News for 'Centre for Public Interest'

Lokpal: SC seeks Centre's response on NGO's plea

Lokpal: SC seeks Centre's response on NGO's plea

Rediff.com31 Mar 2014

The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Centre on a petition filed by an NGO questioning the entire selection process for appointment of chairperson and members of the Lokpal and seeking its stay.

Centre's divestment plan: A stress test for zombie steel plants

Centre's divestment plan: A stress test for zombie steel plants

Rediff.com30 Apr 2021

With the government looking to divest loss-making steel assets, significant interest from secondary players is most likely this time apart from the anticipated list of large integrated primary steel producers, said industry experts. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL), NMDC Integrated Steel Plant (NISP)-Nagarnar, Ferro Scrap Nigam Ltd and three units of Steel Authority of India (SAIL) - Alloy Steels Plant, Durgapur; Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant, Bhadravati; and Salem Steel Plant, Salem - constitute the divestment list. All the three units of SAIL have been loss-making for more than five years.

SC refuses to direct transfer of PM-CARES Fund to NDRF

SC refuses to direct transfer of PM-CARES Fund to NDRF

Rediff.com18 Aug 2020

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan and comprising justices R S Reddy and M R Shah said that voluntary contribution can always be made to the NDRF as there is no statutory bar under the Disaster Management Act.

RSS ideology, Netaji's ideals poles apart: Dr Anita Bose-Pfaff

RSS ideology, Netaji's ideals poles apart: Dr Anita Bose-Pfaff

Rediff.com21 Jan 2023

Amidst the fanfare over Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's plans to celebrate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary in Kolkata on January 23, his daughter Anita Bose-Pfaff has said that the organisation's ideology and the nationalist leader's ideas of secularism and inclusiveness are 'poles apart and do not coincide'.

Govt readies plan to bolster PSU bank boards

Govt readies plan to bolster PSU bank boards

Rediff.com25 Jul 2022

The central government is looking to strengthen the boards of public sector banks (PSBs) by specifying terms of office and conditions of service for whole-time directors, and also seeking disclosures from all directors about interests in other companies. Through the Banking Laws Amendment Bill, the government is likely to introduce conditions for disqualification of whole-time and independent directors which are not specified in the current legislation. The Centre is seeking to introduce fresh changes that are aimed at strengthening the boards of PSBs, and holding their directors accountable, an official said.

Delhi HC dismisses PIL seeking ban on burqa, other face veils

Delhi HC dismisses PIL seeking ban on burqa, other face veils

Rediff.com15 Nov 2016

The plea sought a ban on wearing face veils including burqas, helmets, hoods etc at public places on the ground of threat from terror activities.

'In life as well as in politics, nothing is black or white'

'In life as well as in politics, nothing is black or white'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

'There was trust, but perhaps there was also this apprehension that given the supreme post of prime minister, Sonia Gandhi felt her authority may be a challenged.'

Central Vista: SC seeks govt reply on change in land use

Central Vista: SC seeks govt reply on change in land use

Rediff.com25 Oct 2021

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to file an affidavit on the issue of proposed change in land use of a plot where the new official residences of the vice-president and the prime minister are stipulated as part of the ambitious Central Vista project in Lutyens' Delhi.

Row over Nitin Gadkari's letter to Maha CM Shinde for IAS officer's transfer

Row over Nitin Gadkari's letter to Maha CM Shinde for IAS officer's transfer

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

In a letter to CM Shinde and chief secretary Manukumar Srivastava on March 9, Gadkari also criticised Joshi, an IAS officer, for allegedly stalling admission to nearly 1,100 seats linked to courses offered by the College of Physicians and Surgeons-affiliated.

Centre pays higher price to keep pensioners happy

Centre pays higher price to keep pensioners happy

Rediff.com15 Feb 2017

Government to pay disproportionately high interest for borrowings from savings, overturning a nearly two-decade-long process of reforms in the management of public debt.

These Scientists Shaped India

These Scientists Shaped India

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

I suggest we build a Vigyan Mandir (Temple of Science) with the ambience of a place of worship, so that it becomes a destination for pilgrims. We should embed on its walls bronze plaques describing each scientist mentioned here along with about a dozen of our ancient mathematicians, recommends Professor Kalyan Singhal, historian of science and technology.

