Ashwini Shrivastava

Stories by Ashwini Shrivastava

NIA takes over Pahalgam terror attack probe, files case

NIA takes over Pahalgam terror attack probe, files case

Rediff.com   27 Apr 2025

The entry and exit points are being closely scrutinised by the investigating NIA teams for clues to the modus operandi of the terrorists, the officials said.

Rana being interrogated by NIA for 8-10 hours daily

Rana being interrogated by NIA for 8-10 hours daily

Rediff.com   14 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the key mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is being interrogated for eight to ten hours daily by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unravel a larger conspiracy behind the strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being grilled by NIA investigators to probe a larger conspiracy behind the attacks, in which 166 people were killed and over 238 injured. He is being allowed to meet his lawyer and is being provided with basic necessities. The investigators hope to find some important leads on his travels in parts of northern and southern India days before the carnage in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com   11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been taken into 18-day custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India. Rana was extradited from the United States after years of legal battles and will be questioned to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the attacks.

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by CBI pending

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by CBI pending

Rediff.com   2 Sep 2024

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation were pending trials in different courts, 361 for more than 20 years, according to the latest annual report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Besides, as many as 658 corruption cases were pending CBI investigation, 48 for more than five years.

UPSC to go hi-tech with AI, facial recognition for cheat-free exams

UPSC to go hi-tech with AI, facial recognition for cheat-free exams

Rediff.com   24 Jun 2024

The Commission has desired to incorporate Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (else digital fingerprint capturing) and facial recognition of candidates, scanning of QR Code of e-admit cards and monitoring through live AI-based CCTV video surveillance, it said.

3 of 5 top rank holders are IPS trainees, 1,016 qualify for civil services

3 of 5 top rank holders are IPS trainees, 1,016 qualify for civil services

Rediff.com   17 Apr 2024

A total of 1,016 candidates -- 664 men and 352 women -- have qualified in the examination and have been recommended by the Union Public Service Commission for appointment to various services.

Over 6800 corruption cases probed by CBI pending trials in courts

Over 6800 corruption cases probed by CBI pending trials in courts

Rediff.com   21 Aug 2023

Normally, it is required by the CBI to complete an investigation within one year of registration of a case.

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Rediff.com   30 May 2023

This is the fourth such recruitment drive proposed to be undertaken by the Narendra Modi government which had in 2018 initiated lateral entry.

Centre to recruit private sector experts in key posts across 12 ministries

Centre to recruit private sector experts in key posts across 12 ministries

Rediff.com   16 May 2023

The department of personnel and training has asked the Union Public Service Commission to recruit such specialists through "lateral entry" mode in 12 government departments/ministries, he said.

Govt ushers in de-layering in bureaucracy, jt secretary reports to secretary

Govt ushers in de-layering in bureaucracy, jt secretary reports to secretary

Rediff.com   29 Mar 2023

The Centre has taken a major step towards increasing efficiency in decision-making by empowering joint secretaries to report to secretaries directly, officials said on Wednesday.

Zero prosecution, Lokpal's performance far from satisfactory: Parl panel

Zero prosecution, Lokpal's performance far from satisfactory: Parl panel

Rediff.com   23 Mar 2023

In a report tabled in Parliament recently, it said several complaints are being disposed of by the Lokpal on the ground that they are not in the prescribed format and asked it not to reject genuine complaints.

Govt to resolve public grievances in 30 days, prioritise urgent matters

Govt to resolve public grievances in 30 days, prioritise urgent matters

Rediff.com   29 Jul 2022

Besides, it has been decided that a complaint received from a citizen will not be closed until an appeal filed against it is disposed of.

Govt gets 5.59 lakh public grievances so far this yr

Govt gets 5.59 lakh public grievances so far this yr

Rediff.com   12 Jul 2022

The Centre received 5.59 lakh public grievances against various government departments in the first half of this year, with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) getting most of such complaints, according to an official report.

Lokpal goes without regular head as Justice Ghose completes term

Lokpal goes without regular head as Justice Ghose completes term

Rediff.com   27 May 2022

An official said Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, a judicial member of Lokpal, has been given additional charge of the post of chairperson.

Will solve border dispute with Assam in remaining 6 areas: Meghalaya CM

Will solve border dispute with Assam in remaining 6 areas: Meghalaya CM

Rediff.com   1 Apr 2022

Sangma said finding the solution was not an easy decision, but for the political will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Lokpal gets 4,244 complaints till Jan, over 80% jump from 2020-21

Lokpal gets 4,244 complaints till Jan, over 80% jump from 2020-21

Rediff.com   3 Mar 2022

A total of 2,355 complaints (including format and non-format) were received through online/offline and email during 2020-21.

Plea for review of order will not be allowed: Lokpal

Plea for review of order will not be allowed: Lokpal

Rediff.com   9 Sep 2021

"It is mentioned that there is no provision in the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 for appeal, review or reconsideration of an order passed by a bench of the Lokpal of India. It is hereby informed to all concerned that no appeal or request for review/reconsideration of an order will be entertained by the Lokpal of India," the Lokpal said in a notice.

Govt issues SOPs for seeking nod to probe officials

Govt issues SOPs for seeking nod to probe officials

Rediff.com   7 Sep 2021

An amendment carried out in the over 30-year-old Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988 in July 2018 bars a police officer from conducting 'any enquiry or inquiry or investigation into any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant' without 'the previous approval' of the authorities.

Lokpal received 110 corruption complaints, 4 against MPs, in 2020-21

Lokpal received 110 corruption complaints, 4 against MPs, in 2020-21

Rediff.com   7 Jun 2021

Of the total complaints received in the last fiscal, 57 were against Group A or Group B central government officials, 44 against chairpersons, members and employees of different boards/corporations/autonomous bodies wholly or partially financed by the Centre, and five were in the "others" category, it said.

Govt depts to add over 1.4 lakh jobs between 2019 and March 1, 2021

Govt depts to add over 1.4 lakh jobs between 2019 and March 1, 2021

Rediff.com   1 Feb 2021

Over 1.4 lakh jobs are estimated to be created between March 2019 and March 2021 in various central government departments, according to the Union Budget presented on Monday. The strength of government establishments was 32,71,113 as on March 1, 2019, which is estimated to increase to 34,14,226 by the first day of next month - an increase of 1,43,113, it said. The budget documents have given a break-up of the jobs estimated to be created in central government departments between 2019 and March 2021.