News for '-usag'

PM's photo, national flag, emblem can be used for PM CARES: PMO tells HC

PM's photo, national flag, emblem can be used for PM CARES: PMO tells HC

Rediff.com18 Jan 2022

In an affidavit submitted before a division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice M S Karnik, PMO Under Secretary Pradeep Srivastava said the PM's photograph, name and national emblem were also used in the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Jio announces free domestic voice calls from Jan 1 as IUC regime ends

Jio announces free domestic voice calls from Jan 1 as IUC regime ends

Rediff.com31 Dec 2020

With the interconnect usage charges (IUC) regime for domestic voice calls coming to an end, Reliance Jio on Thursday said that all calls from its network to other networks anywhere in India will be free from January 1, 2021. As per the telecom regulator's directions, 'Bill and Keep' regime is being implemented in the country from January 1, 2021, thereby ending IUC charges for all domestic voice calls, it said in a statement.

Sunjwan attack: 2 who transported terrorists from border arrested

Sunjwan attack: 2 who transported terrorists from border arrested

Rediff.com24 Apr 2022

Both the terrorists, equipped with suicide vests and sophisticated weapons, were killed in the encounter on Friday, averting a major suicide attack in the city.

Financial inclusion a key driver of economic growth: Das

Financial inclusion a key driver of economic growth: Das

Rediff.com15 Jul 2021

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said financial inclusion will continue to be a "policy priority" for the central bank to make the post-pandemic recovery more equitable and sustainable. The Reserve Bank of India will very soon be coming out with the first financial inclusion index, which will assess progress in terms of access, usage and quality, Das said, while speaking at the Economic Times Financial Inclusion Summit. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that the financial ecosystem (including the digital medium) is inclusive and capable of effectively addressing risks like mis-selling, cybersecurity, data privacy and promoting trust in the financial system through appropriate financial education and awareness, he added.

Airtel prepays Rs 15,519 cr to DoT

Airtel prepays Rs 15,519 cr to DoT

Rediff.com17 Dec 2021

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel on Friday said it has paid Rs 15,519 crore to the government towards prepayment of its entire deferred liability pertaining to spectrum acquired in the 2014 auction. The company had acquired 128.4 MHz spectrum (including Telenor spectrum) for a consideration of Rs 19,051 crore in the 2014 auction, Airtel said in a statement. The company estimates that the prepayment to Department of Telecom (DoT) will likely result in interest cost savings of at least Rs 3,400 crore over the residual life for fully substituted capital.

What do young Indians look for in a date?

What do young Indians look for in a date?

Rediff.com6 Apr 2021

Emotional attachment or intimacy?

Haven't done anything against country: Lakshadweep filmmaker

Haven't done anything against country: Lakshadweep filmmaker

Rediff.com19 Jun 2021

'All these have happened over a word I uttered. So, it is my responsibility to prove that I have not done anything wrong. I will continue my fight till my land and people get justice'

MobiKwik to delay IPO; turns to private market

MobiKwik to delay IPO; turns to private market

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

With the stock market turning choppy, fintech start-up MobiKwik, which had filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) to raise around $250 million through an initial public offering (IPO), is now looking to raise money from the private market. "We will raise private money but we are not in dire need. "The business was profitable for the first time in the December quarter on a top line of around Rs 150 crore and that will be maintained in the March quarter also. We are generating cash," said Upasana Taku, co-founder of MobiKwik.

Venkaiah Naidu reprimands MPs for using mobiles in RS

Venkaiah Naidu reprimands MPs for using mobiles in RS

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

He said that the members should desist from such "unwarranted" activities inside the chamber as its circulation on social media may lead to a breach of privilege and contempt of the house.

Microsoft to set up largest data centre in Hyderabad

Microsoft to set up largest data centre in Hyderabad

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

Tech giant Microsoft will set up its largest and fourth data centre in India at Hyderabad with an investment outlay of over Rs 15,000 crore over a period of 15 years. "I am very happy to say today that Hyderabad will be the destination for Microsoft's largest Data Centre investment in India with an investment of over Rs 15,000 crore over a period of 15 years. "This will be one of the largest FDIs that Telangana has attracted," Telangana Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao on Monday said at an event marking the announcement of Microsoft's latest data centre region in Hyderabad.

