News for 'Empowered Group of Ministers and Group of Ministers'

Two major tasks for Sitharaman

Two major tasks for Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Jun 2019

First, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, much-lauded as a game changer, needs serious reform. Second, some vital policy choices would need to be made as far as competition law is concerned., says Somasekhar Sundaresan.

India Inc wants states to migrate to GST at one go

India Inc wants states to migrate to GST at one go

Rediff.com18 Aug 2016

Companies are worried that any staggered roll-out of GST could result in cash flow issues with businesses not able claim tax credit due to breakage in the chain

The CBI has become a monster

The CBI has become a monster

Rediff.com4 Dec 2018

'No one institution can cleanse it: Not the courts, government or activists.' 'And least of all the Indian Police Service,' argues Shekhar Gupta.

'Demonetisation was illegal'

'Demonetisation was illegal'

Rediff.com14 May 2018

'I want the prime minister to be punished because he put our country in difficulties as he took this decision without Cabinet approval.' 'When he had already ordered the printing of new currency notes on May 19, 2016, why did he tell lies to the country?'

Three issues for Modi and Xi to consider

Three issues for Modi and Xi to consider

Rediff.com10 Oct 2019

'This novel format of diplomacy -- the informal summit -- will not only facilitate bilateral communication and reduce miscalculations at the very top level of the two governments, but possibly open the space for China and India to speak in one voice on various issues of mutual concern,' note Feng Renjie and Ding Kun Lei

Meet Akhilesh Yadav's brains trust

Meet Akhilesh Yadav's brains trust

Rediff.com25 Jan 2017

Every day when Akhilesh returns after a joust with political adversaries to his Camelot, which is Lucknow's 5, Kalidas Marg, it is time to hold court with advisors and loyalists.

Caste no bar in Bihar's politics

Caste no bar in Bihar's politics

Rediff.com9 Jul 2015

Association of caste with the way people have tended to vote in Bihar has somewhat weakened.

'Education is the best gift the government can give youngsters'

'Education is the best gift the government can give youngsters'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2018

'I want to make the government realise that they are not empowering Dalits by giving them free goats or hens; what they need is good education.'

Amid EVM glitch, MP records 75% voter turnout; poll percentage dips in Mizoram

Amid EVM glitch, MP records 75% voter turnout; poll percentage dips in Mizoram

Rediff.com29 Nov 2018

Polling in Madhya Pradesh was marred by complaints of faulty EVMs and voter verifiable paper audit trail machines.

'The change from pessimism to confidence is a major achievement'

'The change from pessimism to confidence is a major achievement'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2016

'This has to be seen in the context not only of the legacy we inherited, but also of global economic weakness.'
'If after inheriting the very bad situation we have reached this level despite consecutive years of drought and no growth in the world economy, it is no accident.' 'It is a result of the sound macro economic policies followed by this government.' 'We have eschewed populism and stuck to a path of fiscal prudence.'

New govt should focus on its promises: Industry

New govt should focus on its promises: Industry

Rediff.com17 May 2014

Corporate India tempered its victory celebrations for the supposedly business-friendly Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance's landslide electoral victory by highlighting the need for immediate steps to create jobs through inclusive economic growth.

'India is a great place to do business, come back. Jai Hind'

'India is a great place to do business, come back. Jai Hind'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2018

Businessman P C Mustafa wants Indian Americans to return home, Cognizant CEO Francisco D'Souza outlines how Indian tech companies could grow, Gaurav Dalmia has some investment recommendations while Subramanian Swamy warns that India is flirting with a debt trap.

Why the NDA government cannot be a one-man show

Why the NDA government cannot be a one-man show

Rediff.com14 Oct 2014

A government for 1.25 billion people cannot be a one-man show. Collective decision-making must for good governance, says Virendra Kapoor.

SC questions Arunachal governor's order advancing assembly session

SC questions Arunachal governor's order advancing assembly session

Rediff.com6 Feb 2016

The apex court asked what difference would it have made if the sitting was held as originally scheduled.

