News for 'International and Public Affairs'

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

Much to the surprise of Beijing, Nepal's Parliament on Sunday ratified the contentious US-funded $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact along with an interpretive declaration a day ahead of the February 28 deadline set by Washington.

G-23's Shashi Tharoor has a vision for Congress, will others see it?

G-23's Shashi Tharoor has a vision for Congress, will others see it?

Rediff.com30 Sep 2022

By filing his nomination as Congress president on Friday, Shashi Tharoor has shown he is no 'quockerwodger' -- a word he introduced into our lexicon which means someone acting on the instructions of an influential third party.

e-Rupee: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

e-Rupee: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

Rediff.com24 Nov 2022

The RBI refuses to classify a cryptocurrency as an asset since it doesn't have future cash flow and its value is always fluctuating because of speculation. There is also no consumer protection, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay, and hence the e-rupee trial run.

Stop vaccine nationalism: Jaishankar at UNSC meeting

Stop vaccine nationalism: Jaishankar at UNSC meeting

Rediff.com17 Feb 2021

India, which has shipped 'Made In India' COVID-19 vaccines to around 25 nations, on Wednesday urged the international community to stop 'vaccine nationalism' and actively encourage 'internationalism', underlining that hoarding superfluous doses will defeat global efforts to attain collective health security and combat the pandemic.

US Treasury's David Malpass bags World Bank's top job

US Treasury's David Malpass bags World Bank's top job

Rediff.com5 Apr 2019

The World Bank's executive board unanimously selected 63-year-old Malpass, who is currently Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, as the bank's 13th President for a five-year term beginning April 9.

Nitish Kumar wins trust vote amid BJP walkout

Nitish Kumar wins trust vote amid BJP walkout

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

Altogether 160 MLAs voted in favour of the confidence motion while no vote was cast against the same.

Stalin Draws Up Line Of DMK Succession

Stalin Draws Up Line Of DMK Succession

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

What does Udhayanidhi's induction as minister mean? For the DMK, it indicates the future course, direction and leadership. It is continuity with change, and change with continuity, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Oppn demands arrest of Sharma, Jindal as more Islamic nations flay Prophet remark

Oppn demands arrest of Sharma, Jindal as more Islamic nations flay Prophet remark

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

The Congress hit out at the BJP, demanding the immediate arrest of those who have defamed India at the international level instead of enacting a "drama of action".

In apparent 'slip of tongue', Imran says US sent 'threat letter'

In apparent 'slip of tongue', Imran says US sent 'threat letter'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2022

"The letter stated that the no-confidence motion was being tabled even before it was filed, which means the Opposition was in contact with them," Khan alleged in his address to the nation.

PFI, 8 other outfits banned under UAPA for 5 years for terror links

PFI, 8 other outfits banned under UAPA for 5 years for terror links

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

The Centre has imposed a ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and several of its associates for their alleged terror activities.

Tokyo Games: DRAMATIC Moments

Tokyo Games: DRAMATIC Moments

Rediff.com9 Aug 2021

From sharing medals to defections to gestures on the medals podium to punching horses, the Tokyo Olympics had it all.

Budget targets are achievable: Sitharaman

Budget targets are achievable: Sitharaman

Rediff.com2 Feb 2022

At the customary post-Budget media interactions, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her topmost bureaucrats touched upon a number of issues. The minister said the government taxing income from digital virtual assets did not give them legitimacy and that issue was being dealt separately in the planned cryptocurrency Bill. She also expressed confidence that the Budget targets were achievable.

4 soldiers injured in Pak shelling in Poonch

4 soldiers injured in Pak shelling in Poonch

Rediff.com16 Sep 2019

The condition of the injured is stated to be stable, the officials said.

Need 'full and sincere' disengagement: India to China on Ladakh

Need 'full and sincere' disengagement: India to China on Ladakh

Rediff.com30 Apr 2021

The Ministry of External Affairs said the two ministers discussed the outstanding issues related to disengagement from all friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

North Korea drops out of Tokyo Olympics citing COVID-19

North Korea drops out of Tokyo Olympics citing COVID-19

Rediff.com6 Apr 2021

North Korea made its decision to pull out of Tokyo at a meeting of its Olympic committee and Sports Minister Kim Il Guk on March 25, the ministry said on its website.

Ghulam Nabi Azad quits Cong after 50 yrs, blames Rahul

Ghulam Nabi Azad quits Cong after 50 yrs, blames Rahul

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday resigned from all party positions, including its primary membership, delivering another blow to the embattled party that has seen a series of leaders leave it.

