News for 'Information Commission'

HC rejects scribe Langa's plea to quash FIR in GMB document theft case

HC rejects scribe Langa's plea to quash FIR in GMB document theft case

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Gujarat High Court dismissed a plea filed by journalist Mahesh Langa seeking the quashing of an FIR registered against him for allegedly stealing "highly sensitive and confidential documents" belonging to the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB). The court found that prima facie, Langa's involvement in the crime was evident from the evidence collected during the investigation. The court further stated that the investigation is at a nascent stage and it would be inappropriate to exercise its inherent powers in favor of the petitioner at this stage.

Govt is not allowing people to celebrate Eid freely: Akhilesh

Govt is not allowing people to celebrate Eid freely: Akhilesh

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Yadav further accused the BJP of "using distractions" to avoid addressing real issues such as rising unemployment, inflation, lack of investment in Uttar Pradesh, and failing healthcare facilities.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

China has announced a 7.2 percent increase in its national defence budget, bringing the total to USD 249 billion for the year. This rise comes amidst China's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces, including the development of new warships and fighter jets. The budget increase, exceeding last year's 7.2 percent rise, reflects China's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of the Communist Party's leadership in guiding the military, with President Xi Jinping at the helm of the Central Military Commission. China's defence spending is now three times that of India's and is viewed by critics as a sign of the country's growing military ambitions.

A Mighty Warship Gets Ready To Roar!

A Mighty Warship Gets Ready To Roar!

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

INS Surat is the Indian Navy's first AI enabled warship.

Cong moves SC against amendments to election rules

Cong moves SC against amendments to election rules

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and expressed hope that the apex court will help restore the 'fast eroding' integrity of the electoral process.

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the middle of the night, arguing that it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" given the ongoing Supreme Court challenge to the selection process. Gandhi presented a dissent note to the selection committee, stating that the process violates the Supreme Court order and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

'Fraud on society': Ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar denied pre-arrest bail

'Fraud on society': Ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar denied pre-arrest bail

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits.

Maha BJP MLA in a soup as women's panel steps in over actor Prajakta remarks

Maha BJP MLA in a soup as women's panel steps in over actor Prajakta remarks

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has directed Mumbai Police to take immediate action on a complaint filed by actor Prajakta Mali against MLA Suresh Dhas for making inappropriate remarks about her. Mali alleged that Dhas' comments impacted her personal and social life and led to defamatory content being circulated online. The commission has instructed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to submit a factual report on the matter. Dhas has stated that he is ready to face any consequences regarding the issue and has emphasized the need to focus on the Santosh Deshmukh murder case and crime in Beed district.

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer M G Devasahayam, who was one of the signatories to the representation on the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) and the vote-counting process, had filed an application with the poll panel under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, seeking details of the action taken on it.

Rs 1.2 Lakh Scholarship For Entrance Exam Coaching

Rs 1.2 Lakh Scholarship For Entrance Exam Coaching

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

Students from de-notified tribes, nomadic tribes and semi-nomadic tribes will receive coaching fees of up to 1,20,000 and additional benefits for preparing for entrance examinations such as JEE, NEET, CLAT and the NDA.

Allahbadia row: Mumbai police grills Apoorva, 3 others

Allahbadia row: Mumbai police grills Apoorva, 3 others

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Mumbai Police have recorded statements from four individuals, including social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija, in connection with controversial remarks made by Ranveer Allahbadia on the YouTube show "India's Got Talent." The controversy erupted after a video of Allahbadia's comments sparked debate on freedom of speech and decency. The Maharashtra Cyber Department registered a First Information Report against the show, and a BJP functionary filed a complaint alleging offensive language targeting disabled persons. Allahbadia has issued an apology, but the issue has gained significant attention, prompting calls for regulation of social media and an NCW summons to those involved.

Govt examines need for law to regulate digital content

Govt examines need for law to regulate digital content

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is examining the existing statutory provisions and the need for a new legal framework to regulate 'harmful' content amid complaints of 'obscenity and violence' being shown on digital platforms.

Disclose phone tapping information: CIC to CBI

Disclose phone tapping information: CIC to CBI

Rediff.com22 Jun 2011

The Central Information Commission has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to disclose proposals sent to Union home ministry seeking permission for tapping telephones.

Reveal Modi's education details: Kejriwal to information commissioner

Reveal Modi's education details: Kejriwal to information commissioner

Rediff.com29 Apr 2016

In a letter to Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu, Kejriwal said he does not object to government records about him being made public and wondered why the commission wants to "hide" information on Modi's educational degree.

Review: The Waking Of A Nation: Boring!

Review: The Waking Of A Nation: Boring!

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Ram Madhvani's series is all over the place and also boring to watch, complains Deepa Gahlot.

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

During his recent appearance on the show, Ranveer Allahbadia asked a contestant whether they would rather watch their parents have sex for the rest of their life or join them once and put a stop to it.

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.

Why Was Your Health Claim Rejected?

Why Was Your Health Claim Rejected?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Health insurance claims are often denied due to exclusions in policy terms. Buyers frequently overlook the fine print or misinterpret clauses.

