News for 'Council of Ministers'

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.

Rabri Devi moves out of official residence bungalow after 2 decades

Rabri Devi moves out of official residence bungalow after 2 decades

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has begun vacating her official bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna, with the deadline expiring on Monday. Her belongings are being shifted to a private residence, and the bungalow has been allotted to Minister Nand Kishor Ram.

Russian Olympic Committee Ban Provisionally Lifted By IOC

Russian Olympic Committee Ban Provisionally Lifted By IOC

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its ban on the Russian Olympic Committee, which was imposed in 2023. This decision opens the door for Russian athletes to return to international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, though the use of national symbols remains undecided.

Modi asks secretaries to fast-track reforms, boost self-reliance

Modi asks secretaries to fast-track reforms, boost self-reliance

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with government secretaries and discussed with them on two key issues -- deregulation and other reforms for 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living' and promoting 'Aatmanirbharta'.

US-Iran next round of talks in Switzerland on June 28 and 29: Report

US-Iran next round of talks in Switzerland on June 28 and 29: Report

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

As Tehran and Washington continue with their engagements following the signing of the MoU earlier this month, sources have told Al Arabiya that the two are set to hold the next round of negotiations in Switzerland on June 28 and 29.

Ice breaks in Manipur: CM, Kuki Zo Council hold first talks since violence

Ice breaks in Manipur: CM, Kuki Zo Council hold first talks since violence

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh expressed optimism following a meeting with the Kuki Zo Council, viewing it as a positive step towards restoring peace and trust between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the state.

India-EU FTA Legal Scrub to Conclude Soon, Pact Expected by December 31

India-EU FTA Legal Scrub to Conclude Soon, Pact Expected by December 31

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the legal scrubbing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) text is expected to be completed within 10-12 days, with the final deal anticipated to be signed by December 31.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

NDA alleges 'massive irregularities' in Karnataka SIR, demands probe

NDA alleges 'massive irregularities' in Karnataka SIR, demands probe

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A delegation of NDA leaders in Karnataka has formally complained to the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging "massive irregularities" in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding an immediate inquiry and door-to-door re-verification.

Maha rains: 13 dead in 4 days; rain to continue till July 8

Maha rains: 13 dead in 4 days; rain to continue till July 8

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned of a possible cloudburst-like spell in Nashik on Tuesday and stated that the state machinery is on high alert, with heavy rains expected to continue until July 8. Citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as authorities manage landslides, swollen rivers, and rescue operations.

Women Cash Schemes Boost Savings, Spending

Women Cash Schemes Boost Savings, Spending

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

15 states have rolled out unconditional cash transfer schemes for women, with an estimated annual outlay of around Rs 1.7 trillion covering nearly 120 million beneficiaries.

Maharashtra TET 2026 exam postponed day before test over paper leak

Maharashtra TET 2026 exam postponed day before test over paper leak

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 in Maharashtra has been postponed following a raid in Bhiwandi, Thane, where individuals were found with questions matching the actual exam paper. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) confirmed the breach and initiated a thorough investigation, registering a criminal case. The postponement aims to ensure transparency and allow law enforcement to probe the malpractice racket.

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

As India marks a decade of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus is shifting towards enhancing efficiency through artificial intelligence, data sharing, and process simplification. The reform, which unified India's indirect tax system, has significantly broadened the tax base and boosted revenues, with future plans including a streamlined two-tier rate structure and continued technological integration to reduce compliance costs and combat evasion.

Vaiko's MDMK snaps ties with DMK, to back Vijay's TVK

Vaiko's MDMK snaps ties with DMK, to back Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The MDMK general council, led by Vaiko, has announced its decision to withdraw from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The party accused the DMK of attempting to prop up an AIADMK government, which they claim goes against the people's mandate and the alliance's secular ideology.

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement due to disagreements over the West Asia conflict, with Iran blaming the UAE for the lack of consensus. India, as the host, issued a chair's statement highlighting the differing views.

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

Supriya Sule's daughter gets married; Bhagwat, Rahul attend

Supriya Sule's daughter gets married; Bhagwat, Rahul attend

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Here are who's who attending the wedding.

