News for 'National Council'

Meghalaya council bars non-tribals from polls after unrest, deaths

Meghalaya council bars non-tribals from polls after unrest, deaths

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya has approved an amendment restricting participation in council elections to only Scheduled Tribe members, following weeks of unrest and ethnic tensions.

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Rediff.com1 hour ago

The gems and jewellery industry anticipates challenging times following the government's decision to increase gold import duty to 15 per cent, a move that exporters warn could fuel the grey market and heighten smuggling risks.

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Two senior Indian volleyball players have quit the national camp in Ahmedabad, citing concerns over incompetent coaches, poor facilities, and politics within the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).

Jewellers back PM's gold appeal, propose monetisation scheme enhancements

Jewellers back PM's gold appeal, propose monetisation scheme enhancements

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Leading Indian jewellery bodies, including the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) and Malabar Gold & Diamonds, have expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to reduce gold imports and are advocating for enhancements to the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) to unlock India's vast idle gold reserves.

How A Patent Workshop Is Helping Researchers And Startups

How A Patent Workshop Is Helping Researchers And Startups

Rediff.com3 hours ago

A one-day patent workshop was held at CSIR-NIIST to promote intellectual property awareness and equip researchers and startups with essential knowledge in patent filing and innovation.

Pak-China affairs expert Lt Gen Subramani is India's next CDS

Pak-China affairs expert Lt Gen Subramani is India's next CDS

Rediff.com4 days ago

The government has appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who shall also function as the secretary to the government of India, department of military affairs, with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders.

Haryana Municipal Elections: Vote Counting Begins For Key Cities

Haryana Municipal Elections: Vote Counting Begins For Key Cities

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Counting of votes is underway for municipal corporations in Ambala, Panchkula, Sonipat, and other civic bodies in Haryana. Polling was held on Sunday for mayor and ward councillor elections.

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 54.5 Per Cent Voter Turnout

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 54.5 Per Cent Voter Turnout

Rediff.com3 days ago

Local body elections in Haryana, including municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat, saw a 54.5 per cent voter turnout. Polling was held for mayor and ward councillor posts, with key contestants from BJP and Congress. The votes will be counted on May 13.

Pakistan, Bangladesh challenge India-Australia-ECB

Pakistan, Bangladesh challenge India-Australia-ECB

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board have agreed to support each other at Asian and international cricket forums while seeking greater balance in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2028-31 cycle.

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com3 days ago

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 25% Voter Turnout Till 1 PM

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 25% Voter Turnout Till 1 PM

Rediff.com3 days ago

Polling is underway for local body elections in Haryana, including municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat. An average voter turnout of 25 per cent was recorded till 1 pm. The main contest is expected between the Congress and the ruling BJP.

Trans Tamil immigrant wins Scotland poll, sparks debate

Trans Tamil immigrant wins Scotland poll, sparks debate

Rediff.com2 days ago

An Indian doctoral student from Tamil Nadu, Q Manivannan, has sparked a debate on immigration and representation in UK politics after winning a local election in Scotland. Manivannan's victory has drawn criticism from anti-immigration voices, highlighting the rules that allow foreign nationals to contest elections in Scotland.

Bangladesh forms committee to investigate 2026 T20 World Cup withdrawal

Bangladesh forms committee to investigate 2026 T20 World Cup withdrawal

Rediff.com2 days ago

According to the media reports, the committee will examine the reasons behind the decision not to play the tournament and determine if there were any diplomatic or strategic failures involved.

Nagaland Govt to Form Interim Council for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

Nagaland Govt to Form Interim Council for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla announced the state government's plans to form an interim council for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) and highlighted key achievements and future priorities across various sectors during the Budget Session.

Delhi Census 2027: Self-Enumeration Sees Strong Response

Delhi Census 2027: Self-Enumeration Sees Strong Response

Rediff.com2 days ago

Over 93,000 individuals in Delhi have participated in the self-enumeration exercise for Census 2027, with North East, South West, and North West Delhi districts leading in registrations. The initiative, part of a broader census effort, allows residents to submit household details online, contributing to the overall data collection process.

Player unrest, poor show: Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva faces ouster

Player unrest, poor show: Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva faces ouster

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket board has called for a special Executive Committee meeting to formally seal the ouster of current chief Shammi Silva on directive from country's president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Why Arcadia Mayor Is Pleading Guilty As Illegal China Agent

Why Arcadia Mayor Is Pleading Guilty As Illegal China Agent

Rediff.com1 days ago

The mayor of Arcadia, California, Eileen Wang, has agreed to plead guilty for acting as an illegal agent of China, according to the US Department of Justice. Wang, along with her then-fiance, Yaoning 'Mike' Sun, were charged with promoting pro-China propaganda in the US at the behest of Chinese government officials.

