Ayodhya verdict: Parties and petitioners react
The verdict in the Ayodhya case has evoked reactions from various quarters. We compile some of them here. Pics: Security for Ayodhya case judges beefed up
A thick security blanket has been thrown across Uttar Pradesh with paramilitary forces keeping an aerial vigil of sensitive places, including the disputed site in Ayodhya. The high court, which will be pronouncing the verdict, has been declared a 'no-access zone' restricting entry to only those connected with the case listed on Thursday. The intelligence network is on high alert throughout the state to monitor the movement and activities of anti-social elements. India is lying about Kashmir, Pak tells UN
In a rare action, Pakistan accused External Affairs Minister S M Krishna of making a 'self-serving claim' at the United Nations General Assembly about Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of the country. Ayodhya: Judges say divide disputed land into 3
The three-judge special bench comprising Justice S U Khan, Sudhir Agarwal and D V Sharma pronounced the verdict on September 30 at 15.30 hours. Why Congress is nervous on judgment day
The Congress-led government has taken a defensive position on the political battleground in the Ayodhya title suit. Images: How Ayodhya reacted to the verdict
Sahim Salim spends a day in Ayodhya and assesses the mood of the residents of the town before and after the verdict. Krishna pitches for urgent reforms in UNSC
Contending that the United Nations Security Council should reflect contemporary realities, India on Wednesday sought 'urgent reform' of the powerful UN body to effectively meet emerging global challenges. When PM, Sonia gave villagers an 'identity'
and Uttam Ghosh travel to Tembhali village, in Maharashtra's Nandurbar district, where Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi initiated the process of distributing the much talked about Unique Identification Number to villagers. Images: The first UID holders and their stories
Brief profiles of the 10 Indians who were the first to get their unique identity cards Europe's worst rapist abused 1000 women
-year-old Joerg P confessed to his crimes before a German court, which he said was fuelled by his burning desire to degrade women; and he used the trick from the movie to lure his victims into feeling sorry for him, the Daily Mail said. Pix: This super bra will save two lives
An Emergency Bra that can transform into two respiratory facemasks in case of an emergency may be the ultimate resort when caught in a disaster. Images: High alert ahead of Ayodhya verdict
With barely a day left for the verdict on the Ayodhya title suits to be pronounced by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, an alert has been sounded across the Uttar Pradesh. 26/11-style attacks in Europe foiled
The plan for suicidal onslaughts similar to the 2008 atrocity in Mumbai, where 166 people were killed in a series of gun and grenade assaults was uncovered after a combined operation involving US, UK, France and German intelligence agencies, The Guardian reported on Tuesday quoting officials. 'Our knowledge of Mahabharata is extremely poor'
In an email interview, the Mumbai-based Devdutt Pattanaik spoke to redidff.com about his latest book on the Mahabharata and about what lessons the epic holds for today's times PIX: World's worst dictator picks son as successor
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's youngest son, Kim Jong-un, has been promoted as a military general, the clearest sign yet that he is in line to succeed his father as the country's leader. Tembhali Live: 'Our dreams will never be realised'
Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore and Uttam Ghosh travel to Tembhali, a hamlet in Maharashtra's remote Northwest to have a look at the the first recipients of India's most ambitious social engineering project-UID. When Pak's army chief ignored Obama's threats
Frustrated over Pakistan's lacklustre response to the failed Times Square bombing, the United States has warned Islamabad that it will be 'unable to stop the consequences' of any terror attack, whose wires are linked to that country, a new book has said. Dr Singh, Obama need a new way of thinking
In a new world, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must think anew the India-US strategic partnership Mind your own business: India to Pak on Kashmir
Slamming Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for raking up Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly, India on Tuesday said the 'unacceptable and untenable' remarks by him was a ploy to divert attention from the internal troubles that country is facing. Tembhali: End of the road for a 'model village'?
and Uttam Ghosh travel to Tembhali, in Nandurbar district of Maharashtra, ahead of PM Dr Singh's visit to the hamlet to distribute the much-talked-about Unique ID to the villagers. But the gross reality is at a stark contrast from this make-believe 'model Indian village.' India honours its heroes in Israel
In September 1918 the British 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade liberated Haifa from 400 years of Ottoman rule. The bravery of three Indian cavalry regiments is remembered during this campaign. Cong, BJP and RSS welcome SC order on Ayodhya plea
The BJP, Congress, RSS and AIMPLB welcomed the SC ruling dismissing a plea seeking deferment of the verdict in the Ayodhya title suits. Babri Masjid or Ram Janmabhoomi? Verdict on Sep 30
The Special Bench of the Allahabad high court will pronounce the verdict on the Ayodhya title suit at 3.30 pm on Thursday, September 30. Images: BJP supporters bat for Narendra Modi in US
The Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party organised a protest near the Indian Consulate in New York on Sunday, alleging harassment of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. The demonstrators carried placards which said, 'Stop Harassing Narendra Modi', 'Stop the Misuse of Central Bureau Investigation' and alleged that the CBI was turning into the 'Congress bureau of intimidation'. Exclusive: She donated an island to Baba Ramdev
meets Scottish businesswoman Sunita Poddar who gifted an island to yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Krishna, Clinton discuss Obama, terror, Pak
United States President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to India was the major focus of Monday's bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who met at the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Monday, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Dengue strikes Delhi: What you MUST know
Here's an FAQ on all that you need to know about the dengue fever. Supreme Court paves the way for Ayodhya verdict
The Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear a plea for deferment of the Ayodhya title verdict filed by Ramesh Chand Tripathi, who has claimed that the judgment may have repercussions on the law and order situation in the country. Images: 10 of the filthiest places to be in
A recent poll by travel site Tripadvisor has listed the 10 most unhygienic tourist attractions. 'I don't want to leave US. I came here as a baby'
Brought to the United States as the infant son of illegal immigrants, Yves Gomes is fighting to be accepted by the only country he calls home. Sandip Roy reports Diaspora wants Gairsain to be Uttarakhand capital
