News for 'URGENT'

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has transferred a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar to the Patna High Court. The court expressed concern over the state government's handling of bridge collapses, noting that officials were suspended after incidents but reinstated after the public outcry subsided. The court also criticized the state's voluminous response to the PIL, which lacked explanations for the collapses. The Patna High Court will now monitor the state's efforts to ensure structural and safety audits of bridges in Bihar.

Investing In Property? Read This

Investing In Property? Read This

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Buying makes sense for those planning to stay in a city for at least 7 to 10 years. Financial preparedness is crucial.

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'When Prime Minister Modi met President Trump, they agreed to initiate a bilateral trade dialogue.' 'It makes sense to give these negotiations a chance.'

Cash recovery row: SC collegium begins initial probe against judge

Cash recovery row: SC collegium begins initial probe against judge

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court collegium has initiated an initial inquiry against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma following the alleged discovery of a large stash of cash at his official residence during a fire incident. The collegium has also reportedly recommended Justice Varma's transfer to his parent high court, the Allahabad High Court. The inquiry will involve seeking a report from the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on the incident. The controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of cash was first reported by The Times of India. Justice Varma's proposed transfer is subject to the Centre's approval. The amount of cash found is not yet known. Justice Varma, currently heading a division bench dealing with sales tax, GST, company appeals and other appeals, did not hold court on Friday. Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya expressed shock over the incident. The collegium reportedly received information about the cash discovery from government officials. Some collegium members have called for stricter action against Justice Varma, including seeking his resignation or launching an in-house inquiry. The Supreme Court has an in-house inquiry mechanism to deal with allegations against judges, which involves forming a committee to investigate and, based on the report, take further action. A judge of a constitutional court can only be removed through impeachment by Parliament.

Opposition walks out on question of voter list discrepancies

Opposition walks out on question of voter list discrepancies

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Opposition parties in India, led by the Congress, have demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament on alleged discrepancies in voter lists. Rahul Gandhi raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, highlighting concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The opposition alleges large-scale duplication of EPIC numbers, which they claim undermines voter integrity and the electoral process. They have also pointed out instances of inflated voter lists in states like Maharashtra and Haryana. The Election Commission has acknowledged discrepancies but maintains that these are not widespread and that corrective measures are being taken. The opposition, however, insists on a comprehensive discussion on the matter to ensure the integrity of elections in India.

Water crisis: Delhi ministers' urgent appeal to Modi

Water crisis: Delhi ministers' urgent appeal to Modi

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Delhi cabinet ministers have written a letter to Prime Narendra Modi and urged him to resolve the water crisis in the national capital on a priority basis, Environment minister Gopal Rai said on Monday.

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court will hear on February 19 pleas challenging the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court will take up the matter on a priority basis, after some urgent listed matters. The government has appointed a new CEC and ECs under the new law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, despite a 2023 Supreme Court verdict directing the inclusion of the CJI in the panel. The petitioners argue that the exclusion of the CJI undermines the independence of the election commission.

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has defended her support for teachers who were dismissed following a Supreme Court verdict, accusing the BJP and CPI(M) of "hatching a conspiracy" to influence the ruling. She dared the BJP to arrest her for supporting the affected candidates, while asserting that her government will abide by the verdict but explore all legal options. The development has triggered political reactions with the BJP demanding Banerjee's resignation, while the CPI(M) expressed concern over the impact on the education system. Banerjee also criticized the BJP's handling of the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, drawing parallels to the school jobs scam in West Bengal.

Nagpur violence: Key accused's house razed; HC raps admn for high-handedness

Nagpur violence: Key accused's house razed; HC raps admn for high-handedness

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

A few days back, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation issued a notice to Khan, citing various lapses and lack of the building plan approval (for his house), sources said.

Ranveer Allahbadia moves SC amid 'India's Got Latent' controversy

Ranveer Allahbadia moves SC amid 'India's Got Latent' controversy

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Podcaster Allahbadia's remarks on parents and sex on comedian Samay Raina's YouTube show India's Got Latent triggered a controversy and several FIRs have been lodged against him and others in various parts of the country.

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has adjourned pleas challenging the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law. The court indicated the matter would be listed after the Holi festival break due to a paucity of time. Petitioners, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, argued for an urgent hearing, emphasizing the importance of the issue and the potential impact on democratic processes. The appointment of the new CEC and ECs under the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, has been a point of contention, with petitioners alleging it undermines the independence of the election commission.

