News for 'Conservative and Labour'

Delhi govt advises 2-day WFH for pvt sector, car pooling

Delhi govt advises 2-day WFH for pvt sector, car pooling

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Delhi government has advised private companies and organisations to adopt a two-day work-from-home policy, make changes to office timings, and urge employees to avail car pooling and public transport to support the fuel-saving efforts amid global uncertainties.

Farmer arrested after tiger electrocuted in MP; toll touches 25 this year

Farmer arrested after tiger electrocuted in MP; toll touches 25 this year

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A sub-adult tiger was found electrocuted and dumped in a well in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. The farmer who owns the well has been arrested. This incident brings the total number of tiger deaths in the state to 25 since January, raising concerns about wildlife protection.

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.

India Celebrates 'Fit India Sundays' And Commonwealth Games Day

India Celebrates 'Fit India Sundays' And Commonwealth Games Day

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya joined a cycling event in Ahmedabad to mark the 75th edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' and Commonwealth Games Day, encouraging citizens to embrace cycling for fitness and short commutes. The event saw participation from athletes, celebrities, and citizens across India.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Modi's Long Game With Trump Has Paid Off

Modi's Long Game With Trump Has Paid Off

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

India and the US have entered a new phase in their relationship, marked by greater parity, point out Harsh V Pant and Vivek Mishra.

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been allocated the portfolios of State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs and Minorities Development and Aukaf.

UK bars US Islamic preacher's entry for defending Hamas

UK bars US Islamic preacher's entry for defending Hamas

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Britain has banned the entry of an Islamic preacher, Dr. Shadee Elmasry, over his defence of Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel. The UK Home Office cited concerns about hate speech and extremist ideas.

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Sonia Gandhi criticizes the Modi government's environmental policies, claiming they endanger the Aravalli hills and disregard environmental protection.

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A bill to repeal the MGNREGA and introduce a new rural employment law, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), has been circulated among Lok Sabha members.

India rejects IMF view that US tariffs will stay indefinitely, hit growth

India rejects IMF view that US tariffs will stay indefinitely, hit growth

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The Indian government has expressed its disagreement with the IMF staff's 'baseline' assumption that the 50 per cent US tariffs on its goods exports 'would remain in place indefinitely', based on which the staff pegged the country's GDP growth at 6.6 per cent this year, and pared its 2026-27 projection by 20 basis points to 6.2 per cent.

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

If he cannot do it this term by using his bureaucracy and experts from different fields, it will be a tragedy, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's sudden resignation after only a year in office has thrown Japan into political turmoil, raising doubts about how the country will handle economic and regional challenges, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Can Sunak turn the tide against Labour for record second term?

Can Sunak turn the tide against Labour for record second term?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

All pre-election opinion polls indicate a strong majority for the Opposition Labour Party, forcing the incumbent Sunak-led Conservatives on the back foot to caution voters against handing a "supermajority" to the Keir Starmer-led Labour.

A Forgotten School Blooms Again In Meghalaya

A Forgotten School Blooms Again In Meghalaya

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

With no money or staff, here's how Batskhem Thabah, a teacher, transformed an abandoned village school in rainy Raibah into a lively place for learning.

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Lee Jae-myung's decisive victory in South Korea's snap presidential election marks a major political shift driven by public backlash against authoritarian, with significant implications for domestic reform and the future of the US-South Korea alliance, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Furniture Gets a Fashion Upgrade

Furniture Gets a Fashion Upgrade

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Fine furniture is now about soul, not just status, whether it's a bar cabinet with elaborate French marquetry or a delicately curved Italian leather sofa.

Ranya Rao case: ED raids institutions linked to K'taka home minister

Ranya Rao case: ED raids institutions linked to K'taka home minister

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday searched locations in Karnataka, including educational institutions linked to state Home Minister G Parameshwara, as part of a probe into alleged gold smuggling-linked money laundering case against Kannada actor Ranya Rao and others. The ED sources said an educational trust is suspected to have "diverted" funds and made a payment of Rs 40 lakh towards the credit card bill of Rao, allegedly on the instructions of an influential individual. The sources claimed the trust is linked to Parameshwara and the "influential" individual is a politically exposed person. The searches found there were no supporting vouchers or documentation to "substantiate" this payment (for credit card bill payment), they said.

UK follows Trump? Indian eateries in UK under lens for illegal immigrants

UK follows Trump? Indian eateries in UK under lens for illegal immigrants

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The UK Home Office has announced a crackdown on illegal working across the country, targeting restaurants, nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes. In January, Immigration Enforcement teams conducted record-breaking raids, arresting 609 individuals, a 73% increase from the previous year. The crackdown comes as the government introduces new legislation aimed at tackling criminal gangs that facilitate illegal immigration. The Home Office highlights the dangers of illegal migration and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals while emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding workers and removing foreign criminals.

