News for 'II'

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's Tariff Threat Affect India?

How Will Trump's Tariff Threat Affect India?

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Unless something changes, Mr Trump is a huge threat right now, which is perhaps not being recognised fully, cautions Debashis Basu.

F35s: Musk Tweets Dissed US Fighter

F35s: Musk Tweets Dissed US Fighter

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Two Elon Musk from November 2024 surfaced online over the weekend in which he can be seen criticising the US' F-35 fighter aircraft which President Donald J Trump offered to sell India during Prime Minister Narendra D Modi's visit to the White House on Thursday.

Modi Meets 1st Hindu Head Of US Intelligence

Modi Meets 1st Hindu Head Of US Intelligence

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Modi is the fourth foreign leader hosted by Trump in the weeks after his inauguration last month.

History In Minutes: When Europe Invaded Russia

History In Minutes: When Europe Invaded Russia

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Syed Firdaus Ashraf marches through time to trace the bitter history between Russia and its West European neighbours.

Queen Elizabeth II dies: What happens next?

Queen Elizabeth II dies: What happens next?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

The death of the Queen is known in official circles in the United Kingdom as Operation London Bridge, the protocol for which has been triggered when Buckingham Palace announced the death of the 96-year-old monarch on Thursday evening.

3 Cheers For These Navy Lady Officers!

3 Cheers For These Navy Lady Officers!

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A have successfully crossed the most dangerous passage in their historic 8-month sailing expedition around the globe.

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has laid down guidelines for courts when ordering DNA tests to ascertain paternity. The court emphasized the need to balance the interests of all parties involved, including the child, parents, and other stakeholders. It also recognized the potential for infringement of privacy and the social stigma associated with illegitimate children. The court stressed that DNA tests should only be ordered when existing evidence is insufficient and when such tests are in the best interests of all parties involved.

When Pele had bewitched Queen Elizabeth II

When Pele had bewitched Queen Elizabeth II

Rediff.com31 Dec 2022

Years later, in 1997, the queen honoured Pele with an honorary knighthood of the British Empire. He remembered the moment in an Instagram post in 2017 when he thanked "all the British people for their affection".

Auschwitz, Where 6,000 Were Murdered Daily

Auschwitz, Where 6,000 Were Murdered Daily

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

When the Soviet army reached Auschwitz 80 years ago, on January 27, 1945, it found only about 7,000 inmates. What they saw was beyond words -- living skeletons, lice-infested human forms with just skin and bones, barely able to stand, greeted them.

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.

Cash row: Probe in crucial second stage, findings to decide judge's fate

Cash row: Probe in crucial second stage, findings to decide judge's fate

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

A three-member panel led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has been formed to probe the discovery of "four to five semi-burnt sacks" of Indian currency notes found after a fire at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The incident, which occurred on March 14, has triggered an in-house inquiry, with the findings determining the judge's fate. The panel, consisting of Chief Justices Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana), G S Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh), and Karnataka High Court judge Anu Sivaraman, will conduct a "deeper probe" into the allegations. Justice Varma has denied any knowledge of the cash being stored in the storeroom. The inquiry follows the Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya's report that recommended a deeper investigation. The top court's 2014 guidelines for in-house procedures for probing allegations against judges will be followed during the inquiry. The panel's findings could lead to either the removal of the judge, if the misconduct is deemed serious, or a reprimand. The inquiry will also determine if the fire was indeed a short-circuit as initially reported.

Does India need expensive F-35s from US, asks Cong

Does India need expensive F-35s from US, asks Cong

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala has raised concerns about the Indian government's decision to potentially acquire F-35 fighter jets from the US, questioning whether the decision was made in the national interest and if security experts were consulted. He highlighted the high cost of the F-35, its operational flaws, and the potential impact on the Indian Air Force's existing fleet and maintenance infrastructure. Surjewala's comments come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a 10-year defense partnership between India and the US, including potential F-35 sales.

'If There Was A Stock Market For Love, This Was The Bull Run'

'If There Was A Stock Market For Love, This Was The Bull Run'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

'We saw 581 chocolate orders per minute and 324 rose orders per minute.'

'Nazdik Dushman -- Fire!'

'Nazdik Dushman -- Fire!'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

All hell broke loose. He knew the enemy was close. Then he heard the deep-throated and comforting thudding as his LMG across the stream went into action. Nanavatty was relieved that his men were in the fight with spirit.

From Tesla to Mercedes, luxury carmakers head South

From Tesla to Mercedes, luxury carmakers head South

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

In 2024 alone, South India saw the highest rise in sales in the luxury segment, with Tamil Nadu reportedly registering a 19.3 per cent increase in premium car registrations from 2022-23

Sajjan Kumar convicted in another 1984 riots case, faces death

Sajjan Kumar convicted in another 1984 riots case, faces death

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar now faces a maximum of death penalty and a minimum of life term in prison after being convicted on Wednesday by a Delhi court in a murder case stemming from 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Queen Elizabeth II admired richness, diversity of India

Queen Elizabeth II admired richness, diversity of India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 on Thursday, was the first British monarch to accede to the throne after India's Independence from colonial rule in 1952 and admired the 'richness and diversity' of India where she made three State Visits over the course of her reign -- in 1961, 1983 and 1997.

