News for 'Union council of ministers'

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.

'As Of Now Nitish Kumar Is Our Chief Minister'

'As Of Now Nitish Kumar Is Our Chief Minister'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

'Every party want to contest more seats, nothing wrong in it. We have to compromise to take all together as the NDA.'

One-Regulator Education Bill Sent To Panel

One-Regulator Education Bill Sent To Panel

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

'It interferes in administrative matters of institutions, robbing them of their independence in day-to-day affairs and appointments.'

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.

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.

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.'

Rs 1249 cr for Union ministers' salaries, PMO expenses

Rs 1249 cr for Union ministers' salaries, PMO expenses

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The allocated amount is substantially lower than the Rs 1,803.01 crore earmarked in 2023-24.

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Given Modi's track record from the time he became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001, it is highly improbable that Nabin will get opportunities to display his individual capacity. Even the team of organisational leaders that he will 'appoint' in a few weeks or months, will unlikely to be his choice, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Three laws passed in Parliament could boost central revenues, reshape GST cess flows, shift MGNREGA costs to states and create new budget headroom ahead of the 2026-2027 Union Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Nitish's cabinet is full of corrupts and criminals: Prashant Kishor

Nitish's cabinet is full of corrupts and criminals: Prashant Kishor

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor criticized the new Bihar cabinet, alleging it is full of corrupt and criminal leaders. He also announced the launch of 'Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra' on January 15.

Shinde meets Shah, complains against 'some Mahayuti leaders'

Shinde meets Shah, complains against 'some Mahayuti leaders'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

He also told Shah that avoidable disruptions could potentially hinder the Mahayuti alliance's winning momentum and give undue advantage to the Opposition, they said.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda and several other top leaders of the NDA.

Meet BJP's first-ever mayor in Kerala

Meet BJP's first-ever mayor in Kerala

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

BJP leader V V Rajesh was elected mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, marking the party's first-ever victory in a municipal corporation in Kerala. The election saw other mayoral contests across the state, with UDF and LDF also securing victories.

Maha civic polls: Mahayuti wins 68 seats unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Maha civic polls: Mahayuti wins 68 seats unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

The BJP and its Mahayuti allies have won 68 seats unopposed in the Maharashtra civic polls scheduled for January 15, even as the Opposition parties alleged the ruling combine used threats and money to force candidates to withdraw from the fray.

Karan Fries: India's New Dairy Powerhouse

Karan Fries: India's New Dairy Powerhouse

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Karan Fries is a synthetic cow breed developed by the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal.

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'Trump says India will buy over $500 billion of US goods.' 'At present, India's annual imports of goods and energy from the US are under $50 billion.' 'Reaching $500 billion would likely require more than 20 years, suggesting the figure refers to a long-term aspiration rather than a near-term commitment.'

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The United States has warned China against escalating tensions as Taiwan detected multiple Chinese naval vessels, official ships and balloons operating around the island amid Beijing's large-scale live-fire military drills.

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Next week's three-nation foreign tour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will see India and Oman sign a free trade deal. The visit will also pave the way for agreements with Ethiopia and Jordan to increase India's bilateral trade and investments.

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav accuses the Congress of spreading misinformation regarding the new definition of the Aravallis and defends the government's commitment to protecting the mountain range while allowing limited, legal mining.

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India has been on an FTA-signing spree of late. Since 2021, it has signed eight trade agreements, three of which -- with the UK, Oman and New Zealand -- were finalised in 2025 alone.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's former first female prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Suresh Kalmadi brought several top-class events to India including the 2003 Afro Asian Games, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Gems & jewellery exports slipped 30% in October: GJEPC

Gems & jewellery exports slipped 30% in October: GJEPC

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

India's gems & jewellery exports witnessed 30.6 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) contraction in October to $2.17 million, amid the imposition of a steep 50 per cent tariff by the United States (US) on several Indian products.

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

BJP sources said the formal process to elect current party President J P Nadda's successor will begin in mid-January, following Makar Sankranti, with Nitin Nabin expected to be the frontrunner to file his nomination.

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra continues to face backlash for his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The Legislative Council admitted a breach of privilege notice against him, while a state minister demanded his arrest. The controversy stems from Kamra's stand-up performance where he made satirical remarks about Shinde, leading to protests and vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters. The comedian has been summoned by the police and faces legal trouble, with even Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw justifying the action, emphasizing the need to uphold legal safeguards. Amid the controversy, Kamra lashed out at the mainstream media, calling it a "miscommunication arm" of the ruling party.

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Today's situation in the Shaksgam Valley is the consequence of what happened in Gilgit in 1947. But is India ready to militarily get back its territories? asks Claude Arpi.

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member Sanjeev Sanyal on Thursday said he is not concerned about the rupee at all, arguing that even China and Japan witnessed exchange rate weaknesses during their high growth phases.

Is Renaming Govt Schemes A Solution?

Is Renaming Govt Schemes A Solution?

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

This has been our history of good governance: Things that were difficult to do and required planning and implementation were first taken up and then abandoned, notes Aaakr Patel.

Will Nitish not be Bihar CM? Amit Shah drops big hint

Will Nitish not be Bihar CM? Amit Shah drops big hint

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asserted that Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, a former state Bharatiya Janata Party president, would be made 'big man' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the assembly polls.

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The Centre's move on Chandigarh has raised the hackles of various parties in Punjab, with Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal terming it as a "direct attack" on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights.

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

The Centre has rejected claims that the new definition of the Aravalli range will allow large-scale mining, asserting that 90 per cent of the region will remain protected and citing a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases.

India-US Trade Deal: ' Not Much To Negotiate'

India-US Trade Deal: ' Not Much To Negotiate'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

'There are very few issues and a political call needs to be taken about some of them.'

Anupriya Patel: Back in council of ministers after 2 years

Anupriya Patel: Back in council of ministers after 2 years

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

Her inclusion in the Modi's team is significant ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections next year and the Lok Sabha polls in 2024 as the Other Backward Classes have a sizeable number of voters in the key Purvanchal region.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

Maharashtra Oppn boycotts govt tea party over LoP appointment row

Maharashtra Oppn boycotts govt tea party over LoP appointment row

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

The Opposition in Maharashtra boycotted the government's customary tea party on the eve of the Winter session, citing its failure to appoint leaders of the opposition (LoPs) in both houses of the state legislature.

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The largest tranche came in July, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the DAC according acceptance of necessity -- or initial approval -- for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately 1.05 trillion through indigenous sourcing.

Will GST Council cut taxes on insurance premium?

Will GST Council cut taxes on insurance premium?

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The GST Council, in its meeting on Saturday, is likely to decide on reducing tax rates on life and health insurance premiums, while hiking it on high-end wrist watches, shoes and apparels, besides considering a separate 35 per cent tax slab for sin goods. The 55th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, is likely to discuss rate rejig in about 148 items, besides, it will also deliberate on bringing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), a major component for airline industry's operation cost, in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) fold.

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Experts warn that air pollution in India is a major public health crisis, leading to a surge in undiagnosed airway diseases and cardiovascular issues. They urge for urgent action, early detection, and treatment.

Despite Losing Murugan Becomes Minister

Despite Losing Murugan Becomes Minister

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

FHe is the only one among 17 ministers from the outgoing council of ministers who lost the Lok Sabha polls to be reappointed minister.

Delhi court rejects Nirmala Sitharaman's plea

Delhi court rejects Nirmala Sitharaman's plea

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

A Delhi court refused Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's request to prevent AAP leader Somnath Bharti from representing his wife in a defamation case filed against Sitharaman.