News for 'South Block'

Deodhar Trophy: South demolish North East; top points table

Deodhar Trophy: South demolish North East; top points table

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

North East Zone failed to stitch together any meaningful partnership

Priority is to ensure high-level of operational readiness: Army chief

Priority is to ensure high-level of operational readiness: Army chief

Rediff.com1 May 2022

Newly-appointed Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday said his 'utmost and foremost' priority would be to ensure very high standards of operational preparedness to face current, contemporary and future security challenges across the entire spectrum of conflict.

Pre-qualification bids for PM's new Rs 360 cr home cancelled again

Pre-qualification bids for PM's new Rs 360 cr home cancelled again

Rediff.com3 Oct 2022

The central public works department on Monday cancelled the pre-qualification bids for the construction of a Rs 360-crore new residence for the prime minister for the second time within more than two months.

Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, India revamps tariff structure

Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, India revamps tariff structure

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Anticipating US action on tariffs, India seems to have made the first move by revamping its tariff structure by reducing the slabs to eight rates, points out Mukesh Butani.

When Dr Singh Took On Congress Bosses

When Dr Singh Took On Congress Bosses

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Many were hoping that with Vajpayee's NDA gone, there would be a return to the Congress normal. Nobody was prepared for the opposite. Sonia Gandhi was sceptical. This became the only issue over which Manmohan Singh took on his party bosses and risked his government. Politically, it was riskier than the 1991 reform, recalls Shekhar Gupta.

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

In the Union Budget for Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had held forth on the need for better governance and investor protection in the banking sector. She had proposed certain amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act (RBI Act), 1934; the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act), 1949; and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

Will China wage war over Taiwan in 2025? Xi's remark raises alarm

Will China wage war over Taiwan in 2025? Xi's remark raises alarm

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

President Xi Jinping has said that no one can ever stop Taiwan's reunification with China as he signed off 2024 amid growing anxieties in the country over the continued slowdown of the economy and the return of Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose punitive tariffs and trade measures against Beijing in his second term.

India's Neighbourhood First Policy Crumbling

India's Neighbourhood First Policy Crumbling

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The fundamental construct of India's neighbourhood policy still needs to be what Vajpayee postulated, Manmohan Singh embraced, and Modi energised. It's just that we need to junk domestic politics and excessive religiosity, while acquiring much humility and a renewed respectfulness towards our neighbours, recommends Shekhar Gupta.

EPL PIX: Arsenal's title hopes hit; Chelsea go fourth

EPL PIX: Arsenal's title hopes hit; Chelsea go fourth

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

A summary of Sunday's action in the Premier League.

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Indians are the main beneficiaries of the H-1B visas, which bring in the best of the talent and brains from across the world. Highly skilled professionals from India walk away with the overwhelming number of H-1B visas - which is Congressional mandated 65,0000 every year and another 20,000 for those who received higher education from the US.

Magnificent Marsh leads Australia to T20 series win in South Africa

Magnificent Marsh leads Australia to T20 series win in South Africa

Rediff.com2 Sep 2023

Australia's new Twenty20 International captain Mitch Marsh scored a second successive unbeaten half century to lead his side to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over hosts South Africa on Friday and claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

Mining majors give a miss to country's maiden critical minerals auction

Mining majors give a miss to country's maiden critical minerals auction

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

The maiden, critical mineral auction in India has failed to enthuse the mining industry, with the first tranche achieving less than a 50 per cent success rate and the auction of several mines was cancelled owing to low response. The results, announced by the Ministry of Mines on Monday, showed that six lesser-known companies emerged as preferred bidders. Among these were Agrasen Sponge, Kundan Gold Mines, Dalmia Bharat Refractories, Sagar Stone Industries, and Maiki South Mining.

Milind Rege, The Last of the Mohicans

Milind Rege, The Last of the Mohicans

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'He devoted his entire life for the betterment of Mumbai cricket and cricketers.' 'Even when he left for the Elysian Fields, he was in harness as mentor/advisor to the MCA.' Hemant Kenkre mourns the passing of Mumbai cricket icon Milind Rege.

India's maiden critical mineral auctions: Who are the participants?

India's maiden critical mineral auctions: Who are the participants?

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

India on Monday announced the results for the country's first critical mineral auction. Amid the tepid response from big players, the list of successful bidders included some lesser known names. A total of five companies secured bids for six critical mineral blocks of graphite, manganese, phosphorite, lithium, and rare earth elements with auction premiums ranging from 13.05 per cent to 400 per cent.

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'By his words, actions, and body language during their joint press appearance wanted to convey his personal respect and, more broadly, his desire to work closely with India.'

Bengal bandh: BJP workers clash with police

Bengal bandh: BJP workers clash with police

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Daily life was partially affected in West Bengal on Wednesday due to a 12-hour shutdown called by the Bharatiya Janata Party, protesting the police action against demonstrators during a march to the state secretariat.

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Ministry of External Affairs officials summoned the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena at its office in South Block in Delhi and lodged a strong protest against a US State Department official's remarks on Kejriwal's arrest.

Navratri, Day 9: Hina, Priyanka Are Perfect In Purple

Navratri, Day 9: Hina, Priyanka Are Perfect In Purple

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Today's colour is a vibrant purple, which is considered to be a spiritual colour associated with the crown chakra.

