News for 'Department for International Development'

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

Tatas to build Rs 650 cr museum of temples in Ayodhya

Tatas to build Rs 650 cr museum of temples in Ayodhya

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

Sharing details about the decision, tourism minister Jaivir Singh said the tourism department would provide the company land for the international-level museum on a 90-year lease for a token amount of Re 1.

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

'We can hope to see a lot of creation of jobs in the days to come.'

Dharavi redevelopment: No land transfer to Adani group

Dharavi redevelopment: No land transfer to Adani group

Rediff.com16 Jun 2024

The multi-crore Dharavi slum redevelopment project involves no land transfer to the Adani group but to the Maharashtra government's departments, and the Ahmedabad-based conglomerate, as a project developer, will build houses that will be handed over to the same departments for allotment to residents of Asia's biggest slums, sources said. Denying allegations of land grab made by MP Varsha Gaikwad, sources close to the project said land parcels are to be transferred only to Dharavi Redevelopment Project/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (DRP/SRA) of the state government's housing department.

Govt may overhaul PLI schemes: Quarterly incentive payments on the table

Govt may overhaul PLI schemes: Quarterly incentive payments on the table

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

To burnish production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, the government is considering an overhaul of some of them relating to sectors such as textiles and pharma, and making incentive payments quarterly, officials in the know said. In a bid to cut the delay in processing incentive claims, the government is looking at switching to a quarterly disbursement of incentives. Currently, in most schemes, incentives are annual.

'I Should Have Won 1.25 Lakh Votes'

'I Should Have Won 1.25 Lakh Votes'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

'There is a difference between a politician and leader.' 'A politician will have his pound of flesh first and do everything else later.' 'A leader will sacrifice everything to help people.'

Mamata accepts doc's demands, but docs continue 'cease work'. Here's why

Mamata accepts doc's demands, but docs continue 'cease work'. Here's why

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

The doctors asserts that they will take a final call on withdrawing their agitation only after the state government implements its announcements made on the previous night "in true spirit".

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Delhi's appeasement strategy may now translate as more mega arms deals with the US, generating substantial business and job creation in the American economy. Make no mistake, Americans will use it to pressure India, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Mamata removes CP, top health officials, but docs to continue stir

Mamata removes CP, top health officials, but docs to continue stir

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Following a meeting with the medics, she claimed that talks were "fruitful" and nearly "99 percent of their demands have been accepted", Banerjee said.

'Voter Is Keeping Centre On Tenterhooks'

'Voter Is Keeping Centre On Tenterhooks'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

'If you want to win you need to perform.' 'Governments have found a way to buck anti-incumbency, but one policy intervention will not pay in all elections.'

Cyclone Dana's landfall process over after 8 hrs

Cyclone Dana's landfall process over after 8 hrs

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The landfall process of the severe cyclonic storm Dana was complete on Friday morning and the system took at least eight and half hours to enter the landmass, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The 'deliberate attack' on a Hindu temple in Canada sparked strong condemnation in India on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

India takes first steps to meet 2070 net-zero goal, Niti Aayog forms panels

India takes first steps to meet 2070 net-zero goal, Niti Aayog forms panels

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

Three years after India declared its goal to become a net-zero economy by 2070, the policy design for achieving the target has begun, with the NITI Aayog forming dedicated multi-sectoral committees to prepare a transition plan. In 2021, India joined a select group of nations that set a target year for becoming net-zero carbon economy. At COP26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a five-pronged 'Panchamitra' climate action target for India and committed to a net-zero target by 2070, joining nations like the US, the UK, and China.

What To Do If You Get I-T Notice

What To Do If You Get I-T Notice

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

'File all the supporting documents in response to the allegation since there is a possibility of the proceedings getting dropped at that stage if the reply is satisfactory.'

Old Tax Regime May Soon Be History

Old Tax Regime May Soon Be History

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

There are a number of steps taken that will leave more money in the hands of the taxpayers.
These include the reduction in tax rates under the new tax regime, increase in standard deduction, allowing tax collected at source to be adjusted against tax deducted at source from salaries, notes Harsh Roongta.

A yr of Israel-Hamas war: Trade with W Asia holds steady

A yr of Israel-Hamas war: Trade with W Asia holds steady

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

A year after a Hamas attack against Israel on October 7 and the ensuing Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, India's trade with most West Asian countries has largely escaped any major disruption, except with countries like Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. However, repeated flare-ups of geopolitical tensions in the region continue to drive up shipping and logistics costs.

Must Watch: Stories From Around The World

Must Watch: Stories From Around The World

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Aseem Chhabra's Top 10 Films/ Series from TIFF 2024 includes films that he watched for the first time in Toronto. The films were impressive due to their rigor, passion, unique storytelling style and sometimes exploring the vulnerable sides of big name stars.

Remembering Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day

Remembering Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

PM Modi, Sports Minister Mandaviya lead tributes to Olympian Dhyan Chand on Thursday, August 29, his birth anniversary.

Budget may go vocal for higher local procurement

Budget may go vocal for higher local procurement

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

To boost domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative and reduce dependency on imports, the government is expected to announce in the Budget an increase in the minimum local content requirement for public procurement, with certain sectors being granted exceptions. Currently, firms producing goods, services, or works with at least 50 per cent local content are classified as Class-I local suppliers and are preferred the most in government procurement.

Modi 3.0: Focus Shifts To Governance

Modi 3.0: Focus Shifts To Governance

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

'It would be reasonable to assume that Modi 3.0 would be more focused on projects and schemes which do not require any legislative change or which have the support of its coalition partners,' asserts A K Bhattacharya.

