News for 'Union council'

Is Sanjay Jha Nitish's Political Heir?

Is Sanjay Jha Nitish's Political Heir?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Sanjay Jha's importance lies in his connections to senior BJP and RSS leaders to maintain a smooth relationship within the NDA government in Bihar and at the Centre and to contest the 2025 Bihar assembly elections together under Nitish Kumar's leadership.

A Tale Of Two Modi Decisions

A Tale Of Two Modi Decisions

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Why did the political system in the country react to these two decisions of the Modi government in a diametrically opposite manner? asks A K Bhattacharya.

Travelling to Pak for multilateral event, not...: Jaishankar

Travelling to Pak for multilateral event, not...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

It will be for the first time in nearly nine years India's external affairs minister will travel to Pakistan even as the ties between the two neighbours remained frosty over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Modi gears up for NDA 3.0, holds meet for 100-day agenda

Modi gears up for NDA 3.0, holds meet for 100-day agenda

Rediff.com2 Jun 2024

Government sources said Modi will also chair meetings to review the aftermath of the Cyclone Remal, especially in the north east region hit by natural disasters.

'Country soaked in red of bloodshed': India tears into Pak at UN

'Country soaked in red of bloodshed': India tears into Pak at UN

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

'A country that hosts and even celebrates UNSC-sanctioned terrorists, commenting on India whose pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials are exemplars for the world, is a contrast for everyone to see'

Prashant Kishor floats Jan Suraaj Party, vows to end liquor ban

Prashant Kishor floats Jan Suraaj Party, vows to end liquor ban

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

The party was floated exactly two years after Kishor had embarked on a more than 3,000-km-long 'padayatra' of the state.

Will India CHANGE In Modi 3.0?

Will India CHANGE In Modi 3.0?

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

The climate for 'doing business' remains forbidding, taxtortion is still rife, corruption at state and district levels has increased, oil prices remain extortive with high taxation, and the continued red tape has kept the enterprise system as stifled as before, points out Debashis Basu.

Cong, BRS give notice to bring no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha

Cong, BRS give notice to bring no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

The Congress on Wednesday gave a notice on moving a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi-led central government in the Lok Sabha over the Manipur issue.

Jay Shah elected unopposed as next ICC chairman

Jay Shah elected unopposed as next ICC chairman

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

Jay Shah will take over as the next chairman of the ICC in December after he emerged as the sole nominee for the high-profile job

'Why Is Modi Not Sacking Biren Singh?'

'Why Is Modi Not Sacking Biren Singh?'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

'We are in a dilemma if the central government supports this ethnic violence and Biren Singh.'

Mahayuti Or MVA? Which Way Will Jarange Patil Tilt?

Mahayuti Or MVA? Which Way Will Jarange Patil Tilt?

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

If Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil drops a hint of supporting or opposing a particular coalition on the eve of polling on November 20, things may change overnight.

Modi to ministers: Rebut Sanatan slur, avoid Bharat vs India row

Modi to ministers: Rebut Sanatan slur, avoid Bharat vs India row

Rediff.com6 Sep 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked his ministers to strongly refute opposition leaders on their controversial comments on Sanatan Dharma and expose them but told his ministerial colleagues to avoid the political row around the Bharat issue noting that it has been the country's ancient name, sources said.

What Smriti, Anurag Thakur said after omission from Modi 3.0

What Smriti, Anurag Thakur said after omission from Modi 3.0

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Rajeev Chandrasekhar said in a post on X that his 18-year-long stint in public service has come to an end.

Parl panel meet over Waqf bill sees heated arguments, Oppn walkout

Parl panel meet over Waqf bill sees heated arguments, Oppn walkout

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

A meeting of the joint committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Friday witnessed fireworks with members vociferously opposing certain provisions of the draft legislation, leading to a brief walkout by opposition members.

Rajnath Singh: A constant feature of Modi cabinets

Rajnath Singh: A constant feature of Modi cabinets

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

A strategist and a quintessential political leader with grassroots connect, Rajnath Singh is credited with expanding the Bharatiya Janata Party's organisational network in the Hindi heartland state of Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s and the subsequent decades.

