News for 'Design Group'

'Dr Singh Didn't Take Orders From Sonia Gandhi'

'Dr Singh Didn't Take Orders From Sonia Gandhi'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

'Mrs Gandhi had nothing to do in the day-to-day working of Dr Singh's government.' 'People say Mrs Gandhi's office used to give orders, which is nonsense.'

The American Awarded A Padma Shri

The American Awarded A Padma Shri

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Sally Holkar left America and made India her home nearly 60 years ago. She went on a mission to revive a dying craft and changed the lives of rural weavers.

Mahayuti Win Will Boost Adani's Dharavi Plan

Mahayuti Win Will Boost Adani's Dharavi Plan

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Opposition had promised to scrap the Dharavi redevelopment project if it came to power. With the Mahayuti's massive mandate in the Maharashtra assembly election, that prospect has been laid to rest.

TikTok has interfered in polls, including India: US senators

TikTok has interfered in polls, including India: US senators

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

US senators have alleged that TikTok, owned by the Chinese Communist Party, has interfered in elections of various countries, including India, and called for extending the deadline for a ban on the platform in the US. They applauded India's ban on the social media platform, citing concerns about Chinese propaganda and data harvesting. Lawmakers, including Democrats and Republicans, introduced legislation to delay the ban by 270 days, arguing it would allow for a more thorough review of the implications and potential alternatives to a ban. They also criticized the rushed nature of the ban and its potential impact on free speech and the livelihoods of American users.

Govt dissolves Pronab Sen-led panel on statistics, cites 'overlap' in work

Govt dissolves Pronab Sen-led panel on statistics, cites 'overlap' in work

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

With the dissolution of former chief statistician Pronab Sen-led Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the National Statistical Commission (NSC) has regained prominence as the primary statistical body to address issues regarding results, methodology and questionnaire, among others. A MoSPI official in an email informed the 16-member SCoS about the decision to dissolve it, citing that its work was "overlapping" with that of the Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys (NSS), which was set up in June this year.

Office leasing hit record 885 lakh sq ft in 2024 in India's top 8 cities

Office leasing hit record 885 lakh sq ft in 2024 in India's top 8 cities

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

India's office market was very active in 2024 with gross leasing of workspace witnessing a 19 per cent increase to a record 885.2 lakh square feet across eight major cities, according to Cushman & Wakefield. The gross leasing or absorption of office space stood at 745.6 lakh square feet in the preceding year, data from real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) showed.

Waqf panel okays govt's 14 clauses, junks Oppn changes

Waqf panel okays govt's 14 clauses, junks Oppn changes

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

The parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf bill is set to propose that existing 'Waqf by user' properties will remain so if not in dispute or are government facilities but they must be registered before the new law takes effect, providing little relief to Waqf bodies in their unverified title claims.

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India's anti-corruption ombudsman, the Lokpal, has dismissed a complaint alleging corruption against former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The complaint, filed in October 2024, alleged abuse of office, corruption, and favoritism by Chandrachud while he was CJI. The Lokpal, in its order, concluded that sitting judges of the Supreme Court, including the CJI, are not subject to its jurisdiction under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. The Lokpal stated that the Supreme Court was established by the Constitution of India, not an Act of Parliament, making it outside the scope of its jurisdiction.

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Budget announcement of zero tax for earnings upto Rs 12 lakh per annum and the rejig of tax slabs across the board should prompt more than 90 per cent of individual taxpayers to embrace the new tax regime as compared to the about 75 per cent as of now, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said. Agrawal also highlighted the government's focus on "non-intrusive" tax administration through enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simplified tax processes for common taxpayers. He emphasized the benefits of the new tax regime (NTR), which offers simple calculations and allows taxpayers to file their ITR without professional help. The CBDT chief stated that the Budget provisions related to income tax payment benefit all income earners, not just those earning Rs 12 lakh per annum, creating a positive sentiment in the economy and propelling growth. The department is also harnessing technology, including AI and data analytics, to widen and deepen the tax base, resulting in increased compliance and tax revenue. Agrawal further highlighted the positive impact of data availability and simplified tax processes on compliance rates, citing examples of taxpayers filing revised returns and paying taxes after being prompted by the department's data analysis.

Want To Take Your Parents For A Holiday?

Want To Take Your Parents For A Holiday?

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

From specialised senior-friendly tours to redesigned hotel amenities, hotels are becoming increasingly attuned to the unique requirements of elderly travellers.

Bangladesh court refuses to ban ISKCON amid violence

Bangladesh court refuses to ban ISKCON amid violence

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The lawyer had sought a ban from the high court on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) after placing some newspaper reports related to the organisation on Wednesday.

