News for 'Council of Ministers'

Mamata revives ICC post row, says 'Can't stop Ganguly'

Mamata revives ICC post row, says 'Can't stop Ganguly'

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again threw her weight behind Sourav Ganguly, saying the former India captain should have been the International Cricket Council president by now and warned, in her trademark style that "it's not that easy to stop him."

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha to levy excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products, and a new cess on manufacturing of pan masala, which will replace the GST compensation cess on such sin goods.

GST Cut: How Much Will States Lose?

GST Cut: How Much Will States Lose?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Opposition-ruled states warn of steep annual losses; Centre assures higher consumption will offset revenue hit.

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo!' - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gentle nudge to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December last year sparked the beginning of a mammoth exercise to overhaul the tangled goods and services tax regime. And the final outcome is a significantly simplified system with lower tax rates and easier compliance for businesses.

Russia deploys nuke sub capable of 'wiping out nations'

Russia deploys nuke sub capable of 'wiping out nations'

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Russia has launched its latest nuclear submarine to be armed with a 'Poseidon' nuclear drone, also known as 'doomsday missile' capable of 'wiping out' coastal nations, according to media reports.

Govt for nil GST on insurance premium for individuals

Govt for nil GST on insurance premium for individuals

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Centre has proposed exempting life and health insurance policies for individuals from GST, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and convenor of insurance GoM Samrat Choudhary said on Wednesday. Currently, health and life insurance premium attracts 18 per cent GST.

ISL Crisis: Desperate AIFF Willing To Take 'Pay Cut'!

ISL Crisis: Desperate AIFF Willing To Take 'Pay Cut'!

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

AIFF for "flexible" approach during Sports Minister Mandaviya's meeting with football stakeholders.

'Pollution Has Been Reduced To A Blame Game'

'Pollution Has Been Reduced To A Blame Game'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

'Most pollution boards across the country have unused funds. There is practically no reason why pollution should not be a political priority.'

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has reiterated that the party would never join hands with "those who indulge in violence".

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Lalu's sons, deputy CMs in fray as Bihar votes in 1st phase

Lalu's sons, deputy CMs in fray as Bihar votes in 1st phase

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

In the first phase, a total of 3.75 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as INDIA bloc's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the BJP.

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The National Democratic Alliance was set to sweep the Bihar assembly polls, surging ahead in over 200 of 243 seats on Friday with the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as single largest party with about 90 per cent strike rate, reaffirming the popularity and campaign clout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the face of the ruling alliance through the poll battle in the highly sensitive political state.

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'IndiGo will receive a sharp rap on the knuckles -- a punishment, a huge penalty. 'I look towards them creating a compensation fund.' 'I would like to think they would do that for all the passengers who are affected on every single day since cancellations began.'

'Suspend India From ICC Tournaments'

'Suspend India From ICC Tournaments'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

'In any other sport, this would have been an open and shut case. But with ICC Chairman, CEO, CFO, Commercial chief, and head of Events and Communications being Indians, suspension seems unlikely.'

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

Afghan FM's India visit called off due to UN travel ban

Afghan FM's India visit called off due to UN travel ban

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

If the visit had taken place, then it would have been the first ministerial visit from Kabul to India after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

2030 CWG: Vadodara could host cricket matches

2030 CWG: Vadodara could host cricket matches

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Ahmedabad's neighbouring city of Vadodara could be in contention to co-host cricket matches during the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The major decisions taken by the GST Council

The major decisions taken by the GST Council

Rediff.com22 Jun 2024

In order to reduce government litigations, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the GST Council has fixed a monetary limit for filing appeals by the tax department before the various appellate authorities. It has recommended a monetary limit of Rs 20 lakh for GST Appellate Tribunal, Rs 1 crore for the High Court and Rs 2 crore for the Supreme Court for filing of appeals by the department before these legal forums, she said after the 53rd GST Council meeting held in New Delhi.

Asia Cup Trophy Moved To Secret Location In Abu Dhabi

Asia Cup Trophy Moved To Secret Location In Abu Dhabi

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

A BCCI official visited the ACC headquarters in Dubai last week and asked about the silverware, who was informed by the staff that the trophy was moved to a different location in Abu Dhabi.

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The Centre's move on Chandigarh has raised the hackles of various parties in Punjab, with Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal terming it as a "direct attack" on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights.

