News for 'Upper House'

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.

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die amid din, Speaker warns of action

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die amid din, Speaker warns of action

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday amid protests by opposition and treasury benches over the alleged insult to Dr B R Ambedkar and directions by Speaker Om Birla to members against holding demonstrations at any gate of Parliament.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Congress alone to seek RS discussion on Adani JPC

Congress alone to seek RS discussion on Adani JPC

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Congress was the only party in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday to demand a discussion on setting up a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe allegations against the Adani group. Other opposition parties gave similar notices on different issues, including violence in Manipur and Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal. The Congress members sought a JPC to investigate the alleged misconduct, including corruption, bribery and financial irregularities of the Adani Group in connivance with other authorities. However, other opposition parties raised different issues, with the AAP seeking a discussion on "increasing crimes in Delhi" and the TMC, DMK, AAP and CPI seeking a discussion on violence in Manipur. The CPI-M, SP and IUML sought a discussion on the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

Not just LS, RS too to see polls to 68 seats this year

Not just LS, RS too to see polls to 68 seats this year

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

Sixty-eight Rajya Sabha members, including nine Union ministers, are completing their tenure this year, triggering a race of sorts among leaders across political parties to eye a six-year term in the Upper House of Parliament.

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, will debate the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties who claim it is unconstitutional. The government, however, insists the bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India by bringing transparency and efficiency.

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.

Sudha Murty nominated to Rajya Sabha

Sudha Murty nominated to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Modi asserted in a post on X that her presence in the Upper House is a powerful testament to 'Nari Shakti' (women power), exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping the nation's destiny.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

RS chairman's all-party meet fails to break Parliament logjam

RS chairman's all-party meet fails to break Parliament logjam

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

The Rajya Sabha has been witnessing repeated disruptions ever since it met for the Monsoon session on July 20.

Rajya Sabha MPs Get Older, Richer

Rajya Sabha MPs Get Older, Richer

Rediff.com14 Jul 2023

The richest Rajya Sabha MPs have gotten significantly richer -- to nearly quadruple from around Rs 20 crore in 2013 to nearly Rs 80 crore in 2022.

Karnataka house okays temple bill in joint sitting after council snub

Karnataka house okays temple bill in joint sitting after council snub

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

The bill was defeated by a voice vote on February 23 in the upper house, where the Opposition has a majority, after it was passed by the assembly on February 21.

Parliament adjourned amid chaos over security breach

Parliament adjourned amid chaos over security breach

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Friday due to continuous protests by opposition members seeking discussion and a reply from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach.

Waqf bill among 16 to be passed in winter session

Waqf bill among 16 to be passed in winter session

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

As Parliament gears up for a stormy start next week over the Adani issue, the government has listed 16 bills, including one to amend the waqf law and five new ones, for the winter session.

New I-T bill may be introduced in LS next week: Sitharaman

New I-T bill may be introduced in LS next week: Sitharaman

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said she is likely to introduce the new income tax bill, which will replace the six-decade-old I-T Act, in the Lok Sabha in the coming week.

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!

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

Delhi man, 2 kids die after jumping from burning building

Delhi man, 2 kids die after jumping from burning building

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Visuals from the building in Sector 13 area showed flames and thick smoke billowing out.

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb sparked outrage in the Maharashtra legislature, leading to calls for his suspension and accusations of treason. The issue, which was politicized by both the ruling coalition and opposition parties, led to the adjournment of both Houses of the state legislature. Azmi later retracted his statements, saying they were twisted and that he had not made any derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj or Sambhaji Maharaj. The BJP, however, seized the opportunity to slam the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of trying to "eradicate" Sanatan Dharma. The Mumbai police have initiated a probe into the matter, registering a case against Azmi for his remarks.

Sebi proposes relaxation for AMCs opening doors for business expansion

Sebi proposes relaxation for AMCs opening doors for business expansion

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Monday proposed relaxations for asset management companies (AMCs) to serve pooled non-broad-based funds, giving an opportunity to fund houses to expand their business.

Rentals on rise: Robust office space demand set to benefit landowners

Rentals on rise: Robust office space demand set to benefit landowners

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Office space owners are looking at good times ahead as rentals are expected to rise due to demand for Grade A office spaces outpacing supply that has been sluggish due to construction delays, long gestation periods and developers' interests shifting to residential.

'China's Dams Won't Dry Out India, But...'

'China's Dams Won't Dry Out India, But...'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'China could intentionally release excess water.' 'The North East is already flood-prone during the monsoon, and even a controlled release from Chinese dams (during the monsoon) could worsen flooding.'