The Uttarakhand Association of North America's annual convention supported the shifting of the Indian state's capital from Dehradun to Gairsain. The issue was discussed at length at the convention held in Edison, New Jersey. US lawmakers lament 'Hindu persecution' in S Asia
United States Representative Ed Royce, California Republican and the ranking GOP member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has slammed the alleged ethnic cleansing of Hindus in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan and said Hindus have been discriminated much more than any other ethnic group in these countries. We must protect Nature: Mata Amritanandmayi
The spurt in economic development triggered by globalisation would fail to reach the entire humanity unless every one in the world overcame greed, selfishness and fear, Mata Amritanandamayi said on Monday at her ashram in Kollam, Kerala. How US averted Indo-Pak war after 26/11
Less than a month after the Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan's spy agency chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha had admitted before the Central Intelligence Agency that the terror strikes had links with the Inter Services Intelligence, but claimed it was not an 'authorised' operation and was carried out by 'rogue' elements, according to a new book. Why India needs to be careful about China
Notwithstanding increased levels of engagement, it is apparent that we need a very sophisticated approach to deal with the strategic challenge posed by China, which has been known to pursue its interests with single-minded determination. Kashmir will soon be part of Pakistan: LeT founder
Pakistan is ready to fight thousands of battles for the liberation of Kashmir, Jamaat ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed said at a meeting of the party in Lahore. Shocking Images of Innocence Lost in Iraq War
Rediff.com presents some heart-wrenching images of innocence lost in the seven-year-old long bloodshed. Change your policy on Kashmir, Pak tells India
Heightening its rhetoric, Pakistan on Sunday asked New Delhi to change its 'inflexible' policy on Kashmir, claiming that the state is not an integral part of India and the issue cannot be resolved within the ambit of the Indian Constitution. 'Don't wait for OC, deploy forces in CWG venues'
The Commonwealth Games Village has been transformed into a fortress with over 1000 security personnel guarding the premises round the clock, helped by a plethora of safety equipment. India, Pak sing the same tune in New York
Ahead of a possible meeting of their foreign ministers in New York, India and Pakistan have underlined that despite their differences on issues like Kashmir and terrorism, they have no other alternative but to engage in dialogue. Cops still clueless about Jama Masjid attack
A week has gone by but the Delhi police are still groping in the dark in the case of suspected terror strikes outside the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, though investigators have spread out across the capital and Uttar Pradesh looking for clues. Mumbai's King Ganesha gets richer this year
With Rs 5.5 crores and counting, Mumbai's favourite Lord Ganesha, Lalbaugcha Raja, has turned richer this year. Shut up on CWG or no business for you: Sharma
Commerce Minister Anand Sharma is in a fighting mood, blasting everybody, more so the media, the moment you offer any criticism of the Commonwealth Games that will open in New Delhi on October 3. Don't let those Chinese reactors enter Pak!
China should be stopped from going ahead with its move to transfer new atomic reactors to Pakistan, which is 'not a responsible nuclear power', a top American Congressman has said. Kalmadi and co miss another deadline. What a pity!
Security agencies could not ensure a complete lockdown of all Commonwealth Games venues, including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, till midnight on Friday as authorities failed to finish work at some of the facilities. Why Ratlam was in Indian Mujahideen mail
Rediff.com's Krishnakumar Padmanabhan travels to Ratlam to find out why the Madhya Pradesh town features in the mail the Indian Mujahideen sent out after Sunday's attack in New Delhi. Yamuna recedes, but parts of Delhi still inundated
The water level in Yamuna was at 206.14 metres at 9 am on Friday morning, and according to the forecast it is expected to come down to 205.85 metres by the evening. Pix: No verdict, but Ayodhya stays alert
With barely a day left for the verdict on the Ayodhya title suits to be pronounced by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, security has been stepped up further at important installations across the state. US government staged 9/11: Ahmadinejad
In a remark that sparked outrage in the United States, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that some segments within the US government orchestrated the 9/11 attack to reverse the declining American economy. The colour of 'Azaadi' can't be green or saffron
The colour of Azaadi cannot be green. The minorities would not accept it and it would mean the de-linking of Jammu and Ladakh from the valley. 'Why sacrifice our kids' future for Pakistan?'
"This government's going to borrow 41 cents out of every dollar it spends this year. I mean, this is a real sacrifice Americans are making, and they're sacrificing their children's and grand children's future in order to build infrastructure in Pakistan," Senator Jim Rish said at a Congressional hearing. Next to train wreck, she sang 'My heart'll go on'
Shreya Sen, a survivor of the horrific Gyneshwari train mishap, has not let that traumatic incident rob her of her passion for life or her charming smile. US thumbs up for China is 'dangerously naive'
Experts in Washington, DC warn about the potential hazards of a State Department official's recent assertion on a greater Chinese role in South Asia. Pix: Juhu beach cleaned up after Ganesh immersion
NCC cadets and hundreds of volunteers, with help of compact excavators and trucks cleaned up Juhu beach this morning, after Ganesh idol immersion along the city coast. Ayodhya judgment: SC will decide on Sept 28
A bench comprising Justices R V Raveendran and H L Gokhale stayed the verdict for a week following conflicting views over the issue of entertaining the petition challenging the high court order. Kashmir is not your integral part, Pak tells India
Upping the ante, Pakistan on Thursday said there can be no result-oriented discussions with India on Kashmir unless New Delhi stops treating it as the country's integral part and seeking a solution within the ambit of the Indian Constitution. Pix: Western UP declared a disaster-hit zone
Chief Minister Mayawati conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas after which western Uttar Pradesh was declared a disaster-hit zone. The chief minister also sought a flood relief package of Rs 2000 crore from the Centre. Pix: Ayodhya turns fortress ahead of verdict
With barely a day left for the verdict on the Ayodhya title suits to be pronounced by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, security has been stepped up further at important installations across the state. 'Games are an appealing target for Lashkar'
"We are concerned that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an appealing target for Lashkar-e-Tayiba due to their political and economic significance for India," said Michael Leiter, the Director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre. First lawsuit in Ayodhya issue was filed in 1885!
