News for 'Citizens for Accountable Governance'

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Congress party has claimed credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, from the US, saying the Modi government did not initiate the process and merely benefited from the "mature, consistent and strategic diplomacy" begun under the UPA. Former Home Minister P Chidambaram said the government did not secure any breakthrough to make the extradition possible, nor is it the result of any grandstanding. He added that it was a testament to what the Indian state can achieve when diplomacy, law enforcement and international cooperation are pursued sincerely and without any kind of chest-thumping. Chidambaram detailed the UPA government's efforts in securing Rana's extradition, citing the registration of a case against him in 2009, diplomatic pressure on Canada and the US, and continued efforts despite legal setbacks. He highlighted the role of the UPA in securing Rana's conviction for other terrorism-related offences and the cooperation between the US and Indian agencies in gathering evidence and securing his extradition. The Congress leader further stated that it was the UPA's groundwork that paved the way for Rana's extradition, even after the change in government in 2014.

Pahalgam attack: Perpetrators won't be spared, says Modi

Pahalgam attack: Perpetrators won't be spared, says Modi

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

A deadly terror attack targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday drew strong condemnation and outrage. 26 people, including two foreigners and two locals, were killed in the attack, which is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the perpetrators will not be spared and their evil agenda will never succeed. Opposition leaders demanded accountability, claiming the government's claims of normalcy in Kashmir have fallen flat.

Citizens don't have right to know source of political funds: Centre

Citizens don't have right to know source of political funds: Centre

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

The top court law officer said the power of judicial review is not about scanning state policies for the purposes of suggesting better or different prescriptions.

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and firmed up the responses to the terror attack.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

'Lost Rs 18L In Options Trading. HELP!'

'Lost Rs 18L In Options Trading. HELP!'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

Over 1 mn citizens registered on Co-WIN portal so far

Over 1 mn citizens registered on Co-WIN portal so far

Rediff.com1 Mar 2021

Vaccines provided to beneficiaries at the government health facilities will be entirely free of cost, while private facilities cannot charge the beneficiary a sum above Rs 250 per person per dose (Rs 150 for vaccines and Rs 100 as operational charges).

Big relief in TDS deduction on rent from Rs 20K to Rs 50K per month

Big relief in TDS deduction on rent from Rs 20K to Rs 50K per month

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

In a major relief for taxpayers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced an increase in the threshold for Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) on rent from Rs2.40 lakh per annum to Rs6 lakh per annum while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26. Presenting the budget in Lok Sabha, the Finance Minister said, "The annual limit of Rs 2.40 lakh for TDS on rent is being increased to Rs 6 lakh.

History In Minutes Panshet Dam Burst: Remembering 1,000 Deaths In Pune

History In Minutes Panshet Dam Burst: Remembering 1,000 Deaths In Pune

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

64 years after the Panshet Dam burst claimed 1,000 lives, the tragedy stands as both a haunting memory and a vital lesson in engineering caution.

Be Prepared For Another War!

Be Prepared For Another War!

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

India needs to be technologically and militarily prepared to defend itself from both Pakistan and China, alerts Ramesh Menon.

'Bad Idea To Buy In Overheated Market?'

'Bad Idea To Buy In Overheated Market?'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The message from Sunday's event will undoubtedly reverberate globally. It's a landmark occasion that will be remembered for generations and will inspire many other states to introduce the story of Rajendra Chola into school curricula, says Tarun Vijay.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

Will German Visa Rules Affect Students?

Will German Visa Rules Affect Students?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Ritika Gupta, a study abroad expert and founder of Aaera Consultants, explains how Germany's new visa rules will affect international students and working professionals.

Kerala church daily bats in favour of Waqf amendment bill

Kerala church daily bats in favour of Waqf amendment bill

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A leading Catholic Church daily in Kerala has described the Waqf amendment bill as a crucial test of secularism in Parliament, urging MPs to support it. The editorial in Deepika daily comes as the union government prepares to table the bill for parliamentary consideration. The editorial calls the bill a test of secularism and warns MPs that failing to support it would mark them in history as endorsing religious fundamentalism. The paper added that the bill will also put an end to the injustices faced by thousands of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim citizens who have suffered due to the Waqf law. The editorial also recalled the recent statement addressed to Kerala MPs by Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) where the KCBC President Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos urged amending provisions in the Waqf law that validate claims over land which people of Munambam have lawfully possessed. Opposition parties have slammed the bill as "unconstitutional" and against the interest of the Muslim community.

Epstein files, Impeachment: Trump-Musk feud gets nastier

Epstein files, Impeachment: Trump-Musk feud gets nastier

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The feud reached its peak when Musk made explosive allegations about Trump's connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, marking a dramatic escalation in their increasingly personal conflict.

NPCI Lists Digital Scam Warning Signs

NPCI Lists Digital Scam Warning Signs

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

UPI-related frauds have accounted for a cumulative loss of Rs 2,145 crore across 2.7 million reported incidents.