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The stage is set for the crucial first phase of the assembly elections in Bihar on Thursday, as 3.75 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance's (INDIA's) chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Maha woman doctor ends life, note on palm alleges rape by cop

Maha woman doctor ends life, note on palm alleges rape by cop

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

A woman doctor of a government hospital allegedly died by suicide in Maharashtra's Satara district, leaving behind a note accusing two police personnel of rape and mental harassment, police said on Friday.

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Records stretching back to 1947 suggest a consistent strategy by Pakistan's military and intelligence apparatus, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), of using terrorism as a state policy against India.

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

'This outcome is thoroughly unexpected.' 'I travelled extensively across villages, engaged in detailed discussions with residents, and consulted with party workers who had been canvassing from village to village, from one location to another, seeking grassroots feedback.' 'Not a single interlocutor suggested that there would be an NDA wave of this magnitude.'

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

An ECI statement issued from New Delhi put the voter turnout at 68.76 per cent. The female turnout (74.03 per cent) was significantly higher, compared with males (64.1 per cent).

RSS route march denied nod in Priyank Kharge's constituency

RSS route march denied nod in Priyank Kharge's constituency

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Authorities in Chittapur, Karnataka, have denied permission for an RSS route march citing potential disruption of peace and law and order, amidst rising tensions and counter-protests.

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

It also aims to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court, with some authorities shifted to the proposed Constitutional Court, and immunity to the president from criminal proceedings for life.

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14 per cent in the second and final phase of the assembly elections. The election is seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishanganj recorded the highest polling percentage at 76.26.

Bihar polls or Trump tariffs?: Oppn on GST reforms

Bihar polls or Trump tariffs?: Oppn on GST reforms

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Victory wrested from regime that only listens when forced, the TMC said on GST exemption on insurance.

GST Made Easy From Nov 1

GST Made Easy From Nov 1

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Nearly 96 per cent of new applicants will benefit from this simplified approval route.

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Trump, 79, made a lively entrance in Malaysia's capital, dancing to the rhythm of drums on the airport tarmac near Air Force One, his energetic moves drawing smiles from onlookers.

Modi chairs 'fruitful' meeting of Council of Ministers amid reshuffle buzz

Modi chairs 'fruitful' meeting of Council of Ministers amid reshuffle buzz

Rediff.com3 Jul 2023

The meeting was held at the newly built convention centre at Pragati Maidan, which will host the G20 summit in September.

No timeline to okay bills, no deemed consent by courts: SC

No timeline to okay bills, no deemed consent by courts: SC

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that no timelines can be imposed on governors and the president to grant assent to bills passed by state assemblies, clarifying the extent of their powers under Article 200 of the Constitution.

Pak summons Afghan envoy over Kabul's joint statement with India

Pak summons Afghan envoy over Kabul's joint statement with India

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Pakistan summoned the Afghan ambassador to convey its strong reservations over the India-Afghanistan joint statement issued in New Delhi, particularly regarding references to Jammu and Kashmir.

Bihar BJP springs surprise with first list, drops speaker

Bihar BJP springs surprise with first list, drops speaker

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday sprang surprises with its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar assembly polls, denying a ticket to Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, a seven-term MLA, while fielding Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary in a direct election after over a decade.

Jaishankar urges BRICS to defend free trade amid tariff war

Jaishankar urges BRICS to defend free trade amid tariff war

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) to defend the multilateral trading system amid increasing protectionism and tariff volatility during a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The National Investigation Agency has arrested Jasir Bilal Wani in Srinagar, who was an "active co-conspirator" of suicide bomber Umar un Nabi, in connection with the car blast near the Red Fort last week that claimed 13 lives.

Delhi lawyers call off strike after police allow physical evidence

Delhi lawyers call off strike after police allow physical evidence

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Lawyers were on strike against the LG's notification for the deposition of police personnel through video conferencing from police stations.

Behind the scenes: Sitharaman chaired 3 separate meetings on GSTN preparedness for GST 2.0

Behind the scenes: Sitharaman chaired 3 separate meetings on GSTN preparedness for GST 2.0

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

To ensure a glitch-free rollout of the next-generation GST with reduced rates and lesser slabs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired three separate meetings to assess GSTN's preparedness and the time it would take to implement technological changes required in the software systems.