News for 'Upper House'

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

After poll drubbing, Cong may lose 'leader of opposition status' in RS

After poll drubbing, Cong may lose 'leader of opposition status' in RS

Rediff.com11 Mar 2022

If the party is unable to do well in Gujarat and Karnataka polls, it could lose this status in the subsequent binneial elections to the upper House.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Jaishankar, O'Brien set to retire from RS, polls to 10 seats on July 24

Jaishankar, O'Brien set to retire from RS, polls to 10 seats on July 24

Rediff.com27 Jun 2023

Elections to 10 Rajya Sabha seats, including those held by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, will be held on July 24, the Election Commission (EC) said on Tuesday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In historic rejig, Dhankhar inducts 50% women in RS panel

In historic rejig, Dhankhar inducts 50% women in RS panel

Rediff.com20 Jul 2023

Among the Rajya Sabha members who are the new vice-chairpersons are PT Usha, S Phangnon Konyak, Fauzia Khan, Sulata Deo, V Vijaysai Reddy, Ghanshyam Tiwari, L Hanumanthaiah and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray.

'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.'

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.

No RS seat for Naqvi, BJP's sole Muslim minister maybe fielded for Rampur bypoll

No RS seat for Naqvi, BJP's sole Muslim minister maybe fielded for Rampur bypoll

Rediff.com31 May 2022

With the BJP denying a renomination to Naqvi to the Upper House, and no Rajya Sabha renomination either for Sayyed Zafar Islam or MJ Akbar -- both of whom are also completing their tenures soon -- the party now has no Muslim member of Parliament from either House.

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.

As Sonia files for RS, is it Priyanka for Rae Bareli?

As Sonia files for RS, is it Priyanka for Rae Bareli?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday filed her nomination papers in Jaipur for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls from Rajasthan.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'We want to build best housing finance company of future'

'We want to build best housing finance company of future'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

'Opportunity is there in each segment of the market. There is opportunity in affordable and specifically governed by government initiatives as well as for housing for all.'

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.

'Never in the history...': Dhankhar vs Kharge in RS

'Never in the history...': Dhankhar vs Kharge in RS

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

The acrimony started when Dhankhar aksed Pramod Tiwari of the Congress not to state unverified facts. To this, Ramesh said it would be authenticated.

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.

'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.'

Oppn warns of Russia-like mutiny if Mumbai police hires 'contractual cops'

Oppn warns of Russia-like mutiny if Mumbai police hires 'contractual cops'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2023

Raising the issue in the legislative council, Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve said the control of police should be under the state government.

TMC appoints Arpita Ghosh general secretary two days after RS exit

TMC appoints Arpita Ghosh general secretary two days after RS exit

Rediff.com17 Sep 2021

The Trinamool Congress Friday appointed former party MP Arpita Ghosh as its state general secretary, two days after the Rajya Sabha chairman accepted her resignation from the Upper House.

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hit out at the Opposition for initiating impeachment notices against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Allahabad high court's Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, saying 'whoever speaks the truth' is threatened in this way.

'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.

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!