News for 'Democratic National Finance Committee'

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

In terms of MLA salaries, Odisha is followed by Telangana (about Rs 2.7 lakh), Maharashtra (Rs 2.6 lakh), Manipur (Rs 2.5 lakh), and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 2.4 lakh).

Can This Man Improve India-US Relations?

Can This Man Improve India-US Relations?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The fact that Gor has President Trump's ear makes him an extremely valuable commodity for India -- he represents both a challenge and an opportunity, points out Aditi Phadnis.

GST 2.0 Needs Deeper Reforms

GST 2.0 Needs Deeper Reforms

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Since items in the 12% category account for only about 5% of total GST, the additional boost to consumption may not be significant, points out M Govinda Rao.

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

'Karur could still impact Jana Nayagan's box-office success if Vijay and the TVK do not get their act together,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Will not be found wanting: Tharoor on leading Op Sindoor delegation

Will not be found wanting: Tharoor on leading Op Sindoor delegation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Tharoor also said he is honoured by the invitation of the government to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals to present the nation's point of view on recent events.

Govt forms cabinet committees on security, economic affairs; includes allies

Govt forms cabinet committees on security, economic affairs; includes allies

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

The members of the cabinet committees included Union ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party and its National Democratic Alliance partners like Janata Dal-United, Telugu Desam Party, Janata Dal-Secular, Shiv Sena and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas.

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'This victory would mean a huge inspiration for the next generation who can say that coming from India I can be anybody I want to be if I work hard and acquire the right skills.' 'They could be the next President, members of the Senate, or another Sundar Pichai.'

Democrats keep control of US Senate after crucial midterm polls

Democrats keep control of US Senate after crucial midterm polls

Rediff.com13 Nov 2022

The ruling Democratic Party will retain majority control of the United States Senate as two of its candidates are projected to win their pivotal races against Republican rivals, in a major boost to President Joe Biden in the second half of his term, both for his legislative agenda and his ability to appoint judges and other key officials.

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The meeting also included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The attack, which killed at least 26 people, including tourists from the UAE and Nepal, has sparked nationwide shock and outrage.

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

'Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji's dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin - indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too - compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.'

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was "bulldozed" through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable bills approved during the session included the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session, which saw high productivity, also witnessed debates on issues such as economic distress, delimitation, and the three-language policy. While the government touted its achievements, the opposition criticized the government's approach and vowed to challenge the Waqf bill in court.

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

These self-appointed well-wishers of AMU are basically for the control or police model of university governance. They have no faith whatsoever in the democratic functioning of the universities, observes Faizan Mustafa, former dean, Faculty of Law, and Registrar, Aligarh Muslim University.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

'Dr Singh Was The Best PM In Modern Times'

'Dr Singh Was The Best PM In Modern Times'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

'All the big things happening today in economic development have their beginning in Dr Manmohan Singh's ideas.'

SEBI chief Buch skips PAC summons; BJP miffed at panel chair

SEBI chief Buch skips PAC summons; BJP miffed at panel chair

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Buch, under a cloud over allegations of conflict of interest levelled by United States-based short-seller Hindenburg, was asked to appear before the PAC, which is reviewing the performance of the market regulator.

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

As the United States focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its 'downward trend of democratic values and institutions', said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Parl's stormy monsoon session ends; productivity of LS 136%, RS 118%

Parl's stormy monsoon session ends; productivity of LS 136%, RS 118%

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat in the Olympics after being found overweight before the final bout also saw the government and Opposition come to blows in Parliament.

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

It was a protest which held a mirror to the government of a state taking pride in its commitment to democracy, gender equality and social indices.One person, who in his employed days had known governments and political parties at close quarters, told me that public perception of how the Kerala government handled the ASHA workers' strike had been terrible, reports Shyam G Menon.

Union Budget, 6 bills to be tabled during monsoon session

Union Budget, 6 bills to be tabled during monsoon session

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on Tuesday as the Monsoon Session of Parliament gets underway next week with the united opposition set to corner the National Democratic Alliance government on issues ranging from the NEET paper leak case and railway safety.

Obama campaign announces Asian American panel

Obama campaign announces Asian American panel

Rediff.com9 Jul 2008

The campaign said that, "the committee is comprised of diverse American communities of supporters, including those from Asian-American, South-Asian American, and Pacific Islander background, who will help raise funds to elect Senator Barack Obama as president and to strengthen and expand the Democratic Party."

Is Priyanka A Political Tourist In Wayanad?

Is Priyanka A Political Tourist In Wayanad?

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

When it comes to the Congress and Wayanad, the only way the scepticism in the minds of some in Kerala may be addressed is by the Gandhi family proving that they are more than a passing caravan in town, reports Shyam G Menon.

