News for 'Culture Department'

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In 2023-2024, 95 scheduled commercial banks received over 10 million complaints from their customers. The process of KYC at many banks has become 'HYC' -- harass your customer, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Detained for Pahalgam attack, JK man jumps into river, drowns

Detained for Pahalgam attack, JK man jumps into river, drowns

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The body of a 22-year-old man was found in a river in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, sparking allegations that he was picked up by security forces for questioning after a terror attack. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference Lok Sabha member Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Ittoo have demanded a judicial probe into the death of Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray.

Ajit Pawar ticks off Nitesh Rane: No communal rift, please!

Ajit Pawar ticks off Nitesh Rane: No communal rift, please!

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has criticized his cabinet colleague, Nitesh Rane, for making "misleading" statements about Muslims not being part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army. Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party, called for restraint from political leaders and stressed the importance of maintaining communal harmony in the state. He emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj never discriminated based on caste or creed and highlighted the contributions of Muslims during his reign.

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

No justification for...: Modi, Saudi crown prince condemn terrorism

No justification for...: Modi, Saudi crown prince condemn terrorism

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

During the talks, the two sides appreciated the deepening of the defence ties as a key pillar of the strategic partnership and welcomed the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has distributed portfolios among the new ministers, keeping key departments such as Home, Personnel, and several others to himself. The Congress' Radhakrishna Kishore was given Finance, Commercial Tax, Planning and Development Department, and Parliamentary Affairs departments. JMM's Deepak Biruwa was allotted the departments of Revenue, Registration and Land Reforms (non-registration), and Transport. Chamra Linda, another JMM leader, was allotted the departments of Schedule Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes (except Minority Welfare). RJD's Sanjay Prasad Yadav was given the departments of Industries, and Labour, Planning, Training and Skill Development. The Congress' Irfan Ansari got Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, besides Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, and Disaster Management departments. The chief minister also kept to himself the departments of Cabinet Secretariat, Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Official Language, Road Construction, Building Construction, and those departments yet to be distributed to anyone. Among the other ministers, JMM's Ramdas Soren was given the School Education and Literacy, and Registration departments. Party colleague Hafizul Hasan was allotted the departments of Water Resources, and Minority Welfare Department. Panchayati Raj, Rural Works, and Rural Development departments were given to Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh. The CM gave Drinking Water and Sanitation, and Excise and Prohibition departments to JMM's Yogendra Prasad. JMM legislator Sudhivya Kumar became the minister for Urban Development and Housing, Higher and Technical Education, and Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs departments. Shilpi Neha Tirkey of the Congress was allotted Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative Department. A total of 11 MLAs took oath as ministers in the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand on Thursday.

Frederick Forsyth Made Us Think About The World's Fault Lines

Frederick Forsyth Made Us Think About The World's Fault Lines

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

He was a storyteller who made me feel the pulse of history, the stakes of human ambition, and the thrill of a well-told tale. Prem Panicker recalls his debt to Frederick Forsyth, who passed away on Monday.

34% Indians Face Job Stress; 49% Want To Change Jobs

34% Indians Face Job Stress; 49% Want To Change Jobs

Rediff.com5 May 2025

30% of Indian employees report experiencing daily stress in their workplace. This high stress level is compounded by anger, with 34% of Indian employees experiencing daily anger at work -- a figure significantly higher than many other countries.

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Whether it's navigating the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels, boating on the Mekong, marveling at ancient Champa temples, or the Mekong Bay, Vietnam promises a journey like no other.

'Goa Beach Shacks Can't Sell Idli-Sambar'

'Goa Beach Shacks Can't Sell Idli-Sambar'

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'These beach shacks were meant to protect the employment of local Goans who in turn would showcase Goan cuisine and culture on the beaches of Goa.'

Never discuss such individual issues: Modi on Adani issue

Never discuss such individual issues: Modi on Adani issue

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

In November last year, an indictment was unsealed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, charging prominent Indian executives, including Chairman of the Adani Group, Gautam Adani, by linking them to an alleged bribery scheme.

H-1B visa: Musk, Ramaswamy face Trump supporter's wrath

H-1B visa: Musk, Ramaswamy face Trump supporter's wrath

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

A major divide has emerged within Donald Trump's MAGA team in the United States, as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy who advocated for the expansion of the visa program for 'highly skilled workers' faced heavy backlash from within President-elect's base, CNN reported.

Cong culture to defame own leaders after death, says Rao's kin on Aiyar remarks

Cong culture to defame own leaders after death, says Rao's kin on Aiyar remarks

Rediff.com25 Aug 2023

Subhash said the Congress never gave respect to its own leaders and especially to Narasimha Rao who is known for his economic reforms in the country when he was prime minister.

Building a 'Uber'culture

Building a 'Uber'culture

Rediff.com22 Jun 2017

The cab-hailing firm needs to jettison its baggage of dysfunctional corporate and gender insensitivity, finds out Ritwik Sharma.

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka, where he will hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and strengthen ties through agreements on defence, energy security, and digitalisation. This visit aims to further bolster the already strong relationship between the two nations and is expected to include several outcomes, including a defence cooperation agreement, debt restructuring, and a currency swap. This visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, where India played a significant role in providing financial assistance.

