News for 'National Electricity Policy'

How roads are turning smart with IoT, AI, telematics

How roads are turning smart with IoT, AI, telematics

Rediff.com25 May 2021

Roads are becoming smarter even if the people driving on it are not. A set of smart technologies is making construction, maintenance, and traffic management much more efficient.

Indian American heads top US science funding body

Indian American heads top US science funding body

Rediff.com23 Jun 2020

Unanimously confirmed by the Senate last week, Panchanathan, 58, from the Arizona State University, replaces White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Dr Kelvin Droegemeier who served as Acting Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Sitharaman bets big on infra spending to take highway to growth

Sitharaman bets big on infra spending to take highway to growth

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

While she primed up spending on infrastructure to create jobs and boost economic activity, Sitharaman did not tinker with income tax slabs or tax rates. Her Budget for the fiscal year beginning April 2022 proposed a massive 35 per cent jump in capital expenditure to Rs 7.5 lakh crore, coupled with rationalisation of customs duty, an extension of time for setting up new manufacturing companies and plans for starting a digital currency and tax crypto assets.

Govt may receive 30% more from infrastructure asset sale

Govt may receive 30% more from infrastructure asset sale

Rediff.com23 Jul 2021

Now that almost 10 infrastructure ministries have submitted a fresh list of their core infrastructure assets, the government has realised it stands to make much more money from asset monetisation than previously thought. Two persons in the government said it stood to garner over 30 per cent more than the earlier estimates of Rs 2.5 trillion over the next four years under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP). The NMP, which is being prepared by Niti Aayog, is in the advanced stages of finalisation and is expected to be unveiled in August.

Over 200 crore anti-Covid jabs administered in India

Over 200 crore anti-Covid jabs administered in India

Rediff.com17 Jul 2022

India achieved a major milestone in its vaccination programme against COVID-19 as the cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country surpassed the 200-crore mark on Sunday.

Why is China Focusing on Tibet?

Why is China Focusing on Tibet?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2021

Wang Yang and Xi Jinping's visits signal the beginning of a major Chinese push to bring about a transformation of Tibet, observes Jayadeva Ranade, the distinguished China expert and retired RA&W officer.

6 policy measures to kick-start India's prime infra projects

6 policy measures to kick-start India's prime infra projects

Rediff.com10 Mar 2015

Modi govt must bring about reforms to kick-start big-ticket infra projects.

Why Should Govt Be In Fintech?

Why Should Govt Be In Fintech?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2021

The temptation to get into businesses that are hot is perhaps too great for any politician, no matter what his public slogans are. Nehru plunged into hot sectors of his time -- engineering and iron and steel. Modi has plunged into digital payments -- the hot sector of his time, notes Debashis Basu.

Modi meets top American CEOs in first engagement in US

Modi meets top American CEOs in first engagement in US

Rediff.com23 Sep 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his engagements in the US on Thursday by meeting with leading American CEOs from five different key sectors and highlighted the economic opportunities in India.

Factory output climbs 22.4% in March; inflation slips to 4.29% in April

Factory output climbs 22.4% in March; inflation slips to 4.29% in April

Rediff.com12 May 2021

India's factory output climbed 22.4 per cent in March, benefiting from the base effect of the lockdown-marred month a year back as well as a turnaround in the manufacturing sector, while retail inflation slipped to a three-month low of 4.29 per cent in April. The high positive annual growth in the index of industrial production (IIP) in March 2021 came on back of a contraction of (-)0.9 per cent and (-)3.4 per cent in January and February 2021 respectively, according to the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Wednesday. This turnaround was led by recovery in the mining, manufacturing and electricity sectors.

Planning to buy an e-car? Do read this

Planning to buy an e-car? Do read this

Rediff.com11 Jun 2018

Parts of electric cars are costlier and repairing often means replacing an entire system, which drives insurance premium rates up.

Why BPCL divestment is on the slow track

Why BPCL divestment is on the slow track

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

In December 2019, the India arm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu surprised many with its ultra-competitive bid to become the transaction advisor for the country's largest strategic divestment in Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL). The multinational major quoted just Rs 1; the second-highest bidder, SBI Caps, reportedly quoted Rs 15-17 crore. For Deloitte, the motivation was to bag a prestigious deal adding a national energy company to its portfolio. No doubt, it expected BPCL to go to a marquee buyer in quick time.

'NDA won't muster a majority in Bihar'

'NDA won't muster a majority in Bihar'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2020

'Log kehte hai desh to humne Modi ko diya hua hai, par pradesh nahi diya hai (we have given Modi the mandate to run the nation, not the state).'

'Akhilesh and I are giving the people a new paradigm and leadership'

'Akhilesh and I are giving the people a new paradigm and leadership'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2022

'They are trying to stoke emotions to build fear.' 'They have done nothing and that is why they are trying to divert attention.'

