News for 'The Union Cabinet'

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras announced that his Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) is no longer part of the BJP-led NDA, citing the alliance's support for his estranged nephew Chirag Paswan. Paras also accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of being "anti-Dalit" and demanded a Bharat Ratna for his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan, calling him the "second Ambedkar."

This BJP leader wants Nitish Kumar as Deputy PM

This BJP leader wants Nitish Kumar as Deputy PM

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey has expressed his desire to see Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the Deputy Prime Minister. However, the JD(U) and the RJD have dismissed Choubey's remarks as inconsequential, with the JD(U) pointing to Amit Shah's recent statement that Nitish Kumar is the coalition's leader for the upcoming assembly polls. The RJD has also ridiculed Choubey's statement, stating that the BJP is looking to get rid of Nitish Kumar and that Tejashwi Yadav will be the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

PIX: Prez feeds 'dahi-cheeni' to Sitharaman ahead of budget

PIX: Prez feeds 'dahi-cheeni' to Sitharaman ahead of budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

As per established tradition, the finance minister met the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before heading to Parliament.

Cabinet okays inclusion of communities from 5 states in ST list

Cabinet okays inclusion of communities from 5 states in ST list

Rediff.com14 Sep 2022

The government on Wednesday approved the inclusion of certain communities in the lists of Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, fulfilling long-pending demands from these states.

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.

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, will debate the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties who claim it is unconstitutional. The government, however, insists the bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India by bringing transparency and efficiency.

Manmohan Singh's last rites to be performed with full State honours

Manmohan Singh's last rites to be performed with full State honours

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday. He will be given a state funeral with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday. Singh served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was known for his role in India's economic reforms. Leaders from across the political spectrum paid their respects to the departed leader, highlighting his contributions to the nation.

Union Council discusses issues faced by women

Union Council discusses issues faced by women

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

During a five-hour meeting with his entire Council of Ministers, Modi specifically asked for faster and better communication of the government's decisions.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the middle of the night, arguing that it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" given the ongoing Supreme Court challenge to the selection process. Gandhi presented a dissent note to the selection committee, stating that the process violates the Supreme Court order and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance have expressed satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The two leaders met in New Delhi and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in energy, defense, strategic technologies, and other areas. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Sriharikota to get 3rd launch pad for bigger spacecraft

Sriharikota to get 3rd launch pad for bigger spacecraft

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The Indian government has approved the construction of a third launch pad at Sriharikota, capable of sending heavier spacecraft into orbit. This new facility will support India's ambitious space program, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and a lunar landing. The launch pad will be built at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and is expected to be operational within four years.

Cabinet likely to approve bill to repeal 3 farm laws today

Cabinet likely to approve bill to repeal 3 farm laws today

Rediff.com24 Nov 2021

"The Union cabinet is likely to take up on Wednesday, November 24 the withdrawal of the three farm laws for approval. The bills for withdrawal of the laws shall then be introduced in the forthcoming Parliament session," sources in the government told ANI.

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

With a major network rollout on the cards, the government is not keen to change the pattern of tower monetisation for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), officials at the state-owned telecom-service provider said. The monetisation target in the telecom sector had to be revised owing to a change in BSNL's approach to mobile-phone tower monetisation, which had shifted from a sale-based model to a lease-based one.

Will Rajnath Fix Agnipath Scheme?

Will Rajnath Fix Agnipath Scheme?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Will Modi 3.0 also see theaterisation of India's armed forces?

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and firmed up the responses to the terror attack.

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

According to a parliamentary response by the Union health ministry in 2023, around 654,000 families in Delhi are eligible to enrol under the scheme.

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 1,024.30 crore for expenses incurred by the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Minister's Office, and for hospitality and entertainment of state guests. The allocated amount is a bit more than the Rs 1,021.83 crore earmarked in 2024-25.

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Two bills that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a fiery debate on Tuesday, with the opposition terming the move 'dictatorial' and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserting that the legislation would not tamper with the powers enjoyed by states.

