News for 'Council of Ministers'

'Tharoor Is Perhaps Donning Two Hats'

'Tharoor Is Perhaps Donning Two Hats'

Rediff.com18 May 2025

'The Congress submitted four names to the government as the people who should accompany the delegation.' 'I don't know what happened to those names.' 'When I was approached, I told them to speak to my party.' 'I have no further involvement with this delegation.'

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Rediff.com30 May 2025

All-party parliamentary delegations on Friday met leaders and diplomats from several countries to galvanise international action against terrorists and decisively counter the tactics of those who perpetrate, support and sponsor cross-border terror activities against India.

Rs 23K crore electronics PLI scheme set to be rolled out in 3 weeks

Rs 23K crore electronics PLI scheme set to be rolled out in 3 weeks

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The government on Tuesday notified the Rs 22,919 crore scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of electronics components, display and camera modules, non-surface mount devices, multi-layer printed circuit boards and lithium-ion cells for digital applications, among others. The scheme is likely to be operationalised in the next 2-3 weeks.

Naveen Patnaik becomes BJD president for 9th time

Naveen Patnaik becomes BJD president for 9th time

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who was chosen as the Biju Janata Dal president for the ninth time in a row, on Saturday called upon party workers to expose the alleged false narrative of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

NCP expels leader, son after cops name duo in dowry-suicide case

NCP expels leader, son after cops name duo in dowry-suicide case

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has expelled a local leader and his son after they were named in a dowry harassment and abetment to suicide case in Pune, India. The victim, Vaishnavi, allegedly hanged herself on May 16 after facing harassment from her in-laws for dowry. The police have arrested her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, while the father-in-law and brother-in-law are absconding. The case has garnered attention due to the involvement of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who attended the couple's wedding and gifted them an SUV.

Don't panic over US tariffs, Goyal tells exporters

Don't panic over US tariffs, Goyal tells exporters

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Amid the ongoing global tariff war, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday asked exporters not to panic and assured them that India is working on the "right mix and right balance" in its proposed trade agreement with the US.

SC okays 10 TN bills, slams delay, fixes timeline for governor

SC okays 10 TN bills, slams delay, fixes timeline for governor

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

In a landmark verdict, the Supreme court fixed a timeline for Governor to act on bills passed by the state legislature as it pulled up Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi for reserving 10 bills for President's consideration, saying it was against the constitutional provisions.

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has asked DMK leader V Senthil Balaji to choose between his ministerial post in Tamil Nadu and his freedom. The court expressed concern over Balaji's reinstatement as a minister despite being granted bail in a money laundering case related to the "cash-for-job" scam. The court fears that Balaji's presence as a minister could influence witnesses in the case. The court has given Balaji until April 28 to make a decision.

It's nauseating to sit next to NCP ministers: Sena leader

It's nauseating to sit next to NCP ministers: Sena leader

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

It is only the chief minister who can "treat" his nausea, the NCP hits back.

We oppose Indian languages like Hindi but praise English: Fadnavis

We oppose Indian languages like Hindi but praise English: Fadnavis

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Fadnavis questioned the people's perception of Indian languages and English.

We lose our religion when...: CJI raps govt in Waqf case

We lose our religion when...: CJI raps govt in Waqf case

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court expressed its disapproval of an analogy used by the Centre in support of the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards, stating that such logic would disqualify a bench of Hindu judges from hearing matters related to Waqf. The CJI questioned the Centre's stance on the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allows non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards. The Solicitor General defended the provisions, emphasizing that the non-Muslim inclusion is limited and does not impact the Muslim composition of these bodies. However, the CJI asserted that judges shed their religious affiliations while serving on the bench and maintained their secularity in their judicial capacity.

No justification for...: Modi, Saudi crown prince condemn terrorism

No justification for...: Modi, Saudi crown prince condemn terrorism

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

During the talks, the two sides appreciated the deepening of the defence ties as a key pillar of the strategic partnership and welcomed the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.

