News for 'Citizens for Accountable Governance'

What You Must Know About Small Savings

What You Must Know About Small Savings

Rediff.com19 Apr 2021

'Decide on an asset allocation you are comfortable with and stick to it for the long term.'

What To Do With Investments In FY24

What To Do With Investments In FY24

Rediff.com12 Apr 2023

Avoid discontinuing your SIPs. Persist for at least 7-10 years.

Dear Prime Minister Modi

Dear Prime Minister Modi

Rediff.com9 Apr 2020

'What is proposed is that we tax payers pay Rs 1,000 per month to selected JanDhan accounts of poor families.' 'I am sure there are at least 10 crore Indians for whom Rs 1,000 is no big deal.'

HC pulls up Centre over 1-page reply to plea on PM CARES Fund

HC pulls up Centre over 1-page reply to plea on PM CARES Fund

Rediff.com12 Jul 2022

Observing that the issue concerning the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) is 'not so simple' the high court asked the Centre to file a 'detailed and exhaustive' response in the matter.

Tax Torture And Taxtortion

Tax Torture And Taxtortion

Rediff.com2 Feb 2022

The tax department will remain a source of endless nightmares for citizens and 'transparent taxation' will remain an empty slogan and a cruel joke, observes Debashis Basu.

Who will pay the cost of local self-governance?

Who will pay the cost of local self-governance?

Rediff.com6 Apr 2015

With Centre, state and municipal governments passing the buck on issues as critical as sanitation, Aditi Phadnis looks at the revolving door politics that is often played with the running of local self government

HC seeks govt's reply to FB, WhatsApp pleas against IT Rules

HC seeks govt's reply to FB, WhatsApp pleas against IT Rules

Rediff.com27 Aug 2021

The Delhi high court on Friday asked the Centre to reply to pleas by Facebook and WhatsApp challenging the new IT rules for social media intermediaries requiring the messaging app to "trace" chats and make provisions to identify the first originator of information.

Emergency in Sri Lanka ahead of new President's election

Emergency in Sri Lanka ahead of new President's election

Rediff.com18 Jul 2022

Sri Lanka's Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday imposed emergency giving him sweeping powers ahead of the key election on July 20 to pick a new President as he urged the political parties to put aside differences and form an all-party government, with the Opposition dubbing his decision as an 'undemocratic draconian act'.

Countless lives lost due to Centre's negligence: Priyanka

Countless lives lost due to Centre's negligence: Priyanka

Rediff.com25 May 2021

Priyanka Gandhi said that when the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country and people struggled for hospital beds, oxygen, vaccines and medicines, they expected the government to make efforts to save lives using earlier preparations and available resources.

Polish envoy meets VK Singh, says Ukraine border open for Indians

Polish envoy meets VK Singh, says Ukraine border open for Indians

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

Poland's Ambassador to India Adam Burakowski on Monday said his country is allowing entry to people of all nationalities who are leaving war-hit Ukraine by road and food and shelter will be provided to them.

Govt directs WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy

Govt directs WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy

Rediff.com19 May 2021

The ministry of electronics and information technology has directed WhatsApp to withdraw its new privacy policy, according to sources. The IT ministry believes that the changes to WhatsApp privacy policy and the manner of introducing the said changes undermines the sacrosanct values of informational privacy, data security and user choice and harms the rights and interests of Indian citizens, government sources said. The government has given seven days to WhatsApp to respond to the notice and if no satisfactory response is received, necessary steps in consonance with law will be taken, sources informed. In a communication to WhatsApp on May 18, the ministry has once again told the messaging platform to withdraw its privacy policy 2021, they said.

Govt orders WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy

Govt orders WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy

Rediff.com19 May 2021

The ministry has taken a strong position on the matter, and made it clear that it is not just problematic but also "irresponsible" for the messaging platform to leverage its position to impose "unfair" terms and conditions on Indian users, when many depend on WhatsApp to communicate in everyday life, according to the sources.

Twitter, Centre get SC notice on mechanism to check fake news

Twitter, Centre get SC notice on mechanism to check fake news

Rediff.com12 Feb 2021

The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the Centre and Twitter India on a plea seeking a mechanism for regulating content and advertisements spreading hatred through fake news and instigative messages via bogus accounts.