Trump says Indian-Americans would be voting for him

Trump says Indian-Americans would be voting for him

Rediff.com5 Sep 2020

"We have great support from India. We have great support from Prime Minister Modi. I would think that the Indian (American) people would be voting for Trump," the President told reporters at a White House news conference.

Joe Biden's 'dirty work': Trump denounces his indictment

Joe Biden's 'dirty work': Trump denounces his indictment

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

Donald Trump issued a scathing response to his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury, describing it as 'political persecution' and election interference at the highest level in history and warning that the 'witch-hunt' will backfire massively on United States President Joe Biden.

California's first woman Attorney General Kamala Harris seeks re-election

California's first woman Attorney General Kamala Harris seeks re-election

Rediff.com28 Feb 2014

California Attorney General Kamala D Harris announced on February 12 that she would be seeking re-election to the post.

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Kerala's election discourse operates surreptitiously. Its explicit face focuses on important national and local issues. At the same time, it seeks to secure apt communal equations to ensure votes, notes Shyam G Menon.

INDIA's PM face will be ....: Rahul Gandhi puts speculation to rest

INDIA's PM face will be ....: Rahul Gandhi puts speculation to rest

Rediff.com5 Apr 2024

Speaking at the Congress manifesto launch programme, Gandhi said it is a much closer contest than what is propagated by the media, and expressed confidence in winning the polls.

Kovind's report moots simultaneous LS, assembly polls as first step

Kovind's report moots simultaneous LS, assembly polls as first step

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

A high-level committee on Thursday recommended simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

Law Commission meets Kovind panel on simultaneous polls

Law Commission meets Kovind panel on simultaneous polls

Rediff.com25 Oct 2023

Sources said the report of the law panel on simultaneous polls is not yet finalised. They said "some more things are required to be done", indicating that the law panel will be invited again by the high-level committee.

Will Thiruvanathapuram Elect Tharoor A 4th Time?

Will Thiruvanathapuram Elect Tharoor A 4th Time?

Rediff.com24 Apr 2024

24 hours before campaigning ends in Thiruvanathapuram, Archana Masih/Rediff.com discovers Shashi Tharoor and his BJP rival Rajeev Chandrasekhar are busy getting their message across to voters.

'Nobody's Asking Where Money Will Come For Freebies'

'Nobody's Asking Where Money Will Come For Freebies'

Rediff.com24 May 2024

'The prime minister's comment on 'revdi culture' was welcome. But I am disappointed he did not follow up on that.' 'All political parties, including the BJP, have been guilty of this.' 'Now, Modi's guarantees, the Congress's 'nyay' path and both ruling and Opposition parties are vying with each other for freebies in my home state Andhra Pradesh.'

MCC recommends limiting bilateral ODIs

MCC recommends limiting bilateral ODIs

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

'In many ways, cricket is growing and, on the surface, seems financially strong. However, we are increasingly seeing a game which focuses on a powerful few, as opposed to a democratic and inclusive approach for the benefit of the whole sport.'

EC reveals electoral bond donors, but not who gave which party

EC reveals electoral bond donors, but not who gave which party

Rediff.com15 Mar 2024

From steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal to billionaire Sunil Bharti Mittal's Airtel, Anil Agarwal's Vedanta, ITC, Mahindra and Mahindra, and a lesser-known Future Gaming and Hotel Services were among the prominent buyers of the now-scrapped electoral bonds for making political donations.

If Modi Wants A Full Term...

If Modi Wants A Full Term...

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

It will be in Modi's interest to reinvent his party, read the writing on the wall that voters wrote, and move ahead. He has little choice now. The country is watching, asserts Ramesh Menon.

'MODI stands for murder-of-democratic-institutions'

'MODI stands for murder-of-democratic-institutions'

Rediff.com20 May 2015

As the Narendra Modi government nears completing a year in office, the Congress on Wednesday stepped up its offensive against the prime minister accusing him of weakening democracy by running a "one-man show" while scoring maximum on "arrogance" and minimum on governance.

Plot to kill Pannun: Nikhil Gupta can be extradited to US, rules Czech court

Plot to kill Pannun: Nikhil Gupta can be extradited to US, rules Czech court

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

Gupta, arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 last year, is currently held in Prague's Pankrak prison.

Indian American named new White House LGBT liaison

Indian American named new White House LGBT liaison

Rediff.com11 Nov 2014

Indian American Aditi Hardikar has been appointed to a key White House position to liaison with LGBT as well as the Asian American and Pacific Islanders communities.

How Modi Lost While Winning

How Modi Lost While Winning

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

For the first time in his political career, he failed to carry his party to even a working majority -- and again, for the first time in his career, he finds himself in a situation where he cannot rule by dictatorial fiat, points out Prem Panicker.