Panel on enemy properties rejigged, govt hopes to net Rs 1L cr from sale

Panel on enemy properties rejigged, govt hopes to net Rs 1L cr from sale

Rediff.com24 Nov 2021

The government has reconstituted a high level committee for the disposal of enemy properties that have been left behind by those who migrated and took up citizenship of Pakistan and China.

'Batter' term signifies inclusivity: Anjum Chopra

'Batter' term signifies inclusivity: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com23 Sep 2021

Former India cricketer Anjum Chopra has welcomed the Marylebone Cricket Club's decision to make amendments to the laws of the game and use the gender-neutral term 'batter' and 'batters' rather than 'batsman' or 'batsmen'.

Cabinet approves next round of spectrum auction

Cabinet approves next round of spectrum auction

Rediff.com16 Dec 2020

According to Jio, spectrum worth Rs 3.92 lakh crore is lying unused with the DoT for auction.

Opposition to stage protests against Modi govt from Sep 20-30

Opposition to stage protests against Modi govt from Sep 20-30

Rediff.com20 Aug 2021

After a virtual meeting of the Opposition parties, where they stressed on unitedly moving forward to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the leaders also put out an 11-point charter of demands before the government.

4 Tips To Nourish Your Hair And Skin

4 Tips To Nourish Your Hair And Skin

Rediff.com19 Jan 2022

Stress can cause your body to produce free radicals that attack collagen, the protein that allows your skin to stay young and beautiful.

Digital India goals will be realised: Mukesh Ambani

Digital India goals will be realised: Mukesh Ambani

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman Mukesh D Ambani on Wednesday said the latest reforms and relief measures will enable the telecom sector to achieve goals set under the Digital India mission. The Cabinet has announced several reforms for the telecom sector, including redefining adjusted gross revenue (AGR) that will now include revenues earned only from telecom services. The government calculates various levies on AGR. "The telecom sector is one of the prime movers of the economy and the key enabler for making India a Digital Society, I welcome the Government of India's announcement of reforms and relief measures that will enable the industry to achieve the goals of Digital India. I thank Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) for this bold initiative," Ambani said.

Pesky callers beware! You may be fined Rs 10K

Pesky callers beware! You may be fined Rs 10K

Rediff.com5 Jul 2021

The Department of Telecom has proposed to further tighten the noose on pesky callers by imposing a Rs 10,000 penalty for every call and SMS made by telemarketers after 50 violations, according to an official source. The Department of Telecom (DoT) has proposed to make the norms more stringent by reducing the slabs for levying penalty to Rs 1,000 per violation for 0-10 breaches, Rs 5,000 each for 10-50 violations and Rs 10,000 each for more than 50 violations. The slabs under the present Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018 are 0-100, 100-1,000 and more than 1,000 violations.

upGrad files Rs 3 cr trademark infringement suit against edtech firm Scaler

upGrad files Rs 3 cr trademark infringement suit against edtech firm Scaler

Rediff.com2 Dec 2021

Ronnie Screwvala-led edtech unicorn upGrad, has filed a suit for trademark infringement against another EdTech company called Scaler. The suit has been filed in the Delhi high court for violation of intellectual property relating to upGrad's trademark. It has also sought damages of more than Rs 3 crore. upGrad accused Scaler of using its brand name 'upGrad' through Google Ads to appear on top of search results on Google Search Engine and in turn gaining illicit benefit.

Homeless, beggars should also work for country: HC

Homeless, beggars should also work for country: HC

Rediff.com3 Jul 2021

The court also raised questions on the petitioner, saying that granting all the prayers sought in the petition would be like an "invitation to people not to work".