India, US have 'almost closed' contours of limited trade pact: Goyal

India, US have 'almost closed' contours of limited trade pact: Goyal

Rediff.com25 Feb 2020

Having almost closed the last contours of the limited trade deal and with the announcement of a much larger trade deal in the offing, we have moved to a new level of engagement: Goyal.

Cong will bring law to nullify CAA in Assam: Priyanka

Cong will bring law to nullify CAA in Assam: Priyanka

Rediff.com2 Mar 2021

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday asserted that her party, if voted to power in Assam, will bring a new law to 'nullify' the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state.

7 cheers for power sector

7 cheers for power sector

Rediff.com26 Feb 2016

The report suggested that the tariffs can be made simple and transparent.

Economy gaining traction with pick-up in manufacturing activity: RBI

Economy gaining traction with pick-up in manufacturing activity: RBI

Rediff.com17 Aug 2021

The economy is gaining traction with gradual pick up in manufacturing activity and moderation in contraction of services, spurred by comfortable liquidity conditions, an RBI article on Tuesday said. Observing that the retreat of the second wave of coronavirus pandemic has been slow, the RBI in an article on the 'State of Economy' said, the aggregate demand conditions are buoyed by the release of pent-up demand post unlock, while the supply situation is improving with the monsoon catching up to its normal levels and sowing activity gaining pace. "Reaffirming the traction that the economy is gaining, the manufacturing activity is gradually turning around, while contraction in services has moderated.

Gadkari wants e-cars by 2030, but...

Gadkari wants e-cars by 2030, but...

Rediff.com9 Sep 2017

Customers won't shift to electric cars until there is countrywide infrastructure for charging stations, which should be as spread out as petrol pumps now. Two, the price of the lithium ion battery, which constitutes 30 to 40 per cent of the cost of an electric car, has to fall substantially, so that the vehicle is as affordable as a gasoline one.

What India Inc says about Budget 2022

What India Inc says about Budget 2022

Rediff.com2 Feb 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled a Rs 39.45 lakh crore Budget with a view to fire up the key engines of the economy to sustain a world-beating recovery from the pandemic. This was Sitharaman's fourth Budget. While the taxpayers were left in the lurch, once again, was she able to cheer Corporate India?

How India can protect itself from cyber attacks

How India can protect itself from cyber attacks

Rediff.com18 Mar 2021

The recent report in the New York Times that China had brought India's financial capital - Mumbai - to a halt by hacking the electricity supply grid has not come as a surprise to the CTOs (chief technology officers) and cyber security experts. Indian companies, including critical infrastructure providers such as power grids, ports and radar systems, lack the IT infrastructure to prevent hacking from hostile state actors like China and North Korea, warn security experts. Recently, the United States government warned of yet another breach of critical systems tied to Microsoft Exchange email systems that the company has blamed on China. The breach has impacted thousands of organisations in the US and its impact on India is still unknown.

Scrapping vehicles in volumes to curb pollution will be a tough task

Scrapping vehicles in volumes to curb pollution will be a tough task

Rediff.com6 May 2021

For deciding which vehicles are to be scrapped, the setting up of fitness centres and regulating them would be a humongous task.

What Awaits Rajapaksas After Monday's Mayhem?

What Awaits Rajapaksas After Monday's Mayhem?

Rediff.com10 May 2022

Gota has to decide if he could order elder brother Mahinda's arrest as the agent provocateur of Monday's violence. Then he has to prepare for an interim government, in which no one would now want to become a cabinet minister leave alone prime minister, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Mumbai's new top cop played key role during 26/11 attacks

Mumbai's new top cop played key role during 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com17 Mar 2021

Nagrale, an avid golfer and a tennis player, is a recipient of the President's Police Medal, Vishesh Seva Padak and Antarik Suraksha Padak.

Bilateral trade: No direct impact of Russia-Ukraine crisis on India

Bilateral trade: No direct impact of Russia-Ukraine crisis on India

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

There is no direct impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on India in terms of bilateral trade but a surge in oil prices poses considerable risk to the economy, an analyst report said on Friday. International oil prices which have surged past $100 per barrel "pose risks to external stability and currency movement," a Bank of Baroda Economics Research report said. Russia has launched military operations against Ukraine, stoking fears of significant disruption in the region, including loss of life. The West is ramping up financial sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.

Indian power cos want ban on Chinese equipment on security fears

Indian power cos want ban on Chinese equipment on security fears

Rediff.com4 Apr 2015

Power transmission infrastructure in 18 major cities could be potentially hacked.

