News for 'Director General of Public Works Development'

Ek Hasina Thi: End Of An Era In Bangladesh

Ek Hasina Thi: End Of An Era In Bangladesh

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

As news of Hasina's departure spread, hundreds broke into Hasina's residence, vandalising and looting the interiors, providing dramatic expression to the anti-government protests that have killed more than 100 people in the last two days. At the centre of people anger is the Hasina government's controversial quota system reserving 30 per cent jobs for families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war. With volatile crowds taking to the streets -- some clambering on Hasina's father and Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue and smashing it with hammers in a lasting image underscoring the fickleness of history -- Army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced that the 76-year-old prime minister has resigned.

AI Can't Be Left To Techies!

AI Can't Be Left To Techies!

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

Here is the Brahma Mantra for mankind. So long as the world has leaders with judgement -- humane, compassionate, and no-nonsense in their thinking -- natural intelligence will prevail, notes R Gopalakrishnan.

Day after stampede, safety measures ramped up at Maha Kumbh

Day after stampede, safety measures ramped up at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh that killed 30 people, the Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up security measures and crowd management efforts. Despite the tragedy, millions of devotees continue to flock to the religious gathering, undeterred by the pre-dawn chill and dense fog. Security forces are being deployed in larger numbers, and new restrictions will be imposed at key locations to prevent further incidents. The authorities are also conducting a thorough review of the arrangements in the Mela area, and several officials are being assigned to oversee operations until February 12.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

SP leader's wife, mother killed in Lucknow building collapse

SP leader's wife, mother killed in Lucknow building collapse

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

A coordinated multi-agency search operation is underway to locate the two, even as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered setting up a three-member committee to probe the incident and submit a report in a week.

Will INDIA's Caste Card Work Against Modi?

Will INDIA's Caste Card Work Against Modi?

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

'Bihar's caste survey has bolstered the Opposition parties, but one shouldn't forget that the BJP is also trying to present itself as a party that cares for the OBCs more than other parties,' points out Sanjay Kumar.

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

At a time when none in Kerala's Left politics questioned the chief minister's authority, MLA P V Anvar hurled a series of accusations against Pinarayi Vijayan's government, notes Shyam G Menon.

27 killed, 62 injured in suicide bombing at Pak railway station

27 killed, 62 injured in suicide bombing at Pak railway station

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

The explosion ripped through the provincial capital Quetta's railway station as passengers gathered on the platform before the scheduled departure of the Jaffar Express to Peshawar.

When And How To Withdraw Your NPS Funds

When And How To Withdraw Your NPS Funds

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan dives into the specifics of NPS withdrawal rules to help you understand the conditions under which and when partial withdrawals are allowed.

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

India's e-commerce market alone is projected to reach $200 billion by 2026, making it a prime industry for ambitious entrepreneurs, explains rediffGURU Harsh Bharwani.

Last Action Hero: Vijay's Cinematic Legacy

Last Action Hero: Vijay's Cinematic Legacy

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

As Thalapathy Vijay embarks on a career in politics, Arjun Menon looks closer at his glorious filmography.

Why 64% MTech Seats Are Vacant in Indian Colleges

Why 64% MTech Seats Are Vacant in Indian Colleges

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The growing decline of MTech applicants in Indian colleges is due to multiple factors, including outdated curricula, poor return on investment and lucrative non-engineering alternatives, say experts.

India to advocate for food security, WTO reforms at upcoming Geneva meeting

India to advocate for food security, WTO reforms at upcoming Geneva meeting

Rediff.com19 Oct 2023

Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal is set to attend a two-day meeting from October 23 at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, that would focus on finding solutions and giving the 'necessary political push' for at least some crucial global trade issues. Next week's meeting comes ahead of the WTO's 13th ministerial conference (MC13), scheduled in Abu Dhabi in February 2024. It will see participation of senior government officials from all WTO member nations.

Why is Wayanad Quiet About Tragedy?

Why is Wayanad Quiet About Tragedy?