SC pulls up Centre, telecom cos for altering AGR order

SC pulls up Centre, telecom cos for altering AGR order

Rediff.com18 Mar 2020

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and telecom companies for doing self-assessment or reassessment of the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues fixed by the apex court in its verdict given on October 24 last year. The top court, which was also anguished by frequently published newspaper articles on the AGR issue, said all managing directors of telecom companies will be personally responsible and held for contempt of court for any such future write-ups hiding the truth.

Delhi Bill drops a few provisions restricting the state

Delhi Bill drops a few provisions restricting the state

Rediff.com1 Aug 2023

However, the bill will have all major provisions of the ordinance, promulgated by the central government on May 19, a week after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in Delhi excluding police, public order and land to the elected government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

SC asks Centre to submit details of pricing of Rafale jets within 10 days

SC asks Centre to submit details of pricing of Rafale jets within 10 days

Rediff.com31 Oct 2018

In its order, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, gave some more leeway to the government which has been arguing that pricing details are so sensitive that they have not even been shared with Parliament.

Mamata backs Kejriwal, to vote against central ordinance

Mamata backs Kejriwal, to vote against central ordinance

Rediff.com23 May 2023

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday assured her counterpart from Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, that her party would support him in his fight against the central ordinance to control appointments and transfer of bureaucrats.

Centre limits charges on electronic fund transfer

Centre limits charges on electronic fund transfer

Rediff.com21 Dec 2016

Banks shall not charge fees for transactions settled on IMPS and UPI in excess of rates charged for NEFT for transactions above Rs 1,000, the order said.

Should 'Sindh' be part of anthem, SC asks Centre

Should 'Sindh' be part of anthem, SC asks Centre

Rediff.com3 Jan 2005

The Centre, in its informal response to a PIL seeking deletion of the word Sindh from the national anthem, stated that the word represented the culture and not the province.

PNB fraud case: Centre, SC at loggerheads

PNB fraud case: Centre, SC at loggerheads

Rediff.com16 Mar 2018

There can't be a parallel inquiry and parallel monitoring by the courts, Attorney General K K Venugopal told the court.

'Politics can't be a part time job'

'Politics can't be a part time job'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

'The BJP is doing politics 24x365, but the Congress revs up only during elections.'

Has Sanatana Dharma Met Its Electoral Match In Caste Census?

Has Sanatana Dharma Met Its Electoral Match In Caste Census?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2023

It is not much of an issue just now, but it could become one if the idea of caste census captures socio-political imagination, going beyond electoral tags and identities, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Why Worship Modi For Women Reservation Bill?'

'Why Worship Modi For Women Reservation Bill?'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2023

'This is not about revering women; this is about women entering politics.' 'This is about women having a say in how State policies have to be shaped.'

Capital expenditure by 54 large CPSEs, key depts rose 93% in April-May

Capital expenditure by 54 large CPSEs, key depts rose 93% in April-May

Rediff.com12 Jun 2023

Capital expenditure by 54 large central public sector enterprises and five departmental arms, having a capex minimum target of Rs 100 crore, rose 93 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in the April-May period to Rs 1.39 trillion. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Railways have started this financial year's capex cycle on a stronger note. In the first two months of FY24, the 54 CPSEs, along with the departmental arms, achieved 19 per cent of their combined budget target of Rs 7.33 trillion, Business Standard has learnt.

It's BJP vs Congress as MP, Chhattisgarh vote

It's BJP vs Congress as MP, Chhattisgarh vote

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

In both of these Hindi heartland states, the straight contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress.

Govt Expects Windfall From RBI

Govt Expects Windfall From RBI

Rediff.com25 May 2023

While the fiscal year has just begun, any windfall surplus will be welcomed by the government as it bids to meet the fiscal deficit target of 5.9 per cent of GDP, amidst lack of clarity on exactly to what extent will recession in the West impact India's trade and tax collections.

SC to hear pleas against validity of colonial era sedition law on Monday

SC to hear pleas against validity of colonial era sedition law on Monday

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

The Centre is expected to apprise the court of the steps taken so far with regard to reviewing the contentious penal provision.

SC likely to set up a body to look into 'serious issue' of freebies

SC likely to set up a body to look into 'serious issue' of freebies

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked stakeholders like the Centre, Niti Aayog, Finance Commission and the Reserve Bank of India, to brainstorm on the 'serious' issue of freebies announced during elections and put forth 'constructive suggestions' to tackle it, saying no political party will oppose such handouts or like to debate it in Parliament.