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A caste recalibration is simmering just below the surface in UP.

52K Cr Proposals For Armed Forces Cleared With Focus On Air Defence

52K Cr Proposals For Armed Forces Cleared With Focus On Air Defence

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Clearances include next-gen air defence, anti-tank missiles, anti-drone systems, loitering munitions, and naval UAVs.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set for signing on June 19 in Switzerland, with key figures like J D Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner from the US side, and Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf representing Iran, alongside Pakistani mediators Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Mohsin Naqvi, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic breakthrough.

Doctors, academics among 35 new faces in Adhikari's Cabinet

Doctors, academics among 35 new faces in Adhikari's Cabinet

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Thirty-five BJP MLAs were sworn in as ministers as part of an expansion of the Suvendu Adhikari-led cabinet in West Bengal. The oath-taking ceremony took place weeks after Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister.

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered probes into multiple allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Spanish multinational in Pune, a government-run ITI in Solapur, and a TCS unit in Nashik. The CM highlighted a pattern of such incidents in corporate firms and suggested forming a panel of women legislators to review existing laws and recommend improvements.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The NCERT has included in the class 9 social science textbook a section on Emergency, which it described as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailing the move saying future generations should know about the "dark deeds".

Recipe For The Thekuas PM Modi Gifted

Recipe For The Thekuas PM Modi Gifted

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Thekua, a very representative sweet snack of Bihar and Jharkhand, Nepal too, recently gained special attention after it was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a gift to Richard Rai, speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, when he visited India.

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the first electoral battle since the new government under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took charge in Karnataka, the ruling Congress on Thursday won five of the seven Legislative Council seats that went to polls, while the opposition Bhjaratiya Janata Party bagged two.

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has urged the United Nations to update its sanctions regime against Afghanistan, arguing that it must reflect the changed political reality and focus on incentivising positive actions rather than solely relying on punitive measures. India highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and development support for the Afghan people.

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting from both ruling and Opposition ranks, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti on Monday swept 16 of the 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council seats from local authorities' constituencies even as Nashik delivered a surprise defeat to the governing bloc.

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Japanese PM's visit to Assam comes amid festering uneasiness in Tokyo about Beijing's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Monsoon fury brings Mumbai-Pune to a standstill; 'Missing Link' reopens

Monsoon fury brings Mumbai-Pune to a standstill; 'Missing Link' reopens

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Heavy monsoon rains have severely impacted Mumbai and its surrounding areas, leading to landslides, suspension of train services, and at least 13 fatalities over the past few days. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was also shut due to a concrete pillar collapse and waterlogging.

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Delimitation is scheduled for 2028. No matter how much the BJP currently depends on the Shinde Sena or NCP factions, it may not need them after delimitation.'

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sources said the party top brass including Gandhi and Kharge held several hours of discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, apart from meeting them separately, and is likely to take a call on a possible change of guard in the state after the Rajya Sabha polls, which are due next month.

NDA Closes On Rajya Sabha Two-Third Mark

NDA Closes On Rajya Sabha Two-Third Mark

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Its strength is set to increase by 3 seats once the current round of Rajya Sabha polls for 27 seats are concluded on June 28.

Modi to lead International Yoga Day from Kolkata

Modi to lead International Yoga Day from Kolkata

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations from Kolkata's iconic Red Road on June 21, with over 210 Indian Missions organising events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 55-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai during heavy rains, leading to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspending four officials and initiating a homicide case against the responsible contractor for alleged negligence.

BJP gives ticket to Supriya Sule's daughter's future father in-law

BJP gives ticket to Supriya Sule's daughter's future father in-law

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

BJP candidate Arun Lakhani, contesting the Maharashtra legislative council elections, addresses the unique situation of his son's marriage to Supriya Sule's daughter, emphasising the separation of politics and family ties.

DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take oath as K'taka CM on June 3

DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take oath as K'taka CM on June 3

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot invited D K Shivakumar to take oath as the chief minister of the state along with team members on June 3.