News for 'Group of Ministers and Cabinet'

Meet those who led the farmers' movement

Meet those who led the farmers' movement

Rediff.com19 Nov 2021

Here are some of the key farmer leaders who fronted the protests.

UP polls: Akhilesh Yadav ropes in small parties to make a comeback

UP polls: Akhilesh Yadav ropes in small parties to make a comeback

Rediff.com23 Nov 2021

While Yadav began to tour different constituencies and address public meetings to mobilise the SP rank and file, he has concurrently started the tedious process of cobbling up an alliance of smaller outfits representing a mlange of castes and sub-castes, reports Virendra Singh Rawat.

'Taliban not involved in Kashmir violence'

'Taliban not involved in Kashmir violence'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2021

'It was always anticipated that the return of the Taliban would embolden armed Islamists including anti-India groups like the Lashkar and Jaish.'

Gandhis will have to take SPG along on foreign trips

Gandhis will have to take SPG along on foreign trips

Rediff.com7 Oct 2019

SPG Act tweaked to ensure that commandoes accompany protectees overseas as well.

116 ex-babus urge PM to provide free vaccination to all citizens

116 ex-babus urge PM to provide free vaccination to all citizens

Rediff.com21 May 2021

The central government should provide for free vaccination to all Indian citizens and greatly ramp up RT-PCR testing in both rural and urban areas, a group of former civil servants said on Thursday in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Centre may offer an exit window to cryptocurrency holders

Centre may offer an exit window to cryptocurrency holders

Rediff.com12 Apr 2021

The government is considering a provision to provide an exit window to holders of cryptocurrencies (cryptos), keeping in mind that banning them outright could deal a blow to investors sitting on them for years. According to sources in the government, the framework in the making may propose a grace period of three to six months for investors before prohibiting the possession, trading, mining, and issuing of cryptos. A group of secretaries chaired by the Cabinet secretary is learnt to have met in mid-March and discussed issues associated with cryptos, including the consequences of banning them and also on possible substitutes of blockchain technology - an advanced technology Bitcoin uses.

Are Xi's Policies Disastrous For China?

Are Xi's Policies Disastrous For China?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

Xi Jinping's recent actions in South Asia have amply demonstrated the disastrous impact of China's embrace, observes Jayadeva Ranade, the retired senior RA&W officer and China expert.

13 of 22 rebel Cong MLAs won't quit Cong: Digvijaya

13 of 22 rebel Cong MLAs won't quit Cong: Digvijaya

Rediff.com11 Mar 2020

Singh said nobody anticipated that Scindia would quit the party.

Of power, privatisation and politics

Of power, privatisation and politics

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

As the Centre pushes reforms in the power sector, especially for the beleaguered electricity distribution segment, several states, especially those ruled by Opposition parties, are clamouring against it. Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerela have voiced their reservations against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003. The irony is the states opposing the amendments on the ground of threat of privatisation already have private partnerships in power supply. The proposed Bill was slated to be placed on the floor of Parliament in the Monsoon session. But it still awaits Cabinet approval amid several states complaining that they have been not consulted on the issue.

How Coal India is chasing the monsoon to reduce coal supply disruptions

How Coal India is chasing the monsoon to reduce coal supply disruptions

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

Way before the rains arrived at Talwandi Sabo Power plant in Punjab, the one check the coal ministry was carrying out was the availability of coal stock with the generator. Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), the 1,980-Mw thermal power plant of Sterlite Energy, part of the Vedanta Group, which supplies about 15 per cent of Punjab's power, is one of the most difficult locations to manage coal supplies. It is nearly 1,700 km from the mines of Mahanadi Coalfields in Odisha, the longest coal route in India and possibly the trickiest as it cuts through the traffic heavy rail lines between Delhi and eastern India.

Coronavirus: India suspends tourist visas till Apr 15

Coronavirus: India suspends tourist visas till Apr 15

Rediff.com11 Mar 2020

The suspension will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13 at the port of departure. The decision was taken at the meeting of group of ministers held under the chairmanship of Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

Will AAP Forge A New Political Culture In India?

Will AAP Forge A New Political Culture In India?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2022

AAP will have to learn to be patient as such electoral changes do not happen in a hurry, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

The ministry's year-end review is silent on the continued occupation by Chinese troops of territory that India has always claimed and patrolled.