SEE: When Rafa Nadal Jr Met Daddy's Big Three Rivals

SEE: When Rafa Nadal Jr Met Daddy's Big Three Rivals

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Nadal took to X on Monday and expressed his gratitude to his long-time rivals for their presence at the tribute.

'This Wasn't A Cloudburst...'

'This Wasn't A Cloudburst...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'The lakes up there were already at the brink due to accumulated rainwater, and then snowmelt occurred.' 'When one lake breached, it triggered a cascading effect -- other lakes breached subsequently.'

Major fire engulfs showroom in Mumbai; NDRF called in

Major fire engulfs showroom in Mumbai; NDRF called in

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

A major fire broke out in a building housing an electronics goods showroom in the suburban Bandra area in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting the deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for firefighting operations. While no injuries were reported, the building adjacent to the affected structure was evacuated as a precaution. The fire, classified as Level IV (major), started around 4.10 am in a multistorey building on Linking Road in Bandra (west). The blaze initially confined to the basement later spread to the upper floors, engulfing the building in smoke. Thick black smoke was visible from afar, and photographs and videos of the blaze surfaced on social media. Around 6.25 am, the fire brigade classified the blaze as Level IV, indicating a major fire requiring extensive firefighting operations. Mumbai Fire Brigade chief Ravindra Ambulgekar and other senior officers rushed to the spot, with at least 13 fire engines and other firefighting vehicles deployed to douse the blaze. Other agencies have also been mobilized, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. This is the second major early-morning blaze in Mumbai in two days, following a fire at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Ballard Estate on Sunday.

Delhi services bill in RS today; Cong, AAP issue whip to MPs

Delhi services bill in RS today; Cong, AAP issue whip to MPs

Rediff.com7 Aug 2023

Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties will make all-out efforts to thwart the government's move to pass the bill even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the NDA with BJD and YSRCP pledging their support to the government on the bill.

After LS, women's reservation bill introduced in RS

After LS, women's reservation bill introduced in RS

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

Introducing the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill, which was approved by a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Meghwal recounted the measures initiated by the Narendra Modi government for the empowerment of women over the last nine years.

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

Barely two months before the Lok Sabha election, Gandhi will be filing her nomination papers in Jaipur on Wednesday. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are likely to accompany her.

Bypoll results see NDA inching closer to majority in Rajya Sabha

Bypoll results see NDA inching closer to majority in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian were elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha Tuesday along with senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi and former minister Upendra Kushwaha.

Logjam over, Oppn agrees to let Parliament function

Logjam over, Oppn agrees to let Parliament function

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

The government and opposition parties on Monday reached an agreement to break the impasse in Parliament with dates announced for discussions on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Sudha Murty takes oath as RS MP

Sudha Murty takes oath as RS MP

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

Engineer-turned-philanthropist Sudha Murty on Thursday took oath as Rajya Sabha MP in the presence of her husband N R Narayana Murthy.

Will YSRCP leader Vijayasai Reddy withdraw resignation?

Will YSRCP leader Vijayasai Reddy withdraw resignation?

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

V Vijayasai Reddy, a prominent leader of the YSRCP, has resigned from the Rajya Sabha and announced his retirement from politics, citing personal reasons. The YSRCP, while stating that it does not approve of his decision, respects his choice. Reddy has been a key figure in the party's efforts to secure YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's position as Chief Minister, facing numerous challenges and criticisms. However, he has stated he will pursue a future in agriculture. His resignation has sparked reactions from various political leaders, with some expressing concern and others highlighting the political implications.

Sonia Gandhi elected unopposed to RS

Sonia Gandhi elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday, officials said.

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, calling it "unconstitutional " and a lowering of the dignity of the chair. Sibal asserted that Dhankhar's remarks are not neutral and amount to an attack on the judiciary by the executive. He also pointed out that the president acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and therefore, the president's power cannot be curtailed. Sibal urged Dhankhar to seek a review of the judiciary's decision or an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court if he has problems with it. He also questioned why Dhankhar only focuses on actions taken during Congress governments and not after 2014.

If any shame left...: AAP slams Swati Maliwal's Afzal Guru remark on Atishi

If any shame left...: AAP slams Swati Maliwal's Afzal Guru remark on Atishi

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Swati Maliwal alleged that Atishi's family fought for terrorist Afzal Guru in order to save him from capital punishment.

'No one in Dharavi will be left behind'

'No one in Dharavi will be left behind'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The ongoing survey for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has surpassed the scope of the 2007-08 survey, with over 63,000 tenements already mapped. The survey, which includes ground floor and upper floor structures, aims to provide housing for all residents of Dharavi, including those in existing SRA buildings and on RLDA Land. The project, undertaken by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL), aims to construct nearly 1.5 lakh tenements to accommodate the growing population of Dharavi.