News for 'General Debate'

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'The earlier a child is given a smartphone, the worst it becomes when they are 17, 18.' 'Every year you delay in giving a smartphone to child, the outcome becomes better.' 'The behavioural changes that are very specific to smartphones are aggression and anger.'

Gold Hits Rs 90K, Jewellery Demand Takes A Hit

Gold Hits Rs 90K, Jewellery Demand Takes A Hit

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The trigger for international gold prices rising to $3,000 per ounce was Germany's upcoming heavy government borrowing.

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Universities and immigration authorities take student conduct seriously. Behaviour that is deemed unacceptable or dangerous can lead to legal consequences, including deportation, warns Dr Pananjay Tiwari, founder and director, Impel Overseas Education.

Don't Blame Tax Rate For Market Volatility

Don't Blame Tax Rate For Market Volatility

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Tax rate and stock markets are entirely two different things.'

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in the Indian Parliament walked out of the Rajya Sabha after their demand for an immediate discussion on the alleged mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh, where a stampede led to several deaths, was rejected. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, declined to suspend the scheduled business of the day to take up the issue, citing his previous rulings regarding notices under Rule 267.

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday accused Home Minister Amit Shah of harboring "hatred" towards B.R. Ambedkar, demanding an apology from him for his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. Congress leaders pointed out that Shah's comments, which criticized the frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name by the opposition, demonstrate a deep-seated animosity towards the architect of India's Constitution. The allegations sparked outrage among Congress members, who accused the BJP and RSS of having a history of disdain for Ambedkar. The incident has fueled political tensions, with the Congress vowing to hold Shah accountable for his remarks.

'Double maths period, boring': Cong on Modi's Parl speech

'Double maths period, boring': Cong on Modi's Parl speech

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Priyanka slammed Prime Minister Modi's 11 resolutions as "hollow" and said if there is zero tolerance towards corruption then why doesn't the BJP agree to a discussion on the Adani issue.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls India a potential AI leader

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls India a potential AI leader

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Two years after his dismissive stance on India's AI potential raised eyebrows here, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Wednesday gave a ringing endorsement to Artificial Intelligence momentum in the country -- and billed India as an important market not just for the new-age technology itself but for the ChatGPT creator as well. In New Delhi on Wednesday, Altman -- while sharing dais with Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw -- said India is the second biggest market for the company and that Open AI had tripled its users here in the last year.

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deprecated the practice of announcing freebies prior to elections, and said people were not willing to work as they were getting free ration and money.

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'Peninsular Indians could ask 'Why should we contribute half of India's tax revenues if we account for only a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha?'.' 'The rest of the country seems likely to counter that 'democracy means one vote per person irrespective of where that person resides in India'.' 'With no easy answers to this thorny debate, the south's economic ascendancy could end up creating a Hobson's choice.' A revealing excerpt from Nandita Rajhansa and Saurabh Mukherjea's book, Behold the Leviathan: The Unusual Rise of Modern India.

'Congress Has Many Capable Leaders In Kerala'

'Congress Has Many Capable Leaders In Kerala'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Maybe this has created some minor issues which can happen in any party.'

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The report on the alleged liquor scam, a hot button issue in the run-up to the elections, claimed a loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 941.53 crore, saying timely permissions were not taken for opening the liquor vends in non-conforming municipal wards.

Party will decide, not me: Mamata on her successor

Party will decide, not me: Mamata on her successor

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Asked about her potential successor, Banerjee deflected the question with a counter-query to the interviewer, "Who is your successor?"

Oppn moves notice in RS to impeach Allahabad HC judge

Oppn moves notice in RS to impeach Allahabad HC judge

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Members of several opposition parties in India have initiated proceedings to impeach Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav for his alleged controversial remarks at a recent event. The impeachment motion, signed by 55 opposition MPs, cites the judge's speech at a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) function, where he allegedly made provocative statements on a uniform civil code and the law working according to the majority. The Supreme Court has taken note of the controversy and sought details from the Allahabad High Court.

Why Pyaasa Is A Must Watch 68 Years On

Why Pyaasa Is A Must Watch 68 Years On

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

'At a time when the 'my country, right or wrong' attitude is sweeping over the majority, the Pyaasa song Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Woh Kahan Hain brings a much-needed sense of reality. It questions: How can one feel any sense of pride when women are treated like this? Utkarsh Mishra salutes Guru Dutt's classic that turns 68 this month.

Does the National Games hold relevance?

Does the National Games hold relevance?

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Except for shooting, a major Olympic sport, most of the top stars in other disciplines will give the National Games a miss.

India's two big worries despite series win!

India's two big worries despite series win!

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The series already in their pocket, India will look to address their batting woes against an England team gunning for revenge after feeling hard-done by a debatable concussion substitute when the two teams clash in the fifth and final T20 International in Mumbai on Sunday.

Davis Cup: Mukund's last chance for glory?

Davis Cup: Mukund's last chance for glory?

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Sasikumar Mukund will aim for a winning return to the Davis Cup fold as India faces Togo in the World Group I Play-off.

DMK's A Raja guns for Sanatan Dharma, dares Modi-Shah to debate

DMK's A Raja guns for Sanatan Dharma, dares Modi-Shah to debate

Rediff.com7 Sep 2023

DMK deputy general secretary and Lok Sabha MP A Raja has likened Sanatan Dharma to disease like leprosy that had social stigma.

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The US is currently Earth's most powerful country and a certain latitude of understanding -- a world view -- is popularly expected from its leadership. From a country identified with freedom, constitution, debate, democracy and the likes of Abraham Lincoln even as it had the most powerful military around, the US, following Trump's actions, seemed repositioned as militarily powerful with other qualities secondary, observes Shyam G Menon.

