News for 'Cabinet'

Traditional ties with US are over: Canadian PM's big remark

Traditional ties with US are over: Canadian PM's big remark

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

In a dramatic shift in Canada's foreign policy, Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday declared that the long-standing economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States has ended, responding to US President Donald Trump's announcement of new auto tariffs that could severely impact Canada's economy, Politico reported.

Row as Nitish Kumar leaves dais before national anthem at sports event

Row as Nitish Kumar leaves dais before national anthem at sports event

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left the dais before the national anthem at the inauguration of an international sports event in Patna, sparking controversy. Opposition RJD president Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav accused the chief minister of disrespecting the national anthem. The Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is being held at the Pataliputra Sports Complex, with 300 players and support staff from 21 countries taking part. Kumar, 74, walked towards the participants and greeted them with a "namaste" and a wave of the hand before the national anthem was played. A video clip of the incident was shared on social media by Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, who both alleged that the chief minister "disrespected the national anthem".

MoD Spends Rs 2.09 Trillion On Arms Deals!

MoD Spends Rs 2.09 Trillion On Arms Deals!

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The value of contracts awarded by the MoD in 2024-2025 is the highest ever and double the previous record set in 2023-2024.

Canada hits US with 25% retaliatory tariffs

Canada hits US with 25% retaliatory tariffs

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded on Sunday to the United States' decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods, stating that "Canadians did not want this, but are prepared."

Maha makes FASTag toll collection mandatory from April 1

Maha makes FASTag toll collection mandatory from April 1

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the mandatory use of FASTag for toll collection across the state from April 1. This move is expected to streamline administrative processes, enhance transparency, and reduce congestion at toll plazas. The cabinet also approved revisions to the Rules of Business, streamlining administrative functioning and making it more efficient. The revisions include provisions related to matters to be presented before the cabinet, cases requiring approval from the Chief Minister or Governor, and procedures for meetings of the cabinet and council of ministers.

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

A Governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 of the Constitution in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers, the Supreme Court has held.

Discontent among Jharkhand MLAs after cabinet expansion

Discontent among Jharkhand MLAs after cabinet expansion

Rediff.com17 Feb 2024

Basant Soren, JMM supremo Shibu Soren's youngest son, and seven others on Friday took oath as ministers in Jharkhand's Champai Soren-led government.

Karnataka govt tables bill for Muslim quota in public contracts

Karnataka govt tables bill for Muslim quota in public contracts

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Karnataka government has tabled a Bill in the Legislative Assembly to introduce a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts. The Bill aims to address unemployment among backward classes and promote their participation in government construction projects. The BJP has called the move an "unconstitutional misadventure" and vowed to oppose it.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Canadian MP Chandra Arya's leadership bid revoked over India ties

Canadian MP Chandra Arya's leadership bid revoked over India ties

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Canada's Liberal Party has revoked Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya's bid to run for the party leadership and his nomination in his own Ottawa Nepean constituency over alleged ties to the Indian government. Citing a source with top-secret clearance, the Globe and Mail daily reported that Arya, who visited India last August and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had not informed the government of that trip even though bilateral relations are in a deep freeze. The Liberals have never revealed why they barred the three-term Liberal MP from the party's recent leadership race or from running again in Nepean constituency. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service had briefed the government about Arya's "alleged close ties to the government of India, including its High Commission in Ottawa". Arya has rejected the allegations and believes he was removed because of his stance against the Sikh Khalistani movement in Canada.

Heeding Azad, Partition Could Have Been Prevented

Heeding Azad, Partition Could Have Been Prevented

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Abul Kalam Azad chose not to contest Congress Presidency and to throw his weight behind Nehru, instead of Patel, a decision he would come to regret. Patel would have seen his plan through, while Nehru, in Azad's opinion 'gave Jinnah the opportunity to sabotage' it, notes Aakar Patel.

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a Bill providing 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts, sparking protests from the opposition BJP. The Bill, which amends the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, aims to increase Muslim participation in government contracts valued up to Rs 2 crore for civil works and Rs 1 crore for goods and services. The BJP criticized the move as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in court.

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Trump said that the funds used to support students with disabilities and scholarships will be preserved and these duties will be provided to other institutions.

Sukhu expands cabinet, but regional imbalance remains

Sukhu expands cabinet, but regional imbalance remains

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

The one-year-old Himachal Pradesh Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was expanded on Tuesday with the induction of Rajesh Dharmani and Yadvinder Goma as cabinet ministers.

