News for 'Joint High Power Committee'

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has halted Haryana's jungle safari project in the Aravalli range until experts clarify the definition of 'Aravalli range,' citing concerns about environmental protection and potential damage to the eco-fragile area.

Asim Munir's Power Surge Splits Pakistan Military

Asim Munir's Power Surge Splits Pakistan Military

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Creating a powerful new chief of defence forces has split the Pakistan military into four competing factions, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Shajahanpur's mosques are covered up for 'Juta Maar Holi'

Shajahanpur's mosques are covered up for 'Juta Maar Holi'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Shahjahanpur is preparing for its unique 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession, a tradition where revellers hurl footwear at a man impersonating a British Lord. Security has been heightened, mosques covered, and preventive measures taken to ensure a peaceful celebration.

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

It also aims to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court, with some authorities shifted to the proposed Constitutional Court, and immunity to the president from criminal proceedings for life.

Day 3 of curfew in Leh: People running short of supplies

Day 3 of curfew in Leh: People running short of supplies

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

A home ministry team reviews the security situation in Leh as curfew continues for the third day following violence related to demands for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule.

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

If Xi Jinping can establish control over the PLA Ground Force, relations between India and China will settle down to an even keel. The next few weeks will show whether Xi has finally succeeded in gaining control over the PLA Ground Force. That could bring about the substantive shift in India-China relations that both our leaders have been working for, observes Ambassador Prabhat Shukla.

Pune land deal: HC asks if cops are protecting Parth Pawar

Pune land deal: HC asks if cops are protecting Parth Pawar

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

The Bombay High Court has questioned the police investigation into a land deal, asking why Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, has not been named in the FIR.

Ajit Pawar blames officials over land deal linked to son

Ajit Pawar blames officials over land deal linked to son

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday said officials responsible for registering documents should have refused to process agreements that were not permissible under the law and clearly informed the parties concerned about such limitations.

4 killed, 80 hurt in Ladakh statehood protests; Wangchuk calls off fast

4 killed, 80 hurt in Ladakh statehood protests; Wangchuk calls off fast

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his hunger strike as protests for Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule extension turned violent. The BJP office was set on fire, vehicles were torched, and clashes erupted, leading to the imposition of prohibitory orders.

Mumbai monorail breakdown: MMRDA suspends 2 officials; probe underway

Mumbai monorail breakdown: MMRDA suspends 2 officials; probe underway

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The MMRDA, which operates the monorail services in the metropolis, also initiated a high-level inquiry into the August 19 incident, officials said.

AITA power struggle erupts ahead of India's Davis Cup tie

AITA power struggle erupts ahead of India's Davis Cup tie

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

As the results of last year's AITA elections stay unannounced, the rival factions in the national tennis federation have picked separate team managers for the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Switzerland, leading to an ego tussle between the members.

'Israel Doesn't Want Pakistan To Have Nuclear Weapons'

'Israel Doesn't Want Pakistan To Have Nuclear Weapons'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'If the Trump administration could gain access to the nuclear weapons, they would be satisfied -- at least they could control them.'

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

China's second-ranked general, He Weidong, is under investigation for corruption, along with nine other senior military officers punished for discipline violations and work-related crimes. This crackdown comes ahead of a key Communist Party conclave.

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

'The question for the TMC is not whether it can hold its bastions, but whether it can expand effectively into regions where the BJP already possesses a good ecosystem.'

Ajit Pawar's son faces probe over Rs 300 cr Pune land deal

Ajit Pawar's son faces probe over Rs 300 cr Pune land deal

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Revenue Minister assures investigation into an alleged land deal involving a company linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, after receiving a formal complaint.

Ayodhya bans unauthorised drone use amid security concerns

Ayodhya bans unauthorised drone use amid security concerns

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Ayodhya district administration has imposed a complete ban on unauthorised drone operations across the district following an order by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath due to potential drone-related threats.

Amazing growth story of the Jindal group

Amazing growth story of the Jindal group

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

You have to grow, and grow fast - that's the DNA of the JSW group, chairman Sajjan Jindal said as JSW Cement made its debut on the stock market mid-August. The remark captured not just the moment but also the momentum of JSW's growth story.