'May Allah bless them': Indian rescuers win hearts in Myanmar

'May Allah bless them': Indian rescuers win hearts in Myanmar

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Indian rescue personnel are being lauded for their compassion and expertise in assisting with the recovery efforts in earthquake-stricken Mandalay, Myanmar. The story of a Muslim family resisting initial attempts to recover a deceased loved one from the rubble, ultimately accepting the help of Indian rescuers who preserved the dignity of the woman's final posture in prayer, highlights the sensitivity and skill of the Indian team. The NDRF has rescued around 30 bodies and is working tirelessly in different locations, including the historic U Hla Thein monastery and Ganga Ghat Hindu Temple, where many are still missing. The Indian Army has also set up a field hospital, treating over 200 patients, and providing food to earthquake victims.

3 dead in stampede as elephants panic at Kerala temple

3 dead in stampede as elephants panic at Kerala temple

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Three elderly people died in a stampede caused by two elephants becoming agitated after crackers were burst during a festival at the Manakulangara Temple near Koyilandy, Kerala. The elephants ran towards a building, causing a wall to collapse and trapping people. The stampede also resulted in around 20 people suffering minor injuries. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences, and investigations are underway to determine if there were any violations of elephant management rules.

Kejriwal defends Yamuna poisoning claim in reply to EC

Kejriwal defends Yamuna poisoning claim in reply to EC

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday responded to the Election Commission notice over his claim the Haryana government was 'mixing poison' in Yamuna, and said raw water received from the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state in the recent past has been 'highly contaminated and extremely poisonous' for human health.

Why Infosys laid off over 300 freshers

Why Infosys laid off over 300 freshers

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

IT services company Infosys has laid off over 300 freshers who underwent foundational training at its Mysuru campus but could not clear internal assessments after three attempts, according to sources. IT employee union NITES, however, said the number of freshers affected by the move was much higher, and threatened to lodge an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking urgent intervention and strict action against the company.

Not feasibl to...: SC disposes of PIL on mob lynching

Not feasibl to...: SC disposes of PIL on mob lynching

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea seeking directions to states to take immediate action against mob lynching and cow vigilantism, particularly against Muslims. The court stated that it was not feasible to "micro-manage" such incidents from Delhi and referred to its 2018 verdict, which issued guidelines to address mob violence and cow vigilantism. The court also noted that the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalizes mob lynching as a separate offence. The plea argued that there was "gross non-compliance" with the 2018 directions, but the court maintained that authorities were bound by its previous rulings.

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to address the growing concern of student suicides in higher educational institutions. The court took note of the recurring cases and directed Delhi Police to register FIRs on the complaints of families of two students who died by suicide at IIT Delhi in 2023. The NTF, chaired by former apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, will prepare a comprehensive report, including the identification of causes leading to suicides, analysis of existing regulations, and recommendations for strengthening protections. The NTF will also have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of higher educational institutions and make further recommendations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns and eliminating suicides.

Address grievance redressal promptly, RBI guv tells banks

Address grievance redressal promptly, RBI guv tells banks

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'In this age of competition, we will not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our consumers'

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, faces imminent execution despite the payment of blood money. Despite the lack of bilateral ties between India and war-torn Yemen, family members and human rights activists are clinging to hope for a last-minute pardon. The family has raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees and negotiations, and is prepared to pay any additional amount required. However, the execution order received presidential approval despite ongoing proceedings, leaving little time for intervention. Priya's family is burdened by debt and seeks urgent support from the Indian government to save her life.

Modi raises anti-India activities in NZ with visiting PM

Modi raises anti-India activities in NZ with visiting PM

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

India and New Zealand have signed a pact to institutionalize their defence ties and vowed to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns about anti-India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand with his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon. The two sides also signed six agreements to enhance cooperation in areas including education, sports, agriculture, and climate change. They also agreed to prepare a roadmap for cooperation in the defence industry sector and explore early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector.

SC refuses urgent hearing on Uddhav faction's plea against EC order

SC refuses urgent hearing on Uddhav faction's plea against EC order

Rediff.com1 Aug 2023

The petition contended that the poll panel erred in holding that disqualification under the Tenth Schedule and proceedings under the Symbols Order operate in different spheres and that disqualification of MLAs is not based on cessation of membership of a political party.

'Difficult To Trust Yunus Govt In Dhaka'

'Difficult To Trust Yunus Govt In Dhaka'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It was the hostility of the Yunus regime that made India careful and wary of dealing with them.' 'They gradually backed off and lowered the noise, but the damage was done.' 'Their true colours had been exposed.'

SC declines urgent hearing on Joshimath subsidence

SC declines urgent hearing on Joshimath subsidence

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

"There are democratically elected institutions to look into it. Everything important should not come to us. We will list it on January 16," the CJI said.

