News for 'Information Commission'

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.

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (SAD), which led protests against Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has launched itself as a political party called the National Citizen Party (NCP). The new party, which aims to 'dismantle constitutional autocracy' and establish a 'second republic,' has pledged to create a 'solely Bangladesh-oriented' political system, with no room for 'pro-India and pro-Pakistan politics.' The NCP's inaugural rally was attended by representatives of various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and envoys from the Vatican and Pakistan.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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?'

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.

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.

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.

PMO's 'informal interaction' with CEC, ECs raises eyebrows

PMO's 'informal interaction' with CEC, ECs raises eyebrows

Rediff.com18 Dec 2021

The Congress hit out at the government, alleging that it was treating the EC as its "subservient tool".

Reconsider denial of Agnipath records, CIC tells defence ministry

Reconsider denial of Agnipath records, CIC tells defence ministry

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

Durve argued that the word 'secret' is nowhere in the exemption clause under which information could be denied to an applicant.

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.

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 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.

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.

Mahua Moitra booked for 'derogatory' post on NCW chief

Mahua Moitra booked for 'derogatory' post on NCW chief

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

Delhi Police has registered a first information report (FIR) against Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra for her 'derogatory' social media post on National Commission for Women chief Rekha Sharma.

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.

Atiq Ahmed killing: UP judicial panel rules out 'pre-planned conspiracy'

Atiq Ahmed killing: UP judicial panel rules out 'pre-planned conspiracy'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

Considering that the three assailants who shot Atiq Ahmed and his brother posed as journalists, the commission suggested the media "observe certain restraints while covering such incidents".

EC asks Maha poll officers how to tackle urban apathy

EC asks Maha poll officers how to tackle urban apathy

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during the first day of review of poll preparedness of the state asked the district election officers and municipal commissioners to explain the steps taken by them to deal with 'urban apathy'.

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.".'

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.

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.

'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.'

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'

SC asks govt to inform missing Army captain's mother every quarter of steps taken

SC asks govt to inform missing Army captain's mother every quarter of steps taken

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to apprise an 83-year-old mother quarterly about the steps taken to trace her son, Captain Sanjit Bhattacharjee, who has been missing in action and is said to be lodged in a jail in Pakistan for over 25 years.

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.

'EVM tampered when you lose': SC rejects plea to revert to ballots

'EVM tampered when you lose': SC rejects plea to revert to ballots

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking to revert to paper ballot voting in elections in the country, saying allegations of tampering with electronic voting machine (EVM) raked up only when people lose polls.

Bomb threats: Govt asks social media platforms to act

Bomb threats: Govt asks social media platforms to act

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

Amid a spate of hoax bomb threats to multiple airlines, the IT ministry has asked social media platforms to observe due diligence obligations and promptly remove or disable access to misinformation within the strict timelines prescribed under IT rules.

MNS candidate received just 2 votes? BMC reacts

MNS candidate received just 2 votes? BMC reacts

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

In a viral video, Yerunkar alleged a mismatch in the polling data and EVM numbers. He received only two votes at the polling centre where four members of his family voted, he said, questioning the count.

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

He drew the roadmap of India's economic reform, unshackled it from the licence raj and pulled it back from the brink when even its gold reserve was pledged.

Probe launched into racist insults during El Clasico

Probe launched into racist insults during El Clasico

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga have taken steps to tackle an increase in racist abuse with measures including partial stadium closures.

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.

Can I Prepare For UPSC, CAT, IIT-JEE?

Can I Prepare For UPSC, CAT, IIT-JEE?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Union Public Service Commission entrance and Common Admission Test are completely different from each other and require different approaches, says rediffGURU Mayank Chandel.

RTI Act: Info commissioners didn't fine govt officials in 95% cases

RTI Act: Info commissioners didn't fine govt officials in 95% cases

Rediff.com11 Oct 2021

The report was made public on the eve of the 16th anniversary of the RTI Act after a study of 20 Information Commissions including the Central Information Commission which have put out data on the cases disposed of and penalties levied by them, a statement from the Satark Nagrik Sangathan said.

SC asks Maharashtra to submit OBC data to state commission

SC asks Maharashtra to submit OBC data to state commission

Rediff.com19 Jan 2022

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government to submit data on Other Backward Classes to the State Backward Classes Commission to examine its correctness and make recommendations on their representation in elections for the local bodies.

Should You Avoid High-Cost Funds?

Should You Avoid High-Cost Funds?

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Investors should match their investment horizon with the fund's portfolio duration.

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has expressed concerns over a rise in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reporting 2,200 cases in Bangladesh and 112 in Pakistan this year. The Indian government has urged both countries to take measures to ensure the safety of minorities and has highlighted the issue at international forums. The government has also stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and has shared its concerns with the respective governments.