Search results for 'General Service'

A General Says Goodbye

A General Says Goodbye

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The outgoing Army Chief was accorded ceremonial honours and paid tribute at the National War Memorial.

Tech services to remain relevant in AI era: Nasscom

Tech services to remain relevant in AI era: Nasscom

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The technology services sector in India will continue to remain relevant to global enterprises transformation in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, the Nasscom US CEO Forum said, even though there will be changes in how services are delivered and scaled up. Chief executive officers of Indian technology companies, who attended the discussion, also said AI will expand the addressable market opportunity across enterprise modernisation, data, AI governance and intelligent operations.

India's Services Sector Growth Hits 17-Month Low Amidst Softer Domestic Demand

India's Services Sector Growth Hits 17-Month Low Amidst Softer Domestic Demand

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's services sector growth experienced a significant slowdown in June, reaching a 17-month low due to challenging market conditions and reduced domestic client interest, as indicated by the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index.

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma passes away at 96

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Former Indian Army Chief General Vishwa Nath Sharma, who led the Army from 1988 to 1990 and was a veteran of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, has passed away at the age of 96. He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the AVSM and PVSM, and came from a distinguished military family, being the younger brother of India's first PVC awardee, Major Som Nath Sharma.

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Ayodhya service complete, won't serve anymore: Champat Rai amid Ram mandir row

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary Champat Rai has reportedly resigned, stating his "service in Ayodhya is complete" due to the donation embezzlement controversy. He feels "betrayed," and his future, along with that of Trust member Anil Mishra, will be decided at a July 6 meeting. The controversy began with allegations from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, leading to an SIT investigation, arrests, and Rai's resignation offer.

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.

J'khand CID arrests ex-JPSC chairperson over exam irregularities

J'khand CID arrests ex-JPSC chairperson over exam irregularities

Rediff.com2 days ago

Former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairperson L Khiangte has been arrested by the state CID in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. His arrest follows the resignation of all three JPSC members amidst widespread protests over the exam irregularities. Khiangte, an ex-IAS officer, had resigned from his post in July.

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Rediff.com5 days ago

Microsoft has announced the activation of its latest data centre in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its Cloud infrastructure in India and enabling organisations to leverage AI-era services with enhanced local choice and security.

GTRI Urges India To Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

GTRI Urges India To Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

Rediff.com6 days ago

A think tank, GTRI, has urged India to resist US pressure regarding its UPI policies, advocating for competition, policy autonomy, and a sustainable payments ecosystem. This comes as the Lok Sabha passed a bill allowing charges on UPI, and the US has criticised India's digital payment systems, raising concerns about the future of India's digital payment landscape.

Fitch affirms India's 'BBB-' rating, flags debt and youth unemployment

Fitch affirms India's 'BBB-' rating, flags debt and youth unemployment

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Fitch Ratings has affirmed India's sovereign credit rating at 'BBB-' with a stable outlook, acknowledging robust growth prospects and strong external finances. However, the agency highlighted concerns over elevated government debt, lagging structural metrics, and potential fiscal spending pressures due to rising youth unemployment.

Why India Must Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

Why India Must Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

Rediff.com6 days ago

A think tank, GTRI, has urged India to resist US pressure regarding its UPI policies, advocating for the defence of competition, policy autonomy, and the long-term sustainability of its payments ecosystem. This comes as the Lok Sabha passed a bill allowing charges on UPI transactions, a move GTRI suggests should not be influenced by foreign trade complaints.

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Rediff.com13 hours ago

'Having analysed the break up of the hospital billing structure the committee believes that rationalising of room charges needs to be done on an emergent basis.'

India Inc's foreign borrowing intent surges to $6 billion in June

India Inc's foreign borrowing intent surges to $6 billion in June

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian companies, including NBFCs, filed proposals with the RBI to raise $6.08 billion through external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) in June, marking a significant increase from the previous month.

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Rediff.com2 days ago

Insurers are bracing for claims worth nearly 5,000 crore from the recent floods in Gujarat, predominantly for property losses, though they do not foresee an increase in premiums within the competitive property insurance market.

Rape convict ex-MP Prajwal Revanna found with phone in prison

Rape convict ex-MP Prajwal Revanna found with phone in prison

Rediff.com15 hours ago

An Android mobile phone was seized from former MP Prajwal Revanna's barrack during a CCB raid at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. An Assistant Superintendent has been suspended, and an inquiry is underway.

SC to hear PIL seeking alternative to Jantar Mantar as protest site

SC to hear PIL seeking alternative to Jantar Mantar as protest site

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing a Public Interest Litigation challenging Jantar Mantar's suitability as a protest site in New Delhi, citing inconvenience to local residents and disruption of essential services. The court has issued notices to the Centre and other parties to address concerns about access and movement in the area.

World Bank: AI Offers Lifeline For Developing Economies

World Bank: AI Offers Lifeline For Developing Economies

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The World Bank's "World Development Report 2026" urges developing countries to adopt low-cost AI tools to accelerate progress in healthcare, education, and judicial services. The report highlights AI's potential to boost productivity and improve public services, while noting that jobs in high-income countries are more at risk from automation than those in developing nations.

Before Buying A Gadget On EMI, Read This

Before Buying A Gadget On EMI, Read This

Rediff.com7 days ago

Don't judge an expensive gadget only by its EMI cost; also consider how many years it will remain useful after you've finished paying for it.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com5 days ago

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.

Pakistan Names New Nuclear Command Chief

Pakistan Names New Nuclear Command Chief

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Lieutenant General Syed Aamir Raza's loyalty to Field Marshal Asim Munir during the turbulent times appears to have stood him in good stead, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at R&AW.

