News for '-the-council'

INDIA bloc to move resolution to remove Dhankhar as RS Chairman

INDIA bloc to move resolution to remove Dhankhar as RS Chairman

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The opposition INDIA bloc is considering submitting a notice to move a resolution to remove Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar from office, sources said. The opposition had previously considered this in August but decided to give Dhankhar "another chance." The Congress is leading the charge, and the TMC and the Samajwadi Party are supportive. The decision comes after a contentious session in Rajya Sabha where BJP members protested alleged links between Congress leaders and George Soros.

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'By his words, actions, and body language during their joint press appearance wanted to convey his personal respect and, more broadly, his desire to work closely with India.'

Beed sarpanch murder: 3 accused arrested; 7 nabbed so far

Beed sarpanch murder: 3 accused arrested; 7 nabbed so far

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

The accused, Sudarshan Chandrabhan Ghule (26) and Sudhir Sangle (23), were handed over to the special investigation team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the case, the official said.

Maha cabinet expansion on Sunday; 30-32 ministers may take oath

Maha cabinet expansion on Sunday; 30-32 ministers may take oath

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

The Maharashtra government is set to expand its cabinet on December 15 with 30-32 ministers taking the oath of office at a ceremony in Nagpur. The week-long winter session of the state legislature is scheduled to begin in Nagpur on December 16. The BJP-led government, which came to power after the November 20 assembly polls, has seen its fair share of twists and turns in the cabinet formation process. The BJP is likely to get 20-21 ministerial berths, followed by 11-12 for the Sena and 9-10 for the NCP.

Oppn submits notice for moving no-trust motion against 'partisan' Veep

Oppn submits notice for moving no-trust motion against 'partisan' Veep

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Opposition parties on Tuesday submitted a notice to move a motion for removing Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for allegedly conducting the House in a partisan manner.

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

A proposal by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to rename a stretch of road in the city after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked strong objections from the opposition JD(S) and citizens. The proposal, which calls for naming a stretch of KRS Road as 'Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga', has been met with criticism, with the JD(S) calling it a "betrayal and insult" to the city's history and the state. The proposal has also drawn ire from RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who alleges that the road holds historical significance and that Siddaramaiah is an accused in the MUDA site allotment case. Citizens have also voiced their objections to the proposal, and Krishna has announced her intention to challenge it legally.

Cong moves privilege motion against Shah over Ambedkar remarks

Cong moves privilege motion against Shah over Ambedkar remarks

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Kharge claimed that the wording as well as the tone and tenor of the remarks made by the Home minister "are clearly satirical and made in a very bad taste".

Why Was Your Health Claim Rejected?

Why Was Your Health Claim Rejected?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Health insurance claims are often denied due to exclusions in policy terms. Buyers frequently overlook the fine print or misinterpret clauses.

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Under his leadership, India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change, passed the landmark Forest Rights Act to protect the rights of tribal communities and established the National Green Tribunal to safeguard the environment through swift legal action.

Kejriwal's temporary CM remark on Atishi an insult to Prez Murmu: LG

Kejriwal's temporary CM remark on Atishi an insult to Prez Murmu: LG

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed concern over AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal labelling Atishi a "temporary chief minister" and called it a "flagrant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution". In his letter to Atishi, Saxena said Kejriwal's remark was an insult to President Droupadi Murmu, who appointed her, as well as himself as her representative. Hitting back, Atishi alleged the lieutenant governor's office was working as a BJP "proxy" and asserted that Kejriwal was Delhi's "tallest leader".

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma has rejected the opposition's move to impeach Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, calling it an attempt to disrupt House proceedings. Sharma claims there are no valid grounds to impeach Dhankhar, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The opposition parties submitted a notice to move a motion for removing Dhankhar for allegedly conducting the Upper House in a partisan manner. However, Sharma defended Dhankhar's conduct and asserted that he has been impartial in his role as chairman.

Congress alone to seek RS discussion on Adani JPC

Congress alone to seek RS discussion on Adani JPC

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Congress was the only party in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday to demand a discussion on setting up a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe allegations against the Adani group. Other opposition parties gave similar notices on different issues, including violence in Manipur and Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal. The Congress members sought a JPC to investigate the alleged misconduct, including corruption, bribery and financial irregularities of the Adani Group in connivance with other authorities. However, other opposition parties raised different issues, with the AAP seeking a discussion on "increasing crimes in Delhi" and the TMC, DMK, AAP and CPI seeking a discussion on violence in Manipur. The CPI-M, SP and IUML sought a discussion on the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

LG clears Omar cabinet's resolution seeking to restore J-K statehood

LG clears Omar cabinet's resolution seeking to restore J-K statehood

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has cleared a resolution passed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led cabinet urging the Centre to restore the statehood to the Union territory, officials said on Saturday.

