A Correspondent

Stories by A Correspondent

2G spectrum scam: PM saved from embarrassment

2G spectrum scam: PM saved from embarrassment

Rediff.com   23 Nov 2010

The Congress and the central government heaved a sigh of relief on Tuesday with the Supreme Court holding that the prime minister was not obliged to sanction any permission to Dr Subramanian Swamy for prosecuting Telecom Minister A Raja, who has since resigned, in the 2G spectrum scam.

2G case: Mamata joins demand for JPC

2G case: Mamata joins demand for JPC

Rediff.com   22 Nov 2010

After promising support to the United Progressive Alliance government over the 2G Spectrum controversy, Tirnamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee took the Congress by surprise when she joined the Opposition in their demand for a joint parliamentary committee on Monday.

Sonia greets Mulayam on his birthday

Sonia greets Mulayam on his birthday

Rediff.com   22 Nov 2010

Congress president Sonia Gandhi greeted Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on his 71st birthday inside the Lok Sabha on Monday, minutes before it resumed session.

Alagiri may quit ministership to focus on TN polls

Alagiri may quit ministership to focus on TN polls

Rediff.com   15 Nov 2010

Union Fertilizer Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam strongman MK Alagiri is keen to return to Tamil Nadu politics. He may do so by relinquishing his Union minister position by mid December to campaign for DMK in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu for the assembly elections in 2011.

Twenty AP MPs may quit over Polavaram hurdle

Twenty AP MPs may quit over Polavaram hurdle

Rediff.com   11 Nov 2010

Another tension is brewing for the Congress just before the winter session of the Parliament, this time from Andhra Pradesh.

'Defence procurement policy to favour Indian cos'

'Defence procurement policy to favour Indian cos'

Rediff.com   10 Nov 2010

"We hope to introduce the new Defence Production Policy as well as the Defence Procurement Policy from January 20100. We are going to take some drastic steps to achieve our goal of speedy indigenisation," Defence Minister A K Antony announced in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Speaker to meet party heads before LS session

Speaker to meet party heads before LS session

Rediff.com   8 Nov 2010

In order to ensure that the Lok Sabha is run smoothly during the winter session which will commence from Tuesday, Speaker Meira Kumar will meet leaders of all parties in the Lok Sabha at 0930 hrs on Tuesday in the Speaker's committee room in Parliament house.

Utah nonprofit honours Dr Dinesh Patel

Utah nonprofit honours Dr Dinesh Patel

Rediff.com   4 Nov 2010

Utah Youth Village presented its highest honour, the 2010 Helping Hand award, to nationally recognised life sciences innovator Dr Dinesh Patel for his 'extraordinary love and support for Utah's most vulnerable children.'

Muslim convention in US discusses Ayodhya

Muslim convention in US discusses Ayodhya

Rediff.com   3 Nov 2010

Pluralism, democracy and minority rights were the focus of discussion at the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin's two-day 20th annual convention, held in Detroit.

Plastic parks to promote plastic industry

Plastic parks to promote plastic industry

Rediff.com   2 Nov 2010

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals on Monday announced a new scheme to set up 'plastic parks' through a cluster development approach to promote India's plastic industry.

Jairam swings axe at Polavaram project

Jairam swings axe at Polavaram project

Rediff.com   2 Nov 2010

A notice issued on Monday to the Andhra Pradesh government to put on hold the government project is, in fact, meant to help out the Opposition-ruled states of Orissa and Chhattisgarh whose land is threatened to be submerged because of the project.

AmEx launches its first ever Diwali gift card

AmEx launches its first ever Diwali gift card

Rediff.com   29 Oct 2010

"We're absolutely delighted as a company to launch the Diwali card for Indian American this year," says Alpesh Chokshi, president, global prepaid business, adding that this is the first such effort the company is making to address the needs of the Indian community in the US

Come, listen to Obama's speech: Centre tells MPs

Come, listen to Obama's speech: Centre tells MPs

Rediff.com   28 Oct 2010

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal has issued a letter inviting all Members of Parliament to attend United States President Barack Obama's address at the central hall on November 8.In a circular letter, Bansal also sought the cooperation of all the MPs to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament.The routine circular assumes significance as it specifically urges the Parliamentarians to attend Obama's address.

Japan must participate in Indian nuke industry: PM

Japan must participate in Indian nuke industry: PM

Rediff.com   24 Oct 2010

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Sunday in an interview to the Japanese media in Tokyo that India is confident of signing a 'win-win' civilian nuclear deal with Japan and is looking forward to a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to boost bilateral trade.

PM cracks the whip on errant ministers

PM cracks the whip on errant ministers

Rediff.com   16 Oct 2010

All notes meant for consideration by the Union Cabinet or any Cabinet Committee must reach the Cabinet Secretariat seven clear days before the meeting, says a new regime conveyed to all ministries through a letter of Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar.

Parliament to get a facelift before Obama visit

Parliament to get a facelift before Obama visit

Rediff.com   15 Oct 2010

United States President Barack Obama will address a joint session of the Parliament on November 8 during his first state visit to the country and with less than a month to go preparations are in full swing to give the American premier a warm welcome.

Dont rename Dudhwa after Ambedkar, Ramesh to UP CM

Dont rename Dudhwa after Ambedkar, Ramesh to UP CM

Rediff.com   15 Oct 2010

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh tried to scuttle Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's bid to name the Dudhwa national park after Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, urging her that it would be better rechristen it as Billy Arjan Singh Tiger Reserve as a mark of tribute to the legendary conservationist.

Government sets up panel to probe CWG lapses

Government sets up panel to probe CWG lapses

Rediff.com   15 Oct 2010

Moving swiftly after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games, the government constituted a high-level committee headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General VK Shungloo to look into the organising and conduct of the Games.

Exclusive! No naming projects after Indira, Rajiv:

Exclusive! No naming projects after Indira, Rajiv:

Rediff.com   8 Oct 2010

In a confidential communication, the government has urged ministers not to name any programmes or projects after former prime ministers Indira Gandhi or her son Rajiv.

Punjab CM thanks Ramesh for river conservation

Punjab CM thanks Ramesh for river conservation

Rediff.com   8 Oct 2010

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal expressed his gratitude to Union Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh for his efforts in cleaning polluted rivers in the state. Badal appreciated the central minister's efforts through a unanimous resolution adopted by the state assembly on September 30, which thanked Ramesh for his "whole-hearted assistance to the scheme to make the state of Punjab pollution free."