), in Varanasi on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The doors are opened only once in a year -- on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri.

3 Apr 2025 2:35 pm
'May Allah bless them': Indian rescuers win hearts

Indian rescue personnel are being lauded for their compassion and expertise in assisting with the recovery efforts in earthquake-stricken Mandalay, Myanmar. The story of a Muslim family resisting initial attempts to recover a deceased loved one from the rubble, ultimately accepting the help of Indian rescuers who preserved the dignity of the woman's final posture in prayer, highlights the sensitivity and skill of the Indian team. The NDRF has rescued around 30 bodies and is working tirelessly in

3 Apr 2025 2:22 pm
Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

The Supreme Court of India has invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff in West Bengal's state-run and state-aided schools, deeming the selection process vitiated and tainted. The court ordered the state government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. The decision comes after a Calcutta High Court verdict in April 2024, which also annulled the appointments. The apex court, while upholding the high court's order, made some modifications, including exempt

3 Apr 2025 1:38 pm
Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a and #x27;brazen assault and #x27; on the Constitution and part of the BJP and #x27;s strategy to keep society in a and #x27;permanent state of polarization. and #x27; She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a and #x27;subversion of the Constitution. and #x27; Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women and #x27;s reservation bill and o

3 Apr 2025 1:16 pm
HC to Customs: Ensure old jewellery of flyers are...

The Delhi High Court has directed Customs officials to ensure that old and personal jewellery of travellers, including ornaments being worn by them during travel, are not unnecessarily detained at airports and they are not harassed. The court was hearing a batch of more than 30 petitions raising issues on the procedure for detention of goods belonging to the tourists travelling to India, of both Indian and foreign origin, by the Customs department.

3 Apr 2025 1:02 pm
Operation Brahma To The Rescue

The scenes from the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar and India's HADR mission, Operation Brahma, conducted on April 2, 2025.

3 Apr 2025 12:49 pm
India imposes its own 'uniquely burdensome' rules: US

On India, the chart showed that the country charged 52 per cent tariffs on the US including currency manipulation and trade barriers, and America will now charge India discounted reciprocal tariffs of 26 per cent.

3 Apr 2025 12:45 pm
SC judges to make assets public on assuming office

In a full court meeting, the top court judges decided to disclose their assets and the data will be uploaded on the SC website.

3 Apr 2025 12:27 pm
EXPLAINED: Trump's reciprocal tariffs

Here is a list of Q and As to explain these issues and implications of the US move.

3 Apr 2025 11:27 am
Trump Launches Trade War

United States President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on most US imports, with even higher rates for China (34%), India (26%), Japan (24%) and the EU (20%), escalating a global trade war.

3 Apr 2025 11:07 am
'Being In The Fauj Is Most Glorious'

'No matter how much you get paid or how successful you get, nothing can match the fauj.'

3 Apr 2025 10:39 am
India's 1st reaction on Trump tariff: Not a setback, but...

India is already negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US. The two countries are aiming to finalise the first phase of the pact by fall (September-October) of this year.

3 Apr 2025 9:59 am
India Unwilling to Extradite Hasina

'What signal would we be sending -- that we don't stand by our friends?'

3 Apr 2025 8:07 am
Power of Two: How MNS Workers Made Banner Disappear

'For three months Raj Thackeray becomes a staunch Hindu and for the next three months he becomes anti-Hindu.'

3 Apr 2025 7:46 am
No Terrorists Will Be Spared

Security forces have intensified search operations using aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs following a night-long cordon after fresh reports of suspected movement of three individuals in Panjtirthi area of Kathua.

3 Apr 2025 5:29 am