News for 'certain states'

At WTO, US explains why it imposed duty on Indian steel, aluminium

At WTO, US explains why it imposed duty on Indian steel, aluminium

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The US has informed the global trade body WTO that the decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium, was based on national security grounds and should not be considered as safeguard measures, according to a communication. The US shared this response with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) after India requested consultations under the WTO's Safeguards Agreement on April 11 with America.

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The announcement on expansion of CPEC was made following a meeting among Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing, according to a Pakistani readout.

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Centre on Thursday assured the Supreme Court that it will neither denotify Waqf properties, including "Waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central Waqf council and boards till May 5.

Govt revokes nod for Turkish firm Celebi's airport services; DIAL ends ties

Govt revokes nod for Turkish firm Celebi's airport services; DIAL ends ties

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Turkiye and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India's recent strikes on terror camps in that country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Every decision India makes along the LoC, it must also consider implications along the LAC.'

The Difference Between Drishyam And Thudarum

The Difference Between Drishyam And Thudarum

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The similarities between the two movies may be striking but where they differ is in the way each focuses your curiosity, observes Sreehari Nair.

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'One good outcome of Operation Sindoor -- perhaps, its best outcome -- could be that India has resumed meaningful contact directly with Pakistan at the military-to-military level,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'India must do to ISI what Israel did to Hamas'

'India must do to ISI what Israel did to Hamas'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Following the deadly Pahalgam attack, Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, issued a strong statement and said that 'it is now the duty of India to do to Pakistan and to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) what Israel did to Hamas', calling for decisive action against Pakistan's intelligence agency for its alleged role in supporting terrorism.

'Pakistanis Called Americans In Panic'

'Pakistanis Called Americans In Panic'

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'The Pakistanis called the US state department and said we agree with India on peace.' 'It was then that US President Donald Trump jumped in and took credit for the ceasefire.'

Ukraine ceasefire talks to begin on Sunday in Jeddah: US special envoy

Ukraine ceasefire talks to begin on Sunday in Jeddah: US special envoy

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Witkoff confirmed that while progress had been made, there were still unresolved details that would be addressed during the upcoming talks.

Pak faces severe water shortage as Chenab river runs dry

Pak faces severe water shortage as Chenab river runs dry

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Pakistan may face a significant water shortage during the Kharif season due to reduced water supplies from India.

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Temples across Maharashtra are increasingly adopting dress codes for visitors, urging devotees to wear modest and traditional attire. While temple trusts argue that these codes maintain sanctity, visitors have mixed reactions. The trend, which started with the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple in Mumbai, has spread to other temples, including those in Pune, Ratnagiri, and Ahilyanagar. The move has been welcomed by some, who believe it promotes respect and decorum within religious spaces. However, others argue that it is unnecessary and restrictive. Right-wing organizations are advocating for similar dress codes across all temples in Maharashtra, including prominent state-run temples like the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called upon the West Bengal government to "act urgently" to address the grievances of the riot-hit people of Murshidabad district, particularly women. Rahatkar, who visited the riot-affected areas in Murshidabad and Malda over the weekend, said the commission is preparing a report which will be submitted soon to the Centre with copies to top state officials. The report will incorporate the views of women who narrated their ordeal during the violence, including demands for a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the affected area. Rahatkar also expressed concern about the lack of action by the State Women's Commission in visiting the affected areas.

'Truth deficit' in legal profession bothers me: Outgoing CJI Khanna

'Truth deficit' in legal profession bothers me: Outgoing CJI Khanna

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The CJI called Justice Gavai his "biggest support" while expressing confidence in the latter's leadership and commitment to constitutional values.

Heavy rains kill 7 across north India; 200 flights delayed in Delhi

Heavy rains kill 7 across north India; 200 flights delayed in Delhi

Rediff.com2 May 2025

A three-hour heavy downpour accompanied by a dust storm hit Delhi-NCR early morning on Friday, causing flight delays and traffic disruptions as seven people were killed in rain-related incidents across north India.

Trump offers olive branch to China after counter tariffs

Trump offers olive branch to China after counter tariffs

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump has proposed a deal to China that would see the sale of TikTok's US operations to an American buyer in exchange for a reduction in tariffs on Chinese exports to the US. The proposal comes amid a trade war between the two countries and follows China's retaliation of Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump has also said that tariffs are a powerful economic tool and that he is determined to ensure fair trade between the US and China.

'Not Easy For New Delhi To Overlook Delimitation'

'Not Easy For New Delhi To Overlook Delimitation'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'If delimitation is not handled well by the Centre, the southern states are certainly going to challenge it.'

'At Some Point War May Be Thrust On You'

'At Some Point War May Be Thrust On You'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'I'm not accepting the 'any act of terrorism is an act of war' threshold.' 'I don't think this is sustainable because if you do this four or five times in a short duration, it will lose its edge.'

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'It was inspired by the Hamas attack and was like their attack -- well planned and well executed.'

27 years on, India's Winter Olympians still lack support

27 years on, India's Winter Olympians still lack support

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Shiva Keshavan cannot help feeling that the more things change, the more they remain the same.

Tariffs are integral to Trump's vision for US economy

Tariffs are integral to Trump's vision for US economy

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Trump may temper his approach from time to time, but to think that he will change his basic philosophy is delusional, asserts T T Ram Mohan.

Mohun Bagan SG banned from registering new players

Mohun Bagan SG banned from registering new players

Rediff.com5 May 2025

'The issue stems from transfer of a player named Jason Cummings from another club two years ago and the training compensation fee. We have completed the payments at the time of signing.'

