News for 'Empowered Committee'

'National Sports Bill will usher in new era for sports in India'

'National Sports Bill will usher in new era for sports in India'

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju feels that the National Sports Governance Bill, which is set to be tabled in the monsoon session beginning on Monday, will usher in a 'new era' for sports in India.

SC issues 15 guidelines to curb surging student suicides; seeks govt report

SC issues 15 guidelines to curb surging student suicides; seeks govt report

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The bench said, given the pressing nature of the crisis, particularly in cities like Kota, Jaipur, Sikar, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Delhi, where students migrate in large numbers, immediate interim safeguards are the call of the day.

Curbs after clash: Maharashtra assembly bans visitors

Curbs after clash: Maharashtra assembly bans visitors

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Ministers will not be allowed to hold official meetings and meet visitors in the legislature complex during the session. They will have to conduct their official briefings and meetings in Mantralaya, the state secretariat, he said.

Waqf Act is an attack on freedom of religion: Rahul Gandhi

Waqf Act is an attack on freedom of religion: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it anti-constitutional and an attack on freedom of religion. He warned that the BJP-RSS will soon target the rights of other minorities, such as Christians and Sikhs. Gandhi also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of succumbing to pressure from US President Donald Trump on the imposition of tariffs, citing a recent meeting between the two leaders. He also questioned PM Modi's recent meeting with Bangladeshi leader Mohammad Yunus, who has been critical of India's policies. Gandhi further advocated for a caste census in India, stating that Congress aims to break the barrier of 50% reservation.

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Concerned over the rise in mis-selling of products by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is examining whether to come up with norms to curb such practices. Observing that pushing financial products, such as insurance, indiscriminately to unaware consumers may be detrimental to their well-being, RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao said, "We are examining whether it necessitates framing of guidelines to address mis-selling of financial products and services by REs (regulated entities)."

'By hosting 2036 Olympics, India will make a statement'

'By hosting 2036 Olympics, India will make a statement'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not merely an attempt to make a statement internationally but also a well thought out plan to create world-class infrastructure, said Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse.

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Telangana government has become the first state in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) categorisation, dividing the 59 SC communities into three groups with varying reservation quotas. The decision was made after a commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akther recommended the categorisation. The implementation of SC categorisation in Telangana coincides with the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution.

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that nobody can claim right over government land and it is legally empowered to reclaim properties which are declared waqf by using the waqf by user principle.

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday questioned the issue of using "spyware against terrorists" and stated that any report touching upon the country's "security and sovereignty" won't be made public. The court indicated it might address individual concerns regarding privacy breaches, but the report of the technical committee would not be a document for public discussion. The court will examine the extent to which the report can be shared publicly. The court's statement came during a hearing on a petition related to the alleged use of Pegasus spyware for surveillance. The court also emphasized that "having spyware is not wrong, against whom you are using is the question" and that the security of the nation cannot be compromised. The hearing has been adjourned to July 30.

SC to hear Pegasus spyware probe pleas on April 29

SC to hear Pegasus spyware probe pleas on April 29

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will hear a batch of pleas seeking a probe into the alleged unauthorised use of Pegasus spyware for the surveillance of journalists and others next week. The court had previously ordered a technical panel to investigate the matter but received no reports. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for some petitioners, urged the court to pass directions as the reports were not shared. The court has now listed the matter for hearing on April 29.

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced the formation of a panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to study the relationship between the Union and state governments and ensure state autonomy. The panel, which will submit its interim report in January 2026 and its final report in two years, will examine the transfer of subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, citing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) as an example of a subject outside state purview.

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Centre announces caste census; BJP, allies hail move

Centre announces caste census; BJP, allies hail move

Rediff.com1 May 2025

In a significant move, the Centre on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be part of the next population census, with the inclusion of caste details for the first time since independence hailed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies as a historic step to help design truly equitable and focused policies.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

CJI Khanna recuses himself from hearing pleas on Delhi Ridge tree felling

CJI Khanna recuses himself from hearing pleas on Delhi Ridge tree felling

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has recused himself from hearing pleas related to the alleged illegal felling of hundreds of trees in the Delhi Ridge area. The decision comes after a previous bench, led by former CJI D Y Chandrachud, sought a personal affidavit from Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena in the case, which also sought contempt proceedings against certain DDA officials. CJI Khanna stated that his prior involvement with the Delhi LG while serving as the NALSA chairman would make it inappropriate for him to hear the plea. The bench has ordered the listing of the pleas before a different bench starting November 27.

