News for 'Block Development Councils'

How trifurcation may help calm Kashmir

How trifurcation may help calm Kashmir

Rediff.com7 Sep 2016

'As long as Pakistan exists, the situation will not stabilise and violence is bound to erupt from time to time.' 'Though not a final solution, a step that could help localise the abscess -- trifurcate Jammu and Kashmir state into three parts: Jammu, Ladakh and the Valley.'

India-US defence ties poised for great leap forward

India-US defence ties poised for great leap forward

Rediff.com26 Sep 2014

'I couldn't think of a more visible strategic form of cooperation than both of our armed serves using a similar weaponry jointly developed together.' Aziz Haniffa/Rediff.com reports from Washington, DC on what is expected in the India-US defence relationship during Prime Minister Modi's visit.

US firms pledge $45-billion investments

US firms pledge $45-billion investments

Rediff.com9 Jun 2016

Amazon committed a fresh investment of $3 billion, in addition to the $2 billion it announced in 2014.

Wrecked honeymoon: Modi is doing what Manmohan did

Wrecked honeymoon: Modi is doing what Manmohan did

Rediff.com27 Jun 2014

Presenting a report card on completion of 30 days in office on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rued that he did not have the luxury of 'honeymoon' period as a "series of allegations" were levelled against his government in less than 100 hours.

Setback for Sasikala, EPS-OPS faction gets AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol

Setback for Sasikala, EPS-OPS faction gets AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol

Rediff.com24 Nov 2017

However, the EC is yet to make an official announcement in this regard.

Modi trip gives Facebook, Google chance to press on Indian expansion

Modi trip gives Facebook, Google chance to press on Indian expansion

Rediff.com24 Sep 2015

For well-travelled Modi, the first trip to the U.S. West Coast by an Indian leader in more than 30 years is a chance to get help on his top policy initiatives.

Mamata Banerjee sworn in as West Bengal CM for second time

Mamata Banerjee sworn in as West Bengal CM for second time

Rediff.com27 May 2016

Mamata Banerjee was on Friday sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal for the second consecutive time, heading a 42-member ministry.

Modi government retreats on labour laws

Modi government retreats on labour laws

Rediff.com8 Jun 2016

On the eve of the Modi government's two years in office, the RSS-linked Bharatiya Mazdoor Sabha leadership met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. After the meeting, the BMS claimed the FM told its delegation 'the government has realised that labour reforms are not essential for industrial growth in the country.'

Gas price set to be doubled from April 1

Gas price set to be doubled from April 1

Rediff.com10 Mar 2014

Govt notification on $8.4 a unit price likely by month-end

New bill in US Congress to ease arms sales to India

New bill in US Congress to ease arms sales to India

Rediff.com11 May 2016

In a powerful signal to New Delhi that the United States is a reliable defense partner, Senators Mark Warner and John Cornyn introduced US-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act in Senate

What gifts will Obama bring to India?

What gifts will Obama bring to India?

Rediff.com23 Jan 2015

'As the tanks roll down Delhi's Rajpath and the C-17s fly overhead, there could be a lot brewing in Hyderabad House,' says Surya Gangadharan.

The Reluctant Sentimentalist

The Reluctant Sentimentalist

Rediff.com18 Jul 2019

'Deep down, it betrays a transactional view of politics. That, to get, the voter must give,' argues Krishna Prasad.

Congress signals support for 3 key reform legislations

Congress signals support for 3 key reform legislations

Rediff.com3 Nov 2014

Opposition party is unlikely to block Bills for GST, insurance and e-auction of coal mines.

Why the Planning Commission failed to meet expectations

Why the Planning Commission failed to meet expectations

Rediff.com21 Aug 2014

The Planning Commission has not been central to the policy making process since the mid-1960s, says Nitin Desai.

Gas pooling may revive Rs 60k-crore stuck investment

Gas pooling may revive Rs 60k-crore stuck investment

Rediff.com22 Mar 2015

Pooling will also kick-start projects of Reliance Power, Torrent, Lanco.

What led to Akhilesh's downfall

What led to Akhilesh's downfall

Rediff.com23 Mar 2017

Since the Mahabharata the Yadavs have been known for infighting. And the 2017 UP election proved yet another example of that, says Nazarwala.

Telcos: Beware Chinese bearing gifts!

Telcos: Beware Chinese bearing gifts!

Rediff.com8 Feb 2019

'When an enemy country is looking for information to sabotage a system from a remote location, they can access your data, they can stop the functioning of our power plants, they can stop the functioning of critical systems in the network.' 'It is very important that we should have full control of everything in the network.' 'Most Indian companies buy from China only because of the kind of incentive they are getting.' 'By doing so, these Indian companies are exposing themselves to dangers in the coming years.'

Modi-Xi summit as significant as Rajiv-Deng meet: Chinese media

Modi-Xi summit as significant as Rajiv-Deng meet: Chinese media

Rediff.com24 Apr 2018

Modi was expected to arrive in Wuhan in the evening on April 26 and join Xi in the informal summit at a picturesque location the next day.

Modi mantra: Lean cabinet, not so lean PMO

Modi mantra: Lean cabinet, not so lean PMO

Rediff.com15 Oct 2014

The Prime Minister's Office has clarified that the total sanctioned strength of the PMO has been around 525 in the period 2011-14. As against this, the actual strength of the PMO in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 was in the range of 407 to 411. The number has now declined to 385.

Pak-based terror groups named in BRICS declaration for first time

Pak-based terror groups named in BRICS declaration for first time

Rediff.com4 Sep 2017

The BRICS also called upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism including countering radicalisation and blocking terror financing sources.

