News for 'Essential Services'

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

It was good fortune for India to have Atal Bihari Vajpayee lead the government at a crucial moment in our history. He avoided India meeting the fate of Iraq or Ukraine, asserts military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Blackout in Chandigarh as electricity employees go on strike

Blackout in Chandigarh as electricity employees go on strike

Rediff.com23 Feb 2022

Employees of the electricity department has launched a three-day strike in protest against privatisation.

Child porn: SC nudges Parliament to amend POCSO Act

Child porn: SC nudges Parliament to amend POCSO Act

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday suggested that Parliament should seriously consider bringing an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for substituting the term 'child pornography' with 'child sexual exploitative and abuse material' with a view to reflect more accurately the reality of such offences.

10 Tips For Healthy Knees, Strong Joints

10 Tips For Healthy Knees, Strong Joints

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

If you are overweight, you will gradually complain of excruciating knee and joint pain while walking, running, squatting, sitting down and taking the stairs, warns Dr Anup Khatri.

Kangana wants to bring back repealed farm laws, Cong says...

Kangana wants to bring back repealed farm laws, Cong says...

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

The Congress shared on X an undated video of Ranaut in which she is purportedly saying in Hindi, "Farm laws that have been repealed should be brought back. I think this may get controversial. The laws in farmers' interest be brought back. Farmers should themselves demand this (to bring farm laws back) so that there is no hindrance to their prosperity.

Tackling Heatwaves In Cities

Tackling Heatwaves In Cities

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

As Singapore, New York and Melbourne have shown, cities can mitigate the impact of heatwaves if they have the will to create green infrastructure, explain Amit Kapoor & Bibek Debroy.

UP announces 2-day lockdown from Friday night

UP announces 2-day lockdown from Friday night

Rediff.com9 Jul 2020

This decision has been taken after reviewing the present situation of the COVID -19 pandemic.

Specialised skills to drive 20-25% growth in IT fresher hiring

Specialised skills to drive 20-25% growth in IT fresher hiring

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

Fresher hiring, which has been subdued as Indian information technology (IT) services firms scaled back their recruitment, is set for a turnaround. The IT sector's fresher hiring is expected to rise by 20-25 per cent for 2024-25 (FY25). Additionally, the global capability centres are projected to boost their fresher hiring by 40 per cent compared to last year, according to a TeamLease Digital analysis.

Bengal junior doctors continue indefinite hunger strike

Bengal junior doctors continue indefinite hunger strike

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

Agitating junior doctors demanding justice for the deceased woman medic of the Kar Medical College and Hospital and workplace safety continued their hunger strike until death on Sunday in the central part of the Kolkata's Dharmatala area.

RG Kar: No end to impasse as doctor's protest continues

RG Kar: No end to impasse as doctor's protest continues

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

The state government and the CM have repeatedly urged the doctors to resume work. Though Thursday's talks failed to take place, protesting doctors maintained that they still desire a meeting, but only in a completely transparent manner, which they believe is only possible through live-streaming.

E-commerce Creating Jobs For Women

E-commerce Creating Jobs For Women

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

'Women are taking on key roles in warehouses, such as picking and packing, as well as in our last-mile operations across India.'

Draft framework: RBI for more options to authenticate digital payments

Draft framework: RBI for more options to authenticate digital payments

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday issued a draft framework for alternative authentication mechanism for digital payments, wherein it has mandated that all digital payment transactions would have to be authenticated with an additional factor of authentication (AFA), except small value contactless card payments for up to Rs 5,000 at point of sale terminals, e-mandates for recurring transactions, and small value digital payments through offline mode, among others. Additionally, it has said that all digital payment transactions, other than card present transactions, have to ensure that one of the factors of authentication is dynamically created, i.e., the factor is generated after initiation of payment; is specific to the transaction; and cannot be reused.

5 Asanas To Reduce Belly Fat

5 Asanas To Reduce Belly Fat

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

These five yoga asanas, when practiced consistently, can help you achieve your goal of reducing belly fat, says Pushpa R.

IT Freshers, What You Need To KNOW

IT Freshers, What You Need To KNOW

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The IT sector's fresher hiring is expected to rise by 20% to 25% for 2024-2025. The increase in hiring is driven by a focus on specialised skills catering to segments like AI, machine learning and data analytics.