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'We are too important to want to be paired with Pakistan but too intensely connected to it to successfully detach ourselves,' asserts Aakar Patel.

AIADMK 'old bonded slave camp': Stalin on BJP tie-up

AIADMK 'old bonded slave camp': Stalin on BJP tie-up

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has condemned the alliance between the AIADMK and BJP, calling it a move driven by "hunger for power" and against the ideals of protecting state rights. He accused the alliance of being formed based on corruption and said it is doomed to fail. Stalin also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for failing to address key issues like NEET and Hindi imposition, claiming that the BJP's agenda is to eradicate Tamil language and undermine Tamil Nadu's rights.

As it is we are being accused of...: SC judge responds to attacks

As it is we are being accused of...: SC judge responds to attacks

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Justice Gavai's comment came while the apex court bench, also comprising Justice Augustine George Masih, was considering a fresh plea seeking an inquiry into the recent violence in West Bengal during anti-Waqf law protests.

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'My life has been quite difficult. I felt I could see it in words. I thought if everyone else can write, then I can too.'

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has transferred a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar to the Patna High Court. The court expressed concern over the state government's handling of bridge collapses, noting that officials were suspended after incidents but reinstated after the public outcry subsided. The court also criticized the state's voluminous response to the PIL, which lacked explanations for the collapses. The Patna High Court will now monitor the state's efforts to ensure structural and safety audits of bridges in Bihar.

Trump admits to 'transition problems' with tariff plan

Trump admits to 'transition problems' with tariff plan

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Amid the tumbling stock market in the United States, following the White House clarification of tariffs on China to be at least 145 per cent and an earlier announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs for over 75 countries, President Donald Trump addressed the challenges associated with his tariff policy, stating that there would be 'transition problems'.

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'They are going to create so many nations within one nation.' 'If you do this exercise without a clear vision, it will have far reaching repercussions. It will end up in disaster and that will be dangerous.'

Vance wants India to buy more American energy, weapons

Vance wants India to buy more American energy, weapons

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

US Vice President JD Vance called on India to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy products and military hardware. Vance, in a speech in Jaipur, highlighted the need for a stronger US-India partnership for a prosperous and peaceful 21st century. He emphasized the importance of working together to address global challenges and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "special person." Vance also urged India to provide greater market access to American products and buy more defense platforms and energy from the US. He suggested that India consider dropping some of the non-tariff barriers for American access to the Indian market and highlighted the benefits of closer India-US defense collaboration, advocating for New Delhi to procure more military hardware from the US. He cited the example of American fifth-generation F-35s, arguing they would give the Indian Air Force the ability to defend its airspace and protect its people like never before. Vance also welcomed the Modi government's budget announcement to amend India's civil nuclear liability laws, paving the way for US producers to export small modular reactors and build larger US-designed reactors in India. He emphasized the importance of energy security for India's AI ambitions, stating "there is no AI future without energy security and energy dominance." Vance's visit comes amid growing global concerns over the US's tariff war.

Will US Host India-Pakistan Talks In Washington?

Will US Host India-Pakistan Talks In Washington?

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Acutely conscious that he's left with less than four years to create his legacy, Trump is undoubtedly a man in a hurry, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Trump tariffs 'will go into effect immediately': White House

Trump tariffs 'will go into effect immediately': White House

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Trump met with his trade team on Tuesday, and the tariffs he announces at a Rose Garden ceremony at 4 pm ET Wednesday will go into effect "immediately," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press briefing.

Banks can now declare ex-IL&FS directors 'wilful defaulters'

Banks can now declare ex-IL&FS directors 'wilful defaulters'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has allowed state-owned Canara Bank and Indian Bank to pursue proceedings against former IL&FS directors, who are not part of the new board, to declare them as wilful defaulter. However, the appellate tribunal said those directors who are part of the new board of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and its various subsidiaries after October 1, 2018, would remain protected.

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'Pakistan's only concern has been while they were on the FATF watch list was to distance their State institutions and organs from any direct connection with the actual execution of militancy inside Kashmir.'

Trade talks: India, US to hold wrap-up session on Sat

Trade talks: India, US to hold wrap-up session on Sat

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

India and the visiting US officials have decided to hold a wrap-up session on Saturday morning to conclude the three-day talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, government sources said. They said the discussions are at a "very" early stage.

State has to ensure quality education in govt-run madrasas: SC

State has to ensure quality education in govt-run madrasas: SC

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

Commencing final arguments on a batch of pleas against the verdict, the bench, heard senior lawyers including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Salman Khursheed and Menaka Guruswamy for the petitioners.

MLA among 6 held in Assam for 'inflammatory' posts on Pahalgam attack

MLA among 6 held in Assam for 'inflammatory' posts on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the arrest of six individuals, including an opposition MLA, for allegedly expressing support for Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The arrests come as part of a crackdown on individuals promoting pro-Pakistan sentiments on social media. The chief minister stated that Assam will not tolerate any support for Pakistan in connection with the attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed.

Let deserving teachers keep their jobs, Bengal board urges SC

Let deserving teachers keep their jobs, Bengal board urges SC

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has appealed to the Supreme Court to modify its order annulling over 25,000 jobs in schools. The board argues that the termination of 11.3% of existing teachers would have a devastating impact on schools in the state and impact the education of over 78.6 lakh students. The WBBSE is seeking to allow untainted candidates to continue in service until the end of the academic year or until the process of fresh appointments is concluded, whichever is earlier.

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is working closely with Belgium to extradite fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who was arrested in Antwerp on Saturday based on a formal request from the Indian government. Choksi is wanted by Indian probe agencies in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore bank loan fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB). His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also facing extradition proceedings in the UK.