News for 'Legislative Department'

India's personal data protection bill may threaten innovation, growth: USTR

India's personal data protection bill may threaten innovation, growth: USTR

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

The US on Thursday raised concerns over India's Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill and draft non-personal data governance framework, claiming these could potentially threaten innovation and economic growth. In its latest 'Special 301' Report, the US Trade Representative (USTR) kept India on the priority watch list, maintaining the country remains one of the world's most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP). In December 2021, a joint parliamentary committee released a report recommending changes to the PDP Bill, 2019, that could undermine important IP protections in India.

How BJP hopes to gain by taking Kuldeep Bishnoi into its fold

How BJP hopes to gain by taking Kuldeep Bishnoi into its fold

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

According to experts, Bishnoi had been sulking since the Congress ignored him for the post of its Haryana unit chief during a revamp earlier this year.

BJP nominates first-time MLA for Maharashtra speaker's post

BJP nominates first-time MLA for Maharashtra speaker's post

Rediff.com1 Jul 2022

First-time Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Rahul Narvekar on Friday filed his nomination as the party candidate for the post of Maharashtra assembly speaker, election for which, if required, will be held on July 3.

Indian-American Mala Adiga appointed Jill Biden's policy director

Indian-American Mala Adiga appointed Jill Biden's policy director

Rediff.com22 Nov 2020

Adiga was a senior adviser to Jill and senior policy adviser for Biden's 2020 campaign. She previously worked for the Biden Foundation as director for higher education and military families.

SC upholds ED's power to arrest, attach property under money-laundering law

SC upholds ED's power to arrest, attach property under money-laundering law

Rediff.com27 Jul 2022

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday upheld the validity of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and said it is not mandatory to give an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in every case to the person concerned.

As Congress MLAs camp in Udaipur, resentment spills out

As Congress MLAs camp in Udaipur, resentment spills out

Rediff.com4 Jun 2022

While over 80 MLAs, including some of the independents, have reached a hotel in Udaipur, Soldier Welfare Minister Rajendra Gudha, SC Commission Chairman and MLA Khiladi Bairwa and MLA Girraj Singh Malinga expressed their displeasure in Jaipur.

China downplays India's concerns over new border law

China downplays India's concerns over new border law

Rediff.com29 Oct 2021

China's national legislature -- the National People's Congress (NPC) -- on October 23 adopted the new law on the protection and exploitation of the land border areas which drew sharp reaction from India as it was passed amid the protracted military standoff between the two sides in eastern Ladakh region.

Rahul Gandhi to appeal jail term, punished for speaking truth: Cong

Rahul Gandhi to appeal jail term, punished for speaking truth: Cong

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

The Congress on Thursday said former party chief Rahul Gandhi will file an appeal against a Gujarat court verdict holding him guilty in a 2019 criminal defamation case, and alleged that the government was after him for speaking the truth and bringing to light its 'misdeeds'.

'Nightwatchman' Bommai will stay till polls

'Nightwatchman' Bommai will stay till polls

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

Success in Karnataka's assembly polls will hinge on two factors: Drop a large number of incumbent MLAs and project Modi and not the state leaders, least of all Bommai.

CAA rules are under preparation: MHA tells Lok Sabha

CAA rules are under preparation: MHA tells Lok Sabha

Rediff.com2 Feb 2021

The rules under the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted over a year ago, are under preparation, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Call for ban on non-Hindu traders near K'taka temples spreads

Call for ban on non-Hindu traders near K'taka temples spreads

Rediff.com26 Mar 2022

Initially, banners were placed during the annual Kaup Marigudi festival in Udupi district, stating that non-Hindu vendors and traders should not be allowed entry.

Centre mulls an Ordinance as income-tax litigation mounts

Centre mulls an Ordinance as income-tax litigation mounts

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

The government is exploring legal options, including bringing an Ordinance, to tackle the problem of income-tax litigation on reassessment notices under old, time-barred norms, according to official sources. This has come in the wake of writ petitions filed by companies and individuals in recent weeks to challenge the validity of the notices issued by the tax department between April 1 and June 30 and under the old norms.

India pays Cairn Rs 7,900 cr to settle retro tax dispute

India pays Cairn Rs 7,900 cr to settle retro tax dispute

Rediff.com24 Feb 2022

The Indian government has paid Cairn Energy Plc Rs 7,900 crore to refund taxes it had collected to enforce a retrospective tax demand, ending a seven-year-old dispute that had tarred the country's image as an investment destination. The company, which is now known as Capricorn Energy PLC, in a statement said it has received "net proceeds of $1.06 billion", of which nearly 70 per cent will be returned to the shareholders. The tax department had used a 2012 legislation, which gave it powers to go back 50 years and slap capital gains levies wherever ownership had changed hands overseas but business assets were in India, to seek Rs 10,247 crore in taxes from Cairn.

