News for 'Centre for Policy Research'

Tableau row: Rajnath tries to pacify Mamata, TMC says 'dignity hurt'

Tableau row: Rajnath tries to pacify Mamata, TMC says 'dignity hurt'

Rediff.com18 Jan 2022

In his letter, Singh hinted since the Central Public Works Department's tableau already featured Bose, West Bengal's float was not included for the parade, without saying it in so many words.

SC rejects pleas seeking probe into R Day violence

SC rejects pleas seeking probe into R Day violence

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to entertain pleas seeking time-bound probe, including by an apex court-appointed commission, into the tractor rally violence in the national capital on the Republic Day saying the government is already inquiring the matter and the Prime Minister has stated that law will take its own course.

Fiscal position to be better if there is no 3rd Covid wave: SBI report

Fiscal position to be better if there is no 3rd Covid wave: SBI report

Rediff.com14 Jun 2021

If there is no third wave of the pandemic, the fiscal position of the Centre and the states will be much better than budgeted for FY22 and the states may garner Rs 60,000 crore more in tax collections at Rs 8.27 lakh crore this fiscal year than they have budgeted, a report said. The report by SBI Research on Monday bases its optimism on GST collection so far this fiscal, which has been the best ever in spite of the fact that the two months bore the maximum brunt of the second wave -- with April setting a record Rs 1.41 lakh crore and May collection a tad low at Rs 1.03 lakh crore. The report also said overall government finances do not look overstretched as GST collections have continued to maintain pace so far and the additional fiscal impact arising from free vaccination and more food supplies will only be around Rs 28,512 crore.

COVID-19 peak in India may arrive mid-Nov: Study

COVID-19 peak in India may arrive mid-Nov: Study

Rediff.com14 Jun 2020

There could be a paucity of isolation and ICU beds, and ventilators, according to a study.

Why inflation pain could get worse

Why inflation pain could get worse

Rediff.com14 Jun 2021

As India looks to mend its Covid-battered economy, one thing that will grab the attention of all concerned is the path that both wholesale and retail inflation will follow. Even the Reserve Bank of India in its latest policy statement said, "Going forward, the inflation trajectory is likely to be shaped by uncertainties impinging on the upside and the downside.

Govt to promote Kisan Drones, chemical-free farming

Govt to promote Kisan Drones, chemical-free farming

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

The Centre will promote Kisan Drones, chemical-free natural farming, public-private partnerships for the delivery of digital and high-tech services to farmers across the country during the financial year 2022-23, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. Presenting the Budget 2022-23 in Parliament, Sitharaman said the inclusive development is one of the four priorities of the government moving forward. As part of the inclusive development, the government will promote the use of 'Kisan Drones' for crop assessment, digitisation of land records and spraying of insecticides. The government will also facilitate a fund with blended capital raised under the co-investment model through Nabard to finance agri start-ups and rural enterprises, she said.

Covid vaccine: Too early to say if booster dose needed

Covid vaccine: Too early to say if booster dose needed

Rediff.com30 Apr 2021

Initial data has shown immunity triggered by the two mRNA vaccines -- Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna -- lasts for at least six months

'Question mark if we will grow at 6%'

'Question mark if we will grow at 6%'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

'The rebound has run out of steam.'

Sensex ends 280 points higher on bank stocks' rally

Sensex ends 280 points higher on bank stocks' rally

Rediff.com23 Mar 2021

UltraTech Cement was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising 3.06 per cent, followed by IndusInd Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Titan, Axis Bank, SBI and Reliance Industries. NSE Nifty advanced 78.35 pointsto close at 14,814.75.

Cabinet okays private participation in space sector

Cabinet okays private participation in space sector

Rediff.com24 Jun 2020

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the participation of the private sector in the entire range of space activities, including planetary exploration missions, Union minister Jitendra Singh said. The newly-created Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) will provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure, Singh, who is the minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office, said.

India will grow no matter who comes to power

India will grow no matter who comes to power

Rediff.com22 Jan 2019

'People always short-change the resilience of the economy.'

FCRA challenge for foreign think tanks in India

FCRA challenge for foreign think tanks in India

Rediff.com28 Sep 2020

Funding challenges are not limited to just one think tank. Several scholars say that access for conducting research and getting foreign funds has become a major hurdle for think tanks, with the government raising many questions regarding such inflows. As a result, many think tanks are keeping a low profile and becoming less prolific.

Where does India fit in a Chinese world order?

