News for 'council of ministers'

India's exports cross $820 bn in 2024-25: Commerce ministry

India's exports cross $820 bn in 2024-25: Commerce ministry

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The country's goods and services exports have crossed $820 billion in 2024-25, marking a nearly 6 per cent increase over the previous fiscal year despite global economic uncertainties, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday. The exports stood at $778 billion in 2023-24.

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation to the Americas during his Bogota visit, had expressed dismay over the South American country's stance during a press conference on Thursday.

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.

104 active Covid cases in Delhi, 99 reported just in a week

104 active Covid cases in Delhi, 99 reported just in a week

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said there is no need to panic about COVID-19 cases, even as she asserted that the hospitals were fully prepared to tackle if the number rises.

What's The Solution To India's Pakistan Problem?

What's The Solution To India's Pakistan Problem?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

China and Pakistan are in a tight strategic alliance. India must deal with them one at a time, but be prepared in case they decide to collude, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Can Nimisha Priya Escape Death In Yemen?

Can Nimisha Priya Escape Death In Yemen?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'You know the situation in Yemen now. There is no government there.' 'The rebels are in control. So, there is no diplomatic channel through which we can negotiate.'

Khalistan propaganda event cancelled by Sydney city council

Khalistan propaganda event cancelled by Sydney city council

Rediff.com12 May 2023

A city council in Sydney has cancelled a Khalistan propaganda event planned for next month due to security reasons, a media report said on Friday.

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

Amid a growing chorus in the party for his elevation, Tamil Nadu sports minister and son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Udhayanidhi, was elevated as the deputy CM on Saturday with additional responsibility, in a cabinet reshuffle that saw the return of V Senthil Balaji to the council of ministers two days after securing bail in a money laundering case.

GST rates will come down further: Sitharaman

GST rates will come down further: Sitharaman

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the GST rates will come down further and the work on rationalising tax rates and slabs has "almost reached a finale". She said that the revenue neutral rate (RNR) has come down from 15.8 per cent at the time of the launch of GST on July 1, 2017, to 11.4 per cent in 2023.

B'desh drops 'Father of the Nation' title for Mujibur Rahman

B'desh drops 'Father of the Nation' title for Mujibur Rahman

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The move comes a few days after the Yunus-led government dropped the portrait of the country's founding father and deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's father Mujibur Rahman from new currency notes.

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed India's expectation to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that Colombo will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and conduct provincial council elections. The issue was discussed during wide-ranging talks between Modi and Dissanayake. Modi also met with Tamil leaders from Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, reaffirming India's commitment to supporting the community's well-being. The Tamil community has been advocating for the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which provides for devolution of power. Modi expressed hope that Sri Lanka will fully implement its constitution and conduct provincial council elections.

RCB stampede: KSCA officials resign; state govt orders CID probe

RCB stampede: KSCA officials resign; state govt orders CID probe

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

According to ESPNCricinfo, the resignation has been submitted to the president of the Board, Raghuram Bhat.

Modi lands in Jeddah on 2-day visit; to deepen defence ties with Saudi

Modi lands in Jeddah on 2-day visit; to deepen defence ties with Saudi

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Modi and the Crown Prince will co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, established during the prime minister's 2019 visit to strengthen bilateral ties.

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

In a double-dose bid to boost growth and employment prospects, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs 2.07 trillion outlay for a research development and innovation (RDI) Scheme to fund private sector innovations, and an employment-linked incentive (ELI) to create over 35 million new jobs over the next two years.

Can't exercise pocket veto: SC sets timeline for governors' on bills

Can't exercise pocket veto: SC sets timeline for governors' on bills

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that governors cannot indefinitely delay giving assent to bills passed by state legislatures, setting a timeline of one to three months for their actions. The court said the governor must act "as soon as possible" and that failure to comply with the timeline will make their inaction subject to judicial review. The ruling comes as several opposition-ruled states have accused governors of delaying assent to bills passed by their assemblies.

GST Council cedes right to levy tax on distilled alcohol

GST Council cedes right to levy tax on distilled alcohol

Rediff.com7 Oct 2023

The GST Council on Saturday clarified that guarantees provided by corporate to their subsidiaries will attract an 18 per cent GST, while no tax will be levied if a personal guarantee is given by a director to the company. The council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state ministers, also cut the GST rate on molasses to 5 per cent from 28 per cent. It also ceded the right to tax Extra Neutral Alcohol (raw product for making alcohol for human consumption) to the states.

India exercised its 'right to respond': Rajnath Singh

India exercised its 'right to respond': Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has carried out strikes against nine terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. The strikes were in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. Singh said the strikes were precise and destroyed the targets set under Operation Sindoor.

Include Pahalgam victims' kin, bravehearts in diplomatic team: TNC

Include Pahalgam victims' kin, bravehearts in diplomatic team: TNC

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Interacting with reporters in Kolkata, the Trinamool national general secretary reiterated that his party stood with the government in matters of national interest, combating cross-border terrorism, and safeguarding sovereignty.

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Reddy alleged that contracts worth thousands of crores were awarded to people close to Modi, who then purchased Rafale aircraft.

India's First Gene-Edited Sheep Unveiled

India's First Gene-Edited Sheep Unveiled

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The edited sheep contains no foreign DNA, distinguishing it from transgenic organisms and paving the way for regulatory approval under India's evolving biotech policy framework.

