News for 'General Council'

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger.

India, Pakistan NSAs likely to meet in Moscow?

India, Pakistan NSAs likely to meet in Moscow?

Rediff.com25 May 2025

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to attend a major security meeting in Moscow next week, organized by Russia's Security Council. Doval is invited for the 13th international meeting of high representatives for security issues, taking place from May 27-29. The meeting, chaired by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, will see participation from over 150 countries and international organizations. Pakistan's NSA, Lt Gen Asim Malik, is also expected to attend the meeting, leading to speculation of a possible face-to-face meeting between the two NSAs amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent retaliatory actions.

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

India won't tolerate proxy war of terror: CDS at Shangri-La Dialogue

India won't tolerate proxy war of terror: CDS at Shangri-La Dialogue

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Top military officials from India and Pakistan highlighted their views at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, billed as Asia's premier defence forum, amid heightened tensions between the two sides following last month's military confrontation.

Gold Prices Can Rise Up To 15% By December-End: WGC

Gold Prices Can Rise Up To 15% By December-End: WGC

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

This translates into an annual return of 40 per cent, suggests a recent note by the World Gold Council.

Sufi scholar leads last-ditch efforts to save Nimisha Priya

Sufi scholar leads last-ditch efforts to save Nimisha Priya

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Last-minute efforts are underway to halt the scheduled execution of an Indian nurse in Yemen, with a Sufi scholar leading negotiations with the victim's family.

AIADMK sacks Sasikala, says 'Jayalalithaa to remain eternal general secretary'

AIADMK sacks Sasikala, says 'Jayalalithaa to remain eternal general secretary'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2017

Sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran sought to play down party's decision.

Trump's Tariffs Loom Over Modi-Putin Meeting

Trump's Tariffs Loom Over Modi-Putin Meeting

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

New Delhi, while opting not to retaliate yet to the American tariffs, has in recent weeks sought to reinforce its friendship with Moscow, and recalibrate its ties with Beijing rather than surrender to Washington's diktats.

Tension on disputed Assam-Meghalaya border after plantation drive

Tension on disputed Assam-Meghalaya border after plantation drive

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Around 400 people of Lapangap and other villages, backed by members of several social organisations of Meghalaya, went to the plantation area, uprooted the saplings and burnt the wooden structure around 11 am, claiming that Assam was trying to encroach into their state by carrying out the plantation.

Violent protests continue in Nepal, minister's houses targeted

Violent protests continue in Nepal, minister's houses targeted

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The protesters shouted slogans such as KP Chor, Desh Chhod (K P Sharma Oli is a thief, quit the country), "Take action against corrupt leaders".

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

'Dialogue and discussion, not conflict, are the way forward.' 'Internal fighting strengthens our enemies and provides material to divide us.'

PIX: Kolkata Bids Emotional Adieu To Dr Vece Paes

PIX: Kolkata Bids Emotional Adieu To Dr Vece Paes

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Dr. Vece Paes laid to rest as Ganguly, Tirkey join mourners in funeral procession

Why India-Pak clash in Asia Cup will go on as planned

Why India-Pak clash in Asia Cup will go on as planned

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

In multilateral contests, it would go by the Olympic Charter, which prohibits any discrimination based on political issues, which is why the government has stated that it would not stop Pakistan from coming to India for international events.

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The UN Security Council could meet soon to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan, with the UNSC President expressing concern over rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The President, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris of Greece, said a meeting would provide an opportunity to express views and help diffuse tensions. Sekeris also condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the recent attack in Pahalgam, and called for de-escalation and dialogue between India and Pakistan.

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.

Pycroft received handshake order just four minutes pre-toss

Pycroft received handshake order just four minutes pre-toss

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Pycroft's decision has not been seen by ICC as a breach of any code of conduct, but as an action he was authorised to take in his remit as a match official deputed to manage the game.

'We Cannot Trust China'

'We Cannot Trust China'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'However, we must implement a tit-for-tat approach -- reciprocating their conduct with precision.' 'If they demonstrate respect, we respond accordingly. If they adopt hostile positions, we mirror that hostility with equal intensity.'

'My God, The Number Of Meetings We Had On GST!'

'My God, The Number Of Meetings We Had On GST!'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

'It was like rigorously preparing for a solid, good exam...' 'I don't know what marks I will get, but I felt the rigorous preparation of an exam.' 'You may sweat, but I feel rejuvenated.'

Pakistan Army Chief Shuffles Generals

Pakistan Army Chief Shuffles Generals

Rediff.com2 Oct 2023

But the ISI chief did not retire giving the impression that he has won General Asim Munir's trust, notes Rana Banerji who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

How can you question probe report now: SC grills Justice Varma

How can you question probe report now: SC grills Justice Varma

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court questioned Justice Yashwant Varma regarding his plea to invalidate an in-house inquiry panel report that indicted him after a large amount of burnt cash was discovered at his official residence during his time as a Delhi High Court judge.

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna has been asked to resign after allegedly blaming his own Congress government for 'vote theft' in an Assembly segment. The issue sparked controversy and led to demands for clarification in the state assembly.

Can India-US Tariff Issue Be Resolved Amicably?

Can India-US Tariff Issue Be Resolved Amicably?

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Communication channels between India and the US are open to resolve the ongoing tariff issues, and the glitch in trade ties is only temporary, given the long-term relationship between the two nations, government sources said on Wednesday. The US' 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports to America came into effect from August 27, barring a few sectors.