Days after meeting with Modi at G20, Erdogan raises Kashmir issue at UNGA

Days after meeting with Modi at G20, Erdogan raises Kashmir issue at UNGA

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

His comment comes weeks after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi during which both the leaders discussed strengthening trade and infrastructure relations.

'An All-Out Budget For Middle Class'

'An All-Out Budget For Middle Class'

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

'There's a misconception that all Rs 1 lakh crore will be spent immediately, leading to higher consumption of FMCG goods, travel, and vehicle purchases.' 'While some of this money will go toward consumption, not all of it will.' 'The impact depends on where people deploy their savings.'

SC refuses interim relief to Mahua, seeks reply from LS secy general

SC refuses interim relief to Mahua, seeks reply from LS secy general

Rediff.com3 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a reply from the Lok Sabha secretary general on Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra's plea challenging her expulsion from the Lower House.

Is Novak Djokovic The GOAT?

Is Novak Djokovic The GOAT?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The unanswerable question, of course, is whether Djokovic is the GOAT. That's a complex issue over which fans will forever bicker, observes Kanika Datta.

'Radical organisation': Plea seeks ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh

'Radical organisation': Plea seeks ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

This comes amid the row over the arrest of former priest of ISKCON Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, over sedition charges, which led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh.

'Band-aid for bullet wounds': Oppn slams Budget, says poll-centric

'Band-aid for bullet wounds': Oppn slams Budget, says poll-centric

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's opposition parties have sharply criticized the Union Budget, calling it inadequate to address the country's economic woes and accusing the BJP-led government of using it to woo voters in Bihar and Delhi ahead of upcoming elections. Leaders from the Congress, TMC, DMK, SP, and CPI(M) voiced their disapproval, highlighting concerns over inflation, unemployment, and the lack of substantial measures to support the agricultural sector and the poor. They also criticized the tax cuts for the middle class as insufficient and coming too late after years of high taxes and rising prices.

The Coming Changes In Warfare

The Coming Changes In Warfare

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

The nature of war and its purpose remains unchanged. The change is in the character of war in terms of a man-machine mix, domination of sensors and certain automation of the tactics and methods of war, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

BJP asks why Rahul didn't open debate on no-trust motion, Cong says...

BJP asks why Rahul didn't open debate on no-trust motion, Cong says...

Rediff.com8 Aug 2023

The last minute decision of the Congress to withdraw Rahul Gandhi's name as the lead speaker on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha led to heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches on Tuesday.

ChatGPT Downtime: Wake-up Call For AI

ChatGPT Downtime: Wake-up Call For AI

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The outage raised broader concerns about the dependency on a few large tech companies controlling critical platforms.

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.

Is Nuclear Deal PM Singh's Biggest Achievement?

Is Nuclear Deal PM Singh's Biggest Achievement?

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

The India-US nuclear deal was aimed at ending India's nuclear isolation and nuclear apartheid, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

Govt asked 'X' to delete Shah's Ambedkar speech: Cong

Govt asked 'X' to delete Shah's Ambedkar speech: Cong

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

The Congress party alleged that the BJP government has asked social media platform 'X' to remove Home Minister Amit Shah's speech from the Rajya Sabha, which they claim insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar. The party cited an email from 'X' to support their claim. The BJP has not yet commented on the matter, and 'X' has refused to delete the speech, citing freedom of speech. The Congress accused Shah of insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution and demanded his resignation.

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India's anti-corruption ombudsman, the Lokpal, has dismissed a complaint alleging corruption against former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The complaint, filed in October 2024, alleged abuse of office, corruption, and favoritism by Chandrachud while he was CJI. The Lokpal, in its order, concluded that sitting judges of the Supreme Court, including the CJI, are not subject to its jurisdiction under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. The Lokpal stated that the Supreme Court was established by the Constitution of India, not an Act of Parliament, making it outside the scope of its jurisdiction.

She Came, She Saw, She Conquered!

She Came, She Saw, She Conquered!

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

'The consensus was that the debate was between looking backward and looking forward.' 'Trump, with his great enamourment of his own 'achievements,' was obviously looking backward, while Harris, nearly 20 years his junior, was focussing on the future, with hope,' notes Shreekant Sambrani.

With Elections Near, Debate On Freebies Rages

With Elections Near, Debate On Freebies Rages

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Populism gains momentum during election periods, and this trend is evident in at least four states: Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have ignited political debate in West Bengal, with the ruling TMC and opposition BJP utilizing the issue to advance their respective agendas. While the TMC emphasizes communal harmony and calls for international intervention, the BJP criticizes the TMC's inaction and links the situation to its push for the Citizenship Amendment Act. The issue has also brought other opposition parties into the fray, with all sides highlighting the interconnectedness of the region's socio-political fabric.

Unique move: Uttarakhand backs soldiers' right on waqf property

Unique move: Uttarakhand backs soldiers' right on waqf property

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

They stated that when a soldier fights for the nation, he does so not as a Hindu, Muslim, or any other religion, but as a patriot.

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Traversing from being just vehicle manufacturers to mobility solutions providers amid a raging debate over which eco-friendly technology must be incentivised, the Indian automobile industry is driving in the new year under the shadow of a slowdown in sales with the post-pandemic pent-up demand in distant memory. The shift in the auto industry -- where advanced technologies like autonomous driving, vehicle intelligence, connected features and electrification are quickly gaining traction -- will be reflected in the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo in which India's flagship Auto Expo has been clubbed to be held from January 17-22, 2025 in Delhi-NCR.

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

'As we enter 2025, it must be acknowledged that there is a convergence of capital, influential people (from business and politics) and technology deciding the destiny of others in the name of pride, patriotism, nationalism, nation building, all of it thinly veiled disguises for personal profit and glory,' asserts Shyam G Menon.