News for 'Upper House'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Oppn MPs walk out of RS for denying clarification on Indo-China statement

Oppn MPs walk out of RS for denying clarification on Indo-China statement

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Opposition MPs in India's Rajya Sabha staged a walkout on Wednesday after being disallowed to seek clarifications on a statement made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on India-China relations. The minister, who had given an identical statement on the issue in the Lok Sabha a day earlier, addressed the Upper House of Parliament on Wednesday on India-China relations and also talked about the recent disengagement in Ladakh. Soon after his statement, opposition MPs wanted to seek some clarifications on the issue. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar did not allow it, resulting in an uproar in the House briefly.

Republicans win majority in US Senate after 4 years

Republicans win majority in US Senate after 4 years

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

According to the current projections, Republicans have won 51 seats in the 100-member upper house of US Congress, while the Democrats have 42.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Kharge's 'unparliamentary' remark

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Kharge's 'unparliamentary' remark

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar on Tuesday over an unparliamentary remark by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, who apologized to the Chair while clarifying that it was meant for the government that was "trying to create a regional divide" in the country. The controversy stemmed from a statement by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who slammed the Tamil Nadu government for its stand on the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP). Kharge's use of a Hindi expression, deemed unparliamentary, sparked outrage from the treasury benches. He subsequently apologized for the remark, stating it was directed at the government's policies and not the Chair.

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was "bulldozed" through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable bills approved during the session included the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session, which saw high productivity, also witnessed debates on issues such as economic distress, delimitation, and the three-language policy. While the government touted its achievements, the opposition criticized the government's approach and vowed to challenge the Waqf bill in court.

Narrow entrance spells doom for Hyderabad fire victims

Narrow entrance spells doom for Hyderabad fire victims

Rediff.com18 May 2025

For the 17 people who perished in a blaze near the historic Charminar in Hyderabad on Sunday, the house located in a tunnel-like alley with a narrow entrance and staircase proved to be the death trap as it prevented them from escaping to safety.

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said a fair enquiry is being conducted regarding the stampede which took place at New Delhi railway station last month and said the government is implementing a slew of measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Revealed: How much PM Modi's foreign trips cost

Revealed: How much PM Modi's foreign trips cost

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Nearly Rs 258 crore was incurred on 38 foreign visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi between May 2022 and December 2024, according to data shared by the government.

Patnaik steps in as anger over BJD's flipflop on Waqf continues

Patnaik steps in as anger over BJD's flipflop on Waqf continues

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

A section of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders in Odisha are expressing discontent over the party's decision to support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The issue has sparked internal turmoil, with young leaders submitting a memorandum to party president Naveen Patnaik, urging him to address the situation. Patnaik has held meetings with senior leaders, assuring them that necessary action will be taken to mitigate the fallout and maintain the party's secular image.

Shinde likens Aurangzeb to Osama, says even US didn't...

Shinde likens Aurangzeb to Osama, says even US didn't...

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

"Who is Aurangzeb? Why should we allow his glorification in our state? He is a blot on our history," the deputy chief minister said in his closing remarks.