Gandhis plan to talk Sidhu into withdrawing resignation

Gandhis plan to talk Sidhu into withdrawing resignation

Rediff.com28 Sep 2021

Sources said Sidhu's resignation has not been received by the party and its leadership will take a call once it reaches them.

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

The Centre on Tuesday said it will not seek disclosure of flash sales from e-commerce players to regulate the fraudulent sale of goods and services but will take appropriate action as per the law on consumer complaints. Discount sales that benefit maximum to consumers will continue, but not fraudulent flash sales on the e-commerce platforms, the government said, adding that the e-tailers need not be "anxious" about the draft rules. Ban on fraudulent flash sales, mis-selling and appointment of chief compliance officer/grievance redressal officer -- are among key amendments proposed to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, on which the government has sought public comments by July 6.

Afghan protestors outside UNHCR office can be Covid super spreaders: HC

Afghan protestors outside UNHCR office can be Covid super spreaders: HC

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

The Delhi high court on Wednesday expressed concern over a large gathering of Afghan nationals protesting outside the UNHCR office and seeking refugee status, saying it could act as a super spreader of coronavirus as there is lack of adherence to Covid-19 appropriate norms.

When a captain stops performing, he should be taken aside

When a captain stops performing, he should be taken aside

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

The cricket establishment in India has an unhealthy respect for reputations. Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev were allowed to retire when they wanted. And captains have played beyond the stage of being automatic picks, notes Suhit K Sen.

BJP alleges ex-VP Ansari 'shared info' with ISI spy, gets strong reply

BJP alleges ex-VP Ansari 'shared info' with ISI spy, gets strong reply

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia cited purported claims of the Pakistani journalist, Nusrat Mirza, to allege that Ansari shared many 'sensitive and highly classified' information with him.

Real Madrid's Benzema on trial in sex tape case

Real Madrid's Benzema on trial in sex tape case

Rediff.com20 Oct 2021

The Real Madrid striker is accused of complicity in the alleged targeting of midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, who plays for the Greek Super League club Olympiacos. Prosecutors allege that Benzema encouraged Valbuena, 37, to pay the blackmailers.

'Even if authorised, missile firing makes no sense'

'Even if authorised, missile firing makes no sense'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2022

'This cannot be credibly explained away by referring to a "technical glitch".'

'Explain why BCCI should not be under RTI Act'

'Explain why BCCI should not be under RTI Act'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2018

The Central Information Commission has directed the sports body and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to explain.

Tribunal issues notice against Jet resolution

Tribunal issues notice against Jet resolution

Rediff.com3 Sep 2021

Public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) has moved the Insolvency appellate tribunal NCLAT against the approval of bids for defunct airline Jet Airways. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) bench has issued a notice over the PNB's petition along with its interim plea seeking a stay over the execution of the resolution plan. A three-member bench has directed the Resolution Professional of Jet Airways along with other parties including the Committee of Creditors to file a reply within two weeks and rejoinder, if by PNB, within one week.

'BharatPe board is charting out path for listing'

'BharatPe board is charting out path for listing'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2022

'The company's transition from an individuals-driven private firm to a board-driven listed public one will be carried out in a well-thought-through and well-executed manner.'

Chronology: How Tatas are back in Air India's cockpit

Chronology: How Tatas are back in Air India's cockpit

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

After more than two decades and three attempts, the government has finally sold its flagship national carrier Air India, and it is deja vu for Maharaja as it returned home to its founding father the Tata group. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy (JRD) Tata founded the airline in 1932 and named it Tata Airlines. In 1946, the aviation division of Tata Sons was listed as Air India, and in 1948, the Air India International was launched with flights to Europe. The international service was among the first public-private partnerships in India, with the government holding 49 per cent, the Tatas keeping 25 per cent and the public owning the rest. In 1953, Air India was nationalised and for the next over four decades it remained the prized possession for India controlling the majority of the domestic airspace.

Govt makes Aarogya Setu a must for all office workers

Govt makes Aarogya Setu a must for all office workers

Rediff.com2 May 2020

The ministry of home affairs has made the use of Aarogya Setu app mandatory for all employees, both private and public, and pinned the responsibility for compliance on the head of respective organisations.

Does Rahul Want To Be Opposition PM Candidate?

Does Rahul Want To Be Opposition PM Candidate?

