News for 'Essential Services'

EPF Withdrawal Made Simpler? What It Means For YOU

EPF Withdrawal Made Simpler? What It Means For YOU

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

EPFO has simplified PF withdrawals -- fewer rules, faster access, and more flexibility -- while introducing safeguards that make it harder to drain your retirement savings too early.

GST 2.0: AC, TV dealers see spike in sales on Day-1

GST 2.0: AC, TV dealers see spike in sales on Day-1

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

As lower GST rates take effect on Monday, sales of air-conditioners, TV sets surged dramatically with buyers rushing to grab cheaper deals offered by retailers at the beginning of the Navratra festival.

Rupee breaches 90/dollar for first time; closes at all-time low of 90.15

Rupee breaches 90/dollar for first time; closes at all-time low of 90.15

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The rupee breached 90-levels against the greenback for the first time on Wednesday, falling 6 paise to 90.02 in early trade, as banks kept buying US dollars at higher levels and FII outflows continued.

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

'Where rostering systems are automated and duty time software interfaces directly with DGCA, the assertion that they suddenly discovered crew shortages is simply implausible.' 'If adequate crew planning hasn't materialised within 12 to 24 months from inception, how will 45 days -- from December 5 to February 12 -- suddenly resolve matters?'

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) issued high sea waves, up to 4.7 metres high, warning across several coastal districts.

Now you can make final PF pension withdrawal after 3 years

Now you can make final PF pension withdrawal after 3 years

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) board has approved liberalised part withdrawals for subscribers, allowing up to 100 per cent EPF withdrawal, and rolled out the 'Vishwas Scheme' to reduce litigation through rationalised penal damages.

Tempted By GST Car Deals? Brake And Research!

Tempted By GST Car Deals? Brake And Research!

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

'Some buyers get carried away by festival offers and purchase higher variants or larger vehicles than they truly need, which impacts running cost and long-term affordability.'

Bengal junior doctors call off 'cease work' after 42 days

Bengal junior doctors call off 'cease work' after 42 days

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Ending the logjam persisting for 42 days in the wake of the rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar hospital, the agitating medics withdrew the 'cease work' after holding a march to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Salt Lake in Kolkata from the state health department's headquarters, where they had been demonstrating for over a week.

How To Use BNPL Wisely

How To Use BNPL Wisely

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Before signing up for a BNPL plan, read the fine print carefully and watch for red flags like unclear repayment terms, vague information on interest or late fees, and marketing that downplays the cost of default.

India, Russia Warm Arctic Ties With Ship Deal

India, Russia Warm Arctic Ties With Ship Deal

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

One key development is the direct cargo connection between Chennai and Vladivostok, a crucial Russian port on the Northern Sea Route.

Rs 50K Scholarship For BTech, Medical Students

Rs 50K Scholarship For BTech, Medical Students

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Selected candidates will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 50,000 per year to cover tuition fees, academic materials and other essential educational expenses.

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka after causing widespread destruction and over 120 deaths, heading towards the Indian coast. Heavy rains and high winds are expected to continue.

FMCG cos indicate mid single-digit revenue growth in Q2

FMCG cos indicate mid single-digit revenue growth in Q2

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are expected to report mid-single-digit revenue growth in the July-September 2025-26 quarter, according to their quarterly updates. Most companies also noted that supply chains were focused on liquidating existing stock ahead of the implementation of new goods and services tax (GST) rates in categories where the tax was lowered.

Day 3 of curfew in Leh: People running short of supplies

Day 3 of curfew in Leh: People running short of supplies

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

A home ministry team reviews the security situation in Leh as curfew continues for the third day following violence related to demands for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule.

Thousands evacuated from flooded areas of Jammu

Thousands evacuated from flooded areas of Jammu

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from flooded areas in the Jammu region following heavy rains and flash floods. Rescue and relief operations are underway to restore essential services and provide assistance to those affected.

GST cut on drugs, medical devices to help patients

GST cut on drugs, medical devices to help patients

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The government's move to cut GST on medicines and medical devices while exempting lifesaving drugs from the levy is a bold step that will bring direct relief to patients and families while significantly reducing financial strain on them, pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry players said on Thursday.

'Strong Reforms, Not Panic, Will Help Ride Out Rupee's Weakness'

'Strong Reforms, Not Panic, Will Help Ride Out Rupee's Weakness'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'In the long run, India's strong growth story and reforms to make assets globally attractive will determine the rupee's resilience.'

M&A financing the new frontier for banks, but RBI's watching

M&A financing the new frontier for banks, but RBI's watching

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Mint Road's proposals on banks' M&A funding are cautious even as entrants root for more elbow room, and weigh business models.

'GST 2.0 Great Opportunity For Insurance Biz To Make Products Affordable'

'GST 2.0 Great Opportunity For Insurance Biz To Make Products Affordable'

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

'The government is putting insurance in the same category as food, which is essential for life.' 'Now this is an opportunity for the sector to focus on the consumer.'