New framework to deal with banks' toxic assets soon

New framework to deal with banks' toxic assets soon

Rediff.com20 Apr 2017

While they have restructured loans, there is still question mark over the success of such a work-out

Docs withdraw all services as RS passes NMC Bill

Docs withdraw all services as RS passes NMC Bill

Rediff.com1 Aug 2019

"The provisions of the said bill are nothing short of draconian and promote gross incompetence and mockery of professionals currently working day and night and sacrificing their youth for this broken system," said the protesting doctors.

Spl status to Telangana, residuary AP under Article 371-D

Spl status to Telangana, residuary AP under Article 371-D

Rediff.com3 Dec 2013

The Group of Minister, set up to look into the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, is all set to recommend special status to both the states under Article 371-D of the Constitution and examining a proposal to include two districts of Rayalseema in Telangana.

Coronavirus: What about the Lab in Wuhan?

Coronavirus: What about the Lab in Wuhan?

Rediff.com12 Apr 2020

Why did the Chinese military take over the lab in Wuhan in end January? Did something go wrong? Claude Arpi glances at the mystery surrounding the origin of the coronavirus.

This 19 year old is transforming the lives of underprivileged children

This 19 year old is transforming the lives of underprivileged children

Rediff.com11 Sep 2017

Make The World Wonderful, an NGO founded by Meghana Dabbara in 2015, is on a mission to set up 2,500 child adoption programme centres by 2023.

With democracy intact, Zardari steps down as Pak President

With democracy intact, Zardari steps down as Pak President

Rediff.com8 Sep 2013

In a golden moment in Pakistan's chequered 66-year political history, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday left the presidency after successfully completing his five-year term, paving the way for India-born Mamnoon Hussain to take over.

'Modi is taking a big risk'

'Modi is taking a big risk'

Rediff.com20 Jul 2015

'When he first came to office, my belief is that the PM's reading of the landscape was that, with a vanquished Congress and fragmented Opposition, he was looking at least at two terms in office. This reading perhaps allows for a more cautious, gradual approach.' 'It was only a matter of time before the government was forced to come face-to-face with a serious corruption scandal. This is not a commentary on the BJP, but a statement about India's political economy.' 'There is growing concern about the government's commitment to freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and an independent civil society. Thus far, the positive movement on strategic and economic matters has crowded out these concerns, but they are lingering beneath the surface.'

SC to hear pleas of Rajasthan, MP against Padmaavat on Tuesday

SC to hear pleas of Rajasthan, MP against Padmaavat on Tuesday

Rediff.com22 Jan 2018

A bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra agreed to hear on Tuesday the interim applications of both the states.

World reacts to new climate accord

World reacts to new climate accord

Rediff.com13 Dec 2015

Almost every country in the world just signed on to the #ParisAgreement on climate change

Modi and Obama set out to create a model for the world

Modi and Obama set out to create a model for the world

Rediff.com1 Oct 2014

Moving ahead with their new mantra -- Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday vowed to deepen cooperation in every sector for the benefit of global stability and people's livelihoods over the next ten years.

Loans from SBI, ICICI Bank to be cheaper

Loans from SBI, ICICI Bank to be cheaper

Rediff.com29 Sep 2015

With the 50 bps rate cut now more banks are expected to reduce their base rate.

'Caste will be irrelevant when idol worship becomes irrelevant'

'Caste will be irrelevant when idol worship becomes irrelevant'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2015

'Without destroying idol worship, you cannot destroy caste because idol worship keeps religious communities in its religious ideology. The RSS is a big promoter of idol worship.' 'They may have an OBC PM, but neither the RSS or the VHP talk about an OBC becoming a priest. The equation is: Business in Baniya hands. Religion in Brahmin hands. OBC votes for the BJP.'

Muslim women can now travel for Haj without male guardian: PM

Muslim women can now travel for Haj without male guardian: PM

Rediff.com31 Dec 2017

He pointed out that such a restriction is not prevalent in many Islamic countries.