Judicial interventions to nudge executive and not to usurp power: CJI

Judicial interventions to nudge executive and not to usurp power: CJI

Rediff.com26 Nov 2021

Observing that Laxman rekha of separation of power is 'sacrosanct,' Chief Justice of India N V Ramana Friday said at times courts are compelled to intervene in the interest of justice and the intention is to nudge the executive, and not to usurp its role and they should not be projected as judiciary targeting another institution.

'How can you forget what Christians do for nation building?'

'How can you forget what Christians do for nation building?'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2023

'Even if they try to silence us, even if they kill so many of us, we won't give up.' 'We won't give up doing the good work we are doing for society.' 'Because we love this country.'

'Growth Rate May Come Down To 3-4%'

'Growth Rate May Come Down To 3-4%'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

'The government should act proactively to instil confidence in the private investors, and also boost the purchasing power of people directly or indirectly by ensuring minimum wages.'

HC directs Bengal govt to deploy central forces for Hanuman Jayanti celebrations

HC directs Bengal govt to deploy central forces for Hanuman Jayanti celebrations

Rediff.com5 Apr 2023

The Calcutta high court Wednesday directed the West Bengal government to requisition central forces for assisting the state police in maintaining peace during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

Govt released Covid as it couldn't stop Rahul's yatra legally: Shiv Sena

Govt released Covid as it couldn't stop Rahul's yatra legally: Shiv Sena

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

On Tuesday, Mandaviya had written to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot asking them to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra.

SC to hear plea on Central Vista project's land use change on Nov 16

SC to hear plea on Central Vista project's land use change on Nov 16

Rediff.com29 Oct 2021

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned to November 16 the hearing on a petition challenging the change in land use of a plot where the new official residences of the vice-president and the prime minister are stipulated as part of the ambitious Central Vista project in Lutyens' Delhi.

Yediyurappa's life will inspire us: Modi on K'taka ex-CM's 80th birthday

Yediyurappa's life will inspire us: Modi on K'taka ex-CM's 80th birthday

Rediff.com27 Feb 2023

Modi's gestures have fuelled speculations that the BJP wants to bring Yediyurappa into the centre-stage of its campaign plank leveraging his mass appeal for the Assembly elections, due by May.

Should A Collegium Pick Election Commissioners?

Should A Collegium Pick Election Commissioners?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

The system of 'selecting' an election commissioner, which is before the Supreme Court, must be institutionalised.

Govt unlikely to dilute stake in LIC for 2 years after IPO

Govt unlikely to dilute stake in LIC for 2 years after IPO

Rediff.com14 Apr 2022

The Centre is unlikely to reduce its shareholding in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) for at least 2 years following the insurer's listing because such a move could affect returns for investors participating in the mega initial public offering (IPO). The government's stance was communicated to prospective investors during roadshows after many of them sought clarity on the Centre's plan for lowering its shareholding in the insurer to meet the minimum public shareholding norms. To this, the Centre maintained its stand that it would not look at any equity dilution in the insurer for at least two years to avoid downward pressure on LIC's shares.

Small traders should not be affected by FDI: SC

Small traders should not be affected by FDI: SC

Rediff.com22 Jan 2013

A bench headed by Justice R M Lodha asked the Centre to file its response within three weeks.

Adani Green to raise Rs 12,300 cr to fund expansion

Adani Green to raise Rs 12,300 cr to fund expansion

Rediff.com6 Jul 2023

Billionaire Gautam Adani-led group's renewable energy firm on Thursday announced plans to raise Rs 12,300 crore through a share sale to investors as the group continues to build on a comeback strategy to emerge out of allegations of fraud levelled by a US short-seller. Adani Green Energy Ltd in a stock exchange filing said its board has approved raising up to Rs 12,300 crore through an issue of equity shares by way of qualified institutional placement (QIP). The funds are intended to be used for meeting capital needs of the company's expansion plans.

Court not a platform for propagating religion, only to deal with law: HC

Court not a platform for propagating religion, only to deal with law: HC

Rediff.com13 Apr 2022

The court made the point clear while hearing a batch of pleas by several account holders challenging their suspension and deletion by the social media platforms.

'If Scindia were to be made CM...'

'If Scindia were to be made CM...'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2023

'...the Congress tally in 2028 would further plummet under 50.' 'A fresh face as CM would further strengthen the BJP and weaken the Congress in Madhya Pradesh.'