News for 'General Service'

BRICS summit: Delhi hotels fully booked, rates soar

BRICS summit: Delhi hotels fully booked, rates soar

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Luxury hotels in Delhi are experiencing a significant room crunch and a sharp increase in tariffs ahead of the BRICS Summit. Many marquee properties show no availability or are quoting rates exceeding six figures per night around the September 12-13 event, highlighting a gap in India's hospitality infrastructure.

Justice Mishra sworn in as Chief Justice despite Mann govt's objections

Justice Mishra sworn in as Chief Justice despite Mann govt's objections

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, despite strong objections from the Punjab government. The Mann government claimed the appointment bypassed constitutional norms and procedures, leading to a political tussle with the Centre, which defended the process.

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Eiffel Tower employees launched a strike, leading to the iconic landmark's closure, after allegations surfaced that female staff were asked to vacate their posts during a visit by the Hindu religious organisation BAPS.

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary Champat Rai has reportedly resigned, stating his "service in Ayodhya is complete" due to the donation embezzlement controversy. He feels "betrayed," and his future, along with that of Trust member Anil Mishra, will be decided at a July 6 meeting. The controversy began with allegations from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, leading to an SIT investigation, arrests, and Rai's resignation offer.

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet on a Phuket-Delhi flight, injuring 24 people. The pilot-in-command was subsequently terminated after testing positive for banned psychoactive substances, though the AAIB has not linked this to the technical failure.

Why Are Thousands of GST Appeals Pending?

Why Are Thousands of GST Appeals Pending?

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

GSTAT has crossed 75,000 filings but disposed of only 83 cases, highlighting the huge backlog facing India's new GST appeals tribunal.

'If Earnings Growth Returns, Capital Can Flow Back To India'

'If Earnings Growth Returns, Capital Can Flow Back To India'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

'India is vulnerable to the West Asia crisis in three ways: Energy costs, the business Indian companies conduct in the region, and remittances from the Indian diaspora.'

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Former Indian Army Chief General Vishwa Nath Sharma, who led the Army from 1988 to 1990 and was a veteran of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, has passed away at the age of 96. He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the AVSM and PVSM, and came from a distinguished military family, being the younger brother of India's first PVC awardee, Major Som Nath Sharma.

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'They are claiming that they are very good in governance. All governments do propaganda. This is the propaganda of the government that they are doing very well, in spite of all the troubles.'

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'They are claiming that they are very good in governance. All governments do propaganda. This is the propaganda of the government that they are doing very well, in spite of all the troubles.'

'Chicken's Neck' link to northeast to get 4th railway line

'Chicken's Neck' link to northeast to get 4th railway line

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Centre has approved a fourth railway line through the strategically important 'Chicken's Neck' corridor, a crucial link for Northeast India. This, along with other infrastructure projects like a double-line underground project and station redevelopment, aims to enhance connectivity, capacity, and passenger services in the region.

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The US State Department has paused visa appointments worldwide to conduct a 'global training initiative' for consular officers, aiming to ensure applicants are not likely to become a 'public charge' and are comprehensively evaluated, intensifying President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Shiprocket's Rs 1,617.5-cr IPO subscribed 99.38 times on final day

Shiprocket's Rs 1,617.5-cr IPO subscribed 99.38 times on final day

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The initial public offering (IPO) of e-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket Ltd was subscribed an impressive 99.38 times on its final day of bidding, attracting bids for over 9.38 billion shares against 94.43 million on offer.

Tata Sons narrows chairman search to T V Narendran, Saurabh Agrawal, and NSE's Ashish Chauhan a 'dark horse'

Tata Sons narrows chairman search to T V Narendran, Saurabh Agrawal, and NSE's Ashish Chauhan a 'dark horse'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The search for N Chandrasekaran's successor as Tata Sons Chairman has reportedly narrowed to Tata Steel CEO T V Narendran, Tata Sons Executive Director Saurabh Agrawal, and NSE MD & CEO Ashish Chauhan, with Chauhan emerging as a potential 'dark horse' candidate.

'Very, very distressing': SC judge on police crackdown at Jantar Mantar

'Very, very distressing': SC judge on police crackdown at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan critically examined police conduct in India, raising serious concerns about alleged assaults on protesters, custodial torture, and the urgent need for comprehensive police reforms to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

CRPF forms 10-member 'core group' to tackle rising suicides

CRPF forms 10-member 'core group' to tackle rising suicides

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formed a 10-member 'core group' to prevent 'self-harm' incidents among its personnel, following a record 59 suicides in 2025, the highest in five years. The group, headed by the CRPF Director General, will meet monthly to review incidents and suggest preventive measures.

Shiprocket stock jumps 35% on market debut, valued at over Rs 9,900 crore

Shiprocket stock jumps 35% on market debut, valued at over Rs 9,900 crore

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

E-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket Ltd saw its shares list with a 35 per cent premium on its market debut, trading at Rs 129.50 on the BSE and Rs 131 on the NSE against an issue price of Rs 97, achieving a market valuation of Rs 9,901.60 crore.

