News for 'Empowered Group of Ministers'

'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.

SHOCKING! Aadhaar gives OUR personal info to foreign firms

SHOCKING! Aadhaar gives OUR personal info to foreign firms

Rediff.com18 Feb 2018

'The most valuable personal sensitive information of present and future citizens has been made available to foreign data firms and governments and non-State actors for all time to come,' says Gopal Krishna.

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.

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

SC upholds Aadhaar, says it's not needed for cellphones, banks

SC upholds Aadhaar, says it's not needed for cellphones, banks

Rediff.com27 Sep 2018

The apex court's five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said Aadhaar is meant to help benefits reach the marginalised sections of the society and takes into account the dignity of people not only from personal but also from community point of view.

'#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.'

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.

'This is the best formula that can happen in J&K'

'This is the best formula that can happen in J&K'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2015

'More than anything else, it is pragmatism that is working out in Jammu and Kashmir. It is not a question of convenience, but getting together and understanding that no other better option can work.' 'The very fact that it has taken two months of hard negotiations obviously means that they have taken a very mature approach. This shows the seriousness of intent and statesman-like qualities that they both have displayed.'

'We can have dialogue on Kashmir under ambit of insaniyat'

'We can have dialogue on Kashmir under ambit of insaniyat'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2014

Expressing desire to bring about permanent solution to the Kashmir issue, the government on Monday said it is willing to have any dialogue under the ambit of 'insaniyat' (humanity) to address the problem and favours good relations with Pakistan.

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.

Irked by rising defaults, FM gets tough with PSU banks

Irked by rising defaults, FM gets tough with PSU banks

Rediff.com22 Oct 2013

As of June, the gross NPA of nationalised banks was 3.89 per cent and State Bank Group at 5.50 per cent.

PM @ RTI meet: People should have the right to question govt

PM @ RTI meet: People should have the right to question govt

Rediff.com16 Oct 2015

The Right to Information should not be limited to right to know but it should empower every citizen to question those in power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.

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'.

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.

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.

'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.'

Indian women outlive men, shows study

Indian women outlive men, shows study

Rediff.com15 Nov 2017

Life expectancy at birth improved from 59.7 years in 1990 to 70.3 years in 2016 for women.

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.

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.

Simultaneous polls in India: Boon or bane?

Simultaneous polls in India: Boon or bane?

Rediff.com8 May 2018

Y V Reddy argues that while the merits of the proposal to hold simultaneous elections to Parliament and all state assemblies appear self-evident, the reality might be very different.

Of Welspun, Cyprus and the FEMA conundrum

Of Welspun, Cyprus and the FEMA conundrum

Rediff.com9 Mar 2015

The sluggish legal system in India makes it extremely difficult for law-enforcing agencies in the ministry of finance to punish violations of foreign exchange laws. Unfortunately, it is not just FEMA. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act too has significant infirmities, say Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Pranati Mehra.

'Secular parties have abandoned Muslims'

'Secular parties have abandoned Muslims'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2019

'Which path should Muslims take politically as they have been completely marginalised?'

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.

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

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.

BJP wrestles with populism vs pragmatism debate in K'taka

BJP wrestles with populism vs pragmatism debate in K'taka

Rediff.com23 Nov 2017

Ahead of the assembly elections next year, the BJP has been wallowing in a welter of ideas that has resurrected the debate on populism versus pragmatism, as it has to pander to two important but incompatible constituencies, of the freebie consuming masses and Bengaluru's heavy hitters craving for even roads, pristine lakes and unbroken power supply, reports Radhika Ramaseshan.

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.

'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.'

Why replacing branded drugs with generics won't be easy

Why replacing branded drugs with generics won't be easy

Rediff.com25 May 2017

Mandatory prescription of generic names is not a complete solution. Rather, in the absence of a range of approaches, it could mean passing the choice of selecting a drug from a doctor to a pharmacist, says Chandrakant Lahariya.

Why US won't declare Pak a 'terrorist State'

Why US won't declare Pak a 'terrorist State'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2017

The question really is whether the US can be persuaded to embark on a path of calibrated and stronger sanctions on Pakistan.

Pravasi Special: A look back in anxiety

Pravasi Special: A look back in anxiety

Rediff.com7 Jan 2015

'Non Resident Indians know that India's problems are the combination of many factors over the centuries, including foreign rule, lack of resources and the ever-growing population, among other things. Yet, India has achieved many things and even looks at Mars as a neighbour.'

Why I support 27% reservation in private sector jobs'

Why I support 27% reservation in private sector jobs'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2016

'The government and corporate sector must join hands to implement action which allows all of India to develop. It would be good for the corporate sector in the long run.' 'It is not that talent is a monopoly of a few castes who have been privileged over centuries. Talent also exists in other groups. They need opportunity and exposure,'

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.

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.

If politicians knew how idiotic they appear on TV, they would never step into another studio!

If politicians knew how idiotic they appear on TV, they would never step into another studio!

Rediff.com21 Aug 2013

Television news. Anarchists. Special Status for UP! And that man-who-wants-to-be-Pradhan Mantri so baaad. Sherna Gandhy takes them on.

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.

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.

Can Dada fix the BCCI?

Can Dada fix the BCCI?

Rediff.com21 Oct 2019

'Somewhere along the way, elected office-bearers appeared to have lost sight of the interest of cricket and begun to pursue their own interpretation of what the game should be.' 'Families made it a tradition to have their representatives occupy, if not usurp, positions in state associations,' points out Vinod Rai, who will step down as head of the BCCI's Committee of Administrators on Wednesday, October 23.

Obama for higher share for India in IMF, other institutions

Obama for higher share for India in IMF, other institutions

Rediff.com25 Jan 2015

US President Barack Obama on Sunday affirmed his commitment to enhancing India's 'voice and vote' in global financial institutions like IMF.

'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.'