News for 'speaker'

SC 7-judge bench to hear plea on MLAs' privileges vs freedom of speech

SC 7-judge bench to hear plea on MLAs' privileges vs freedom of speech

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India will commence hearings on two significant constitutional matters: the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs concerning freedom of speech and expression, and the power of state legislatures to impose additional sales tax levies. Both issues will be heard by seven-judge Constitution benches, with one case stemming from a 2003 plea by journalist N Ravi regarding breach of privilege.

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday sought a change in seating arrangement for its MPs in the Lok Sabha, saying their alliance with the Congress has ended and it would not be appropriate for its members to sit alongside those of the Congress.

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Vidyanand Bapat, a Pune-based activist advocating for a ban on high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festivals, was publicly assaulted by a man named Santosh Chavan while speaking to media persons.

Why the Tata Curvv Base Variants Could Now Be the Smartest Buy

Why the Tata Curvv Base Variants Could Now Be the Smartest Buy

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Tata Motors has launched the Curvv Series X, an updated version of its coupe-SUV, focusing on enhancing value-for-money by adding more features to lower and mid-spec variants and streamlining the lineup, with prices ranging from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

Israel could 'cease to exist': Russian general's warning

Israel could 'cease to exist': Russian general's warning

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces' Main Military-Political Department, has warned that the escalating conflict in West Asia could lead to Israel ceasing to exist as a state, accusing Israel of seeking to widen the confrontation to involve the US and NATO.

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha passed two Bills, including one to rename Kerala as Keralam, without debate as Opposition members continued their protests, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's presence to address police excesses against student protesters and alleged Ram temple fund irregularities.

Uddhav Sena moves SC challenging merger of 6 MPs with Shinde Sena

Uddhav Sena moves SC challenging merger of 6 MPs with Shinde Sena

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has approached the Supreme Court to challenge Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to approve the merger of six of its MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The plea was mentioned before a bench for an urgent hearing.

Moto Pad 70 Brings 2.5K Display, Dolby Atmos And 68W Charging To India

Moto Pad 70 Brings 2.5K Display, Dolby Atmos And 68W Charging To India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Motorola has expanded its tablet portfolio in India with the Moto Pad 70, a feature-packed device aimed at users seeking entertainment and productivity on the go.

Trump announces 'Economic D-Day' against Iran, warns countries helping Tehran

Trump announces 'Economic D-Day' against Iran, warns countries helping Tehran

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has declared an 'economic D-Day' against Iran, unveiling what he terms the 'most crushing economic operation ever taken' and warning global entities against providing any support to Tehran.

Probe report on Justice Varma tabled in RS amid removal proceedings

Probe report on Justice Varma tabled in RS amid removal proceedings

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

An inquiry committee's report into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, who faced removal proceedings over unaccounted cash found at his residence, was tabled in Rajya Sabha. The report details the investigation into the alleged discovery of burnt currency following a fire at his official residence. Justice Varma has since resigned, rendering the removal proceedings infructuous, though his resignation is yet to be formally notified.

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has submitted a notice of breach of privilege and contempt of the House against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging use of "unparliamentary and derogatory language" and "unsubstantiated allegations" against Home Minister Amit Shah during a Lok Sabha debate.

Vijay's Tamil Nadu Attracts Rs 1 Trillion In Investment Commitment

Vijay's Tamil Nadu Attracts Rs 1 Trillion In Investment Commitment

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

'If investors are trusting a new establishment in Tamil Nadu, it speaks a lot of the state's investment climate.'

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and allowed separate seating for 20 rebel TMC lawmakers who joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), ahead of the Monsoon session.

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.

Asus Chromebook CX15: 15.6-inch Screen, 8 GB RAM and More

Asus Chromebook CX15: 15.6-inch Screen, 8 GB RAM and More

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Asus has expanded its Chromebook line-up in India with the CX15 (CX1505CTA), a large-screen laptop aimed at users looking for a practical device for work, study and everyday entertainment.

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Karnataka's two-month-old government saw its first cabinet expansion with 19 MLAs sworn in as ministers, leading to immediate discontent and the resignation of one Congress legislator over his exclusion.

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.

JNU Prof Zoya Hasan's speech at Delhi school cancelled after VHP protest

JNU Prof Zoya Hasan's speech at Delhi school cancelled after VHP protest

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

JNU Professor Emerita Zoya Hasan's Independence Day speech at a private school in Delhi was cancelled following a protest by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The school and police cited security concerns, a decision criticised by Sahmat, which alleged pressure from the VHP.

Huawei Pura 90s Pro Debuts With Flagship Cameras And Fast Charging

Huawei Pura 90s Pro Debuts With Flagship Cameras And Fast Charging

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Huawei has expanded its premium smartphone portfolio with the launch of the Pura 90s Pro and Pura 90s Pro Max.

