News for 'Information Commission'

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding pleas seeking verification of burnt memory and symbol loading units in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The court directed the ECI to refrain from erasing or reloading data during the verification process and to explain the procedure adopted for verification. The bench also expressed concerns over the high cost of verification and directed the ECI to reduce the fee. The court's directive comes following its previous judgement where it allowed aggrieved candidates to seek verification of EVMs.

Varun Beverages' growth strategy could help investors reap benefits

Varun Beverages' growth strategy could help investors reap benefits

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The VBL board approved the purchase of SBC Tanzania for Rs 1,304 crore and SBC Beverages Ghana for Rs 127 crore. These own manufacturing/distribution rights for NARTD (PepsiCo branded) beverages in Tanzania and Ghana. The acquisitions will help VBL gain ground in East and West Africa.

AAP, BJP trade allegations over 'fake voting' in Delhi

AAP, BJP trade allegations over 'fake voting' in Delhi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

As Delhi voters cast their ballots for the assembly polls on Wednesday, allegations of fake voting emerged in some parts of the national capital, including Seelampur and Kasturba Nagar.

No information on creation of Aarogya Setu app: Govt

No information on creation of Aarogya Setu app: Govt

Rediff.com28 Oct 2020

Information Commissioner, in a terse order, pointed out that the website of the application mentions that the content on it is "owned, updated and maintained" by MyGov and MeitY

Police have 'strong evidence' that Shehzad attacked Saif Ali Khan

Police have 'strong evidence' that Shehzad attacked Saif Ali Khan

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Mumbai police, who are probing the incident of attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, on Tuesday said they have 'ample and strong evidence' against the Bangladeshi national arrested in the case.

ED probes agents' network facilitating Indians' illegal US entry via Canada

ED probes agents' network facilitating Indians' illegal US entry via Canada

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a complex network of agents and facilitators in India, Canada, and the US who assist Indians in illegally entering the US through fraudulent admissions to Canadian colleges. Over 8,500 financial transactions are under scrutiny by the ED in a case related to money laundering, stemming from a 2023 Gujarat Police crime branch FIR. The investigation includes international financial companies involved in remittances abroad, with the ED conducting 35 searches in the past year and seizing assets worth Rs 92 lakh. The issue has gained significant attention following the deportation of 104 Indians from the US on Wednesday. The investigation is linked to the tragic death of an Indian family in January 2022, who perished while attempting to cross the Canada-US border illegally. The ED has identified a network of agents and facilitators who manage and facilitate the stay, transportation, visa arrangements, and legal matters of illegal immigrants who gained admission to Canadian colleges through fraudulent means. The investigation has revealed that the fees paid to Canadian colleges were remitted back to individuals' accounts, with around 8,500 transactions identified between September 2021 and August 2024. The ED suspects that approximately 370 individuals have entered the US using this illegal immigration scheme. The agency has recorded statements from parents and guardians of students enrolled in Canadian colleges and continues its investigation.

Rs 200 Billion For Bharat Small Reactors

Rs 200 Billion For Bharat Small Reactors

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Whether the ambitious targets are achievable is a moot question as India's earlier target was 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020.

Two Information Commissioners sworn in

Two Information Commissioners sworn in

Rediff.com23 Sep 2009

Former media advisor to Prime Minister Deepak Sandhu and former secretary in the Union government Sushma Singh were sworn in, on Wednesday, as new information commissioners at the Central Information Commission.

'Selection of information commissioners is arbitrary'

'Selection of information commissioners is arbitrary'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2011

In this freewheeling interview with rediff.com's Priyanka, IC Gandhi says that appellants must understand that law describes 'information' as something which 'exists', and only those can be given out.

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The Indian government has lodged a strong protest with Canada after consular officials at the Indian consulate in Vancouver were informed they were under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications had been intercepted. The Indian government maintains that Canada has provided space for pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity and has urged Canada to take action against anti-India elements.