BJP Close To 100 Mark In Rajya Sabha

BJP Close To 100 Mark In Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

The only occasion when the BJP had 100 seats in the Upper House was in 2022.

Former Bihar minister's father found murdered at home

Former Bihar minister's father found murdered at home

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

In a ghastly incident that has sent shock waves across Bihar, former state minister Mukesh Sahni's 70-year-old father was found stabbed to death at his native home in Darbhanga district, a top police officer said.

India, Pak should bury past to live like good neighbours: Nawaz Sharif

India, Pak should bury past to live like good neighbours: Nawaz Sharif

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

In an interaction with a group of Indian journalists, the three-time prime minister and president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N described Jaishankar's visit as a "good opening" and said both sides should now engage and move forward.

Stopped from speaking, Mamata storms out of Niti Aayog meet

Stopped from speaking, Mamata storms out of Niti Aayog meet

Rediff.com27 Jul 2024

Banerjee said her microphone was stopped after five minutes, while other chief ministers were allowed to speak for longer durations.

The UFO At Rashtrapati Bhavan!

The UFO At Rashtrapati Bhavan!

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

One would have expected Rashtrapati Bhavan and not the Delhi police to settle the Unidentified Feline Object issue. In its absence, the four legged-visitor spanned in imagined identity, anything from a domestic cat familiar with the palatial surroundings to a swashbuckling Puss in Boots visiting from the outside or indeed a Bagheera from Jungle Book, notes Shyam G Menon.

First session of 18th LS from Monday; Speaker's election on Wednesday

First session of 18th LS from Monday; Speaker's election on Wednesday

Rediff.com23 Jun 2024

The row over the appointment of Bharatiya Janata Party leader and seven-term member Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem speaker is likely to cast a shadow over the session.

'Nitish Could Come Back To INDIA'

'Nitish Could Come Back To INDIA'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

'Nitish may take such a decision because he was the first person who was with the INDIA front.' 'He went back only because he did not get proper encouragement from the Congress.' 'Nitish will take a decision provided there is a strong alternative.' 'If he feels ours is a weak coalition, he will not come.' 'Then, this government will continue for five years.'

Ladakh MP Namgyal defiant as BJP replaces him

Ladakh MP Namgyal defiant as BJP replaces him

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

The BJP's decision to drop Namgyal comes amid resentment towards the ruling party among a section of Buddhists in Leh.

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

'The 2024 election results will lead to much intense targeting of Modi, more intense debates, many more breakdowns in Parliament and many more movements on the streets.' 'The results have hit Modi's standing, and the politics of the Opposition parties will be sharply focused to ensure that Modi doesn't get back his charisma of being 'invincible' with help of State power.' Sheela Bhatt looks at the political situation through the prism of 2024 Lok Sabha election results.

BJP scores surprise hat-trick in Haryana; NC-Cong wrest J-K

BJP scores surprise hat-trick in Haryana; NC-Cong wrest J-K

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday clinched a stunning hat-trick win in Haryana overcoming anti-incumbency and dashing Congress' hopes of a comeback while the National Conference-Congress combine pulled off a spectacular victory in maiden elections in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

GST Council meet on Friday to discuss cutting tax on Covid medicines

GST Council meet on Friday to discuss cutting tax on Covid medicines

Rediff.com27 May 2021

Ahead of the first meeting of the top decision-making body in nearly eight months, finance ministers of eight states ruled by non-Bharatiya Janata Party and like-minded parties -- Rajasthan, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Kerala and West Bengal -- have devised a joint strategy to press for a zero tax rate on Covid essentials, sources said.

37 ministers don't find a place in Modi 3.0

37 ministers don't find a place in Modi 3.0

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

As many as 37 ministers have been dropped from the government in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term and these include seven with cabinet rank -- prominent among them being Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur and Narayan Rane.

Dom's Take: The Modi Shuffle

Dom's Take: The Modi Shuffle

Rediff.com18 Jun 2021

Dominic Xavier offers his take on the Modi Shuffle.