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

There is a definite attempt to put the landslides on the backburner because news of them and climate change worry Wayanad's tourism and real estate businesses greatly. Whatever I experienced of Wayanad's 2024 by-elections; the July landslides were not a burning issue, observes Shyam G Menon.

Do I have to sweep roads? Mamata pulls up MLAs, officials over poor amenities

Do I have to sweep roads? Mamata pulls up MLAs, officials over poor amenities

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

An angry Banerjee slammed a minister, a former Trinamool Congress mayor and a few bureaucrats for their "below-par performance".

Power of Constitution: Cong on govt's lateral entry roll-back

Power of Constitution: Cong on govt's lateral entry roll-back

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi asserted that the Congress will protect the Constitution and the reservation system at all costs and foil "conspiracies" of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Tirupati: SC replaces AP's probe with independent SIT to 'assuage feelings'

Tirupati: SC replaces AP's probe with independent SIT to 'assuage feelings'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday set up a five-member independent SIT to probe the allegations of animal fat used in preparing Tirupati laddus to "assuage the feelings of crores of people" while making clear that the court cannot be used as a "political battleground".

'Anti-India Sentiment Was Extremely High'

'Anti-India Sentiment Was Extremely High'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

'In the interim, India will be confronted with anti-India feeling because Sheikh Hasina had India's support.' 'We will have to deal with it, but it will not be a permanent phenomenon.' 'There is substantial goodwill towards India which will stand us in good stead.'

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.

C S Setty: SBI's New Boss

C S Setty: SBI's New Boss

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

'You will see him frequently asking customers -- especially retail -- about service experience, pain points, areas of improvement and suggestions.'

CBI books second-biggest poll bond buyer Megha in Rs 315-cr graft case

CBI books second-biggest poll bond buyer Megha in Rs 315-cr graft case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2024

Megha Engineering had emerged as the second-biggest buyer of electoral bonds and donated the highest amount of about Rs 586 crore to the Bharatiya Janata Party, according to the data released by the Election Commission on March 21.

Jaipur mayor suspended after husband's arrest in bribery case

Jaipur mayor suspended after husband's arrest in bribery case

Rediff.com6 Aug 2023

The Rajasthan government has suspended Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation Mayor Munesh Gurjar following her husband's arrest in a bribery case related to the issuance of land deeds, a development she termed a 'political conspiracy' against her and her family.

Is India's NavIC Better Than GPS?

Is India's NavIC Better Than GPS?

Rediff.com28 Oct 2023

NavIC consists of a constellation of seven satellites and a network of ground stations and is touted to be more accurate than GPS.

These Scientists Shaped India

These Scientists Shaped India

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

I suggest we build a Vigyan Mandir (Temple of Science) with the ambience of a place of worship, so that it becomes a destination for pilgrims. We should embed on its walls bronze plaques describing each scientist mentioned here along with about a dozen of our ancient mathematicians, recommends Professor Kalyan Singhal, historian of science and technology.

Ratan Tata, Dreamer And Ideas Executor

Ratan Tata, Dreamer And Ideas Executor

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

There were certainly qualities adhering to the Tata Group, which emanated from the persona of Ratan Tata. Most notable of these would be the low profile he maintained, which sharply contrasted the in-your-face celebrity status, celebration of wealth and pursuit of importance many of liberalised India's rich, love, notes Shyam G Menon.

Meet The 15-Year-Old AI Whiz Kid

Meet The 15-Year-Old AI Whiz Kid

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

'It was the early days of my 5th standard school vacation, and my mother asked me, 'Robotics classes or swimming classes for the weekends?' I chose robotics classes because technology fascinated me.'

'There is a general decline in hiring'

'There is a general decline in hiring'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2023

'A start-up with 100 people has reduced the strength to 60-80 people to reduce cost.' 'Even if there is attrition, they prefer not to replace them.'

Govt reshuffles bureaucrats, Air India chairman is aviation secretary

Govt reshuffles bureaucrats, Air India chairman is aviation secretary

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

Air India Chairman Rajiv Bansal has been appointed as the new aviation secretary as part of a major top-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre on Wednesday. K Rajaraman, additional secretary in the department of economic affairs, has been appointed as secretary, department of telecommunications, a personnel ministry order said.

