News for 'few Council'

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Kohli credits women's cricket for THIS big change

Kohli credits women's cricket for THIS big change

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Cricket has been the driving force behind change in the sporting ecosystem in India but women's participation in other sports in the country still needs more support and platforms for exposure.

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.

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'It is typical of China's strategic deception of making virtue out of necessity,' observes Rup Narayan Das.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Inconsequential without Lalu Prasad: Nitish snubs Rabri Devi

Inconsequential without Lalu Prasad: Nitish snubs Rabri Devi

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar engaged in a heated exchange with Leader of the Opposition Rabri Devi in the Legislative Council, dismissing her as "inconsequential" without her husband, RJD president Lalu Prasad. The spat stemmed from RJD MLCs wearing badges promoting quota hikes passed during Tejashwi Yadav's tenure as Deputy CM, which Nitish Kumar perceived as an attempt to claim credit for the populist move. Kumar also remarked that Rabri Devi was only propped up by her husband when he was in trouble, referring to her becoming Chief Minister in 1997 while Lalu Prasad faced corruption charges. The war of words between the two rivals has intensified, with the RJD accusing Kumar of losing his mental balance and being unfit to rule.

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Four cardinals from India, including two from Kerala, are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the new Pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, as per the regulations. Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad; Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Church; and George Koovakkad, the newly appointed cardinal, are the four who can cast votes in the upcoming conclave.

A Cricket Legend Turns 80

A Cricket Legend Turns 80

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Has there existed another cricketer who has been hailed as a spinner, fielder, captain, umpire, selector, and above all, a consummate team man, asks K R Nayar.

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The 31st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in December 2018, deferred a decision to reduce the GST rate for cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This was despite recognising that cement - along with automobile parts - remained among the few mass-consumption items still taxed at the highest slab, which was originally meant for luxury and sin goods.

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Hours after being dismissed from service for 'concealing' his marriage with a Pakistani woman, Central Reserve Police Force trooper Munir Ahmed said he solemnised his marriage nearly a month after getting permission from the force's headquarters last year.

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

Azhar's name off the stand? He says no way!

Azhar's name off the stand? He says no way!

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin plans to approach the Telangana High Court to challenge the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) Ombudsman's order to remove his name from the North Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In what was perhaps the most critical meeting before full-scale war broke out, Shastri defined India's immediate war objectives to his defence minister, army, and air force chiefs: 'To defend against Pakistan's attempts to grab Kashmir by force and to make it abundantly clear that Pakistan would never be allowed to wrest Kashmir from India; To destroy the offensive power of Pakistan's armed forces...' A fascinating excerpt from Shiv Kunal Verma's must-read 1965: A Western Sunrise India's War With Pakistan.

Pakistan miffed with ICC over trophy ceremony snub

Pakistan miffed with ICC over trophy ceremony snub

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to register its protest with the ICC for ignoring its CEO during the trophy ceremony in Dubai on Sunday.

Stay committed or step away, Waugh's advice to Rohit

Stay committed or step away, Waugh's advice to Rohit

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Australia legend Steve Waugh believes under-fire Rohit Sharma can't afford to be 'complacent or relax' if he wants to continue serving Indian cricket.

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Some of his directives had the Supreme Court judges disclose their assets whereas the row over the discovery of cash from a sitting judge's official residence paved way for inquiry.

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, faces imminent execution despite the payment of blood money. Despite the lack of bilateral ties between India and war-torn Yemen, family members and human rights activists are clinging to hope for a last-minute pardon. The family has raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees and negotiations, and is prepared to pay any additional amount required. However, the execution order received presidential approval despite ongoing proceedings, leaving little time for intervention. Priya's family is burdened by debt and seeks urgent support from the Indian government to save her life.

'400 girls lost to love jihad': Kerala BJP leader sparks row

'400 girls lost to love jihad': Kerala BJP leader sparks row

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

George stated that a girl should be married off by the time she is 22 or 23 and that such decency should be maintained.

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis's connection with India was marked by a mix of hopes and challenges. His long-held wish to visit the country remained unfulfilled, but he made significant contributions to the Catholic community in India, including elevating Indian figures to sainthood and appointing an Indian priest as a Cardinal. While his efforts to resolve conflicts within the Syro-Malabar Church were unsuccessful, his legacy will be remembered for his efforts to promote unity and understanding in the Catholic Church.

SEE: Phillips takes a screamer!

SEE: Phillips takes a screamer!

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

But the 28 year old wasn't done. After his stupendous effort with the bat, he had more entertainment to offer in the field.

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has asked DMK leader V Senthil Balaji to choose between his ministerial post in Tamil Nadu and his freedom. The court expressed concern over Balaji's reinstatement as a minister despite being granted bail in a money laundering case related to the "cash-for-job" scam. The court fears that Balaji's presence as a minister could influence witnesses in the case. The court has given Balaji until April 28 to make a decision.

Rohit Is A True Friends To Fans

Rohit Is A True Friends To Fans

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

When a few fans called out his name, he instructed the security team to let them approach.

