News for 'Union council'

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

3 Indian firms face EU sanction for Russian military link

3 Indian firms face EU sanction for Russian military link

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

The European Union has sanctioned three India-based companies for their alleged links with the Russian military as part of its efforts to put economic pressure on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

All Guj ministers except CM resign ahead of cabinet rejig

All Guj ministers except CM resign ahead of cabinet rejig

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

All Gujarat ministers, except the Chief Minister, resigned a day before the planned cabinet expansion. The expansion is scheduled for Friday.

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Booth-level officers in Kerala boycotted work following the suicide of a colleague allegedly due to work strain related to the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Trade unions and political leaders are demanding investigations and changes to the process.

Putin to land in Delhi soon, Modi to host private dinner

Putin to land in Delhi soon, Modi to host private dinner

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Russian President Vladimir Putin for a private dinner and summit, focusing on defence, trade, and geopolitical issues, including the Ukraine conflict and the impact of US sanctions.

Union minister Nadda named Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Union minister Nadda named Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Nadda replaces Union minister Piyush Goyal, who recently won the Lok Sabha election and took oath on Monday as a member of the Lower House of Parliament.

No Full-Stop To Govt Versus Governors Tussle

No Full-Stop To Govt Versus Governors Tussle

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court's opinion on the presidential reference can impact on any number of cases if and when governors, if not the President, take a literary view of the Supreme Court's 'ppinion' on their 'discretionary powers' without reference to the rider on 'reasonable time', points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'IndiGo will receive a sharp rap on the knuckles -- a punishment, a huge penalty. 'I look towards them creating a compensation fund.' 'I would like to think they would do that for all the passengers who are affected on every single day since cancellations began.'

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.

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.

ABVP members accused of attacking DU professor on campus

ABVP members accused of attacking DU professor on campus

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

A Delhi University teacher was allegedly slapped and assaulted by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Thursday, according to faculty members. The Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) has demanded an inquiry into the matter.

Mamata revives ICC post row, says 'Can't stop Ganguly'

Mamata revives ICC post row, says 'Can't stop Ganguly'

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again threw her weight behind Sourav Ganguly, saying the former India captain should have been the International Cricket Council president by now and warned, in her trademark style that "it's not that easy to stop him."

Modi's new council of ministers 9 short of maximum

Modi's new council of ministers 9 short of maximum

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

The Modi government had touched the maximum strength of 78 in 2021 after expansion, but the outgoing council of ministers had 72 members, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The World Is A Dangerous Place

The World Is A Dangerous Place

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

After Donald Trump became president of the United States, he unleashed economic weaponisation, upsetting the old world order, leading to much unrest. If that wasn't all, the threat of an imminent nuclear war was issued by the US, Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan. In today's fractious times, Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios would have made a dent, notes His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III.

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'She was brave. She didn't care a hoot. And India was not the strongest of nations as it is now.'

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'She was brave. She didn't care a hoot. And India was not the strongest of nations as it is now.'

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The National Investigation Agency has arrested Jasir Bilal Wani in Srinagar, who was an "active co-conspirator" of suicide bomber Umar un Nabi, in connection with the car blast near the Red Fort last week that claimed 13 lives.

Seat-Sharing Talks Heat Up For Bihar Polls

Seat-Sharing Talks Heat Up For Bihar Polls

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Less than 10 days are left for filing of nomination papers for the first phase of the Bihar polls.

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The National Democratic Alliance was set to sweep the Bihar assembly polls, surging ahead in over 200 of 243 seats on Friday with the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as single largest party with about 90 per cent strike rate, reaffirming the popularity and campaign clout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the face of the ruling alliance through the poll battle in the highly sensitive political state.

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

An uneasy calm prevails in Ladakh as authorities enforce a curfew following clashes between security forces and protesters demanding statehood and constitutional protections. The violence resulted in fatalities and injuries, prompting detentions and political reactions.

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.

Bihar BJP springs surprise with first list, drops speaker

Bihar BJP springs surprise with first list, drops speaker

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday sprang surprises with its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar assembly polls, denying a ticket to Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, a seven-term MLA, while fielding Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary in a direct election after over a decade.