In Tokyo, Modi pitches India's growth amid US tariff row

In Tokyo, Modi pitches India's growth amid US tariff row

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Showcasing India as an attractive investment destination, Modi said the country has political and economic stability as well as transparency and predictability in policy decisions.

My Mentor, Nobel Laureate Susumu Kitagawa

My Mentor, Nobel Laureate Susumu Kitagawa

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

'Professor Kitagawa is an exceptional researcher, a good teacher and above all a great person.'

Maha passes bill to curb urban Naxalism; won't misuse, assures CM

Maha passes bill to curb urban Naxalism; won't misuse, assures CM

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra legislative assembly passed the 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill' aimed at preventing unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organizations, focusing on urban Naxalism and passive militancy.

SC praises protesting farmer leader as he breaks fast

SC praises protesting farmer leader as he breaks fast

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was on an indefinite hunger strike in support of various demands, has broken his fast after the Punjab government intervened and dispersed protesting farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu borders. The Supreme Court lauded Dallewal's efforts and acknowledged the government's action, while also asking for a status report on the situation. Contempt proceedings against the Punjab chief secretary and Director General of Police for not complying with the court's order of providing medical aid to Dallewal were dropped.

'BJP Should Be Extremely Wary Of 130th Amendment'

'BJP Should Be Extremely Wary Of 130th Amendment'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'If the INDIA bloc ever forms the government, they will be more than tempted to use such provisions to bring about regime change in BJP-ruled states.'

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'Non-BJP state governments and their leaders, navigating today's political landscape, know well they have no clue what awaits around the corner.' 'The chances of charges pressed and oneself getting parked in custody play out on an uneven playing field,' points out Shyam G Menon.

What Led Dhankhar To QUIT

What Led Dhankhar To QUIT

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The BJP had no option but to get Jagdeep Dhankhar out of its way for the sake of the Modi government's stability, reveals Sheela Bhatt, the legendary political journalist.

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's sudden resignation after only a year in office has thrown Japan into political turmoil, raising doubts about how the country will handle economic and regional challenges, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

'Trump Won't Hesitate To Use Hard Power'

'Trump Won't Hesitate To Use Hard Power'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

'The touchstone is reciprocity which will be applied to friends and foes alike.' 'It will be a bitter pill to swallow.'

Farmer leader Dallewal ends 130-day hunger strike, says stir to continue

Farmer leader Dallewal ends 130-day hunger strike, says stir to continue

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has ended his hunger strike which he began on November 26, 2022, to press for various demands of agitating farmers including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The announcement came after appeals from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. Dallewal said he would continue to fight for the MSP guarantee and other demands.

Sonam Wangchuk ends fast; govt to talk on Ladakh demand on Dec 3

Sonam Wangchuk ends fast; govt to talk on Ladakh demand on Dec 3

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

The letter said the high-powered committee of the ministry, which was holding talks with representatives from Ladakh, will meet them next on December 3.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Only in the event of the RSS managing to force Modi into accepting a consensual candidate, will the party not continue to 'being' the 'next Congress', observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The announcement on expansion of CPEC was made following a meeting among Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing, according to a Pakistani readout.

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, India, has stopped taking deposits from patients at the emergency department after a pregnant woman died after being turned away for non-payment. The hospital faced intense criticism following the incident, which involved the wife of a BJP MLC's personal secretary. The woman was shifted to another hospital where she died after delivering twins.

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).

Asiad champ Bahadur Sagoo is AFI president

Asiad champ Bahadur Sagoo is AFI president

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Sagoo was the lone candidate left in fray after incumbent senior vice president Anju Bobby George opted out of the race for the position.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

EPS has had its way on most things, alliance-wise. A week earlier, he reiterated that he would not re-admit OPS and Sasikala Natarajan back in the party. It was a message not just to detractors in the AIADMK. It was even more so for the BJP leadership in Delhi. Even more important for the AIADMK was their demand for accepting EPS as the chief ministerial candidate of any alliance that the party would form, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, asked both sides to address whether the court should entertain the petitions or relegate them to the high court. The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the petitioners. The act, which was passed by Parliament following heated debates, has been challenged by various parties including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

There is a proposal from the BJP camp that they would resort to a proportion-based increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats for individual states, based on what they now have. On the face of it, this sounds like a fine argument that those demanding a 'freeze' now cannot oppose without reasons and justification, avers N Sathiya Moorthy.