News for 'council'

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Three laws passed in Parliament could boost central revenues, reshape GST cess flows, shift MGNREGA costs to states and create new budget headroom ahead of the 2026-2027 Union Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Ashes: MCG curator in 'state of shock' over pitch

Ashes: MCG curator in 'state of shock' over pitch

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Cricket Australia were left millions of dollars out of pocket, having to refund tickets for a confirmed sell-out crowd on day three at the 100,000-seat stadium and for another large crowd for day four.

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The largest tranche came in July, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the DAC according acceptance of necessity -- or initial approval -- for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately 1.05 trillion through indigenous sourcing.

SC to hear on Monday Aravalli Hills definition issue amid row

SC to hear on Monday Aravalli Hills definition issue amid row

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the controversy surrounding the definition of Aravalli hills and is scheduled to hear the matter. The court had previously accepted a uniform definition and banned fresh mining leases in the area.

At UNSC, India calls for 'pragmatic engagement' with Taliban

At UNSC, India calls for 'pragmatic engagement' with Taliban

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

India told the UN Security Council that it calls for a pragmatic engagement with the Taliban, underlining that a focus on only punitive measures will ensure a 'business as usual' approach.

Politics Amid Performance: How Cricket Shaped In 2025

Politics Amid Performance: How Cricket Shaped In 2025

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Indian men ruled white-ball cricket, while South Africa ended decades of hurt by winning the World Test Championship at Lord's. Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted their maiden IPL title, though the celebrations were dimmed by a deadly stampede. Above all, it was India's women who won a billion hearts by finally adding an ICC World Cup trophy to the cabinet.

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav accuses the Congress of spreading misinformation regarding the new definition of the Aravallis and defends the government's commitment to protecting the mountain range while allowing limited, legal mining.

Meet BJP's first-ever mayor in Kerala

Meet BJP's first-ever mayor in Kerala

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

BJP leader V V Rajesh was elected mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, marking the party's first-ever victory in a municipal corporation in Kerala. The election saw other mayoral contests across the state, with UDF and LDF also securing victories.

'Marathi Votes Alone Won't Save Thackerays'

'Marathi Votes Alone Won't Save Thackerays'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This is purely transactional politics -- there exists no family reunion as such.'

10 arrested for Hindu man's lynching in Bangladesh

10 arrested for Hindu man's lynching in Bangladesh

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu youth, in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

A special NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate attachment of land belonging to Ghulam Nabi Fai, a US-based Kashmiri lobbyist and convicted agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Australian players question ICC over DRS inconsistencies

Australian players question ICC over DRS inconsistencies

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins also commented on the DRS controversy, noting that RTS appeared to be different from UltraEdge.

Army conducts flag march in Assam's violence-hit West Karbi Anglong

Army conducts flag march in Assam's violence-hit West Karbi Anglong

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Army conducted a flag march in violence-hit West Karbi Anglong district of Assam to help maintain law and order after clashes between Karbi and Bihari communities. Two people were killed and over 70 injured in the violence.

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

'Neither SAI nor state departments have a dedicated sports administration service. Instead, roles are filled by generalist civil servants or contractual staff, often lacking sector-specific expertise.'

'Congress Eyeing 2036 Polls'

'Congress Eyeing 2036 Polls'

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'It is clear they have accepted that the next two elections belong to the BJP.'

Shinde invokes 'Dhurandhar' to attack Uddhav ahead of Mumbai civic polls

Shinde invokes 'Dhurandhar' to attack Uddhav ahead of Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launched a veiled attack on Uddhav Thackeray, invoking characters from a film to criticize Thackeray's leadership and policies ahead of upcoming municipal elections. Shinde highlighted government initiatives and defended his position, while also criticizing the opposition's performance.

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

FDI inflows into India are expected to register robust growth in 2026, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, big-ticket investment announcements, sustained efforts to improve the ease of doing business, and a new generation of investment-linked trade pacts.

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Next week's three-nation foreign tour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will see India and Oman sign a free trade deal. The visit will also pave the way for agreements with Ethiopia and Jordan to increase India's bilateral trade and investments.

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Experts warn that air pollution in India is a major public health crisis, leading to a surge in undiagnosed airway diseases and cardiovascular issues. They urge for urgent action, early detection, and treatment.

The Dilemma Of A Missing Workforce For Climate Action

The Dilemma Of A Missing Workforce For Climate Action

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

This was perhaps a missed opportunity for India to spotlight a core domestic challenge: The scale of workforce preparation required for a young, populous, rapidly growing country seeking to reach net zero, points out Radha Roy Biswas.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

'Need GST Council-like bodies to boost infra growth'

'Need GST Council-like bodies to boost infra growth'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

India needs Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council-like common platforms between states and the Centre in areas such as land clearances, power, and water to fast-track infrastructure projects to achieve double-digit growth going ahead, said Praveer Sinha, chief executive officer and managing director of The Tata Power Company.