Microsoft Boosts India's Digital Infrastructure With Fourth Cloud Region

Microsoft Boosts India's Digital Infrastructure With Fourth Cloud Region

Rediff.com6 days ago

Microsoft has launched its fourth cloud region in India, located in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its hyperscale cloud presence. This move is part of a USD 20.5-billion investment in India's digital and AI infrastructure, aiming to support the country's rapid digital growth and meet increasing demand from major enterprises.

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Rediff.com1 days ago

US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that replacing him would be a 'terrible mistake' and that the sport would 'never be as successful or profitable' without him, despite Infantino facing significant backlash and a battle to retain his position ahead of next year's presidential elections.

China Imposes Sweeping Drone Restrictions Following Beijing Plane Incident

China Imposes Sweeping Drone Restrictions Following Beijing Plane Incident

Rediff.com2 days ago

China has cancelled drone shows and suspended drone flights across several provinces following a small plane crash in Beijing that raised significant security concerns, especially near top leadership compounds. This move signals a tightening of low-altitude aviation regulations, impacting the burgeoning "low-altitude economy" and civilian drone use, with new laws classifying illegal drone use as a public security threat.

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Rediff.com6 days ago

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has constituted a high-powered committee headed by the director general of health services (DGHS) to formulate a mechanism for conducting a comprehensive audit of the existing system of admission through the NEET-PG examination.

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Former Pakistan Test spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised the current generation of Pakistani cricketers for prioritising financial gain, particularly through leagues like the PSL, over dedicated skill development and game awareness, attributing this to a lack of vision among selectors and a general disinterest among young players.

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Rediff.com1 days ago

An Indian-origin chief financial officer of a US spinal implant company has been sentenced to a four-month jail term for his role in a scheme to bribe surgeons. Aditya Humad conspired to pay over USD 540,000 in sham consulting fees to surgeons to induce them to use SpineFrontier's products, leading to millions in revenue for the company and undermining healthcare safeguards.

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Rediff.com5 days ago

The challenge thrown by the youth movement creates the opportunity for a more consequential debate on India's economic trajectory because it must remain centered on India's youth as its driving impulse, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Rediff.com9 hours ago

A veteran White House reporter has revealed that the Clinton administration used a decoy aircraft during President Bill Clinton's high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000, a security measure disclosed to journalists off-the-record due to the significant dangers involved.

Mumbai drenched by 300 mm rain; flight services hit, two killed

Mumbai drenched by 300 mm rain; flight services hit, two killed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Sunday led to significant disruptions, including a one-hour suspension of flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, widespread waterlogging, and multiple treefall incidents. One person died in Kurla due to a tree collapse, marking the second such fatality in a week. The India Meteorological Department had issued a 'red' alert, with several areas recording over 200 mm of rain.

'Best For Investors To Miss India IT Bus'

'Best For Investors To Miss India IT Bus'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'...as we believe with the adoption of AI, our IT services companies' revenue models will have to undergo a reset, which may in turn impact their potential for earnings growth.'

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

Rediff.com7 days ago

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated it is "premature" to discuss the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for digital payments, advising a "wait-and-watch" approach. He emphasised that investment in public payment infrastructure is necessary and someone must bear the cost, whether through taxes or MDR. The government is currently working on amendments to relevant statutes, and the RBI is focused on strengthening this infrastructure.

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency and burn ban Saturday morning as an unprecedented wildfire crisis gripped the region, with active blazes scorching nearly 3,000 acres.

Fresh twist in Asunta Lakra vs Hockey India row

Fresh twist in Asunta Lakra vs Hockey India row

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India women's hockey team captain Asunta Lakra has challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denied all allegations as 'false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory' and is seeking full disclosure of documents before providing a detailed reply.

HC orders Maha doctors to call off strike immediately, cites patient safety

HC orders Maha doctors to call off strike immediately, cites patient safety

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Bombay High Court has ordered resident doctors in Maharashtra to immediately end their strike, which was protesting the registration of homoeopaths under the Maharashtra Medical Council. The court expressed grave concern over patient safety and warned of wage stoppage, leading the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to agree to call off the protest.

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Airports Authority of India has received a request for a waiver from contractual restrictions that prevent airport concessionaires and their group entities from holding equity in scheduled airlines, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed in the Rajya Sabha. This comes amid reports of the Adani group's interest in the airline business, despite their denial.

Why should Delhi be held to ransom by Jantar Mantar protests, asks HC

Why should Delhi be held to ransom by Jantar Mantar protests, asks HC

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Delhi High Court has raised concerns about Jantar Mantar remaining a designated protest site, questioning why the city should be inconvenienced by demonstrations. The court directed Delhi Police to decide on a protest request by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee, while noting the Supreme Court is also examining alternative protest venues.

Former Captain Asunta Lakra Questions Hockey India Ethics Committee's Jurisdiction

Former Captain Asunta Lakra Questions Hockey India Ethics Committee's Jurisdiction

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has formally challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denies all allegations as "false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory," and highlights issues with the committee's constitution and the incomplete documentation provided. This challenge comes amidst a broader context of sexual harassment allegations in Jharkhand hockey and institutional intimidation claims.

Skyroot's Success Changes India's Space Future

Skyroot's Success Changes India's Space Future

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

'The Indian private space sector is no longer a high-risk bet; it is a highly bankable, globally competitive asset class capable of easing the global small satellite launch bottleneck.'