News for 'House of Commons'

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 The Trump administration has rescinded the Biden administration's guidelines that protected places of worship from immigration enforcement actions, leading to concerns that gurdwaras are being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.

Trump, Putin agree to initiate negotiations to end Ukraine war

Trump, Putin agree to initiate negotiations to end Ukraine war

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Trump said that he and Putin agreed to have their respective teams start negotiations immediately and begin by calling Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the conversation.

The Silent Crisis of Student Suicides

The Silent Crisis of Student Suicides

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

What is pushing students to take this extreme step?

Thandel Review: Patriotic Love Story

Thandel Review: Patriotic Love Story

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi's competent performances barely elevate this romantic drama, which prefers patriotic thrills, observes Arjun Menon.

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Canada's Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya has announced that he is running to be the next prime minister, hours before his Liberal Party announced that their next leader will be chosen on March 9.

Delhi crime branch to probe Parl scuffle case against Rahul Gandhi

Delhi crime branch to probe Parl scuffle case against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The Delhi Police's Crime Branch will investigate the case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with a scuffle on the Parliament premises that left two BJP MPs injured. An FIR was registered against Gandhi after a BJP complaint accused him of physical assault and incitement. Police will also investigate a separate complaint filed by the Congress, accusing BJP MPs of misbehaving with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has banned demonstrations by MPs and political parties at any of the Parliament gates following the incident.

If celebs are not safe then who is?: Oppn slams Maha govt on Saif attack

If celebs are not safe then who is?: Oppn slams Maha govt on Saif attack

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

'The attack on Saif Ali Khan yet again raises questions on Mumbai Police & the Home Minister'

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh last month, many influencers, models and actors have had their brief moment in the sun of virality: model-turned-sadhvi Harsha Richaria, garland seller Mona Lisa, 'IIT baba' Abhay Singh and actor Mamata Kulkarni to name a few.

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Budget announcement of zero tax for earnings upto Rs 12 lakh per annum and the rejig of tax slabs across the board should prompt more than 90 per cent of individual taxpayers to embrace the new tax regime as compared to the about 75 per cent as of now, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said. Agrawal also highlighted the government's focus on "non-intrusive" tax administration through enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simplified tax processes for common taxpayers. He emphasized the benefits of the new tax regime (NTR), which offers simple calculations and allows taxpayers to file their ITR without professional help. The CBDT chief stated that the Budget provisions related to income tax payment benefit all income earners, not just those earning Rs 12 lakh per annum, creating a positive sentiment in the economy and propelling growth. The department is also harnessing technology, including AI and data analytics, to widen and deepen the tax base, resulting in increased compliance and tax revenue. Agrawal further highlighted the positive impact of data availability and simplified tax processes on compliance rates, citing examples of taxpayers filing revised returns and paying taxes after being prompted by the department's data analysis.

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Many unauthorised migrants originate from Punjab and Gujarat, states known for high migration aspirations rather than political instability.

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The TMC-led West Bengal government has already started laying the groundwork for the election, setting the tone with the recent Bengal Global Business Summit and the state Budget.

Trudeau in trouble as ally vows to 'bring him down'

Trudeau in trouble as ally vows to 'bring him down'

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The future of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership appears increasingly uncertain after New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, a key ally, said he would introduce a motion to topple the minority Liberal government. Singh's announcement comes after a series of political setbacks for Trudeau, including the resignation of his deputy prime minister and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, and calls for his resignation from within his own party. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has also called for an early election. Trudeau has not responded publicly to these calls and has reportedly told members of the party that he will take the holidays to reflect and decide what to do.

Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar take oath again as MVA protests

Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar take oath again as MVA protests

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Two days after being sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as an MLA along with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi boycotted the ceremony alleging EVM misuse.

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took a major step to implement its key plank of "one nation, one election" as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, sources said.

'Certain Relationships Are Too Difficult To Explain'

'Certain Relationships Are Too Difficult To Explain'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

'Two males in the same house, one who is trying to become a man, and the other one is losing his manhood, when they cross paths, it can be a tricky situation.'

What Sudha And Akshata Murty Don't Want...

What Sudha And Akshata Murty Don't Want...

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Sudha and Akshata Murthy's candid confessions about each other.

What's driving huge turnout of youths, students at Maha Kumbh

What's driving huge turnout of youths, students at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj will feature a "Yuva Maha Kumbh", a gathering of youth and students celebrating Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary and his vision for India. The event, organized by the Vivekananda Kendra, will include workshops and discussions on Swami Vivekananda's teachings and their relevance to modern India. The gathering will take place from January 20th, coinciding with the Maha Kumbh, and is expected to draw a large number of young people.

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Leaders from around the world extended their greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and expressing hope for a stronger future. The Indian diaspora across the globe celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm at Indian missions abroad, where the national tri-colour was unfurled, accompanied by cultural performances and patriotic fervour. The celebrations highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its global partners.

Kumbh: 'Everybody's Becoming A VIP'

Kumbh: 'Everybody's Becoming A VIP'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'If hundreds of VIPs are allowed to roam with passes and roads blocked for their movement, then that will cause trouble for the public and disrupt the Mela.'

LS revokes Afzal Ansari's disqualification, but can't attend House

LS revokes Afzal Ansari's disqualification, but can't attend House

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

The Lok Sabha Secretariat on Thursday revoked the disqualification of Bahujan Samaj Party leader Afzal Ansari as a member of the Lower House after the Supreme Court conditionally suspended his conviction in a Gangsters Act case.

