News for 'Union council'

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.

Why England to continue hosting WTC finals

Why England to continue hosting WTC finals

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

'We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals.'

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Due to the rising COVID cases, the Centre is conducting mock drills to check facility-level preparedness and has instructed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, official sources had said.

Delhi Or Goa: Where Will Chess World Cup Be Held?

Delhi Or Goa: Where Will Chess World Cup Be Held?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

FIDE, which has listed the venue for all its global events, has not yet announced the venue for the World Cup.

India, Pakistan NSAs likely to meet in Moscow?

India, Pakistan NSAs likely to meet in Moscow?

Rediff.com25 May 2025

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to attend a major security meeting in Moscow next week, organized by Russia's Security Council. Doval is invited for the 13th international meeting of high representatives for security issues, taking place from May 27-29. The meeting, chaired by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, will see participation from over 150 countries and international organizations. Pakistan's NSA, Lt Gen Asim Malik, is also expected to attend the meeting, leading to speculation of a possible face-to-face meeting between the two NSAs amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent retaliatory actions.

How can you question probe report now: SC grills Justice Varma

How can you question probe report now: SC grills Justice Varma

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court questioned Justice Yashwant Varma regarding his plea to invalidate an in-house inquiry panel report that indicted him after a large amount of burnt cash was discovered at his official residence during his time as a Delhi High Court judge.

Covid vaccine causing heart attacks? What Centre says

Covid vaccine causing heart attacks? What Centre says

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The Union Health Ministry refutes claims linking heart-related deaths to Covid vaccines, citing extensive studies by ICMR and AIIMS.

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Initially, we will look to take a small batch of a few hundred students, with a plan to increase this to 5,000 students in the next five years, and eventually 10,000 by 2036.'

Covid surge: States told to ensure availability of oxygen, beds

Covid surge: States told to ensure availability of oxygen, beds

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

All states have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators and essential medicines in view of rising cases of Covid, official sources said on Wednesday.

June 22 GST Council meet may give relief to foreign airlines

June 22 GST Council meet may give relief to foreign airlines

Rediff.com21 Jun 2024

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, scheduled to meet on June 22, could take a call on ending uncertainty on taxing foreign airlines and shippers as regards certain services, a senior official in the know told Business Standard. He said the Council was expected to decide on exempting the services in question from GST - aircraft lease rentals, maintenance, crew salaries, etc. These services are provided by foreign airlines to their Indian operations.

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

On the 83rd anniversary of the Quit India movement, Utkarsh Mishra recalls the conditions under which the Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, launched the final struggle for independence.

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Over 5,000 Covid cases in India, most affected state is...

Over 5,000 Covid cases in India, most affected state is...

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

India's active Covid case tally crossed the 5,000 mark with Kerala remaining the most affected state followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi, according to the Union health ministry data released on Friday.

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the conversation regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has not been stalled. He claims the issue was raised at the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, and the formal speech distributed at the meeting includes a mention of the return of statehood. Abdullah also addressed concerns about the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourism, emphasizing the importance of local Kashmiris visiting tourist spots first to revive the industry and ensure a sense of security.

The Leverage Trump's US Has On Xi's China Has Shrunk

The Leverage Trump's US Has On Xi's China Has Shrunk

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The stock and bond markets told Trump firmly that any idea of isolating China would lead to harming the US economy and this forced Trump to backtrack, points out Aakar Patel.

Firebrand Telangana MLA Raja Singh resigns from BJP

Firebrand Telangana MLA Raja Singh resigns from BJP

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Upset over the possible appointment of Ramchander Rao as Bharatiya Janata Party's Telangana President, the party's firebrand MLA Raja Singh on Monday wrote to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy saying that he is resigning from the primary membership of the saffron party.