PM urges to ensure ample health infra, convene CMs' meet soon

PM urges to ensure ample health infra, convene CMs' meet soon

Rediff.com9 Jan 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed the need to ensure adequate health infrastructure at the district level and asked officials to maintain coordination regarding this with the states, in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

5G spectrum auction: Trai releases consultation paper

5G spectrum auction: Trai releases consultation paper

Rediff.com30 Nov 2021

Telecom regulator TRAI on Tuesday released a detailed consultation paper to discuss threadbare the modalities for auction of spectrum across multiple bands, including pricing, quantum and other conditions -- preparing the groundwork for 5G auctions slated for next year. Trai's comprehensive consultation paper runs into 207 pages and throws up 74 questions for industry-wide discussion, touching on crucial aspects like valuation and reserve price of spectrum, including 5G, quantum of spectrum, block size, eligibility conditions for participation in auction, roll-out obligations, spectrum cap, and surrender of spectrum. Norms will also be worked out for new frequencies such as 526-698 MHz and millimetre band, that is 24.25 - 28.5 GHz, in addition to bands such as 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300-3670 MHz.

Ficci draws up the roadmap for Unlock 3.0

Ficci draws up the roadmap for Unlock 3.0

Rediff.com27 Jul 2020

The industry chamber is in favour of reopening schools and educational institutions, allowing foreign carriers to operate, permitting usage of restaurants and eateries in hotels, opening up of cinemas and multiplexes, and reopening metro rail services.

UPI Jan volume up 77% to 2.3 bn year-on-year, value doubles to Rs 4.3 trn

UPI Jan volume up 77% to 2.3 bn year-on-year, value doubles to Rs 4.3 trn

Rediff.com4 Feb 2021

While it took UPI three years to reach a billion transactions in a month, the next billion came in just a year. Digital payments, especially UPI, saw increased adoption in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Outstanding dues: Jio pays about Rs 10,700 cr to DoT

Outstanding dues: Jio pays about Rs 10,700 cr to DoT

Rediff.com28 Oct 2021

Reliance Jio has paid about Rs 10,700 crore to the telecom department towards outstanding amount for spectrum acquired in 2016 auction, sources said. The payment was made by Jio last week, sources added. With this, the company has made full payment with regard to spectrum bought in 2016 auction, and the outstandings now pertain to 2014, 2015 and 2021 auction.

'If Section 66A of IT Act goes, something else will come in'

'If Section 66A of IT Act goes, something else will come in'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2022

'The cases have not reduced because the prosecution has found some other way to stop people from using their right to free speech.'

BJP MP gives privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

BJP MP gives privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Feb 2022

Noting that while every MP has a constitutional right to speak in Parliament and express his/her views on various topics, he said it is also one of the foremost duties of every member to maintain decency and should not speak anything that would lower the dignity of Parliament and categorised as 'Contempt of the House'.

Delhi HC unhappy with Twitter for not complying with IT Rules

Delhi HC unhappy with Twitter for not complying with IT Rules

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

Justice Rekha Palli noted that while the rules mandated appointment of a key managerial person or a senior employee as CCO, Twitter disclosed in its affidavit that it had appointed a 'contingent worker' through a third party contractor.

Modinomics Ain't Right. It's Hindu-Left

Modinomics Ain't Right. It's Hindu-Left

Rediff.com31 Jan 2022

It is in no way a government of the economic Right. The Right is limited to religion and nationalism. The rest is as Left as the Congress or any other party, observes Shekhar Gupta.

Why ICC recommended extra review in Tests post COVID-19

Why ICC recommended extra review in Tests post COVID-19

Rediff.com26 May 2020

ICC Cricket Committee chairman Anil Kumble says the inexperience of local umpires, who are expected to officiate in Test matches once action resumes post the COVID-19 pandemic, is the reason behind recommending an extra review, which according to him will give a level playing field to both the teams.

Indian Food: 20 Magical Secrets

Indian Food: 20 Magical Secrets

Rediff.com16 Jul 2022

Explore ingredients that you may have never thought to use or need to use better.

Shortage of charging stations may short-circuit India's EV revolution

Shortage of charging stations may short-circuit India's EV revolution

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

Only a few thousand chargers dot the Indian landscape, some in working condition, others not, with some held hostage to the power supply vagaries of local utilities, reports S Dinakar.