A ready reckoner on the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid issue. Stop pampering Kashmir's stone throwers
The government needs to stop being a mute spectator in Srinagar. It is not fair on the security forces to be exposed to the attacks of the stone throwers at will. Images: Goodbye, my dear Ganesha
Mumbaikars broke out into a riot of colours and dances with loud music amidst chants of 'Ganapati Bappa Moraya' renting the air, as lakhs of devotees took to the streets to bid adieu to their favourite deity World Statesman Award for Dr Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was described as 'a man of uncommon decency and grace' who has led the way in building the Indo-US partnership, as the Indian leader was awarded the 'The World Statesman Award' in New York on Wednesday. What binds Modi, Manmohan and Maulvis
Almost every leading politician worth his salt agrees on this issue -- the necessity to maintain peace in the wake of the verdict in the Babri Masjid title case that will be pronounced on September 24. Death threats, but no burqa for Rayana
Inspired by her mother, Rayana R Khazi refuses to give into the forces of fundamentalism. Hindus, Muslims bid adieu to Ganesh in Hyderabad
Negating all the apprehensions of trouble and tension, the centralised Ganesh immersion procession in Hyderabad, one of the biggest in India, was on Wednesday held in a relaxed atmosphere with lakhs of people converging on the route as well at the Hussain Sagar lake in the heart of the city. 'Message from Kashmir is clear. We want freedom'
Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of the moderate faction of the All Party Hurriyat Conference, had an exclusive chat with the readers of rediff.com on Wednesday, September 22, where he spoke about the rationale behind the separatists' renewed war cry for azaadi. Converse withdraws shoes with image of Hindu Gods
Designer shoes carrying pictures of Hindu deities were withdrawn from sales in the United States after an outcry by the Indian community. Keralites simply love their booze to death
Despite the recent hooch tragedy that claimed 26 lives in the Mulappuram district this month, the liquor consumption in Kerala continues to be on a rise. India, the 3rd most powerful nation in the world
Recognising India's growing clout in the world, an official United States report on global governance has declared the country the third most powerful nation after the United States and China. Why ex-army trainers won't help in anti-Naxal ops
Sources in the home ministry said none of the retired army trainers who were contacted by the paramilitary forces to provide jungle warfare training to their personnel have agreed to go and live in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh -- two affected states -- because of the troubled situation. 15000 children die in India in 3 days
As world leaders meet in New York for a three-day debate on how their countries have fared on the Millennium Development Goals they set a decade ago, nearly 15,000 children under 5 will die in as many days in India -- mostly from preventable diseases PIX: Fun and froth at world's largest beer fest
0 years on, fun, frolic and beer continues to flow in Bavarian capital Munich. Readers' Ganpati Pix: From Cambridge to Jabalpur
We asked our readers to send us their images of Lord Ganesha. Here are some stunning images sent by our readers. Images: Are preparations for CWG falling apart?
In a major embarrassment for organisers of the Commonwealth Games, an under-construction foot over-bridge on Tuesday collapsed outside the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games, injuring 23 labourers. Pix: Mumbai cops gear up for Ganesh immersion
With terror threat lingering over the city, Mumbai Police have made elaborate security arrangements ahead of Ganesh idols' immersions. Flood situation worsens in western UP
The flood situation worsened further in the western districts of Uttar Pradesh with the death of four more persons in rain related incidents even as around 177 villages of Bareilly, Badaun, Pilibhit and Shahajanpur were inundated. 'Unfortunately, Delhi attack isn't a surprise'
Justine Bowden from Australia, whose company will provide security to the Australian media during the CWG, says the delay in infrastructure development has affected the ability of counter-terrorism teams to train and plan contingencies for the sites. Ratings show Obama is least popular in India
Does the remarkable slide in Obama's approval rating reflect an objective assessment of his performance as president? In 2013, earth is headed for MAJOR havoc
A huge solar flare is expected to cause power grids to crash, communication systems to collapse, planes to be grounded, food supplies to be hit and the Internet to be shut down. Whatever the verdict, they just want peace
While Hindus claimed the land to be the site of the birthplace of their most revered Lord Ram, Muslims asserted their right over the same as the site of a 16th century mosque claimed to have been built by the first Mughal emperor Babur in the ancient town of Ayodhya, about 120 km from Lucknow. Stunning images: How the UN achieved its goals
Five Indians have won top prizes in various categories of an international photography contest organised by the United Nations to spotlight the Millennium Development Goals. Ideology? Bah! Bihar netas go party-hopping
While many of them have already switched loyalties, others are waiting for right options before moving out of their zones of discomfort. Exclusive: Mehbooba Mufti speaks out!
Although Omar Abdullah has survived as Jammu and Kashmir chief minister he has been unable to govern, People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti tells in an exclusive interview. The Abdullahs have always sacrificed power: Omar
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently ruled out the possibility of his resignation and expressed hope that the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers would be withdrawn from the entire state. Wangchuk Dorje awaits a roof over his head
Dilip D'Souza has witnessed disasters around the world. However, the sight of devasatation in Leh left him speechless and overwhelmed. Why is everyone lying about Kashmir?
The people of Kashmir just get a tantalising glimpse of all the wonderful things the Centre and the state government have in store for them, only if they would just behave. But nothing sees the light of day. 1000 pregnant women die every day in India
Analysts and several reports have suggested that despite high economic growth, India is falling behind on achieving the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations 80 pc chance of terror striking Delhi CWG!