'Like Mamata is for TMC, who is Congress's magnet?'

'Like Mamata is for TMC, who is Congress's magnet?'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

The Congress party continues to be racked by arbitrary decision-making and the absence of accountability.

Gen Bipin Rawat, wife, 11 others killed as IAF chopper crashes in TN

Gen Bipin Rawat, wife, 11 others killed as IAF chopper crashes in TN

Rediff.com9 Dec 2021

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others were killed when an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying them crashed on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu in apparently foggy conditions, killing 13 people on board, the IAF and other officials said.

LJP implodes: 5 MPs oust Chirag as leader, elect his uncle

LJP implodes: 5 MPs oust Chirag as leader, elect his uncle

Rediff.com14 Jun 2021

Five of the six Lok Janshakti Party MPs in Lok Sabha have joined hands against their leader Chirag Paswan and elected Pashupati Kumar Paras, the youngest brother of Paswan's late father and party founder Ram Vilas Paswan, in his place, causing a big churn in Bihar politics.

Taliban again postpone government formation in Afghanistan

Taliban again postpone government formation in Afghanistan

Rediff.com4 Sep 2021

The Taliban have postponed the formation of a new government in Afghanistan for next week, their spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said on Saturday, as the insurgent group struggles to give shape to a broad-based and inclusive administration acceptable to the international community.

Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan is KAPUT

Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan is KAPUT

Rediff.com21 Feb 2022

The Pakistani military may shortly give Imran Khan the boot, substituting him with another puppet, predicts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Is Pinarayi jealous of Shailaja's popularity?

Is Pinarayi jealous of Shailaja's popularity?

Rediff.com19 May 2021

'Here is a woman who has got widespread appreciation for her work.' 'Social media was full of posts wanting her as the chief ministerial candidate.' 'This kind of popularity did not go well within the party.' 'See, today the party is Pinarayi Vijayan!'

What Modi and his ministers must learn from Vajpayee

What Modi and his ministers must learn from Vajpayee

Rediff.com22 Feb 2016

'Think about how he would have handled Hyderabad, and JNU. He would have been very cross if he found two of his Cabinet ministers weighing in on the side of the ABVP.' 'And if Rohith Vemula still killed himself, he would have been the first to speak out in anguish and empathy rather than deny he was a Dalit.' 'And JNU, he would have simply said something like, 'let the boys speak, then they will grow up and join the IAS).' 'A good idea, when in crisis, is to apply the 'Vajpayee test' to your actions,' says Shekhar Gupta.

'No problem' was Tarun Gogoi's guiding mantra

'No problem' was Tarun Gogoi's guiding mantra

Rediff.com23 Nov 2020

He felt that if one "approaches the negative in a positive manner", things automatically fall into place.

When will the CBI question the Prime Minister?

When will the CBI question the Prime Minister?

Rediff.com21 Oct 2013

Dr Manmohan Singh's role in the sordid saga of the Coal Allocation Scam was always Delhi's worst-kept secret; calls for his interrogation will mushroom after he was named by P C Parakh, says T V R Shenoy.

Don't want any conflict with any country, including India: Taliban

Don't want any conflict with any country, including India: Taliban

Rediff.com14 Nov 2021

'Women have 100 per cent inclusion in the health sector. They are also teaching in the education sector. They are working in each and every one of those sectors where they are required'

Corporate espionage: Executives got Cabinet notes at Rs 1 lakh/month

Corporate espionage: Executives got Cabinet notes at Rs 1 lakh/month

Rediff.com22 Feb 2015

Executives would analyse information and pass it to seniors.

TN, Bengal, Telangana report first case of Omicron; country's tally at 73

TN, Bengal, Telangana report first case of Omicron; country's tally at 73

Rediff.com16 Dec 2021

Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal reported their first COVID-19 variant Omicron cases on Wednesday, four more persons each tested positive in Maharashtra and Kerala.

Fresh crisis in Cong as Azad, Sibal seek CWC meet amid defections

Fresh crisis in Cong as Azad, Sibal seek CWC meet amid defections

Rediff.com29 Sep 2021

Beset by troubles on multiple fronts within, the Congress faces the danger of imploding with party veterans Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal on Wednesday sharply questioning the decision-making process, saying there are 'no monopolies', and demanded convening an urgent meeting of the Congress Working Committee for a 'dialogue'.

