News for 'Centre for Public Interest'

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The GST Council at its next meeting may consider a reduction in taxes on air and water purifiers as air quality across the country worsens and access to safe drinking water remains uneven.

Why Capital Expenditure Needs Monitoring

Why Capital Expenditure Needs Monitoring

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

After years of rapid expansion, the Centre's capital spending growth eases as private investment shows early signs of revival, points out A K Bhattacharya.

HC rejects plea on fourfold compensation for IndiGo passengers

HC rejects plea on fourfold compensation for IndiGo passengers

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court refused to entertain a PIL seeking compensation for passengers affected by IndiGo flight cancellations, citing an ongoing related case.

BJP Seeks Probe into Himachal Police 'Abduction' Case, Alleges CMO Role

BJP Seeks Probe into Himachal Police 'Abduction' Case, Alleges CMO Role

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The BJP in Himachal Pradesh has demanded a thorough probe into the detention of a Delhi Police team and alleged misuse of the chief minister's office after a standoff between the two police forces.

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The 2026-27 Budget, seeking to harmonise the government's imperative to grant certainty while ensuring a rational tax policy, had several notable announcements to usher in halcyon days, says Mukesh Butani.

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court's stay on the UGC equity regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses has been met with mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, while some expressed concern over the implications for marginalized communities.

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against anonymous political donations

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against anonymous political donations

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea challenging the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive "anonymous" cash donations below Rs 2,000.

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

After the last Budget's announcement of a major tax relief for those earning an annual salary of less than Rs 12 lakh, there is not much that individuals can look forward to in the forthcoming Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The agreement addresses non-tariff barriers and promotes increased trade in technology products and cooperation between the two countries.

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility in Assam, boosting regional defense and disaster response capabilities.

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the GST Council to consider lowering or abolishing the goods and services tax on air purifiers, citing worsening air quality in the national capital. The court has asked the council to meet at the earliest, even via video conference if necessary, to address the issue.

'Buying Opportunity, Not A Regret Opportunity'

'Buying Opportunity, Not A Regret Opportunity'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'For those in for the long haul, this is a God-given opportunity.' 'Your market is falling despite strong fundamentals, and such a clear roadmap has been announced.'

IndiGo crisis: Are you helpless, Delhi HC asks govt

IndiGo crisis: Are you helpless, Delhi HC asks govt

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also asked how could other airlines take advantage of the crisis situation and charge hefty sums for tickets from the passengers.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'

Deepinder Goyal to step down as Eternal Group CEO

Deepinder Goyal to step down as Eternal Group CEO

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Eternal, the parent entity of Blinkit and Zomato, on Wednesday said Deepinder Goyal will step down as its Group CEO and Managing Director with Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa set to succeed him as Group CEO from February 1.

'Money Comes Only When Markets Do Well'

'Money Comes Only When Markets Do Well'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

'Given that India underperformed emerging markets by 28 per cent in 2025, the worst performance in over 30 years, the timing of the sharp STT hike could have been better.'

'Indian agent' tag on Tamim divides Bangladesh cricket

'Indian agent' tag on Tamim divides Bangladesh cricket

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

A senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after branding former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an 'Indian agent', triggering widespread backlash across the country's cricketing fraternity.

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has asked the central government why it cannot reduce the GST on air purifiers, considering the poor air quality in Delhi. The court's concern is that the current 18% GST makes air purifiers unaffordable for the common man.

IFSCA relaxes norms for fund management bodies in GIFT City

IFSCA relaxes norms for fund management bodies in GIFT City

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has cleared a series of regulatory relaxations to ease operations for fund managers in GIFT City, along with a revamped framework for global in-house centres (GICs) and capital market intermediaries.

States Have Thrown A Spanner In RBI's Easy-Money Machine

States Have Thrown A Spanner In RBI's Easy-Money Machine

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

State debt is rising because revenues are disappointingly weak. Ten states have debt ratios exceeding 30 per cent. In 2023-2024, states were borrowing simply to meet day-to-day expenses, points out Debashis Basu.

