Megha Manchanda &Amp; Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Stories by Megha Manchanda &Amp; Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Delhi is crumbling under its own weight

Delhi is crumbling under its own weight

Rediff.com   18 Dec 2019

While Delhi boasts of one of the best metro systems in the world and decent infrastructure, reckless construction, legalising unauthorised colonies, and the worsening water and air quality dent its image of being a robust cosmopolitan city.

Modi, team to start pre-Budget consultations next week

Modi, team to start pre-Budget consultations next week

Rediff.com   14 Dec 2019

In the 2020-21 Budget, the prime minister and the finance minister are keen to stamp their narrative, after various rollbacks following the previous Budget, said top government sources. Besides the scheduled meetings, the sources said, the Prime Minister's Office is expected to hold several meetings with top secretaries and officials on various ongoing schemes, their performance and also how some of them could be tweaked for better results.

Centre halves onion stock holding limit for retailers

Centre halves onion stock holding limit for retailers

Rediff.com   4 Dec 2019

India exported $102 million worth of dehydrated onions in 2018-19.

NITI Aayog on how India can become $5-trillion economy

NITI Aayog on how India can become $5-trillion economy

Rediff.com   2 Dec 2019

Though the NITI Aayog did not give its estimates for the required GDP growth at constant prices, economists pegged it at 9 per cent, a feat not seen since the GDP series was revised with 2011-12 as the base year.

How BSNL plans to save Rs 7,500 crore

How BSNL plans to save Rs 7,500 crore

Rediff.com   29 Nov 2019

'BSNL employee cost is Rs 14,500 crore and we anticipate that around 80,000 should opt for VRS.'

Unspent PM-KISAN fund may be diverted to MGNREGA

Unspent PM-KISAN fund may be diverted to MGNREGA

Rediff.com   13 Nov 2019

Sources said the rural development ministry has sought an additional Rs 20,000 crore for MGNREGA for 2019-20 over and above the budgeted Rs 60,000 crore for 2019-20. Though, all of the PM-KISAN savings may not be transferred to fund MNGREGA's extra needs, sources said a part of this could be transferred.

BSNL, MTNL to spend Rs 11,000 cr on 4G infrastructure

BSNL, MTNL to spend Rs 11,000 cr on 4G infrastructure

Rediff.com   25 Oct 2019

The asset monetisation exercise in the first phase will help BSNL shave off its Rs 14,000-crore debt. The government has said that these firms are strategically important and will not be closed down or divested.

Bitter reminder for BJP that assembly polls are fought on local issues

Bitter reminder for BJP that assembly polls are fought on local issues

Rediff.com   25 Oct 2019

Dissatisfaction with the state leadership, along with caste and sectarian factors and economic issues -- particularly those relating to jobs and rural distress cost the BJP.

Why govt fund and monsoon failed to lift rural economy

Why govt fund and monsoon failed to lift rural economy

Rediff.com   22 Oct 2019

Although demonetisation and improper implementation of GST along with falling prices are being blamed for much of the distress in rural India for some time, experts believe those may not be the only reason.

Why it makes sense for farmers to rear birds

Why it makes sense for farmers to rear birds

Rediff.com   21 Oct 2019

A data shows the number of backyard poultry has risen by 46 per cent between 2012 and 2019. The development is extremely positive because it provides an incentive for small and marginal farmers to rear birds.

Why India's milk production has grown at over 6% past few years

Why India's milk production has grown at over 6% past few years

Rediff.com   17 Oct 2019

As the number of cross-bred female cattle rise, the entire concept of lean and flush seasons for milk will go away, as these animals give similar quantities in all seasons.

Both 5G spectrum and 700 MHz band auction may see few bidders

Both 5G spectrum and 700 MHz band auction may see few bidders

Rediff.com   15 Oct 2019

Analysts at rating agency ICRA say the debt level of the telecom companies is very high and the ecosystem for the premium band is not in place.

Amit Shah to inaugurate mobile congress on Monday

Amit Shah to inaugurate mobile congress on Monday

Rediff.com   13 Oct 2019

Home minister heads several groups of ministers, including the one to decide the revival package for Bharat Sanchar Nigam and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam. His ministry also takes decisive calls on national security in relation to telecom operations as well as equipment and technology used in the industry.

In a first, BJP meets SJM, others over joining RCEP

In a first, BJP meets SJM, others over joining RCEP

Rediff.com   8 Oct 2019

The BJP's effort comes in the wake of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal set to attend the eighth RCEP ministerial meeting in Bangkok from October 10 to 12.

Govt may now cap prices of antibiotics

Govt may now cap prices of antibiotics

Rediff.com   7 Oct 2019

The intention of the government is to cap prices of drugs that are essential and which the public widely uses.

Govt eyes divestment proceeds to tackle fiscal deficit

Govt eyes divestment proceeds to tackle fiscal deficit

Rediff.com   1 Oct 2019

Divestment in BPCL, SCI, Concor, NEEPCO, and THDC would help the Centre keep its fiscal deficit in check in the wake of subdued tax revenues and a Rs 1.45-trillion hit for the exchequer from corporation rate cuts.

Demystifying the new Motor Vehicles Act

Demystifying the new Motor Vehicles Act

Rediff.com   28 Sep 2019

While some states have proposed to dilute the hefty penalty provisions in the Act, there are those like West Bengal which have refused to implement right away.

With 5G spectrum shrinking, telcos may stay off auction

With 5G spectrum shrinking, telcos may stay off auction

Rediff.com   25 Sep 2019

It is learnt that the defence ministry is refusing to let go of its 100 MHz spectrum, which was allotted earlier. In that case, the department of telecommunications (DoT) will be left with only 175 MW of 5G spectrum of the total 300 MHz.

PM's economic advisory council may be rejigged

PM's economic advisory council may be rejigged

Rediff.com   25 Sep 2019

Among possible new members, former chief economic advisor Arvind Virmani's name is doing the rounds.

Kharif crop: No major production loss seen

Kharif crop: No major production loss seen

Rediff.com   24 Sep 2019

However, the estimates could change in the coming months, as full impact of excess rainfall and floods on the standing soybean and urad crops in central and western India in late August and September has not yet been fully taken into account.