News for 'election duty'

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The strong statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah's office came after former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah asked bureaucrats in the Union Territory to resist any pressure to "further disempower" the incoming elected government.

Sumit Nagal snubs Davis Cup again!

Sumit Nagal snubs Davis Cup again!

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) selection panel picked a five-member squad in which Mukund will be the highest-ranked singles player at number 368.

No PM in past uttered such hateful...: When Manmohan Singh slammed Modi

No PM in past uttered such hateful...: When Manmohan Singh slammed Modi

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accused his successor, Narendra Modi, of lowering the dignity of public discourse and the gravity of the office of the prime minister by giving "hateful speeches" during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. In an appeal to voters of Punjab ahead of the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls, Singh asserted that only the Congress can ensure a growth-oriented progressive future where democracy and the Constitution will be safeguarded.

Why BJP Is A Divided House In Karnataka

Why BJP Is A Divided House In Karnataka

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The BJP may be in the Opposition in many states, but nowhere is it as divided as it is in Karnataka, points out Aditi Phadnis.

FIEO bets on 5 sectors to drive exports to US under Trump

FIEO bets on 5 sectors to drive exports to US under Trump

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body for exporters, is formulating a strategy for five key sectors to boost exports to the United States (US), as President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. "This time, we need to be proactive instead of reactive.

Who will form next Maha govt? Stage set for counting today

Who will form next Maha govt? Stage set for counting today

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Counting of votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections will begin at 8 am on Saturday, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which is seeking to make a comeback.

SC reinstates woman sarpanch, fines Chhattisgarh govt

SC reinstates woman sarpanch, fines Chhattisgarh govt

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Coming down heavily on the Chhattisgarh government for removing an elected woman sarpanch of a remote village for 'unjustified reasons', the Supreme Court on Monday observed the state wanted the village head to go with a 'begging bowl before a babu (bureaucrat)'.

You will be CM one day, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar in Maha assembly

You will be CM one day, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar in Maha assembly

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that he, his deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, will work in shifts to ensure round-the-clock governance. Fadnavis will work from 12 noon to midnight, Ajit Pawar, known for his early rising habits, will be on duty in the morning, and Shinde, known for his late-night work ethic, will handle the night shift. This arrangement comes after Ajit Pawar's controversial return to the BJP-led government following a split from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The NCP, under Sharad Pawar's leadership, is now a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). The recent assembly elections saw the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, securing a comfortable majority.

BJP MP smells 'conspiracy' behind Maha Kumbh stampede

BJP MP smells 'conspiracy' behind Maha Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Prasad hit out at the Opposition, alleging that it starts getting upset the moment it hears "Kumbh" or "Sanatan".

'Exhausted In This Long Fight For Justice'

'Exhausted In This Long Fight For Justice'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Two months after a junior doctor was brutally raped and killed, the doctors' protest in Kolkata rages on.

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The attack occurred hours after Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, in a pre-dawn press conference reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order.

UP cabinet to meet in Ayodhya on Thursday, Modi to attend

UP cabinet to meet in Ayodhya on Thursday, Modi to attend

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet will hold its meeting on Thursday in Ayodhya as the city gears up for the opening of the Ram temple in January.

After crash, Mumbai BEST bus drivers caught with liquor

After crash, Mumbai BEST bus drivers caught with liquor

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

These videos are in circulation after the horrific December 9 accident in which a wet-leased electric bus of the civic-run transporter ploughed into vehicles and people in Kurla West, killing seven and injuring 42.

LG, not Delhi govt, has power to nominate MCD official: SC

LG, not Delhi govt, has power to nominate MCD official: SC

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

In a major setback to Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party government, the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the law 'expressly enables' the lieutenant governor to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and he is not bound by the advice of the council of ministers in the matter.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

'Trump's Win Won't Affect Skilled Immigrants'

'Trump's Win Won't Affect Skilled Immigrants'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

'As far as skilled immigration is concerned, the US needs Indian skills and Indian talent, and there are no two opinions about it even among US companies.'