Sunday's attack on tourists in Delhi just days ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi has put a question mark on the security preparedness of the city. Pix: Days before Games, tourists targeted in Delhi
A red alert has been sounded across New Delhi after the incident in which the two bikers are said to have fired 7-8 rounds on the stationary vehicle adjacent to gate number three of the mosque and 100 metres away from the house of Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari at around 11.30 am. What does 'Azaadi' mean for Kashmir?
Is Azaadi the proverbial opium that has been sold to successive generations by the previous ones, or, is it something more fundamental? Readers' Ganpati pics: From Vikhroli to Washington
We have asked our readers to send us their images of Lord Ganesha. Here are some stunning images sent by our readers. Ray of hope as Afghanistan goes to polls
The elections to the Wolesi Jirga (the Lower House of Afghan Parliament) scheduled September 18 has raised crucial questions on the feasibility of holding elections in a warring nation. Image: Kashmir under curfew, but protests continue
Two persons were killed and eight others injured when security forces opened fire to quell stone pelting mobs in curfew bound Kashmir valley on Friday. 26/11 martyr's father plans unique bicycle journey
K Unnikrishnan, father of 26/11 martyr National Security Guard commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, will embark on a unique bicycle journey from India Gate in New Delhi to the Gateway of India in Mumbai in memory of those who lost their lives during the horrific terror attacks. Women handle old age better than men: Survey
A woman is considered to be emotionally stronger than a man, but now a new survey has found that due to their inner strengths, older women can handle old age pressures better than men. Exclusive! What Obama wants out of India visit
As the most powerful man on earth comes calling on India in November, Aziz Haniffa reports from Washington, DC, that the US president is keen his visit transforms relations between the two democracies No out-of-court settlement for Ayodhya case
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Friday has refused to defer its verdict on the title suit of the disputed site at Ayodhya. How LeT is turning into the new Al Qaeda
Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba is acting in a more Al Qaeda-like manner after being 'infected' by the ideas of Osama bin Laden's terror network and poses the highest risk to the United States, according to a top American counter-terrorism expert. India, Pak among major drug producing nations
United States President Barack Obama has identified India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and 17 other countries as major drug transit or a major illicit drug- producing nations of the world. Britain will cut aid to India, give more to Pak
Britain plans to end or reduce overseas aid to the poor in fast-emerging nations such as India, China and Russia and redirect it towards countries like Pakistan and other conflict regions where it can make a difference. An open letter to Rahul Gandhi on Kashmir crisis
Think of meaningful gestures and non-provocative actions on the ground that could help in containing the anger in J&K, says B Raman Readers' Ganpati pics: From Chennai to Sydney
We have asked our readers to send us their images of Lord Ganesha. Here are some stunning images sent by our readers. Omar Abdullah will not resign: Farooq
Attacking the media, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah said it plays "tricks" so that "one fellow should go down and second fellow should come up". Pranab differs with Digvijay, says personal view
Amid divergent views within the Congress on tackling Maoists, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that Naxals are political elements out to capture power and the issue of development was "more imaginary than actual". Don't be misled by Geelani, army tells Kashmir
The Indian Army on Thursday asked Kashmiris not to pay heed to the call given by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to march towards the security forces' camps in the Valley on September 21 to press for demilitarisation of the state. God save the Pope! Row erupts as he arrives in UK
The German-born Pope Benedict XVI will make his first papal visit to Britain on September 16. However, hours before his arrival in London, his key aide, Cardinal Walter Kasper referred to the UK as a 'Third World' country, triggering a new row. Ode to Peace: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan wows UN
Suman Guha Mozumder attends sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's Ode to Peace concert at the United Nations in memory of the victims of 9/11. Readers' Ganpati pics: From London to Dadar
Readers' Ganpati pics: From California to Pune 'Asking us to leave the site is no compromise'
'They have only one stand in the matter -- the mosque should be shifted out. Do you call that a settlement?' asks Dr S Q R Ilyas, convener, Committee on Babri Masjid for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Pen: The village that became Ganesha's abode
Uttam Ghosh and travel to Pen, the village where Ganpati idols are traditionally made. US drones on a mission in Pak: Hunt the Haqqanis
Apparently frustrated over Pakistan military's inaction against the dreaded Haqqani network, the United States has unleashed a wave of drone attacks killing dozens of militants in North Waziristan, a mountainous region of northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, this month. What will be BJP's response to Ayodhya verdict?
As the country's largest opposition political party with strong roots among the majority community, the BJP has a special stake in ensuring communal peace and harmony. Rahul speaks up on Kashmir, Naxalism and Bengalis
Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday expressed his support for Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has been criticised for his inability to control the spiraling violence in the state. Images: Meet Mumbai's 'King-size' Ganpati
As kings always deal in superlatives, Mumbai's most famous Ganpati -- Lalbaugcha Raja -- is no exception. Be it his overbearing personality standing tall at 12 feet or the record number of devotees that come to seek his blessings or the record donations being collected -- everything is 'king size.' Lalbaugcha Raja reigns over Mumbai during these ten days of festivity, reports N Ganesh 'It has been great working with Secretary Clinton'
The first-ever Indian-American assistant secretary of state Richard R Verma gives Aziz Haniffa an insider's view of the administration. India is 2nd largest arms buyer from US
In its latest report, "Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 2002-2009", Congressional Research Service (CRS) said that Saudi Arabia was the leading developing world arms purchaser from 2002-2009, making arms transfer agreements totalling $39.9 billion during these years. Parties favour Kashmir talks, divided over AFSPA
Distressed over the events in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh said the government was willing to talk to anybody or any group but asserted that it could not happen till the end of violence, some of which is "orchestrated by certain groups". Ecologists be damned! It's the season of faith
The use of Plaster of Paris to make huge Ganesha idols has been a bone of contention amongst devotees, organisers and ecologists. Nithya Ramani finds out that for the common man, it is more a question of faith and his pocket than environment when it comes to choosing his Ganesha murti. Number of AIDS cases is declining in India
According to statistics released by the National AIDS Control Organisation, in 2004 the number of people afflicted by HIV/AIDS were 0.41 per cent of the population, in 2005 0.39 per cent, in 2006 it was 0.36, in 2007 it was 0.34 and in 2008 it was 0.29. Valley simmers all day: 5 killed in fresh violence
Five persons were killed and 20 others wounded in daylong violence across Jammu and Kashmir as mobs yet again defied curfew in the Valley on Wednesday. Readers' Ganpati pics: From California to Pune
Readers from around the world share their photos of the Ganesh festival Do all-party meets serve any purpose?