Ayushman Bharat now covers all 70+ citizens; 4.5 cr families to benefit

Ayushman Bharat now covers all 70+ citizens; 4.5 cr families to benefit

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

The Rs 5 lakh free health insurance cover would benefit senior citizens of around 4.5 crore families. Eligible beneficiaries would be issued a new distinct card under the scheme, the government said.

Will You Get Such An Increment This Year?

Will You Get Such An Increment This Year?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The revised salaries of MPs are significantly lower than the salaries drawn by top bureaucrats in the country.

Vistara to operate last flight under its brand on Nov 11

Vistara to operate last flight under its brand on Nov 11

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Vistara will operate the last flight under its brand on November 11 and the full-service carrier's operations will be unified with Air India from November 12. The government has given its nod for the foreign direct investment by Singapore Airlines as part of the Air India-Vistara merger. Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.

Cabinet rejig on cards? Modi meets Shah, Nadda

Cabinet rejig on cards? Modi meets Shah, Nadda

Rediff.com12 Jun 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held deliberations with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda amid speculation about a reshuffle in the Union cabinet, an exercise Modi has not undertaken since forming the government for a second time in May 2019.

Suresh Gopi to quit Modi 3.0 Cabinet? Kerala MP reacts

Suresh Gopi to quit Modi 3.0 Cabinet? Kerala MP reacts

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Gopi said that it is a matter of pride for him to be in the Council of Ministers of the Modi government and to represent the people of Kerala.

Traditional ties with US are over: Canadian PM's big remark

Traditional ties with US are over: Canadian PM's big remark

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

In a dramatic shift in Canada's foreign policy, Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday declared that the long-standing economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States has ended, responding to US President Donald Trump's announcement of new auto tariffs that could severely impact Canada's economy, Politico reported.

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Shah said Shivaji Maharaj defeated "Mughal shahi" (rule of Mughals).

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs with the majority of the fund -- Rs 1,60,391.06 crore -- being given to central police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which are responsible for internal security, border guarding and security of vital installations.

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.

Suspense over cabinet as Chhattisgarh CM set to take oath

Suspense over cabinet as Chhattisgarh CM set to take oath

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

The Bharatiya Janata Party will ensure the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chhattisgarh cabinet under Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday will be a 'historic' event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP leaders and chief ministers, state chief Arun Sao said.

Failed as CM, no 'cheap politics' on Pahalgam attack: Omar

Failed as CM, no 'cheap politics' on Pahalgam attack: Omar

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

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

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were among the top leaders who paid homage to former prime minister Manmohan Singh at his home in New Delhi on Friday.

Cabinet approves next round of spectrum auction

Cabinet approves next round of spectrum auction

Rediff.com16 Dec 2020

According to Jio, spectrum worth Rs 3.92 lakh crore is lying unused with the DoT for auction.

SC to hear pleas against CEC appointment under new law

SC to hear pleas against CEC appointment under new law

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

It will be court's opinion versus the legislative power to enact law, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said as it posted the pleas challenging the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners under the 2023 law on February 4.

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'India today feels enough is enough and we need to teach Pakistan a lesson.' 'Unless compelled, Mr Modi will think 10 times before taking the extreme step.'

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

Allies should get respectable share in Union govt: JD-U

Allies should get respectable share in Union govt: JD-U

Rediff.com12 Jun 2021

A statement to this effect was made in Patna by RCP Singh, a close aide of Kumar, amid buzz on cabinet expansion at the Centre.

This close aide of Nitish becomes Union minister

This close aide of Nitish becomes Union minister

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

This Bhumihar leader has always been party supremo Kumar's strength, as this caste in Bihar is known to have wide political influence despite its small size.

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Citing evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, he said that the civil service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant.

What to expect out of cabinet's Telangana meet

What to expect out of cabinet's Telangana meet

Rediff.com7 Jul 2011

The Union Cabinet will meet on Thursday to discuss the Telangana crisis in detail and the government is expected to announce a time-bound programme for the formation of a separate state, reports Vicky Nanjappa.

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

'Suddenly we had a new comprehension of affairs, which reminded that the luxury of politics floated atop a foundation by economics.' 'Along with this, finance ministers became crucial in molding the perception and reputation of Union Cabinets.' 'Governments couldn't afford a wrong person in that portfolio,' asserts Shyam G Menon.