Where does India fit in a Chinese world order?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

'India finds itself in an unenviable situation today with its prospects diminished by acutely polarised domestic politics and the setbacks suffered during the pandemic,' notes Ambassador Shyam Saran, the former foreign secretary.

NEP, 4-year undergrad programme gets DU's implementation approval

NEP, 4-year undergrad programme gets DU's implementation approval

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

The implementation of the NEP and four-year undergraduate programme were approved by the Standing Committee on Academic Matters and the Academic Council last week.

'Where Modi and Doval take India remains to be seen'

'Where Modi and Doval take India remains to be seen'

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

'They are both very individualistic and have similar personalities.'

Ukraine War Has Reduced Russia To An Even Lesser Power

Ukraine War Has Reduced Russia To An Even Lesser Power

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

The fault line between the West and Russia has widened into a deep chasm and this is likely to endure in the foreseeable future. Far from forcing its way into the European tent, Russia may be reduced to the status of an even more sullen and weakened bystander on its periphery. The US appears to have won this hand with little cost to itself, observes former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Covid-19: With great power comes great responsibility

Covid-19: With great power comes great responsibility

Rediff.com18 Jul 2020

Cities are setting the rules that now carry life and death implications for their residents, and most of these rules are sought to be set by the municipal authorities who have never wielded such power, reports Subhomoy Bhattacharjee.

Community transmission of COVID-19 well-established: Experts

Community transmission of COVID-19 well-established: Experts

Rediff.com1 Jun 2020

"It is unrealistic to expect that COVID-19 pandemic can be eliminated at this stage given that community transmission is already well-established across large sections or sub-populations in the country," the report said.

Gap in Covishield jabs: Govt rejects reports that experts dissented

Gap in Covishield jabs: Govt rejects reports that experts dissented

Rediff.com16 Jun 2021

The Union health ministry on Wednesday dismissed media reports claiming there was dissent from technical experts about increasing the gap between two Covishield doses and said the decision was based on scientific reason about the behaviour of adenovector vaccines.

'No one knows who is going to be in charge'

'No one knows who is going to be in charge'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

'The worry among many international actors is whether there will be stability to provide assistance to the government because the political developments in the last few months are a real concern.'

Vaccination for 12-14 age group likely from March: Govt expert

Vaccination for 12-14 age group likely from March: Govt expert

Rediff.com17 Jan 2022

Of the estimated 7.4 crore (7,40,57,000) population in the 15-18 age bracket, over 3.45 crore have received the first dose of Covaxin so far and their second dose is due in 28 days, he said.

What 'Hike' In Defence Budget Doesn't Reveal

What 'Hike' In Defence Budget Doesn't Reveal

Rediff.com11 Feb 2022

Even as Chinese troops continue squatting on territory that we claim as our own -- this was the lowest allocation for defence in percentage terms since the 1950s, reveals Ajai Shukla.

China is Britain's largest threat, has targeted India: Rishi Sunak

China is Britain's largest threat, has targeted India: Rishi Sunak

Rediff.com25 Jul 2022

China represents the "largest threat" to Britain and the world's security and prosperity this century and there is evidence to suggest it has targeted countries from the US to India, UK prime ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak said on Monday.

'Do 81 crore Indians deserve highly subsidised food grains?'

'Do 81 crore Indians deserve highly subsidised food grains?'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2023

'The decision to supply free food grains is not an economically sound decision because the government will find it very difficult in future to charge anything for food grains.'

Think tanks: Budget's numbers, fiscal path still suspects

Think tanks: Budget's numbers, fiscal path still suspects

Rediff.com10 Mar 2015

Several speakers noted that Budget carried the weight of expectations.

Delhi gasps for breath: Govt orders 50% WFH, primary schools shut

Delhi gasps for breath: Govt orders 50% WFH, primary schools shut

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that primary schools will be closed from Saturday in view of spike in pollution levels in the national capital.

Gold price likely to cross Rs 55,000/10gm in 2022

Gold price likely to cross Rs 55,000/10gm in 2022

Rediff.com30 Dec 2021

Gold, which lost its sheen to some extent in the second half of 2021, is likely to regain the glitter in the New Year and cross the Rs 55,000-per-10-grams level amid pandemic woes, inflation worries and stronger US dollar. After a stellar run up in 2020 when the yellow metal touched a record high of Rs 56,200 on the MCX in August, the prices are near Rs 48,000 per 10 grams now. This is roughly 14 per cent lower from the all-time highs and 4 per cent lesser compared to January 2021 levels.