Is replacing the Planning Commission justified?

Is replacing the Planning Commission justified?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2014

The need for co-ordinated policy between Centre and states was likewise foreseen and assigned.

Mehbooba rules out shifting NIT from Srinagar; PIL filed in HC

Mehbooba rules out shifting NIT from Srinagar; PIL filed in HC

Rediff.com13 Apr 2016

"As far as the demands of some students to shift the NIT campus out of Srinagar is considered, let me make it clear that it won't be possible," she said.

Modi Cabinet: Prabhu gets Railways, Parrikar gets Defence

Modi Cabinet: Prabhu gets Railways, Parrikar gets Defence

Rediff.com10 Nov 2014

Hours after 21 ministers took the oath of office and became a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ministry, speculation began on which minister would be handed which portfolio. However, all speculation ended after the list was announced.

FAQ: What the big Iran deal is all about

FAQ: What the big Iran deal is all about

Rediff.com14 Jul 2015

After 20 months of hectic negotiations, Iran and six major powers have reached a historic deal to limit Teheran's nuclear programme in return for lifting of sanctions. Let's understand closely what the deal is all about.

Reliance may not get new gas price from April 1

Reliance may not get new gas price from April 1

Rediff.com26 Apr 2014

Earlier this week, the ministry had come out with a clarification, saying domestic gas producers had to stick to the earlier price of $4.2 a unit until a further notification from the new government.

Political game of shadows in Arunachal Pradesh

Political game of shadows in Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com19 Dec 2015

The Congress accuses the BJP of engineering defections and trying to dismiss the Congress govt in the state. The BJP says the CM has lost a majority in the assembly and must go for a vote of confidence.

Cloudy future for Kolkata's great roadside tea

Cloudy future for Kolkata's great roadside tea

Rediff.com9 Jan 2016

Just as unregulated unauthorised hawkers and their shops can kill a city, some space needs to be carved out for distinctive affordable street food, says Shubir Roy.

UN endorses Iran nuclear deal, paves way to lift sanctions

UN endorses Iran nuclear deal, paves way to lift sanctions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2015

The powerful United Nations Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution that endorses the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers.

The desi taking on Trump in New Jersey

The desi taking on Trump in New Jersey

Rediff.com25 Jun 2019

'You shouldn't mistreat Muslims, you shouldn't mistreat Sikhs, you shouldn't mistreat anyone you perceive to be the other.'

Why Manmohan Singh has turned his back on reforms

Why Manmohan Singh has turned his back on reforms

Rediff.com18 Nov 2015

'If anyone is able to understand the importance of Modi's endeavours to revive the economy -- even against opposition from sections of his own saffron brotherhood -- it is the former prime minister,' says Amulya Ganguli.

Why Modi's visit to Iran is important for India

Why Modi's visit to Iran is important for India

Rediff.com21 May 2016

India's low passion, very cautious, relationship with Iran of the last 36 years awaits transformation, says Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd). Prime Minister Modi's visit cannot be a negotiating event; it is a symbolic one to strengthen the politico-diplomatic relationship.

Climate Change: Looking for hope beyond Lima conference

Climate Change: Looking for hope beyond Lima conference

Rediff.com22 Dec 2014

With the weaker-than-expected agreement at the recent Climate Change Conference at Lima, there is an urgent need to highlight endeavours in civil society and business for a sustainable global economy with grassroots empowerment, say Rajni Bakshi.

'I am a villager, but does that change reality?'

'I am a villager, but does that change reality?'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2015

'I would like to request the AERB, UCIL and DAE to introspect. The world is changing, so is India. The wave of development and modernity will not stop for those who continue to live in the past. The future belongs to the youth who believe in the values of honesty, transparency and efficiency.'

Fresh push for GST: Jaitley, Naidu meet Congress leaders

Fresh push for GST: Jaitley, Naidu meet Congress leaders

Rediff.com14 Dec 2015

With just eight days left for the winter session, Jaitley and Parliamentary Affairs Minster M Venkaiah Naidu held consultations with Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Deputy Leader Anand Sharma.

Why is IAF so keen on scuttling HAL's indigenous trainer aircraft?

Why is IAF so keen on scuttling HAL's indigenous trainer aircraft?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2014

An IAF "request for information" floated on the MoD website invites Indian companies to submit preliminary bids to supply the IAF with 106 PC-7 Mk II trainers. Ajai Shukla reports

Modi used his speech to present his own report card

Modi used his speech to present his own report card

Rediff.com18 Aug 2015

'At the very end of his speech, he dealt with the 'small problems' of Indian workers. But these measures did not seem to satisfy those who had expected the prime minister to find solutions for their problems. That the prime minister generally focused on broad policy issues and not on matters of detail left them bewildered,' says Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

When China stole India's thunder

When China stole India's thunder

Rediff.com21 Oct 2016

The BRICS summit made clear that China's support for Pakistan is unwavering. China will continue to pressure India to ease tensions with Pakistan and resolve the Kashmir dispute.

India joins hands with world's most populous Muslim nation to combat terror

India joins hands with world's most populous Muslim nation to combat terror

Rediff.com12 Dec 2016

The two countries, among the very few fast growing large economies globally, also decided to boost bilateral trade and investment in areas of oil and gas, renewable energy, IT and pharmaceuticals, during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

The Obama Interview: 'Modi has a clear vision for India'

The Obama Interview: 'Modi has a clear vision for India'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2015

United States President Barack Obama is impressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of the big things he wants India to achieve.