News for 'Upper House'

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India has initiated the process to hold the vice presidential election following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation. The electoral college is being constituted, and the election schedule will be announced soon.

Air India crash: On possible role of pilots, govt says...

Air India crash: On possible role of pilots, govt says...

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is 'totally unbiased' and is carrying out a definitive and thorough rule-based probe to find out what exactly led to the Air India plane crash that killed 260 people last month, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

Uttarakhand landslide: Mother found dead holding her twin sons

Uttarakhand landslide: Mother found dead holding her twin sons

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had been struggling hard for the past 32 hours, hoping for life in Kunwar Singh's house, buried under the rubble. Cutter machines were used to cut through the sludge, creating a path for entry.

Oppn candidate Reddy urges MPs to vote with conscience in VP polls

Oppn candidate Reddy urges MPs to vote with conscience in VP polls

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy appeals to MPs to vote with conscience in the upcoming vice presidential polls, urging them to prioritize the spirit of India and parliamentary traditions over party loyalty.

Will empower Muslim women: Govt tables Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha

Will empower Muslim women: Govt tables Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The bill aims to include all the Muslims sects in the Waqf board, Rijiju said.

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.

Noel vs Mehli: Power struggle breaks out in Tata Trusts

Noel vs Mehli: Power struggle breaks out in Tata Trusts

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Tata Trusts, which exerts decisive influence over India's most valuable conglomerate through its about 66 per cent stake of Tata Sons, finds itself in the midst of infighting among its trustees over board appointment and governance issues.

Tata Capital to float $2-bn IPO in Sep; eyes $11 bn valuation

Tata Capital to float $2-bn IPO in Sep; eyes $11 bn valuation

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Non-banking financial company (NBFC) Tata Capital is set to launch its much-anticipated $2 billion (Rs 17,200 crore) initial public offering (IPO) in the week beginning September 22, market sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday. The issue is expected to value the company around $11 billion, they added. Tata Capital is likely to make its stock market debut by September 30.

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

By getting Jagdeep Dhankhar to resign at short notice, Narendra Modi has sent a message to his own ideological clan that he brooks no one trying to get too big for their boots, observes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Houses razed, hundreds held in post-Pahalgam crackdown

Houses razed, hundreds held in post-Pahalgam crackdown

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Authorities in Kashmir have launched a massive crackdown on terrorists and their sympathisers in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, razing homes of the ultras, raiding their safe havens and detaining hundreds of overground workers for questioning, officials said on Saturday.

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The National Sports Governance Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Parliament with Rajya Sabha giving its nod a mere 24 hours after Lok Sabha.

NBFCs' share of stressed assets rose to 5.9% in March: RBI report

NBFCs' share of stressed assets rose to 5.9% in March: RBI report

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Asset quality within the non-banking financial sector (NBFCs) deteriorated with the share of stressed assets rising to 5.9 per cent in March 2025 from 3.9 per cent in September 2024, according to the Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report (FSR). Slippage ratios among upper layer NBFCs have been rising, along with an upward trend in loan write-offs.

Samajwadi Party protests in Upper House; forces 3 adjournments before noon

Samajwadi Party protests in Upper House; forces 3 adjournments before noon

Rediff.com11 Aug 2016

Kurien adjourned the House till noon.

Mehul Choksi extradition: India assures Belgium on prison conditions

Mehul Choksi extradition: India assures Belgium on prison conditions

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The Indian government has provided assurances to Belgian authorities regarding the prison conditions awaiting Mehul Choksi if he is extradited. The details focus on meeting European standards for humane treatment and addressing concerns about overcrowding and solitary confinement.

Jagan's close aide Vijayasai Reddy quits politics, resigns from RS

Jagan's close aide Vijayasai Reddy quits politics, resigns from RS

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

V Vijayasai Reddy, a Rajya Sabha member from the YSRCP, has announced his decision to quit politics and resign from his parliamentary membership. He stated that agriculture will be his future and that his decision was personal, with no pressure or influence from others. Reddy's announcement comes as the YSRCP faces challenges after its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections. He thanked YSRCP supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for providing him the Rajya Sabha opportunity and highlighted his working relationship with the ruling TDP and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Tension in UP town after 19-year-old NEET aspirant killed by cattle smugglers

Tension in UP town after 19-year-old NEET aspirant killed by cattle smugglers

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Protesters blocked the Gorakhpur-Pipraich road on Tuesday morning after that forces from four police stations and PAC were deployed.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

From 'Reluctant Politician' To Vice President

From 'Reluctant Politician' To Vice President

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

While naming him as the NDA candidate for the Vice President's post, the BJP had described him as 'Kisan putra', a move seen in the political circles aimed at reaching out to the politically significant Jat community which had participated in huge numbers in the year-long farmers' protests against agriculture reform measures unveiled in June 2020.

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The ruling Mahayuti members in both houses of the Maharashtra legislature condemned state Congress head Harshvardhan Sapkal's remarks comparing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and demanded strict action against him. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the remarks will be verified and action will be taken accordingly as per the law. The state legislative council witnessed an uproar after the ruling Mahayuti members raised the issue of Sapkal's remarks, and the proceedings were suspended for 10 minutes. BJP group leader Pravin Darekar said comparing the chief minister to Aurangzeb is a highly condemnable act and an insult to Maharashtra. He also demanded that a case be filed against Sapkal and strict action be taken to set an example.

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Arora will have to resign from the Rajya Sabha if he wins the bypoll, the date for which is yet to be announced.

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is expected to achieve a clear majority in Rajya Sabha after bye-elections for 12 seats scheduled next month, which would help the party get the nod for key legislations such as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'There is a clear relationship between the Char Dham road widening and these landslides.' 'The situation has further worsened with the massive influx of tourists whose number are running into several lakhs per month.' 'No parameters have been laid down to control tourist inflow and the result is that the Char Dham yatra has seen a sharp escalation in accidents and loss of lives.'