Ex-Speaker Mahara Implicated in Nepal Gold Smuggling Scandal

Ex-Speaker Mahara Implicated in Nepal Gold Smuggling Scandal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Nepal's former parliament speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and others have been accused of facilitating gold smuggling, leading to a corruption case filed by the CIAA.

Sajjan Kumar remark: Cong leader seeks Deepender Hooda's CWC ouster

Sajjan Kumar remark: Cong leader seeks Deepender Hooda's CWC ouster

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Congress MLA and former Haryana Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Sharma has urged Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to remove Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda from the Congress Working Committee (CWC) over his remarks praising former party leader Sajjan Kumar.

Cash Row: LS panel says charges against Justice Varma 'proved'

Cash Row: LS panel says charges against Justice Varma 'proved'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A panel set up by Lok Sabha Speaker to probe allegations of discovery of cash at the official premises of Justice Yashwant Varma has concluded that the charges of unexplained cash, disturbing evidence and evasive explanation against him "are proved".

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted crucial resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the lone BJP member opposing both.

'Great pride to the nation': Top leaders praise CWG heroes

'Great pride to the nation': Top leaders praise CWG heroes

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners, Gulveer Singh and Harjinder Kaur, received widespread praise from top Indian leaders including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Gulveer Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the men's 10,000m event, while Harjinder Kaur secured a silver in weightlifting. Their achievements were hailed as moments of national pride and inspiration for future athletes.

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For these startups, qcom is emerging as a launch and discovery platform, not simply a fulfilment channel.

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a close ally of former premier Khaleda Zia, has been elected as Bangladesh's new President in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.

Aaditya Thackeray questions 'act of God' in assembly monsoon debate

Aaditya Thackeray questions 'act of God' in assembly monsoon debate

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A heated exchange occurred in the Maharashtra assembly between Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray regarding the "act of God" defence for heavy rains and related incidents. The debate escalated to include climate change and alleged embezzlement at the Ram temple, leading to a brief adjournment.

LS deadlock ends, parties agree to discuss anti-paper leak bill on Tuesday

LS deadlock ends, parties agree to discuss anti-paper leak bill on Tuesday

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Lok Sabha stalemate is expected to conclude as Speaker Om Birla has secured an agreement from all political parties to discuss the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026. This bill proposes stricter punishments, including up to 10 years in jail and a Rs 50 lakh fine, for paper leak offences, following recent nationwide student protests over the NEET fiasco.

India@80, America@250: Indian diaspora sets Guinness flag record in New York

India@80, America@250: Indian diaspora sets Guinness flag record in New York

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Celebrations marking India's 80th Independence Day in the New York tri-state area culminated in a world record, with more than 1,300 US flags surrounded by Indian tricolours arranged to form the number "250", in a tribute to America's semiquincentennial anniversary.

Lok Sabha takes up resolution to remove Speaker

Lok Sabha takes up resolution to remove Speaker

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha is debating an opposition resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, citing alleged bias. The proceedings have been marked by heated arguments over who should preside during the debate.

Goa Police Seek Arrest Of Speaker Over Offensive Remarks

Goa Police Seek Arrest Of Speaker Over Offensive Remarks

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A local court has issued a non-bailable warrant against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, wanted by Goa Police for allegedly making offensive remarks against St Francis Xavier.

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed on Friday (local time) that Tehran remains prepared for "full-scale defence" should the US betray the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries last month.

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Relentless protests by Opposition parties forced the adjournment of the Lok Sabha for the day after the passage of the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill without a debate on Wednesday, with the government accusing them of coming to the House to disrupt proceedings and not for discussion.

The Rediff Podcast: The Bollywood You Didn't Know!!!

The Rediff Podcast: The Bollywood You Didn't Know!!!

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'Rajesh Khanna's fall was because of his arrogance. Once he spoke ill about me, behind my back. Later, he called me to his room and said sorry. But it hurt a lot.'

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Opposition of setting pre-conditions for a debate on the critical NEET paper leak issue, stating that the government is ready for a comprehensive discussion.

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance allies on Tuesday attended the ruling coalition's weekly meeting of parliamentarians, where the absence of three Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MPs stood out amid signs of differences within the 20-member group of Trinamool Congress rebels over its association with the alliance.

TN student's murder linked to exposing campus drug trafficking

TN student's murder linked to exposing campus drug trafficking

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A 19-year-old mechatronics engineering student was brutally murdered in Coimbatore, leading to a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. While his family alleges he was targeted for exposing drug abuse on campus, police and college management claim the attack stemmed from personal enmity and a retaliatory clash. Eight arrests have been made, and the issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly, with the Opposition demanding an inquiry into the conflicting narratives.

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The NDA's parliamentary party meetings will now be known as 'Mangal Milan', with the first under this new name scheduled for July 21. This change was informally discussed in the Union cabinet. Additionally, the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), comprising 20 MPs who defected from the TMC, is seeking formal recognition and parliamentary facilities, including a party office and designated floor leaders.