ISSF WC: Can Manu Bhaker make history in Buenos Aires?

ISSF WC: Can Manu Bhaker make history in Buenos Aires?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The first batch of 22 Indian shooters, accompanied by 13 support staff, has departed for Buenos Aires to compete in the first ISSF World Cup of the year.

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Dharma Guardian 2025 will primarily focus on urban warfare tactics and counter-terrorism operations and underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The latest biopic on Jyotibai Phule has come at a time when the Department of Taking Offence is super-active. Utkarsh Mishra feels it will be interesting to see if it portrays his attack on Brahminism in the same 'no holds barred' manner-- and, if it does, what reaction it provokes.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said he is "more than happy" to take responsibility for everything wrong the party did in its history, including the 1984 Sikh riots. He acknowledged that the party made "a lot of mistakes" when he was not there, but said he has publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was "wrong." The remarks were made during an interaction at Brown University in the US. The video of the interaction was uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs on Saturday. The BJP has criticized Gandhi for his remarks, accusing him of "ridiculing" the beliefs of Hindus and Sikhs.

'Not Easy For New Delhi To Overlook Delimitation'

'Not Easy For New Delhi To Overlook Delimitation'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'If delimitation is not handled well by the Centre, the southern states are certainly going to challenge it.'

US hands over 297 antiquities smuggled out of India

US hands over 297 antiquities smuggled out of India

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

The United States has handed over to India 297 antiquities, which were smuggled out of the country, during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official statement said on Sunday.

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses enforcement of foreign bribery law

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses enforcement of foreign bribery law

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to pause enforcing a nearly half-century-old law that was used to launch a bribery investigation against the Adani Group. Trump signed an order to pause enforcing of the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits American companies and foreign firms from bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain or retain business.

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Trump signed an order to pause enforcing of the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits American companies and foreign firms from bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain or retain business.

PIX: Modi meets J D Vance, Usha and their sons in Paris

PIX: Modi meets J D Vance, Usha and their sons in Paris

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice President J D Vance and his family, Estonian President Alar Karis, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. The meetings focused on bilateral relations, AI collaboration, and trade opportunities. Modi also invited Estonia to explore opportunities in India's growth story. He concluded the summit by expressing India's willingness to host the next AI Action Summit.

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

Adani issue national matter, not personal: Rahul Gandhi

Adani issue national matter, not personal: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his response to questions about the Adani Group controversy during his US visit. Gandhi alleged that Modi downplayed the issue as a 'personal matter' and did not raise it with US President Donald Trump. Gandhi argued that the controversy is a 'matter of the country' and should not be ignored by the Prime Minister.

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Elon Musk, who has previously vowed to "go to war" to defend the H-1B visa program, has reignited debate surrounding the program by labeling it "broken" and in urgent need of "major reform." Musk, along with Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tapped by Trump to lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Musk acknowledges the need for foreign workers in the tech industry, he believes the current H-1B system needs significant changes, including raising the minimum salary and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the visa. The H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, has been a subject of debate for years. The tech industry advocates for more H-1B visas to attract highly skilled workers, while some argue that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers.

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India as a sovereign democratic republic completed 75 years of its eventful journey on Sunday, with the stage set at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi for the ceremonial parade during which the country will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage.

Pralay missiles battlefield surveillance systems to debut on Republic Day

Pralay missiles battlefield surveillance systems to debut on Republic Day

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Ahead of Republic Day, the Indian Army announced on Thursday the addition of two new features to this year's parade: battlefield surveillance systems and a Defebce Research and Development Organisation tableau showcasing Pralay, short-range ballistic missiles.

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Many states are realising that hosting mega events puts the spotlight on them and raises their profile.

'Too Much Work Pressure. Should I Quit?'

'Too Much Work Pressure. Should I Quit?'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

rediffGURU Major Inderpaul Singh (retd) offers career guidance and helps students and individuals handle challenges in their professional lives.

'Off The Field Kohli Is Very Chilled Out'

'Off The Field Kohli Is Very Chilled Out'

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'The 2018 series win in Australia stands out in his captaincy.'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

'Dr Singh wanted to be treated in India, not abroad'

'Dr Singh wanted to be treated in India, not abroad'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

"Dr Manmohan Singh, soon after becoming the prime minister, had himself carried a small table for us to have tea comfortably at his Safdarjung Lane residence instead of asking his house help," Dr Srinath Reddy, who was the chairperson of the PM's medical panel, recalled.

Maha govt declares desi cows 'Rajyamata Gomata'

Maha govt declares desi cows 'Rajyamata Gomata'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

The decision, which comes ahead of the state assembly elections, underscores the cow's spiritual, scientific, and historical significance in Indian society, an official said. It highlights the integral role that cows have played in India's cultural landscape for centuries, he added.

R-Day Parade: India to celebrate 75 years of Constitution with military might

R-Day Parade: India to celebrate 75 years of Constitution with military might

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

India will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26 to mark the 76th Republic Day. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at the event, which will also see the participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia. The theme of the parade is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', focusing on the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution. The parade will feature a number of cutting-edge defense platforms, including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, as well as the Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay'.