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems mid-flight, causing an altitude upset and injuring 24 people. A preliminary investigation revealed the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance post-flight, leading to their termination, while the technical aspects of the incident are still under scrutiny.

Represented India in 3 nations, ex-envoy asked to prove citizenship

Represented India in 3 nations, ex-envoy asked to prove citizenship

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

When contacted, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra said Suri's name was never removed from the electoral roll as his name is part of the draft electoral roll published on August 13.

'Show some sportsmanship': SC gives ICG 2 weeks on female officer's case

'Show some sportsmanship': SC gives ICG 2 weeks on female officer's case

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for not granting permanent commission to a female officer, saying "we will not allow women officers to be humiliated".

'She Hasn't Kissed Me In 29 Years'

'She Hasn't Kissed Me In 29 Years'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

In his advice to a distressed husband rediffGURU Ravi Mittal, dating coach, CEO of online dating website Quack Quack and Rebounce, a matrimony platform, explains how to address long-standing issues in a marriage.

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'One important clarification is that the reported US action is not a blanket cancellation of all US tourist visas.'

India@80, America@250: Indian diaspora sets Guinness flag record in New York

India@80, America@250: Indian diaspora sets Guinness flag record in New York

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Celebrations marking India's 80th Independence Day in the New York tri-state area culminated in a world record, with more than 1,300 US flags surrounded by Indian tricolours arranged to form the number "250", in a tribute to America's semiquincentennial anniversary.

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay opened the sluices of the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur on Tuesday for irrigation in the Cauvery delta districts.

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.

Badminton Star Saina Nehwal Open to Future in Electoral Politics

Badminton Star Saina Nehwal Open to Future in Electoral Politics

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Badminton legend Saina Nehwal has expressed her openness to entering electoral politics in the future, stating her desire to contribute to India's development and continue serving the nation beyond her sporting career.

NSE gets regulatory nod for Rs 30,000 cr IPO, the biggest so far

NSE gets regulatory nod for Rs 30,000 cr IPO, the biggest so far

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) has received regulatory approval from SEBI for its long-awaited Rs 30,000-crore initial public offering (IPO), positioning it to potentially become the country's largest-ever public issue.

Jio Financial formalises general insurance foray with Allianz

Jio Financial formalises general insurance foray with Allianz

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Jio Financial Services and Munich-based Allianz Group have signed a binding agreement to establish a 50:50 joint venture for general and health insurance in India, building on an earlier reinsurance partnership.

'We are Gen Zs': Tourist's Ladakh video irks Army veterans

'We are Gen Zs': Tourist's Ladakh video irks Army veterans

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A viral video showing a woman tourist complaining to security personnel at a Ladakh checkpoint has ignited widespread criticism from military veterans. The woman's tirade, allegedly over vehicular movement restrictions, has been condemned as disrespectful to soldiers and ignorant of the region's security sensitivities.

When Ratan Tata Saved My Dog

When Ratan Tata Saved My Dog

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The Small Animal Hospital, which provides world-class treatment to pets and strays alike, continues Ratan Tata's legacy.

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

If an OTT series can make a young person curious about the armed forces, make a family understand the sacrifices made by those in uniform, or simply make someone walk up to a veteran and say, "Thank you for your service," then it has achieved something far more important than merely getting its history right, notes Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Every period of excessive optimism eventually gives way to a correction, while periods of extreme pessimism often create the best investment opportunities.'

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.

Planning To Invest In A House? Check Rental Yield

Planning To Invest In A House? Check Rental Yield

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Rental yield can indicate whether a property is undervalued, overvalued or fairly valued.

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'The ethanol blended with petrol programme should not be halted or reconsidered.' 'India is not experiencing a structural sugar shortage, and the ethanol blending roadmap does not compete with food security or drive domestic price increases.'

'If Inflation Persists, MPC May Review Policy Rates'

'If Inflation Persists, MPC May Review Policy Rates'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'A balance had to be struck between the economic cost of taking action at this point against the need not to fall behind the curve in controlling inflation and anchoring inflation expectations.'

Jharkhand exam protests mount as CID probe intensifies

Jharkhand exam protests mount as CID probe intensifies

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Successful candidates of recruitment examinations cancelled by the Jharkhand government staged a demonstration outside the state secretariat, demanding justice and the withdrawal of the cancellation decision, while the high court has stayed some of the government's notifications.

J'khand CID arrests ex-JPSC chairperson over exam irregularities

J'khand CID arrests ex-JPSC chairperson over exam irregularities

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairperson L Khiangte has been arrested by the state CID in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. His arrest follows the resignation of all three JPSC members amidst widespread protests over the exam irregularities. Khiangte, an ex-IAS officer, had resigned from his post in July.

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Traffic between Assam and Meghalaya was disrupted after Guwahati-based cab operators blocked National Highway-27, protesting alleged attacks on people from Assam during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) rally in Shillong, which saw 31 vehicles damaged and several pedestrians assaulted.

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Microsoft has announced the activation of its latest data centre in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its Cloud infrastructure in India and enabling organisations to leverage AI-era services with enhanced local choice and security.