News for 'Communications and Public Policy'

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

'What's sad today is that there are so many people who cannot find work, not because the country is devoid of that opportunity, but because we are not doing enough in the country.'

CM in jail: Delhi L-G postpones mayoral polls

CM in jail: Delhi L-G postpones mayoral polls

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

Elections to the posts of mayor and deputy mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi that were slated for April 26 were postponed on Thursday, with Lt Governor V K Saxena citing 'unprecedented' circumstances where the chief minister is under judicial custody and cannot discharge his constitutionally obligated functions.

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.

Rahul explains how Cong will 'uproot' 50% quota cap

Rahul explains how Cong will 'uproot' 50% quota cap

Rediff.com9 Mar 2024

Gandhi said the Congress' slogan is 'count' because that would be the first step towards justice.

PIL against withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes dismissed

PIL against withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes dismissed

Rediff.com3 Jul 2023

The Delhi high court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the RBI's decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation. A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, which had reserved its order on the PIL on May 30, rejected the plea. Petitioner Rajneesh Bhaskar Gupta has contended that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has no power to withdraw Rs 2,000 currency notes from circulation and only the Centre could have taken a decision in this regard.

'Modi will win with largest majority ever recorded'

'Modi will win with largest majority ever recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2024

Ron Somers, founder and CEO of India First Group and the former President of leading business advocacy group US-India Business Council said that when Lok Sabha election results are declared on June 4, "I believe that Narendra Modi will win Parliament by the largest majority ever recorded in the country's history.

PSU banks urged to review their gold loan portfolio

PSU banks urged to review their gold loan portfolio

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

The finance ministry has directed all state-owned banks to review their gold loan portfolio as instances of non-compliance with regulatory norms have been noticed by the government. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) in a communication addressed to heads of public sector banks has asked them to look at their system and processes related to gold loan. "We have asked banks to undertake comprehensive review of the gold loan business," financial services secretary Vivek Joshi told PTI.

WhatsApp's new privacy policy challenged in Delhi HC

WhatsApp's new privacy policy challenged in Delhi HC

Rediff.com14 Jan 2021

The plea was filed by advocate Chaitanya Rohilla who stated that WhatsApp changed its privacy policy in "most arbitrary manner" and had made it compulsory for its users to accept its terms and conditions, failing which the accounts and services would be terminated after February 8, 2021 for the respective user.

SC refuses to entertain plea against new WhatsApp privacy policy

SC refuses to entertain plea against new WhatsApp privacy policy

Rediff.com5 Feb 2021

The plea, filed through advocate Vivek Narayan Sharma, had said that the public interest litigation was necessitated due to the alleged failure of the Centre in carrying out its constitutional duty and responsibility to protect the rights to privacy and freedom of speech and expression of the citizens of India.

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US is expected to see discussion on India's possible entry into a US-led global alliance on critical minerals, officials told Business Standard. In June last year, the US, the European Union, and other G7 partners launched the Minerals Security Partnership to ensure that China did not further strengthen its grip on supplies of critical minerals the world over. Various ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, have communicated to the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of India joining the partnership, officials said.

What changes new Telecom Bill will bring

What changes new Telecom Bill will bring

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

Officials said the bill has provided a clear legal basis for spectrum allocation, which till now was allocated or auctioned by the government based on the interpretation of various laws and judgements.

Borrowers will soon be able to switch to fixed-rate regime: RBI

Borrowers will soon be able to switch to fixed-rate regime: RBI

Rediff.com10 Aug 2023

The Reserve Bank on Thursday said it will come out with a framework allowing borrowers to switch to fixed interest rate from floating interest rate, a move that would provide relief to borrowers of home, auto and other loans reeling under the impact of high interest rate. Unveiling the bi-monthly monetary policy, Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das said under the framework, to be put in place shortly, the lenders will have to clearly communicate with the borrowers about tenor and EMI. "The supervisory reviews undertaken by the Reserve Bank and the feedback and references from members of public have revealed several instances of unreasonable elongation of tenor of floating rate loans by lenders without proper consent and communication to the borrowers," he said.

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

Whether it was the MGNREGS or the NFSA or the Aadhaar-based DBT scheme for cash transfer, the Modi government has built on the basic architecture created by the Singh government. Policy makers in the Modi government, instead of discarding them as products of the previous political regime, worked on them, expanded their scope and reach, and used new tools to improve their performance, explains A K Bhattacharya.