'No Intention Of A Takeover in British Telecom'

'No Intention Of A Takeover in British Telecom'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

'We operate in 16 countries already, and therefore adding the UK to it, and beginning a chapter in the European continent is the next step.'

Mohammad Yunus: The Nobel laureate Prof who will head new Bangladesh govt

Mohammad Yunus: The Nobel laureate Prof who will head new Bangladesh govt

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Life has come full circle for Nobel laureate Professor Mohammad Yunus, who faced persecution during Sheikh Hasina's regime for embezzlement, is now all set to head of the interim government in Bangladesh after she resigned and fled the country.

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

The report highlights that India's population in 2036 is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2011 population, as reflected in the sex ratio which is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, highlighting a positive trend in gender equality.

Modi Preaches World Peace But...

Modi Preaches World Peace But...

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

'...We should first look at and acknowledge what we have done to ourselves.' 'To not do so opens us to the accusation of rank hypocrisy and also reduces the stature of our globetrotting peaceniks,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Dharavi redevelopment gets boost as residents back survey

Dharavi redevelopment gets boost as residents back survey

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

Representatives of Citizen and Society Development Welfare, who have given the slogan of Dharavi Banao Andolan, met Srinivas and submitted a memorandum seeking expedition of the survey being conducted in Dharavi.

Heavy July rains offset June deficit, more likely in next 2-3 days

Heavy July rains offset June deficit, more likely in next 2-3 days

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

Heavy rain in the first week of July compensated for the shortfall but caused flooding in many northeastern states.

India Needs A National Security Strategy

India Needs A National Security Strategy

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The National Security Strategy document should flag all major issues concerning security strategy and provide guidelines to concerned departments to work out suitable action plans. Since the global and regional geopolitical canvas is dynamic, the NSS document should be deliberated at length before formulation and should be reviewed periodically, recommends Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Himachal mayor disqualified because of 'male bias': SC

Himachal mayor disqualified because of 'male bias': SC

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday kept in abeyance the fresh election for the post of the mayor of Solan in Himachal Pradesh as it termed the disqualification of the incumbent, Usha Sharma, "a case of male bias".

FDI Declines From Pandemic Highs

FDI Declines From Pandemic Highs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

Net inflows were $18.4 billion for the rolling 12-month period ended January 2024 compared to $32.7 billion for the rolling 12-month period ended January 2023.

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The high commission of India in Dhaka and the assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting in the voluntary return of Indian nationals, he said.

Jitin Prasada, BJP's Brahmin face in UP, returns to Centre

Jitin Prasada, BJP's Brahmin face in UP, returns to Centre

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Jitin Prasada was once considered as among Rahul Gandhi's 'young Turks' and was a minister in successive Manmohan Singh governments but defected from the Congress to the BJP in 2021, where he has again established himself as a prominent Brahmin face of Uttar Pradesh.

I&B holds meet to discuss Big Tech revenue sharing

I&B holds meet to discuss Big Tech revenue sharing

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

The ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) on Wednesday held an inter-ministerial meeting with various departments to discuss issues regarding revenue sharing between Big Tech companies and digital news publishers, according to sources. The meeting - chaired by I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju - invited senior officials from the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA), Competition Commission of India (CCI), ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) and departments of promotion of industry and internal trade, legal affairs and consumer affairs.

Above-normal monsoon likely to ease food prices: FinMin

Above-normal monsoon likely to ease food prices: FinMin

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

With the prediction of an above normal monsoon in 2024, the government is expecting food prices to come down, the finance ministry's monthly economic report for March has said. The report, released on Thursday, said robust foreign inflows and comfortable trade deficits were expected to keep the rupee within a comfortable range. "Further easing of food prices is on the anvil as IMD (India Meteorological Department) has predicted above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, which is likely to lead to higher production, assuming good spatial and temporal distribution of the rainfall," the monthly report, released by the Department of Economic Affairs, said.

Atishi Marlena In Delhi's Hot Seat

Atishi Marlena In Delhi's Hot Seat

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

The Delhi battlefield may not be a cakewalk for the Rhodes Scholar.

It's raining job promises in Odisha

It's raining job promises in Odisha

Rediff.com13 May 2024

Despite declining by three percentage points in 2022-23 (FY23) compared to FY19, Odisha's unemployment rate remains higher than the average in India.

'Can We In Our Businesses Set An Example?'

'Can We In Our Businesses Set An Example?'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

'I think some of us, like Mukesh Ambani, myself and those of us who head industrial units, ought to really focus on what we can really do to make the world a safer place, maybe 50 or 100 years from now.' 'For instance, how can we deal with climate change and global warming, right now?' 'The effects of it may not be felt now; in fact, we may pay a price for it today, but it will help the generations to follow.'

What went wrong for Indian boxers in Paris?

What went wrong for Indian boxers in Paris?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

Expectations were high from Paris and observers of the game felt at least one, if not two medals, could be expected from the six boxers who qualified.

Coalition Won't Block Modi's Reforms

Coalition Won't Block Modi's Reforms

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

'The BJP's numbers in this government are almost the same as those enjoyed by the Congress under P V Narasimha Rao when the reform process was kicked off in 1991.' 'As before, the only constraints on the prime minister's actions are internal, not external.' 'They come from his own assessment of the political consequences of any action,' points out Mihir S Sharma.

Former IAF chief Bhadauria joins BJP, praises Modi

Former IAF chief Bhadauria joins BJP, praises Modi

Rediff.com24 Mar 2024

Former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria (retired) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the steps taken by his government to modernise and strengthen the armed forces

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Rediff.com16 May 2024

Pakistan's deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is in China on a four-day visit, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the fifth round of the foreign minister-level China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.