News for 'essential services'

Deadlock over, Bengal doctors to withdraw 'cease work' from Saturday

Deadlock over, Bengal doctors to withdraw 'cease work' from Saturday

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

The protesting doctors said they would not work in the Outpatient Department but would partially work in emergency and essential services.

Kolkata rape: IMA shuts medical services across India for 24 hrs

Kolkata rape: IMA shuts medical services across India for 24 hrs

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

The Indian Medical Association has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services from 6 am on August 17 to protest against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and the subsequent vandalism at the facility.

Realty firms upbeat on reforms, expect better affordability, project viability

Realty firms upbeat on reforms, expect better affordability, project viability

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Real-estate firms have welcomed the Goods and Services Tax Council's reforms, expecting better affordability for buyers, spurring demand. The council has reduced the rate on cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, while the rate on sand lime bricks or stone inlay work and granite blocks has been cut to 5 per cent from 12 per cent.

US tariffs: Must stand up to bullying, says Maruti's Bhargava

US tariffs: Must stand up to bullying, says Maruti's Bhargava

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

India needs to come together to deal with the 50 per cent punitive US tariffs on Indian products and stand up to any kind of bullying, Maruti Suzuki India chairman R C Bhargava said on Thursday. "It is our duty as Indians to do our very best to promote and maintain our dignity and respect and not give in to any kind of bullying in this matter... the nation has to stand united," Bhargava said at the company's 44th Annaul General Meeting in New Delhi.

'Where Are We Today, And Are We Moving Towards A Better Tomorrow?'

'Where Are We Today, And Are We Moving Towards A Better Tomorrow?'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

'You don't have to lose your identity to be part of Congress. You can be who you are, as long as you believe in the core principle of strong citizenry and nation-building through that concept'

Sensex ends in green, but pares most gains on profit taking

Sensex ends in green, but pares most gains on profit taking

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Among the Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra jumped the most by 5.96 per cent. Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Trent, ITC and HDFC Bank were also among the gainers. However, Maruti Suzuki India, Bharat Electronics, HCL Tech, NTPC, Power Grid, Infosys and Reliance Industries were among the laggards.

4 Simple Habits For Sound Sleep, Energy

4 Simple Habits For Sound Sleep, Energy

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'No matter how exhausted you feel, going to bed at your usual time reinforces the body's rhythm.'

Protein Craze Sweeps India

Protein Craze Sweeps India

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

How much protein is needed for a healthy daily diet? A healthy adult needs a minimum of 0.80 gram of protein for every kilogramme of body weight per day. The average consumption of protein in India is around 62 gm per day, which is way lower than the global average of 78 gm.

Trump's visa crackdown: H-1B holders urged to return or face curbs

Trump's visa crackdown: H-1B holders urged to return or face curbs

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Immigration attorneys and companies are advising H-1B visa holders to return to the US immediately due to concerns over President Trump's plan to impose a USD 100,000 fee on the work visas.

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

'The Bhashini Mission has delivered a working technology at large scale, which is as good as or better than the one with MNC tech giants.'

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Some of the key names include: Maruti, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Britannia, Ultratech, JK Cement, Havells, Voltas, Amber, Metro, Trent, LemonTree, Indian Hotels, Niva Bupa, HDFC Life, IGL, Acme Solar, Suzlon, Swiggy, Delhivery, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

17 yrs after Malegaon blast, NIA court acquits all 7 accused

17 yrs after Malegaon blast, NIA court acquits all 7 accused

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Nearly 17 years after a blast in Malegaon town of north Maharashtra claimed six lives, a special court in Mumbai on Thursday acquitted all the seven accused, including former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, noting there was 'no reliable and cogent evidence' against them.

Mumbai local trains resume for essential staff

Mumbai local trains resume for essential staff

Rediff.com15 Jun 2020

The Central Railway and Western Railway decided to run 'selective suburban services' over main line and harbour line only for essential staff as defined by the state government, a senior official said.

Kerala becomes India's first fully digitally literate state: CM Vijayan

Kerala becomes India's first fully digitally literate state: CM Vijayan

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Kerala has become the first state in India to achieve complete digital literacy, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Over 2.5 lakh volunteers contributed to this milestone, which included people of all age groups. The state plans to launch the second phase of the project soon, making all personal documents available in DigiLockers.

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

New lower GST rates kicked in from Monday, resulting in a slashing of prices of as many as 375 items ranging from toothpaste and shampoo to cars and television sets, a move seen as an attempt to boost consumption to cushion an economy facing tariff headwinds. Tax rates of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent have been clubbed into two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, resulting in a reduced price of 99 per cent of daily use items.

Late Engineering Changes Stall 80% of Auto Launches

Late Engineering Changes Stall 80% of Auto Launches

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'The delay is high in India, and even higher in the case of electric vehicles.'

'Red' alert for downpour in Himachal, rail line shut

'Red' alert for downpour in Himachal, rail line shut

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The meteorological centre in Shimla issued a 'red' alert on Sunday for very heavy downpour in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh, while services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line were suspended for hours till the debris and trees fallen on the tracks following overnight rains were removed.

Can UPI Stay Free Forever?

Can UPI Stay Free Forever?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Several executives argue that UPI has the potential to grow tenfold, but warn that the absence of a monetisation model risks stagnating the real-time payments system, which has been recording all-time-high transaction volumes every year.

'I Want To Retire By 53 With Rs 25 Cr'

'I Want To Retire By 53 With Rs 25 Cr'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

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.