Jolt to AAP as Gahlot resigns as Delhi transport minister, quits party

Jolt to AAP as Gahlot resigns as Delhi transport minister, quits party

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Kailash Gahlot, a senior leader and Delhi Transport Minister, has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), citing recent controversies facing the party and unfulfilled promises. Gahlot, the MLA from Najafgarh, tendered his resignation from the council of ministers and the party's primary membership. He alleged that the AAP was busy fighting for its own agenda instead of the people's rights, hindering basic services in Delhi.

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

'Seems like a miracle': Rekha Gupta's family erupts with joy

'Seems like a miracle': Rekha Gupta's family erupts with joy

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Chief Minister-designate Rekha Gupta and her Council of Ministers will take oath at the Ramlila Maidan on Thursday afternoon in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a return of the BJP in Delhi after 26 years.

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The metro, it seems, is politics-proof -- even if it comes at a high cost.

President invokes rare power, poses questions to SC

President invokes rare power, poses questions to SC

Rediff.com15 May 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has exercised powers under Article 143(1) used in rarity to know from the Supreme Court whether timelines could be imposed by judicial orders for exercise of discretion by President while dealing with the bills passed by state assemblies.

What Modi told ministers before taking oath

What Modi told ministers before taking oath

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Modi, who met the ministers-designate, said people have huge expectations and everyone will have to deliver, sources said.

How China Supported Pakistan's Attacks

How China Supported Pakistan's Attacks

Rediff.com12 May 2025

China supplied more than $20 billion worth of arms to Pakistan. These include 20 J-10CE and JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, Wing Loong drones, frigates, submarines, Hongqi HQ-9P surface-to-air missiles, 240 PL-15E air-to-air missiles, LY-80 air defence systems, ZDK early warning aircraft and other weapons.

Putin to visit India, dates being worked out

Putin to visit India, dates being worked out

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India. The visit is currently being prepared, though the dates have not yet been revealed. This visit follows Prime Minister Modi's trip to Russia in July 2024, his first since 2019. The two leaders have maintained regular contact and have emphasized the strength of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership.

3 Cong MLAs skip key party meet ahead of Maharashtra council polls

3 Cong MLAs skip key party meet ahead of Maharashtra council polls

Rediff.com12 Jul 2024

Amid talks of cross-voting, three of the 37 Congress MLAs in Maharashtra skipped a meeting called by the party ahead of the legislative council polls on Friday.

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Rediff.com8 May 2025

In a strong retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India's armed forces early Wednesday destroyed nine terror sites including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using deep strike missiles in a 25-minute-long 'measured and non-escalatory' mission.

Sharad Pawar meets Ajit, Uddhav Sena fumes

Sharad Pawar meets Ajit, Uddhav Sena fumes

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Shiv Sena-UBT leaders do not maintain any contact with those who left, said Raut whose party is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance along with NCP-SP and Congress.

Supreme irony when...: India calls out Pakistan at UN

Supreme irony when...: India calls out Pakistan at UN

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has sharply criticized Pakistan, calling it the "global epicenter of terrorism" and accusing it of providing state support to cross-border terrorism. Harish's remarks came in response to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Ishaq Dar's comments on Jammu and Kashmir during a UN Security Council meeting. India highlighted that Pakistan harbors over 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and has a history of supporting groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat Ul Mujahidin. India also emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that Pakistan's misinformation campaign does not change the reality on the ground.

'Puts an end to trend of Guvs stalling progress': Stalin hails SC verdict

'Puts an end to trend of Guvs stalling progress': Stalin hails SC verdict

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling that state governors must give assent to bills passed by state assemblies, calling it a 'historic' victory for all state governments in India. The court's decision came after the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R N Ravi, withheld assent to several bills passed by the state legislature. The court found that the governor's actions were in violation of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that governors must act on the advice of the council of ministers. The ruling is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the federal structure of India.