How metaverse is going to make a big difference in our lives

How metaverse is going to make a big difference in our lives

Rediff.com20 Mar 2022

Move over 3D, 4D and 5D. Cinema is now eyeing the metaverse experience. On February 15, Bollywood producer Vashu Bhagnani's production company, Pooja Entertainment, forayed into the metaverse and bought its first piece of virtual land. The space, called Poojaverse, will be a virtual area where the company will create an immersive experience for moviegoers, starting with BadeMiyan ChoteMiyan, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Promotional events for the film, slated for release on Christmas 2023, will be held in the metaverse, says the company. The metaverse might still be in its infancy, but producers like Deepshikha Deshmukh say, "The ecosystem will only grow from here. "Metaverse will soon be the go-to place for everything virtual related to films."

Bharti Airtel logs Q2 net profit at Rs 1,134 cr

Bharti Airtel logs Q2 net profit at Rs 1,134 cr

Rediff.com2 Nov 2021

India's second-largest telecom firm Bharti Airtel on Tuesday reported a net profit of Rs 1,134 crore for the September 2021 quarter, and said it is witnessing strong business momentum with growth in 4G customers and increase in mobile ARPU. This is against a loss (attributable to owners of the parent) of 763.2 crore during the year-ago quarter, the company said in a statement. Its consolidated revenues for the second quarter of FY21 stood at Rs 28,326.4 crore, up 18.8 per cent year-on-year (on a comparable basis) and 13 per cent y-o-y on a reported basis, it added.

Higher salaries to dent IT cos' profits in FY22

Higher salaries to dent IT cos' profits in FY22

Rediff.com3 Aug 2021

Indian IT services companies are likely to post a 9-12 per cent revenue growth in USD terms in FY22, helped by the strong demand for digital deals, a report said on Tuesday. However, the same will not translate into profits, because higher salaries will result in the operating profit margins for the same set of companies to come at 23 per cent from 24.2 per cent in FY21, domestic rating agency Icra said. The IT sector is one of the few sectors that have not been deeply impacted by the pandemic.

Unlock 4: Delhi Metro to resume services from Sep 7

Unlock 4: Delhi Metro to resume services from Sep 7

Rediff.com29 Aug 2020

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that he was "glad" the mertro services will resume operations in a phased manner.

Tata Motors bucks chip crisis, cements its No. 1 position in SUV market

Tata Motors bucks chip crisis, cements its No. 1 position in SUV market

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

The Tata group flagship has sold more sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the domestic PV market in the past four months than any other automotive manufacturer, cementing its no.1 spot. It first grabbed pole position in the SUV segment in October 2021 after the launch of the Punch - a sub-compact SUV offering.

With Ambani upping the ante, Jio looks to dial disruption 2.0

With Ambani upping the ante, Jio looks to dial disruption 2.0

Rediff.com11 Sep 2020

Jio's global partnerships took shape this year when Jio Platforms, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Reliance Jio which has invested in various digital platforms, was able to woo a bevy of marquee investors: Facebook, Google, Qualcomm, Intel, and a numerous PE funds.

CRPF prohibits use of smartphones in 'high sensitivity areas'

CRPF prohibits use of smartphones in 'high sensitivity areas'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2020

The CRPF has categorised phones into two categories -- smartphones and mobile phones. The basic difference given for these two is recording facilities via camera and use of the internet.

Coronavirus: SAI gives stadium to Delhi Govt for quarantine

Coronavirus: SAI gives stadium to Delhi Govt for quarantine

Rediff.com30 Mar 2020

SAI handed over the stadium after the District Magistrate had earlier in the day asked if it could be used to quarantine Coronavirus patients.

Lakshadweep filmmaker gets interim pre-arrest bail in sedition case

Lakshadweep filmmaker gets interim pre-arrest bail in sedition case

Rediff.com17 Jun 2021

In a relief to filmmaker Ayesha Sulthana who was booked for sedition in Lakshadweep, the Kerala high court granted her interim anticipatory bail for a week, while reserving orders on her anticipatory bail application.