UP has biggest responsibility to make India powerful: Modi

UP has biggest responsibility to make India powerful: Modi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

His remarks at the Maharajganj rally come against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine from where India is trying evacuate thousands of its citizens. Modi, however, did not specifically mention the crisis.

Kerala bus mishap: HC lens on vloggers promoting unsafe buses

Kerala bus mishap: HC lens on vloggers promoting unsafe buses

Rediff.com6 Oct 2022

The Kerala high court on Thursday asked the state government as to what steps can be taken to ensure the safety of citizens on the roads in the wake of a bus accident in Palakkad claiming nine lives, including five school students.

Highways within 100 km of borders won't need green nod: Govt

Highways within 100 km of borders won't need green nod: Govt

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

The notification issued by the Union Environment Ministry also exempts projects pertaining to the expansion of terminal buildings at airports (without an increase in the existing area of the airport) from seeking green nod.

Data privacy: Tension between big technology firms and govt boils over

Data privacy: Tension between big technology firms and govt boils over

Rediff.com22 Mar 2021

There is a perception getting built inside the government that big technology companies -- a common term used for firms like Facebook, Google, Twitter, Amazon and the like - are becoming very powerful and present multiple threats to entire nations and their citizens today. The digital ecosystem is replete with CSAM (child sexual abuse material), fake news, drug trade, radicalisation, trolling among other social vices. Given the network effect that these platforms have, it is important to ensure that these platforms are not misused.

Who stops us from correcting 'distortions' in history, asks Shah

Who stops us from correcting 'distortions' in history, asks Shah

Rediff.com25 Nov 2022

'If we do this, we will see that the true history of India will be established and the lies will end spontaneously'

Anti-terror laws shouldn't be misused to quell dissent: Justice Chandrachud

Anti-terror laws shouldn't be misused to quell dissent: Justice Chandrachud

Rediff.com13 Jul 2021

Observing that the Indian Supreme Court plays the role of a 'counter-majoritarian institution', Justice Chandrachud said it is the duty of the top court to 'protect the rights of socio-economic minorities'.

When will governments wake up to the terror threat?

When will governments wake up to the terror threat?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2018

'It is strange that a country like India, which had gone through crisis after crisis resulting from militancy, insurgency and terrorist attacks, should still be practising ad hocism in managing its security imperatives,' says B S Raghavan, the distinguished civil servant and former member of the Joint Intelligence Council.

Plea in SC seeks mechanism to check content on Twitter

Plea in SC seeks mechanism to check content on Twitter

Rediff.com20 May 2020

Political parties use fake social media accounts for self-promotion and image building and to tarnish the image of opponents and contesting candidates, especially during the elections, the plea said.

Not 'govt versus us' but 'us versus corona', says Sonia

Not 'govt versus us' but 'us versus corona', says Sonia

Rediff.com7 May 2021

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday accused the Modi government of having failed the people of the country in handling the pandemic and demanded that an all-party meeting be convened immediately on the Covid-19 situation.

Rijiju again slams Collegium; CJI calls it best system to appoint judges

Rijiju again slams Collegium; CJI calls it best system to appoint judges

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday claimed that a few retired judges and some activists who are 'part of the anti-India gang' are trying to make the Indian judiciary play the role of the opposition party.

Govt homes for serving officials, not retirees: SC

Govt homes for serving officials, not retirees: SC

Rediff.com12 Aug 2021

'The right to shelter does not mean right to government accommodation. The government accommodation is meant for serving officers and officials and not to the retirees as a benevolence and distribution of largesse,' a bench of justices Hemant Gupta and A S Bopanna said in its judgement passed last week.

SC warns officials against laxity in implementing cracker ban

SC warns officials against laxity in implementing cracker ban

Rediff.com29 Oct 2021

Warning that top officials at various levels 'shall be held personally liable' for any lapses, the apex court said it is unfortunate that despite various directions issued by it there is a blatant violation going on.

'Governance of cities has become horrendous'

'Governance of cities has become horrendous'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2014

'Disparity is not only in Mumbai; you see it in every city. The other day, I saw right next to the mansion of Mukesh Ambani worth Rs 5,000 crore for one family, thousands of people sleeping on the pavement. This is the urban India you have created!'

Covid-19 effect: Small savings cross Rs 1-trillion mark in first 6 months of FY21

Covid-19 effect: Small savings cross Rs 1-trillion mark in first 6 months of FY21

Rediff.com26 Nov 2020

Overall, small savings have amassed Rs 1.17 trillion from April-September - 26 per cent more than the previous year. But in those six months, the economy lost 24 per cent in the first three months, and is slated to lose 10 per cent in the second quarter.