Rediff.com3 Jan 2023

After Rahul's Bharat Jodo Yatra began criss-crossing the Hindi heartland, BJP leaders have revived their attacks on 'dynasty politics' and 'family rule' in the Congress, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Tatas win back Air India; welcome back, says Ratan Tata

Tatas win back Air India; welcome back, says Ratan Tata

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

They say better late than never. For the Tatas, the original owners of Air India, bringing back the airline to its fold is worth the wait even if the attempt to privatise the bleeding national carrier by successive governments has taken over two decades. While many airlines have come and gone from the Indian skies since the time when the first move was made to privatise Air India to date, the salt-to-software conglomerate has never let the love affair with aviation, more so with Air India that its former chairman Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (JRD) had, to go off the radar. It is said that Tata group executives used to complain in private that JRD -- the pioneer of the Indian aviation industry -- spent more time worrying about Air India than the Tata group when he was heading both the entities.

Gotabaya retains Mahinda, drops 3 Rajapaksas in new cabinet

Gotabaya retains Mahinda, drops 3 Rajapaksas in new cabinet

Rediff.com19 Apr 2022

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa became the only member of the family to retain a cabinet position in his younger brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa's new cabinet of 17 ministers appointed on Monday, as the island nation was facing the worst economic crisis.

NDTV founders Prannoy and Radhika Roy to sell company stake to Adani

NDTV founders Prannoy and Radhika Roy to sell company stake to Adani

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

NDTV founders Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika Roy on Friday said they will sell all but 5 per cent of their remaining shareholding in the news broadcaster to Adani Group for up to Rs 647.6 crore. Roys, who founded New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) as India's first and largest private producer of news current affairs and entertainment television, lost their status of being the company's largest shareholder in recent weeks. This follows Adani Group becoming the majority shareholding of NDTV after first buying out a company backed by the founders and then acquiring more shares from the open market.

Asthana's posting: Delhi HC pulls up petitioner for 'copy-paste' plea

Asthana's posting: Delhi HC pulls up petitioner for 'copy-paste' plea

Rediff.com23 Sep 2021

The Delhi High Court Thursday termed as "copy-paste" a petition filed before it challenging the appointment of IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as Delhi Police Commissioner and warned the petitioner that such activity shall not be repeated in the future.

Govt refuses to exempt mainstream media from new IT rules

Govt refuses to exempt mainstream media from new IT rules

Rediff.com12 Jun 2021

The government has refused to exempt the digital news content of mainstream television channels and print media from the ambit of the the IT Rules, 2021 and asked them to take 'urgent steps' to comply with the provisions of the digital media rules immediately.

'Modi can't be seen in Xi's company'

'Modi can't be seen in Xi's company'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2022

'The MEA, hopefully, made it clear that the Indian PM can't be seen in Xi Jinping's company when China has, for all intents and purposes, annexed over 1,000 sq kms of Indian territory in eastern Ladakh, and essentially that the Wuhan spirit and the Mamallapuram spirit have turned into vinegar.'

UN chief Antonio Guterres receives COVID-19 vaccine

UN chief Antonio Guterres receives COVID-19 vaccine

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

Guterres gestured to make a victory sign as he was administered the shot.

Modi Has Enormous Curiosity About The World

Modi Has Enormous Curiosity About The World

Rediff.com24 May 2022

'From the very start, PM Modi was insistent that visiting foreign leaders should be exposed to an India beyond its capital.' 'Through these experiences, he felt that the full Indian narrative would be much better understood across the world,' explains External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. A riveting excerpt from Bluekraft Digital Foundation's Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery.

India rejects US govt report on religious freedom

India rejects US govt report on religious freedom

Rediff.com12 Jun 2020

"Our principled position remains that we see no locus standi for a foreign entity to pronounce on the state of our citizens' constitutionally protected rights," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said.

Fall in Kharif output may keep rice prices high

Fall in Kharif output may keep rice prices high

Rediff.com18 Sep 2022

A 6-7 million tonnes shortfall in rice production due to a fall in paddy sowing area is likely to keep rice prices at elevated levels, adding to the inflationary pressure that the slowing economy is already grappling with. Elevated food prices, including that of cereals, had led to retail inflation reversing a three-month declining trend, to touch 7 per cent in August. Similarly, the wholesale price inflation, which declined to 11-month low, also showed price pressures from cereals resulting from wheat output being impacted by severe heat waves in some parts of the country.

Hundreds pay last respects to Naveen, family donates body to medical college

Hundreds pay last respects to Naveen, family donates body to medical college

Rediff.com21 Mar 2022

The 21-year-old final year student at Kharkiv National Medical University had died on March one, in the conflict zone, tragically becoming India's first casualty in the ongoing offensive in the eastern European nation.