News for 'Council of States'

40 dead, 100 injured in fire at bar in Switzerland

40 dead, 100 injured in fire at bar in Switzerland

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Thursday stated that around 40 people have died and 100 others have been injured in a non-arson fire at the 'Le Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, citing information provided by the Valais Cantonal Police.

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

'Neither SAI nor state departments have a dedicated sports administration service. Instead, roles are filled by generalist civil servants or contractual staff, often lacking sector-specific expertise.'

HC defers counting of votes in Maha local polls to Dec 21

HC defers counting of votes in Maha local polls to Dec 21

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule blames the State Election Commission (SEC) for the Bombay High Court's decision to defer the counting of votes for local bodies polls, citing 'misinterpretation of laws'.

ISL 2025-26: 13 teams confirm participation

ISL 2025-26: 13 teams confirm participation

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

13 clubs have confirmed for truncated ISL, AIFF hoping for Odisha FC to join: sources

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's former first female prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a draft resolution endorsing United States President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan and authorising the establishment of an international stabilisation force in the enclave, with the American leader describing it as a 'moment of true historic proportion'.

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Suresh Kalmadi brought several top-class events to India including the 2003 Afro Asian Games, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Internet services restored in violence-hit Karbi Anglong in Assam

Internet services restored in violence-hit Karbi Anglong in Assam

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Mobile internet services have been restored in Assam's Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts following an improvement in the law and order situation after recent violence between the Karbi and Bihari communities.

'Marathi Votes Alone Won't Save Thackerays'

'Marathi Votes Alone Won't Save Thackerays'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This is purely transactional politics -- there exists no family reunion as such.'

Shinde invokes 'Dhurandhar' to attack Uddhav ahead of Mumbai civic polls

Shinde invokes 'Dhurandhar' to attack Uddhav ahead of Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launched a veiled attack on Uddhav Thackeray, invoking characters from a film to criticize Thackeray's leadership and policies ahead of upcoming municipal elections. Shinde highlighted government initiatives and defended his position, while also criticizing the opposition's performance.

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Yunus's office, meanwhile, reconfirmed that financial and welfare assistance would be provided to Das' family, and relevant authorities would remain in close contact with them in the coming period.

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Civil society groups, led by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, are planning a nationwide protest -- similar to the farmers' stir a few years ago -- starting December 19 demanding scrapping of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission.

Euthanasia Plea: Parents' Dilemma Reaches Supreme Court

Euthanasia Plea: Parents' Dilemma Reaches Supreme Court

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The father had approached the Supreme Court in 2024 seeking passive euthanasia for his son. The court had then declined to grant relief.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

Party names Vijay as CM candidate, gives free hand on alliances

Party names Vijay as CM candidate, gives free hand on alliances

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) authorizes actor Vijay to decide on alliances for the upcoming Assembly elections and announces him as their Chief Ministerial candidate.

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Haryana Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons based on a complaint lodged by the family of a teenage basketball player, who died after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on him during practice in Rohtak district last month, an official said on Sunday.

Rabri Devi will not vacate her bungalow, says RJD

Rabri Devi will not vacate her bungalow, says RJD

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The party's state unit chief, Mangani Lal Mandal, made the remark a day after the state building construction department issued a notification directing Rabri Devi to shift to 39, Hardinge Road, which has been "earmarked" as the residence of the leader of the opposition in the legislative council.

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2, according to the State Election Commissioner. The schedule for other local bodies will be announced later.

Anti-India slogans raised at funeral of slain Bangladeshi leader Hadi

Anti-India slogans raised at funeral of slain Bangladeshi leader Hadi

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Bangladesh is set to hold the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid tight security following unrest triggered by his death. The funeral prayer will be held at the National Parliament Building. The country is also observing a day of state mourning.

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The operator's liability in the case of an incident is limited to 3,000 crore for reactors with thermal power above 3,600 Megawatt; 1,500 crore for reactors with thermal power between 1,500 Mw and 3,600 Mw; 750 crore for reactors with thermal power between 750 Mw and 1,500 Mw; 300 crore for reactors with thermal power between 150 Mw and 750 Mw; and 100 crore for reactors having thermal power up to 150 Mw, fuel cycle facilities other than spent fuel reprocessing plants and transportation of nuclear materials.

