News for 'Union Council of Ministers'

Sahu's amazing journey from Chhattisgarh panchayat to Union council

Sahu's amazing journey from Chhattisgarh panchayat to Union council

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Tokhan Sahu, a first-time member of Parliament and a surprise addition to Narendra Modi's new cabinet, has been active in politics for the past three decades, though he has maintained a low profile throughout his career.

With 4 new ministers, Karnataka now has 6 in Union council

With 4 new ministers, Karnataka now has 6 in Union council

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inducting four new faces from Karnataka into his ministry, and chemicals and fertilisers minister D V Sadanda Gowda resigning ahead of the reshuffle, the state's representation in the Union council of ministers now stands at six.

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.

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the GST Council to consider lowering or abolishing the goods and services tax on air purifiers, citing worsening air quality in the national capital. The court has asked the council to meet at the earliest, even via video conference if necessary, to address the issue.

India-EU's FTA perfect answer to 'hegemons' using tariffs: Canadian minister

India-EU's FTA perfect answer to 'hegemons' using tariffs: Canadian minister

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

In a veiled attack on US President Donald Trump, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson on Tuesday said India's free trade agreement with the European Union is a "perfect" answer to global hegemons that use tariffs and economic integration as tools of coercion.

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Seva Teerth complex, which will house the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, marking a shift towards modernizing India's administrative governance.

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Rediff.com1 days ago

India may adopt a "calibrated" and a "step-by-step" approach to easing norms on investments originating from China, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He was in a conversation with A K Bhattacharya on Day 1 of Business Standard's two-day annual event, Manthan 2026. The minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) from China was certainly not "banned", but it goes through an approval process. "The government's approach at the moment is to accelerate the approval process."

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

Rediff.com20 hours ago

'Within six months I expect petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles (EVs) to reach cost parity,' says Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com15 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Council passed a bill to curb hate speech, facing strong opposition from BJP and JD(S), who criticized it as 'draconian' and a threat to free speech. The bill proposes jail terms and fines for hate crimes and repeated offenses.

NCERT pulls textbook from website after CJI's rebuke

NCERT pulls textbook from website after CJI's rebuke

Rediff.com17 hours ago

The NCERT's class 8 textbook is under scrutiny for its content on judicial corruption, potentially leading to its removal after government concerns and objections from the judiciary.

Pick your Union Council before Modi!

Pick your Union Council before Modi!

Rediff.com2 Sep 2017

Prime Minister will undertake the third expansion of his Union Council of Ministers, the third such exercise since he came to power in May 2014, on Sunday morning.

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India and the European Union have finalized a comprehensive mobility pact that will create new opportunities for Indian students and professionals in Europe. The agreement was reached during summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top EU officials.

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Guterres emphasised that global structures and institutions must reflect the complexity and the opportunity of the "new times and realities"

Protests erupt in Manipur over Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs joining govt

Protests erupt in Manipur over Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs joining govt

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Thousands protest in Manipur against Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs joining the government, alleging betrayal of community demands for separate administration.

Pvt-funded highway construction model highest priority: Gadkari

Pvt-funded highway construction model highest priority: Gadkari

Rediff.com1 days ago

On the back of an aggressive asset monetisation push, the government will press the throttle on the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model - under which private developers fund highway construction - for future highway development, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said.

Supreme Court lifts Anurag Thakur's BCCI ban

Supreme Court lifts Anurag Thakur's BCCI ban

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

In a relief to former BCCI president Anurag Thakur, the Supreme Court on Thursday cleared decks for his association with the board by modifying its January 2017 order.

6 Facts About The Budget You Didn't Know

6 Facts About The Budget You Didn't Know

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

With the Union Budget 2026, India's 74th, fast approaching, all eyes are once again on New Delhi's North Block as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing to table it on February 1, 2026, marking her ninth Budget presentation in a row.

Now, India's gems & jewellery sector on par with China, Thailand

Now, India's gems & jewellery sector on par with China, Thailand

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Exporters of gems and jewellery have said the free-trade agreement (FTA) has brought relief to their sector because this opens up the world's second-largest market and brings them on a par with China and Thailand, which face zero tariffs on shipments to Europe.

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

'Whether we like it or not, we have been separated by the Meiteis and therefore we have put up our demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union territory with legislature.' 'For us lasting peace is the achievement of our demand.'