Jaipur coaching institute sealed after students faint during class

Jaipur coaching institute sealed after students faint during class

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

A coaching institute in Jaipur was sealed after several students fainted during a class, prompting calls for action against those responsible and a shift of such institutions to a designated "Coaching Hub". The incident, which saw students experiencing breathing difficulties and headaches, is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak from either a sewer line or the institute's kitchen. The Rajasthan Human Rights Commission has recommended free treatment and compensation for the affected students and an investigation into the matter.

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'After his warm and affectionate farewell speech, the Chief of Staff of the formation asked me, "So, now you are off to Coorg to look after your coffee estates?"' For the last time, in Army uniform and much to his surprise, I replied, "Sir, I am not from Kodagu.".'

50% commission charge: FIR names X account handlers of Priyanka, Kamal Nath

50% commission charge: FIR names X account handlers of Priyanka, Kamal Nath

Rediff.com13 Aug 2023

The letter claimed that the contractors in the state are being asked to pay 50 percent commission.

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The first and most basic responsibility of any government is to protect its people from external threats and internal harm.' 'Budget 2025-2026 has to focus on meeting this responsibility,' asserts R Jagannathan.

Aspirants call off stir a day after UPPSC accepted their demands

Aspirants call off stir a day after UPPSC accepted their demands

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Students called off their five-day stir on Friday, a day after the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) agreed to their demand that the Provincial Civil Services Preliminary (PSC) examination should be held on a single day.

Political parties out of purview of RTI: Election Commission

Political parties out of purview of RTI: Election Commission

Rediff.com27 May 2018

The order is is contrary to the Central Information Commission's directive bringing six national parties under the transparency law.

India submits 'Letter of Intent' to host 2036 Olympics

India submits 'Letter of Intent' to host 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

India face competition from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, who are positioning themselves as strong contenders to host the 2036 Olympics.

INDIA bloc to move SC over EVM concerns in Maharashtra polls

INDIA bloc to move SC over EVM concerns in Maharashtra polls

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Meanwhile, the Congress' data analytics department chairperson Praveen Chakravarty on Tuesday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, seeking assembly-wise voter rolls in excel sheet format for the Lok Sabha elections and the assembly polls in Maharashtra.

Uddhav's MP for apologises calling Shaina N C 'imported maal'

Uddhav's MP for apologises calling Shaina N C 'imported maal'

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

He asked what action was taken when other political leaders earlier called women leaders as "Jersey cow" and "Surpankha".

Discussed Canada with Blinken, both sides came out better informed: Jaishankar

Discussed Canada with Blinken, both sides came out better informed: Jaishankar

Rediff.com29 Sep 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that the Canadian allegations with regard to the death of a Khalistani separatist was discussed during his meeting with the Secretary of State Tony Blinken a day earlier and noted that the two delegations came out "better informed" after the meeting.

Bypolls: EC acts against UP cops for 'stopping' voters

Bypolls: EC acts against UP cops for 'stopping' voters

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Acting on complaints, the Election Commission on Wednesday ordered suspension of police personnel violating its guidelines on checking of voters and stopping them from casting votes in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls, officials said.

'Why Is ECI Reducing Number Of Polling Stations?'

'Why Is ECI Reducing Number Of Polling Stations?'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

'What is the harm in having more polling booths?'

Rahul breaks silence on 'unexpected' Haryana results

Rahul breaks silence on 'unexpected' Haryana results

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Gandhi said the Congress was looking into the results of Haryana assembly polls.

We have no choice but to move court: Cong's reply to EC

We have no choice but to move court: Cong's reply to EC

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The Congress on Friday hit out at the Election Commission after it rejected allegations over irregularities in the Haryana assembly polls, saying if the poll panel's goal is to 'strip itself of the last vestiges of neutrality', then it is doing a 'remarkable job' at creating that impression.

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The number of cyberfraud cases has skyrocketed from 2,677 in 1999-2000 to 29,082 in FY24 -- more than a 10-fold increase. The RBI pegs digital payment frauds at Rs 1,457 crore in FY24, up more than five times in a year. It's not just the number of frauds. What's alarming is the growing sophistication of the fraudsters, exposing the vulnerabilities within the financial system, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

EPL: Why Manchester City face points deduction or relegation

EPL: Why Manchester City face points deduction or relegation

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Manchester City were referred to an independent commission over the alleged breaches of financial regulations, which go back to the 2009-10 campaign.