Senthil Balaji's appointment as minister terribly wrong: SC slams TN govt

Senthil Balaji's appointment as minister terribly wrong: SC slams TN govt

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over the appointment of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government despite pending money laundering cases against him. The court questioned the state government's decision, stating it is "terribly wrong" to appoint a person as a minister while facing legal proceedings. The matter has been adjourned to January 15, 2025.

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Exporters on Thursday sought a fund of Rs 750 crore for three years to tap USD 25 billion export potential in the US, aiming to seize potential opportunities that may arise as the US President-elect, Donald Trump, has threatened to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. In its pre-Budget meeting with the finance ministry, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ashwani Kumar has also demanded extension of the five per cent Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES).

'GST Council Should Jack Up Rates'

'GST Council Should Jack Up Rates'

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

'Rates go up, revenues go up, and the need for compensation diminishes.'

Gandhi And Bose: A Complex Partnership

Gandhi And Bose: A Complex Partnership

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The two leaders had a complex relationship yet formed a partnership and even after their parting of ways, the two admired each other in their efforts for India's freedom.

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Amid intense discussions among Mahayuti allies over the distribution of portfolios and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's insistence on the home ministry, the clarity on the composition of the council of ministers is expected by Sunday, sources said.

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Term life insurance policies, and senior citizens' health insurance premium are likely to be exempted from GST as most members of a state ministerial panel favoured cutting taxes to benefit the common man, an official said on Saturday. The GoM to decide on GST on health and life insurance premiums in its meeting on Saturday decided to exempt GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. However, 18 per cent GST will continue to be levied for health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh.

Am I a toy in your hands?: Bhujbal attacks Ajit Pawar

Am I a toy in your hands?: Bhujbal attacks Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has launched a veiled attack on party president Ajit Pawar, claiming that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was in favor of his induction in the cabinet. Bhujbal expressed his disappointment and humiliation over his exclusion, alleging that he was treated like a "toy" by the party leadership. He also alleged that Ajit Pawar makes decisions for the NCP like Fadnavis does for the BJP and Eknath Shinde does for the Shiv Sena.

Oppn's no trust move against VP Dhankhar rejected

Oppn's no trust move against VP Dhankhar rejected

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

The Rajya Sabha deputy chairman, Harivansh, has dismissed the impeachment notice against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, calling it an act of impropriety, flawed, and hasty. The notice was signed by 60 opposition members who alleged that Dhankhar was "biased." The deputy chairman ruled that the notice was designed to denigrate constitutional institutions and malign the Vice President, and lacked factual basis. He also criticized the notice as a "misadventure" in "deliberate trivialising and demeaning" the high constitutional office of the Vice President.

Ahead of J-K results, row erupts over LG's power to nominate 5 MLAs

Ahead of J-K results, row erupts over LG's power to nominate 5 MLAs

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's power to nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was at the centre of a political and legal debate on the eve of vote count, with the Congress and regional parties the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party on Monday opposing any such move during government formation.

Maha cabinet expanded with 39 ministers; BJP gets 19 berths, Sena 11

Maha cabinet expanded with 39 ministers; BJP gets 19 berths, Sena 11

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The 10-day-old BJP-led Mahayuti alliance ministry in Maharashtra was expanded on Sunday, with 39 ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. The BJP secured 19 ministerial berths, followed by 11 for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and 9 for Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. Governor P C Radhakrishnan administered the oath to the new ministers at the ceremony held in Nagpur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were present.

'We grant bail, you become minister next day': SC to Senthil Balaji

'We grant bail, you become minister next day': SC to Senthil Balaji

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, however, refused to interfere with the September 26 order of the apex court granting bail to Balaji on a plea filed by one of the complainants seeking its cancellation.

Jolt to AAP as Gahlot resigns as Delhi transport minister, quits party

Jolt to AAP as Gahlot resigns as Delhi transport minister, quits party

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Kailash Gahlot, a senior leader and Delhi Transport Minister, has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), citing recent controversies facing the party and unfulfilled promises. Gahlot, the MLA from Najafgarh, tendered his resignation from the council of ministers and the party's primary membership. He alleged that the AAP was busy fighting for its own agenda instead of the people's rights, hindering basic services in Delhi.

US Proposal For Expansion of UNSC Is An Empty Gesture

US Proposal For Expansion of UNSC Is An Empty Gesture

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

By proposing the addition of six permanent members this year, it may appear that it was a major concession, but in actual fact, it will make no difference to the privilege of the permanent five as the new six will have no veto, ever! points out Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

HC keeps in abeyance suspension of 57 RG Kar medics

HC keeps in abeyance suspension of 57 RG Kar medics

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

The Calcutta high court on Tuesday directed that a resolution by the special college council members of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital to suspend 57 medics/students will not be effected, until and unless a decision is arrived at by the West Bengal government in this regard.

