News for 'Lower House'

Affordable housing may lose more ground as costs rise

Affordable housing may lose more ground as costs rise

Rediff.com20 hours ago

The ongoing West Asia conflict is expected to severely impact the supply of affordable housing in India, as rising input costs further erode already thin developer margins. Fluctuations in crude oil and gas prices, coupled with higher freight costs, are driving up prices of essential construction materials like cement and steel, making new projects increasingly unviable for developers.

Big blow on women's quota bill: Can NDA bounce back?

Big blow on women's quota bill: Can NDA bounce back?

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

NDA floor leaders held a meeting after the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated.

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Rediff.com1 days ago

Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress MP K C Venugopal has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging breach of privilege during a recent address to the nation.

Why Did Thane Teenager End Her Life After Exam Results?

Why Did Thane Teenager End Her Life After Exam Results?

Rediff.com1 days ago

A 17-year-old girl in Thane district committed suicide after being upset over her class 12 Maharashtra board examination results.

Realty developers roll out flexible payment plans amid slow sales

Realty developers roll out flexible payment plans amid slow sales

Rediff.com1 days ago

Real estate developers are increasingly offering flexible payment plans, such as low booking amounts and deferred payments, to stimulate housing sales and manage affordability concerns without resorting to price cuts, as sales volumes declined by 14 per cent in 2025.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

Afghan Shelling Injures Civilians In Pakistan Border Region

Afghan Shelling Injures Civilians In Pakistan Border Region

Rediff.com5 days ago

Eight civilians, including women and children, were injured in cross-border shelling allegedly carried out by Afghan Taliban forces at a residential border area in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, police said on Thursday.

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Congress party in Haryana boycotted a special session of the state assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of using the platform for political propaganda related to a defeated Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The BJP criticised the Congress's move as anti-women.

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to Lok Sabha members to vote for the women's reservation bill, emphasising the need to empower women and rectify decades of political inaction.

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Election Commission will examine a complaint filed by opposition parties alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation violated the Model Code of Conduct for elections.

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticises the Congress and its allies for the defeat of the Constitution amendment bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent women's quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls.

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Old vs New Tax Regime: Higher Allowances, HRA Changes Warrant Review

Rediff.com5 days ago

Recent changes to tax exemptions and allowances, including increased education, hostel, and HRA limits, have made the old tax regime more competitive against the new regime, prompting salaried employees to re-evaluate their choice for the current financial year.

Bengaluru Woman Dies in House Fire; Family Escapes

Bengaluru Woman Dies in House Fire; Family Escapes

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A 55-year-old woman died in a house fire in Bengaluru, while her husband, son, and mother-in-law escaped. The fire broke out in their Rajajinagar residence, and the cause is under investigation.

Govt bulldozing delimitation in name of women's quota: Cong in LS

Govt bulldozing delimitation in name of women's quota: Cong in LS

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of using women's reservation as a pretext to push through delimitation, arguing that the women's quota law should be implemented immediately based on the current Lok Sabha strength.

Skip budget debate, face action, Maha Speaker warns bureaucrats

Skip budget debate, face action, Maha Speaker warns bureaucrats

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar warned senior bureaucrats against skipping important discussions in the House, especially debates on the state budget, emphasising the importance of their presence for providing administrative inputs to ministers.

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant increase in Lok Sabha seats for the five southern states following delimitation, countering misinformation and clarifying the timeline for women's reservation implementation.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 rebound as US-Iran negotiations progress, easing oil price fears

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 rebound as US-Iran negotiations progress, easing oil price fears

Rediff.com26 minutes ago

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw a significant rebound in early trade, driven by a decline in crude oil prices. This drop followed US President Donald Trump's announcement of progress in negotiations with Iran towards an agreement to end the war, leading to a temporary pause in 'Project Freedom' to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has claimed victory for the state after the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha. Stalin criticised the Centre's handling of the Women's Reservation Bill and delimitation process, accusing the BJP of prioritising political gain over fairness and consultation.

From field to politics: How sportspersons fare in Indian politics

From field to politics: How sportspersons fare in Indian politics

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A look at the careers of Indian sportspersons who have transitioned into politics, highlighting their successes, failures, and party affiliations.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

When The Builder Does Not Deliver Your Flat...

