News for 'Cabinet and Parliament'

Race to replace UK PM Johnson gains pace after Sunak's announcement

Race to replace UK PM Johnson gains pace after Sunak's announcement

Rediff.com9 Jul 2022

Sunak joins fellow Indian-origin candidate Suella Braverman, the UK Attorney General who is among the early Tory MPs to announce her plan to contest.

UK PM Boris Johnson to face no-trust vote over partygate scandal

UK PM Boris Johnson to face no-trust vote over partygate scandal

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

Sir Graham Brady, who is in-charge of collating the letters of no-confidence received by the 1922 Committee, said the threshold of 15 per cent of the Tory parliamentary party, or 54 MPs, seeking such a vote has been met and it will place on Monday evening in the House of Commons.

Sri Lankan Oppn agrees to form all-party interim government

Sri Lankan Oppn agrees to form all-party interim government

Rediff.com10 Jul 2022

Sri Lanka's main Opposition parties on Sunday agreed to form an all-party interim government after the anticipated resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday, following unprecedented political turmoil that forced him and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to offer their resignations over the mishandling of the nation's crippling economic crisis.

'Nightwatchman' Bommai will stay till polls

'Nightwatchman' Bommai will stay till polls

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

Success in Karnataka's assembly polls will hinge on two factors: Drop a large number of incumbent MLAs and project Modi and not the state leaders, least of all Bommai.

Modi's quota: Utmost secrecy, precise execution

Modi's quota: Utmost secrecy, precise execution

Rediff.com10 Jan 2019

Thus it was that for the first time in the history of the republic a constitutional amendment was announced and passed by Parliament within 72 hours, reports R Rajagopalan.

Not surprisingly, Boris Johnson has not returned my calls: Rishi Sunak

Not surprisingly, Boris Johnson has not returned my calls: Rishi Sunak

Rediff.com12 Aug 2022

Rishi Sunak has revealed that his former boss, Boris Johnson, has not returned any of his messages and calls since he resigned from his cabinet as chancellor, implying tension between the duo as the British Indian former minister battles it out in a tough race to be elected the next leader of the UK's governing Conservative Party.

Oli govt recommends calling winter session of upper house on Jan 1

Oli govt recommends calling winter session of upper house on Jan 1

Rediff.com26 Dec 2020

Nepal plunged into a political crisis after President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House of Representatives and announced dates for mid-term elections at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli on Sunday, sparking protests from a section of the ruling party and various opposition parties.

Will end economic crisis like we ended LTTE: Lankan PM

Will end economic crisis like we ended LTTE: Lankan PM

Rediff.com11 Apr 2022

In a televised address to the nation, Mahinda, who is under growing pressure to quit due to the worst economic crisis facing the island nation, said that he understands the people's sufferings.

Yangtse clash spells danger for Xi Jinping's new term

Yangtse clash spells danger for Xi Jinping's new term

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

Observers say China should re-address its policies towards India or else it will continue to face flare-ups increasing the tensions between the two countries at a time China's increasing tension with the US over Taiwan and the South China Sea besides the downturn in the Chinese economy which is hit hard by the zero-covid policy.

Govt proposes host of incentives to revamp Special Economic Zones

Govt proposes host of incentives to revamp Special Economic Zones

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

The commerce ministry is proposing a host of direct and indirect incentives such as deferral of import duties and exemption from export taxes to revamp Special Economic Zones through a new legislation, an official said. In the Union Budget this year, the government proposed to replace the existing law governing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with a new legislation to enable states to become partners in 'Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs' (DESH). The official said the commerce ministry has sought views of different ministries, including finance, on the new bill.

Amidst political crisis, Maharashtra governor tests Covid positive

Amidst political crisis, Maharashtra governor tests Covid positive

Rediff.com22 Jun 2022

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has tested positive for Covid-19.

Cong slams Smriti Irani over 'illegal' Goa bar; minister hits back

Cong slams Smriti Irani over 'illegal' Goa bar; minister hits back

Rediff.com23 Jul 2022

In a statement, the lawyer of Irani's daughter, said his client is neither an owner nor operating the restaurant called Silly Souls Goa.

Sri Lankan protesters camp outside PMO demanding ouster of Rajapaksas

Sri Lankan protesters camp outside PMO demanding ouster of Rajapaksas

Rediff.com26 Apr 2022

Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets since April 9, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply.