Trump's high tariff pledge is good news for Indian exporters: Subrahmanyam

Trump's high tariff pledge is good news for Indian exporters: Subrahmanyam

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump's pledge to impose high tariffs on three of its trading partners, including China will provide huge export opportunities for India and the domestic industry should prepare itself to tap into that, Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said on Wednesday. Trump last week vowed to introduce 25 per cent tariffs (or customs duty) on imports from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10 per cent on China.

Ready for another language war, warns Stalin

Ready for another language war, warns Stalin

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday warned of "another language war" amid the ongoing Hindi imposition row, stating that the state is "ready" for it. He also expressed concerns about the potential loss of Lok Sabha seats due to the proposed delimitation process, which he believes will disadvantage states that have successfully implemented population control measures. Stalin has called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss the issue, urging unity across political lines to address the perceived threat to Tamil Nadu's representation in Parliament.

No joint rallies by Cong, SP as campaigning for UP bypolls ends

No joint rallies by Cong, SP as campaigning for UP bypolls ends

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress's alliance in Uttar Pradesh came under scrutiny as both parties did not hold a single joint campaign for the bypolls to nine assembly seats. While both parties maintained that the alliance is strong, BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) claimed a crack in the alliance. The Congress opted out of the bypolls and announced coordination committees for all nine seats to support the SP. However, the absence of joint rallies raised questions about the alliance's strength. The SP campaign was spearheaded by its chief Akhilesh Yadav, while the Congress cited its leaders' busy schedules in Maharashtra and Jharkhand for the lack of joint campaigns. The bypoll results will be announced on November 23.

65% polling in Maha; Maoist-hit Gadchiroli beats Mumbai's voter turnout

65% polling in Maha; Maoist-hit Gadchiroli beats Mumbai's voter turnout

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 58.22 per cent till 5 pm on Wednesday in the elections to the 288-member state legislative assembly, with Gadchiroli district logging more than 69 per cent voting, poll officials said.

'We will start Lok Sabha election work immediately'

'We will start Lok Sabha election work immediately'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

'We have to change the Dravidian influence on the people.'

New beginning: 186 Pak Hindu refugees cast first-ever votes in Delhi polls

New beginning: 186 Pak Hindu refugees cast first-ever votes in Delhi polls

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

For the first time in their lives, 186 Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi cast their votes in the Delhi Assembly polls, marking a significant moment in their journey towards citizenship. Having received Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, they expressed hope for a better future with permanent homes and stable livelihoods. The refugees, who have lived in makeshift shelters and struggled with daily wage work for decades, felt a sense of belonging and empowerment after exercising their voting right.

Budget 2025: What realtors want from Nirmala Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What realtors want from Nirmala Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

As the Union Budget 2025-2026 (FY26) inches closer, the Indian real estate industry is seeking stamp duty cuts, revised home loan limits and updated affordable housing norms through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), single-window clearance and eco-friendly policies, among others. Industry leaders and consultancy firms, including Anarock, Raheja, Gaurs, Kanodia Group, Reach, Urban Space, Justo and Eros Group, have shared their expectations.

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Chief minister-designate Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to present letters of support from coalition partners, shortly after the Congress officially extended its backing to the party.

SC bench verdict links Election Commission to Article 14

SC bench verdict links Election Commission to Article 14

Rediff.com3 Mar 2023

Rule of law prevents a government, brought to power by the strength of ballots, from betraying the trust of citizens and "lapsing into a government of caprice, nepotism and finally despotism", the Supreme Court said on Thursday.

Union Budget 2025: Key numbers to be watched

Union Budget 2025: Key numbers to be watched

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her 8th straight Budget and all eyes will be on the much-expected tax relief for the middle class. Sitharaman had in her first Budget in 2019 replaced the leather briefcase -- which had been in use for decades for carrying Budget documents -- with a traditional 'bahi-khata' wrapped in red cloth.

