News for 'Essential Services'

Haldwani: Additional forces deployed in curfew-hit Banbhoolpura

Haldwani: Additional forces deployed in curfew-hit Banbhoolpura

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

The situation in the Banbhoolpura area in Haldwani, the epicentre of the mob violence last week, was normal on Monday as additional troops of paramilitary forces were deployed to maintain law and order, officials said.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

Maha curbs: Fruit vendors, security services exempted

Maha curbs: Fruit vendors, security services exempted

Rediff.com6 Apr 2021

The strict curbs, including a curfew from 8 pm till 7 am, and prohibitory orders during the daytime on weekdays came into force from Monday in the state.

What DGCA Wants AI To Check Before B787 Flights

What DGCA Wants AI To Check Before B787 Flights

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The DGCA directive called for a series of specific checks before each flight's departure from India, including inspection of fuel parameter monitoring systems, cabin air compressors, and electronic engine control units.

World Is About To Get Hot -- Here's Why You Should Worry

World Is About To Get Hot -- Here's Why You Should Worry

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The year 2024 was not only the hottest year on record but also the first to breach 1.5C above the 1850-1900 baseline.

Now, Insurance For Money Loss From Online Scams

Now, Insurance For Money Loss From Online Scams

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

In an age where personal data is a valuable commodity, investing in cyber insurance is not just a prudent choice; it is becoming a necessity for individuals and families alike, says T A Ramalingam.

Entire Prayagraj to become 'no vehicle zone' for Purnima snan

Entire Prayagraj to become 'no vehicle zone' for Purnima snan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Elaborate arrangements including a special traffic plan have been chalked out for Maghi Purnima on Wednesday and health personnel have been put on alert for the occasion when the month-long 'kalpavas', an integral tradition of the Maha Kumbh, comes to an end.

India maintains high import duty on American goods: US report

India maintains high import duty on American goods: US report

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

India maintains "high" import duties on a wide range of American goods such as agricultural items, drug formulations, and alcoholic beverages, besides imposing non-tariif barriers, a US report has said. A day before announcing reciprocal tariffs, the US Trade Representative (USTR) released the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on March 31.

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

India fully utilised its military modernisation budget in 2024-2025 -- the first time in five years -- and signed a record Rs 2 trillion defence contracts.

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Diets rich in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats tend to result in quicker growth and earlier puberty, notes Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of unit bloom IVF, DY Patil School of Medicine.

Lawyers cannot be sued for 'deficiency in service': SC

Lawyers cannot be sued for 'deficiency in service': SC

Rediff.com15 May 2024

The top court said a considerable amount of direct control is exercised by the client over the manner in which an advocate renders his services during the course of his employment.

Myanmar earthquake toll rises to 1,644; over 3,000 injured

Myanmar earthquake toll rises to 1,644; over 3,000 injured

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The death toll from a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to more than 1,000, as rescue workers continue to recover bodies from the ruins of collapsed buildings.

Homebuyers Beware: No Sale Agreement, No Legal Rights

Homebuyers Beware: No Sale Agreement, No Legal Rights

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Registering the agreement for sale remains the most reliable way for a homebuyer to secure their legal and financial interests.

No-vehicle zone, no VVIP pass: Big changes after Kumbh stampede

No-vehicle zone, no VVIP pass: Big changes after Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

More than 55.11 lakh devotees had taken the holy dip till 8 am, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainties, volatility in international commodity prices and financial market uncertainties pose considerable risks to India's economic growth in the coming year, the finance ministry cautioned on Wednesday. "Global trade continues to be affected by uncertainty in the policy environment... tariff-related developments in multiple countries have heightened trade-related risks, affecting investment and trade flows globally.

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.

'Investors Prefer A Staggered Approach'

'Investors Prefer A Staggered Approach'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'While investors believe in India's long-term growth story and resilience amid global uncertainty, they see near-term risks around the direction of a global trade war.'

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the university's certification to enroll foreign students. The lawsuit claims that the government's action is unlawful and unwarranted and that Harvard is not Harvard without its international students. The university argues that the government's decision will have a devastating effect on Harvard and its thousands of international students. The lawsuit comes a day after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'The larger and more opaque this shadow economy becomes, especially online, the greater the risk to India's national security.'

7 Reasons To Be Financially Free By 45

7 Reasons To Be Financially Free By 45

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Wouldn't it be better to reach 45 with a backup engine of passive income that helps you glide through these years instead of grinding, asks Ramalingam Kalirajan

Delhi polls: Cong lures voters with Rs 25 lakh free health cover

Delhi polls: Cong lures voters with Rs 25 lakh free health cover

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the proposed scheme would be a game-changer as it will provide comprehensive health coverage to families, covering medical expenses for critical illnesses, hospitalisations, and treatments.

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Meanwhile, a precautionary blackout has been enforfced in the multiple areas amid the esclating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

India Set For Rs 32 Trillion Defence Budget... In 2047

India Set For Rs 32 Trillion Defence Budget... In 2047

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Make-in-India played a key role in India's effective action against terrorism during Operation Sindoor.'