Waqf panel adopts draft report, Oppn to submit dissent

Waqf panel adopts draft report, Oppn to submit dissent

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Opposition MPs, some of whom have given their dissent, slammed the exercise as undemocratic, claiming that they were given little time to study the final report and frame their dissent notes.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced its intention to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in court, labeling it a "black law" that threatens the community's rights. The AIMPLB, a major organization representing Muslims in India, asserts that the Bill, if passed, would lead to the seizure of Muslim properties and undermine the autonomy of Waqf Boards. The organization plans to launch nationwide protests against the Bill, echoing the farmers' agitation, and has urged all citizens to resist the legislation. The Bill has been met with criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties, who claim that the Centre is rushing it through Parliament without adequately addressing concerns raised by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said he is "more than happy" to take responsibility for everything wrong the party did in its history, including the 1984 Sikh riots. He acknowledged that the party made "a lot of mistakes" when he was not there, but said he has publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was "wrong." The remarks were made during an interaction at Brown University in the US. The video of the interaction was uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs on Saturday. The BJP has criticized Gandhi for his remarks, accusing him of "ridiculing" the beliefs of Hindus and Sikhs.

CAA gets rolling as govt issues citizenship certificates

CAA gets rolling as govt issues citizenship certificates

Rediff.com15 May 2024

The CAA was enacted in December 2019 for granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. These include Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians.

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, asked both sides to address whether the court should entertain the petitions or relegate them to the high court. The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the petitioners. The act, which was passed by Parliament following heated debates, has been challenged by various parties including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

Tribunal orders liquidation of Go First

Tribunal orders liquidation of Go First

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Monday ordered the liquidation of Go First, the budget carrier that stopped flying nearly three years ago after being bogged down by financial woes. In May 2023, the airline filed for a voluntary insolvency resolution process citing financial woes. The tribunal, in a 15-page order, said it is ordering the liquidation of the corporate debtor Go Airlines (India) Ltd.

70 lakh voters added suddenly: Rahul on Maha poll results

70 lakh voters added suddenly: Rahul on Maha poll results

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

"More voters were added in Maharashtra in five months between the Lok Sabha and assembly polls than in five years," the former Congress president said.

Maybe lapse on my part: Manu Bhaker on Khel Ratna snub

Maybe lapse on my part: Manu Bhaker on Khel Ratna snub

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Manu Bhaker on Tuesday admitted that "there has been a lapse may be on my part" while filing nominations

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sports budget raised by over Rs 350 crore, Khelo India gets biggest share

Empowered panel on GST to meet today

Empowered panel on GST to meet today

Rediff.com20 Nov 2015

The panel might also decide on a new chairman.

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief, mourned the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him a "friend, philosopher and guide." She described him as the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, whose contributions to India's progress and development are immeasurable. She also said that Singh's passing is a deeply personal loss and he was loved by the people of India for his pure heart and fine mind.

CAA to grant citizenship with retrospective effect

CAA to grant citizenship with retrospective effect

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

Eligible applicants under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 (CAA) will be granted Indian nationality with retrospective effect as specified in the law, officials said on Tuesday.

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Meerut Conspiracy Case was aimed at curbing communist influence in India. However, it fueled nationwide sympathy, shaping the course of leftist politics in the country.

Govt plans new law on MPs holding office of profit to meet current needs

Govt plans new law on MPs holding office of profit to meet current needs

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

The Indian government is planning to repeal a 65-year-old law that disqualifies MPs for holding office of profit and introduce a new one aligned with current needs. The draft bill proposes to simplify the existing law, remove the negative list of offices that cause disqualification, and address conflicts with other statutes. It also seeks to empower the central government to amend the schedule of offices by issuing a notification, replacing the existing provision for temporary suspension of disqualification.

Race for GST committee chairman hots up

Race for GST committee chairman hots up

Rediff.com24 Mar 2015

Arun Jaitley on Friday said he would defer the move.

World Boxing announces birth of new Asian confederation

World Boxing announces birth of new Asian confederation

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

World Boxing, launched in 2023, has 55 members and is looking to fill the void left by the IBA.

'Bengal Is In Business'

'Bengal Is In Business'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'This is the Bengal story, where businesses are nurtured, dreams are realised, and legacies are built.'

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'The finance minister missed yet another opportunity to simplify the income tax structure in the Budget.' 'This was an opportune moment to get rid of the old tax system entirely and move fully to the new system,' asserts M Govinda Rao, member of the 14th Finance Commission.

Reddys illegally mining in AP, says SC committee

Reddys illegally mining in AP, says SC committee

Rediff.com20 Nov 2009

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the Supreme Court on environment and forest, in its preliminary report submitted to the apex court has confirmed that prima facie there was illegal mining beyond the limits of leased lands, in violation of the forest conservation act by Reddy's companies.

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.

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Almost five years later, the three services have still not fully understood that joint/theatre commands are not a discussion point; they are the prime minister's diktat on a military reform measure that is in line with what armed forces around the world have implemented, points out Ajai Shukla.

Public trust thrown in waste bin: SC on illegal construction in Corbett

Public trust thrown in waste bin: SC on illegal construction in Corbett

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

The apex court directed the CBI, which is already probing the case, to file its status report in the matter within three months.