News for 'General Services Administration'

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'Saudi-Pak defence pact is to anchor the defence and security of Saudi Arabia and not Pakistan, per se, with Islamabad being the junior partner.'

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Some of the key names include: Maruti, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Britannia, Ultratech, JK Cement, Havells, Voltas, Amber, Metro, Trent, LemonTree, Indian Hotels, Niva Bupa, HDFC Life, IGL, Acme Solar, Suzlon, Swiggy, Delhivery, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Jammu and Kashmir AAP chief and MLA Mehraj Malik was detained under the Public Safety Act for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district. The detention has sparked condemnation from opposition parties.

'India-China Won't Go Back To What It Was'

'India-China Won't Go Back To What It Was'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

'What's currently underway is not a 'reset'.' 'What needs to be arrived at is a new balance.'

India expands consular reach in US with 8 new centres, eases access

India expands consular reach in US with 8 new centres, eases access

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

Starting August 1, 2025, all consular services, including passport, visa, OCI, surrender certificate, life certificate, birth/marriage certificate, police clearance, attestations, and more, will be provided exclusively through VFS Global Centres.

Trump not to include Haley, Pompeo in his administration

Trump not to include Haley, Pompeo in his administration

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

President-elect Donald Trump ruled out two of his previous Cabinet members -- former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley -- to be part of his upcoming administration.

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Despite the alarming figures on job displacement, AI is expected to generate millions of new roles, echoing historical trends of technological transformation.

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of non-compliance with laws and irregularities at Vantara, a Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat. The SIT will examine the acquisition of animals, compliance with wildlife protection laws, and other related issues.

Why A Chess Master Has Complained Against AICF

Why A Chess Master Has Complained Against AICF

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

International Master Atanu Lahiri, a former joint secretary, AICF, in a complaint to the Registrar of Societies, Tamil Nadu has urged the initiation of a probe on alleged mismanagement or misuse of AICF funds and even dissolve the chess body if gross violation of its objectives and obligations were found.

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'Trump has personally weighed in to overcome doubts and reservations about Pakistan among his top advisors.'

PIX: Kolkata Bids Emotional Adieu To Dr Vece Paes

PIX: Kolkata Bids Emotional Adieu To Dr Vece Paes

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Dr. Vece Paes laid to rest as Ganguly, Tirkey join mourners in funeral procession

How Census 2027 Will Be Done

How Census 2027 Will Be Done

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'There will be not less than 31 lakh people working in the census process.'

Will Sunita, Wilmore get overtime for staying longer in space?

Will Sunita, Wilmore get overtime for staying longer in space?

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who returned to Earth after spending 286 days in space, will not receive any overtime for their extended stay, despite their spacecraft malfunctioning. NASA rules state astronauts are treated like "any other government employee who takes a business trip." They do receive a $5 per day allowance for "incidentals", which are typically fees and tips for services like porters and hotel staff.

'Railways Has Been Hell Bent On Breaking The Law'

'Railways Has Been Hell Bent On Breaking The Law'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

'The Railways is today running train services with 30% less number of loco pilots.'

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

To those who ask, "Is all this really worth it? Why can't domestic demand fill the gap?", it is important to remind them that only 13 economies since the Second World War have grown at 7 per cent or more for 25 years -- like India needs to. They all had one thing in common: Strong export growth underpinned by strong global engagement, explains Sajjid Z Chinoy.

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar district that claimed 60 lives and injured over 100. Abdullah expressed condolences and assured assistance, while also questioning potential administrative lapses.

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, a citizen and national of India, entered the United States on a F-1 student visa as a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Friday. It added that Srinivasan was "involved in activities supporting" Hamas, a terrorist organisation.

SC caps IPS deputation in CAPFs, boosts cadre officers

SC caps IPS deputation in CAPFs, boosts cadre officers

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ordered a progressive reduction in the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) over the next two years, citing concerns over the delayed promotions of cadre officers. The court's decision aims to address the long-standing grievances of CAPF officers who feel their promotional prospects are hampered by the presence of IPS officers in higher ranks. The ruling also mandates a cadre review of the CAPFs to be completed within six months, addressing the issue of stagnation in the service hierarchy. The court's decision acknowledges the valuable contributions of CAPF officers while also recognizing the need to balance their promotional prospects with the operational requirements of the forces.

Trump deploys more 2,000 National Guard troops in LA amid protests

Trump deploys more 2,000 National Guard troops in LA amid protests

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The latest deployment comes on the same day California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asking a judge to declare the deployments unconstitutional.

Bengaluru stampede: IPS officer reinstated; suspension termed mechanical

Bengaluru stampede: IPS officer reinstated; suspension termed mechanical

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has overturned the Karnataka government's suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, who was suspended following a fatal stampede at a stadium last month. The tribunal's decision could also lead to the reinstatement of other suspended officers.

