News for 'Ministry of State Security'

Jailed MP Engineer seeks custody parole to attend Parl; HC reserves order

Jailed MP Engineer seeks custody parole to attend Parl; HC reserves order

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on a plea by jailed MP Rashid Engineer, facing trial in a terror funding case, seeking custody parole to attend the ongoing Parliament session. Engineer, a Baramulla MP, was opposed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) who argued that he has no vested right to attend Parliament and there were security concerns. The court said though there might not be a vested right to attend the session, it could exercise its discretion. The NIA also argued that Rashid misused the telephone facility in Tihar jail and that allowing him to attend the session would be a security risk.

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed two senior IAS officers, who were part of the team that successfully conducted the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, to oversee the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela in the wake of the recent stampede that left at least 30 pilgrims dead. The officers, Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Chandra Goswami, have extensive experience in administration in Prayagraj, including crowd management and inter-agency coordination. They will join Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand, forming a trio that was part of the mega fair six years ago. The government has also deployed additional senior police officers to strengthen security and crowd management ahead of Basant Panchami, one of the key bathing days of the festival, on February 3.

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

It would be the prime minister's first bilateral visit to the US after Trump became president for a second term.

Congress leaders pay last respects to Manmohan Singh at AICC HQ

Congress leaders pay last respects to Manmohan Singh at AICC HQ

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's mortal remains were brought to the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday, where top party leaders paid their last respects. Singh, who headed the Congress-led UPA government and is considered the architect of India's economic reforms, died on Thursday at 92. A seven-day national mourning will be observed throughout the country in his honor.

US sanctions may cut off India's access to Russian crude oil

US sanctions may cut off India's access to Russian crude oil

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

India is preoccupied with analysing the US sanctions, which may cut off India's access to discounted Russian crude and force it to buy at market prices.

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Defence sources stated that the disengagement involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides. The process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Misri is also likely to brief the parliamentary panel on the recent upswing in India's ties with China following the agreement to resume patrolling at friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

President Trump made these remarks on Monday while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Joint Base Andrews from Florida.

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The United States has deported a group of Indian migrants on a military transport aircraft, marking the first such deportation to India as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. The US embassy in New Delhi confirmed that Washington is tightening immigration laws and removing illegal migrants. The deportation comes as India and the US are finalizing details for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February. India has indicated its willingness to work with the US on addressing illegal immigration, and has said it will take back all Indians who have overstayed or are in the US without documentation.

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.

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A third-year B-Tech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, India, died by suicide in her hostel. Police are investigating a possible case of blackmail by a male student, who is currently in custody. The incident sparked protests from Nepali students on campus, leading to heightened security measures and the temporary relocation of some students.

More troops rushed to Manipur after fresh violence

More troops rushed to Manipur after fresh violence

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Centre has rushed 20 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies comprising about 2,000 personnel to Manipur in the wake of fresh attacks and law and order issues in the state, official sources said Wednesday.

NIA takes over Manipur violence cases as protests continue

NIA takes over Manipur violence cases as protests continue

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered three cases related to recent violence in Manipur, taking over investigations from Manipur Police. These cases include the murder of a woman, an attack on a CRPF post, and the burning of houses in Jiribam. The situation in Manipur remains volatile with protests continuing following the recovery of bodies of women and children. Violence has also spread to Jiribam, previously untouched by clashes, after a farmer's body was found in June.

Netanyahu's Gaza Plan: Trap For Trump?

Netanyahu's Gaza Plan: Trap For Trump?

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Netanyahu lured Trump into a trap by enticing him with a seductive scenario of massive lucrative business in Gaza's reconstruction.' 'Trump's imagination is running riot, completely disconnected from ground realities,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Be it a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist or Jain, everyone is welcome at the dargah, Rijiju said.

Govt bans Lebanon-based terror outfit Hizb-ut-Tahrir

Govt bans Lebanon-based terror outfit Hizb-ut-Tahrir

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

In a notification, the Union home ministry said the HuT is involved in radicalisation and motivation of gullible youth to join terrorist organisations, such as ISIS, and raising funds for terror activities.