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Following the lacklustre growth numbers in the second quarter (Q2FY25), economists believe the upcoming Union Budget for 2025-26 should focus on reforms that will stimulate consumption, manufacturing and spur employment. India's growth unexpectedly slowed to 5.4 per cent in the second quarter, due to low capital formation, weak consumption, besides adverse weather impact.

Remove secularism from Constitution: Bangladesh's top legal official

Remove secularism from Constitution: Bangladesh's top legal official

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Bangladesh's top legal official has proposed to remove the words 'secularism' and 'socialism' from the Constitution apart from a provision prescribing capital punishment for regime change through extra-constitutional means.

Scientists who decoded protein structures win Chemistry Nobel

Scientists who decoded protein structures win Chemistry Nobel

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M Jumper, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Wednesday.

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Among a sea of humanity that took the holy dip in the Sangam in their quest for 'moksha' on Monday was a large number of overseas visitors, soaking in the spiritual fervour at the world's largest gathering of humans.

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

"The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada," the statement added.

upGrad Course Free For 100,000 Learners

upGrad Course Free For 100,000 Learners

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

Intern-Zip will teach 'technical savviness', soft skills and professional development. It would skill individuals in Microsoft Office and ChatGPT. It will include communication, problem-solving, time management, professional grooming, and networking.

Waack Girls Review: Worth A Watch

Waack Girls Review: Worth A Watch

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Waack Girls, that captures the moods of Kolkata, follows an oft-used template. So there's not much novelty to look for in the plot, but the actors are excellent, applauds Deepa Gahlot.

Noel Tata to succeed Ratan Tata; named chairman of Tata Trusts

Noel Tata to succeed Ratan Tata; named chairman of Tata Trusts

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Noel Tata -- the half-brother of late Rata Tata -- who takes over as chairman of Tata Trusts, has been with the Tata Group for over four decades, slowly rising through the ranks in the salt-to-software conglomerate. Having functioned mostly under the shadows of his illustrious half-brother, Noel (67) will now have the responsibility of leading the Tata Trusts -- broadly comprising Sir Ratan Tata Trust & Allied Trusts, and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust & Allied Trusts -- that hold a controlling 66 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the holding and promoter firm of Tata Group companies.

Squid Game 2 Review: The Blood Sports Rage On

Squid Game 2 Review: The Blood Sports Rage On

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Squid Game 2 is almost a rehash of the earlier season, discovers Deepa Gahlot.

How Ratan Tata reacted when govt picked BMW bullet-proof cars over TaMo

How Ratan Tata reacted when govt picked BMW bullet-proof cars over TaMo

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

On another occasion, he recalled, as part of the SPG, he was tasked with the security of the then prime minister Manmohan Singh and assigned the responsibility of escorting Tata from Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi.

NPS Vs PPF Vs EPF: And The Winner Is...

NPS Vs PPF Vs EPF: And The Winner Is...

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Isn't the goal of retirement planning to create a balanced portfolio that aligns with your financial goals, rather than chasing returns blindly, asks Ramalingam Kalirajan

Forces to get bulletproof jackets with 360-degree cover soon

Forces to get bulletproof jackets with 360-degree cover soon

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

The jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT-Delhi, the ministry said in a statement.

Biren Singh seeks Army help to trace missing Manipur man

Biren Singh seeks Army help to trace missing Manipur man

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has asked the army to take steps to trace a 56-year-old man who has been missing since November 25 from Kangpokpi district. Laishram Kamalbabu Singh went missing from the 57th Mountain Division campus of the army, and an FIR has been lodged with the Sekmai Police Station over his disappearance. The chief minister asked the authorities at the Leimakhong army camp to take responsibility for finding out the man. Singh also alleged a lack of transparency and sincerity among a section of security personnel in Manipur.

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Live on one of Gelephu's inhabitable bridges where elephants will saunter past, be it day or night; or be homed in a never-ending building with flying cars and robot maids? asks ambivalent Sandeep Goyal.

Chennai Brains Behind Ford's Global Hits

Chennai Brains Behind Ford's Global Hits

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

'We participate in the design/development of components and systems for electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, and hybrid vehicles.'

Petition in US court to designate RSS as terror group

Petition in US court to designate RSS as terror group

Rediff.com22 Jan 2015

A Sikh rights group has filed a lawsuit asking a federal court in New York to designate Bharatiya Janata Party's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as a "foreign terrorist organisation".

Paralympics badminton: Suhas, Nitesh, Thulasimathi in semis

Paralympics badminton: Suhas, Nitesh, Thulasimathi in semis

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Suhas Yathiraj and Nitesh Kumar continued their impressive run to secure spots in the men's singles SL4 and SL3 semi-finals respectively, at the Paralympic Games.

