News for 'essential services'

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

Rediff.com3 days ago

BEST employees continued their strike in Mumbai for a second day, causing significant disruption to public transport despite appeals from the Maharashtra Transport Minister and the invocation of MESMA. Commuters were forced to rely on alternative, overcrowded transport options, while the striking unions maintained their demands for budget merger, improved pay, and absorption of contractual workers.

Mumbai's BEST bus services remain below normal despite strike recall

Mumbai's BEST bus services remain below normal despite strike recall

Rediff.com1 days ago

Despite BEST employees calling off their indefinite strike, Mumbai's bus services remained significantly below normal on Monday morning, with only 57% of the scheduled fleet operational. Commuters experienced long waits, leading many to seek alternative transport. The strike ended after an agreement with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, which included interim pay hikes and commitments for future improvements and clearing dues.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com4 days ago

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking arranged special bus services for students appearing in the NEET re-examination in Mumbai, deploying 60 buses on 24 routes for approximately 180 trips, despite an ongoing strike by its employees that has paralysed public transport.

Essential services will remain accessible: Uddhav

Essential services will remain accessible: Uddhav

Rediff.com25 Mar 2020

"Essential services will continue to be available and people should not have any misunderstanding or confusion regarding this. Medical shops and pharma companies will continue to function as usual," Thackeray said.

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Nagaland has launched the 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan -- Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle' campaign to ensure government welfare schemes and essential services reach remote areas and underserved communities.

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Indian government has restricted industrial, commercial, and institutional users from purchasing petrol and diesel from retail petrol pumps, directing them to bulk sale points instead. This move, which can last up to 90 days, aims to address abnormal demand growth and prevent localised shortages caused by a significant price difference between retail and bulk fuel prices.

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Delhi ministers are adopting measures like using public transport, electric vehicles, and virtual meetings to reduce fuel consumption and cut expenditure.

Reliance Retail to build manufacturing, export platforms for next phase of growth: Mukesh Ambani

Reliance Retail to build manufacturing, export platforms for next phase of growth: Mukesh Ambani

Rediff.com4 days ago

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is preparing for its next phase of growth by establishing advanced manufacturing and export platforms to strengthen its consumer products ecosystem and expand its global footprint, Chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani announced.

US eases sanctions, grants 60-day Iranian oil licence amid Swiss talks

US eases sanctions, grants 60-day Iranian oil licence amid Swiss talks

Rediff.com1 days ago

In a major shift in Middle Eastern energy and security dynamics, the US Department of the Treasury on Monday issued a temporary 60-day general licence authorising transactions related to the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum products.

ICC unveils major rule to help mothers return to cricket

ICC unveils major rule to help mothers return to cricket

Rediff.com1 days ago

The 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' for female cricketers, outline a six 'R's framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine.

No emergency exit, lack of fire safety measures: Lucknow blaze FIR

No emergency exit, lack of fire safety measures: Lucknow blaze FIR

Rediff.com14 hours ago

An FIR has been registered following a devastating fire in an Aliganj building in Lucknow that killed 15 people. The complaint alleges severe negligence, including the absence of adequate fire safety measures, emergency exits, and proper ventilation for smoke, in the commercial establishment. Four individuals, including the building owner and operators of businesses within, have been arrested as investigations continue.

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A gas agency in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, is under investigation after authorities discovered 57 illegally stocked LPG cylinders, amidst concerns about potential shortages due to the West Asia crisis.

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Airtel, which upgraded all postpaid customers to priority plans, argued that the service did not throttle or degrade the experience for its prepaid customers, forming the majority of its 368 million customers in the country.

Top cop terms AI171 crash as 'most painful' chapter of his career

Top cop terms AI171 crash as 'most painful' chapter of his career

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Gujarat's Director General of Police Gyanendra Singh Malik describes the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad a year ago, which killed 260 people, as the 'most painful' chapter of his career, highlighting the unprecedented speed of the emergency response and DNA identification process.

Delhi CM Orders Redevelopment Plan For Burari DTO

Delhi CM Orders Redevelopment Plan For Burari DTO

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered officials to prepare a redevelopment plan for the Burari district transport office (DTO) following complaints about inadequate facilities.

Stay Safe In The Heat! 7 Ways To Prevent Dehydration

Stay Safe In The Heat! 7 Ways To Prevent Dehydration

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

It's been a very tough 2026 summer with many places all over the India map baking in daytime temperatures as high as 46C. Keep yourself well-protected.

Amazon To Deepen Automation In India With Advanced Robotics

Amazon To Deepen Automation In India With Advanced Robotics

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Amazon plans to significantly expand its use of automation and advanced robotics, including systems like the SLAM labeler, across its Indian fulfilment centres. The company, which has committed substantial investments in India, also highlighted its global rollout of autonomous robots like Proteus and cautioned against premature AI regulation that could stifle innovation.

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'I own a few cars that I have had specified minutely to my taste, and it does feel nice to know that there are no other vehicles like them anywhere in the world.'