Government to decriminalise attempt to suicide

Government to decriminalise attempt to suicide

Rediff.com24 Feb 2015

The Law Commission that recommended repealing of Section 309 of IPC said sympathy, counselling and not punishment will prevent a person from committing suicide.

After India's criticism, US distances from Ilhan Omar's Pak visit

After India's criticism, US distances from Ilhan Omar's Pak visit

Rediff.com22 Apr 2022

India on Thursday condemned Omar's visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Govt mulls permitting foreign investment in LIC

Govt mulls permitting foreign investment in LIC

Rediff.com24 Aug 2021

The government is mulling allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country's largest insurer LIC, a move which would help overseas investors take part in the company's proposed mega IPO, sources said. The proposal is under discussion between the Department of Financial Services and Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). "Discussions have been going on for the proposal for the last few weeks. "It would also go for inter-ministerial discussions and would also require Cabinet nod," a source said.

India asks US court to reject Cairn's $1.2 bn suit

India asks US court to reject Cairn's $1.2 bn suit

Rediff.com17 Aug 2021

The Indian government has asked a federal court in Washington to dismiss Britain's Cairn Energy suit seeking enforcement of a $1.2 billion arbitral award, saying it had sovereign immunity under US law. Cairn had in May asked a US federal court to force Air India to pay a $1.26 billion arbitration award the firm had won in December. The government on August 13 filed a 'Motion to Dismiss' petition in the US District Court for the District of Colombia, saying it lacked subject matter jurisdiction in the dispute between Cairn and the Indian tax authority, according to a filing seen by PTI.

The growing tussle between the govt and CAG

The growing tussle between the govt and CAG

Rediff.com22 May 2022

In a first, the Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) officers reached out to several ministries in the last week of April as part of a confidence-boosting measure. The meeting brought the CAG officials and those from the ministries across the table to discuss the pain points in their relations. CAG of India Girish Chandra Murmu took this novel step because of growing tensions between those audited and the auditor.

Manipur Shiv Sena chief with 'ghar wapsi' plea turned away from rebels' hotel

Manipur Shiv Sena chief with 'ghar wapsi' plea turned away from rebels' hotel

Rediff.com27 Jun 2022

Security arrangements were on Monday tightened in the luxury hotel near Guwahati where rebel Maharashtra MLAs led by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde are camping as advocates, senior police and government officials were seen entering there.

HARASS Tax-Payers with Notices is New I-T Game

HARASS Tax-Payers with Notices is New I-T Game

Rediff.com17 Aug 2021

In a most perverse example of tax bullying, someone I know has got by three such notices reopening his assessment minutes before the midnight deadline of June 30, reveals Debashis Basu.

Choice between democracy and autocracy, Pelosi tells Taiwan Prez

Choice between democracy and autocracy, Pelosi tells Taiwan Prez

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

Pelosi said that she is in Taiwan to listen and learn from Taiwanese people as to how can they come together.

Why Did TN Governor Omit Dr Ambedkar's Name?

Why Did TN Governor Omit Dr Ambedkar's Name?

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

According to state government sources, not only did the governor insert some corrections, but he also initialled the final draft after those corrections had been made, reveals N Sathiya Moorthy.

Will Supreme Court's AIADMK rule apply to Shiv Sena too?

Will Supreme Court's AIADMK rule apply to Shiv Sena too?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

The case of the two Shiv Sena factions for legitimacy and the party symbol, 'Bow and Arrow', is now before the Election Commission. Whichever way the EC findings go, the other can be expected to move the Supreme Court. They would need a final verdict before the parliamentary polls, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Govt plans to amend Notaries Act; make draft public

Govt plans to amend Notaries Act; make draft public

Rediff.com7 Dec 2021

In a statement, the ministry said the proposed amendment bill also seeks to extend power to suspend the certificate of practice in cases of professional misconduct by the appropriate government for conduct of inquiry.

We have numbers, will prove majority in House: Rebel Sena MLA

We have numbers, will prove majority in House: Rebel Sena MLA

Rediff.com25 Jun 2022

'We have not hijacked the party, the NCP and the Congress have hijacked it'

Getting Laid Off? Know Your Rights

Getting Laid Off? Know Your Rights

Rediff.com1 Dec 2022

Companies today are taking a very fashionable way to reduce their workforce. Instead of the outright firing of employees, an alternative approach that some companies are using is the passive-aggressive method which is both deliberate and accidental, points out corporate lawyer Ishanee Sharma.

