News for 'Essential Services'

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

Delhi's air quality likely to dip, anti-pollution plan kicks in

Delhi's air quality likely to dip, anti-pollution plan kicks in

Rediff.com21 Oct 2023

Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 248 on Saturday.

Israel bans operations of UN relief agency

Israel bans operations of UN relief agency

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

The Israeli Parliament enacted a law prohibiting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary UN organisation assisting Palestinians, from operating within the country, CNN reported.

India Inc earns fat profits but wages have not kept pace

India Inc earns fat profits but wages have not kept pace

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Growth in corporate profits needs to be commensurate with wages to boost the economy, Economic Survey 2024-25 said, noting that sharp disparities between the two pose risk to the economy by curbing demand. The document tabled in Parliament on Friday noted that while the labour share of GVA (gross value added) shows a slight uptick, the disproportionate rise in corporate profitsredominantly among large firmsaises concerns about income inequality.

How Will Trump Change The World On April 2?

How Will Trump Change The World On April 2?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

We have entered a new era in human history, asserts Aakar Patel.

Nationwide strike over Kolkata doctor's murder; surgeries hit

Nationwide strike over Kolkata doctor's murder; surgeries hit

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

According to the Federation of Resident Doctors Association, during the indefinite strike, all outpatient departments, operation theatres, and ward duties will be shut, but emergency services will continue to operate as usual, ensuring that urgent patient care remains unaffected.

Parl passes bill allowing govt to take control of telecom services

Parl passes bill allowing govt to take control of telecom services

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

The Bill allows stopping of transmission and intercepting messages in case of public emergency, in the interest of the public, to prevent incitement for committing offence.

Fully-vaccinated people can board Mumbai local trains

Fully-vaccinated people can board Mumbai local trains

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

The government also stated that the people working in essential sectors must be fully vaccinated and should have completed the 14 days post-inoculation before they can be allowed to board local trains.

'Goal is to become an AI-powered organisation'

'Goal is to become an AI-powered organisation'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'Our vision is to become a GenAI managed services provider.'

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the government will arrange identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal to assist 1 crore gig workers. Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, the finance minister also said a scheme for the socio-economic upliftment of urban workers will be implemented.

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

After HPCL, the government headhunter struggled to find a suitable candidate for the top job at Bharat Petroleum, as most applicants were narrow specialists lacking multidisciplinary experience needed to run a large organisation. The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) last month interviewed a dozen candidates including BPCL director (finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta and its director (refineries) S Khanna but found none suitable for the job of chairman and managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), according to a PESB order.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Sensex, Nifty close flat amid unabated FII selling

Sensex, Nifty close flat amid unabated FII selling

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, Mahindra & Mahindra, JSW Steel, NTPC, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finserv and Larsen & Toubro were also among the laggards. However, Power Grid, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services and ICICI Bank were among the gainers.

Budget will revitalise agri sector, rural economy

Budget will revitalise agri sector, rural economy

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Recent documents by NITI Aayog and periodic labour force surveys on employment show that the importance of agriculture is rising in the Indian economy.

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Law enforcement officials from the US Department of Homeland Security have started visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey to check for the presence of illegal immigrants, drawing a sharp reaction from some Sikh organisations which see such actions as a threat to the sanctity of their faith. The Trump administration has rescinded the Biden administration's guidelines that protected places of worship from immigration enforcement actions, leading to concerns that gurdwaras are being targeted. Sikh organisations argue that gurdwaras are not just places of worship but also vital community centres and that surveillance and raids by armed law enforcement would burden religious exercise and limit the ability of Sikhs to gather and associate with one another.

India's gig economy may add 90 mn jobs, contribute 1.25% to GDP

India's gig economy may add 90 mn jobs, contribute 1.25% to GDP

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The gig economy market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent to reach a gross volume of $455 billion by the end of 2024, according to a white paper by The Forum for Progressive Gig Workers. Estimates suggest the gig economy has the potential to create 90 million jobs and add 1.25 per cent to India's GDP (gross domestic product) over time.

HC permits statutory activities during poll code, quashes Maha circular

HC permits statutory activities during poll code, quashes Maha circular

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

"What would be prohibited is the creation of any fanfare and holding of ceremonies with the involvement of political functionaries," it observed.

'I Lost 10 Kgs In 3 Months'

'I Lost 10 Kgs In 3 Months'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'If you see it as a burden, you'll struggle. But if you're enjoying the process and make small lifestyle changes, it becomes much easier.'

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Universities and immigration authorities take student conduct seriously. Behaviour that is deemed unacceptable or dangerous can lead to legal consequences, including deportation, warns Dr Pananjay Tiwari, founder and director, Impel Overseas Education.

Pune logs 24 cases of nerve disorder; no epidemic chances, say experts

Pune logs 24 cases of nerve disorder; no epidemic chances, say experts

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has detected 22 suspected cases of Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS), an immunological nerve disorder, in the city. Samples from the affected patients have been sent to ICMR-NIV for testing. Most of the cases were detected in the Sinhgad Road area. According to doctors, GBS is a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness. While the condition is prevalent in both pediatric and young age groups, it does not lead to an epidemic or pandemic. The PMC has constituted a committee of experts to investigate the outbreak and conduct detailed surveillance of the patients. The civic health department has assured that there is no need for panic as of now.