Smallcap To Watch Out For In 2026

Smallcap To Watch Out For In 2026

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

After two years of strong gains, smallcap stocks fell sharply in 2025, but the correction may be setting up opportunities for long-term investors.

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has kept in abeyance its previous verdict on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and proposed a high-powered committee to examine the issue.

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Three laws passed in Parliament could boost central revenues, reshape GST cess flows, shift MGNREGA costs to states and create new budget headroom ahead of the 2026-2027 Union Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In the fourth such instance, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Tuesday walked out of the state assembly without reading his customary address after alleging that the national anthem was insulted, evoking a sharp response from Chief Minister M K Stalin, who dubbed his action as an 'insult' to the House and the people of the state.

ED attaches fresh assets of Anil Ambani's Reliance Group

ED attaches fresh assets of Anil Ambani's Reliance Group

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

The Reliance Centre, a guesthouse and some residential assets in Mumbai, apart from 231 plots of land in Chennai, are among the fresh assets worth Rs 1,120 crore attached by the ED as part of its ongoing money-laundering probe against the companies of Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

'India Has More Job Opportunities Than Skilled People'

'India Has More Job Opportunities Than Skilled People'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

'Given that the population is almost evenly split, the Indian economy cannot grow without women participating in the workforce.' 'While women's participation has increased, it is still well below 40 per cent,' says Kartik Narayan, CEO of the professional networking and jobs platform, Apna.

L&T bets big on data centres, defence sector

L&T bets big on data centres, defence sector

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) is deepening its push into data centres and defence manufacturing while keeping an eye on emerging opportunities in nuclear and thermal power, chairman and managing director SN Subrahmanyan said. The engineering and construction conglomerate has invested around Rs 2,200 crore in data centres, with 32 megawatts (Mw) already operational.

'Andhra Will Become Gateway Of India For Investment'

'Andhra Will Become Gateway Of India For Investment'

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

'We are expecting investment, public and private, of around Rs 40 trillion by 2029.'

Insurance staff oppose pvt sector entry in top PSU posts

Insurance staff oppose pvt sector entry in top PSU posts

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The All India Insurance Employees' Association has opposed the government directive seeking to open up top posts in the state-owned insurers to the private sector, saying this would lead to greater private influence and "eventual privatisation".

Aamir Khan Experiences The Maha Kumbh

Aamir Khan Experiences The Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

'The photographs showcase the different emotions of India and power of faith. For someone who couldn't visit the historic event, the pictures take me there.'

'We Will Bring The Two Brothers To Power'

'We Will Bring The Two Brothers To Power'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'Now there is no fight between us (Thackerays); now the fight is with them.'

Exports up in first 3 weeks of Nov: Goyal

Exports up in first 3 weeks of Nov: Goyal

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India's merchandise exports grew in the first three weeks of November compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary government data, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. The uptick comes despite globa

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

India's $280-billion IT industry heads into 2026, balancing visa-related headwinds and global trade uncertainty against its biggest-ever push into artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of global capability centres (GCCs). Heightened scrutiny of the US H-1B visa programme - including a proposed $100,000 fee for new visas and concerns over a potential 25 per cent outsourcing tax - has complicated cross-border delivery for Indian firms, even as companies accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on onsite staffing.

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that imposing fixed timelines on governors and the president to act on bills passed by a state Assembly would amount to one organ of the government assuming powers not vested in it by the Constitution and lead to a "constitutional disorder".

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'We expect inbound numbers in 2025 to come close to pre-pandemic levels -- if not fully match them -- by early 2026.'

SC rejects PIL against nationwide rollout of ethanol-blended petrol

SC rejects PIL against nationwide rollout of ethanol-blended petrol

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court rejected a PIL challenging the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (EBP-20), citing benefits to sugarcane farmers. The plea alleged incompatibility issues with older vehicles.

'The Key Is Talent, Technology, Trust'

'The Key Is Talent, Technology, Trust'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

'Our problem is not a budget deficit but a trust deficit. We need to trust our institutions and industries to innovate and lead. That is the way forward for India.'