Maha portfolios: Ajit Pawar gets finance; Aaditya tourism

Maha portfolios: Ajit Pawar gets finance; Aaditya tourism

Rediff.com5 Jan 2020

With this allocation of portfolios, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP has got most of the 'plum' ministries.

India likely to go in appeal against Cairn arbitration award

India likely to go in appeal against Cairn arbitration award

Rediff.com19 Feb 2021

The government is likely to file an appeal against the Cairn arbitration award contesting its sovereign rights to tax, sources said.

LIC valuation delay may push IPO plan beyond FY22

LIC valuation delay may push IPO plan beyond FY22

Rediff.com19 Dec 2021

The government is unlikely to come up with the IPO of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in the current financial year ending March 2022, as the valuation of the state-owned behemoth is taking more than anticipated time, and the preparatory work is still far from complete. There are still some issues that need to be addressed with regard to the valuation of LIC, a senior official of one of the merchant bankers said. Even after the valuation, there are several regulatory processes that have concluded, the official said.

Ban political ads in newspapers 48 hrs before polling: EC to Centre

Ban political ads in newspapers 48 hrs before polling: EC to Centre

Rediff.com8 Aug 2016

As of now, political advertisements are barred in electronic media, including TV, radio and social media platforms.

EC again asks govt for restrictions on opinion polls

EC again asks govt for restrictions on opinion polls

Rediff.com7 Mar 2014

The Election Commission has pressed the Law Ministry to take a call on "restricting" opinion polls by writing to it just days before the Lok Sabha polls were announced, but the government seems to be in no hurry to take a decision on the issue.

Govt to get moving on IDBI Bank sale after LIC IPO

Govt to get moving on IDBI Bank sale after LIC IPO

Rediff.com22 Jan 2022

The department of investment and public asset management is racing against time to launch the LIC IPO, which could become the largest-ever listing on the Indian bourses. This would lead to some delay in the strategic divestment of IDBI Bank.

In 100 days, Shinde govt reverses Uddhav's half dozen decisions

In 100 days, Shinde govt reverses Uddhav's half dozen decisions

Rediff.com23 Oct 2022

Notably, after coming to power in November 2019, the then MVA government scrapped certain policy decisions of its predecessor BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Fadnavis.

President Pranab signs the Lokpal Bill

President Pranab signs the Lokpal Bill

Rediff.com1 Jan 2014

The much-awaited Lokpal Bill today got the assent from President Pranab Mukherjee, providing for the creation of an anti-graft watchdog which will bring even the prime minister under its purview with certain safeguards.

Will chief election commissioner act against PM if there are allegations, SC asks

Will chief election commissioner act against PM if there are allegations, SC asks

Rediff.com23 Nov 2022

Underlining the importance of having a chief election commissioner who is "independent and a man of character", the Supreme Court on Wednesday wondered will it not be a case of "complete breakdown of system" if the CEC does not act against the prime minister in case there are allegations against him.

Fadnavis to be questioned in phone tapping case

Fadnavis to be questioned in phone tapping case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2022

Talking to reporters, Fadnavis said he has received the notice and he would visit the police station at 11 am on Sunday as being asked.

New Parliament will be paperless -- here's what to expect

New Parliament will be paperless -- here's what to expect

Rediff.com23 Nov 2022

In the new Parliament House, with a soft launch this Winter Session, paper is expected to disappear. For the guidance of ministers, secretaries can scribble notes on linked pads even from their offices to respond to queries from members.

SC to hear Shiv Sena pleas on Aug 1, says may need larger bench

SC to hear Shiv Sena pleas on Aug 1, says may need larger bench

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said the petitions filed by the Shiv Sena and its rebel MLAs raise many constitutional questions which require consideration by a larger bench.

Nitish takes oath as Bihar CM, Tejashwi as his deputy

Nitish takes oath as Bihar CM, Tejashwi as his deputy

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

The no-frills ceremony comes a day after Kumar snapped ties with the BJP-led NDA and joined hands with the RJD to form a 'mahagathbandhan' government.

Ela Bhatt, whose SEWA empowered unorganised women workers, passes away

Ela Bhatt, whose SEWA empowered unorganised women workers, passes away

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

Renowned women's rights activist and founder of the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) Ela Bhatt passed away in Ahmedabad on Wednesday due to age-related ailments, her associates said.