Ratan Tata's pet dog 'Goa' refuses to leave his side

Ratan Tata's pet dog 'Goa' refuses to leave his side

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Wagging its tail non-stop, the dog with a red collar refused to leave Tata's side, literally clinging to the spot next to the casket.

Fadnavis returns as Maha CM, with Shinde, Ajit as deputies

Fadnavis returns as Maha CM, with Shinde, Ajit as deputies

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn-in as new chief minister of Maharashtra while allies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy CMs at a grand ceremony in Mumbai on Thursday evening.

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday accused Home Minister Amit Shah of harboring "hatred" towards B.R. Ambedkar, demanding an apology from him for his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. Congress leaders pointed out that Shah's comments, which criticized the frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name by the opposition, demonstrate a deep-seated animosity towards the architect of India's Constitution. The allegations sparked outrage among Congress members, who accused the BJP and RSS of having a history of disdain for Ambedkar. The incident has fueled political tensions, with the Congress vowing to hold Shah accountable for his remarks.

Hindus blamed for wrong policies of 'royal family': Modi slams Cong in RS

Hindus blamed for wrong policies of 'royal family': Modi slams Cong in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress of practicing appeasement politics, saying the party's priority was "family first." He asserted that the BJP-led government operates on the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (development for all) and prioritizes "nation first." Modi further criticized the Congress's approach to reservations, claiming it was aimed at creating divisions within the country. He highlighted the BJP's initiatives to empower marginalized communities, including the constitutional status to the OBC commission and the introduction of 10% reservation for economically backward groups.

Uzbekistan: Land Of Arabian Nights

Uzbekistan: Land Of Arabian Nights

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Uzbekistan lives comfortably in several centuries but is also a forward-looking nation, Deepa Gahlot discovers on a visit to this Central Asian country.

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

'Trump has no more elections to fight and his soaring ambition, which is no secret, will be to carve out a presidential legacy that outshines by far all his mediocre predecessors.' 'Trump's turnaround on the H-1B visa debate shows that he can take tough decisions and there are no holy cows in his domain,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were among the top leaders who paid homage to former prime minister Manmohan Singh at his home in New Delhi on Friday.

'A Great Soul Of India'

'A Great Soul Of India'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

He won two terms in office, which was a stunning feat for a leader who used his silence as the most vocal weapon to change the economy and the lives of a billion people, asserts Tarun Vijay, former BJP MP and former Chief Editor, Panchjanya, the RSS weekly.

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

After being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Trump started his inaugural address with a sentence that echoed Modi's coinage some years ago, notes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'A rigid or overly broad interpretation could lead to a chilling effect on investments and growth in sectors traditionally driven by private initiative.' 'Entrepreneurs may fear that their assets could be arbitrarily appropriated by the State under the guise of serving the 'common good' without sufficient legal safeguards.' 'The judgment thus supports a more nuanced view, one that balances individual property rights with public welfare objectives.'

Shoot order for man-eater leopard in Udaipur after killing 7 people

Shoot order for man-eater leopard in Udaipur after killing 7 people

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

Locals say leopards never attacked humans before, but the pattern seems to have broken with repeated skirmishes.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president and a champion of peace and human rights, has died at the age of 100. Carter, who was known for his work with the Carter Center, promoting democracy and conflict resolution, was also a close friend of India. He visited the country in 1978, forging a lasting relationship between the two nations.

STUNNING Travel Photographs

STUNNING Travel Photographs

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Wondeful shots of African women and giraffes roaming Kenyan grasslands were judged the most outstanding photographs of the year.

Modi labels JMM-Cong alliance as 'Gushpaithiya Bandhan'

Modi labels JMM-Cong alliance as 'Gushpaithiya Bandhan'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Modi accused the JMM, Congress and RJD of using Bangladeshi infiltrators for "vote bank politics," facilitating their settlement in Jharkhand, which is a threat to the state's social structure.

Manmohan Singh's last rites to be performed with full State honours

Manmohan Singh's last rites to be performed with full State honours

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday. He will be given a state funeral with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday. Singh served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was known for his role in India's economic reforms. Leaders from across the political spectrum paid their respects to the departed leader, highlighting his contributions to the nation.

'Unmarried Couple Harassed by Neighbour. Pls Help'

'Unmarried Couple Harassed by Neighbour. Pls Help'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

rediffGURU Dr Ashish Sehgal counsels individuals on how to resolve conflicts and prioritise mental wellbeing.

Some people trying to disturb peace by spreading venom of caste politics: Modi

Some people trying to disturb peace by spreading venom of caste politics: Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Inaugurating the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, the Prime Minister exuded confidence that villages will play a key role in pushing forward the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

'Fillip For Protection Of Personal Property Rights'

'Fillip For Protection Of Personal Property Rights'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

'The ruling does not automatically mean that your house can be taken away, but suppose it blocks an expressway or a highway or such essential development, then it can be taken away as long as there is a law to support that action.'

Modi handshake leaflet figures in racism debate in House of Commons

Modi handshake leaflet figures in racism debate in House of Commons

Rediff.com15 Jul 2021

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Opposition Leader Keir Starmer clashed in the House of Commons over a controversial by-election leaflet, which had been branded "divisive" and "anti-India" by Indian diaspora groups in Britain.

'Hope Manipur Finds Peace Soon'

'Hope Manipur Finds Peace Soon'

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

'My one recommendation would be to first quell the violence and then encourage dialogue and build the trust among the different communities.' 'This is not easy but necessary, for violence cannot be the way forward.'