News for 'National Council'

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian parliament, emphasising India's commitment to development over expansionism and advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the strong historical ties between India and Indonesia, calling for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defence, technology, and counter-terrorism, amidst growing concerns over regional security.

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

At the heart of the decision is concern over the survival of Meghalaya's neighbourhood retailers.

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Bhagwanrao Dipke, father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, described Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister as 'a very good step' to soothe the growing anger among protesting students and their families across the nation.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

Jantar Mantar falls silent after 36-day NEET protest ends

Jantar Mantar falls silent after 36-day NEET protest ends

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The chants fell silent and calm descended on Jantar Mantar on Sunday, a day after the 36-day agitation over irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leak ended with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

It is plain to see that the US senate bill's real objective is to derail India's time-tested strategic partnership with Russia, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, who accused the governing body of putting the game's 'soul' up for sale.

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The NCERT Class 8 social science textbook has undergone significant revisions, including a tweaked narrative on the 1947 Partition, the inclusion of VD Savarkar's demand for Swaraj, and the removal of references to Adolf Hitler and Nazi ideology. These changes follow a Supreme Court intervention regarding controversial content on the judiciary.

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, following a similar meeting by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intensifying speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. Recent resignations and new organisational appointments for some ministers are contributing to the buzz.

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bihar on Wednesday witnessed a pitched battle between hundreds of student activists demanding Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the police, which used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons in a bid to prevent their 'Lok Bhavan march'.

First Biotech Startups Receive Funding Under India's Rs 1 Trillion R&D Fund

First Biotech Startups Receive Funding Under India's Rs 1 Trillion R&D Fund

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has chosen seven to eight biotechnology startups as the initial group to receive funding from the government's ~1 trillion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, with an average investment of approximately ~25 crore per startup.

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The failure of the State when it directly affects our lives, through a corrupt exam system, has produced this current anger, points out Aakar Patel.

DSA Leadership Crisis Deepens As Ad Hoc Committee Formed

DSA Leadership Crisis Deepens As Ad Hoc Committee Formed

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A factional feud has erupted within the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA), leading to the formation of a three-member ad hoc committee by a majority of its members. This committee aims to manage daily affairs and hold elections on August 30, bypassing current president Anuj Gupta, who has labelled the move "illegal" and plans legal action.

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet secretaries of key Union ministries and departments to review their performance, focusing on ease of living, ease of doing business, and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, amidst strong speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle.

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the qualification criteria for cricket's return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The Indian men's team needs to be Asia's highest-ranked in T20Is by end of 2026, while women's teams will qualify based on continental performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

NCERT textbook cites Manusmriti, says early caste order was role-based

NCERT textbook cites Manusmriti, says early caste order was role-based

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The chapter, State and Society up to 1000 CE, says the Vedic period is 'often described as a period during which women held a high and respectful position in society'.

Wangchuk's health deteriorates as CJP protest at Jantar Mantar enters 11th day

Wangchuk's health deteriorates as CJP protest at Jantar Mantar enters 11th day

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and activist Sonam Wangchuk's protest at Jantar Mantar has entered its eleventh day, with Wangchuk's health deteriorating due to a hunger strike. Protesters allege heavy police deployment and restrictions, demanding accountability for examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Ganguly, Anjum Chopra, Pietersen inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Ganguly, Anjum Chopra, Pietersen inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former Indian captains Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra, along with ex-England skipper Kevin Pietersen, have been inducted into the International Cricket Council's prestigious Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Edinburgh, recognising their significant contributions to the sport.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.

BCCI charts out plan to support cricket growth in Fiji, Maldives

BCCI charts out plan to support cricket growth in Fiji, Maldives

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BCCI has decided to assist the cricket boards of Fiji and Maldives in developing the sport by sending coaches and providing other support. This initiative aims to strengthen the ICC's efforts to grow cricket in emerging nations, building on previous BCCI assistance to countries like Afghanistan and Nepal.

NCERT To Launch MA, PhD Courses

NCERT To Launch MA, PhD Courses

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Now that NCERT has received the status of a deemed university, it will start its own MA courses, postgraduate courses, and doctoral research in education, fully funded by the government.'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'

US men's cricket team in line for home Olympic berth, women to sit out

US men's cricket team in line for home Olympic berth, women to sit out

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Reigning world champions India, Britain, South Africa and hosts United States are set to feature in the men's Twenty20 competition when cricket returns to the Olympics at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles following a qualification pathway approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

India Demands Justice For Slain UN Peacekeeper In Lebanon Attack

India Demands Justice For Slain UN Peacekeeper In Lebanon Attack

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned an attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that resulted in the death of a Serbian Blue Helmet and injuries to two others. The nation has called for an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure accountability for the perpetrators. This incident follows a series of attacks on UNIFIL personnel amidst escalating hostilities in the region, prompting global calls for peacekeeper safety.

BJP on brink of losing its only Kerala civic body amid UDF no-trust move

BJP on brink of losing its only Kerala civic body amid UDF no-trust move

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Congress-led UDF is set to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led administration in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This move comes as the BJP faces a fragile majority, exacerbated by a councillor's arrest and the invalidation of oaths for 20 councillors. The UDF cites administrative paralysis and mismanagement, while the LDF's stance on supporting the motion remains a key factor.

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

As India marks a decade of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus is shifting towards enhancing efficiency through artificial intelligence, data sharing, and process simplification. The reform, which unified India's indirect tax system, has significantly broadened the tax base and boosted revenues, with future plans including a streamlined two-tier rate structure and continued technological integration to reduce compliance costs and combat evasion.

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the qualification system for cricket at the LA Olympic 2028, marking the sport's return after 128 years. The event will feature men's and women's T20 competitions with six teams each.

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong warning against the use of "non-existent, fake, and hallucinated" judgements generated by artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to "the release of methyl Isocyanate in the province of law and justice: invisible, insidious, and catastrophic." The court set aside an NCLT verdict that relied on such AI-generated precedents.

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has urged the United Nations to update its sanctions regime against Afghanistan, arguing that it must reflect the changed political reality and focus on incentivising positive actions rather than solely relying on punitive measures. India highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and development support for the Afghan people.

AIFF hands ISL commercial rights to clubs in historic agreement

AIFF hands ISL commercial rights to clubs in historic agreement

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

AIFF and ISL clubs have reached a landmark agreement that hands commercial rights to clubs while the federation retains regulatory control, paving the way for a club-led Indian Super League from the 2026-27 season.

US-Iran peace deal: Tehran gives up nuke bid, wins sanctions relief

US-Iran peace deal: Tehran gives up nuke bid, wins sanctions relief

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The United States and Iran have reached an agreement in principle to immediately and permanently halt all military operations, lift sanctions, and work towards a comprehensive final agreement within 60 days, including a significant reconstruction package for Iran.

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set for signing on June 19 in Switzerland, with key figures like J D Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner from the US side, and Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf representing Iran, alongside Pakistani mediators Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Mohsin Naqvi, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic breakthrough.

BJP's national council has 40 more members

BJP's national council has 40 more members

Rediff.com28 Mar 2005

Party president Lal Kishenchand Advani included seven former governors and five former Union ministers in the council.