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Rabri Devi, calling her appointment as Chief Minister "suspension-induced" during a heated debate in the state legislative council. The verbal sparring, marked by accusations and counter-accusations on law and order, saw Kumar accusing the RJD of being unable to handle Hindu-Muslim tensions and engaging in "mischief." Rabri Devi, in response, asserted her right to speak about her achievements during her tenure as Chief Minister. Kumar, however, retorted with a sharp, local phrase, dismissing Rabri Devi's claims. The exchange, which saw both sides engage in mudslinging, ended with the Chairman admonishing the opposition for their unruly behavior.

Op Sindoor: Wary of India's diplomatic outreach, Pak to send own team

Op Sindoor: Wary of India's diplomatic outreach, Pak to send own team

Rediff.com18 May 2025

This came after Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday stated that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him to lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case on the recent escalations of tensions between the two nations.

With 4 new ministers, Karnataka now has 6 in Union council

With 4 new ministers, Karnataka now has 6 in Union council

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inducting four new faces from Karnataka into his ministry, and chemicals and fertilisers minister D V Sadanda Gowda resigning ahead of the reshuffle, the state's representation in the Union council of ministers now stands at six.

If ISI, RAW sit together, we would see...: Bilawal Bhutto

If ISI, RAW sit together, we would see...: Bilawal Bhutto

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Bhutto, who served as the Foreign Minister earlier, addressed a briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York and sought reconciliation with India, making a plea for talks and Intel sharing between the two neighbours.

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.

'New red line': India, Pak generals exchange warnings at Shangri-La

'New red line': India, Pak generals exchange warnings at Shangri-La

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

In the wake of the recent hostilities, both sides have moved from weapons to words, with India dispatching several delegations to visit more than 30 capitals across the world. A similar effort by Pakistan is set to start on Jun 2.

India won't tolerate proxy war of terror: CDS at Shangri-La Dialogue

India won't tolerate proxy war of terror: CDS at Shangri-La Dialogue

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Top military officials from India and Pakistan highlighted their views at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, billed as Asia's premier defence forum, amid heightened tensions between the two sides following last month's military confrontation.

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.

Will hunt down every terrorist involved in Pahalgam: Amit Shah

Will hunt down every terrorist involved in Pahalgam: Amit Shah

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday vowed to hunt down each and every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack and said all of them will be made answerable for the heinous act.

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town.

Backed by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sharif seeks talks with India

Backed by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sharif seeks talks with India

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Leaders of Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan agreed to strengthen their ties for the mutual benefit of their peoples, as well as for regional peace and prosperity. The understanding was reached at the Pakistan-Turkey-Azerbaijan trilateral summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alongside presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijan announced a USD 2 billion investment in Pakistan's economy. Turkey expressed support for the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and hopes that it evolves into permanent peace.

'Seems like a miracle': Rekha Gupta's family erupts with joy

'Seems like a miracle': Rekha Gupta's family erupts with joy

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Chief Minister-designate Rekha Gupta and her Council of Ministers will take oath at the Ramlila Maidan on Thursday afternoon in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a return of the BJP in Delhi after 26 years.

All madrassas will be affiliated to 2 new varsities: UP minister

All madrassas will be affiliated to 2 new varsities: UP minister

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

Seeking to make changes in the process of granting recognition to madrassas, Uttar Pradesh Minority Welfare Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has said that two universities will be opened in the state and all madrassas will be affiliated to them.

Khattar, Chouhan, Bandi, Bittu may be made ministers

Khattar, Chouhan, Bandi, Bittu may be made ministers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

BJP leaders Manohar Lal Khattar, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Ravneet Singh Bittu may be among the new faces in the Union council of ministers which will be sworn on Sunday evening along with Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi.

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.

Buddhist group vandalises road names after Muslim rulers

Buddhist group vandalises road names after Muslim rulers

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Members of a Buddhist outfit allegedly vandalised road signboards named after Mughal and Delhi Sultanate rulers in Lutyens' Delhi on Friday. The Bharatiya Baudh Sangh members covered the signboards that come under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) with black spray paint. Veer Savarkar Marg was pasted over the signboard of Shahjahan Road, Ahilya Bai Marg was pasted over Tughlaq Lane, Maharishi Valmiki Marg was pasted over Akbar Road and Balasaheb Thackeray Marg over Humayun Road. The incident follows the March 20 defacement of Akbar Road's signboard by unidentified individuals protesting the alleged vandalism of Maharana Pratap's statue at Kashmiri Gate ISBT.

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government will send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, later this month to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

In a 1st, SC sets timeline for Prez on bills sent by Guv

In a 1st, SC sets timeline for Prez on bills sent by Guv

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Four days after the top court cleared 10 bills, which were stalled and reserved by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi for the president's consideration, and set a timeline for all governors to act on the bills passed by the state assemblies, the judgement running into 415 pages was uploaded on the apex court's website at 10.54 pm on Friday.

Modi Firmly In Control Of Ministers

Modi Firmly In Control Of Ministers

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

The strong message from the prime minister is of continuity of policies he considers right with strong emphasis on execution, points out T N C Rajagopalan.

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.