'By ensuring women's safety, NDA has set very high benchmark for next govt'

'By ensuring women's safety, NDA has set very high benchmark for next govt'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2019

Right from the first week, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said, the BJP-led government showed "zero tolerance" towards brutalities against women. "I am confident that a time of gender equality would come. We ensured women gets the basic necessities of toilets, electricity and gas cylinders to make their lives easy."

20 central PSUs in pipeline for sale, 6 for shutdown

20 central PSUs in pipeline for sale, 6 for shutdown

Rediff.com14 Sep 2020

As many as 20 central public sector enterprises and their units are at various stages of strategic disinvestment, while six are being considered for closure or are under litigation, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur said on Monday.

Were The Chola Kings Hindus Or Not?

Were The Chola Kings Hindus Or Not?

Rediff.com11 Oct 2022

The aftermath of Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan has led to an argument that there was no religion as Hinduism in Chola times.
Instead, there was only Saivism, Vaishnavism, etc, and that the Cholas were Saivites, and hence not Hindus, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Over 25 crore workers participated in nationwide strike, say unions

Over 25 crore workers participated in nationwide strike, say unions

Rediff.com26 Nov 2020

Ten central trade unions except Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh are observing one-day general strike on Thursday to protest against various government policies.

Want to insure your car against tree falls, flood damage?

Want to insure your car against tree falls, flood damage?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2018

Buy comprehensive motor insurance policy to guard against natural calamities.

How Nitish Kumar can become a national leader

How Nitish Kumar can become a national leader

Rediff.com28 Dec 2015

Nitish Kumar has to eschew disastrous experiments with prohibition and reservations in the private sector. Unless he is dissuaded from pursuing these flawed measures, he will pave the way for Bihar to again become a part of the BIMARU group of sick states, says Amulya Ganguli.

What India needs to do at COP26, Glasgow

What India needs to do at COP26, Glasgow

Rediff.com1 Nov 2021

Rather than talking endlessly about lost and marginal opportunities, India's climate envoys need to start thinking bigger, says Mihir S Sharma.

Kejriwal woos Goans with free pilgrimage if AAP comes to power

Kejriwal woos Goans with free pilgrimage if AAP comes to power

Rediff.com1 Nov 2021

Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday promised free pilgrimage to various religious centres, including Ayodhya and Ajmer Sharif, if his party is voted to power in Goa in the assembly polls due in next February, which he said is a 'third guarantee' being given by AAP to Goans.

Modi has ambitious plans to put India in the $5-trillion club

Modi has ambitious plans to put India in the $5-trillion club

Rediff.com19 Nov 2018

Modi said it is an outcome of India's consistent reforms trajectory that the country's position is getting credence globally and is being recognised by international bodies like the IMF, World Economic Forum and UNCTAD.

Cong BIhar manifesto promises 10L jobs, farm loan waiver

Cong BIhar manifesto promises 10L jobs, farm loan waiver

Rediff.com21 Oct 2020

Referred to as 'Badlav Patr (document of change)', Congress leader Randeep Surjewala and All India Congress Committee's Bihar in-charge Shakti Sinh Gohil presented the manifesto that promises farm loan waiver and 50 percent subsidy in electricity bills to farmers up to 100 units of consumption. The manifesto also promised that it will reject the Centre's farm laws if voted to power.

Lok Sabha passes Motor Vehicles Amendment bill

Lok Sabha passes Motor Vehicles Amendment bill

Rediff.com23 Jul 2019

Transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said he is here "not to show any dream" but to fulfil promises made on better, smoother roads and latest transport technology.

2 top US senators ask Blinken to raise farmers' issue with India

2 top US senators ask Blinken to raise farmers' issue with India

Rediff.com19 Mar 2021

Schumer and Menendez said the months-long demonstrations have been met with orders from the central government and local authorities to shut off internet access in protest areas, cut off water and electricity supplies for the tens of thousands living in protest camps, and impede the work of journalists reporting on the protests.

Nirmala attacks Oppn for creating false narrative around Budget

Nirmala attacks Oppn for creating false narrative around Budget

Rediff.com12 Feb 2021

She said that despite government scheme and initiatives ranging from roads to agriculture, housing, scholarships to electricity benefiting lives of people, a false narrative was being created by the opposition that the government was working for cronies.

Highlights of Union Budget 2021-22

Highlights of Union Budget 2021-22

Rediff.com1 Feb 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday presented the Budget for 2021-22 in the Lok Sabha that is expected to provide relief to the pandemic-hit common man as well as focus more on driving economic recovery through higher spending on healthcare, infrastructure and defence amid rising tensions with neighbours, As India emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, the ninth Budget under the Modi government, including an interim one, is widely expected to focus on boosting spending on job creation and rural development, generous allocations for development schemes, putting more money in the hands of the average taxpayer and easing rules to attract foreign investments.