'Why Would A Doctor Become A Suicide Bomber?'

'Why Would A Doctor Become A Suicide Bomber?'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

'Why would a highly qualified doctor with a promising future choose to wage war against his own country?'

All You Want To Know About EPF Withdrawals

All You Want To Know About EPF Withdrawals

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The 100 per cent withdrawal provision and the 25 per cent minimum balance provision have led to some confusion.

'Israel Doesn't Want Pakistan To Have Nuclear Weapons'

'Israel Doesn't Want Pakistan To Have Nuclear Weapons'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'If the Trump administration could gain access to the nuclear weapons, they would be satisfied -- at least they could control them.'

No short-term impact of H-1B visa fee hike: Tata Tech boss

No short-term impact of H-1B visa fee hike: Tata Tech boss

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

The fee hike for the US H-1B visa by the Donald Trump administration has no short-term impact on Tata Technologies Ltd, although it will change resourcing plans for the future, according to its CEO and managing director, Warren Harris.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Heavy rains battered Jammu and Kashmir, triggering floods, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting normal life. Authorities issued advisories and rescue operations were conducted.

Over 800 IndiGo flights cancelled on day 5 as cancellation chaos persists

Over 800 IndiGo flights cancelled on day 5 as cancellation chaos persists

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

DGCA provided temporary relief to IndiGo, which is partially owned by Rahul Bhatia, by rolling back the night duty definition to 12 am-5 am from 12 am-6 am earlier, and allowing its pilots to do six night-landings from two earlier, besides other relaxations.

How Fake PANs Help Hide Crooked Property Deals

How Fake PANs Help Hide Crooked Property Deals

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Quoting an incorrect PAN during property registration can invite penalties and prosecution.

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

A special NIA court is likely to deliver its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six persons and injured over 100. Seven accused, including Pragya Thakur and Prasad Purohit, face charges under UAPA and IPC.

'Band-aid' solution: Oppn on PM's address to nation on GST

'Band-aid' solution: Oppn on PM's address to nation on GST

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Congress party has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of GST reforms, calling them inadequate and demanding an apology for the tax imposed on essential items. They argue that the reforms are merely a 'band-aid' solution and that the government should address the states' demand for extended compensation.

'Brought Pak to its knees': Modi hails armed forces

'Brought Pak to its knees': Modi hails armed forces

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the exceptional coordination among the three armed forces -- fear instilled by the Navy, extraordinary skills of the Air Force and bravery of the Army -- forced Pakistan to its knees during Operation Sindoor in no time.

Amazon cuts seller fees, boosts AI tools ahead of festive shopping season

Amazon cuts seller fees, boosts AI tools ahead of festive shopping season

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Amazon India is repositioning itself as a comprehensive business partner rather than just an e-commerce platform, slashing seller fees and introducing artificial intelligence-powered tools ahead of the country's crucial festive shopping season that could determine the year's retail performance.

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

'Poverty eradication is a continuous process. There is no full stop to it.'

18% slab to contribute lion's share of GST revenue

18% slab to contribute lion's share of GST revenue

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

The 18 per cent tax slab is expected to remain the major contributor to GST revenues if the Centre's proposal for a two-tier GST structure and a special 40 per cent rate is implemented, according to a source. At present, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) follows a four-tier structure with rates of 5 per cent, 12, 18, and 28 per cent.

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) adoption rate has risen to over 4.35 per cent, with more than 100,000 people out of 2.3 million eligible individuals opting for it, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) chairman S Ramann said in an exclusive interview with Business Standard on Monday. He also said that six states had approached the PFRDA for help in adoption of the scheme.

GST reforms will cause Rs 3,700 crore revenue loss to govt: SBI report

GST reforms will cause Rs 3,700 crore revenue loss to govt: SBI report

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The State Bank of India (SBI) in its latest research report said that reforms in GST through reduction in rates will cause a minimal revenue loss of Rs 3,700 crore. The government estimates the net fiscal impact of GST rates rationalisation will be Rs 48,000 crore on an annualised basis.

'Don't Consider Gold, Silver As Asset Classes'

'Don't Consider Gold, Silver As Asset Classes'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

'An asset must generate income. Equities yield dividends, bonds pay coupons, deposits give interest, and real estate earns rent.' 'Gold, silver, and even Bitcoin produce no income, they merely store value. So, they should not be compared to productive assets.'

'Life Possesses No Value In Our System'

'Life Possesses No Value In Our System'

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

'A bus driver should possess a comprehensive road plan: Toll plazas, major hospitals, road conditions, repairs, diversions, and dangerous areas.' 'Only through such preparation can we save lives.' 'Otherwise, simply sitting in the driver's seat and pressing the accelerator -- anyone can do that.'

'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.'

Tharoor backs Bihar voter review, hails GST reforms

Tharoor backs Bihar voter review, hails GST reforms

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) was 'essential', as electoral rolls were not perfect.

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'Raj Thackeray is working at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.'