President nod for FIR against Sisodia, Jain in Rs 2,000-cr classroom scam

President nod for FIR against Sisodia, Jain in Rs 2,000-cr classroom scam

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the registration of an FIR against AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in an alleged scam of Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools. The alleged scam involves the construction of around 12,748 classrooms at an inflated cost, according to a report by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Delhi government. The ACB report alleged that the classrooms were constructed at a rate of Rs 8,800 per square feet, whereas the average construction cost was around Rs 1,500 per square feet. The President's approval came under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Kerala Police are investigating the mysterious deaths of an IRS officer, his sister, and their mother in Kochi. The officer, Maneesh Vijay, and his sister, Shalini Vijay, were found hanging inside their house, while their mother, Shakuntala Agarwal, was discovered dead on her bed. Police have not yet established a direct link between the deaths and a CBI case in which Shalini was summoned as an accused. Preliminary findings suggest the siblings died by suicide, but the cause of their mother's death is still under investigation. The family had been residing in the quarters for the past year and a half but reportedly kept to themselves, maintaining limited interaction with neighbours, police added.

New FBI chief Kash Patel traces his roots to Gujarat village

New FBI chief Kash Patel traces his roots to Gujarat village

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Kash Patel, the first Indian-American to head the FBI, has traced his roots to Bhadran village in Gujarat's Anand district. Patel's family migrated to Uganda 70 to 80 years ago, before selling their ancestral houses and moving to foreign countries. Patel was born in New York and is a trained lawyer who is an ice-hockey fan.

Samay Raina removes all 'India's Got Latent' episodes after row

Samay Raina removes all 'India's Got Latent' episodes after row

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Comedian Samay Raina has removed all episodes of his YouTube show "India's Got Latent" following a controversy sparked by influencer Ranveer Allahbadia's comments. Raina said he will cooperate with investigating agencies and apologized for the controversy. The show faced widespread criticism after Allahbadia's remarks about parents and sex went viral. The incident has led to police investigations and summons from the National Commission for Women.

SC to hear woman SP's rape case against IPS officer

SC to hear woman SP's rape case against IPS officer

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on a plea filed by a Bihar Police woman officer against a Patna High Court order that quashed the FIR against an IPS officer whom she accused of rape on the false promise of marriage. The court asked the woman's lawyer to make certain amendments to the petition before the next hearing in two weeks.

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.

US Firms Back Trump's India Tariffs

US Firms Back Trump's India Tariffs

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Industry associations and companies in the United States, including the US Chamber of Commerce, Coalition of Services Industries and the iconic bike company Harley Davidson have called on the Donald Trump dispensation to push India to reduce tariffs, non-tariffs, and regulatory barriers to boost American exports.

Allahbadia row: Maharashtra cyber police summons 40 persons

Allahbadia row: Maharashtra cyber police summons 40 persons

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Social media influencer Allahbadia is likely to appear before the city police in a day or two.

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.

Govt tweaks election rule; why is ECI afraid, asks Cong

Govt tweaks election rule; why is ECI afraid, asks Cong

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Based on the recommendation of the Election Commission (EC), the Union law ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict the type of "papers" or documents open to public inspection.

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of Pakistan links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn. Sarma alleged that Colburn had visited Pakistan after her marriage and that there are apprehensions of ISI infiltration into the Chief Minister's Office when Gogoi's father, the late Tarun Gogoi, was the chief minister. Sarma also shared screenshots of social media posts by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, an advisor of the Pakistan Planning Commission and a former colleague of Colburn, claiming that the relationship between the Gogois and Sheikh appeared to be "deeply rooted." Sarma's allegations have been rejected by the Congress as "laughable and entertaining."

Builder-Buyer Deals: How To Stay Alert

Builder-Buyer Deals: How To Stay Alert

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

'Buyers should be provided either a fixed possession date or a firm date for the start of construction.'

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.

How to get more bang for the buck out of field agents

How to get more bang for the buck out of field agents

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Will allowing business correspondents to hawk insurance products help in reviving 5-lakh strong field agents as a viable channel?

'Unable To Crack UPSC. Please Help!'

'Unable To Crack UPSC. Please Help!'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

rediffGURU Major Inderpaul Singh (retd) offers career guidance and helps students and individuals handle challenges in their professional lives.

SC protects ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar from arrest till Feb 14

SC protects ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar from arrest till Feb 14

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, who is accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination. Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC civil services examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her.

It's treason: Rahul slams RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark

It's treason: Rahul slams RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of treason for his remark that India got "true independence" after the Ram temple consecration. Gandhi also criticized the Election Commission, alleging a "serious problem" with the country's election system.

Did US meddle in Indian elections? Trump drops big hint

Did US meddle in Indian elections? Trump drops big hint

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Trump further pointed out India's strong economic position and high tariffs on US goods, stating, "They got a lot of money. They're one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us. We can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high."

Analysts bullish on HDFC Life post Q3 results; Nomura upgrades to 'Buy'

Analysts bullish on HDFC Life post Q3 results; Nomura upgrades to 'Buy'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

HDFC Life Insurance Company (HDFC Life) delivered a strong performance in the December quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY25), exceeding market expectations with robust earnings growth. The company reported a 13.7 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase in net profit to Rs 414.9 crore in the quarter. The value of new business (VNB) rose 8.6 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 930 crore, compared to Rs 856 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

After cement, Adani and Birla are set for a face-off in the wires and cable biz

After cement, Adani and Birla are set for a face-off in the wires and cable biz

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

After cement, billionaire Gautam Adani's group and Kumar Mangalam Birla's Aditya Birla Group are set for a face-off in the wires and cable business with both conglomerates announcing forays into the high double-digit growth sector.