Can Wednesday's all party meeting on Kashmir resolve the three-month crisis in the valley? Krishnakumar Padmanabhan finds out. A few extremists are holding Kashmir to ransom
What everybody is losing sight of is the emergence of a new extremist segment in Kashmir which has taken advantage of the situation. This segment is now orchestrating events in a manner that suits their masters across the border. Congress sold coupons worth Rs 600 crore!
How Indian political parties generate funds Indian American hopes to make it big in NY polls
Indian American Reshma Saujani hopes to become the next United States Congresswoman from New York. It is a difficult race to win the New York primary slated to be held on Tuesday, but she is counting on immigrant power and her Wall Street connections. Aseem Chhabra speaks to the candidate. Hamare taraf se koi jhanjhat nahi hoga: RSS
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Tuesday said its response to the Ayodhya title suit verdict will be within 'law and Constitution' and indicated that further legal options can be availed of if the ruling is not upto its expectation. Rahul on becoming PM: There are other jobs too!
Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said becoming prime minister is not the only 'job' in the world and that there were many other jobs a person could do. Don't push us on Kashmir, it's ours: Pak told US
The United States had asked Pakistan in 2002 to end infiltration across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir but was instead told not to 'push it too far' on the issue with an assertion that 'Kashmir should have been ours', according to declassified documents. Salman is not adamant like Shah Rukh, says Sena
Just two days after slamming actor Salman Khan's remarks on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as anti-national, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday said there was no reason to harbour anger against the actor as his family is patriotic in the true sense. Readers' Ganpati pics: From Guinea to Goa
Our readers share stunning images of Lord Ganesh with us. Charity index: India, China behind Nepal, Ethiopia
India may be on the road to becoming an economic superpower, but it is one of the least charitable nations in the world, according to the World Giving Index published by the Charities Aid foundation 14 dead as plane crashes in eastern Venezuela
An aircraft carrying 51 passengers and crew crashed shortly after take-off in eastern Venezuela, killing at least 14 people, the officials informed on Monday. Rare respite for star Indian American student
Facing deportation to India, which he had never visited, Yves Gomes refused to worry about the future. Instead he concentrated more on his studies and the present. It paid. 'India's past is very contested terrain'
'The British conquered India by Indian money...' Mahmood Farooqui, historian and co-director of Peepli [Live]! in a fascinating interview. Dr Singh is no 'sanyasi' to kick the PM's chair
'There are people who believe that behind the prime minister's goody-goody exterior lurks a calculating man plotting each move carefully in order to emerge on top of every situation.' 18 dead, 80 hurt in Valley's worst day of violence
Fresh violence erupted in Kashmir on Monday leaving 17 dead including a policeman and over 70 injured with mobs torching several government properties and a private school, some of the trouble triggered by a television report alleging desecration of the Quran in the United States. 'India's resentment of China is still simmering'
The official media of the Communist nation has said that America was 'poking its nose' into Sino-Pak ties, using 'India's hand' with 'hyped up' reports of the presence of Chinese troops in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Images: Philadelphia, NY light up for Ganeshotsav
Philadelphia lights up for Ganeshotsav. CRPF chief speaks up on handling Kashmir crisis
With the Central Reserve Police Force beset with challenges in Jammu & Kashmir, its director-general Vikram Srivastava tells Gyan Verma the steps the force is taking to manage the crisis. How we can ensure a terror-free Commonwealth Games
Ensuring foolproof security at mega-sporting events like the Commonwealth Games 2010 is a challenging task, especially in the face of new and emerging threats like CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) terrorism. VOTE! Who is India's best young politician?
They are the representatives of Young India: A bunch of soft-spoken, educated politicians under the age of 45 in India's pre-dominantly geriatric political landscape. WikiLeaks set to spill secrets of Iraq war
A large number of secret documents related to the Iraq war will be released in the next anticipated spill by WikiLeaks, many times more than the 90,000 documents concerning the Afghan war made public by the online organisation in July. Raj Thackeray defends Salman over 26/11 comments
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday defended actor Salman Khan, who came under fire for claiming that the 26/11 attacks were hyped because the 'elite' were targeted by the terrorists. What will Pakistan accuse India of next?
Pakistan and its media famously blame India for almost anything that goes wrong in their country Salman sorry for 'controversial' 26/11 remarks
Bollywood star Salman Khan who Pix: Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11
Tears were unrelenting and silence swept through the air at Ground Zero, where nearly 3000 people lost their lives nine years ago in a dreadful terror attack. Lecturer T J Joseph just wants his job back
With the church-run Newman college management unrelenting despite the university's directive to revoke the dismissal order, Joseph's sister Stella said her brother has decided to approach the tribunal for reinstating him. Pix: Omar 'betrayed', govt buildings burn on Eid
Rampaging mobs on Saturday set on fire some public properties, including the Crime Branch office and a police guard post in Hazratbal Shrine as violence marred Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Srinagar city. Pics: Guns and prayers mark Eid here
Somali militants hold their guns as they attend prayers to mark the first day of Eid ul-Fitr in the capital Mogadishu. 9 years after 9/11, US faces more terror threats
Nine years after the 9/11 attacks, the United States faces the threat of more home grown terror assaults, including prospects of suicide bombings and assassinations of top leaders, apart from Mumbai-style strikes, a leading research group in Washington has warned. Images: India celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr
Muslims pray at the ruins of the Feroz Shah Kotla mosque on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr in New Delhi What are the two terrorists doing in Mumbai?