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Here's what you must know about the new rule, its implications, and whether it affects taxpayers' rights and privacy.

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The exit deadline for Pakistani nationals visiting India on SAARC visas ended on April 26, while for the rest, except those on medical visas, it is set to close on Sunday, April 27 amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

No social media platform can violate citizens' rights: IT ministry sources

No social media platform can violate citizens' rights: IT ministry sources

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

This is the first time that the IT ministry has outlined its stance in a dispute between users and social media platforms.

'BC network has to be commercially viable'

'BC network has to be commercially viable'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'With a very stable technology with limited functionalities, a large network has spanned out.'

Indian EVMs tamper-proof: EC after US intel chief's remark

Indian EVMs tamper-proof: EC after US intel chief's remark

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The Congress demanded that the government and the Election Commission come clean on the EVM issue and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The interest rate on these schemes have remained unchanged for over a year now.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

Banks Struggle to Regain Deposits

Banks Struggle to Regain Deposits

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Privately, many bankers admit their immediate goal is not growth but slowing the erosion of Casa deposits, reveals Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Do terrorists have time to ask about religion: Cong leader

Do terrorists have time to ask about religion: Cong leader

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

In controversial remarks, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday said terrorists have no caste or religion and questioned veracity of the claim that terrorists asked about faith of tourists before killing them in Kashmir's Pahalgam town last week.

Romila, Naseer, Dreze among 750 citizens to come out in support of NewsClick

Romila, Naseer, Dreze among 750 citizens to come out in support of NewsClick

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

More than 750 eminent citizens, including historian Romila Thapar, economist Jean Dreze and actor Naseeruddin Shah, on Wednesday came out in support of a news website which is alleged to have received dubious funds to spread Chinese propaganda.

US to deport 487 more Indians, details given to New Delhi

US to deport 487 more Indians, details given to New Delhi

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

India has raised concerns with the US over the recent deportation of 104 Indian immigrants, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealing that US authorities have identified up to 487 presumed Indian citizens with "final removal order." Misri also highlighted the "ecosystem to promote illegal migration" and stressed the need for action against those involved in facilitating such operations.

Google executive warns against sharing of citizen data

Google executive warns against sharing of citizen data

Rediff.com23 Jun 2022

Google's chief privacy officer, Keith Enright, has warned policymakers that frequent and large-scale sharing of citizen data, even if anonymized, can damage users' privacy. Pointing to research that shows data sets lose their anonymity if shared consistently over time, he said: "I would encourage policymakers and companies to be extremely circumspect while proceeding in that direction." Anonymization is a technique that removes or modifies personally identifiable information, resulting in data that cannot be associated with any one individual.

Want To Invest In Fixed Income Schemes?

Want To Invest In Fixed Income Schemes?

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

When investing in fixed-income products, balancing considerations like safety, liquidity, and income is essential.

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing for urgent hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

FD Rate Cuts: Balance Returns With Safety

FD Rate Cuts: Balance Returns With Safety

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Choose an FD tenure that provides a balance between returns and the horizon for which you can invest.'

Delhi govt departments warn public about AAP's schemes

Delhi govt departments warn public about AAP's schemes

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

The Delhi government's Women and Child Development and Health departments issued public notices on Wednesday distancing themselves from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party's promised schemes of providing Rs 2,100 to women and free treatment for the elderly, triggering a fresh row ahead of assembly polls.

Delhi stampede: Oppn slams govt, seeks Vaishnaw's resignation

Delhi stampede: Oppn slams govt, seeks Vaishnaw's resignation

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in India have demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after a stampede at New Delhi railway station killed 18 people. They blamed the government for "gross mismanagement" and accused them of "covering up" the death toll. The stampede occurred on Saturday night as passengers rushed to board trains for the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. The Congress, the Left, Trinamool Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal have all criticized the government's handling of the situation, while BJP leaders have defended the government. The incident has highlighted the failure of the Railways and the government to make adequate arrangements for the large number of devotees travelling to Prayagraj.

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way'

Data breach: Defence personnel among 16.8 cr citizens whose personal info is hacked

Data breach: Defence personnel among 16.8 cr citizens whose personal info is hacked

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

A massive data breach that has implications for national security was unearthed by the Cyberabad Police in Hyderabad, who arrested seven people of a gang allegedly involved in the theft and sale of sensitive data of the government and important organisations, including details of defence personnel as well as the personal and confidential data of about 16.8 crore citizens.

'Pahalgam Bleeds... And So Do We'

'Pahalgam Bleeds... And So Do We'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'No words can heal the wounds of a mother who lost her child, or a friend who lost their companion. But we must speak, we must feel, and we must remember.'

Over 260 citizens urge CJI to act against Udhayanidhi for 'hate speech'

Over 260 citizens urge CJI to act against Udhayanidhi for 'hate speech'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2023

Over 260 eminent citizens, including former judges and bureaucrats, have written to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud urging him to take cognisance of DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's 'eradicate Sanatan Dharma' comment, calling it "hate speech".