Kumbh: 2 crore take Maghi Purnima dip; kalpvasis to return

Kumbh: 2 crore take Maghi Purnima dip; kalpvasis to return

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Amid heightened security measures, more than two crore devotees took a dip in the Sangam till 6 pm on Wednesday on the occasion of Maghi Purnima during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

8 Cholesterol-Lowering Foods You Should Eat

8 Cholesterol-Lowering Foods You Should Eat

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Eating foods rich in fibre, healthy fats and essential nutrients are some of the healthiest ways to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol), says Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, senior cardiovascular and thoracic consultant surgeon at Gleneagles Hospitals.

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

Rediff.com17 May 2025

India's economic growth forecast for 2025 has been revised downward to 6.3 per cent, and despite a projected moderation, the country remains one of the fastest-growing large economies, supported by resilient consumption and government spending, the United Nations has said.

Trump vs Harvard: 'Don't Panic. Harvard Is Not The Only Path To Success'

Trump vs Harvard: 'Don't Panic. Harvard Is Not The Only Path To Success'

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Amidst growing panic over Trump's ban on Harvard's international student enrolment, overseas education consultants have this advice for Indian students.

Address grievance redressal promptly, RBI guv tells banks

Address grievance redressal promptly, RBI guv tells banks

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'In this age of competition, we will not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our consumers'

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the transfer and posting of 48 J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, potentially creating friction with the National Conference-led government in the Union Territory. The move, seen by many as an attempt by the LG to assert control over the bureaucracy, includes the transfer of 14 additional deputy commissioners and 26 sub-divisional magistrates. The timing of the order, coinciding with the elected government's wait for approval on business rules, raises concerns over power dynamics in the region.

From 96% holding to a sliver: How Gensol promoters made swift exit

From 96% holding to a sliver: How Gensol promoters made swift exit

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

When Gensol Engineering made its public market debut through a small and medium enterprises (SME) initial public offering (IPO) in September 2019, its promoters held a commanding 96 per cent stake. Now, that figure has shrunk to a "negligible" fraction.

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

With a major network rollout on the cards, the government is not keen to change the pattern of tower monetisation for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), officials at the state-owned telecom-service provider said. The monetisation target in the telecom sector had to be revised owing to a change in BSNL's approach to mobile-phone tower monetisation, which had shifted from a sale-based model to a lease-based one.

'Asim Munir's Aspiration Is Longevity'

'Asim Munir's Aspiration Is Longevity'

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'Munir hopes to solidify his hold on power.'

6 more killed in Assam flood; Manipur, Mizoram battle rain fury, lakhs hit

6 more killed in Assam flood; Manipur, Mizoram battle rain fury, lakhs hit

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The rain and flood situation in northeastern states remained grim on Tuesday, with lakhs people affected in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur, even as the meteorological department predicted more rain in several parts of the region.

What Ails India's Civil Service

What Ails India's Civil Service

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

'A large portion of youngsters who aspire to join the civil services are not motivated by the spirit of public service and idealism of which the civil services offer in abundance.' 'When they join the mandarin club they look for the loaves and fishes of office, rather than make a difference and wipe what Mahatma Gandhi called 'every tear from every Indian',' points out Rup Narayan Das.

Assam employees granted 2-day leave to spend with parents, in-laws

Assam employees granted 2-day leave to spend with parents, in-laws

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

The special leaves cannot be used for personal enjoyment and those without parents or parents-in-laws will not be eligible for the leaves, it added.

Delhiites breathe easy for 2nd day as AQI improves; curbs relaxed

Delhiites breathe easy for 2nd day as AQI improves; curbs relaxed

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Delhi's air quality improved for the second consecutive day on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the "moderate" category at 165. This marks a significant improvement from the "poor" category recorded on Tuesday. Several restrictions imposed under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were lifted, but some restrictions under Stage 2 remain in place. The Decision Support System (DSS) has not been updated since Friday, with technical difficulties hindering the update of data for the last six days.

Amazon India ends referral fees on 12 million products

Amazon India ends referral fees on 12 million products

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

In its highest ever reduction in seller fees, ecommerce giant Amazon India has introduced zero referral charges on over 12 million products on its platform that are priced below Rs 300. The move is aimed at boosting seller growth on Amazon.in and supporting hundreds of thousands small businesses across the country.

Delhi sizzles under season's first heatwave; docs warn of health risks

Delhi sizzles under season's first heatwave; docs warn of health risks

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Delhi is experiencing its first heatwave of the season, with temperatures reaching 40.2 degrees Celsius. Doctors have warned that exposure to extreme heat can lead to a range of health issues, from mild rashes and muscle cramps to serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. They advise staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and wearing light, breathable clothes. Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk.

Will Sunita, Wilmore get overtime for staying longer in space?

Will Sunita, Wilmore get overtime for staying longer in space?

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who returned to Earth after spending 286 days in space, will not receive any overtime for their extended stay, despite their spacecraft malfunctioning. NASA rules state astronauts are treated like "any other government employee who takes a business trip." They do receive a $5 per day allowance for "incidentals", which are typically fees and tips for services like porters and hotel staff.