The Mumbai police have launched a massive manhunt for two suspected terrorists who have slipped into the city recently. According to reports by intelligence agencies, they have been sent to the city to carry out disruptive activities and reactivate the dying terror modules in the city. '26/11 part II may lead to Indo-Pak war'
As United States observes the ninth anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, a reputed Washington-based research group on Saturday warned that a repeat of 26/11 may lead to a full blown India-Pakistan war. Images: Yamuna level rises, areas in Delhi flooded
Several areas in east Delhi were on Saturday flooded as the water level in the Yamuna continued to rise dangerously, threatening to submerge more low-lying areas. Cops hunt for 2 foreign terrorists in Mumbai
Two persons of foreign origin have entered into Mumbai and are trying to cause disturbances, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Commissioner of Police (Crime) Himanshu Roy have warned. Trudging on Naxal's path with upgraded armour
Anti-landmine vehicles used by security forces in Naxal operations are undergoing major changes in their armour content and ergonomics to withstand huge blasts and minimise loss of troop lives. Yamuna rises 1 meter above danger mark in Delhi
The water level in the river touched 205.88 meter at 3 pm and is likely to rise further in the evening when water released from Hathanikund Barrage in Haryana reaches the city, a Flood Control Department official said. Dengue fever: What you MUST know
Here's an FAQ on all that you need to know about the dengue fever. Images: Mumbai's most beloved God is back in town
Snapshots of the many forms of the elephant-headed deity. Yamuna inches towards danger mark in Haryana
With Haryana releasing over eight lakh cusecs of water, the Yamuna today inched towards the danger mark, threatening to flood the nearby low lying areas, even as Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said all measures have been taken to deal with the "serious" situation. 'A strand of Indian culture we call tolerance'
Internal security is related to an attack on a strand of Indian culture, Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken told the Conference on Homeland Security in New Delhi on September 6, 2010 Images: Angelina Jolie meets Pakistan PM
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie met Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani at his residence in Islamabad on Wednesday. Don't show images of Quran burning: Chidambaram
Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday asked the media to exercise restraint over the issue to help maintain peace and harmony. Missing child united with parents
Seven-year-old Mohammed Fazlu's life abruptly went off the rails when he stumbled into a train compartment in search of his missing ball. Abhishek Mande follows the trail. PM in trouble with Sonia over remarks on Nehru?
The recent remarks by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru appear to have rubbed 10 Janpath the wrong way, if party sources are to be believed. Hailed by the President, he still can't get a job!
He weaves his dreams into sand sculptures on the exotic sea beaches of Puri. But international sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, who will be the first to represent the country in the World Championship of Sand Sculpting, is still unemployed and looking for a job to support his family. The most memorable speeches of the 20th century
Former Union minister K Natwar Singh lists some of the most memorable speeches of the 20th century. Hansen Clarke's amazing story continues
"He inspires Indian Americans, and is proud of his Indian heritage," said Dr Chathapuram S Ramanathan, founding chair, Michigan Indo-American Caucus, about state Senator Hansen Clarke. Clarke trounced seven-term Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick in the Democratic Primary. Electrifying Sikh debut at the Smithsonian
For the first time in 44 years, Washington's Sikh community participated in various activities of Smithsonian's annual Folk-life Festival history last month in the National Mall. A-I crash: Pilot ignored ATC order to pull up?
A major tragedy struck at Mangalore on Saturday morning when an Air India Express flight, rom Dubai crashed when it was about to land. Karnataka Home Minister V S Acharya said that when he last got the information, 160 persons were feared dead in the crash. Floods! Army out in Haryana
Eight more people have died as unrelenting rains wreaked havoc in northern India where major rivers swelled dangerously causing flooding in several areas and Army was called in for relief and rescue operations in Haryana Why India cannot take on China
'History and China's recent behaviour makes it clear that China will not rise peacefully.' German Bakery blast case cracked, 2 LeT men held
Eight people were killed and 40 others, including five to six foreigners, injured in a bomb explosion that ripped apart a popular bakery near a Jewish prayer house in Pune on Saturday. There's no one in Choglamsar. It's a ghost town
Dilip D'Souza has witnessed disasters around the world. However, the sight of devasatation in Leh left him speechless and overwhelmed. Babri Masjid or Ram Janmabhoomi? Verdict on Sep 24
While Hindus claimed the land to be the site of the birthplace of their most revered Lord Ram, Muslims asserted their right over the same as the site of a 16th century mosque claimed to have been built by the first Mughal emperor Babur in the ancient town of Ayodhya, about 120 km from Lucknow. Pune blast case: 2 suspects held; RDX seized
Two persons have been arrested from Pune and Nashik by Mumbai's Anti-Terrorism Squad in connection with the German Bakery blast case in Pune that left 16 people dead, Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil said on Wednesday. Pics: When the Parsi community flexed its muscles
Sanchari Bhattacharya meets photographer Aparna Jayakumar who's put the spotlight on one of Mumbai's beloved communities with her ongoing exhibition Allah, Army and America can't cleanse Pak mess
Sushant Sareen says that denial, obfuscation and stone-walling have become something of a national malaise in Pakistan Is this the Eid that Kashmir wants?
It is the holy month of Ramadan and in normal course, the bazaars should have been chock-a-block full with shoppers. Instead, there are security forces patrolling the streets trying to save themselves from arsonists and ensuring that the curfew is not disrupted. Green debate: Plaster of Paris Ganesh will stay
Use of Plaster of Paris at Ganesh festivals has been a bone of contention amongst devotees, organisers and ecologists. Abhishek Mande travels to Pen, where the Ganesha making industry finds itself entangled between faith and business viability. 'Even the EC won't know if an EVM is tampered'
J Alex Halderman, leading electronic voting security expert tells what the problems with India's voting machines are and how to fix them. Give India a chance... it is a happy place!
