News for 'National Finance Committee'

'Individuals focused on monetary gain': P T Usha hits back

'Individuals focused on monetary gain': P T Usha hits back

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

IOA president P T Usha on Sunday slammed the revolting executive council members, saying they 'seem more focused on self-serving power play and monetary gain'

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

National Film Awards named after Indira Gandhi, Nargis renamed

National Film Awards named after Indira Gandhi, Nargis renamed

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The 'Indira Gandhi award for best debut film' and the 'Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national integration' have been retitled with the names of the late prime minister and legendary actor being dropped as part of a raft of changes for the National Film Awards, according to a notification.

Around 12K cops join anti-drug drive in Punjab; 750 locations raided

Around 12K cops join anti-drug drive in Punjab; 750 locations raided

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Punjab Police launched a statewide operation against drugs, conducting raids at more than 750 locations as the cabinet sub-committee on the drug menace held its first meeting on Saturday. Around 12,000 police personnel were involved in the operation being carried out as part of an anti-drug campaign. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday set a deadline of three months to make the state drug-free. The operation led to the arrest of 290 drug smugglers after registration of 232 FIRs. Police recovered 8.14 kg heroin, 1.21 kg opium, 3.5 kg ganja, 19 kg poppy husk, 700 grams charas, 16,238 intoxicant tablets, injections and Rs 8.02 lakh cash.

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The deportation of Indians from the United States, deaths in the Maha Kumbh stampede and the joint Parliamentary committee report on the Waqf bill were among the issues that led to heated exchanges and some disruptions in an otherwise smooth first part of the Budget session that ended on Thursday.

We will not be sitting quietly if...: Tharoor on Pahalgam attack

We will not be sitting quietly if...: Tharoor on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday (local time) highlighted how India responded in a measured and calibrated manner towards terror bases and headquarters in Pakistan, following the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The meeting also included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The attack, which killed at least 26 people, including tourists from the UAE and Nepal, has sparked nationwide shock and outrage.

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was "bulldozed" through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable bills approved during the session included the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session, which saw high productivity, also witnessed debates on issues such as economic distress, delimitation, and the three-language policy. While the government touted its achievements, the opposition criticized the government's approach and vowed to challenge the Waqf bill in court.

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'This victory would mean a huge inspiration for the next generation who can say that coming from India I can be anybody I want to be if I work hard and acquire the right skills.' 'They could be the next President, members of the Senate, or another Sundar Pichai.'

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sports budget raised by over Rs 350 crore, Khelo India gets biggest share

Budget 2025: What farmers want from Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What farmers want from Sitharaman

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Farmer representatives and agricultural stakeholders urged the government to provide cheaper long-term credit, implement lower taxes, and double the PM-KISAN income support during a comprehensive pre-budget consultation with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday. The two-hour meeting saw a detailed discussion of proposals, aimed at addressing multiple challenges in the agricultural sector, with key demands focusing on financial relief, market reforms, and strategic investments.

'Eyewash': Adhir declines to join 'one-nation, one-poll' panel

'Eyewash': Adhir declines to join 'one-nation, one-poll' panel

Rediff.com3 Sep 2023

The Congress leader also lamented the exclusion of current Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge from the committee

FD Rate Cuts: Balance Returns With Safety

FD Rate Cuts: Balance Returns With Safety

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Choose an FD tenure that provides a balance between returns and the horizon for which you can invest.'

'One nation, one solution', get rid of BJP: Kharge

'One nation, one solution', get rid of BJP: Kharge

Rediff.com3 Sep 2023

Kharge termed the high-level committee constituted by the Centre to examine the feasibility of 'One Nation, One Election' a 'gimmick' and alleged the Modi government wants to slowly replace democracy in India with dictatorship.

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'The finance minister missed yet another opportunity to simplify the income tax structure in the Budget.' 'This was an opportune moment to get rid of the old tax system entirely and move fully to the new system,' asserts M Govinda Rao, member of the 14th Finance Commission.

Budget will revitalise agri sector, rural economy

Budget will revitalise agri sector, rural economy

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Recent documents by NITI Aayog and periodic labour force surveys on employment show that the importance of agriculture is rising in the Indian economy.

The landmark 1991 budget was Manmohan's trial by fire

The landmark 1991 budget was Manmohan's trial by fire

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Dr Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, had to literally face a trial-by-fire to ensure widespread acceptance of his path-breaking Union Budget of 1991 that saw the nation rise from its darkest financial crises.

To become developed nation by 2047, India needs stronger army: Rajnath

To become developed nation by 2047, India needs stronger army: Rajnath

Rediff.com1 Oct 2023

Describing the DAD as the "guardian of defence finance", he emphasised the need to bolster the internal vigilance mechanism so that any suspicious activity can be detected and reviewed immediately.