Three Mega IPOs Set To Rewrite India Inc Story In 2026

Three Mega IPOs Set To Rewrite India Inc Story In 2026

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

IPOs have been the flavour of the season for some time. But the coming together of three mega IPOs, from diverse businesses and historic relevance, could tell a story that's still in the making, points out Nivedita Mookerji.

Rajya Sabha sets record with second-longest sitting in history

Rajya Sabha sets record with second-longest sitting in history

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament, witnessed its second-longest sitting in history on Thursday, lasting until 4:02 am the next day. The House convened to clear the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and approve the statutory resolution on the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. The longest sitting in Rajya Sabha history occurred on September 17, 1981, when the House sat until 4:43 am to pass the Essential Services Maintenance Bill.

Kerala: Hundreds shifted to relief camps as rains intensify

Kerala: Hundreds shifted to relief camps as rains intensify

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Hundreds of people were shifted to relief camps from low-lying areas of Kerala as flood water entered their houses with monsoon rains gaining further strength in the state.

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma has rejected the opposition's move to impeach Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, calling it an attempt to disrupt House proceedings. Sharma claims there are no valid grounds to impeach Dhankhar, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The opposition parties submitted a notice to move a motion for removing Dhankhar for allegedly conducting the Upper House in a partisan manner. However, Sharma defended Dhankhar's conduct and asserted that he has been impartial in his role as chairman.

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."

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2025 with 35 amendments

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2025 with 35 amendments

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Finance Bill 2025, along with 35 government amendments, including one that abolishes a 6 per cent digital tax on online advertisements.

Mid-Income Homebuyers Return as Banks Slash Loan Rates

Mid-Income Homebuyers Return as Banks Slash Loan Rates

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Home purchase affordability has improved in the first half of calendar year (CY) 2025, after the RBI reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points (bps), according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank India.

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

At the end of the discussion, the older Monpa said that if today the Chinese were to come inside India, "I will fight and kill them", prudently adding, "if they are of my age, if they are younger soldiers, I will not be able to fight". The entire village had a good laugh.

Where Mother Teresa Lived And Died

Where Mother Teresa Lived And Died

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

A man sits with his eyes closed on a bench beside her grave. Another kneels at the foot of the grave in prayer. A bunch of paper slips and pens are kept on the window to write down prayer petitions

Ruling BJP alliance to get majority in Rajya Sabha in April

Ruling BJP alliance to get majority in Rajya Sabha in April

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to get a majority in the Rajya Sabha in April this year, once the remaining six vacancies under the nominated category are filled and those newly elected take oath.

Parl proceedings washed out for third straight day over Adani, Manipur

Parl proceedings washed out for third straight day over Adani, Manipur

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted for the third consecutive day in the Winter Session as opposition parties continued their protests over the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned within minutes of convening, despite appeals from the Chair to engage in productive dialogue and refrain from disruption. The opposition members raised slogans demanding action against the perpetrators of violence in Sambhal, and sought discussions on allegations of irregularities against the Adani Group and the violence in Manipur.

'You have no idea': Nitish lashes out at RJD's women MLCs

'You have no idea': Nitish lashes out at RJD's women MLCs

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the state legislative council on Friday when an opposition RJD member flagged the issue of the "inadequate number" of girls' schools in her area. Kumar, who prides himself on having promoted women's empowerment, grew irritated and said, "Do you people even know what we have done for girls' education? Village girls hardly went to schools in Bihar until we came to power." He then launched a frontal attack on Rabri Devi, his predecessor, recalling the circumstances in which she had succeeded her husband Lalu Prasad, the RJD president, as the chief minister. The exchange of words led to chaos in the House before order was restored.

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The deportation of Indians from the United States, deaths in the Maha Kumbh stampede and the joint Parliamentary committee report on the Waqf bill were among the issues that led to heated exchanges and some disruptions in an otherwise smooth first part of the Budget session that ended on Thursday.

Mega debut for Bajaj Housing Finance; shares jump 136%

Mega debut for Bajaj Housing Finance; shares jump 136%

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

The Rs 6,560-crore initial public offer of Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd received 63.60 times subscription on September 11, the last day of bidding, amid overwhelming participation from institutional buyers. The initial share sale had a price band for the offer at Rs 66-70 per share.

BJP MP tables corrigendum to Waqf Bill report after dissent notes row

BJP MP tables corrigendum to Waqf Bill report after dissent notes row

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

A corrigendum to the joint parliamentary committee report on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, was tabled in the Rajya Sabha after Opposition MPs alleged that dissent notes were redacted from the report. BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni tabled the corrigendum, which included the un-redacted dissent notes. The Opposition MPs, led by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, had earlier accused the government of misleading the House by deleting the dissent notes. The government, however, denied the allegations. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar thanked the government for the corrigendum, saying it showed that parliamentary institutions are blossoming. Opposition MPs, however, said it was done under their pressure.

PM's reply to debate in both houses on July 2-3

PM's reply to debate in both houses on July 2-3

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Anurag Thakur is likely to initiate the discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the debate expected on July 2, sources said.

Gill: More Dhoni Than Kohli

Gill: More Dhoni Than Kohli

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

A few months after his U-19 World Cup heroics, three senior journalists sought his cellphone number, which he readily provided -- only, he gave three different, but similar, numbers to the three of them!

More than 15K Indians deported from US since 2009: Jaishankar in RS

More than 15K Indians deported from US since 2009: Jaishankar in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The minister's statement in the Rajya Sabha came amid opposition protests over the treatment meted out to 104 Indians, who were deported from the United States.