News for 'General Council'

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Election affidavits in Assam have unveiled significant financial disparities among key candidates, with some declaring extensive assets, multiple bank accounts, and numerous vehicles, while others report more modest holdings.

Iran moves closer to naming Khamenei's successor

Iran moves closer to naming Khamenei's successor

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Quoting assembly of experts member Mirbaqeri, the report stated that while a "majority consensus over Khamenei's successor has been reached," the transition process is not yet fully complete as "some obstacles regarding the process need to be resolved."

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

New business premium of life insurance companies grew 18 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 35,417 crore in February, driven by robust growth at the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) due to a favourable base.

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

This threat comes as the assembly of experts in Iran has reportedly reached a majority consensus regarding the successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the Tehran-based Mehr News Agency (MNA).

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Every UN secretary-general has flagged the financial situation, but Antonio Guterres has issued the direst warning yet, calling it a 'race to bankruptcy and of imminent financial collapse, points out Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

Ethiopians Dominate Chandigarh International Marathon

Ethiopians Dominate Chandigarh International Marathon

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Ethiopia's Olbana Negasa Yadate and Meskerem Tesfaye Fikadu won the full marathon at the Chandigarh International Marathon, while other athletes triumphed in half marathon and 10k races.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Centre has directed the NCERT to review all textbooks after the Supreme Court raised concerns about 'offending' content on corruption in the judiciary in a Class 8 social science book.

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

A 62-year-old Hindu trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Bangladesh, raising concerns about violence against the minority community.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Residents across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, experienced fear and disruption following attacks, leading to flight suspensions and heightened security measures.

Hindu tea garden worker found dead in B'desh with hands, feet tied

Hindu tea garden worker found dead in B'desh with hands, feet tied

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A young Hindu tea garden worker was found murdered in Bangladesh, raising concerns amid upcoming parliamentary elections and a series of attacks against the Hindu community.

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

In apparent signs of thaw after years of bickering stemming out of internal feud in the AIADMK in the past, party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed Dhinakaran back in to the National Democratic Alliance. The AMMK founder reciprocated with a "heartfelt thanks," yet admitting there was "sibling rivalry" with AIADMK, the party he was once associated with.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resign, citing hypocrisy in Shah's call for 'clean politics' given his past arrest. Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission and defended his party's record.

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Guterres emphasised that global structures and institutions must reflect the complexity and the opportunity of the "new times and realities"

Trump vows to fund UN, says 'Board of Peace' to keep watch

Trump vows to fund UN, says 'Board of Peace' to keep watch

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

President Donald Trump announced the US will strengthen the United Nations, ensure its viability, and provide financial assistance, while also asserting that his Board of Peace will oversee the global organization's operations.

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

While investors would focus on the results and guidance for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26) in the normal course of business, the US-Israeli attack on Iran and the latter's retaliation at Gulf allies of the US has forced them to weigh the consequences of the event.

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of 'serious action' if directions are defied in any form.

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nitish Kumar's decision to contest the Rajya Sabha elections signals the end of his long-standing tenure as Bihar's Chief Minister, paving the way for a potential BJP leader to take the helm.

Fino Payments Bank Claims GST Compliance After CEO's Arrest

Fino Payments Bank Claims GST Compliance After CEO's Arrest

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Fino Payments Bank asserts its compliance with GST regulations following the arrest of its MD and CEO, Rishi Gupta, by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). The bank clarifies that the investigation pertains to program managers associated with multiple banks and not the bank's own GST compliance.

Yunus rakes up India's 'Seven Sisters' in farewell speech

Yunus rakes up India's 'Seven Sisters' in farewell speech

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Relations with India experienced a downturn during Yunus's tenure, while ties with Pakistan saw positive developments.

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A referendum on the implementation of a reform package in Bangladesh saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'The unexpected turn of events and assertion of sovereignty by the Taliban has baffled the Pakistan security establishment.'

Passenger vehicle dispatches in fast lane in Jan as demand remains robust: SIAM

Passenger vehicle dispatches in fast lane in Jan as demand remains robust: SIAM

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches from companies to dealers rose 13 per cent year-on-year to 449,616 units in January with demand remaining robust owing to GST rate rationalisation and subsequent dip in prices, industry body SIAM said on Friday.

AIFF charts 21-year roadmap for ISL, I-League

AIFF charts 21-year roadmap for ISL, I-League

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

As per a proposal by stakeholders, the 22-member governing council is likely to be headed by either the president of the AIFF, and it will be the highest supervisor body for the ISL.

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and 12 states on a PIL challenging the validity of their anti-conversion laws. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) filed the PIL, seeking a stay on the operation of these laws.

T20 WC: Bangladesh-BCCI tensions could end at India-Pakistan clash

T20 WC: Bangladesh-BCCI tensions could end at India-Pakistan clash

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will attend the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, hoping to resolve tensions with the BCCI following recent disputes.

T20 World Cup: JioStar threatens to sue Pakistan for India match boycott

T20 World Cup: JioStar threatens to sue Pakistan for India match boycott

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

T20WC Boycott: Broadcasters may move court against PCB

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The Indian Air Force's Republic Day flypast will feature a 'Sindoor' formation of combat jets, symbolizing its dominance during recent hostilities. The flypast will also commemorate Operation Sindoor.

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package.

SC allows Indore student barred over meme to write Class 10 exam

SC allows Indore student barred over meme to write Class 10 exam

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed a minor boy, rusticated from an Indore school for circulating an objectionable meme, to appear for his Class 10 examination, directing the CISCE to issue an admit card.

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

FIDE votes to let Russia, Belarus back into chess

FIDE votes to let Russia, Belarus back into chess

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has voted to allow teams from Russia and Belarus to return to official competitions and fully restored the rights of youth players from both countries, while postponing a final decision on the use of national flags and anthems in adult team events.

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A 25-year-old Hindu man died after jumping into a canal to escape a mob which accused him of theft in northwestern Bangladesh, in the latest incident of violence targeting the minority community. The incident highlights rising concerns about communal violence in the lead-up to general elections.