News for 'National Committee'

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

As the Centre announced the inclusion of caste enumeration in the next census on Wednesday, opposition parties said it is a victory for their long-standing demand and sought time-bound implementation.

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka, where he will hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and strengthen ties through agreements on defence, energy security, and digitalisation. This visit aims to further bolster the already strong relationship between the two nations and is expected to include several outcomes, including a defence cooperation agreement, debt restructuring, and a currency swap. This visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, where India played a significant role in providing financial assistance.

'India Is Critical To US National Security'

'India Is Critical To US National Security'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

'Now it's for India to also make certain decisions. The sky's the limit. You've got to be strategic.'

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The meeting also included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The attack, which killed at least 26 people, including tourists from the UAE and Nepal, has sparked nationwide shock and outrage.

Why Nitish Supports '1 Nation, 1 Poll'

Why Nitish Supports '1 Nation, 1 Poll'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Nitish Kumar wants to assure the BJP leadership that he will continue to be a part of the NDA. But he also wants to secure a larger number of seats for his party in the 2025 assembly elections in Bihar.

SC to hear Pegasus spyware probe pleas on April 29

SC to hear Pegasus spyware probe pleas on April 29

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will hear a batch of pleas seeking a probe into the alleged unauthorised use of Pegasus spyware for the surveillance of journalists and others next week. The court had previously ordered a technical panel to investigate the matter but received no reports. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for some petitioners, urged the court to pass directions as the reports were not shared. The court has now listed the matter for hearing on April 29.

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India is confident of securing the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, despite Canada and Nigeria expressing interest in bidding for the event.

From Olympic gold to IOC throne: Kirsty Coventry's historic rise

From Olympic gold to IOC throne: Kirsty Coventry's historic rise

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Kirsty Coventry's journey from the Olympic podium to the highest office in sport has been marked by excellence, resilience, and reform.

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Caste census politics took centre stage on Thursday with the Congress terming the government's decision as a 'diversionary tactic' and a move for headlines management and the Bharatiya Janata Party saying it has exposed the difference between the Centre's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the opposition party.

Vote! Who Will Be India's Test Captain?

Vote! Who Will Be India's Test Captain?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

As India prepares for its upcoming five Test series against England, the selection committee faces a crucial decision regarding the team's leadership. Who should be the next India captain in red ball cricket?

Govt likely to bring 3 bills to implement 'one nation, one election' plan

Govt likely to bring 3 bills to implement 'one nation, one election' plan

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The proposed first constitutional amendment bill would deal with making provisions for holding Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections together.

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'They want to keep the pot boiling all the time.' 'The BJP wants to set a political narrative that the Gandhis are doing wrong things.'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

PIX: Italy 2026 Winter Games, Paralympics torches unveiled

PIX: Italy 2026 Winter Games, Paralympics torches unveiled

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The torches that will carry the Olympic flame for the 2026 Winter Games and Paralympics were unveiled on Monday in Milan and at a parallel event in the Italian pavilion at Expo 2025 in the Japanese city of Osaka.

What new IOC chief Coventry said on India's 2036 Olympics bid

What new IOC chief Coventry said on India's 2036 Olympics bid

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Newly-elected International Olympic Committee president Kristy Coventry was expectedly guarded on India's bid to stage the 2036 Olympic Games.

China is top military, cyber threat, says US intelligence

China is top military, cyber threat, says US intelligence

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

US intelligence agencies have identified China as the primary military and cyber threat to the US, noting that it continues to enhance its capabilities to potentially take control of Taiwan, according to a report by Taipei Times.

We're secular, asserts BJD amid row over supporting Waqf Bill

We're secular, asserts BJD amid row over supporting Waqf Bill

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Amid a row over change in stand over voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday asserted it is a secular regional outfit and maintains equal distance from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and the opposition Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance bloc led by the Congress.

BFI to take IOA to court over 'illegal' ad hoc panel

BFI to take IOA to court over 'illegal' ad hoc panel

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

'The IOA has no jurisdiction over the conduct of elections for NSFs, yet this order has been issued in a manner that clearly questions its intent.'

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

'Rain not Sole Cause of Delhi Airport Canopy Collapse'

'Rain not Sole Cause of Delhi Airport Canopy Collapse'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates India's largest airport, dismissed the expert committee report as "inaccurate", claiming it relied on "probabilities, hypothesis, and conjectures" rather than empirical data or complete documentation.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Gold nears Rs 1 lakh-mark on weak dollar

Gold nears Rs 1 lakh-mark on weak dollar

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Gold prices inched closer to the psychological mark of Rs 1 lakh per 10 grams as the bullion rates surged Rs 1,650 in the national capital on Monday on weak dollar and uncertainties over US-China trade war driving demand. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity reached Rs 99,800 per 10 grams on Monday. Its value had declined Rs 20 to close at Rs 98,150 on Friday.

Parliamentary panel's solution to discourage 'award wapsi'

Parliamentary panel's solution to discourage 'award wapsi'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

A parliamentary committee has suggested 'consent of the recipient' was a must in case a National Akademi decided to confer an award to prevent the honour's return by the individual for political reasons as it was 'disgraceful' to the country.