When The Builder Does Not Deliver Your Flat...

Rediff.com5 days ago

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission dismissed a flat buyer's plea for a refund from a builder facing liquidation, highlighting the challenges faced by consumers in stalled real estate projects.

Brands chase flyers as new airports open a runway to revenue for retail

Brands chase flyers as new airports open a runway to revenue for retail

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Indian airports are rapidly becoming a significant growth avenue for the country's retail sector, with brands across various consumer segments actively opening stores to tap into the increasing number of flyers and strong domestic tourism momentum.

Rishikesh Camp Operator Arrested After Tourist Assault

Rishikesh Camp Operator Arrested After Tourist Assault

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

A camp operator and three associates have been booked for allegedly assaulting a group of tourists from Delhi at a camp in Shivpuri, near Rishikesh, after a noise complaint.

Reliance Cap, Yes Bank Debt Prompt EPFO Investment Rethink

Reliance Cap, Yes Bank Debt Prompt EPFO Investment Rethink

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Rising stressed debt and past exposures like Reliance Capital, Yes Bank push EPFO to frame exit rules for its portfolio.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.

Silver surges Rs 11,800, gold jumps Rs 3,000 ahead of Akshaya Tritiya

Silver surges Rs 11,800, gold jumps Rs 3,000 ahead of Akshaya Tritiya

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Silver prices surged by Rs 11,800 to Rs 2.57 lakh per kg and gold advanced by Rs 3,000 to Rs 1.58 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital, driven by fresh buying from jewellers and stockists ahead of Akshaya Tritiya.

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's electoral chessboard, governments are rarely made in the hills of North Bengal or the forested region of Jangalmahal. Power is usually decided in the crowded plains of South Bengal, where elections are won less by momentum and more by mathematics.

Most spoken word in Lok Sabha after Nehru is 'No': Oppn MPs

Most spoken word in Lok Sabha after Nehru is 'No': Oppn MPs

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs are criticising Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging bias and suppression of their voices in parliamentary proceedings, raising concerns about democratic rights and impartiality.

'Speaker Om Birla had genuine concerns regarding Modi's safety'

'Speaker Om Birla had genuine concerns regarding Modi's safety'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Lok Sabha Secretariat defends Speaker Om Birla's concerns regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's safety amidst opposition protests and disruptions in the House.

'Insult to House': Uproar in RS over absence of Cabinet ministers

'Insult to House': Uproar in RS over absence of Cabinet ministers

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Chairman C P Radhakrishnan said he will take it up with the government and asked a junior minister to request the presence of a Cabinet minister in the House.

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The popularity of US President Donald Trump is waning with approval ratings at its lowest, according to former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev, who notes that with two-thirds of Americans not approving of a continuation of the war on Iran, Trump faces the risk of being impeached.

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'You cannot run Parliament with 800 MPs as nobody will get time (to speak in Parliament). And Parliament sits for barely 60 days in a year.' 'Look at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. They have 650 MPs and they sit for 150 days on an average in a year.'

MF launches taper off in March in the midst of West Asia flare-up

MF launches taper off in March in the midst of West Asia flare-up

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Uncertainty stemming from the US-Iran conflict has significantly impacted India's mutual fund industry, leading to a sharp decline in new fund offers (NFOs) in March, despite numerous regulatory approvals. This geopolitical tension, coupled with existing market strain and distributor hesitation, has dampened investor sentiment and affected overall inflows.

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarifies the separation of powers between the legislature and executive branches following a directive to suspend a Satara Superintendent of Police. He emphasised that while the executive is accountable to the legislature, the legislature cannot assume the executive's role.

Lok Sabha to take up Opposition notice for removal of Speaker

Lok Sabha to take up Opposition notice for removal of Speaker

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Opposition members in Lok Sabha have submitted a notice to move a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, citing concerns over impartiality and the disallowing of opposition voices.

Nationwide terror module busted; toy car IED plot foiled

Nationwide terror module busted; toy car IED plot foiled

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have arrested four men from Maharashtra, Odisha, and Bihar for allegedly planning terror activities and attempting to recruit others online. An IED and related materials were seized during the operation.

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'It was diminishing even before Trump came to power.' 'The US was at the centre of the global economy. That position is going to become less and less important and less central.'