Vaihayasi Pande Daniel believes that as chaotic as India is, one never ceases to wonder how the country endures, survives, gets better and eventually glitters even as its heart does! The love and lament of the Raja of Mahmoodabad
Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan, who finds himself at the centre of the Enemy Property Act controversy, speaks about the demise of an old heritage, his dreams of its revival and his controversial patrimony. How Anderson fled: Even phone records don't exist
The circumstances under which United Carbide Chief Warren Anderson suddenly fled the country after he arrived in the aftermath of Bhopal Gas Tragedy will continue to remain in mystery with the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, which could also have thrown some light, unable to provide phone call details. Aus PM Gillard snatches wafer-thin majority
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is set to head the country's first minority government in nearly 70 years after two kingmaker independent MPs on Tuesday extended support to her Labor party, giving it a wafer-thin one-seat majority after the August 21 cliffhanger polls. Pix: Reluctant neta to India's most powerful woman
Sonia Gandhi, who is set to be re-elected as the Congress chief for a record fourth term after holding the top post for 12 years, was once a reluctant politician. Images: Meet the world's shortest man
Edward Nino Hernandez, 24, from Bogota, Colombia, who stands at just 27-inches, won the title of World's Shortest Man on September 6. WikiLeaks founder may soon call it a day
Assange is currently under investigation in Sweden after two Swedish women separately accused him of rape and molestation. In this battle, India loses either way
Ajai Shukla feels that for Islamabad, engineering China's new tilt is about doing down India. For Beijing, however, this appears to be less about India than about reducing insecurity on a sensitive border. Images: Millions gather at Mecca for Ramzan
Millions of Muslims have arrived at Mecca, considered the holiest site in Islam, to mark the month of Ramzan Are Pakistan's youth giving up Islam?
A handful of Pakistani Muslim youths are beginning to question the existence of God and are in the process of giving up Islam to become atheists. Caught! Gangster Ravi Pujari's hitmen in Mumbai
In a breakthrough, Mumbai Police on Monday claimed to have cracked the five-month old module of gangster Ravi Pujari operating in Mumbai, with the arrest of three Nepalis and two Gujaratis, who used to flee to Ahmedabad after carrying out every firing in the city. Images: Indian Navy foils hijack attempt
Somali and Yemeni pirates' attempt to hijack for ransom Indian cargo vessels sailing off the Somalia coast has once again been thwarted by an Indian warship. 'Kashmiri freedom movement has been derailed'
Being the wife of separatist turned mainstream Kashmir leader Sajad Lone and the daughter of one of the JKLF founder members Amanullah Khan, Asma Khan Lone, 34, has seen the Kashmir developments as an insider. I can't shut up every colleague, says PM
Rejecting reports about a 'disconnect' between his government and the Congress party, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said that the expression of different view points was not "necessarily a bad thing". How China is using Pakistan to counter India
China has been using Pakistan to counter India by arming it with nuclear weapons, missiles and conventional weapons, says K Subrahmanyam White House blunder over new Oval Office rug quote
The White House has committed an embarrassing blunder over an Oval Office carpet quotation, which they thought belonged to Martin Luther King, but in fact, doesn't. US Hindu body condemns vandalism of mosques
The Hindu American Foundation -- comprising mainly second generation Indian American Hindu professionals, including several physicians and lawyers- -- has condemned the increasing vandalism and protests against mosques across the United States and even violence against Muslim Americans in the wake of the controversy over a proposal to build a mosque near Ground Zero in New York, saying, "These displays of bigotry are despicable." Flying to a Third World nation? Read this!
If you were planning to fly in a developing country, the results of this new study might change those plans, for the risk of airplane crashes there is 13 times higher than that in United States and other First World countries. How the Congress will survive the Jagan crisis
Those in the Andhra Pradesh unit of the Congress who can't see the full picture that is emerging expect the sky to fall on their head any moment now. Delhi presses panic button as dengue plagues city
Construction delays, inclement weather, red tape if these were not enough reasons to worry Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi in the run up to the Commonwealth Games, then a possible dengue outbreak in New Delhi is sure to break him down to tears. We will win the war in Kashmir: Masarat Alam
A little-known Kashmiri separatist leader is spurring the stone-throwing protests against security forces in the Kashmir Valley with tactics such as YouTube recruitment videos and protest calendars published in the local media. After stormy monsoon session, PM to meet editors
The meeting of Dr Singh with the media, in the wake of the completion of the Parliament's monsoon session, is significant. Images: Bigwigs attend Tharoors' wedding reception
A large number of political leaders, diplomats and other bigwigs attended the wedding reception hosted by Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor and his new wife Sunanda Pushkar in New Delhi. Kerala professor lost hand first, now his job
In yet another blow to Professor TJ Joseph, who was allegedly attack by radical outfit Popular Front of India for preparing a Malayalam question paper allegedly having derogatory reference to prophet Mohammed, the authorities of the private New Man College have removed him from service. My years as teacher were most satisfying: PM
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday addressed teachers on the eve of Teachers' Day in New Delhi. Sonia: How she carried the Good, Bad and Ugly
For a record fourth time, Sonia Gandhi has been elected president of the 125-year-old Congress party. The first time when she became Congress chief on March 14, 1998, she was just a 'phoren bahu' of the Gandhi family. In last 12 years, she has traveled a long, fascinating path to change her own personality, change her party and change the way Indians think about her. In fact, now, Indians have less fear about her and she is less fearful of India. Here is the list of 10 things Video: Mumbai cops crack Jain temple robbery case
Just a day before the Jain community celebrates their most important festival of Paryushan (and Daslakshana for the Digambara sect, which will be celebrated from September 12 to 21), the crime branch of the Mumbai police have cracked a robbery case, that will only heighten the community's joy. Sonia elected Cong prez for record fourth time
Sonia Gandhi on Friday became the Congress president for the record fourth consecutive term with a message to party colleagues that they should not forget the 'big responsibility' of working for all sections of society irrespective of whether the party is in power or not. Exposed: The decay in the UP police
The incident involving an assault on a lady police officer by her own constables, caught red-handed extorting money on a highway in Uttar Pradesh's Barielly district, late Thursday night has exposed the decay in the deplorable decay in policing in India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. Orissa: Unique protest by women to protect trees
A number of young women have decided to take upon themselves the responsibility of saving the forest in Sambalpur near Rourkela from timber mafia by attaching themselves emotionally to the trees and protecting them as they would their own brothers. US playing dirty with China and neighbours?