Starmer storm sweeps Sunak out of 10 Downing Street

Starmer storm sweeps Sunak out of 10 Downing Street

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

Sunak, 44, was facing the impossible challenge of overcoming voter anger against the incumbent Tories after 14 years in power. The 61-year-old Keir Starmer-led Labour Party, meanwhile, maintained a strong lead over the Tories throughout the six-week campaign.

Finally 400 paar, but in another country: Tharoor's dig at BJP

Finally 400 paar, but in another country: Tharoor's dig at BJP

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

The Labour Party in the UK secured 412 seats in the 650-member House of Commons in the general elections.

The Man Who Defeated Rishi Sunak

The Man Who Defeated Rishi Sunak

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of Britain's Labour party, will be Britain's next prime minister.

Rishi Sunak's Final Speech As PM

Rishi Sunak's Final Speech As PM

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

'I have heard your anger, disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss,' Rishi Sunak said in his brief speech at 10, Downing Street.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

UK polls: Record 26 Indian-origin MPs elected to House of Commons

UK polls: Record 26 Indian-origin MPs elected to House of Commons

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

Navendu Mishra (Stockport) and Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East) were among the other Labour MPs re-elected with convincing majorities.

Will Sunak be re-elected? Voting begins in UK polls

Will Sunak be re-elected? Voting begins in UK polls

Rediff.com4 Jul 2024

The future of Rishi Sunak as Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party hangs in the balance as polling booths opened across the United Kingdom on Thursday, with millions expected to turn out to cast their votes in the general election.

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office on Friday apologised for a 'mistake' in the organisation of its Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street after some British Hindus objected to non-vegetarian food and alcohol being served at the gathering.

'Govt Unsure How To Fire Economy Upwards'

'Govt Unsure How To Fire Economy Upwards'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'I am optimistic about the Budget because of the fiscal discipline the government has committed to.'

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The latest biopic on Jyotibai Phule has come at a time when the Department of Taking Offence is super-active. Utkarsh Mishra feels it will be interesting to see if it portrays his attack on Brahminism in the same 'no holds barred' manner-- and, if it does, what reaction it provokes.

Akshata's Kiss For Rishi For E-Day

Akshata's Kiss For Rishi For E-Day

Rediff.com4 Jul 2024

Britain goes to the polls today and Rishi's Conservative party is expected to be whalloped by the Labour party, which is expected to romp away to a historical victory, winning the most seats in the House of Commons since 1832.

Tribals launch protests against eviction from 54 tiger reserves

Tribals launch protests against eviction from 54 tiger reserves

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The tribal communities, asserting their rights under the Forest Rights Act, are now planning to gather in Delhi to demand "justice" for their livelihoods and traditions that are closely linked to the forests.

UK clears decks for 500 mn grant for Tata Steel's Port Talbot project

UK clears decks for 500 mn grant for Tata Steel's Port Talbot project

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

The Labour government in the UK has cleared the decks for a 500 million grant to Tata Steel, paving the way for decarbonisation of the company's British business and a sustainable financial future. In a statement, Tata Steel said that it has signed a 500 million Grant Funding Agreement (GFA) with the UK government, allowing it to "proceed at pace with the project to install a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF) at the Port Talbot steelworks in Wales". This is part of the 1.25 billion green steel project in Port Talbot, of which Tata Steel's investment is to the tune of 750 million.

Non-veg, booze at British PM's Diwali reception, Hindus object

Non-veg, booze at British PM's Diwali reception, Hindus object

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Some British Hindus have taken to social media to voice their objections over a lack of proper consultation ahead of a Diwali reception hosted by Prime Minister Keir Stramer at 10 Downing Street in London, where reportedly non-vegetarian snacks and alcohol were included on the menu.

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

What new UK PM Keir Starmer's win means for India

What new UK PM Keir Starmer's win means for India

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

'What my Labour government will seek with India is a relationship based on our shared values of democracy and aspiration. That will seek a free trade agreement (FTA), we share that ambition, but also a new strategic partnership for global security, climate security, economic security'

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'When people have money in their hands, they make their judgment about whether they want to spend it entirely or spend some out of it.'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Hinduphobia has no place in UK, we must fight this: Oppn Labour Party leader

Hinduphobia has no place in UK, we must fight this: Oppn Labour Party leader

Rediff.com6 Oct 2022

Labour Leader Keir Starmer told a gathering of hundreds of British Indians that he was determined to put an end to 'divisive politics' and extremist elements exploiting social media to spread hatred within communities.