TCS boss Rajesh Gopinathan quits; K Krithivasan named CEO-designate

TCS boss Rajesh Gopinathan quits; K Krithivasan named CEO-designate

Rediff.com16 Mar 2023

IT major TCS CEO Rajesh Gopinathan has reigned, and the company nominated its global head of the BFSI division K Krithivasan as the CEO Designate with immediate effect, the firm said on Thursday. Gopinathan will continue with the company till September 15, 2023, to provide transition and support to his successor.

2024's Best South Web Series

2024's Best South Web Series

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Arjun Menon looks at 2024's top Web series from South India.

MIT expels Indian-origin student for pro-Palestine essay

MIT expels Indian-origin student for pro-Palestine essay

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

An Indian-origin PhD student at MIT, Prahlad Iyengar, has been suspended until January 2026 for his pro-Palestinian activism. The suspension effectively ends his NSF fellowship and disrupts his academic career. Iyengar is appealing the decision, arguing that it is a violation of free speech and a result of MIT's ties to the war industry. The suspension comes after MIT banned the distribution of a pro-Palestinian student-run magazine, "Written Revolution", which featured Iyengar's article "On Pacifism." The article included imagery and language that MIT deemed could be interpreted as a call for violent protest. Iyengar has been barred from campus and is facing a series of sanctions for his activism.

Automakers On Luxury Top Gear To Woo Buyers

Automakers On Luxury Top Gear To Woo Buyers

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Armed with swanky showrooms, decked with plush fixtures, and offering indulgences such as high-end perfumes and customisable accessories, BMW, Mercedes, Audi are rolling out the red carpet for the well-heeled.

CBI brings back Lashkar terrorist from Rwanda

CBI brings back Lashkar terrorist from Rwanda

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has brought back Salman Rehman Khan, an alleged member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, from Rwanda. Khan was wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences in Bengaluru. He was traced to Rwanda and returned to India on November 28, 2024. The return of Khan comes after similar operations in coordination with Interpol, where two other accused were brought back from Saudi Arabia.

Goodbye Skipper!

Goodbye Skipper!

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'He asserted in his usual jovial style that he was not an MBA like his audience at IIM-Ahmedabad but perhaps had an even better business degree: MBB'. 'He went on to explain to his perplexed, blue chip B-School audience that MBB stood for "Marwadi by birth"!' Shivanand Kanavi salutes Shashi Ruia, co-founder of the Essar group who passed into the ages on November 25, 2024 in Mumbai.

'People Have Spent Life's Moments On What I Made'

'People Have Spent Life's Moments On What I Made'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

At 13, Naseer Khan left Bihar to work in a saw-mill in Bhutan. He learnt the craft of making sofas, and some of the pieces he made found a place in the royal palace. He returned home after spending 35 years in the Himalayan kingdom, and has continued making sofas, restoring old furniture and creating wire-gutting chairs, all that has become a dying art now.

'Anybody who met Mr Tata came away with a story'

'Anybody who met Mr Tata came away with a story'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Late Ratan Tata always ensured employees are taken care of along with the well-being of their families across the Tata Group companies, which shaped a number of leaders across the conglomerate, and there really was no one like him, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said on Monday. Recollecting his association with Tata (86) who passed away last week, in a post on networking platform LinkedIn, he wrote, "Anybody who met Mr Tata came away with a story about his humanity, warmth, and dreams for India. "There really was no one like him."

'Ratan and I Were Good Chums'

'Ratan and I Were Good Chums'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Arun Maira who worked for 25 years with the Tata Group, remembers his early years with Ratan Tata.

Tata leaves behind an unfulfilled dream: A Nano EV

Tata leaves behind an unfulfilled dream: A Nano EV

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

From Tetley Tea to Jaguar Land Rover and Air India, Ratan Tata has ticked off almost every item on his bucket list. However, one that remains unfinished is the electric version of his small car, the Tata Nano. A concept entrusted to Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotives (Jayem Auto) is still on the shelves, despite nearly 400 cars being launched, primarily due to Covid-19 and new crash norms.

30 killed, 60 injured in stampede amid rush of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh

30 killed, 60 injured in stampede amid rush of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

At least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early on Wednesday as crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of one of the most auspicious days of Mauni Amavasya, officials said.

Lenovo to make AI servers in India, establishes 4th largest R&D centre in country

Lenovo to make AI servers in India, establishes 4th largest R&D centre in country

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

PC maker Lenovo India will start manufacturing 50,000 GPU-based AI servers in India next year, the company said on Tuesday. Besides this, Lenovo announced setting up its fourth largest research and development centre in Bengaluru. Lenovo India managing director Shailendra Katyal said that the company will make servers locally and also export them from its manufacturing unit in Puducherry.