News for 'Development Affairs'

Can Insurers Invest In Bima Sugam India?

Can Insurers Invest In Bima Sugam India?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

'Investment by insurers in the Bima Sugam India Federation is illegal as it is a private limited company.'

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs with the majority of the fund -- Rs 1,60,391.06 crore -- being given to central police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which are responsible for internal security, border guarding and security of vital installations.

Whatever was done in Galwan shouldn't get repeated: Army chief

Whatever was done in Galwan shouldn't get repeated: Army chief

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The eastern Ladakh military standoff between India and China began in May 2020 and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.

There will be no winner: Xi's warning to Trump

There will be no winner: Xi's warning to Trump

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Gearing up for Trump 2.0 era, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday cautioned there will be no winner in a tariff or tech wars between China and the United States and vowed that Beijing would firmly safeguard its interests.

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump for the fourth time in recent days claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million funding to India for 'voter turnout', evoking a sharp response from the Congress which urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'talk to his friend' and strongly refute the allegation.

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Leaders, Heed The 11-Year Rule!

Leaders, Heed The 11-Year Rule!

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

There is a reason this 11 year phenomenon is a rule as much as it is an observation. It speaks to the nature of man and what humans are like, explains Aakar Patel.

Govt May Save Over Rs 70K Cr In FY25

Govt May Save Over Rs 70K Cr In FY25

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The government may save over Rs 70,000 crore (Rs 700 billion) on capital and revenue expenditure allocated towards new schemes in the FY25 Budget that are yet to be implemented.

China to build world's largest dam near India border

China to build world's largest dam near India border

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The USD 137 billion project, which is expected to dwarf even China's own Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, the downstream riparian states. Concerns in India are centered around China's potential to control water flow, potentially enabling the release of large amounts of water to flood border areas in times of hostilities. The dam is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese government claims that the project is safe and prioritizes ecological protection.

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

In the talks, China emphasised that the two sides should proceed from the fundamental interests of China, India and adhere to the strategic height and long-term perspective of China-India relations, the readout said.

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The attack occurred hours after Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, in a pre-dawn press conference reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has ordered notices to be issued to three parties in a civil suit claiming the existence of a Shiva temple within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The suit, filed in September, seeks directions to resume worship at the alleged temple. The court has issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20.

Want A Govt Job? 10 Competitive Exams You Can Take

Want A Govt Job? 10 Competitive Exams You Can Take

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

rediffGURU Rohit Gupta, co-founder and COO of College Vidya, provides a list of competitive exams that can help you land a job in the public sector.

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'He may respect others, but he is unlikely to admire them'

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Leaders from around the world extended their greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and expressing hope for a stronger future. The Indian diaspora across the globe celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm at Indian missions abroad, where the national tri-colour was unfurled, accompanied by cultural performances and patriotic fervour. The celebrations highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its global partners.

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

In a lengthy statement on X late Monday night, a defiant Kamra said those busy leaking his number on social media or calling him incessantly should know that it all goes to his voicemail where they will be subjected to "the very song" that they hate.

'India aim to host 2036 Olympics; finish in top 10'

'India aim to host 2036 Olympics; finish in top 10'

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India is aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and finish in the top 10 in the medals tally.

'I Felt Enough Is Enough And Quit The BJP'

'I Felt Enough Is Enough And Quit The BJP'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'All senior Muslim leaders of the BJP are left behind.' 'Doodh mein se makhi jaisey nikaal dete hain.'

Ready to take back verified illegal immigrants: Modi

Ready to take back verified illegal immigrants: Modi

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Those who stay in other countries illegally do not have any legal right to be there, Modi said.

BJP-AIADMK Tieup: Who Wins, Who Loses

BJP-AIADMK Tieup: Who Wins, Who Loses

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Over the medium and long term, the BJP hopes to devour the AIADMK, they having identified the party as 'ideologically not as sound as the DMK', predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

The Actor Who Takes Your Breath Away In Paatal Lok 2

The Actor Who Takes Your Breath Away In Paatal Lok 2

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'Life does not change in such a way that everything becomes easy. Struggle and hustle is there for everyone. 'The difference is that people have started knowing me.'