Spend Your Weekend With Urvashi Rautela!

Spend Your Weekend With Urvashi Rautela!

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

From old favourites to brand new attractions, Sukanya Verma lists all the excitement OTT has laid out in its action-packed menu this week.

Rest In Peace, Voice Of America

Rest In Peace, Voice Of America

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

What despots and dictators, jammers and competitors, had not managed to do in 83 years -- what the Soviet Union had failed to counter during the Cold War; what China had failed to crush during the Tiananmen Square uprising -- a US President had succeeded with his own hand, notes Krishna Prasad.

When 800 Indian Soldiers Escaped

When 800 Indian Soldiers Escaped

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

Indians mounted daring escapes during World War II too. But they are forgotten.

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'While I would never wish for anyone to go through what we are, it has brought out the best in us by making each one of us a better version of ourselves.' 'Being courageous, fighting for freedom, taking the burden of responsibility to help each other...' 'I know hundreds and hundreds of examples where Ukrainians are risking their lives for complete strangers and it is only in moments like this that we truly understand what it means to be human.'

Private hospitals to boost cancer care, beds count

Private hospitals to boost cancer care, beds count

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

'Cancer incidence is projected to increase by 12.8 per cent by 2025 compared with 2020, necessitating more dedicated cancer treatment centres and specialised beds.'

Fire at substation leads to major power outage in Chennai

Fire at substation leads to major power outage in Chennai

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Several parts of Chennai reeled under a sudden power outage due to a fire incident which caused sequential faults on both feeders at the Manali substation in Chennai.

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Will Renuka Shahane Enter Politics?

Will Renuka Shahane Enter Politics?

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'On the governmental level, we are saying all the right things, like beti bachao, beti padhao. Yet, a High Court judge in Prayagraj, who is highly educated, has studied the Constitution and its laws, says breaking the naada of a pyjama or touching the breasts of a minor girl is not part of the reform process. Just giving lip service is not enough, the general mindset has to change.'

SC rules states can tax mines, royalty on minerals not tax

SC rules states can tax mines, royalty on minerals not tax

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

In a setback to the Centre, the Supreme Court on Thursday held that states have the legislative competence to impose taxes on mines and minerals-bearing lands under the Constitution.

'Determination Not To Bend Before Aurangzeb'

'Determination Not To Bend Before Aurangzeb'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'...despite all his horses, elephants, tanks and swords.' 'A determination to hold fast to Sambhaji Maharaj's father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's thoughts, ideals, and principles.'

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

J-K: Terrorists fire at Army convoy, 1 killed in gunfight

J-K: Terrorists fire at Army convoy, 1 killed in gunfight

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

One terrorist was killed on Monday as special forces were mobilised to neutralise a group of recently infiltrated ultras who attacked an army convoy in a village in the Akhnoor sector near Jammu, officials said.

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'We wouldn't have had to face all this had our national leaders taken care to select a place for Sindhis and sent us there, instead of sending us all over to settle in places where the locals didn't want us.' 'They could have partitioned Sindh and given us a Sindhi state from its two Hindu-majority districts.' 'Wasn't that the logic of Partition?'

Gene Hackman's 10 Must Watch Films On OTT

Gene Hackman's 10 Must Watch Films On OTT

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Gene Hackman had a long and rich career, playing leading and supporting roles in many Hollywood films.

Oscars 2025: Anora Bags Five, Including Best Picture

Oscars 2025: Anora Bags Five, Including Best Picture

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The 97th Annual Academy Awards are live at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Here's a quick look at the winners.

Murthy, Subrahmanyan Aren't Wrong About Long Hours

Murthy, Subrahmanyan Aren't Wrong About Long Hours

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Leaders who built and manage these incredible global companies cannot be tyrants, slave-drivers, or idiots. Essentially what they are saying falls under the definition of rallying the troops, inspirational talk, like the usual coach-speak with the team before a match, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

'China To Gain Most From Trade Wars'

'China To Gain Most From Trade Wars'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'If you compare the data from 2017 and 2023 of the US imports from the world and China, you will see that the US was a complete loser in the trade war, and China was a complete gainer.'

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'...still have lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but could have won 140 seats.'

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, dies aged 96

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, dies aged 96

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace announced in a statement on Thursday.

'In India, Women Have The Right To Demand Justice'

'In India, Women Have The Right To Demand Justice'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'That is why an emotional appeal to the President.' 'There needs to be a strict law. The accused should be punished immediately.' 'All cases should be heard in fast-track courts.' 'In rural areas, women's cases are not even registered. There, political pressure stops them.' 'And if cases are not registered under political pressure, then their voices are completely silenced.'

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The meltdown in Dalal Street that wiped out investor wealth to the tune of 44 trillion in 2025 also seems to be having a ripple effect on the country's vibrant automobile retail sales.

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Local officials said no casualties have been reported due to Wednesday's quake that hit the Madoi County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province of northwest China at 3:44 pm (Beijing time), tremors for which were also felt in north-eastern Nepal.