News for 'Council of Ministers'

Quad condemns Pahalgam attack; silent on Pak, 4-day military conflict

Quad condemns Pahalgam attack; silent on Pak, 4-day military conflict

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The Quad grouping has called for bringing the perpetrators, organisers and financiers of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice without any delay and urged UN member nations to extend cooperation for it.

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.

Senthil Balaji's appointment as minister terribly wrong: SC slams TN govt

Senthil Balaji's appointment as minister terribly wrong: SC slams TN govt

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over the appointment of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government despite pending money laundering cases against him. The court questioned the state government's decision, stating it is "terribly wrong" to appoint a person as a minister while facing legal proceedings. The matter has been adjourned to January 15, 2025.

Cyprus Prez Christodoulides, Modi view Turkish-occupied mountains

Cyprus Prez Christodoulides, Modi view Turkish-occupied mountains

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

Modi, who visited Cyprus in the first leg of his three-nation visit, reiterated India's support for Cyprus's unity and for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU Acquis.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Psephologist Sanjay Kumar booked for social media posts on Maha polls

Psephologist Sanjay Kumar booked for social media posts on Maha polls

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

On Tuesday, Kumar issued a public apology on X, acknowledging the error in his original post.

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.

'My God, The Number Of Meetings We Had On GST!'

'My God, The Number Of Meetings We Had On GST!'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

'It was like rigorously preparing for a solid, good exam...' 'I don't know what marks I will get, but I felt the rigorous preparation of an exam.' 'You may sweat, but I feel rejuvenated.'

India's Foreign Policy Needs Strategic Expansion

India's Foreign Policy Needs Strategic Expansion

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The era where nations thrived through rigid alignments is giving way to an age where the connective State defines power. For India, that era has arrived, points out Dr Nishakant Ojha.

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military projects worth approximately Rs 67,000 crore, including drones, radars, and missile systems, aimed at enhancing India's military capabilities.

As buyers await price cut in GST rejig, automakers report dip in dispatches

As buyers await price cut in GST rejig, automakers report dip in dispatches

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Leading automakers Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata Motors saw a dip in dispatches to dealers in August amid dip in demand with many prospective buyers postponing their buys anticipating a reduction in vehicle prices on account of the new GST framework. The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India reported an 8 per cent year-on-year dip in dispatches of passenger vehicles in the domestic market last month.

With 4 new ministers, Karnataka now has 6 in Union council

With 4 new ministers, Karnataka now has 6 in Union council

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inducting four new faces from Karnataka into his ministry, and chemicals and fertilisers minister D V Sadanda Gowda resigning ahead of the reshuffle, the state's representation in the Union council of ministers now stands at six.

No reason to worry as HMPV not new: Health Minister Nadda

No reason to worry as HMPV not new: Health Minister Nadda

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India is closely monitoring cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), but the Union Health Minister has assured the public there is no cause for worry. The virus, which is not new and has been circulating globally since 2001, has been detected in several states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The Health Ministry, ICMR, and NCDC are keeping a close watch on the situation in China and neighboring countries, and the WHO is expected to share a report on the matter shortly.

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted after an NCERT Class 8 textbook depicted present-day Rajasthan as part of the Maratha Empire, drawing criticism from royal families and political leaders who call the depiction factually incorrect and misleading.

Trump orders to move two US nuclear subs after Medvedev's remarks

Trump orders to move two US nuclear subs after Medvedev's remarks

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

According to a report by France 24, the US President did not say whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. He also did not elaborate on the locations.

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.

Over 12,000 children died in Maha in 11 months, 37 daily

Over 12,000 children died in Maha in 11 months, 37 daily

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

The minister neither provided any age-wise break-up nor specified the causes behind the death of the children.

Khalistan propaganda event cancelled by Sydney city council

Khalistan propaganda event cancelled by Sydney city council

Rediff.com12 May 2023

A city council in Sydney has cancelled a Khalistan propaganda event planned for next month due to security reasons, a media report said on Friday.

SC to hear presidential reference on timeline for bills from August 19

SC to hear presidential reference on timeline for bills from August 19

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings starting August 19 for the Presidential Reference concerning constitutional issues related to timelines for handling bills passed by state assemblies. The court has directed the Centre and states to submit written arguments by August 12.

Cash row: No relief for Justice Varma as SC backs misconduct finding

Cash row: No relief for Justice Varma as SC backs misconduct finding

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court dismissed Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma's plea seeking invalidation of a report that found him guilty of misconduct in the cash discovery row.

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 to scrap land fragmentation law; 50 lakh families to benefit

Maha to scrap land fragmentation law; 50 lakh families to benefit

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra government will grant legal status to subdivided land parcels up to January 1, 2025, by relaxing and gradually scrapping the land fragmentation law. This decision aims to resolve legal hurdles related to property registration, construction permissions, and ownership for over 50 lakh families.

Pycroft received handshake order just four minutes pre-toss

Pycroft received handshake order just four minutes pre-toss

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Pycroft's decision has not been seen by ICC as a breach of any code of conduct, but as an action he was authorised to take in his remit as a match official deputed to manage the game.