IT may get essential service status in WB

IT may get essential service status in WB

Rediff.com10 Nov 2006

With West Bengal fast emerging as an IT destination, veteran CPI-M leader Jyoti Basu on Friday said his party was considering whether the industry should be treated as an essential service.

Delhi high court refuses to intervene in Cockroach Janta Party protest

Delhi high court refuses to intervene in Cockroach Janta Party protest

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to hear a petition seeking intervention against a protest called by the digital outfit 'Cockroach Janta Party' at Jantar Mantar on June 6. The petition raised concerns about law and order and sought crowd-control measures, alleging the group was involved in "transnational institutional destabilization."

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Bank has increased India's economic growth projection for FY27 to 6.6 per cent, citing resilient domestic demand, while simultaneously cutting its global economic growth outlook due to the conflict in West Asia.

Delhi High Court Refuses Anticipatory Bail In Rs 1 Crore Crypto Fraud

Delhi High Court Refuses Anticipatory Bail In Rs 1 Crore Crypto Fraud

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court denied anticipatory bail to a man accused in an organised cyber fraud case involving the transfer of approximately Rs 1 crore in cryptocurrency. The court emphasised the need for custodial interrogation to unearth the larger conspiracy and recover the cheated amount.

AP govt mulls over invoking essential services act

AP govt mulls over invoking essential services act

Rediff.com7 Aug 2011

The government of Andhra Pradesh is planning on invoking the provisions of Essential Service Maintenance Act as the employees of Telangana get ready to commence their pen-down strike.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com7 days ago

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A group of seers, led by the Akhand Parshuram Akhada, has launched a campaign in Uttarakhand's Haridwar to ban the sale of food under the name "veg biryani".

SC calls for rational airfares, asks Centre to provide relief to flyers

SC calls for rational airfares, asks Centre to provide relief to flyers

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to rationalise airfares and provide relief to flyers, highlighting discrepancies in pricing for the same routes and airlines. The court is addressing a plea seeking a robust regulator to ensure transparency and passenger protection in the civil aviation sector.

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Rediff.com18 May 2026

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360 explains why cracking the UPSC exam is a dream for lakhs of young Indians.

Planning A Nose Job? What You Must Know

Planning A Nose Job? What You Must Know

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

From jawline refinement and eyelid surgery to face lifts and hair transplants, cosmetic procedures are becoming increasingly popular among people looking to enhance their appearance.

Kashmir airport to shut for runway repairs, tourism sector fears hit

Kashmir airport to shut for runway repairs, tourism sector fears hit

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Srinagar International Airport will suspend all flight operations for 15 days from October 1 for crucial runway maintenance, raising alarm bells within the tourism industry that fears the shutdown will deal a massive blow to the sector as it directly clashes with the peak Durga Puja holiday season.

Delhi govt advises 2-day WFH for pvt sector, car pooling

Delhi govt advises 2-day WFH for pvt sector, car pooling

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Delhi government has advised private companies and organisations to adopt a two-day work-from-home policy, make changes to office timings, and urge employees to avail car pooling and public transport to support the fuel-saving efforts amid global uncertainties.

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Dalit organisations in Kerala have called for a state-wide strike to protest the death of Nithin Raj, a dental college student, alleging caste-based harassment and demanding a fair investigation.

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The government has introduced a mandatory 25-day gap between LPG cylinder bookings due to supply concerns arising from global disruptions and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This measure aims to prevent hoarding and prioritise essential non-domestic sectors, while domestic LPG production is being increased to mitigate shortages.

Why Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Resigned as TMC MP

Why Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Resigned as TMC MP

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'Something could happen to me... I understood that day itself that what they had sent me was a final warning.'

'Indians Have The Worst Metabolism, Diets High In Refined Carbs'

'Indians Have The Worst Metabolism, Diets High In Refined Carbs'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

'Refined carbohydrates are the quiet troublemaker in our diet.' 'We eat plenty of calories, but not enough nutrition.'

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A statewide hartal called by Dalit organisations seeking justice in the death of a dental college student has disrupted normal life in Kerala, with protesters blocking vehicles and forcing shops to close.

Indian killed in Iranian strike on Kuwait power plant

Indian killed in Iranian strike on Kuwait power plant

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

An Indian worker was killed in an attack on a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, according to Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy.

Government okays Rs 10,000 cr jet fuel fund for airlines

Government okays Rs 10,000 cr jet fuel fund for airlines

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The support will be provided to oil-marketing companies (OMCs) in the form of interest-free advances through the ministry of petroleum and natural gas. The OMCs, in turn, will use the fund to provide ATF price stabilisation support to Indian carriers operating domestic and international flights.

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Uttar Pradesh is experiencing an intense heatwave, with Banda recording the highest temperature at 47.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a 'Red Colour Warning' for severe heatwave conditions. The extreme heat is disrupting daily life and economic activity, prompting government action to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'