News for 'Union council'

'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'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Must vacate J-K territory': India slams Pak at UN

'Must vacate J-K territory': India slams Pak at UN

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing the country of illegally occupying the territory of Jammu and Kashmir and demanding its immediate vacation. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, made these remarks during a UN Security Council Open Debate on Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations. He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always be an integral part of India. Harish's statement came after Pakistan raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the UNSC open debate, prompting a strong retort from India. He further stated that Pakistan's repeated references to the issue neither validate their illegal claims nor justify their state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. India, however, said it will refrain from exercising a more elaborate Right of Reply, suggesting a measured approach to the situation. Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019, revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The prolonged delay over electing J P Nadda's successor possibly stems from the RSS leadership wanting a person who is at least equidistant from the Sangh as well as the Modi/BJP edifice, observes BJP-RSS watcher Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Who will be next Manipur CM? BJP delegation meets Guv

Who will be next Manipur CM? BJP delegation meets Guv

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

A Bharatiya Janata Party delegation on Tuesday called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal amid a leadership crisis following the resignation of N Biren Singh as the chief minister of the ethnic violence-hit state two days ago.

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Amid an uptick in Covid cases in some parts of the country, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. Speaking about new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. "Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants." The ICMR DG said there has been an uptick in cases --first from the south, then west and now from northern India. All these cases are being monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Besides that, ICMR's nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens, he said. "Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It's dependent on three factors with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely how fast the cases are increasing. Previously we saw Covid cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly. "Secondly, are the new variants evading our previous immunity? When new variants come, they evade immunity -- be it natural or from the vaccine. But there's nothing to worry about at the moment," Dr Behl said. He also said that the third factor is the percentage of severe cases in all Covid instances. "Are we getting a very severe disease without comorbidities? As of now, the severity is generally low. There's nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared," the ICMR DG asserted. Dr Behl also informed reporters that the Union Health secretary chaired a meeting on Sunday that was also attended by the director general of health services and himself. "We have been closely monitoring the situation. We should be vigilant at this moment, but there is no cause to worry. The general public should be vigilant. There is no need to take any such action as of now," he said. The officer added that the WHO database has been showing that the new variants were not causing severe disease. "People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions. So, there is nothing special to do right now." Asked about the need for a booster dose, he said there is no need for vaccination as of now. "India has the capability to make vaccines and if need be, we can make any vaccine in no time."

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

India succeeded in busting the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member nations, where Islamabad sought succour after carrying out terror activities across the border, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said.

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus is considering resigning after political parties failed to reach a common ground, according to the National Citizen Party (NCP) chief. Yunus, appointed after a student-led uprising toppled the previous government, expressed concerns about his ability to function in the current political climate.

Will hunt down every terrorist involved in Pahalgam: Amit Shah

Will hunt down every terrorist involved in Pahalgam: Amit Shah

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday vowed to hunt down each and every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack and said all of them will be made answerable for the heinous act.

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Centre on Thursday assured the Supreme Court that it will neither denotify Waqf properties, including "Waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central Waqf council and boards till May 5.

FIFA approves 48-team women's World Cup from 2031 edition

FIFA approves 48-team women's World Cup from 2031 edition

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The 48-team World Cup will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 - the same as the expanded men's World Cup in 2026 - and extending the tournament by one week.

Buddhist group vandalises road names after Muslim rulers

Buddhist group vandalises road names after Muslim rulers

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Members of a Buddhist outfit allegedly vandalised road signboards named after Mughal and Delhi Sultanate rulers in Lutyens' Delhi on Friday. The Bharatiya Baudh Sangh members covered the signboards that come under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) with black spray paint. Veer Savarkar Marg was pasted over the signboard of Shahjahan Road, Ahilya Bai Marg was pasted over Tughlaq Lane, Maharishi Valmiki Marg was pasted over Akbar Road and Balasaheb Thackeray Marg over Humayun Road. The incident follows the March 20 defacement of Akbar Road's signboard by unidentified individuals protesting the alleged vandalism of Maharana Pratap's statue at Kashmiri Gate ISBT.

Include Pahalgam victims' kin, bravehearts in diplomatic team: TNC

Include Pahalgam victims' kin, bravehearts in diplomatic team: TNC

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Interacting with reporters in Kolkata, the Trinamool national general secretary reiterated that his party stood with the government in matters of national interest, combating cross-border terrorism, and safeguarding sovereignty.

Cong moves privilege notice against Amit Shah over Sonia statement

Cong moves privilege notice against Amit Shah over Sonia statement

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

In his notice to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Congress leader alleged that the home minister had made unfounded allegations against chairperson of Congress parliamentary party with "a premeditated motive to malign her reputation."

Op Sindoor: Wary of India's diplomatic outreach, Pak to send own team

Op Sindoor: Wary of India's diplomatic outreach, Pak to send own team

Rediff.com18 May 2025

This came after Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday stated that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him to lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case on the recent escalations of tensions between the two nations.

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

Failed State that spreads falsehoods: India flays Pak at UNHRC

Failed State that spreads falsehoods: India flays Pak at UNHRC

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Human Rights Council, calling it a "failed state" that spreads falsehoods and relies on international handouts. India's delegate, Kshitij Tyagi, highlighted the progress made in Jammu and Kashmir and said Pakistan is in no position to lecture anyone on human rights, given its own record of abuses and support for terrorism.

The Man Who Said No To The Big Bang

The Man Who Said No To The Big Bang

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Jayant Narlikar wrote alternative what-if histories, explained difficult scientific theories with funny analogies, and leavened his lectures with jokes and humorous asides.

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr S Ramadoss has announced taking up the complete reins of the party, relegating his president son Anbumani to the role of working president. The move, announced ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Chennai, comes in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly election.

Preity Zinta opens up about Dharamsala crisis behind the scenes

Preity Zinta opens up about Dharamsala crisis behind the scenes

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Videos of Zinta asking spectators to vacate the stadium in an orderly manner also started doing rounds of the social media.

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Amid concerns of espionage, the Rajasthan administration has intensified security measures along the India-Pakistan border, with authorities in Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar banning the use of Pakistani SIM cards.

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The political and ideological differences between the Congress and Shashi Tharoor is no longer a matter of whispers.