As China vehemently refutes reports of its army's presence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a leading Chinese expert has pointed fingers at the US, accusing it of trying to sow seeds of discord between Beijing and its neighbours. 100 lives lost to give Delhi its prized Metro
Over 100 workers have been killed during the construction of the metro railway in India's capital city, New Delhi, since 1998, according to a submission by the metro authorities. Benazirabad: Pak bid to politicise flood relief?
The Pakistan government has been blamed of politicising flood relief efforts after it revealed plans to name new towns built for flood victims as 'Benazirabad,' after the former slain premier Benazir Bhutto, a report in Telegraph.co.uk stated. Explained: Why politicians have affairs
In a remarkably frank memoir, former Prime Minister Tony Blair explains the reasons why politicians in high positions often cross the line and have affairs with women. Parsis celebrate Janmashtami, break stereotype
The dahi handi celebrations in Mumbai are, undoubtedly, huge. It is common to see people of different faith intermingle during the exercise where human pyramids stretch as high as nine levels to break the coveted pot. But it was quite unusual to see Parsis (Zoroastrians) celebrating the festival in Mahim, a Mumbai suburb. It was sort of a first. In pictures, Mumbai's 'Govindas' in action
Courage, patience, concentration and teamwork of the 'Govindas' was on display as Mumbaikars woke up to the sounds of youngsters going around Mumbai in processions, vying for prized 'dahi handis'. 'God did not create the universe'
God didn't create the universe -- it was actually a result of the inevitable laws of physics, British physicist Prof Stephen Hawking has concluded. Images: Colourful Janmashtami celebrations
The auspicious festival of Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm today. A year after YSR's death, Congress still in shock
As the state observes the death anniversary of YSR (as he is popularly called) on Thursday, the road ahead for the Congress appears to be bumpy. Pix: Remembering YSR on his death anniversary
Thousands of people, led by Congress leader Jaganmohan Reddy, paid tribute to his father and late Andhra Pradesh chief minister Dr Y S Rajashekhar Reddy on his death anniversary on Thursday. Gokulashtami special: Mumbai's richest dahi handis
Rediff.com takes you to some of the most-awaited Dahi Handi celebrations in the metropolis. 'India must in US game plan to counter China'
With China increasing its military power and influence in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean, a noted American expert has urged the Obama administration to partner India to balance and counter Beijing's increasing influence in the region. The Most Striking Images of the Iraq War
Rediff.com takes a look at the most haunting images of the war that changed the destiny of two nations. These men want to topple Pakistan's government
The United States is offering rewards of up to $5 million each for information leading to the location of top two TTP leaders Hakimullah Mehsud and Wali Ur Rehman. RTI Act turns killer for activists, whistleblowers
The unexplained deaths of RTI activists and whistleblowers prove that the RTI Act has threatened many powerful, unscrupulous powers that be. Pix: Discovery channel HQ siege ends, gunman dead
Police shot dead a gunman to safely free three persons ending hours of standoff after he had taken them as hostages at the Discovery Channel headquarters in the suburb of Silver Spring, US. Open to handing over parts of Jerusalem: Israel
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has suggested that parts of Jerusalem could be handed over to Palestinians as the Jewish state was set to launch direct peace talks with the Palestinian leadership. Pix: Drunk driver kills 1 in Mumbai, arrested
In a case of drunk driving, a man allegedly rammed his car into a scooter and later into another four wheeler in the uptown Malabar Hill area in Mumbai, killing one person and leaving another injured, police said. Images: He changed the way Mumbai voted
Years ago when Mumbai resident Vivek Gilani, 34, had voted for the first time, he did not have enough information about the candidate he voted for. Images: Obama's newlook Oval Office
While the first family of the United States was on a vacation at Martha's Vineyard, the historic Oval Office -- the seat of power -- at the White House has been renovated and remodelled. Spineless leaders turned Pak into a 'beggar State'
"If there had been any pride left in our leaders, they would have responded appropriately and nobody would have dared to say such things in the first place," Khan told Newsweek. Pix: Women politicians and their boring hairdos!
Perhaps we pay little attention in India to the dressing styles of our politicians, women or men. Pix: Water scarcity hits 'wettest place' on earth
Once the 'wettest place' on earth because of the copious amounts of rainfall it received throughout the year, the beautiful town of Cherrapunjee is now struggling with an acute water shortage. This Bill may cost the prime minister dearly
Terming the passing of the civil nuclear liability bill by the Parliament as 'flawed', an eminent American expert on South Asian affairs has said the US policy makers and industrial leaders have been taken off guard by this and it threatens to cast a pall over the historic Indo-US civilian nuclear deal. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over!
Formally declaring that combat mission in Iraq is over United States President Barack Obama has said that this milestone should serve as a message to the world that it intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in the 21st century. Iranian daily now calls for Bruni to be 'stoned'
Hardline Iranian newspaper Kayhan stepped up its attack on French first lady Carla Bruni, saying today the "Italian prostitute" deserved to die for supporting an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning. "This Italian prostitute's indignation at Kayhan's report came while she has had illegitimate relationships with different people before and after marrying (French President Nicolas) Sarkozy," Kayhan said. August 2010 | July 2010 | Jun 2010 | May 2010 | April 2010 | March 2010 | February 2010