President's high tea with Modi and his ministers

President's high tea with Modi and his ministers

Rediff.com7 Aug 2021

President Ram Nath Kovind invited the Union council of ministers for a high tea at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. The Rashtrapati Bhavan described it as a courtesy meeting. On July 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inducted 36 new faces into the council and promoted seven junior ministers to independent or Cabinet roles. Modi dropped 12 ministers, including the ministers of health, education, information technology, law, environment and information, and broadcasting in the biggest rejig in the council since 2014 when he first took over as the prime minister.

NCP turns down MoS post, awaits cabinet berth

NCP turns down MoS post, awaits cabinet berth

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

The Nationalist Congress Party on Sunday turned down the Bharatiya Janata Party's offer to accommodate Praful Patel as a minister of state with independent charge in the new National Democratic Alliance government and said it was assured that 'remedial measures' would be taken.

Bangladesh Crisis: Advantage Tiruppur!

Bangladesh Crisis: Advantage Tiruppur!

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

India's gain will be an additional business of $300 million to $400 million per month if 10-11% of Bangladesh's export is diverted to Indian hubs like Tiruppur.

Incentives for green hydrogen likely in Union Budget

Incentives for green hydrogen likely in Union Budget

Rediff.com30 Jan 2022

The government may provide for targeted fiscal incentives and allocation of funds for promotion of green hydrogen in the country in Union Budget 2022-23, which is slated to be unveiled in Parliament on Tuesday. The government launched National Hydrogen Mission in 2021. Earlier this month, Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh had indicated that a green hydrogen policy will be unveiled in February which would feature many incentives to boost green hydrogen in the country. "While 2021 saw the launch of National Hydrogen Mission, it is likely that the Budget may provide for targeted fiscal incentives for R&D in green hydrogen segment, creation of domestic supply chain for hydrogen and reduce customs duties on electrolysers to boost green hydrogen production," says Venkatesh Raman Prasad, Partner, J Sagar Associates (JSA).

Striking Bengal docs await govt response to email

Striking Bengal docs await govt response to email

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

The e-mail, detailing the points which were discussed and agreed upon between the two sides and also those which weren't, was sent as per the state's requirement based on which the government is expected to issue directives, the doctors said.

'Unhappy with talks', Bengal doctors to continue 'cease work'

'Unhappy with talks', Bengal doctors to continue 'cease work'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

The second round of talks between junior doctors and officials of the West Bengal government failed to break the medics' strike over the RG Kar issue, following the state's refusal to give written minutes of the meeting, the doctors alleged.

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Fresh plans of privatisation or divestment in central public sector enterprises and public sector banks might take a back seat this financial year because these may require a large consensus among coalition partners.

India slams Pak, OIC for raising Kashmir at UN Human Rights Council

India slams Pak, OIC for raising Kashmir at UN Human Rights Council

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

India on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan and the OIC for raising the Kashmir issue at the UN Human Rights Commission and said the grouping has 'helplessly' allowed itself to be held 'hostage' by Islamabad.

SC denies temporary release to jailed Maha leaders to vote in council polls

SC denies temporary release to jailed Maha leaders to vote in council polls

Rediff.com20 Jun 2022

The Supreme Court Monday declined the plea of jailed Nationalist Congress Party leaders and MLAs Nawab Malik and Anil Deshmukh seeking temporary release from prison to cast their votes in the Maharashtra legislative council election.

Sarfaraz, Jurel get BCCI central contracts

Sarfaraz, Jurel get BCCI central contracts

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

India's newest batting star Sarfaraz Khan and wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel were inducted into Group C of BCCI's central contract with an annual retainership fee of Rs 1 crore, having fulfilled the criteria of playing three Tests in a current season.

NTA announces new dates for 3 crucial exams, including UGC-NET

NTA announces new dates for 3 crucial exams, including UGC-NET

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday night announced the new dates of cancelled and postponed examinations, including the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test, amid a raging row over alleged irregularities in their conduct.

Belgian ex-PM backs India's permanent UNSC seat, urges UN reform

Belgian ex-PM backs India's permanent UNSC seat, urges UN reform

Rediff.com14 Jan 2024

Leterme contended that there is a need for the United Nations Security Council to adapt to the realities of the 21st century as it requires representation that goes beyond the structures established in the 20th century.