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Firhad Hakim, a senior minister in West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), has defended his remarks on the Muslim population in the state and India, saying he is a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. Hakim's comments, made at a minority students' event, have sparked controversy with the BJP, Congress, and Hindu monks accusing him of promoting communalism and advocating for a Muslim majority. Hakim, however, clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was merely advocating for the empowerment of the Muslim community. He also highlighted the need for greater representation of Muslims in the judiciary.

Modi plays drum, witnesses grand Jhumoir dance in Assam

Modi plays drum, witnesses grand Jhumoir dance in Assam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam and participated in a grand Jhumoir dance performance, celebrating 200 years of the state's tea industry and the rich cultural heritage of the tea tribe community. He played a traditional drum of the tea tribe community, highlighting the government's efforts to support the tea industry and uplift the tea tribe community. The event, attended by dignitaries and ambassadors from around 60 countries, showcased Assam's vibrant traditions to a global audience.

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The DG-level border talks between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Delhi next month, have been postponed following a change in plan by the neighbouring country, official sources said on Friday.

Trouble for Kejriwal as ED gets Centre's nod to prosecute AAP chief

Trouble for Kejriwal as ED gets Centre's nod to prosecute AAP chief

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The federal agency has filed a chargesheet against the 56-year-old politician before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here last year after arresting him in March.

'There was panic in the streets': Syria returnees

'There was panic in the streets': Syria returnees

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

A batch of Indian nationals, who returned to their homeland on Saturday after being evacuated from crisis-hit Syria, recalled the panic situation they faced in that country but praised the Indian Embassy there for being in 'constant touch' with them.

Mamata wants UN peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh, says Modi must...

Mamata wants UN peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh, says Modi must...

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Banerjee stressed she wished for harmony, fraternal ties and cordial relationship to remain between all communities living in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of raising questions on sensitive defence matters in Parliament after his marriage to a British citizen. Sarma alleged that Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, has links with the Pakistani establishment, including working for an organisation allegedly a front for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Gogoi has rejected the allegations as "baseless" and said the BJP is trying to divert attention from its own failures.

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

India and the United States will finalize the contours, schedule of negotiations, and terms of reference for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) during a three-day meeting beginning Tuesday. The agreement is expected to be finalized in two tranches, with the first phase focusing on goods trade. The US team, led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, will be in India from March 25-29 to discuss the agreement. Both countries are aiming to conclude the first phase of the agreement by fall 2025.

Jaishankar, Rubio Meet At Quad Mini-Summit

Jaishankar, Rubio Meet At Quad Mini-Summit

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Soon after he was sworn in by Vice President J D Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Penny Wong from Australia and Japan's Iwaya Takeshi for his first multilateral meeting as the top American diplomat.

Bangladesh summons Kolkata mission head amid protests

Bangladesh summons Kolkata mission head amid protests

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Bangladesh has summoned its Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata for urgent consultations following protests over attacks on Hindu minorities. The mission in Kolkata has witnessed multiple protests over the past week by political parties and religious groups condemning the reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. In a related development, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, suspended all visa and consular services on Tuesday, citing security reasons. The decision followed an incident where protesters breached the mission's premises on Monday to protest the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka.

''Trump Will Do A Deal With China'

''Trump Will Do A Deal With China'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Trump's desire to withdraw the US from some arenas on the global stage will result in ceding space to China.'

Will India's Blind cricket team travel to Pakistan?

Will India's Blind cricket team travel to Pakistan?

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said the tournament will go ahead on schedule irrespective of India's participation.

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Chinese officials. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and to resume bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

'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.'

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

In 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet flew the world's first official airmail, carrying over 6,500 letters and postcards, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, now Prayagraj. The flight, which covered five miles in 13 minutes, marked a significant milestone in aviation and postal history. The mail included letters to Jawaharlal Nehru and King George V, and special commemorative postcards signed by Pequet are now prized collector's items. The event, which coincided with the Kumbh Mela, highlights the intersection of spiritual and technological advancements in India's history.

Adani's son marries; tycoon donates Rs 10,000 cr

Adani's son marries; tycoon donates Rs 10,000 cr

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Billionaire Gautam Adani's younger son Jeet on Friday married fiance Diva Shah at a small and intimate, traditional ceremony with a close group of friends and family in attendance.

Jaishankar, Blinken discuss Ukraine developments, bilateral ties

Jaishankar, Blinken discuss Ukraine developments, bilateral ties

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

The phone conversation between Jaishankar and Blinken came days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a two-day visit to India.