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

We have nothing to gain by raising our concerns internationally as our narrative has got entangled with several controversial concepts in the United Nations, asserts Ambassador T N Sreenivasan.

SC to examine President's 14 questions on governor's powers

SC to examine President's 14 questions on governor's powers

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

A Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, would fix the timelines on July 29 and commence hearing on the presidential reference in mid-August.

Etawah tonsure: 'All Hindus have right to recite Bhagavad Katha'

Etawah tonsure: 'All Hindus have right to recite Bhagavad Katha'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

In response to the recent incident in Etawah where a non-Brahmin kathavachak (religious storyteller) was allegedly assaulted and tonsured, the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a prestigious council of Sanskrit scholars and experts on Hindu scriptures, has issued a strong statement defending the rights of all Hindus to recite and narrate the Bhagavad Katha.

Nothing much we can do: Govt to SC on Indian nurse's execution in Yemen

Nothing much we can do: Govt to SC on Indian nurse's execution in Yemen

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Indian government is making every possible effort to save an Indian nurse facing execution in Yemen for murder, the Centre told the Supreme Court.

India Must Be Ready For Chinese Challenge

India Must Be Ready For Chinese Challenge

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'One Chinese interlocutor said India should realise that "China can do without India, but India could not do without China", pointing to its inability to do without Chinese intermediates and components,' former foreign secretary Shyam Saran discovers on a visit to China.

Cyprus Prez Christodoulides, Modi view Turkish-occupied mountains

Cyprus Prez Christodoulides, Modi view Turkish-occupied mountains

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

Modi, who visited Cyprus in the first leg of his three-nation visit, reiterated India's support for Cyprus's unity and for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU Acquis.

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The chief adviser's decision to stay in office came two days after he told student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders that he was mulling resignation as he felt "the situation is such that he cannot work", citing difficulties in working amid the failure of political parties to find common ground for change.

Casual Gaming To Gain From RMG Ban

Casual Gaming To Gain From RMG Ban

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'There is responsibility to make great games that are played by audiences, that fill the gap from an entertainment perspective.'

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'In my 26 years at Raj Bhavan, working with more than ten governors, I can tell you C P Radhakrishnan Sir stands out.'

Did Pahalgam Attack Have A UN Angle?

Did Pahalgam Attack Have A UN Angle?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Pakistan was waiting for an opportunity to bring the Jammu and Kashmir issue to the global agenda and resorted to the terrorism route to provoke India, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Amid an uptick in Covid cases in some parts of the country, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. Speaking about new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. "Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants." The ICMR DG said there has been an uptick in cases --first from the south, then west and now from northern India. All these cases are being monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Besides that, ICMR's nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens, he said. "Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It's dependent on three factors with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely how fast the cases are increasing. Previously we saw Covid cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly. "Secondly, are the new variants evading our previous immunity? When new variants come, they evade immunity -- be it natural or from the vaccine. But there's nothing to worry about at the moment," Dr Behl said. He also said that the third factor is the percentage of severe cases in all Covid instances. "Are we getting a very severe disease without comorbidities? As of now, the severity is generally low. There's nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared," the ICMR DG asserted. Dr Behl also informed reporters that the Union Health secretary chaired a meeting on Sunday that was also attended by the director general of health services and himself. "We have been closely monitoring the situation. We should be vigilant at this moment, but there is no cause to worry. The general public should be vigilant. There is no need to take any such action as of now," he said. The officer added that the WHO database has been showing that the new variants were not causing severe disease. "People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions. So, there is nothing special to do right now." Asked about the need for a booster dose, he said there is no need for vaccination as of now. "India has the capability to make vaccines and if need be, we can make any vaccine in no time."

Maha to scrap land fragmentation law; 50 lakh families to benefit

Maha to scrap land fragmentation law; 50 lakh families to benefit

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra government will grant legal status to subdivided land parcels up to January 1, 2025, by relaxing and gradually scrapping the land fragmentation law. This decision aims to resolve legal hurdles related to property registration, construction permissions, and ownership for over 50 lakh families.

At WTO, India proposes retaliatory duties against US over auto tariffs

At WTO, India proposes retaliatory duties against US over auto tariffs

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India on Friday proposed imposing retaliatory duties under the WTO (World Trade Organisation) norms against the US over American tariffs on automobile sector in the name of safeguard measures. "The proposed suspension of concessions or other obligations would take the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the United States," according to a notification of the WTO being circulated at the request of India.

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the conversation regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has not been stalled. He claims the issue was raised at the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, and the formal speech distributed at the meeting includes a mention of the return of statehood. Abdullah also addressed concerns about the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourism, emphasizing the importance of local Kashmiris visiting tourist spots first to revive the industry and ensure a sense of security.

Pak to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize after India clash truce

Pak to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize after India clash truce

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The post further read that "at a moment of heightened regional turbulence", President Trump "demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi," Dawn reported.

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Due to the rising COVID cases, the Centre is conducting mock drills to check facility-level preparedness and has instructed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, official sources had said.

Pandering To Trump Means Serial Humiliation

Pandering To Trump Means Serial Humiliation

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'No respite from economic pain is worth the loss of dignity and self-respect,' asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that imposing fixed timelines on governors and the president to act on bills passed by a state Assembly would amount to one organ of the government assuming powers not vested in it by the Constitution and lead to a "constitutional disorder".