Allow Mumbai local trains for all: Maha govt to Rlys

Allow Mumbai local trains for all: Maha govt to Rlys

Rediff.com28 Oct 2020

At present only certain categories of persons including essential services staff can travel by local trains, Mumbai's lifeline, due to the coronavirus threat.

Services sector pushes India's Q1 GDP growth to four-quarter high of 7.8%

Services sector pushes India's Q1 GDP growth to four-quarter high of 7.8%

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

India recorded economic growth of 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of 2023-24 against 13.1 per cent in the year-ago period, as per the National Statistical Office (NSO) data released on Thursday. India remains the fastest-growing major economy as China's GDP growth in the April-June quarter was 6.3 per cent.

'Essential goods' classification puts e-commerce cos in a tizzy

'Essential goods' classification puts e-commerce cos in a tizzy

Rediff.com26 Mar 2020

'It is unclear whether clothing or home items qualify as essential items. A lot of professionals are working from home, and they need electronics for their productivity. Does this qualify as essential?'

24K cops, drones to be deployed in Mumbai for Ganesh immersion

24K cops, drones to be deployed in Mumbai for Ganesh immersion

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

In view of the possible traffic snarls, as faithful throng roads in large numbers to witness the immersion processions, the city police will create a 'green corridor' for seamless movement of vehicles and connectivity between eastern and western suburbs, he said.

Fully-vaccinated people can board Mumbai local trains

Fully-vaccinated people can board Mumbai local trains

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

The government also stated that the people working in essential sectors must be fully vaccinated and should have completed the 14 days post-inoculation before they can be allowed to board local trains.

Delhi services bill: Tharoor says coercive federalism exists; Lekhi hits back

Delhi services bill: Tharoor says coercive federalism exists; Lekhi hits back

Rediff.com4 Aug 2023

Tharoor argued that the proposed bill represents a "grave chapter in the history of the Indian republic, seeking to ratify an ordinance that in many ways is an assault on our democratic heritage and the spirit of federalism."

Are you up to some mischief, Rahul asks PM on Kangana's remark

Are you up to some mischief, Rahul asks PM on Kangana's remark

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

The actor-politician said she must remember that she is not only an artiste but also a BJP member now and her statements should be in line with her party's policies.

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Term life insurance policies, and senior citizens' health insurance premium are likely to be exempted from GST as most members of a state ministerial panel favoured cutting taxes to benefit the common man, an official said on Saturday. The GoM to decide on GST on health and life insurance premiums in its meeting on Saturday decided to exempt GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. However, 18 per cent GST will continue to be levied for health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh.

Short-term inflation outlook benign: Survey

Short-term inflation outlook benign: Survey

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

The short-term inflation outlook for India is benign, and the expectation of a normal monsoon and moderating global prices of key imported items give credence to the projections made by the RBI and IMF, the Economic Survey said on Monday. However, to ensure long-term policy stability, the Survey 2023-24 suggested making focused efforts to increase the production of major oilseeds, expanding the area under pulses, and assess the progress in developing modern storage facilities for specific crops.

Trump Whale Theo Makes $50 Mn!

Trump Whale Theo Makes $50 Mn!

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

The trader not only predicted a Trump win but also wagered on Trump's success in both the popular vote and several key swing states.

Odd-even scheme returns in Delhi from Nov 13-20; in-person classes suspended

Odd-even scheme returns in Delhi from Nov 13-20; in-person classes suspended

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

With Delhi recording air pollution levels seven to eight times above safe standards on Monday, the city government announced the return of its flagship odd-even scheme after four years anticipating further deterioration of air quality post-Diwali.

Naxals will be eliminated by 2026: Amit Shah

Naxals will be eliminated by 2026: Amit Shah

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Terming Naxals the biggest human rights violators, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said security forces have been carrying out 'offensive operations' instead of defensive against the insurgents and have achieved big successes in recent times.

CJI on new criminal laws: Issues pending before SC, so won't comment

CJI on new criminal laws: Issues pending before SC, so won't comment

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

Amid a heated debate over the three new criminal laws, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Tuesday refused to comment on them, saying the issues arising from these statutes were pending before the Supreme Court.