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Government employees in Bangladesh locked down the main gate of the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, protesting a new service law that allows for easier dismissal of officials for misconduct. The protest, which lasted for about half an hour, disrupted government operations. The employees also threatened to continue their protests until the ordinance was scrapped. Meanwhile, the protest by employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation, demanding the installation of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as its mayor, has brought administrative services to a halt. These protests, coupled with concerns raised by the business community and the military, highlight a growing sense of unease in Bangladesh over the policies of the interim government.

RCB moves Karnataka HC against CAT's stampede order

RCB moves Karnataka HC against CAT's stampede order

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

RCB claimed that CAT's order didn't adhere to the principles of natural justice.

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Indian students at Harvard, on condition of anonymity, shared their concerns and experiences of the last few months during which the prestigious university has seen relentless attacks by the Trump administration.

Spot the Scam Before It Spots You!

Spot the Scam Before It Spots You!

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Fraudsters lure individuals with false promises of recovering bonuses or maturity proceeds from lapsed policies.

3 students killed as train hits school bus in TN; gatekeeper held

3 students killed as train hits school bus in TN; gatekeeper held

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Due to the impact, the vehicle carrying students was flung a distance away from the level crossing after it hit the running train. The loco pilot managed to stop the train after traversing some distance, police said.

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Landslides blocked arterial roads leading up to Dharali where dozens of people were trapped and many homes and cars swept away by the raging waters on Tuesday. Eleven Army personnel from the nearby camp in Harsil were among those missing.

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The latest book, in Singh's words, is "not merely a recounting of events but a mosaic of narratives, each woven with the depth and nuances of storytelling".

Remembering the Emergency: When trains ran on time

Remembering the Emergency: When trains ran on time

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'There was no corruption in the railways as officers were aware of severe action. Workers and senior officers were treated equally on the working hours front'

Pak hikes defence budget amid tension with India

Pak hikes defence budget amid tension with India

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Pakistan on Tuesday increased its defence budget by 20 per cent, allocating PRs. 2,550 billion ($9 billion) for the fiscal year 2025-26, amid tensions with India.

Op Sindoor: At Longewala, Army chief lauds soldiers guarding western front

Op Sindoor: At Longewala, Army chief lauds soldiers guarding western front

Rediff.com19 May 2025

He also reviewed the joint actions undertaken in coordination with the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force, they said.

1 killed, 5 injured in suspected terror blast outside US fertility clinic

1 killed, 5 injured in suspected terror blast outside US fertility clinic

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado confirmed that the explosion was intentional, with the blast damaging multiple buildings across several blocks.

Exports up 9% to $38.49 bn in Apr; trade deficit widens to 5-month high of $26.42 bn

Exports up 9% to $38.49 bn in Apr; trade deficit widens to 5-month high of $26.42 bn

Rediff.com16 May 2025

India's exports rose 9.03 per cent to $38.49 billion in April, the highest in six months, driven by healthy growth in sectors such as electronics and engineering goods, while the trade deficit widened to a five-month high of $26.42 billion. According to the commerce ministry data released on Thursday, imports increased by 19.12 per cent year-on-year to $64.91 billion in April due to a rise in shipments of crude oil and fertiliser.

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the transfer and posting of 48 J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, potentially creating friction with the National Conference-led government in the Union Territory. The move, seen by many as an attempt by the LG to assert control over the bureaucracy, includes the transfer of 14 additional deputy commissioners and 26 sub-divisional magistrates. The timing of the order, coinciding with the elected government's wait for approval on business rules, raises concerns over power dynamics in the region.

Be mindful of social media: Dos and don'ts for new civil servants

Be mindful of social media: Dos and don'ts for new civil servants

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has issued guidelines to newly selected civil service candidates, advising them to be mindful of their social media posts, reject all forms of inducement, and maintain a high standard of conduct both inside and outside the academy.

Bengaluru stampede: CM orders probe, BJP slams govt

Bengaluru stampede: CM orders probe, BJP slams govt

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday slammed the Congress government in Karnataka over the deaths in a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrations in Bengaluru, demanding that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara take responsibility for the incident.

Should India Be Worried About Asim Munir?

Should India Be Worried About Asim Munir?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

India had better be prepared. Munir could be back at our throats soon, even within the next 12 months, warns Shekhar Gupta.

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Rediff.com26 May 2025

A cross-party delegation led by Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor is visiting key American nations to rally global support for India's counter-terror stance under Operation Sindoor, spotlighting regional stability and Pakistan-backed cross-border threats.

What Are The New Changes in TOEFL?

What Are The New Changes in TOEFL?

Rediff.com29 May 2025

TOEFL is a standardised test to measure the English language abilities of non-native speakers wishing to enrol in English-speaking universities.