Why is China Focusing on Tibet?

Why is China Focusing on Tibet?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2021

Wang Yang and Xi Jinping's visits signal the beginning of a major Chinese push to bring about a transformation of Tibet, observes Jayadeva Ranade, the distinguished China expert and retired RA&W officer.

Rift widens in Rajasthan Cong: More Pilot loyalists voice concern

Rift widens in Rajasthan Cong: More Pilot loyalists voice concern

Rediff.com11 Jun 2021

A day after a group of Congress MLAs met Sachin Pilot, another party legislator on Friday expressed support for the dissident leader as trouble brewed again in Rajasthan's ruling party.

Cong trying to make a comeback in Tripura in 2023 as new equations emerge

Cong trying to make a comeback in Tripura in 2023 as new equations emerge

Rediff.com13 Feb 2022

It seems the grand old party is trying to stage a comeback in the state which it ruled at one time, but also to its progeny the Trinamool Congress which has vowed to come to power in Tripura in the 2023 state assembly elections.

Govt may defer LIC IPO to next fiscal amid Ukraine crisis

Govt may defer LIC IPO to next fiscal amid Ukraine crisis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2022

The government is expected to defer the mega initial public offering (IPO) of LIC to the next financial year as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has dampened fund managers' interest in the public issue, market experts said on Sunday. The government was looking to sell 5 per cent stake in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) this month, which could have fetched over Rs 60,000 crore to the exchequer. The IPO would have helped meet the curtailed divestment target of Rs 78,000 crore this fiscal.

Canada's stand on farmers' protests 'nothing but hypocrisy': BJP

Canada's stand on farmers' protests 'nothing but hypocrisy': BJP

Rediff.com5 Dec 2020

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently backed the agitating farmers in India, saying his country will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protests. He had expressed concern over the situation.

The Strange Case Of S Nambi Narayanan

The Strange Case Of S Nambi Narayanan

Rediff.com25 Aug 2022

The ISRO spy case is dead. And yet, not dead.

Anti-rape bill will be passed soon, claims Shinde

Anti-rape bill will be passed soon, claims Shinde

Rediff.com12 Mar 2013

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Tuesday expressed confidence that the bill, which seeks to make punishment for crime against women more stringent, will be passed in the Budget session.

UN chief, 36 UK lawmakers express support for farmers' protest

UN chief, 36 UK lawmakers express support for farmers' protest

Rediff.com5 Dec 2020

Thousands of farmers are protesting on various borders of Delhi since November 26, seeking repeal of three farm laws enacted in September.

Dalit leader Charanjit Singh Channi is new Punjab CM

Dalit leader Charanjit Singh Channi is new Punjab CM

Rediff.com20 Sep 2021

The Congress picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of Punjab, making him the first Dailt to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party.

'Congress is in a self-destructive mode in Punjab'

'Congress is in a self-destructive mode in Punjab'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2021

'The Congress is trying to cover up their anti-incumbency by highlighting the Dalit CM factor.'

BJP plans mega exercise to reach out to farmers

BJP plans mega exercise to reach out to farmers

Rediff.com21 Sep 2020

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has held a series of meetings with MPs and Union ministers from Punjab and Haryana and surrounding states, and virtual interactions with state agricultural ministers of all BJP-led National Democratic Alliance ruled states where he briefed them about the merits of the two bills, the sources said.

Australia joins diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Games

Australia joins diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Games

Rediff.com8 Dec 2021

Australia will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, as other allies weighed similar moves to protest China's human rights record.

The Secret of M L Khattar's Survival

The Secret of M L Khattar's Survival

Rediff.com6 Oct 2021

Haryana's chief minister enjoys Narendra Modi's support and protection and will be in office unless the state sees a massive administrative botch-up.

LVB to become DBS Bank India from Nov 27; Rs 25,000 withdrawal restriction to go

LVB to become DBS Bank India from Nov 27; Rs 25,000 withdrawal restriction to go

Rediff.com25 Nov 2020

The Reserve Bank on Wednesday said the amalgamation of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBS Bank India will come into force from November 27 and the moratorium imposed on the crisis-ridden lender will be removed on that day. The RBI issued the statement within hours of the Cabinet clearing the Scheme of Amalgamation of Lakshmi Vilas Bank Limited (LVB) with DBS Bank India Limited (DBIL).