Covid cases in India cross 4,000-mark; Kerala, Maha, Delhi worst hit

Covid cases in India cross 4,000-mark; Kerala, Maha, Delhi worst hit

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

There are 4,026 active cases in India and five fresh deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'There is no doubt about the antiquity of Tamil Nadu.'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'Earlier, we used to talk about a deficit economy. There is a deficit in democracy' 'If you read superficially Gandhi and Ambedkar and Nehru, some misconceptions and misunderstanding come to mind, as if they were at loggerheads and they differed radically in their views' 'India is one nation. There is only one citizenship. No citizenship for South India and no citizenship for North India and another for the Northeast'

Govt To Target Coaching Centres

Govt To Target Coaching Centres

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The panel will examine the reasons behind the emergence of dummy schools and their role in encouraging full-time coaching at the cost of formal schooling, and will suggest ways to mitigate the issue.

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Several opposition MPs, who had previously criticized former Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, are now praising him following his sudden resignation, with some even requesting him to reconsider.

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

Rediff.com16 May 2025

As soon as one of the pleas came up for hearing on Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, objected and said there can't be an "endless" filing of pleas challenging the Act.

Ruling party should not be blamed for stampede: BCCI VP Shukla

Ruling party should not be blamed for stampede: BCCI VP Shukla

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

'It should not be politicised. If this happens in a BJP-ruled state, we should not blame them.'

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

In a double-dose bid to boost growth and employment prospects, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs 2.07 trillion outlay for a research development and innovation (RDI) Scheme to fund private sector innovations, and an employment-linked incentive (ELI) to create over 35 million new jobs over the next two years.

Punjab CM Mann takes jibe at BJP over Operation Sindoor

Punjab CM Mann takes jibe at BJP over Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party over Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, saying this is the first time that Indian representatives have been sent abroad to convey about the country's victory in an armed conflict.

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The chief adviser's decision to stay in office came two days after he told student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders that he was mulling resignation as he felt "the situation is such that he cannot work", citing difficulties in working amid the failure of political parties to find common ground for change.

TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay opts out of diplomatic outreach

TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay opts out of diplomatic outreach

Rediff.com17 May 2025

Bandyopadhyay told PTI that he received a call from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and the external affairs ministry, and was asked to go to the US but he informed them that he would not be able to go due to health reasons.

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

A statement issued by the parliamentary affairs ministry earlier on Saturday said the all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The editorial came amidst the ongoing tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led Left Democratic Front government over the usage of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official functions being held in Raj Bhavan.

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Led by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule, Group 7 will engage with key countries in Africa -- Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia -- and Qatar to present India's position on Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

India's First Gene-Edited Sheep Unveiled

India's First Gene-Edited Sheep Unveiled

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The edited sheep contains no foreign DNA, distinguishing it from transgenic organisms and paving the way for regulatory approval under India's evolving biotech policy framework.

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. He was a founding member of the CPI(M) and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.

Indo-Pak confrontation not a conflict in Kashmir, but...: Jaishankar

Indo-Pak confrontation not a conflict in Kashmir, but...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Jaishankar said such a description would be like putting the perpetrator and the victim of the Pahalgam attack at the same level.

Exports fall 2.17% in May; trade deficit narrows

Exports fall 2.17% in May; trade deficit narrows

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

After registering a positive growth for two months, India's exports slipped into negative territory again, contracting 2.17 per cent year-on-year to $38.73 billion in May due to a fall in global petroleum prices, while trade deficit narrowed at $21.88 billion during the month.

No intent to escalate, but...: India tells key global powers

No intent to escalate, but...: India tells key global powers

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has reached out to key global powers, including members of the UN Security Council, and apprised them about the reasons behind its military strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi also conveyed to the countries that it will retaliate if Islamabad escalates the already tense situation.

Kolkata gangrape: Custody of 3 accused extended; SIT probes call records

Kolkata gangrape: Custody of 3 accused extended; SIT probes call records

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Mishra vanished from police radar at that time before resurfacing in 2017 when he took readmission to the college from where he passed out in 2022.

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town.

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Covid is growing milder with time but an occasional surge in cases is expected because the virus that causes it is now endemic and constantly evolving, say scientists while assuring that there is no cause for concern.

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act's constitutional validity will now be taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice B R Gavai on May 15 as the incumbent CJI will be demitting office on May 13.