India to get 3rd set of Swiss bank details, info on real estate this month

India to get 3rd set of Swiss bank details, info on real estate this month

Rediff.com12 Sep 2021

Marking a key milestone in the Indian government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad, India will get this month the complete information on flats, apartments and condominiums owned by Indians in Switzerland as also on earnings made from such properties to help it look into tax liabilities associated with those assets.

Interest rate on PPF slashed to 6.4%, NSC's to 5.9%

Interest rate on PPF slashed to 6.4%, NSC's to 5.9%

Rediff.com31 Mar 2021

The government on Wednesday cut interest rates on small savings schemes, including NSC and PPF, by up to 1.1 per cent for the first quarter of 2021-22 in line with falling fixed deposit rates of banks. Interest rate on Public Provident Fund (PPF) has been reduced by 0.7 per cent to 6.4 per cent while National Savings Certificate (NSC) will now earn 0.9 per cent less at 5.9 per cent. Interest rates for small savings schemes are notified on a quarterly basis. The rates of interest on various small savings schemes for the first quarter of the financial year 2021-22 starting from April 1 has been revised, the finance ministry said in a notification.

Modi Hai to Vishvas Hai!

Modi Hai to Vishvas Hai!

Rediff.com19 Nov 2021

Modi is seen as exceptional not only on account of his acts but also owing to his style. He appears to sacrifice his life for the people -- like a fakir, a figure he came to epitomize even more in 2020 by growing a long white beard. Charisma is above accountability, and Modi has grasped these dynamics.

'AI is going to be used as a weapon by the bad guys'

'AI is going to be used as a weapon by the bad guys'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2022

'This is a race where every technology can be used by the bad guys and good guys.'

'Govt wants 1.38 bn Indians to be yes men of the ruling party'

'Govt wants 1.38 bn Indians to be yes men of the ruling party'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2021

'It is a sad day when social activists, environmental campaigners, anti-corruption workers are singled out as anti-nationals and then criminalised.'

Benjamin Netanyahu set to return as Israel PM

Benjamin Netanyahu set to return as Israel PM

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

With 99 per cent of the ballots counted, Netanyahu-led right-wing bloc has taken a comfortable lead with 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset, paving way for his triumphant return.

106 PFI members from 15 states held in mega NIA crackdown

106 PFI members from 15 states held in mega NIA crackdown

Rediff.com22 Sep 2022

The raids, taking place mainly in South India, was termed by the NIA as the 'largest ever' investigation process 'till date'.

Why Is Modi Chipping Away At EPFO?

Why Is Modi Chipping Away At EPFO?

Rediff.com4 Oct 2021

Will the EPFO be required to deduct tax at source or will the employee have to calculate the tax and pay it separately?

Govt seeks dismissal of review petition on PM CARES Fund

Govt seeks dismissal of review petition on PM CARES Fund

Rediff.com9 Jan 2021

The Union government told the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court that audit statement of receipt and payment accounts of the PM CARES Fund for 2019-20 was available on the trust's website.

'My country is walking down a dark path'

'My country is walking down a dark path'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2021

'The only reason why these troubling developments are taking place is because of a certain arrogance of power displayed by this government that hopes to clamp down on those voices which have repeatedly pointed out that their bloated rhetoric and grandstanding are not matched by their insipid and tepid response in matters of governance.'

Gotabaya retains Mahinda, drops 3 Rajapaksas in new cabinet

Gotabaya retains Mahinda, drops 3 Rajapaksas in new cabinet

Rediff.com19 Apr 2022

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa became the only member of the family to retain a cabinet position in his younger brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa's new cabinet of 17 ministers appointed on Monday, as the island nation was facing the worst economic crisis.

Where Will You Invest This Year?

Where Will You Invest This Year?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2023

Avoid discontinuing your SIPs. Persist for at least 7-10 years.

India will vote my government back to power: Chidambaram

India will vote my government back to power: Chidambaram

Rediff.com11 Oct 2013

Finance Minister P Chidambaram, while addressing the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on "Recapturing India's Growth Momentum" in Washington on Thursday, said that the leading think tank need not launch an initiative to explore how India will vote in 2014, declaring that the Indian polity will vote the Congress back into power.