Rishi Sunak wins first round of vote in UK PM race

Rishi Sunak wins first round of vote in UK PM race

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak extended his lead in the United Kingdom prime ministerial race on Wednesday with the highest number of votes at 88 in the first round of voting by Conservative Party MPs, which narrowed down the race from eight to six candidates on the shortlist.

Covid scare: PM reviews situation, warns against laxity, urges mask use

Covid scare: PM reviews situation, warns against laxity, urges mask use

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

Amid a spurt in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday cautioned against complacency and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at international airports.

Will Modi ever be held accountable for 2002 Gujarat riots, asks Congress

Will Modi ever be held accountable for 2002 Gujarat riots, asks Congress

Rediff.com27 Jun 2022

The Congress on Monday termed as "deeply disappointing" the Supreme Court ruling upholding the SIT's clean chit to then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and 63 others in the 2002 communal riots, and asked whether Modi and the state government will ever be held accountable.

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee S Selvaganapathy was declared elected unopposed to the lone seat in Rajya Sabha from Puducherry, the first time the saffron party has got representation in the Upper House from the Union Territory, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's two nominees, Kanimozhi N V N Somu and K R N Rajeshkumar, were elected without contest from Tamil Nadu.

Rishi Sunak gets 20 nominations needed for British PM race, Priti Patel opts out

Rishi Sunak gets 20 nominations needed for British PM race, Priti Patel opts out

Rediff.com12 Jul 2022

The 42-year-old British Indian MP for Richmond in Yorkshire maintains his lead in the race to replace Boris Johnson as nominations formally opened for the contest.

Is Governor Ravi Serving Hindutva Electoral Cause Well?

Is Governor Ravi Serving Hindutva Electoral Cause Well?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2023

While Governor Ravi's speeches have put the local BJP supporters on the defensive in matters of religion and social justice, his add-on 'attack on the constitutional scheme' in the 'Senthil Balaji case', has been condemned squarely by many legal experts and editorial writers across the country, thus adding weight to CM Stalin's position -- at least until the courts come up with their binding views, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

From IAS officer to Modi minister: Meet Ashwini Vaishnaw

From IAS officer to Modi minister: Meet Ashwini Vaishnaw

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

The 51-year-old BJP leader Vaishnaw, born in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, is a suave and former Odisha cadre IAS officer from the 1994 batch. He managed to wrangle support from the ruling BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik despite being in the rival camp.

The pension dilemma: Ring in the old, out with the new?

The pension dilemma: Ring in the old, out with the new?

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

With organisations like the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, which is a front of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, telling Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman they want OPS back, the government is in a bind, report Shiva Rajora and Aditi Phadnis.

India, Germany ink deals worth euro 900 mn

India, Germany ink deals worth euro 900 mn

Rediff.com5 Feb 2014

The pacts were signed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram and German Development Minister Gerd Mller.

Queen Elizabeth II dies: What happens next?

Queen Elizabeth II dies: What happens next?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

The death of the Queen is known in official circles in the United Kingdom as Operation London Bridge, the protocol for which has been triggered when Buckingham Palace announced the death of the 96-year-old monarch on Thursday evening.

Pak SC adjourns hearing on rejection of no-trust vote

Pak SC adjourns hearing on rejection of no-trust vote

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

A larger bench of the apex court -- comprising Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail -- took up the matter after Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri rejected the move to dislodge the prime minister by declaring the no-trust motion unmaintainable due to its link with a so-called foreign conspiracy.

Sitharaman allocates Rs 85,000 cr for SC-OBC welfare, Rs 53,700 cr for STs

Sitharaman allocates Rs 85,000 cr for SC-OBC welfare, Rs 53,700 cr for STs

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman on Saturday proposed a budget of Rs 85,000 crore in 2020-21 for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes and Rs 53,700 crore for Scheduled Tribes.

Mamata reaches Delhi on 5-day visit; to meet PM, oppn leaders

Mamata reaches Delhi on 5-day visit; to meet PM, oppn leaders

Rediff.com26 Jul 2021

According to a schedule of her five-day visit provided by her Trinamool Congress, Banerjee is slated to meet Modi at 4 pm on Tuesday.