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Yunus's office, meanwhile, reconfirmed that financial and welfare assistance would be provided to Das' family, and relevant authorities would remain in close contact with them in the coming period.

SC fines 10 Raj dental colleges Rs 10 cr each over admission breaches

SC fines 10 Raj dental colleges Rs 10 cr each over admission breaches

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court of India has imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore each on 10 private dental colleges in Rajasthan for irregularities in admissions, citing blatant illegality and willful violation of rules. The court also directed the state government to deposit Rs 10 lakh for failing to adhere to legal procedures.

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra government and its state election commission to conduct local body elections, clarifying that the results will be subject to the court's final verdict, especially concerning the 50% quota limit. The court will hear pleas regarding OBC reservation in local bodies in January 2026.

As IAF eyes 80 transport planes, Lockheed offers C-130J mega hub in India

As IAF eyes 80 transport planes, Lockheed offers C-130J mega hub in India

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

If Lockheed Martin gets the opportunity, then it will set up a mega hub in India to produce the "iconic" aircraft and it will be the first such global facility outside of the US, top officials of the company told PTI.

LS clears Insurance Amendment Bill to allow 100% FDI in insurance sector

LS clears Insurance Amendment Bill to allow 100% FDI in insurance sector

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said that raising the FDI limit to 100 per cent in the insurance sector will help attract more capital, improve competition and increase insurance penetration by making policies more affordable.

HC defers counting of votes in Maha local polls to Dec 21

HC defers counting of votes in Maha local polls to Dec 21

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule blames the State Election Commission (SEC) for the Bombay High Court's decision to defer the counting of votes for local bodies polls, citing 'misinterpretation of laws'.

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'America has historically been a magnet for people who aren't from here.' 'That sort of thing -- the promise of opportunity, no matter what that looks like -- doesn't grow on trees.' 'It also happens to be geopolitical gold that Trump is flushing down the toilet,' points out Sree Sreenivasan.

ICC Scrambles As JioStar Seeks Exit

ICC Scrambles As JioStar Seeks Exit

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

A key blow for JioStar came from an unlikely source: The Indian government's ban on real-money gaming, the sector that had become cricket's biggest advertiser.

Anti-India slogans raised at funeral of slain Bangladeshi leader Hadi

Anti-India slogans raised at funeral of slain Bangladeshi leader Hadi

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Bangladesh is set to hold the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid tight security following unrest triggered by his death. The funeral prayer will be held at the National Parliament Building. The country is also observing a day of state mourning.

Food delivery platforms employed 1.37 million in FY24, says NCAER

Food delivery platforms employed 1.37 million in FY24, says NCAER

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The food delivery platform sector in India employed 1.37 million workers in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24) and is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3 per cent, estimates a new report released by the Delhi-based think tank National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).

Euthanasia Plea: Parents' Dilemma Reaches Supreme Court

Euthanasia Plea: Parents' Dilemma Reaches Supreme Court

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The father had approached the Supreme Court in 2024 seeking passive euthanasia for his son. The court had then declined to grant relief.

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member Sanjeev Sanyal on Thursday said he is not concerned about the rupee at all, arguing that even China and Japan witnessed exchange rate weaknesses during their high growth phases.

2 killed, 38 cops among 45 hurt in Assam's violence-hit Karbi Anglong

2 killed, 38 cops among 45 hurt in Assam's violence-hit Karbi Anglong

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The body of a 25-year-old specially abled youth, Suresh Dey, was recovered from a building that was set ablaze by the agitators while another person, identified as Athik Timung, was killed during the clash, a police officer said.

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The first phase of polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra was disrupted by violence and allegations of bogus voting. Clashes occurred between supporters of ruling allies BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena. The Bombay High Court directed the SEC to postpone the counting of votes.

'Beheading' slogan challenges law, sovereignty; incites armed revolt: HC

'Beheading' slogan challenges law, sovereignty; incites armed revolt: HC

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The Allahabad High Court has stated that the slogan "Gustakh-e-nabi ki ek saza, sar tan se juda" (the only punishment for insulting the prophet is beheading) challenges the authority of law and the sovereignty and integrity of India, as it incites people to armed rebellion.

Realty faces execution pressure as developers expand launch pipelines

Realty faces execution pressure as developers expand launch pipelines

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Developers are entering one of the busiest construction cycles, with the top four firms planning launches worth Rs 1.13 trillion over the near to medium term, even as execution faces pressure from approval delays, labour shortages, rising costs, and contractor capacity limits across the industry.

Fadnavis, Shinde visit RSS HQ; Ajit Pawar, NCP skip again

Fadnavis, Shinde visit RSS HQ; Ajit Pawar, NCP skip again

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Eknath Shinde and other legislators of the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena visited the memorial of RSS founder K B Hedgewar in Nagpur. NCP legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, skipped the visit.