Plea against WhatsApp privacy policy: Delhi HC judge recuses

Plea against WhatsApp privacy policy: Delhi HC judge recuses

Rediff.com15 Jan 2021

During the short hearing, Justice Prathibha M Singh took strong objection to an email sent by WhatsApp to the court. "I was in any case not going to hear it," the court clarified and sent the matter to another bench recording that the email sent by WhatsApp should be withdrawn unconditionally.

Vadakara: The Most Important Contest In Kerala

Vadakara: The Most Important Contest In Kerala

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Shailaja Teacher, arguably the most famous Covid warrior in India, versus former student leader Shafi Parambil who defeated 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan in the last assembly election. Shyam G Menon reports from the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency, which some feel is the most politically important contest in Kerala this election.

NCERT tweaks references to Babri Masjid, Gujarat riots, Hindutva

NCERT tweaks references to Babri Masjid, Gujarat riots, Hindutva

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

Dropping references to the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, the killing of Muslims in Gujarat riots and Hindutva, and tweaking the reference to Manipur's merger with India are among the latest set of revisions made public by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in its textbooks.

Both NCP factions say no split, no dispute in party

Both NCP factions say no split, no dispute in party

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

The Election Commission has called the rival factions of the NCP for a personal hearing on October 6 following a petition filed by the Ajit group claiming that he has been elected as the party's national president.

Top officials brief Kovind on simultaneous polls

Top officials brief Kovind on simultaneous polls

Rediff.com3 Sep 2023

People aware of the development said, Law Secretary Niten Chandra, Legislative Secretary Reeta Vasishta and others met Kovind this afternoon to understand how he would like to go about the agenda before the committee.

Policy hurdles mess up 'Make in India'

Policy hurdles mess up 'Make in India'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2016

Make in India needs policy support for access to markets.

Investors In India Needs Red Carpet, Not Red Tape

Investors In India Needs Red Carpet, Not Red Tape

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

'India needs many more job creators, both in manufacturing and services, to make it big.' 'For that, the red carpet must be rolled out fully and for all investors without holding back,' suggests Nivedita Mookerji.

DoT to make room for 'powerful' regulator

DoT to make room for 'powerful' regulator

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

The government plans to remove the definition of broadcasting services altogether from the bill to help reduce confusion among stakeholders.

Email security policy soon: Minister

Email security policy soon: Minister

Rediff.com23 Dec 2013

The policy will be announced shortly, Minister of State for Communications and IT Milind Deora said on Monday.

RBI prevented complete collapse of economy: Das

RBI prevented complete collapse of economy: Das

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday defended the Reserve Bank's handling of the price situation, saying acting prematurely on inflation would have exerted a heavy cost on the economy and citizens. Acknowledging that the inflation target has been missed, Das said the RBI decided to support the economy by not introducing a rate hike in face of a spike in inflation. "We prevented a 'complete collapse of the economy' by keeping rates lower and stayed away from premature tightening," Das said speaking at the annual FIBAC conference of bankers in Mumbai.

Govt exempts Whatsapp, Facebook from encryption policy

Govt exempts Whatsapp, Facebook from encryption policy

Rediff.com22 Sep 2015

The govt withdrew the draft encryption policy which made it mandatory for storage of all messages, including social media, for 90 days.

Beware! The Yellow Dragon Is Awake!

Beware! The Yellow Dragon Is Awake!

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

Throughout 2022, China turned to the PLA as an increasingly capable instrument of Statecraft, strengthening its ability to 'fight and win wars' against a 'strong enemy', points out Ajai Shukla.

'Climate Change Is The Main Villain'

'Climate Change Is The Main Villain'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

'Since there is no photo-op, or quick fix solutions, politicians do not want to address climate change. It is very unfashionable.'

Now, CBI summons Kejriwal for questioning; AAP cries foul

Now, CBI summons Kejriwal for questioning; AAP cries foul

Rediff.com14 Apr 2023

Kejriwal has been asked to be present at the agency headquarters at 11 am to answer queries of the investigating team.

Modi's 'redistribution' charge against Cong gets Pitroda's booster

Modi's 'redistribution' charge against Cong gets Pitroda's booster

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

In his poll rallies, Modi framed Pitroda's comments in his wider onslaught against the Congress, asserting that they have exposed its hidden agenda and that the party has become so removed from the country's social and family values that it wants to legally rob people of their assets and lifelong savings they want to bequeath to their children.