Kuki-Zo groups welcome Modi's Manipur visit, oppose dance event

Kuki-Zo groups welcome Modi's Manipur visit, oppose dance event

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Leading Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit, hoping he will address their aspirations for a separate administration and lasting peace in the region affected by ethnic violence.

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Names and names and names and names... 329 in all. Some Indian. Some Canadian. Some British. Berry. Gupta. Jain. James. Bhatt. Beauchesne. Chatlani. Enayati. Lougheed.... Vaihayasi Pande Daniel visits Ahakista, Ireland, home to the memorial for the worst terrorist atrocity in India's history.

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo!' - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gentle nudge to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December last year sparked the beginning of a mammoth exercise to overhaul the tangled goods and services tax regime. And the final outcome is a significantly simplified system with lower tax rates and easier compliance for businesses.

GST Cut: How Much Will States Lose?

GST Cut: How Much Will States Lose?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Opposition-ruled states warn of steep annual losses; Centre assures higher consumption will offset revenue hit.

Delhi lawyers call off strike after police allow physical evidence

Delhi lawyers call off strike after police allow physical evidence

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Lawyers were on strike against the LG's notification for the deposition of police personnel through video conferencing from police stations.

H-1B Visa: Why Nvidia Will Pay $100,000 For Talent

H-1B Visa: Why Nvidia Will Pay $100,000 For Talent

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'As one of many immigrants at Nvidia, I know the opportunities we've found in America have profoundly shaped our lives.'

Govt extends ban on NSCN-K for five more years

Govt extends ban on NSCN-K for five more years

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Centre on Monday decided to extend the ban imposed on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang [NSCN-K)] along with all its factions, wings and front organisations for five more years due to its involvement in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

'Whatever We Have, That Is Being Taken Away By The Government'

'Whatever We Have, That Is Being Taken Away By The Government'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'The government is distributing land in Ladakh as if they are selling cinema hall tickets.'

Cough Syrup For Kids: Centre Tightens Rules

Cough Syrup For Kids: Centre Tightens Rules

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Health ministry advisory urges rational use of cough syrups in children after 11 deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Amidst speculation over the NDA seat-sharing deal in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar distributed JD(U) tickets, while the BJP announced its first list of candidates. The INDIA bloc also faces internal challenges as parties prepare for the upcoming elections.

Yet another change in the Union Council of ministers

Yet another change in the Union Council of ministers

Rediff.com2 Nov 2012

There seems to be no end to re-allocation of portfolios even after Sunday's major Cabinet reshuffle with S Jagathrakshakan of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday being given the portfolio of minister of state for commerce and industry.

Tribals to be kept out of ambit of proposed UCC: Rijiju

Tribals to be kept out of ambit of proposed UCC: Rijiju

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifies that tribal communities in the northeast and other areas will be exempt from the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to preserve their traditional way of life.

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The GST Council on Saturday postponed a decision on cutting tax rate on life and health insurance premiums, officials said. The 55th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, decided that some more technicalities needed to be ironed out and tasked the GoM for further deliberations.

Order judicial probe into violence, says Ladakh MP

Order judicial probe into violence, says Ladakh MP

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa demands a judicial inquiry into the police firing during the September 24 violence in Leh, citing frustration among unemployed youth. He dismisses conspiracy theories and urges dialogue on Ladakh's statehood.

25 Elections; 0 Wins, This Lalu Yadav Won't Give Up!

25 Elections; 0 Wins, This Lalu Yadav Won't Give Up!

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Meet the maverick serial election contester who shares his name with current Bihar's best known politician.

GST 2.0 Needs Deeper Reforms

GST 2.0 Needs Deeper Reforms

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Since items in the 12% category account for only about 5% of total GST, the additional boost to consumption may not be significant, points out M Govinda Rao.

Nirmalaji, Streamline GST Assessment Machinery!

Nirmalaji, Streamline GST Assessment Machinery!

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'It must become faceless, just as the entire direct tax assessment system has already become fully online, without any human intervention in the normal course,' recommends A K Bhattacharya.

White House pushed Modi closer to Russia, China: Ex-Trump aide

White House pushed Modi closer to Russia, China: Ex-Trump aide

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Bolton slammed Trump's tariff policy, asserting that it has "shredded" decades of Western efforts to align India away from its Cold War ties with the then Soviet Union (Russia) and address the growing threat from China.