Soumya Swaminathan: Just what the doctor ordered

Soumya Swaminathan: Just what the doctor ordered

Rediff.com14 Oct 2017

Her appointment as World Health Organisation's deputy director offers an opportunity to push for improving the medical research environment in India.

Sitharaman on Adani fallout: Regulators will look into it

Sitharaman on Adani fallout: Regulators will look into it

Rediff.com4 Feb 2023

India's economic image is not affected due to Adani Group's recent decision to pull out Rs 20,000 crore FPO (follow-on public offers) amid allegations of financial wrongdoings, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.

Of all farmers' demands, legalising MSP is tricky and highly complicated

Of all farmers' demands, legalising MSP is tricky and highly complicated

Rediff.com6 Dec 2021

Among the key demands of agitating farmers has been a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP). The protest reached a crescendo when thousands of farmers from Punjab and elsewhere marched towards Delhi late last year and decided to block the main entry points once they were denied entry. The Centre, on its part, held 11 rounds of discussions with the protesters and even offered to amend some of the provisions without much success. With now one of their chief demands met, farmers have now moved on to force the government to concede on MSP.

Will Modi go to war with China?

Will Modi go to war with China?

Rediff.com20 Jul 2020

'By not even acknowledging China's occupation of Indian territory Modi signalled to Beijing that he was not prepared to used forceful means to vacate the Chinese occupation, and that his government was reconciled to this loss of territory and accepted the fait accompli engineered by the PLA.'

Gold consumption highest among Indian middle-income group

Gold consumption highest among Indian middle-income group

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

Consumption of gold is the highest among middle-income households - those with annual income between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 10 lakh - who account for an average of 56 per cent of gold sales over the last five years, according to a nationwide survey conducted by India Gold Policy Centre (IGPC) at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A). "Per capita consumption is highest among the rich, but total volume still rests with the middle-income group. "With increasing income, there is an increasing propensity to consume gold, although the share of gold in the portfolio does not increase with the same proportion of income," the survey report says.

NITI Aayog's artificial intelligence proposal gets FinMin's nod

NITI Aayog's artificial intelligence proposal gets FinMin's nod

Rediff.com10 Sep 2019

NITI Aayog had been asking for Rs 7,500 crore for three years to set up an AI framework.

IT spending in India to grow 6% in 2021 to $81.9 bn: Gartner

IT spending in India to grow 6% in 2021 to $81.9 bn: Gartner

Rediff.com23 Nov 2020

IT spending in India is projected to rise 6 per cent to $81.9 billion in 2021 compared to this year on the back of growth across segments like enterprise software and IT services, research firm Gartner said on Monday. IT spending in 2020 is expected to total $79.3 billion, down 8.4 per cent from 2019. "The COVID-19 pandemic stalled many digital transformation projects for Indian enterprises, mainly because of the market uncertainties and reduced cash flows," Gartner research vice president Arup Roy said.

SC stays agri laws, forms panel; farmers to continue protest

SC stays agri laws, forms panel; farmers to continue protest

Rediff.com13 Jan 2021

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a stay of the implementation of the contentious three new farm laws hoping this will end the prolonged protests by the farmers and also constituted a four-member panel of agri experts to resolve the impasse between their leaders and the Centre.

UNSC sanctions Islamic State's South Asia Branch

UNSC sanctions Islamic State's South Asia Branch

Rediff.com15 May 2019

IS-Khorasan was sanctioned for its links with Al Qaeda and involvement in several deadly attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan that killed over 150 people.

Scientists use cellular networks to detect at-risk areas for COVID-19

Scientists use cellular networks to detect at-risk areas for COVID-19

Rediff.com29 Jun 2020

According to the scientists, including Edwin Chong from Colorado State University in the United States, the novel technique can help identify the most crowded areas such as a city centre, where asymptomatic carriers have a high probability of coming into close contact with large numbers of healthy people.

LBGT people in Qatar prepare cautiously for World Cup

LBGT people in Qatar prepare cautiously for World Cup

Rediff.com19 Nov 2022

Gay people living under radar in Qatar prepare warily for World Cup

Dad steps down, Jayadev Galla helms Amara Raja

Dad steps down, Jayadev Galla helms Amara Raja

Rediff.com15 Jun 2021

'I have personally been very keen on investing in lithium ion battery technology for some time.'

Omicron may be dominant strain globally in 2022, claim Singapore experts

Omicron may be dominant strain globally in 2022, claim Singapore experts

Rediff.com24 Dec 2021

The new and highly transmissible Omicron variant of the deadly coronavirus has increased immune escape compared with the Delta variant and appears likely to become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain globally in 2022, according to Singapore-based experts.