Pak SC orders action against former PM Parvez Ashraf

Pak SC orders action against former PM Parvez Ashraf

Rediff.com5 Dec 2013

The Pakistan Supreme Court on Thursday ordered action against former prime minister Raja Parvez Ashraf and several others in the multi-billion rupee development funds case.

Army Angry With Former Puppet Imran Khan

Army Angry With Former Puppet Imran Khan

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

The press briefing seemed a deliberate decision to let the army convey its angst to Imran directly, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RAW, India's external intelligence agency.

Ajay Banga becomes first Indian-American to head World Bank

Ajay Banga becomes first Indian-American to head World Bank

Rediff.com3 May 2023

Ajay Banga was on Wednesday appointed the next president of the World Bank, becoming the first-ever Indian-American to head the global financial institution which said it looks forward to working with him at a time when it's tackling the toughest development challenges facing developing countries. "The executive directors of the World Bank today selected Ajay Banga as president of the World Bank for a five-year term beginning June 2, 2023," the bank said in a press statement. In February, President Joe Biden announced that the US would be nominating Banga, 63, to lead the World Bank because he is "well equipped" to lead the global institution at "this critical moment in history."

Modi invokes Emergency in Rajya Sabha speech, Opposition walks out

Modi invokes Emergency in Rajya Sabha speech, Opposition walks out

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday took the Congress to the cleaners over making the 2024 general elections about the protection of the Constitution, saying Indians voted on the plank only once when they threw out the Indira Gandhi government in 1977 after the Emergency.

'Govt won't privatise GIC Re at this stage'

'Govt won't privatise GIC Re at this stage'

Rediff.com5 May 2024

'Because it is the only public sector company in this sector, currently.'

Sitharaman to ensure 'Ease of Living' during Modi 3.0

Sitharaman to ensure 'Ease of Living' during Modi 3.0

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday assumed charge as the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister for the second consecutive term and is slated to soon present the final Budget for FY '25 that is going to set the tone for the Modi 3.0 government's priorities and direction for Viksit Bharat. Upon her reaching the North Block office, Sitharaman was greeted by Finance Secretary T V Somanathan and other top officials. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary was also present. Chaudhary assumed charge on Tuesday evening.

Has Modi Learnt Nothing From Election Result?

Has Modi Learnt Nothing From Election Result?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

On June 26, for the likes of me, the music died. Any impression of potential change held forth by the outcome of the 2024 general election, was vaporised, reveals Shyam G Menon.

IIM amendment bill proposing powers to Prez triggers autonomy debate

IIM amendment bill proposing powers to Prez triggers autonomy debate

Rediff.com30 Jul 2023

The bill to amend the IIM Act of 2017 was introduced in the Lok Sabha last Friday amid disruptions by opposition members over the Manipur violence issue.

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

'What's sad today is that there are so many people who cannot find work, not because the country is devoid of that opportunity, but because we are not doing enough in the country.'

'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.'

PSU stock froth persists: Q4 test for financial endurance

PSU stock froth persists: Q4 test for financial endurance

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Shares of public sector enterprises have corrected by up to 22 per cent month-to-date until March 19, 2024. Analysts attribute this steep fall to the valuation exuberance seen after a sharp run in these counters last year and suggest investors remain selective regarding the stocks in this space. "The rally in public sector undertaking (PSU) stocks has been stretched and sharp, although it is somewhat justified by improvements seen in earnings, operations, balance sheets, and overall profitability.

The Machine That Saved Tanishq

The Machine That Saved Tanishq

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Stories are legion about the Karatmeter's use at that time. Hundreds of people standing in queue for testing, customers breaking down after discovering the actual purity of their jewellery and then becoming irate about the jeweller who had gypped them, the local jewellery industry leaning heavily on the Tanishq franchisees to desist from using it, some jewellers even threatening violent action.