Heeding Azad, Partition Could Have Been Prevented

Heeding Azad, Partition Could Have Been Prevented

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Abul Kalam Azad chose not to contest Congress Presidency and to throw his weight behind Nehru, instead of Patel, a decision he would come to regret. Patel would have seen his plan through, while Nehru, in Azad's opinion 'gave Jinnah the opportunity to sabotage' it, notes Aakar Patel.

World Boxing chief's clarion call to save Olympic dream

World Boxing chief's clarion call to save Olympic dream

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

The Asian Boxing Confederation last month decided to stay with the IBA.

Boxing body accuses IOC of 'abusive behaviour' in Olympic market

Boxing body accuses IOC of 'abusive behaviour' in Olympic market

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

The International Boxing Association (IBA) urged its national federations on Monday to join legal action in Switzerland against what it called the "abusive behaviour" of Olympic organisers.

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

Govt appoints three new external RBI MPC members

Govt appoints three new external RBI MPC members

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The government on Tuesday appointed three external members -- Ram Singh, Saugata Bhattacharya and Nagesh Kumar -- to the RBI's rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee for four years. The central government has reconstituted the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of RBI, the finance ministry said in a statement. Ram Singh is the director of the Delhi School of Economics, Saugata Bhattacharya is an economist, and Nagesh Kumar is the director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi.

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. He was brought to the emergency department of AIIMS Delhi in critical condition after "sudden loss of consciousness."

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Tamil Nadu is set to protest against the National Education Policy (NEP) on February 18, with the ruling DMK and its allies announcing a demonstration. The state government has been at odds with the Centre over the implementation of the NEP and the three-language formula proposed in the policy. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dismissed the state's opposition as "politics" and asserted that the Centre is committed to implementing the NEP across the country. The DMK, however, accused the Centre of encroaching on the state's rights and using the office of the Governor to push the NEP.

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The GST Council on Saturday postponed a decision on cutting tax rate on life and health insurance premiums, officials said. The 55th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, decided that some more technicalities needed to be ironed out and tasked the GoM for further deliberations.

Cabinet approves assured pension for govt employees

Cabinet approves assured pension for govt employees

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The National Pension System is applicable for government employees joining the service after April 1, 2004. It was based on the premise of contribution rather than defined benefit applicable for employees prior to the NPS.

When Dr Singh Met Sachin...

When Dr Singh Met Sachin...

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

22 images that captures glimpses of a most unusual Indian who led the nation for 10 years.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

Boxing in danger of being excluded from next Olympics!

Boxing in danger of being excluded from next Olympics!

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The boxing competition at the Paris Olympics is being run by the IOC after it stripped the International Boxing Association (IBA) of recognition last year over its failure to implement reforms on governance and finance.

Trump picks Fox News host as defence secretary

Trump picks Fox News host as defence secretary

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the nomination of popular Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth, 44, as his defence secretary.

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed all high courts, state governments, and union territories to ensure the availability of separate toilet facilities for men, women, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender persons in all court premises and tribunals across the country. The court stressed the importance of public health and the right to privacy, stating that adequate public toilets protect women and transgender persons. The court also expressed concern about the condition of public toilets near toll plazas on national highways and emphasized the need for proper sanitation facilities in court premises for judges, advocates, litigants, and staff members. This decision highlights the importance of access to basic amenities in ensuring a fair and dignified justice system.

Sonia constitutes committees on economy, foreign affairs, security

Sonia constitutes committees on economy, foreign affairs, security

Rediff.com20 Nov 2020

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will head all the three committees.

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

EPS has had its way on most things, alliance-wise. A week earlier, he reiterated that he would not re-admit OPS and Sasikala Natarajan back in the party. It was a message not just to detractors in the AIADMK. It was even more so for the BJP leadership in Delhi. Even more important for the AIADMK was their demand for accepting EPS as the chief ministerial candidate of any alliance that the party would form, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were among the top leaders who paid homage to former prime minister Manmohan Singh at his home in New Delhi on Friday.

SEBI chief Buch skips PAC summons; BJP miffed at panel chair

SEBI chief Buch skips PAC summons; BJP miffed at panel chair

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Buch, under a cloud over allegations of conflict of interest levelled by United States-based short-seller Hindenburg, was asked to appear before the PAC, which is reviewing the performance of the market regulator.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

India takes first steps to meet 2070 net-zero goal, Niti Aayog forms panels

India takes first steps to meet 2070 net-zero goal, Niti Aayog forms panels

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

Three years after India declared its goal to become a net-zero economy by 2070, the policy design for achieving the target has begun, with the NITI Aayog forming dedicated multi-sectoral committees to prepare a transition plan. In 2021, India joined a select group of nations that set a target year for becoming net-zero carbon economy. At COP26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a five-pronged 'Panchamitra' climate action target for India and committed to a net-zero target by 2070, joining nations like the US, the UK, and China.