Fadnavis to take oath tomorrow, Modi to attend

Fadnavis to take oath tomorrow, Modi to attend

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Devendra Fadnavis will lead the new Mahayuti coalition government in Maharashtra, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar serving as deputy chief ministers. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday evening at Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers. The Mahayuti coalition won the recent assembly elections by a landslide, securing 230 out of 288 seats.

China to build world's largest dam near India border

China to build world's largest dam near India border

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The USD 137 billion project, which is expected to dwarf even China's own Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, the downstream riparian states. Concerns in India are centered around China's potential to control water flow, potentially enabling the release of large amounts of water to flood border areas in times of hostilities. The dam is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese government claims that the project is safe and prioritizes ecological protection.

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Brampton Triveni temple in Canada has cancelled a consular event after the Canadian police warned them of an "extremely high and imminent" threat level of violent protests. The Life Certificate event, organised by the Consulate General of India, Toronto, was scheduled for November 17 at the temple premises. The cancellation comes almost a week after protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with devotees at a Hindu Sabha temple and disrupted an event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate at Brampton. India condemned the attack and called for the prosecution of those involved. Relations between India and Canada have been strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Amid intense discussions among Mahayuti allies over the distribution of portfolios and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's insistence on the home ministry, the clarity on the composition of the council of ministers is expected by Sunday, sources said.

Kuki-Meitei-Naga MLAs meet in Delhi but no Amit Shah or Biren Singh

Kuki-Meitei-Naga MLAs meet in Delhi but no Amit Shah or Biren Singh

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Around 20 MLAs belonging to the warring Meitei and Kuki communities of Manipur met in New Delhi on Tuesday for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in the northeastern state 17 months ago, in a bid to hammer out a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.

LS panel cites Moitra for Hiranandani's Dubai status, national security, illegal gratification

LS panel cites Moitra for Hiranandani's Dubai status, national security, illegal gratification

Rediff.com9 Nov 2023

The Lok Sabha ethics committee has cited the threats India faces from State and non-State cyber actors to indict Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra for sharing her log-in credentials with businessman Darshan Hiranandani, noting that he has residency rights in Dubai and has close relatives who are foreign nationals.

Sharp Increase In Illegal Indian Migration To US

Sharp Increase In Illegal Indian Migration To US

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Indians have topped the number of illegal immigrants from Asian countries caught at land, sea, and air checkpoints of the US since 2022.

Fadnavis govt sails through Maha trust vote

Fadnavis govt sails through Maha trust vote

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The Devendra Fadnavis-led ministry in Maharashtra has successfully passed a trust vote in the state assembly, securing a commanding majority of 230 seats in the 288-member house. The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP 'Mahayuti' coalition, with a majority mark of 144, had a comfortable win with the support of smaller parties and independent MLAs. The trust motion was tabled by Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant and others, and was passed by a voice vote. The 15th legislative assembly began its tenure on December 7, and the floor test was considered a mere formality. Fadnavis was sworn in as the chief minister for the third time on December 5, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as deputy chief ministers.

HC quashes govt order cancelling US-based professor's OCI card

HC quashes govt order cancelling US-based professor's OCI card

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Delhi High Court has set aside the Centre's order cancelling the Overseas Citizen of India card of a US-based professor, saying the notice lacked specific details or evidence supporting the allegations of "anti-India activities." The court ruled that the professor was deprived of a fair chance to present a defense, violating procedural fairness and principles of natural justice. The court has directed authorities to issue a fresh notice with specific grounds and allow the professor to respond before making a decision on his entry into India.

Rosneft inks record oil supply deal with RIL

Rosneft inks record oil supply deal with RIL

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Russia's state-owned oil firm Rosneft has agreed to supply up to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to Indian upstream oil and gas major Reliance Industries (RIL) in the largest-ever energy deal between the two countries, Reuters reported on Thursday. The 10-year agreement amounts to 0.5 per cent of global oil supply and is valued at roughly $13 billion per year at current prices, it said.