Pakistan EC disqualifies former PM Imran Khan for 5 years

Pakistan EC disqualifies former PM Imran Khan for 5 years

Rediff.com21 Oct 2022

Pakistan's Election Commission on Friday disqualified former prime minister Imran Khan for five years in the Toshakhana case for hiding proceeds from the sale of gifts he received from foreign leaders.

Central Vista: Green nod to 'Executive Enclave' that will house new PMO

Central Vista: Green nod to 'Executive Enclave' that will house new PMO

Rediff.com2 Sep 2022

The Delhi State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has granted environmental clearance to the proposal for the construction of the 'Executive Enclave' which will house the new Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet Secretariat.

India trade deal eludes another British prime minister

India trade deal eludes another British prime minister

Rediff.com20 Oct 2022

Britain's third female prime Minister, Liz Truss, was out of office on Thursday after the shortest tenure at 10 Downing Street in London and without a cherished India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) under her belt as a Brexit prize.

On the backfoot in UK PM race, Rishi Sunak vows to cut income tax by 20pc

On the backfoot in UK PM race, Rishi Sunak vows to cut income tax by 20pc

Rediff.com1 Aug 2022

As the voting process for the new Conservative Party leader formally opened with postal ballots being mailed out to Tory members from Monday, Rishi Sunak vowed to cut the basic rate of income tax by 20 per cent in a few years if he is elected Britain's prime minister.

Congress, BJP lock horns in and outside Parliament

Congress, BJP lock horns in and outside Parliament

Rediff.com7 Jul 2014

The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance were ranged against each other both inside and outside the Parliament on the opening day of the budget session on Monday.

'It was Maulana Azad who set up IITs with full support of Nehru'

'It was Maulana Azad who set up IITs with full support of Nehru'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2023

'It was Maulana Azad's foresight which created the IITs, UGC, science academies across the country.'

How Regulators Can Stop Being Puppets

How Regulators Can Stop Being Puppets

Rediff.com14 Mar 2022

'All regulatory agencies must be made Constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, and the CAG.' 'That way they will become independent of the minister,' recommends T C A Srinivasa-Raghavan.

Will clean image, loyalty to party and Gandhis help Kharge in Cong prez race?

Will clean image, loyalty to party and Gandhis help Kharge in Cong prez race?

Rediff.com30 Sep 2022

If elected, he will be the second All India Congress Committee president from Karnataka after S Nijalingappa, and also a Dalit leader to hold the post after Jagjivan Ram.

487 trees to make way for Central Vista's executive enclave housing PMO

487 trees to make way for Central Vista's executive enclave housing PMO

Rediff.com13 Apr 2022

The executive enclave will house the new Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, India House and the National Security Council Secretariat.

UK PM pays partygate fine, offers 'full apology'

UK PM pays partygate fine, offers 'full apology'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2022

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered a 'full apology' on Tuesday evening after confirming that he had paid the fine imposed on him by Scotland Yard for breach of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, known as the 'partygate' scandal of rule-breaking parties at Downing Street.

When Namal Met NaMo...

When Namal Met NaMo...

Rediff.com20 Oct 2021

When the first flight arrived at Kushinagar airport on Wednesday, it was not Gota or Mahinda who stepped out, but another Rajapaksa. Namal Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's minister of sports.

Farmers' movement likely to continue till govt brings law on MSP

Farmers' movement likely to continue till govt brings law on MSP

Rediff.com20 Nov 2021

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of the agitating unions, is meeting on Sunday to decide on the next course of action, including on the MSP issue and the proposed daily tractor march to Parliament during the upcoming Winter Session, SKM core committee member Darshan Pal said.

UK PM Boris Johnson survives confidence vote over Partygate scandal

UK PM Boris Johnson survives confidence vote over Partygate scandal

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

211 Conservative Party members of Parliament voted in favour of Johnson staying on as their leader.

Sri Lankan national lynched over blasphemy in Pak buried near Colombo

Sri Lankan national lynched over blasphemy in Pak buried near Colombo

Rediff.com8 Dec 2021

Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana, who was lynched by a mob in Pakistan's Punjab province over allegations of blasphemy last week, was buried according to Buddhist and Catholic rites at Ganemulla, a suburb north of Colombo, on Wednesday.