News for 'North Block'

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In 2023-2024, 95 scheduled commercial banks received over 10 million complaints from their customers. The process of KYC at many banks has become 'HYC' -- harass your customer, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Indian student dies in hit-and-run incident in Texas

Indian student dies in hit-and-run incident in Texas

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

V Deepthi was walking near the 2300 block of Carril Al Lago Drive on April 12 when a speeding vehicle struck her and her friend Snigdha, also from the Guntur district.

'Said out of love': Kamal Haasan clarifies Kannada remarks

'Said out of love': Kamal Haasan clarifies Kannada remarks

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has clarified his recent remarks on Kannada, stating that they were made out of love and that "love will never apologise." His comments come amidst a furore in Karnataka over his statement that "Tamil gave birth to Kannada." Haasan also said that Tamil Nadu has been open to people from different states and highlighted the support he received from Karnataka during a difficult time.

Pak violates ceasefire for 7th night despite DGMOs talks, India responds

Pak violates ceasefire for 7th night despite DGMOs talks, India responds

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The exchange of fire occurred even though the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline on Tuesday amid rising tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

Border skirmishes continue along LoC for 9th day

Border skirmishes continue along LoC for 9th day

Rediff.com3 May 2025

For the ninth consecutive night, Indian and Pakistani troops engaged in small arms fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, continuing a pattern of heightened border tensions. The skirmishes, initiated by Pakistani troops in violation of the ceasefire agreement, have led to a tense situation along the LoC and International Border (IB). The incidents come in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. Civilians residing near the border have begun preparing their bunkers, anticipating potential escalation. Despite a recent hotline conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, where India cautioned Pakistan, the ceasefire violations persist.

The Amazing Riflewomen Making History

The Amazing Riflewomen Making History

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

22 Assam Rifles women personnel are in the Republic Day marching band contingent. Dressed in crisp uniforms, playing bagpipes, drums and side drums, the year-old band has already built an admirable reputation.

Pak troops violate ceasefire for 11th night in a row

Pak troops violate ceasefire for 11th night in a row

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Pakistan troops have violated the ceasefire agreement for the 11th consecutive night, firing on Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The firing began in Kupwara and Baramulla districts and spread to other sectors, including Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately. The ceasefire violation comes despite a recent phone call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on April 29. This marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries, following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April.

Kitchen Tips: Indian Foods That Freeze Well

Kitchen Tips: Indian Foods That Freeze Well

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Over the years, with some amount of experimenting, I have learnt exactly what freezes well and what does not.

Pak troops open fire for 8th consecutive night, residents fear shelling

Pak troops open fire for 8th consecutive night, residents fear shelling

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Pakistan's troops have engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in five districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting retaliation from the Indian Army. This marks the eighth consecutive night of such incidents, following heightened tensions stemming from a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Civilians residing along the LoC and IB are preparing their bunkers in anticipation of potential escalation.

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'Let's see how this love story shapes up in the run up to the municipal corporation election.'

Day 10: Pak troops open fire at 8 locations along LoC

Day 10: Pak troops open fire at 8 locations along LoC

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Pakistani troops continued unprovoked small arms firing in different sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the 10th consecutive night, prompting effective retaliation by the Indian army. The ceasefire violations, which started after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, were reported from eight places across five districts in the Union Territory during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately to the unprovoked firing, a defence spokesperson said.

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Lee Jae-myung's decisive victory in South Korea's snap presidential election marks a major political shift driven by public backlash against authoritarian, with significant implications for domestic reform and the future of the US-South Korea alliance, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Italy risk missing third straight World Cup; England struggle

Italy risk missing third straight World Cup; England struggle

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Italy face the shocking possibility of failing to reach the World Cup for a third consecutive time.

New RBI Guv promises to do 'what is best for the economy'

New RBI Guv promises to do 'what is best for the economy'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

A day after his appointment as the 26th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), outgoing Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra on Tuesday said one must understand the economic landscape and do what was best for the economy. "Let me first go, join, understand the turf ... Here it is a different role," Malhotra said, speaking to reporters in front of North Block.

10-km traffic jam in B'galuru as 100 mm rains create chaos

10-km traffic jam in B'galuru as 100 mm rains create chaos

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Heavy overnight rains severely affected parts of the city on Monday, leading to water-logged roads, inundated residential areas and traffic pile-up, as the city braces for more spells in the coming days.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

'Counter-Productive For India To Create Upstream And Downstream Acrimony'

'Counter-Productive For India To Create Upstream And Downstream Acrimony'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'China has thus far been cautious, emphasising its focus on development rather than weaponising water resources.'