SC seeks OROP payment plan from Centre within a week

SC seeks OROP payment plan from Centre within a week

Rediff.com13 Mar 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday said the ministry of defence cannot take law in its own hands by issuing communication on payment of One Rank-One Pension (OROP) arrears in four instalments.

Apple CEO apologises for warranty policies in China

Apple CEO apologises for warranty policies in China

Rediff.com2 Apr 2013

Bowing to pressure mounted by Chinese official media, Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook has apologised for company's warranty policies in China, saying the company is sorry for any "concern or misunderstanding" in the country.

From Godrej to Tata, India Inc begins breaking the diversity mould

From Godrej to Tata, India Inc begins breaking the diversity mould

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

In a move towards gender inclusion, Tamil Nadu has partnered Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) to offer a 5 per cent job reservation for LGBTQAI+ and people with disabilities at GCPL's upcoming fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing unit in Thiruporur in Chengalpattu district. According to industry experts and activists, while companies acknowledge transgender communities, this is the first time the entire spectrum of gender minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity), asexual and intersex, is receiving such a notable share of job participation in the private sector while signing memoranda of understanding with states.

Haven't encroached upon Delhi HC land: AAP tells SC

Haven't encroached upon Delhi HC land: AAP tells SC

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

The Aam Aadmi Party has told the Supreme Court that it has not 'encroached' the land of the Delhi high court at Rouse Avenue in New Delhi and that the space was allotted to it in 2015.

Global fundraising via IPOs drops 52% in 2023 to $147.2 billion

Global fundraising via IPOs drops 52% in 2023 to $147.2 billion

Rediff.com29 Sep 2023

Fundraising via initial public offers (IPOs) dropped 52.2 per cent to $147.2 billion in the first eight months of calendar year 2023 (CY23), suggests a recent report by GlobalData, a London-based analytics and consulting company. At the country level, the report suggests, India topped the charts with 152 transactions worth $3.8 billion during this period, primarily due to a higher number of SME IPOs, followed by the US with 99 deals totaling $16 billion, while China ranked third with 88 transactions worth $32.3 billion. "An analysis of GlobalData's Deals Database reveals that there were 750 IPO listings registered with an aggregate deal value of $147.2 billion in the first eight months of 2023 on the stock exchanges worldwide.

2-judge bench divided over IT rules on fake news, 3rd judge to hear matter

2-judge bench divided over IT rules on fake news, 3rd judge to hear matter

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

A division bench of the Bombay high court on Wednesday delivered a split verdict on a bunch of petitions challenging the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules dealing with fake news against the government on social media.

Delhi excise case: ED arrests AAP leader, Hyderabad businessman

Delhi excise case: ED arrests AAP leader, Hyderabad businessman

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Aam Aadmi Party communication in-charge Vijay Nair and businessman Abhishek Boinpally in connection with its ongoing money laundering probe into the Delhi Excise policy that was scraped following corruption allegations, official sources said Monday.

Stop criticising policies, finance ministry warns employees

Stop criticising policies, finance ministry warns employees

Rediff.com6 Feb 2017

The instructions cite service rules that bar any government servant from making any adverse criticism of any policy or action of the government.

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

The 'Pesta Demokrasi' is a cause for celebration not only for Indonesia but also for democracy and forces for peace all over the globe, notes Sandeep Chakravorty, India's Ambassador to Indonesia.

Congress may plan another Bharat Jodo Yatra next year: Ramesh

Congress may plan another Bharat Jodo Yatra next year: Ramesh

Rediff.com16 Sep 2022

'Bharat Jodo Yatra' is a 'booster dose' for the Congress and a 'decisive and transformational moment' for the politics of the country, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said in Guwahati on Friday.

Buying Financial Products? Beware!

Buying Financial Products? Beware!

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

Avoid relying on a bank RM for investment advice. Instead, approach a Sebi-registered investment advisor whose livelihood depends on the fee paid by his customers and not on product commissions.

SC orders MHA to create media briefing manual for police on criminal cases

SC orders MHA to create media briefing manual for police on criminal cases

Rediff.com13 Sep 2023

Observing that biased reporting gives rise to public suspicion that the person has committed an offence, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said media reports can also violate the privacy of a victim.