28% GST on online gaming spiked revenue by 412%: Sitharaman

28% GST on online gaming spiked revenue by 412%: Sitharaman

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that GST collection from online gaming has increased 412 per cent in six months from October 1, 2023, when 28 per cent tax was levied on these services. Briefing media on the decisions taken at the 54th meeting of the GST Council, Sitharaman said the status on revenue collection from casinos, online gaming and horse races after six months of implementation of 28 per cent GST was presented to the Council. "The revenue from online gaming has increased by 412 per cent and reached Rs 6,909 crore in just for six months.

Trump 2.0: Govt In Wait-And-Watch Mood

Trump 2.0: Govt In Wait-And-Watch Mood

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

'We may see even more restrictive policies during 2.0.'

Will popular Jat face Kailash Gahlot's exit hurt AAP in Delhi polls?

Will popular Jat face Kailash Gahlot's exit hurt AAP in Delhi polls?

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Kailash Gahlot, a key minister in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, has resigned, potentially impacting the party's ambitious plan to roll out a Rs 1000 monthly honorarium scheme for women ahead of the Assembly polls in February. Gahlot, who represented the Jat-dominated Najafgarh constituency in West Delhi, cited several issues, including the "Sheeshmahal" controversy over his former official residence, the Delhi government's tussle with the Centre, and the failure to clean the Yamuna River, in his resignation letter. Delhi BJP leaders welcomed Gahlot's resignation, fueling speculation that he could join the party before the assembly polls. However, AAP leaders claimed Gahlot resigned due to pressure from central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, and that joining the BJP was his last option. Gahlot's resignation has sparked speculation about his future and the impact it will have on the AAP's electoral prospects.

J-K govt to make all efforts to restore statehood: LG

J-K govt to make all efforts to restore statehood: LG

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha assured the newly elected legislative assembly on Monday that the Omar Abdullah government will make all efforts for the restoration of full statehood and constitutional guarantees available to the state.

Deep appetite in Pak to improve ties with India: Ex-interim PM Kakar

Deep appetite in Pak to improve ties with India: Ex-interim PM Kakar

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

His comments came hours after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in the Pakistani capital to attend the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Maha govt allots plot reclaimed from Gavaskar to Rahane

Maha govt allots plot reclaimed from Gavaskar to Rahane

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

This plot, allotted to Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Foundation Trust, was returned to the state government by the cricket legend in May 2022.

MUDA scam: Withdraw showcause issued to CM, K'taka govt urges guv

MUDA scam: Withdraw showcause issued to CM, K'taka govt urges guv

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The council of ministers discussed the showcause notice, and alleged that it was a "gross misuse of the constitutional office' of the governor and said that a concerted effort is being made to destabilise a lawfully elected majority government in Karnataka for political considerations.

LG, not Delhi govt, has power to nominate MCD official: SC

LG, not Delhi govt, has power to nominate MCD official: SC

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

In a major setback to Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party government, the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the law 'expressly enables' the lieutenant governor to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and he is not bound by the advice of the council of ministers in the matter.

Cong rebel part of Omar govt while party sits out

Cong rebel part of Omar govt while party sits out

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

Congress rebel Satish Sharma, who defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party's Rajeev Sharma by nearly 7,000 votes and relegated his former party's heavyweight Tara Chand to the third position in the Chhamb seat, has found a place in the Omar Abdullah government, representing the Jammu region in the dispensation.

Siddaramaiah moves HC against Governor's nod for prosecution

Siddaramaiah moves HC against Governor's nod for prosecution

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

The chief minister submitted that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India.

Is Health Insurance Tax Relief Coming?

Is Health Insurance Tax Relief Coming?

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

Full exemption for all health insurance premiums and reinsurance or a reduction in the GST rate from 18% to 5% on health insurance services is likely.

Bangladesh unrest: Temples, houses attacked; 2 Hindu leaders killed

Bangladesh unrest: Temples, houses attacked; 2 Hindu leaders killed

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

According to the available information, two Hindu leaders, who were incidentally leaders of Hasina's Awami League party, were killed in north-western Sirajganj and Rangpur, Debnath said, adding that the Council was still gathering more information.

When Ayodhya Was Illuminated To Welcome Rama

When Ayodhya Was Illuminated To Welcome Rama

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Rama and Sita entered a wonderful maze of lit streets, and when Bharatha caught sight of them as he ran down the steps of the palace, the whole city was chiming with celebration with this festival of lights. A fascinating excerpt from Vayu Naidu's book, The Living Legend.