EPFO logs nearly 20 lakh net new members in July

EPFO logs nearly 20 lakh net new members in July

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Retirement fund body EPFO recorded a net addition of 19.94 lakh members in July this year, the labour ministry said on Monday. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said at a press conference that 10.52 lakh new or first-time workers subscribed to social security schemes run by Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The minister said almost 20 lakh net new members addition (19.94 lakh) was recorded in July this year.

India's Crude Imports Could Face Problems in 2025

India's Crude Imports Could Face Problems in 2025

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

However, copious oil supplies amid growing global output and slowing Chinese oil consumption will put India in a better bargaining position with Gulf suppliers.

MVA manifesto promises period leaves, free cervical cancer vaccine

MVA manifesto promises period leaves, free cervical cancer vaccine

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Sunday released its manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly polls, promising free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16 and and two optional leave days for women employees during menstruation.

For how long freebies can be given to migrant workers? SC asks Centre

For how long freebies can be given to migrant workers? SC asks Centre

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of providing free rations to migrant workers, emphasizing the need for job creation and capacity building instead. The court's remarks came during a hearing on the ongoing issue of providing relief to migrant workers, a matter that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court questioned the government's reliance on freebies and stressed the importance of creating opportunities for migrant workers to become self-sufficient. The debate highlighted the challenges of balancing immediate relief with long-term economic solutions for vulnerable populations.

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The cabinet of the new government led by Rekha Gupta balances representation of all major communities that propelled the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in Delhi with a massive majority after over 26 years.

'India Has Maths Talent To Lead AI Research'

'India Has Maths Talent To Lead AI Research'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

'India has the maths talent, academic institutions, and research institutions to do the next big thing.'

Drug victims need rehabilitation, not demonisation: SC

Drug victims need rehabilitation, not demonisation: SC

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India expressed deep concern over the rising drug abuse problem in the country, highlighting the impact on youth and the need for urgent intervention. The court emphasized the need for rehabilitation rather than demonization of drug users and called for open discussions to address the issue. The judgment came while granting bail to a man accused in a heroin smuggling case. The court cited a 2019 report that indicated a significant number of people in India use opioids, cannabis, and other substances, with alarming trends in opioid dependence.

Centre suggests night patrol, access control for medics' safety

Centre suggests night patrol, access control for medics' safety

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Night patrolling on hospital premises and regulating access for people to key areas are among the measures the Centre has asked states to implement to ensure the safety of medics at workplaces, following Supreme Court orders in the rape-murder case of a junior doctor in Kolkata.

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

"The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada," the statement added.

Is Ajit Doval Failing India On Security?

Is Ajit Doval Failing India On Security?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

It is when one looks away from the immediate song and dance and at the granular detail of what has been going on since 2014 that one realises what the quality and competence of thinking and execution is in this project we call New India, asserts Aakar Patel.

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The DG-level border talks between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Delhi next month, have been postponed following a change in plan by the neighbouring country, official sources said on Friday.

Fresh formal hiring at 4-month low in August

Fresh formal hiring at 4-month low in August

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

The number of monthly fresh formal hirings saw a slowdown in August, signalling a downturn in the formal labour market. In August, the number of new monthly subscribers under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) decreased by nearly 11 per cent to 930,000. This is a four-month low from 1.05 million in July, according to the latest monthly payroll data released by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Sunday.

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

While there was no mention of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment reports of 2018, 2020 and 2023-24, the 2025-26 assessment mentions India -- along with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea -- in the 'Cyber threat from state adversaries' section that introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.

PSBs clocked 11% growth in H1FY25

PSBs clocked 11% growth in H1FY25

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Union Finance Ministry on Tuesday said that aggregate business of public sector banks (PSBs) has shown strong growth of 11 per cent in the first half of the financial year 2024-25 (H1FY25) to touch Rs 236 trillion. The operating and net profit were also robust. At Rs 1.5 trillion, operating profit grew by 14.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) while the net profit saw an impressive 25.6 per cent jump at Rs 85,520 crore in the first half of FY25.