Cruel irony: Ajit Pawar's final journey in the ambulance he helped procure

Cruel irony: Ajit Pawar's final journey in the ambulance he helped procure

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

An ambulance driver recounts the tragic irony of driving the ambulance secured by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to carry his body after a fatal plane crash.

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Over the years, India-EU ties have grown, and covered trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, space, digital, mobility, and connectivity.

Shinde Sena workers behaving like goons: BJP minister

Shinde Sena workers behaving like goons: BJP minister

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Union minister Raksha Khadse of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday alleged that Shiv Sena workers were intimidating people in the Muktainagar assembly segment in her home district of Jalgaon in north Maharashtra, a claim exposing strains between the two Mahayuti allies.

India slams Pak's 'false, self-serving' claim on Op Sindoor at UN

India slams Pak's 'false, self-serving' claim on Op Sindoor at UN

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a sharp response to comments made by Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

'Something happened behind curtains': Raut on Ajit Pawar's death

'Something happened behind curtains': Raut on Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Ajit's uncle and NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, however, has urged people not to politicise the death of his nephew.

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government on Sunday gave a strong push to upgradation and expansion of healthcare infrastructure, medical education and pharma sector with the Union Budget 2026-27 announcing a slew of steps, including those aimed at making India a global hub for allied healthcare professionals and biopharma manufacturing.

India-EU FTA: 'Mother Of All Deals': Goyal

India-EU FTA: 'Mother Of All Deals': Goyal

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Both India and the EU are likely to announce a conclusion of trade talks on January 27.

Budget 2026: Time To Fix The Weak Link In R&D Ecosystem

Budget 2026: Time To Fix The Weak Link In R&D Ecosystem

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Restoring weighted tax deductions and adopting a petty patents regime can foster firm-level innovative activity critical for competitiveness, points out Nagesh Kumar.

Jalna: Gauri Lankesh murder accused wins amid BJP sweep

Jalna: Gauri Lankesh murder accused wins amid BJP sweep

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Pangarkar had contested as an Independent candidate from electoral ward No. 13. He defeated his nearest rival, Raosaheb Dhoble of the BJP.

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

After the last Budget's announcement of a major tax relief for those earning an annual salary of less than Rs 12 lakh, there is not much that individuals can look forward to in the forthcoming Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Cooking For The President Of India

Cooking For The President Of India

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'It's a lifetime opportunity to cook for the most high-profile table of India. It's a matter of honour for me.'

US calls India-EU trade deal 'very disappointing'

US calls India-EU trade deal 'very disappointing'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

In the wake of the FTA between India and the European Union, the United States has described the Europeans as 'very disappointing', saying they were unwilling to join Washington, DC in putting tariffs on New Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil because of this trade deal.

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement, which is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said.

Govt plans bills to remove PM, ministers held on serious charges

Govt plans bills to remove PM, ministers held on serious charges

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The government plans to introduce three bills in Parliament to address the removal of a prime minister, Union minister, chief minister, or minister of a Union Territory when arrested or detained on serious criminal charges.

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Around 100 artistes heralded the parade, on the theme 'Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.

India, EU near 'mother of all deals' amid US tariff threat

India, EU near 'mother of all deals' amid US tariff threat

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says India and the EU are close to a 'historic trade agreement' that could create a market of two billion people and account for almost a quarter of the global GDP.

Governor has discretion, not bound by ministers' advice on bills: SC

Governor has discretion, not bound by ministers' advice on bills: SC

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a governor has discretion under Article 200 to refer a state bill to the President or return it to the legislature, and is not bound by the advice of the council of ministers. The court clarified that a governor cannot simply withhold a bill.

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

In apparent signs of thaw after years of bickering stemming out of internal feud in the AIADMK in the past, party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed Dhinakaran back in to the National Democratic Alliance. The AMMK founder reciprocated with a "heartfelt thanks," yet admitting there was "sibling rivalry" with AIADMK, the party he was once associated with.

Govt Plans Car-To-Car Alerts To Prevent Crashes

Govt Plans Car-To-Car Alerts To Prevent Crashes

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'We hope we will be able to at least end crashes that involve collisions with stationary vehicles as there will be an automatic warning.'

Rivaba Jadeja becomes Gujarat minister after reshuffle

Rivaba Jadeja becomes Gujarat minister after reshuffle

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reshuffled his cabinet, inducting 19 new ministers and elevating Harsh Sanghavi to Deputy Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday, with several existing ministers continuing in their roles.