Cash-for-voes: Tawde sends legal notice to Rahul, Kharge

Cash-for-voes: Tawde sends legal notice to Rahul, Kharge

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

BJP leader Vinod Tawde has demanded an apology from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate for making "false and baseless" allegations against him in the cash-for-votes incident in Maharashtra. Tawde was accused by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi of distributing Rs 5 crore to woo voters. He has sent a legal notice to the Congress leaders, claiming they were aware the story was fabricated and demanding an unconditional apology within 24 hours. If the apology is not forthcoming, Tawde has threatened to initiate criminal and civil proceedings against the trio.

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat were among the early voters to exercise their franchise as polling was underway on Wednesday for the state assembly elections.

SII urges Mandaviya to reduce gap between booster and 2nd Covid jab to 3 months

SII urges Mandaviya to reduce gap between booster and 2nd Covid jab to 3 months

Rediff.com3 Feb 2022

Serum Institute of India has urged Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to consider reducing the gap between the second and the precaution dose of Covishield from the current nine months to three, in line with Centre's revised guidelines for officials on election duty, official sources said on Thursday.

High Court Restores Construction Workers' Rights

High Court Restores Construction Workers' Rights

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Justices Arif S Doctor and Somasekhar Sundaresan held there was nothing in the MCC that would interfere with the Board's ongoing activities.

Cops on poll duty get meal from 'Namo Foods'

Cops on poll duty get meal from 'Namo Foods'

Rediff.com11 Apr 2019

Officials clarified that the food packets were procured from Namo Food Shop and not from any political party.

Soros connection? US lawmaker challenges Adani probe

Soros connection? US lawmaker challenges Adani probe

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Challenging the decision of the Biden Administration to investigate the activities of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his companies, an influential Republican lawmaker on Tuesday said such selective actions risk damaging critical alliance partners.

Tracking Poll Mood On The Brahmaputra Mail

Tracking Poll Mood On The Brahmaputra Mail

Rediff.com2 May 2024

Amid the rhythmic chug of the train, a chorus of voices rises, each bearing its tale of hope and despair.

Gold set to extend record run; may hit Rs 90,000 in 2025

Gold set to extend record run; may hit Rs 90,000 in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Gold, a safe-haven bet, is likely to continue its record-smashing journey in the New Year, rising to Rs 85,000 per 10 grams and even Rs 90,000 level in domestic markets if geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties continue.

Govt removes minimum export price on onion

Govt removes minimum export price on onion

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

The government on Friday scrapped a minimum price threshold that it had set previously for exports of onion as it looked to pass on the benefit of international glut to Indian farmers. The government had previously fixed a $550 per tonne as the minimum export price (MEP), which essentially meant farmers could not sell their produce overseas at lower than this rate.

Judge, not an agent: Union Minister slams K'taka Covid panel chief

Judge, not an agent: Union Minister slams K'taka Covid panel chief

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Joshi said that the D'Cunha Commission released an interim report without issuing a notice to Yediyurappa or Ramulu.

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Exporters on Thursday sought a fund of Rs 750 crore for three years to tap USD 25 billion export potential in the US, aiming to seize potential opportunities that may arise as the US President-elect, Donald Trump, has threatened to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. In its pre-Budget meeting with the finance ministry, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ashwani Kumar has also demanded extension of the five per cent Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES).

Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, India revamps tariff structure

Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, India revamps tariff structure

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Anticipating US action on tariffs, India seems to have made the first move by revamping its tariff structure by reducing the slabs to eight rates, points out Mukesh Butani.

Petrol, diesel price hike coming after elections

Petrol, diesel price hike coming after elections

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

International oil prices surged close to $100 a barrel on Tuesday after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine, but petrol and diesel prices in India continue to be on freeze and are expected to rise once assembly elections in states like Uttar Pradesh end. Amid fears of supplies being disrupted because of Russian aggression, the price of futures contract for Brent crude oil with April delivery on London's ICE rose by 4.18 per cent to $99.38 per barrel on Tuesday morning, before paring some gains to settle just above $98. The last time Brent exceeded $99 per barrel was in September 2014. Russia makes up for a third of Europe's natural gas and about 10 per cent of global oil production.

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Assam Cabinet on Sunday had decided not to register any case against the Congress MP or his British spouse, who the BJP has accused of having ISI links, but instructed the DGP to file an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.