What's the big idea, Mr Modi?

What's the big idea, Mr Modi?

Rediff.com8 Jun 2015

PM Modi must revive investment sentiment in the country.

Rahul targets RSS, Narendra Modi again

Rahul targets RSS, Narendra Modi again

Rediff.com20 Mar 2014

Sharpening his attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Narendra Modi, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused them of trying to usurp the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and recalled the Congress stalwart's description of the RSS as "a venomous organisation" which could "finish" the country.

Many hits, some misses by Sebi under U K Sinha

Many hits, some misses by Sebi under U K Sinha

Rediff.com15 Feb 2017

The second-longest serving chairman introduced quite a few measures for the primary market and implemented a new corporate governance framework.

'#MeToo will change the narrative forever'

'#MeToo will change the narrative forever'

Rediff.com29 Oct 2018

'#MeToo is a giant stride towards protesting sexual/verbal assault.' 'It is very important for us, as a society, to 'listen', to introspect and to understand that this is part of 'change' towards a safer society.' 'Hushing it up will only encourage the perpetrators who will begin to feel that they are invincible.'

Men's rights activists hope Lok Sabha won't okay 'husband killer law'

Men's rights activists hope Lok Sabha won't okay 'husband killer law'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2013

The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, dubbed as a husband killer law by men's rights activists, was approved by the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Men's rights groups who have been staging nationwide protests and holding debates on the issue say they will continue to meet with lawmakers to persuade them not to pass the bill in the Lok Sabha

Cong goes all-out to show Rahul's imprint, vision in manifesto

Cong goes all-out to show Rahul's imprint, vision in manifesto

Rediff.com26 Mar 2014

Described as a novel and pioneering process, Congress Vice president Rahul Gandhi said the party's manifesto was based on the views and opinions gathered from people from all walks of life. Anita Katyal reports

India is being run by dynasties: Rahul @Berkeley

India is being run by dynasties: Rahul @Berkeley

Rediff.com12 Sep 2017

Rahul attacked Modi and BJP, alleging that 'politics of divide and polarisation is radicalising people in India'.

India reports 2nd coronavirus death, several states in shutdown mode

India reports 2nd coronavirus death, several states in shutdown mode

Rediff.com13 Mar 2020

The Union Health ministry put the number of positive cases at 82, eight more since Thursday night, which includes the woman and a 76-year-old man from Karnataka who became the country's first coronavirus fatality besides 17 foreign nationals, Health Ministry officials said.

Par panel criticises privatisation of AAI-developed airports

Par panel criticises privatisation of AAI-developed airports

Rediff.com20 Nov 2013

Instead of giving away the airports to the private sector 'on a platter', state-run Airports Authority of India should form a subsidiary or a special purpose vehicle to grant management contracts to entities having expertise in the field, the panel recommended.

Will Parliament's monsoon session be a washout?

Will Parliament's monsoon session be a washout?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2015

Consensus building is likely to be the biggest casualty.

In PHOTOS: India's RESPLENDENT 67th Republic Day parade

In PHOTOS: India's RESPLENDENT 67th Republic Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2016

India's military prowess and multi-hued images of the country's rich cultural diversity and achievements in various fields were on display at the majestic Rajpath on Tuesday during 67th Republic Day parade which was graced by French President Francois Hollande as the chief guest.

Exclusive! What the head of US Congress' India caucus wants

Exclusive! What the head of US Congress' India caucus wants

Rediff.com27 Mar 2017

US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, newly elected co-chair of the influential Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, discusses her vision for US-India ties with Rediff.com's Monali Sarkar.

China will help Pakistan to keep fire burning in J&K

China will help Pakistan to keep fire burning in J&K

Rediff.com3 Dec 2020

'China is likely to help Pakistan in keeping the fire burning in J&K to bleed India for its own interests.' A fascinating excerpt from Lieutenant General K Himalay Singh's Making of a General: A Himalayan Echo.