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the conversation regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has not been stalled. He claims the issue was raised at the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, and the formal speech distributed at the meeting includes a mention of the return of statehood. Abdullah also addressed concerns about the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourism, emphasizing the importance of local Kashmiris visiting tourist spots first to revive the industry and ensure a sense of security.

India, Pakistan NSAs likely to meet in Moscow?

India, Pakistan NSAs likely to meet in Moscow?

Rediff.com25 May 2025

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to attend a major security meeting in Moscow next week, organized by Russia's Security Council. Doval is invited for the 13th international meeting of high representatives for security issues, taking place from May 27-29. The meeting, chaired by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, will see participation from over 150 countries and international organizations. Pakistan's NSA, Lt Gen Asim Malik, is also expected to attend the meeting, leading to speculation of a possible face-to-face meeting between the two NSAs amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent retaliatory actions.

India Must Be Ready For Chinese Challenge

India Must Be Ready For Chinese Challenge

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'One Chinese interlocutor said India should realise that "China can do without India, but India could not do without China", pointing to its inability to do without Chinese intermediates and components,' former foreign secretary Shyam Saran discovers on a visit to China.

Tension on disputed Assam-Meghalaya border after plantation drive

Tension on disputed Assam-Meghalaya border after plantation drive

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Around 400 people of Lapangap and other villages, backed by members of several social organisations of Meghalaya, went to the plantation area, uprooted the saplings and burnt the wooden structure around 11 am, claiming that Assam was trying to encroach into their state by carrying out the plantation.

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion has ignited a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the arrest and the Chief Minister defending the police action.

K'taka BJP MLC Ravi gets bail after arrest for insulting minister

K'taka BJP MLC Ravi gets bail after arrest for insulting minister

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

BJP MLC C T Ravi was arrested in Karnataka, India, for allegedly using derogatory language against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. He was released on bail by the High Court of Karnataka, which observed that police failed to follow proper procedures during his arrest. The incident has sparked a political showdown between the BJP and the ruling Congress in the state.

Enough Russian nuke subs to counter Trump's 2: Russia downplays US threat

Enough Russian nuke subs to counter Trump's 2: Russia downplays US threat

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

A Russian Parliament member claims Russia has enough nuclear submarines to counter US deployments, following statements by Donald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev.

Pahalgam attack: India reaches out to non-permanent UNSC members

Pahalgam attack: India reaches out to non-permanent UNSC members

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

India has reached out to Denmark and other non-permanent members of the UN Security Council to apprise them of the Pahalgam terror attack and its cross-border linkages. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to his counterparts from several nations, conveying India's resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. The outreach comes as India mulls options for responding to the attack, with Prime Minister Modi assuring the harshest response for the "perpetrators and conspirators." India has also received condolences and condemnations from world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.

It pains me to see ties near boiling point: UN chief on India-Pak tensions

It pains me to see ties near boiling point: UN chief on India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com5 May 2025

UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres expressed concern over the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, calling for maximum restraint and urging both countries to step back from the brink. Guterres offered his "good offices" to both governments in the service of peace and condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, emphasizing the need to bring those responsible to justice. He also stressed that a military confrontation would be detrimental and could easily spin out of control. His remarks came hours before a closed consultation of the UN Security Council on the matter, requested by Pakistan. The UN Secretary-General highlighted the need for de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace.

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

You have clothes, shoes, mobiles because of us: BJP MLA sparks row

You have clothes, shoes, mobiles because of us: BJP MLA sparks row

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

A video of Lonikar's controversial remarks surfaced on social media on Thursday and invited strong criticism from the opposition.

Delhi Or Goa: Where Will Chess World Cup Be Held?

Delhi Or Goa: Where Will Chess World Cup Be Held?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

FIDE, which has listed the venue for all its global events, has not yet announced the venue for the World Cup.

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The chief adviser's decision to stay in office came two days after he told student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders that he was mulling resignation as he felt "the situation is such that he cannot work", citing difficulties in working amid the failure of political parties to find common ground for change.

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.

GST Council cedes right to levy tax on distilled alcohol

GST Council cedes right to levy tax on distilled alcohol

Rediff.com7 Oct 2023

The GST Council on Saturday clarified that guarantees provided by corporate to their subsidiaries will attract an 18 per cent GST, while no tax will be levied if a personal guarantee is given by a director to the company. The council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state ministers, also cut the GST rate on molasses to 5 per cent from 28 per cent. It also ceded the right to tax Extra Neutral Alcohol (raw product for making alcohol for human consumption) to the states.

'We grant bail, you become minister next day': SC to Senthil Balaji

'We grant bail, you become minister next day': SC to Senthil Balaji

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, however, refused to interfere with the September 26 order of the apex court granting bail to Balaji on a plea filed by one of the complainants seeking its cancellation.

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Kerala BJP has contradicted the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's justification of the arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns, stating they were not involved in human trafficking or forced conversion attempts and promising to help them.