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Kash Patel, former Trump aide and vocal critic of investigations into the former president, testified at his Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director.

Congress must be party of hope, not resentment: Tharoor

Congress must be party of hope, not resentment: Tharoor

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday urged the party to be a party of hope, not resentment, a party of the future not just of the past, and a party with a positive narrative and not just criticism. He also slammed the BJP for trying to divide North from South, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and national harmony. Tharoor highlighted the importance of economic growth and equitable distribution of its benefits, calling for the Congress to remain the voice of the voiceless.

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has reiterated the state government's willingness to engage in unconditional peace talks with Naxalites, following a statement by the Maoist group outlining preconditions for a ceasefire. Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, stated that the government has already made its stance on unconditional talks clear and has implemented a surrender and rehabilitation policy for Naxal cadres. He criticized the Maoists' demands as unreasonable and emphasized the importance of ending violence and joining the national mainstream. Sharma also called on the Naxalites to send a representative if they are serious about peace talks, but ruled out the formation of a separate committee for negotiations. The Maoist statement, released in Telugu, highlighted the group's concerns regarding intensified counter-insurgency operations and alleged human rights violations. They appealed for a positive atmosphere for peace talks, calling for a halt to anti-Naxal operations and the establishment of new security camps.

'When Your Tapasya Is Successful, You Feel Very Good'

'When Your Tapasya Is Successful, You Feel Very Good'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

It was a beautiful Monday for many film folk, as they were conferred with Padma Awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu.

SC scraps IBC buyout of Bhushan Power & Steel by JSW Steel

SC scraps IBC buyout of Bhushan Power & Steel by JSW Steel

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday declared JSW Steel Limited's resolution plan for Bhushan Power & Steel Limited (BPSL) "illegal" and ordered the latter's liquidation, four years after the company was acquired by JSW Steel under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Following the ruling, JSW Steel shares fell sharply.

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

India's 2036 Olympics push: Key meeting in Hyderabad

India's 2036 Olympics push: Key meeting in Hyderabad

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a two-day meeting with his state-level counterparts, senior administrators, and key government officials in Hyderabad to 'exchange ideas and craft a roadmap' for India's Olympic preparations.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

Chaos at Cong yatra in Bihar, Kanhaiya Kumar leaves midway

Chaos at Cong yatra in Bihar, Kanhaiya Kumar leaves midway

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

According to party workers, when the yatra reached near the SSB campus on Sunday, party workers were jostling with each other to come closer to Kanhaiya Kumar and take selfies with him. However, private security guards of Kanhaiya Kumar objected to it and they allegedly pushed some workers. It led to an alleged brawl between party workers and the private security guards.

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

Tea exports hit new high, but rising imports a worry

Tea exports hit new high, but rising imports a worry

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

As India's tea exports reach their highest in years, a sharp rise in imports is raising concerns among producers. In 2024, India took the third spot in tea exports, pipping Sri Lanka after exporting 254.67 million kg (mkg) of tea, up from 231.69 mkg in 2023.

MCC Committee recommends at least 3-match Test series

MCC Committee recommends at least 3-match Test series

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

A minimum of three-match Test series and the home team footing the bill of the visiting side in a bilateral contest are some of the recommendations made by the MCC's World Cricket Committee.

Modi reaches Colombo, 10 ambitious outcomes expected

Modi reaches Colombo, 10 ambitious outcomes expected

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is expected to yield at least 10 ambitious outcomes, including a defense cooperation agreement and frameworks for deeper engagement in the energy sector. The visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, with India providing significant financial assistance. Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will also dedicate several projects built with India's assistance and virtually inaugurate the Sampur solar energy project.

BCCI Central Contracts: Will Rohit, Kohli lose A+ status?

BCCI Central Contracts: Will Rohit, Kohli lose A+ status?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

There are some speculations over some rejigging in the A+ category following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from T20 Internationals.

How security forces trapped and killed 31 Naxalites

How security forces trapped and killed 31 Naxalites

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Combat units of the Chhattisgarh police's District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and Bastar Fighters were mobilised from different directions in the area on February 7, the official said.

Two Muslim leaders quit JD-U over party's support to Waqf bill

Two Muslim leaders quit JD-U over party's support to Waqf bill

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Two individuals claiming to be members of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) in Bihar announced their "resignation" from the party, citing dissatisfaction with its support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The JD(U) denied the resignations, claiming the individuals were not party members. However, some senior JD(U) leaders have expressed discontent over the passage of the bill, which they believe is detrimental to Muslims. The controversy over the Waqf Bill is likely to influence the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar.

Ajaz Khan, 'House Arrest' producer booked; NCW summons Ullu CEO

Ajaz Khan, 'House Arrest' producer booked; NCW summons Ullu CEO

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Khan is seen putting pressure on women contestants to perform intimate acts on camera in the clip. The conversation also appears to make some of the participants uncomfortable with probing, personal questions bordering on the vulgar.