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Debutant legislator Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi chief minister along with six ministers on Thursday in a grand show of strength full of colour and spectacle to mark the Bharatiya Janata Party's return to power in the city after more than 26 years.

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde reveals he's suffering from...

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde reveals he's suffering from...

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Embattled Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde on Thursday said he has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a condition that causes sudden weakness in face muscles, which had severely affected his ability to speak.

'Misleading': B'desh on US Spy Chief's 'Islamist caliphate' remark

'Misleading': B'desh on US Spy Chief's 'Islamist caliphate' remark

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The US spy chief, now in India, earlier on Monday said the "longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration."

Manipur situation not satisfactory, Shah tells Lok Sabha

Manipur situation not satisfactory, Shah tells Lok Sabha

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that the situation in Manipur is largely under control, with no deaths reported in the last four months. However, he acknowledged that the situation cannot be considered satisfactory as displaced people are still living in relief camps. Shah attributed the violence to a high court decision regarding a reservation-related dispute, emphasizing that it was not terrorism-related but ethnic violence between two communities. He highlighted government efforts to establish peace, including discussions with both the Meitei and Kuki communities and a rehabilitation package for the displaced. While the opposition supported the resolution confirming the imposition of President's rule, they urged for a swift return to peace and normalcy in the state.

Spotted: Mukesh Ambani at Trump inauguration with Big 4

Spotted: Mukesh Ambani at Trump inauguration with Big 4

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

It was an aha! moment to spot India's leading industrialist at the service at St John's church ahead of Trump's inauguration, and then to see him heading to US Capitol Hill Rotunda for the inauguration in the company of the Big 4 - Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Sundar Pichai of Google and Mark Zuckerburg of Meta/Facebook.

Why Rajasthan cops boycotted Holi celebrations

Why Rajasthan cops boycotted Holi celebrations

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Rajasthan Police personnel in several districts of the state boycotted Holi celebrations on Saturday to protest their demands, including promotions and removal of salary discrepancies. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urged the current Chief Minister to intervene and address the police personnel's grievances, while Cabinet Minister Kirodi Lal Meena expressed support for their demands and promised to raise the issue with the government. The police personnel are calling for timely Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) meetings, an increase in mess allowance, and other benefits. The boycott highlights the ongoing concerns of police personnel regarding their professional development and financial well-being.

All is not well in NDA? Union minister threatens to quit

All is not well in NDA? Union minister threatens to quit

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi threatened to resign from the cabinet, alleging that his Hindustani Awam Morcha was not getting a fair deal in the NDA ahead of the Bihar assembly polls. Manjhi, the lone MP of his party, said he wanted 40 seats for his party in the upcoming elections, adding that he was not pursuing any personal ambitions but seeking a better deal for the "Bhuiyan-Musahar" Dalit community.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul sacrificed: Is Sidda planning to resign?

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul sacrificed: Is Sidda planning to resign?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Amidst alleged power struggles within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has called for discipline within the party, emphasizing that the party is paramount. This comes as the state's chief minister and deputy chief minister submitted a consolidated report on the performance of 31 ministers to Surjewala, fueling speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle.

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, will debate the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties who claim it is unconstitutional. The government, however, insists the bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India by bringing transparency and efficiency.

Enemies Beware! Indian Army Set To Boost Long-Range Firepower

Enemies Beware! Indian Army Set To Boost Long-Range Firepower

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The ATAGS has a range of 35-45 kilometres, depending on the ammunition used, and achieved a 47-km firing range during trials.

Who Observed Raj Dharma In Nagpur?

Who Observed Raj Dharma In Nagpur?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Nagpur violence may have been prevented had the police considered the dangerous potential of the VHP/Bajrang Dal's demonstration; had they immediately stopped the burning of the chaddar and arrested the demonstrators; and had they fanned out to counter the rumours that spread among Muslims, observes Jyoti Punwani.

Can CSK Spin Their Way To 6th IPL Title?

Can CSK Spin Their Way To 6th IPL Title?

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have no paucity of talent to excel in IPL 2025, especially in home conditions.

