News for 'Budget Day'

Budget 2026: Nirmalaji's Challenges, Opportunities

Budget 2026: Nirmalaji's Challenges, Opportunities

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The best course for the government at this time would be to tighten the seat belt a little more, without compromising on its investments in creating better infrastructure and giving a push to privatisation, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticises the government's proposed delimitation, claiming it's a politically motivated move to delay the caste census and gain an unfair advantage, rather than genuinely promoting women's reservation.

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai triggered a security alert, prompting extensive searches and heightened security measures.

SUV Breaches Delhi Assembly Security, Driver Detained

SUV Breaches Delhi Assembly Security, Driver Detained

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A major security breach occurred at the Delhi Assembly when a masked man drove an SUV onto the premises, placed a bouquet in the Speaker's vehicle, and fled. Police have detained three people, including the driver, and are investigating the incident.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

India, US to continue efforts to finalise interim trade deal: USTR

India, US to continue efforts to finalise interim trade deal: USTR

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India and the United States are committed to finalising an interim trade agreement, despite recent challenges including the US imposing a blanket 10 per cent surcharge and India's decision to wait for a new global tariff architecture. The US Trade Representative's annual report highlights India's maintained high import tariffs and various non-tariff barriers across several sectors.

'90 Percent Of Love & War Is Complete'

'90 Percent Of Love & War Is Complete'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, may face a release delay.

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha rejected a resolution seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker by a voice vote amidst opposition protests and demands for an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah.

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's privatisation push, once projected as a cornerstone of economic reform, has suffered another setback, with the Centre set to call off the IDBI Bank stake sale, highlighting the political and structural constraints shaping the country's disinvestment policy, experts say.

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Who among Opposition party MPs has so much power that they raise some issue and the government implements it? The answer is no one except Raghav Chadha.'

West Asia crisis: Stocks suffer worst week in years, echoing Covid chaos

West Asia crisis: Stocks suffer worst week in years, echoing Covid chaos

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Benchmark indices tumbled about 2 per cent on Friday, capping one of the most turbulent weeks for domestic equities as investors fretted that the West Asian conflict could drag on for weeks or even months.

Kharge, Rijiju spar in RS over West Asia conflict discussion

Kharge, Rijiju spar in RS over West Asia conflict discussion

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated debate between the opposition and the government regarding a discussion on the West Asia crisis, with accusations of political maneuvering and failure to uphold the dignity of parliamentary positions.

Valentine's Day Special: 10 Under-rated Romcoms On OTT

Valentine's Day Special: 10 Under-rated Romcoms On OTT

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

10 great movie choices for that date night on February 14.

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai prompted a security alert and extensive searches.

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Top Congress leaders are questioning whether the Election Commission's announced schedule for the Assembly polls unduly benefits the BJP, citing concerns over the timing and structuring of election phases.

Abraham & Thakore Make The Sari Fuss-Free!

Abraham & Thakore Make The Sari Fuss-Free!

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

"The most exciting part was creating something that looks like a sari but has the ease of a dress," says Designer David Abraham.

V-Day RomCom: Why 'Save The Money' Is The Real Scam

V-Day RomCom: Why 'Save The Money' Is The Real Scam

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

You can compound money. You cannot compound being young and stupidly in love. So? 'Don't Play Small' this Valentine's Day

House functions by rules, not privilege: LS Speaker Birla

House functions by rules, not privilege: LS Speaker Birla

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed concerns about fairness and speaking privileges in the House, emphasising that all members, including the Prime Minister, must adhere to parliamentary rules and procedures.

Box Office: The Kerala Story 2 Does Fairly Well

Box Office: The Kerala Story 2 Does Fairly Well

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

If The Kerala Story 2 manages even decent collections now, profits will start coming in from the second week itself.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Mallikarjun Kharge and Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, acknowledging the contributions of retiring MPs and emphasising the enduring nature of public service.

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia, following Prime Minister Modi's address to Parliament on the situation and its potential impact on India.

Gas Cylinder For Rs 10,000. Are You Joking?

Gas Cylinder For Rs 10,000. Are You Joking?

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A disruption in the supply of LPG cylinders caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz is impacting Indian kitchens, leading to restaurant closures, price hikes and a surge in demand for electric cooktops.

LS fails to take up resolution against Speaker Birla amid Oppn protests

LS fails to take up resolution against Speaker Birla amid Oppn protests

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha faced repeated adjournments due to opposition demands for a debate on the West Asia situation, preventing a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla from being taken up. The government and the Chair criticised the opposition for disrupting House proceedings.

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'In such a scenario, Iran could proclaim itself victor, rebuild, re-enforce its diminished regional proxies to further destabilise neighbouring nations and take control of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.'

Box Office: The Kerala Story 2 Starts Doing Well

Box Office: The Kerala Story 2 Starts Doing Well

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Kerala Story 2 is making the most of being the sole movie at the marquee, with Rs 6 crore coming in the second weekend.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

Govt unlikely to allow West Asia debate in Parl after Jaishankar's reply

Govt unlikely to allow West Asia debate in Parl after Jaishankar's reply

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Indian government is unlikely to allow a parliamentary debate on the West Asia crisis, citing prior briefings by the External Affairs Minister. This decision comes amid opposition protests and a pending no-confidence motion against the Speaker.

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

He added that opposition parties were assured that their concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia situation on India and the safety of Indian citizens were addressed in detail.

I can't turn off mics, says Birla as no trust motion defeated

I can't turn off mics, says Birla as no trust motion defeated

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the House, reaffirming his commitment to impartiality and adherence to parliamentary rules and regulations following a motion seeking his removal.

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Congress party has issued a show-cause notice to a fifth MLA from Haryana, Jarnail Singh, for alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, further exposing internal rifts within the state unit.

TMC makes U-turn, to back no-confidence motion against LS speaker

TMC makes U-turn, to back no-confidence motion against LS speaker

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Om Birla as an outstanding Member of Parliament and "excellent" Speaker of the Lok Sabha, praising him for functioning above party lines and carrying everyone along while presiding over the House.

Tharoor slams govt for not allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak

Tharoor slams govt for not allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized the Lok Sabha for denying Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi the opportunity to speak, calling it 'absolutely bizarre'. Tharoor stated that Gandhi should be allowed to voice his concerns and that preventing him from speaking undermines the purpose of Parliament.

India's energy security 'bartered' to US influence: Rahul Gandhi

India's energy security 'bartered' to US influence: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Rahul Gandhi accuses the government of compromising India's energy security by allowing the US to dictate oil supply relationships, raising concerns about the impact of global conflicts on India's energy access.

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

I-T Department Asks Brokers To Remit Excess STT

I-T Department Asks Brokers To Remit Excess STT

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The tax is collected by brokers on behalf of the government and forms a key component of the Centre's tax revenues.

How Women Power India

How Women Power India

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

In which area of Indian life are women not running the show?

Chhattisgarh Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Opium Cultivation After Recent Cases

Chhattisgarh Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Opium Cultivation After Recent Cases

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered strict action against illegal opium farming after several cases surfaced in the state. The government has instructed departments to investigate and ensure stringent action against those involved.