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

A special NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate attachment of land belonging to Ghulam Nabi Fai, a US-based Kashmiri lobbyist and convicted agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav accuses the Congress of spreading misinformation regarding the new definition of the Aravallis and defends the government's commitment to protecting the mountain range while allowing limited, legal mining.

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'America has historically been a magnet for people who aren't from here.' 'That sort of thing -- the promise of opportunity, no matter what that looks like -- doesn't grow on trees.' 'It also happens to be geopolitical gold that Trump is flushing down the toilet,' points out Sree Sreenivasan.

Nitish's cabinet is full of corrupts and criminals: Prashant Kishor

Nitish's cabinet is full of corrupts and criminals: Prashant Kishor

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor criticized the new Bihar cabinet, alleging it is full of corrupt and criminal leaders. He also announced the launch of 'Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra' on January 15.

WFI's new selection policy: Presence at National camp mandatory

WFI's new selection policy: Presence at National camp mandatory

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The Wrestling Federation of India unveiled a new selection policy that makes attendance at national camps mandatory to be eligible for national selection, bars wrestlers from training independently and mandates Olympic Games quota-winning athletes to appear in a final one-bout selection trial.

Army conducts flag march in Assam's violence-hit West Karbi Anglong

Army conducts flag march in Assam's violence-hit West Karbi Anglong

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Army conducted a flag march in violence-hit West Karbi Anglong district of Assam to help maintain law and order after clashes between Karbi and Bihari communities. Two people were killed and over 70 injured in the violence.

Gems & jewellery exports slipped 30% in October: GJEPC

Gems & jewellery exports slipped 30% in October: GJEPC

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

India's gems & jewellery exports witnessed 30.6 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) contraction in October to $2.17 million, amid the imposition of a steep 50 per cent tariff by the United States (US) on several Indian products.

Governor has discretion, not bound by ministers' advice on bills: SC

Governor has discretion, not bound by ministers' advice on bills: SC

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a governor has discretion under Article 200 to refer a state bill to the President or return it to the legislature, and is not bound by the advice of the council of ministers. The court clarified that a governor cannot simply withhold a bill.

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Karnataka cabinet has approved eight draft bills, including those addressing hate speech, cattle slaughter, and social boycott, to be tabled in the upcoming legislative session.

Maha set for major civic battle in Mumbai, 28 bodies on Jan 15

Maha set for major civic battle in Mumbai, 28 bodies on Jan 15

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Votes will be counted on January 16 and the outcome will be keenly watched as the BJP-led Mahayuti will seek to stamp its supremacy in urban landscape, especially in Mumbai, while the Opposition parties will try to redeem themselves after last year's rout in assembly polls.

Ukrainian delegation to meet Rubio today over US peace plan

Ukrainian delegation to meet Rubio today over US peace plan

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said that a "dignified end" to the war was possible given that the US was demonstrating a constructive approach.

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

The Centre has rejected claims that the new definition of the Aravalli range will allow large-scale mining, asserting that 90 per cent of the region will remain protected and citing a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases.

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The largest tranche came in July, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the DAC according acceptance of necessity -- or initial approval -- for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately 1.05 trillion through indigenous sourcing.

'Beheading' slogan challenges law, sovereignty; incites armed revolt: HC

'Beheading' slogan challenges law, sovereignty; incites armed revolt: HC

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The Allahabad High Court has stated that the slogan "Gustakh-e-nabi ki ek saza, sar tan se juda" (the only punishment for insulting the prophet is beheading) challenges the authority of law and the sovereignty and integrity of India, as it incites people to armed rebellion.

The Dilemma Of A Missing Workforce For Climate Action

The Dilemma Of A Missing Workforce For Climate Action

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

This was perhaps a missed opportunity for India to spotlight a core domestic challenge: The scale of workforce preparation required for a young, populous, rapidly growing country seeking to reach net zero, points out Radha Roy Biswas.

BJP states defend Governor's power to assent to Bills in SC

BJP states defend Governor's power to assent to Bills in SC

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

BJP-ruled states argued in the Supreme Court that governors and the President have autonomy in assenting to bills passed by state assemblies, asserting that courts cannot mandate assent.

Delhi blast: 4 doctors' names removed from national medical register

Delhi blast: 4 doctors' names removed from national medical register

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The National Medical Commission has removed several doctors from the National Medical Register following their implication in the Delhi blast investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.