Ranveer Allahbadia continuously out of contact: Police

Ranveer Allahbadia continuously out of contact: Police

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Podcaster Allahbadia's remarks on parents and sex on comedian Samay Raina's YouTube show 'India's Got Latent' triggered a controversy and several FIRs have been lodged against him and others in various parts of the country.

Urgent! Update Financial Details!

Urgent! Update Financial Details!

Rediff.com6 Dec 2023

Nominations and addresses are of paramount importance in bank accounts, insurance policies, mutual funds, etc.

'Pathetic thinking': Singer B Praak cancels podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia

'Pathetic thinking': Singer B Praak cancels podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

In an Instagram video, Praak on Monday night said: "I was supposed to appear on a podcast, on Beer Biceps, and we cancelled that. Why? Since we are all seeing how pathetic his thinking is. The choice of words that he has used on Samay Raina's show."

Air India unions seeks labour dept's 'urgent' intervention

Air India unions seeks labour dept's 'urgent' intervention

Rediff.com30 Dec 2022

A joint forum of Air India unions on Friday sought the labour department's 'urgent' intervention and initiation of conciliation proceedings in the matter of their passage policy and service conditions. On December 24, the forum comprising IPG, ACEU, AIEU and AICCA, in its demand notice to Air India managing director and chief executive officer Campbell Wilson, had protested against the changes in their service conditions. Tata Group took control of the then government-led Air India in January this year.

Yogi rewards 75K cops with Rs 10K bonus, leave for Kumbh service

Yogi rewards 75K cops with Rs 10K bonus, leave for Kumbh service

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a special Rs 10,000 bonus and the 'Maha Kumbh Seva Medal' for 75,000 police personnel who served during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the police force's efforts in managing the grand religious event, highlighting the event's economic impact and the transformation of the UP Police into a "Mitra Police." He also emphasized the state government's commitment to police welfare and infrastructure development, citing increased recruitment and budget allocation.

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'One murder gets national coverage because of political connections.' 'The other two and the brutal torture? Not much outrage.' 'Are Dalit and OBC lives worth less?'

High AQI: 'Urgent traffic decongestion is a must'

High AQI: 'Urgent traffic decongestion is a must'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

'If we don't control the additional pollutants that come from various human activities then, the pollution level will not come down.'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

Will RBI's rate cut help drive India's growth

Will RBI's rate cut help drive India's growth

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Reserve Bank should focus on making liquidity easier rather than cutting rates if the intent is to drive growth, Axis Bank's chief economist Neelkanth Mishra said on Tuesday. Mishra, who is also a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM, said the rate cut announced earlier this month or even the subsequent ones if they were to come will not end up increasing borrowings as the scarce liquidity will hamper transmission.

Long-pending electoral cases fuel distrust, says outgoing CEC

Long-pending electoral cases fuel distrust, says outgoing CEC

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Outgoing Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed concerns about long-pending cases questioning electoral processes, arguing they fuel distrust and should be scheduled with consideration for election periods. He also advocated for enhanced transparency in political promises, with clear disclosures on financial viability and impact on state finances. Kumar further stressed the need for a totaliser system to maintain polling station-wise voting confidentiality and urged the empowerment of NRIs to vote remotely. He highlighted the potential of biometric authentication and technology to address issues like impersonation and multiple voting.

Bangladesh summons Kolkata mission head amid protests

Bangladesh summons Kolkata mission head amid protests

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Bangladesh has summoned its Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata for urgent consultations following protests over attacks on Hindu minorities. The mission in Kolkata has witnessed multiple protests over the past week by political parties and religious groups condemning the reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. In a related development, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, suspended all visa and consular services on Tuesday, citing security reasons. The decision followed an incident where protesters breached the mission's premises on Monday to protest the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka.

Shaunak Sen's Shocking Reveal

Shaunak Sen's Shocking Reveal

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

'October end, during a checkup for an autoimmune thing I got a shock diagnosis: a routine scan revealed a small malignant tumour in the kidney. Utter bolt from the blue.'

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

'There is no question that Putin's preference will be to avoid unpleasantness with Trump, leave alone a collision course,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Priyanka Gandhi Met Amit Shah

Why Priyanka Gandhi Met Amit Shah

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Priyanka Gandhi. the newly elected Congress MP from Wayanad, along with other MPs from Kerala met Union Home Minister Amit A Shah in New Delhi.

India's dominance hurts Test cricket: Chappell

India's dominance hurts Test cricket: Chappell

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has criticized the ICC, calling it an "event management company" and stating that financially stronger boards are dictating a self-serving schedule that harms Test cricket.

'Aamir Rushed Me To Hospital'

'Aamir Rushed Me To Hospital'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

'I couldn't see the injury but I knew it was bad from the expression on Aamir's face.'

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.