NDA poised to grab majority seats in Assam's Bodoland

NDA poised to grab majority seats in Assam's Bodoland

Rediff.com4 May 2026

NDA partner Bodoland People's Front (BPF) is expected to secure a majority of the 15 Assembly seats in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam, leading in 10 constituencies, according to Election Commission data. The BJP, a major partner in the ruling NDA, leads in three seats, while the UPPL and Congress are ahead in one seat each.

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

Rediff.com4 days ago

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (retd) has been appointed as India's next Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been named the next Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Lt Gen Subramani's primary mandate will be to implement the military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-services synergy.

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

Rediff.com6 days ago

The newly elected BJP-led NDA government in Assam will be sworn in on May 12, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries expected to attend. Preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and secure ceremony.

India Urges Safety for UNIFIL Peacekeepers After Deadly Attack

India Urges Safety for UNIFIL Peacekeepers After Deadly Attack

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India has condemned recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, following the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper. India urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of the Blue Helmets and called for accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva resigns amidst pressure

Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva resigns amidst pressure

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket's chief Shammi Silva and his executive committee resigned following calls for a new administration from the country's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka government takes over Cricket Board after resignations

Sri Lanka government takes over Cricket Board after resignations

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Sri Lankan government has taken over the administration of the country's cricket board following the resignation of its president and executive committee amid allegations of financial irregularities and poor team performance.

Goa Woman Accused of Concealing Portuguese Nationality to Enrol as Voter

Goa Woman Accused of Concealing Portuguese Nationality to Enrol as Voter

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

A woman in Goa has been booked for allegedly concealing her Portuguese nationality and fraudulently enrolling in the voter list.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com3 days ago

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

Athletics Federation of India to conduct SRY Gene Test at national-level events

Athletics Federation of India to conduct SRY Gene Test at national-level events

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will conduct SRY Gene Tests in national-level competitions to ensure fair competition in the women's category. They will also conduct DNA testing of upcoming athletes for research and development purposes.

'We Need Petrol More Than Gold Right Now'

'We Need Petrol More Than Gold Right Now'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'What exactly is on the prime minister's mind, we do not know. But it feels like the government wants the country to be prepared for unseen challenges ahead.'

The Cricket Series Aamir Khan Is Making A Film On

The Cricket Series Aamir Khan Is Making A Film On

Rediff.com1 days ago

Aamir Khan's upcoming film, aims to shed light on the 1952-1953 India-Pakistan series, which occurred just five years after Partition and marked Pakistan's first official Test series.

Chapter on judiciary: NCERT issues 'unconditional apology'

Chapter on judiciary: NCERT issues 'unconditional apology'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The NCERT has issued a public apology and withdrawn a social science textbook for Class 8 after the Supreme Court objected to a chapter on judicial corruption. The court imposed a ban on further publication of the book.

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

FIFA has approved a rule change allowing Afghan women footballers, many exiled since the Taliban's return, to play official international matches in FIFA competitions.

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concerns over attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing its importance to India's energy and economic security. Ambassador Yojna Patel highlighted the need to respect international law and ensure the safety of seafarers, while also addressing broader Middle East issues including the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Rediff.com2 days ago

'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'

India Bids To Host The 2038 Asian Games

India Bids To Host The 2038 Asian Games

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India has officially submitted its expression of interest to host the 2038 Asian Games, according to a top official of the national Olympic body, marking a significant step in the country's broader strategy to become a global hub for major multi-sporting events.

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Nitish retains trusted aide Sanjay Jha in JD-U revamp, keeps son out

Nitish retains trusted aide Sanjay Jha in JD-U revamp, keeps son out

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has announced a new list of national office bearers for the party, including a vice president and 11 general secretaries. The list does not include Kumar's son Nishant. Sanjay Kumar Jha remains the national working president.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal becomes youngest BCB chief

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal becomes youngest BCB chief

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Tamim Iqbal becomes the youngest BCB chief after the board's dissolution over election irregularities, set to lead an ad-hoc committee ahead of Bangladesh's home series vs New Zealand.

Bangladesh Cricket Board Leadership Ousted, Ad-hoc Committee Appointed

Bangladesh Cricket Board Leadership Ousted, Ad-hoc Committee Appointed

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been dissolved and replaced with an ad-hoc committee following internal disputes and government intervention. Former captain Tamim Iqbal will lead the committee, tasked with holding elections within 90 days.

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a crucial Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

Nitish remarks on Rabri trigger ruckus in Bihar council; Oppn evicted

Nitish remarks on Rabri trigger ruckus in Bihar council; Oppn evicted

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Opposition members in the Bihar legislative council were suspended and evicted after demanding an apology from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for allegedly using foul language against their leader Rabri Devi, leading to a day of disruption and accusations from both sides.

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the importance of harnessing sports as a force for social transformation at a national 'Chintan Shivir' in Srinagar. He highlighted the need for collaboration between schools, communities, and families to create ecosystems where young athletes can discover their potential, and urged for greater support and resources for physical education teachers in schools.