Inconsequential without Lalu Prasad: Nitish snubs Rabri Devi

Inconsequential without Lalu Prasad: Nitish snubs Rabri Devi

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar engaged in a heated exchange with Leader of the Opposition Rabri Devi in the Legislative Council, dismissing her as "inconsequential" without her husband, RJD president Lalu Prasad. The spat stemmed from RJD MLCs wearing badges promoting quota hikes passed during Tejashwi Yadav's tenure as Deputy CM, which Nitish Kumar perceived as an attempt to claim credit for the populist move. Kumar also remarked that Rabri Devi was only propped up by her husband when he was in trouble, referring to her becoming Chief Minister in 1997 while Lalu Prasad faced corruption charges. The war of words between the two rivals has intensified, with the RJD accusing Kumar of losing his mental balance and being unfit to rule.

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr S Ramadoss has announced taking up the complete reins of the party, relegating his president son Anbumani to the role of working president. The move, announced ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Chennai, comes in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly election.

Aurangzeb Divides NDA In Bihar

Aurangzeb Divides NDA In Bihar

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

JD-U leader praises Mughal, angers BJP.

Number of women ministers in Modi govt down from 10 to 7

Number of women ministers in Modi govt down from 10 to 7

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Seven women, including two in the Cabinet role, have been inducted into the new council of ministers in the 18th Lok Sabha.

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The ruling Mahayuti members in both houses of the Maharashtra legislature condemned state Congress head Harshvardhan Sapkal's remarks comparing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and demanded strict action against him. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the remarks will be verified and action will be taken accordingly as per the law. The state legislative council witnessed an uproar after the ruling Mahayuti members raised the issue of Sapkal's remarks, and the proceedings were suspended for 10 minutes. BJP group leader Pravin Darekar said comparing the chief minister to Aurangzeb is a highly condemnable act and an insult to Maharashtra. He also demanded that a case be filed against Sapkal and strict action be taken to set an example.

Cong moves privilege notice against Amit Shah over Sonia statement

Cong moves privilege notice against Amit Shah over Sonia statement

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

In his notice to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Congress leader alleged that the home minister had made unfounded allegations against chairperson of Congress parliamentary party with "a premeditated motive to malign her reputation."

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Fears in Washington began to intensify when it was realised that subsequent Pakistani and Indian attacks on major military facilities -- which were significant in terms of geographic scope and intensity -- could rapidly take both sides to where neither actually wanted to go.' 'The US objective was to stop the fighting as soon as possible. Everything else was secondary.'

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Hours after being dismissed from service for 'concealing' his marriage with a Pakistani woman, Central Reserve Police Force trooper Munir Ahmed said he solemnised his marriage nearly a month after getting permission from the force's headquarters last year.

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

Amid a growing chorus in the party for his elevation, Tamil Nadu sports minister and son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Udhayanidhi, was elevated as the deputy CM on Saturday with additional responsibility, in a cabinet reshuffle that saw the return of V Senthil Balaji to the council of ministers two days after securing bail in a money laundering case.

Maldives ministers held for 'performing black magic' on Muizzu

Maldives ministers held for 'performing black magic' on Muizzu

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Maldives police have arrested two serving ministers for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu, local media reported on Thursday.

Maha reverses mandatory Hindi order for Classes 1-5 after opposition

Maha reverses mandatory Hindi order for Classes 1-5 after opposition

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Maharashtra government has reversed its decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language in schools after facing widespread opposition. The move comes after the state's language consultation committee urged the Chief Minister to revoke the decision. The government will now issue a revised order making Hindi learning voluntary. The decision had been met with criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which had called for a protest against the move.

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The 31st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in December 2018, deferred a decision to reduce the GST rate for cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This was despite recognising that cement - along with automobile parts - remained among the few mass-consumption items still taxed at the highest slab, which was originally meant for luxury and sin goods.

'US Wants To Use India To Beat Up China'

'US Wants To Use India To Beat Up China'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'Don't play the American game... India is too big for a US game.'

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.