RG Kar case: Junior medics continue fast-unto-death

RG Kar case: Junior medics continue fast-unto-death

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal continued their fast-unto-death for the third consecutive day on Monday, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a woman medic of the RG Kar hospital and workplace safety even as the state government remained silent to address their issues.

SC rules in favor of Delhi govt, gives control over services except police

SC rules in favor of Delhi govt, gives control over services except police

Rediff.com11 May 2023

Hearing the Centre versus the Delhi government over the issue of demarcation of power, a constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said an elected government needs to have control over the administration.

Jalna protest: Maha govt invites Maratha leader for talks

Jalna protest: Maha govt invites Maratha leader for talks

Rediff.com4 Sep 2023

As violence broke out, police baton-charged the protesters and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse them. Several persons, including 40 police personnel, were injured and more than 15 state transport buses were set ablaze. More than 360 persons were booked in connection with the violence, police said.

The Menace Of Illegal Constructions

The Menace Of Illegal Constructions

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

As we brace for unprecedented rates of urbanisation, it is crucial to ensure that illegal constructions and unauthorised land use are curbed, asserts Amit Kapoor.

Rogue robocallers behind Trai's bid to dial up rules against spam

Rogue robocallers behind Trai's bid to dial up rules against spam

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai's) latest push to review its existing spam regulations and expand the definition of "commercial communications" is driven by an urgent need to tighten controls on autodialers or robocallers, and bulk messaging, according to official sources. This move, they said, comes in response to a surge in complaints against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs), which soared to 750,000 in just the first half of 2024, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the government's anti-spam measures. Last week, Trai released a consultation paper aimed at revisiting the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018), the government's legal framework against spam.

Cyclone Dana: Lakhs evacuated; flights, trains suspended

Cyclone Dana: Lakhs evacuated; flights, trains suspended

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

As Cyclone Dana barrels toward the coasts of Odisha, threatening to impact nearly half of the state's population, the government is racing against time to execute a massive evacuation plan aimed at relocating about 10 lakh people in several coastal districts to safety. In West Bengal, the cyclone is set to bring heavy rainfall in several southern West Bengal districts, including Kolkata, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

Maharashtra okays local trains for all, decision with railways

Maharashtra okays local trains for all, decision with railways

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

Local trains have been off bounds for the general public since March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

RBI Flags Concern Over Illegal Accounts

RBI Flags Concern Over Illegal Accounts

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

'We found certain banks having lakhs of such accounts with apparently no valid reason.'

CCI refuses to pass interim order restricting Google

CCI refuses to pass interim order restricting Google

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Wednesday declined an interim relief order that would restrain Google from levying service fees on app developers until a final decision is made by the regulator. The CCI also said the Director General (DG) would continue its investigation as ordered by the commission in its March 15 order. "The Commission is of the considered opinion that no case whatsoever has been made out by the informants which warrant the grant of interim relief. Resultantly, the applications stand dismissed," said the CCI while rejecting the plea by app developers in its order.

Govt may hike local content requirement

Govt may hike local content requirement

Rediff.com20 May 2024

The government is planning to tweak its procurement policy to give a fillip to domestic manufacturing. The industry department has floated a proposal to raise the minimum local content requirement for public procurement for Class-I and -II suppliers from 50 per cent currently to 70 per cent, and 20 per cent as of now to 50 per cent, respectively.

Broadband, 2G Internet partially restored in J-K

Broadband, 2G Internet partially restored in J-K

Rediff.com15 Jan 2020

The order comes days after the Supreme Court had made harsh observation on the JK administration for snapping Internet services, which the apex court said was a fundamental right of the people.

BJP MP wants MHA to probe if ISI, China prompting massive feedback to Waqf bill

BJP MP wants MHA to probe if ISI, China prompting massive feedback to Waqf bill

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Raising concern over the nearly 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Bharatiya Janata Party member Nishikant Dubey has called for a probe into their sources, including in the possible role of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and China.

10 Tips To Take Care Of Your Skin This Monsoon

10 Tips To Take Care Of Your Skin This Monsoon

Rediff.com4 Jul 2024

Dr Ipshita Johri explains how you can keep your skin healthy in the rainy season.