BCCI Central Contracts: Will Rohit, Kohli lose A+ status?

BCCI Central Contracts: Will Rohit, Kohli lose A+ status?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

There are some speculations over some rejigging in the A+ category following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from T20 Internationals.

Sore ankle, 'personal views' behind Starc's Champions Trophy pull-out

Sore ankle, 'personal views' behind Starc's Champions Trophy pull-out

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc said a sore ankle and his "personal views" were behind his decision to pull out of the Champions Trophy.

Will LG Allow Rekha Gupta To Function?

Will LG Allow Rekha Gupta To Function?

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

'Will the LG be ready to rule with a light hand, having been vested with powers that amount to using a hammer to kill a fly?' asks Aditi Phadnis.

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

A strong dust storm and gusty winds followed by rain hit Delhi-NCR on Friday evening, causing trees to be uprooted in several parts and leading to traffic congestion. Thunderstorms caused power disruptions in several parts of the city, primarily due to trees and branches falling on electricity cables. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, recommending people stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Kesari Chapter 2 Review: For The Love Of Drama!

Kesari Chapter 2 Review: For The Love Of Drama!

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Kesari 2 has more style than substance on its mind, feels Sukanya Verma.

How India's agri sector can tackle US tariffs

How India's agri sector can tackle US tariffs

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India's policy for agriculture trade must move commodity-by-commodity to gain maximum benefits as US President Donald Trump's 26 per cent tariff on exports from the country take effect, said agriculture economist Ashok Gulati in a recent policy paper.

Inglis 'over the moon' after Australia's record run-chase

Inglis 'over the moon' after Australia's record run-chase

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Australia's middle order enforcer Josh Inglis said their depleted side will draw a lot of confidence after pulling off a record chase against England in their Champions Trophy opener on Saturday.

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (SAD), which led protests against Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has launched itself as a political party called the National Citizen Party (NCP). The new party, which aims to 'dismantle constitutional autocracy' and establish a 'second republic,' has pledged to create a 'solely Bangladesh-oriented' political system, with no room for 'pro-India and pro-Pakistan politics.' The NCP's inaugural rally was attended by representatives of various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and envoys from the Vatican and Pakistan.

England will not boycott Afghanistan match at Champions Trophy

England will not boycott Afghanistan match at Champions Trophy

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Last month, a group of British lawmakers urged England to boycott the Champions Trophy group stage match against Afghanistan.

Nagpur violence premeditated, says Fadnavis; curfew in parts of city

Nagpur violence premeditated, says Fadnavis; curfew in parts of city

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said social media was used to vitiate the atmosphere, and appealed to the opposition not to politicise the matter.

Ola Electric: Can It Spark EV Adoption?

Ola Electric: Can It Spark EV Adoption?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Why has the shift from ICE to electric slowed down despite initial enthusiasm?

L&T Q4 net profit jumps 25% to Rs 5,497 crore, beats Street estimates

L&T Q4 net profit jumps 25% to Rs 5,497 crore, beats Street estimates

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 25 per cent rise in net profit attributable to the owners of the company for the January-March quarter of 2024-25, owing to higher revenues and an exceptional gain. For the quarter under review, L&T posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,497.3 crore, while revenue rose 10.9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 74,392.28 crore.

Will RBI's rate cut help drive India's growth

Will RBI's rate cut help drive India's growth

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Reserve Bank should focus on making liquidity easier rather than cutting rates if the intent is to drive growth, Axis Bank's chief economist Neelkanth Mishra said on Tuesday. Mishra, who is also a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM, said the rate cut announced earlier this month or even the subsequent ones if they were to come will not end up increasing borrowings as the scarce liquidity will hamper transmission.

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India needs another shot of difficult reform, of the kind only possible at gunpoint. Mr Trump holds that gun to our heads now. A drastic reduction in tariff protection, other elements of sarkari wet-nursing will force entrepreneurial India to become competitive again, argues Shekhar Gupta.

All Roads In Dubai Lead To India-Pakistan Game

All Roads In Dubai Lead To India-Pakistan Game

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The turnout of only about 10,000 spectators for the India-Bangladesh opening match of the Champions Trophy at the 30,000-capacity Dubai International Stadium has sparked debate over whether fans are only interested in an India-Pakistan clash.

Buzz grows over BJP's CM pick in Delhi; Pravesh Verma key contender

Buzz grows over BJP's CM pick in Delhi; Pravesh Verma key contender

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The BJP's victory in the Delhi Assembly elections has sparked speculation over who will lead the next government. Several prominent leaders, including Pravesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Pawan Sharma, Vijender Gupta, and Satish Upadhyay, are in the running for the chief minister's post. The party's national leadership is expected to make the final decision, leaving the contenders in a state of anticipation.

BJP leader C T Ravi arrested from Karnataka assembly premises

BJP leader C T Ravi arrested from Karnataka assembly premises

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party MLC C T Ravi was arrested after a first information report (FIR) was registered against him, for allegedly using a derogatory word against minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday, police said.