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National / Rediff

'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
List of Trump tariffs: 10% on all, higher rates for some

Here is the complete list of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

3 Apr 2025 2:46 am
Lok Sabha passes Waqf Bill; Oppn calls it 'anti-Muslim'

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the ruling NDA defending it as beneficial for minorities while the opposition called it anti-Muslim. All amendments moved by the opposition were rejected and the bill was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that India is the safest place in the world for minorities, refuting claims of their insecurity.

3 Apr 2025 2:42 am
Trump slaps 26% reciprocal tariffs on India, 34% on China

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed 26% reciprocal tariffs on India, and unveiled a slew of tariffs on other nations including China, South Korea, EU and Taiwan.

3 Apr 2025 2:34 am
IAF fighter jet crashes in Gujarat, 1 pilot missing

An Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat, during a training mission on Wednesday night. One pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition, while the second pilot is missing. The crash occurred around 9:30 pm in an open field, causing a fire. Authorities are searching for the missing pilot.

3 Apr 2025 1:28 am
Karat urges Left unity against 'Hindutva neo-fascism'

The 24th CPI(M) Party Congress commenced in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with interim coordinator Prakash Karat emphasizing the need for Left unity to combat Hindutva neo-fascism. He criticized the BJP-RSS government, accusing it of representing a Hindutva-corporate nexus and displaying eo-fascist characteristics. Other Left leaders, including CPI general secretary D Raja and CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, echoed calls for unity and condemned the current political climate i

3 Apr 2025 12:25 am
SC orders DGPs to ensure custodial safeguards

The Supreme Court of India has directed the directors general of police (DGP) of all states and union territories (UTs) to strictly adhere to safeguards available to persons in custody. The court made these observations after a man alleged he was held by Haryana Police in violation of the law on arrest and subjected to physical abuse. The court emphasized that even a 'criminal' enjoys certain legal protections and that police officers must be held accountable for any transgressions. It further d

2 Apr 2025 11:06 pm
'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

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

2 Apr 2025 10:16 pm
Shah, Akhilesh banter lights up fiery Waqf bill debate

Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav engaged in a humorous exchange during a Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with Shah taking jabs at Yadav's attempts to highlight internal party dynamics. Yadav, in turn, poked fun at the BJP's leadership selection process and hinted at potential internal divisions within the party.

2 Apr 2025 9:58 pm
Modi-Yunus meeting likely at BIMSTEC Summit

There is a high possibility of a meeting between Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, a senior official said. The meeting comes amid strained ties between the two countries, marked by India's concerns over violence against Hindus and a rise of hardline Islamist forces in Bangladesh. Yunus's recent comments about India's northeastern states being landlocked and Bangladesh being the only guardian of the ocean in

2 Apr 2025 9:41 pm
Income of thousands, hit with tax notice for crores!

Three men in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, received income tax notices demanding crores of rupees despite earning meager salaries, highlighting the growing issue of identity theft in India. The victims, who earn between Rs 8,500 and Rs 15,000 per month, were shocked to receive notices for Rs 33.88 crore, Rs 3.87 crore, and Rs 7.79 crore respectively. The authorities believe that businesses have been conducting large-scale transactions using forged Aadhaar and PAN cards in the names of these individual

2 Apr 2025 9:07 pm
SC says babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

The Supreme Court of India has transferred a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar to the Patna High Court. The court expressed concern over the state government's handling of bridge collapses, noting that officials were suspended after incidents but reinstated after the public outcry subsided. The court also criticized the state's voluminous response to the PIL, which lacked explanations for the collapses. The Patna High Court will now monitor

2 Apr 2025 8:38 pm
'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

'Muslims need to work according to strategy and not fall into the trap of Opposition parties.'

2 Apr 2025 6:59 pm
Lakshyaraj Singh crowned as titular head of Mewar

Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a member of the Mewar royal family, was enthroned as the new head of the dynasty in a ceremony steeped in tradition at the Udaipur City Palace. The event was marked by a ceremonial yagya and the presence of distinguished guests, but also shadowed by a bitter dispute over succession with his cousin Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, who was declared the 77th Maharana of Mewar in a parallel coronation in November 2024. The ongoing feud highlights the long-standing conflicts over the le

2 Apr 2025 5:11 pm
Will Trump-Putin Reach A Deal On Ukraine?

Putin is keen on establishing a good personal rapport with Trump and anchor a meaningful US-Russia partnership, realistic enough to accept that Trump is as good an American president as Russia would ever get, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

2 Apr 2025 4:30 pm
Days after mega delimitation meet, Stalin writes to Modi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has reiterated his request to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss concerns over the proposed delimitation. In a social media post, Stalin reminded Modi of his earlier request for a meeting along with MPs from various parties to present a memorandum on the issue. He also shared a letter addressed to Modi on March 27, 2025, requesting an audience to formally submit the memorandum on behalf of the Joint Action Committee.

2 Apr 2025 3:52 pm
'My Heart Is Broken. They Showed Me No Humanity'

'I represented India across the world, but here, in my own country, I was treated in this bad manner.' 'Everyone in Prayagraj respects me a lot and it is in this same city that I became homeless.'

2 Apr 2025 3:50 pm
Why Kamra offered holiday to man who attended his show

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

2 Apr 2025 3:27 pm
2,500 kg narcotics seized by Navy in Indian Ocean

The Indian Navy's frontline frigate INS Tarkash has seized over 2,500 kgs of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean, officials said on Wednesday. The operation was launched after receiving intelligence on suspicious movements of vessels on March 31. INS Tarkash intercepted and boarded a suspect dhow, guided by a P8I marine surveillance aircraft and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai. A specialist boarding team, including Marine Commandos, discovered over 2,500 kgs of narcotic substances (in

2 Apr 2025 3:00 pm
Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

An employee of the famed Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala has resigned, citing personal reasons, following allegations of caste discrimination. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, was recruited for 'kazhakam' duties, which involve preparing garlands and performing ceremonial chores. The resignation has sparked controversy, with the Devaswom Minister assuring support for Balu and criticizing the temple's 'tantries' for their stance. The temple has two 'Kazhakam' positions, one appointed by the

2 Apr 2025 2:42 pm