Yugendra Pawar's mother alleges intimidation by Ajit camp

Yugendra Pawar's mother alleges intimidation by Ajit camp

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Tension prevailed outside a polling booth in Baramati town in Maharashtra's Pune district after Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar candidate Yugendra Pawar's mother alleged intimidation and malpractices by workers of the rival Nationalist Congress Party led by sitting MLA Ajit Pawar.

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The critical event signalling a new era for India was Dr Singh's 1991 Budget in which he quoted Victor Hugo to say that no power on earth could stop an idea whose time has come,' recalls T N Ninan.

India, China to hold talks in Beijing on Wednesday to restore ties

India, China to hold talks in Beijing on Wednesday to restore ties

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

According to informed sources, Doval will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday to attend the crucial talks, which were expected to provide a way forward for the two countries to normalise the relations.

High drama as BJP leader accused of distributing cash for votes

High drama as BJP leader accused of distributing cash for votes

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi supporters gheraoed Vinod Tawde and raised slogans.

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

'The BJP has killed public anger. They have killed people's self-respect.'

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Rediff.com27 Oct 2023

The parliamentary panel, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party's Sushil Kumar Modi, has also decided to examine remote voting and e-postal ballots for Indians residing abroad.

Passport officer denies information; gets RTI slap

Passport officer denies information; gets RTI slap

Rediff.com3 Apr 2007

The CIC, which was hearing the RTI appeal of one Uma Jayaram, expressed its anguish over the 'apathetic attitude' of RPO Gloria Kumar, who in an earlier order was penalised with Rs 16,000 for failing to provide information on time.

SC orders stricter anti-pollution curbs as Delhi AQI slips to 'severe+'

SC orders stricter anti-pollution curbs as Delhi AQI slips to 'severe+'

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

An AQI of 400 or higher is deemed 'severe' and it can have an adverse effect on both healthy individuals and people who already have medical conditions.

Congress picks Rahul Gandhi as leader of Oppn in Lok Sabha

Congress picks Rahul Gandhi as leader of Oppn in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

The decision on Rahul Gandhi's appointment as the Leader of Opposition was made after a meeting of the floor leaders of the INDIA bloc at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence.

ED allowed to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies

ED allowed to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies

Rediff.com28 Nov 2022

The government has allowed the Enforcement Directorate to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies, including SFIO, CCI and NIA, a move that will expedite nailing of law-breakers. The finance ministry notified changes to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on November 22. Through the notification, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which deals primarily with cases of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws, would be able to share data with a total of 25 agencies, including the 10 specified earlier.

Ready to withdraw and follow Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi: Prashant Kishor

Ready to withdraw and follow Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi: Prashant Kishor

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who has been on a fast unto death to press the demand for cancellation of a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam, on Sunday sought the support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav.

DA for over 1 crore central govt staff, pensioners hiked by 3%

DA for over 1 crore central govt staff, pensioners hiked by 3%

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

The Centre on Wednesday increased the Dearness Allowance (DA) by 3 percentage points effective from July 1 this year, benefitting more than 1 crore employees and pensioners ahead of the Diwali festival. The Union Cabinet has approved to increase Dearness Allowance (DA) to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners by three percentage points of the basic pay/pension ahead of Diwali, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said after the Cabinet meeting.

SC to hear pleas against CEC appointment under new law

SC to hear pleas against CEC appointment under new law

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

It will be court's opinion versus the legislative power to enact law, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said as it posted the pleas challenging the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners under the 2023 law on February 4.

Maha polls: '1,440 VVPATs matched with EVM counts'

Maha polls: '1,440 VVPATs matched with EVM counts'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

'These machines are standalone devices with no external connectivity, making hacking impossible. The chip in EVMs is one-time programmable, ensuring no changes can be made. Strict security and administrative protocols further prevent any tampering'