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh portraits removed? AAP, BJP spar

Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh portraits removed? AAP, BJP spar

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The election of Vijender Gupta, a three-time BJP MLA, as the speaker of the Delhi Assembly has sparked controversy, with AAP members accusing the BJP of being "anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh." The accusations stem from the removal of photographs of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh from the chief minister's office, a move condemned by AAP leaders as a display of the BJP's alleged anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh stance.

Market forces decide rupee value, RBI not worried: Guv

Market forces decide rupee value, RBI not worried: Guv

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Saturday said that the market forces decide the value of rupee with respect to the US dollar and the central bank is not worried about day-to-day movement of the currency value.

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

High drama was witnessed during the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting on Saturday with ministers Jagat Negi and Rohit Thakur leaving midway following a 'heated debate' over policy decisions, sources said.

India imposes its own 'uniquely burdensome' rules: US

India imposes its own 'uniquely burdensome' rules: US

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

On India, the chart showed that the country charged 52 per cent tariffs on the US "including currency manipulation and trade barriers," and America will now charge India "discounted reciprocal tariffs" of 26 per cent.

Trump slaps 26% reciprocal tariffs on India, 34% on China

Trump slaps 26% reciprocal tariffs on India, 34% on China

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump announced a 26 per cent "discounted reciprocal tariff" on India, half of the 52 per cent levies imposed by India on American goods, as he described India as "very, very tough."

CAT overturns transfer of Sameer Wankhede

CAT overturns transfer of Sameer Wankhede

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has overturned the transfer of Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Sameer Wankhede from Mumbai to Chennai, ruling that the revenue department violated its own guidelines. Wankhede, known for his role in the Cordelia cruise drug bust case involving Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son, had claimed his transfer was punitive and a consequence of his actions at the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The CAT found procedural lapses and potential bias in the transfer decision, stating that transfer policies must be implemented fairly and transparently.

Bangladesh Army intensifies patrols amid fresh unease in Dhaka

Bangladesh Army intensifies patrols amid fresh unease in Dhaka

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

Army troops in Bangladesh intensified their patrols on the streets of Dhaka as the country witnessed rising tensions with the newly formed student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) accusing the military of political interference. The NCP staged protest rallies at the premier Dhaka University campus vowing to thwart at any cost a military-backed plot to rehabilitate deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League which was toppled seven months ago in a student-led violent street protest in July-August last year. A key leader of NCP, which was floated last month with widely assumed blessings of Professor Muhammad Yunus, accused the military of political interference over a proposal for inclusiveness that would allow Awami League to participate in the next elections. The military, which is now entrusted with maintaining nationwide law and order with magistracy power, however, did not enter the campus but continued their intensified patrol, particularly in the capital. The NCP convenor Nahid Islam said at the Muslim fast-breaking iftar party that the army or any other state institution had no "authority to propose or make decisions" about politics. He added that in no way "we will allow installation of another 1/11 government" in the country.

Is this why Rohit Sharma is delaying ODI retirement?

Is this why Rohit Sharma is delaying ODI retirement?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Australia legend Ricky Ponting believes Rohit Sharma's decision to continue playing and leading India in the 50-over format until the 2027 ODI World Cup stems from a sense of unfinished business.

India silent on our request to extradite Hasina: Yunus

India silent on our request to extradite Hasina: Yunus

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Bangladesh's interim government has formally requested India to extradite deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. The request has been made after Bangladesh issued arrest warrants for Hasina for "crimes against humanity and genocide." However, India has not yet responded to the request. Hasina is accused of using her security forces to oversee the abduction, torture, and murder of hundreds of activists during her time in office. She denies the allegations and claims she is being politically persecuted. The Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, said he was shocked by the conditions he witnessed at one of the secret jails used during Hasina's regime.

Punjab LoP 'in touch' with 32 AAP MLAs, ministers

Punjab LoP 'in touch' with 32 AAP MLAs, ministers

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has claimed that 32 AAP MLAs are in touch with him to switch sides, a claim that has been denied by the ruling AAP. Bajwa also alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is in touch with the BJP and will join them if Arvind Kejriwal removes him. The leader of the opposition in the state assembly asserted that he has never made any wrong statement and that the Congress has no intention to topple the AAP government. The AAP's state unit president Aman Arora slammed Bajwa's claims, alleging that it was the Congress leader who was set to join the BJP and that he had already made an advance booking with the BJP. Arora also asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clarify what Bajwa was doing in Bengaluru a few days ago and which senior BJP leaders he met.