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

The representatives of youth-led Gen Z, which spearheaded the anti-government protests, held meetings with the top military brass to finalise a transitional government, but the talks hit a roadblock on the issue of who will head it.

Oppn candidate Reddy urges MPs to vote with conscience in VP polls

Oppn candidate Reddy urges MPs to vote with conscience in VP polls

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy appeals to MPs to vote with conscience in the upcoming vice presidential polls, urging them to prioritize the spirit of India and parliamentary traditions over party loyalty.

iPhone Affordability Index Reveals: Most Indians Can't...

iPhone Affordability Index Reveals: Most Indians Can't...

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The average Indian worker must labour for an extraordinary 160 full working days to afford Apple's latest iPhone 17 Pro.

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Relentless heavy rain led to a landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hill on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least five people and injuring 14, officials said.

Bengal junior doctors call off 'cease work' after 42 days

Bengal junior doctors call off 'cease work' after 42 days

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Ending the logjam persisting for 42 days in the wake of the rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar hospital, the agitating medics withdrew the 'cease work' after holding a march to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Salt Lake in Kolkata from the state health department's headquarters, where they had been demonstrating for over a week.

When Workplace Stress Turns Deadly

When Workplace Stress Turns Deadly

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

At times, this stress reaches a tipping point, resulting in tragedy. 'Organisations need to empower their people managers to foster psychological safety, where employees feel seen, heard, and supported -- not just as professionals, but as people navigating the pressures of work and life.'

10 Things Gen Z Looks For In A Job Today

10 Things Gen Z Looks For In A Job Today

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

If you want to inspire the young workforce, focus on building transparency, purpose and social responsibility, says notes Varun Sachdeva, SVP and APAC head, NLB Services.

782 rescued from two stranded monorail trains in Mumbai; 1 hospitalised

782 rescued from two stranded monorail trains in Mumbai; 1 hospitalised

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

A Monorail train in Mumbai halted due to a power failure amid heavy rains, stranding approximately 200 passengers. Rescue operations were conducted, and an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

0% GST On Health Insurance: Will You Really Benefit?

0% GST On Health Insurance: Will You Really Benefit?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Reduction of GST on health insurance premium from 18% to 0% looks like a straight 18% reduction in what consumers pay. The truth, however, is...

Semiconductor chip to jet engines: Modi's mega announcements

Semiconductor chip to jet engines: Modi's mega announcements

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Addressing the nation on 79th Independence Day, Modi said the time has come to undertake reforms in GST as the indirect tax regime has completed 8 years.

Height of...: Sonia slams Modi's 'shameful silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

Height of...: Sonia slams Modi's 'shameful silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Gandhi urged the prime minister to speak out "clearly, boldly and forthrightly" on behalf of the legacy that India has long represented.

Top Competitive Exams After Class 12

Top Competitive Exams After Class 12

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360, counsels students and aspiring professionals about how they can make the right career decision.

Why Trust In Ambani, Adani, India Inc Is Vital

Why Trust In Ambani, Adani, India Inc Is Vital

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Who else will take on the might of Microsoft, Google, and Amazon if not the Adanis, Ambanis, Birlas, or Tatas?, asks R Jagannathan.

CII expects GDP to grow 6.4-6.7% in FY26

CII expects GDP to grow 6.4-6.7% in FY26

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

India's economy is expected to grow 6.4-6.7 per cent during the current financial year driven by strong domestic demand, even as geopolitical uncertainty poses downside risks, the newly appointed CII president Rajiv Memani said on Thursday.

Red alert in Mumbai as roads flooded, rail, air traffic hit

Red alert in Mumbai as roads flooded, rail, air traffic hit

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Mumbaikars woke up to very heavy rainfall on Monday, while the India meteorological department (IMD) issued a 'red' alert, forecasting extremely heavy rains at isolated places in the city and adjoining areas, prompting the civic body to declare a holiday for schools and colleges, officials said.

18K orders per min: Amazon India's Prime Day sale hits record high

18K orders per min: Amazon India's Prime Day sale hits record high

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Amazon's latest Prime Day sale event broke records with over 18,000 orders per minute - a 50 per cent jump from 2024. Nearly 70 per cent of new memberships came from Tier-III cities.

Aadhaar biometric update for 7+ kids must to avoid deactivation

Aadhaar biometric update for 7+ kids must to avoid deactivation

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Children who obtained Aadhaar when they were below the age of five need to mandatorily update their biometrics after crossing age of seven, else they will have to face risk of deactivation of their unique ID, according to an official statement.

H1B Crisis: 'Trump Wants to Scare Indians'

H1B Crisis: 'Trump Wants to Scare Indians'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'If I have to go back, I would rather go back now because I don't want to face that situation when I'm in my 40s.' A young couple's journey through immigration uncertainty reveals not just the human cost of policy announcements, but a surprising rekindling of love for the homeland left behind.

10 Changes Your Body Goes Through During Menopause

10 Changes Your Body Goes Through During Menopause

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Here's how you can prepare yourself and your family to deal with menopause.

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A special court in India has reserved its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six people and injured over 100. The trial began nearly 17 years after the bombing in the town of Malegaon, located in Maharashtra. The prosecution concluded its final arguments on Saturday, marking the end of the hearings. Seven individuals, including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and BJP leader Pragya Thakur, are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The verdict is expected to be delivered on May 8th.