What Indian taxpayers want from CBDT

What Indian taxpayers want from CBDT

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

An Income-Tax Department internal committee reviewing the old direct tax law to pave the way for a new one has "largely" received suggestions for "simplifying" the language, better "structuring" the provisions and enlarging the ambit of schemes like presumptive taxation, CBDT chairman Ravi Agrawal said Sunday. Speaking to PTI during a post-Budget interview at his North Block office, Agrawal said the panel also "studied" the deliberations and processes of countries like the UK, Australia and some others where a similar tax law simplification exercise was undertaken.

Upstream oil companies return to Andaman Sea, dig offshore wells

Upstream oil companies return to Andaman Sea, dig offshore wells

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

In a significant move, state-run oil producer Oil India Limited (OIL) has finished drilling its first well in the Andaman sea while Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has just started drilling operations in the area, said officials.

ISL: NEUFC climb as Ajaraie makes history!

ISL: NEUFC climb as Ajaraie makes history!

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

NorthEast United got off the blocks quickly as Ajaraie handed them the lead in the sixth minute of the match. It was a brilliant move from Redeem Tlang who found Thoi Singh in space on the right flank.

Shah Will Be Longest-Serving Home Minister

Shah Will Be Longest-Serving Home Minister

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

The immediate challenge for the Centre and the home ministry is to ensure the conduct of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir and restoration of its statehood.

What Will RBI Governor's Agenda Be?

What Will RBI Governor's Agenda Be?

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

As RBI governor, Sanjay Malhotra will have to give the highest priority to the interest of the economy while deciding on the growth-inflation trade off at Mint Street.

Sitharaman carries tablet wrapped in 'bahi khata' for 6th year

Sitharaman carries tablet wrapped in 'bahi khata' for 6th year

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sitharaman, India's first full-time woman Finance Minister, broke away from the colonial tradition of carrying a Budget briefcase in July 2019, opting instead for a traditional 'bahi-khata', to carry the Union Budget papers.

Unbeaten at home! MBSG crush FC Goa to set ISL record

Unbeaten at home! MBSG crush FC Goa to set ISL record

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Mohun Bagan Super Giant remain unbeaten at home with a 2-0 win over FC Goa

Pakistan's Evil Designs: What India Must Do!

Pakistan's Evil Designs: What India Must Do!

Rediff.com26 May 2025

'Will this near-war, India's strongest military response so far, buy India another seven years of deterrence?' asks Shekhar Gupta.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

US Comes Under Terror Attack

US Comes Under Terror Attack

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

The death toll has risen to at least 15 people in the New Orleans 'act of terrorism' after a car rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the early hours of Wednesday

FA Cup: Rashford brace fires Aston Villa into semis

FA Cup: Rashford brace fires Aston Villa into semis

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Aston Villa striker Marcus Rashford scored twice in a 3-0 defeat of second-tier Preston North End in their FA Cup quarter-final at Deepdale on Sunday to earn a Wembley semi-final against fellow Premier League team Crystal Palace.

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The situation in these violence-hit places remained tense on Saturday morning, but no untoward incident was reported, officials said.

'It Was Madness'

'It Was Madness'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'Even known names and social media handles went berserk by stating that Karachi has been attacked and an F-16 was shot down.'

PIX: Manchester Utd, Tottenham on cusp of Europa final

PIX: Manchester Utd, Tottenham on cusp of Europa final

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Images from the Europa League semi-finals first Leg between Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt.

Drunk Cong leader runs SUV over pedestrians in Jaipur, 3 dead

Drunk Cong leader runs SUV over pedestrians in Jaipur, 3 dead

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

A drunk SUV driver, identified as Usman Khan, a Congress leader, allegedly hit multiple pedestrians and vehicles in Jaipur, killing three people and leaving six others seriously injured. The incident occurred on a narrow city road in the Nahargarh area. Khan, who is the Congress' Jaipur district vice president, was driving recklessly and under the influence of alcohol, according to police. Following the incident, locals gathered at the Nahargarh police station and blocked roads to protest and demand compensation for the victims. The Congress has expelled Khan and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The BJP criticized the Congress, alleging that the party is full of people with criminal tendencies.

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'It is typical of China's strategic deception of making virtue out of necessity,' observes Rup Narayan Das.

Will RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das get an extension?

Will RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das get an extension?

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

The December meeting of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will start on Wednesday even as there is no clarity on whether Governor Shaktikanta Das, the chair of the panel, will continue in office after his term ends next week. The outcome of the meeting will be announced on Friday by Das at 10 in the morning.

North block clears decks for 3G auction by Mar 31

North block clears decks for 3G auction by Mar 31

Rediff.com16 Feb 2010

By setting a single spectrum-release deadline for all bidders, the finance ministry aims to ensure a level playing field for all operators.

RBI Guv Shaktikanta Das to demit office on Tuesday

RBI Guv Shaktikanta Das to demit office on Tuesday

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Shaktikanta Das will demit the office on Tuesday after completing six years as the 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra will replace him as the 26th Governor. He was appointed as the Governor on December 12, 2018, after the abrupt exit of Urjit Patel.