Trump 2.0: Tough Navigation Lies Ahead For India

Trump 2.0: Tough Navigation Lies Ahead For India

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'As the global economy undergoes significant transformations in 2025, India's ability to navigate the complexities of trade wars, financial realignments, and emerging blocs will be pivotal,' explain Harsh V Pant and Soumya Bhowmik.

Survey outlines how India will benefit from AI

Survey outlines how India will benefit from AI

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

India's demographic advantage and diverse economic landscape position it uniquely to benefit from AI, the Economic Survey for 2024-25 tabled in the Parliament on Friday afternoon asserted. However, achieving these benefits requires significant investments in education and workforce skilling, supported by enabling, insuring, and stewarding institutions, the state of the economy report tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

126 killed, about 200 hurt as massive quake hits Tibet

126 killed, about 200 hurt as massive quake hits Tibet

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The epicentre was located in Tsogo Township of Dingri County, which has a population of approximately 6,900 people within a 20-km radius. There are 27 villages within this area.

'Came here as Didi not CM': Mamata's surprise visit to doctors' protest site

'Came here as Didi not CM': Mamata's surprise visit to doctors' protest site

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

"I came to meet you as your 'didi' not as the chief minister," she said.

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the successful execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025, emphasizing effective crisis management, economic benefits, and the event's role in national unity and infrastructure development. He cited the swift response to a stampede on January 29 and the extensive preparations that ensured a smooth experience for millions of pilgrims.

India Inc revenue growth in Q2 likely slowest in 4 years

India Inc revenue growth in Q2 likely slowest in 4 years

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The revenue growth of Indian companies for the July-September quarter is estimated to be 5-7 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), marking the slowest growth in 16 quarters, rating agency CRISIL said on Thursday.

Weddings, Winter Can Damage Your Skin

Weddings, Winter Can Damage Your Skin

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and lead to dryness. During winter months, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin type, advises Dinyar Workingboxwala, celebrity aesthetician and co-founder of the beauty products brand, BiE.

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The time is ideal for a 'Dream Budget' akin to the 1991 reforms that sparked high growth and unlocked significant gains in productivity, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Stringent curbs set in but Delhi's air quality still 'severe'

Stringent curbs set in but Delhi's air quality still 'severe'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

The poisonous haze has been causing significant problems for people with existing respiratory issues, according to doctors.

Can Stress, Dehydration Cause Stomach Pain?

Can Stress, Dehydration Cause Stomach Pain?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can interfere with your digestion process and cause excessive acid production, says Dr Aklesh Tandekar, head-consultant critical care, Wockhardt Hospitals.

Buying Under-Construction Property? Read This!

Buying Under-Construction Property? Read This!

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The biggest risk in under-construction projects is delay and non-completion.

Maharashtra okays local trains for all, decision with railways

Maharashtra okays local trains for all, decision with railways

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

Local trains have been off bounds for the general public since March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Consensus eludes GoM on GST rate rationalisation, over 100 items discussed

Consensus eludes GoM on GST rate rationalisation, over 100 items discussed

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

The Group of Ministers (GoM) on goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation, which convened in Goa on Wednesday, reviewed the GST rates for over 100 items, including textiles, handloom goods, agricultural products, fertilisers, and educational materials. However, no consensus was reached on any of the items, with further discussions scheduled for next month in Delhi.

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The grilling of Brigadier-General Dyer by Akshay Kumar's Sir C Sankaran Nair, as shown in Kesari 2, is purely an imaginary sequence, proves Utkarsh Mishra.

Service tax exempt on transport of essential items

Service tax exempt on transport of essential items

Rediff.com2 Sep 2009

The government has exempted a number of goods like food grains, fertilisers and farm inputs from paying service tax for transportation through railways and waterways.

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has 'America First' as his priorities and this includes making America safe again, making the country affordable, achieving energy dominance, draining the swamp and bringing back American values, the White House said on Monday.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

Broadband, 2G Internet partially restored in J-K

Broadband, 2G Internet partially restored in J-K

Rediff.com15 Jan 2020

The order comes days after the Supreme Court had made harsh observation on the JK administration for snapping Internet services, which the apex court said was a fundamental right of the people.

Blue Economy Needs Strong Navy Protection

Blue Economy Needs Strong Navy Protection

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Naval assets take years to build, and therefore, not only is futuristic force planning essential, but indigenous projects must also be put into the pipeline, technologies developed and contracts for assets signed regularly so that the Indian Navy always remains a future-focussed force, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'Avoid Panic Selling. Nifty To Hit 29,263'

'Avoid Panic Selling. Nifty To Hit 29,263'

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

'Market corrections are a natural part of investing, so it's essential to remain focused on long-term financial goals.'