Olympics Volleyball: France crush Poland to win back-to-back golds

Olympics Volleyball: France crush Poland to win back-to-back golds

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

France are only the third country to win back-to-back golds in men's volleyball after the former Soviet Union and the United States.

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi takes charge as new Navy chief

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi takes charge as new Navy chief

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who is a communication and electronic warfare specialist, on Tuesday assumed charge as the 26th Navy chief after incumbent R Hari Kumar retired from service.

Bundesliga PIX: Mainz stun Bayern; Leverkusen win

Bundesliga PIX: Mainz stun Bayern; Leverkusen win

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Mainz 05's Lee Jae-sung scored either side of the break as the hosts stunned Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich 2-1 on Saturday.

India still lags US, China in 5G rollout

India still lags US, China in 5G rollout

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

India's journey with 5G still has a long way to go. The country ranked 33 out of 39 in the 5G Connectivity Index for the second quarter of 2024, released by GSMA Intelligence. However, in areas like 5G revenue growth, data affordability, and video quality, India ranks among the best in the world.

Nehra in hot water over illegal constructions in Goan village

Nehra in hot water over illegal constructions in Goan village

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The Gujarat Titans coach has been issued a show cause notice by the Cavelossim Village Panchayat for allegedly constricting a road and felling trees in a No Development Zone.

Harmanpreet Kaur: The fierce leader driving India's T20 World Cup hopes

Harmanpreet Kaur: The fierce leader driving India's T20 World Cup hopes

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

Smriti Mandhana showered praise on skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and said that the 35-year-old is fierce and always gives her best.

Israel bans operations of UN relief agency

Israel bans operations of UN relief agency

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

The Israeli Parliament enacted a law prohibiting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary UN organisation assisting Palestinians, from operating within the country, CNN reported.

All about BCCI's new National Cricket Academy

All about BCCI's new National Cricket Academy

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The new National Cricket Academy which was inaugurated in Bengaluru on Sunday has been renamed as the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

How Indian Weddings Got So Big, Glitzy

How Indian Weddings Got So Big, Glitzy

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

What was once a solemn Vedic ritual is today a celebration for the entire extended family. And why not? With families living in distant cities, even continents, weddings are seen as an occasion for cousins and uncles to congregate under one roof for two or three days, observes Ambi Parmeswaran.

Lankan naval commander meets Indian military top brass to boost defence ties

Lankan naval commander meets Indian military top brass to boost defence ties

Rediff.com25 May 2023

During the visit, he will be presiding over the Passing Out Parade of the Spring Term 23 at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, he said.

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Kumbh Mela is what it is because of the devotion of millions who make it an experience like no other. It is experiencing the heart and soul of India and the brotherhood of mankind.

Hope everyone's rights are protected: UN on Kejriwal's arrest

Hope everyone's rights are protected: UN on Kejriwal's arrest

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the world body 'hopes' that in India and any country that is having elections, people's 'political and civil rights' are 'protected' and everyone is able to vote in a 'free and fair' atmosphere.

Cyclone Dana causes major damage in Odisha, Bengal; 2 killed in WB

Cyclone Dana causes major damage in Odisha, Bengal; 2 killed in WB

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that one person died in the state in cyclone Dana, even as the administration evacuated around 2.16 lakh people from the low-lying areas.

India to send NDRF, medical and relief teams to Turkey

India to send NDRF, medical and relief teams to Turkey

Rediff.com6 Feb 2023

The government on Monday decided to immediately dispatch search and rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force, medical teams and relief material to earthquake-hit Turkey following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to the country.

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

The government needs to answer the critical question of whether it has accepted any restrictions on its infrastructure creation activities, asserts Ajai Shukla.

'China Went Wrong In Its Calculations!'

'China Went Wrong In Its Calculations!'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

'China did not expect India to show such strategic resolve in defending its territorial integrity.'

Terrorism common threat, need decisive measures to counter it: BRICS leaders

Terrorism common threat, need decisive measures to counter it: BRICS leaders

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In a joint declaration issued after the 16th BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, among others, the leaders reiterated unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while reaffirming that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.

Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US must cooperate

Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US must cooperate

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory and called for China and the United States to find the right way to manage the differences by strengthening dialogue and communication.

'AKD Will Balance India and China'

'AKD Will Balance India and China'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

'We have to keep a watch because India-Sri Lanka has a history that whenever there has been a change in government, either the connectivity projects have been questioned or cancelled or revived.'

5 dead as rain brings Bengaluru to its knees

5 dead as rain brings Bengaluru to its knees

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

At least five people were killed in separate rain-related incidents on Tuesday in Bengaluru, which has been reeling under incessant rains for the past three days causing widespread flooding in several residential areas and turning roads into virtual rivers.

SC fines Rs 12L on 6 Maha cops for illegally detaining 3, razing houses

SC fines Rs 12L on 6 Maha cops for illegally detaining 3, razing houses

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

According to the peculiar facts of the case, the six policemen of Jalgaon called three tenants including Vijaykumar Vishwanath Dhawale and Vinod Dodhu Chaudhary to a police station on March 9, 2022 and kept them under detention for 24 hours.