News for 'Political Bureau'

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India needs another shot of difficult reform, of the kind only possible at gunpoint. Mr Trump holds that gun to our heads now. A drastic reduction in tariff protection, other elements of sarkari wet-nursing will force entrepreneurial India to become competitive again, argues Shekhar Gupta.

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Delhi's crime rate against women stood at 144.4 in 2022 -- the highest among all states and Union Territories.

CBI books fresh case in NEET impersonation scam

CBI books fresh case in NEET impersonation scam

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a fresh case in connection with alleged impersonation by four National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), 2024 candidates in Bihar's Purnea, officials said on Wednesday.

Why are we giving $21 million to India?: Trump on DOGE cut

Why are we giving $21 million to India?: Trump on DOGE cut

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Trump made these remarks after Elon Musk-led DOGE's (Department of Government Efficiency) disclosed that USAID contributed USD 21 million to Election Commission for boosting voter turnout.

Can Mamata block BJP's advance again in 2026 Bengal polls?

Can Mamata block BJP's advance again in 2026 Bengal polls?

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has set an ambitious goal of winning over 215 seats in the 2026 state assembly elections, aiming to secure a fourth consecutive term for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She declared that the party will work to significantly reduce the BJP's tally and ensure that their candidates struggle to retain their deposits. The TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, echoed this sentiment, urging party workers to ensure a decisive victory and achieve a two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls. The BJP, however, dismissed the TMC's claims, stating that Banerjee is merely trying to boost morale among party workers.

Yechury's body handed over to AIIMS amid 'Lal Salaam' chants

Yechury's body handed over to AIIMS amid 'Lal Salaam' chants

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

Earlier in the day, rich tributes were paid to Yechury at the Communist Party of India (Marxist) headquarters at the AKG Bhavan here, where his mortal remains were brought from his residence in the morning.

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Journalist and author Chitra Subramaniam has demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) make public its findings from the "box of evidence" received from Switzerland regarding the Bofors payoffs. Subramaniam, author of 'Boforsgate: A Journalist's Pursuit of Truth', expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the evidence, questioning who opened the box, when it was opened, and what it contained. She also raised doubts about the official narrative regarding the alleged bribe in the Bofors case, suggesting the sum of Rs 64 crore may not reflect the full extent of the corruption. Subramaniam also alleged that the CBI planted stories about Hindi film actor Amitabh Bachchan to derail the investigation and launched a political vendetta against the Bachchans. She recalled that Bachchan had come to her home and asked if she had seen his name. The CBI has recently requested assistance from the United States in the case, seeking information from private investigator Michael Hershman, who claims to have crucial details about the scandal. The Bofors scandal, a major bribery case involving the Indian government and the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors in the 1980s, pertains to allegations of a Rs 64-crore bribe in a Rs 1,437-crore deal for the supply of 400 155mm field Howitzers.

Court orders FIR against former SEBI chief Madhabi Buch

Court orders FIR against former SEBI chief Madhabi Buch

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

A special court in Mumbai has directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to register a first information report (FIR) against former Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and five other officials in connection with alleged stock market fraud and regulatory violations.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

RG Kar rape-murder verdict tomorrow; CBI seeks Roy's death penalty

RG Kar rape-murder verdict tomorrow; CBI seeks Roy's death penalty

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Maintaining that other persons were also involved in the crime, the parents of the victim have said that they expect that they will also be arrested and tried before the court.

3 sons of top Hamas leader killed in Israeli strike

3 sons of top Hamas leader killed in Israeli strike

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

'Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation'

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'Modi's intention was to create goodwill that will allow India to be seen by Trump as more than just a bad tariff problem.' 'He succeeded brilliantly on that count but none of these wins are unfortunately permanent.' 'Modi will have to do this again and again if Trump's grievances are to be durably assuaged.'

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Life term for 10 in Periya twin murder case; CPM ex-MLA gets 5-year jail

Life term for 10 in Periya twin murder case; CPM ex-MLA gets 5-year jail

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

A CBI court in Kerala sentenced 10 individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of two Youth Congress workers in 2019. Four others, including a former CPI(M) MLA, received five years in prison. The court found the accused guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy, citing political rivalry as the motive. The case involved the deaths of Kripesh and Sarath Lal P K, who were allegedly killed by CPI(M) workers in Kasaragod district. The verdict sparked reactions from both the Congress and CPI(M), with the Congress calling it a blow to the CPI(M)'s violent political culture and the CPI(M) challenging the verdict and claiming political motives in the CBI investigation.

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The critical event signalling a new era for India was Dr Singh's 1991 Budget in which he quoted Victor Hugo to say that no power on earth could stop an idea whose time has come,' recalls T N Ninan.

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Delhi assembly results have underscored that a section of Arvind Kejriwal's committed supporters abandoned him because they were let down by his refusal to take a stand on crucial issues that impinge on the security and Constitutionally enshrined rights of the people, notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

Hamas chief killed by Israel's short range projectile: Iran

Hamas chief killed by Israel's short range projectile: Iran

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

The statement by IRGC which was televised on the country's state media, came, three days after Haniyeh was killed at his accommodation in northern Tehran following his attendance at the inaugural ceremony of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian.

With new hq, Congress leaves behind more than an address

With new hq, Congress leaves behind more than an address

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The Indian National Congress, India's oldest political party, is moving from its longtime headquarters at 24 Akbar Road to a new building called Indira Gandhi Bhawan. The move marks the end of an era for the Congress, which has been headquartered at 24 Akbar Road for nearly 50 years.

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The report on the alleged liquor scam, a hot button issue in the run-up to the elections, claimed a loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 941.53 crore, saying timely permissions were not taken for opening the liquor vends in non-conforming municipal wards.

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

In the talks, China emphasised that the two sides should proceed from the fundamental interests of China, India and adhere to the strategic height and long-term perspective of China-India relations, the readout said.

Ready to 'properly handle' border situation, Chinese FM tells Doval

Ready to 'properly handle' border situation, Chinese FM tells Doval

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed readiness to join hands with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to "properly handle" issues related to the situation on the ground in the border areas, amid the protracted border row in eastern Ladakh.

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.

'Rahul Shouldn't Have Called Kejriwal Deshdrohi'

'Rahul Shouldn't Have Called Kejriwal Deshdrohi'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

'The Congress cannot speak the BJP's words while targeting Kejriwal.' 'What is the difference between the two? Where is the unity of INDIA then?'

Sanjay Roy found guilty of raping, murdering RG Kar doctor

Sanjay Roy found guilty of raping, murdering RG Kar doctor

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

A Kolkata court on Saturday convicted prime accused Sanjay Roy of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, 162 days after the crime that sparked nationwide outrage and led to prolonged protests.

Was subjected to racism: Kash Patel tells Senate committee

Was subjected to racism: Kash Patel tells Senate committee

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, told lawmakers that he has faced racism while growing up. During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patel said he had been subjected to threats after his personal information was released by Congress. Patel said he was called a "detestable sand nigger" and told to "go back to where you came from." He said his family members, including his father and mother, were present at Capitol Hill during the hearing. Patel said his father fled Idi Amin's genocidal dictatorship in Uganda, where 300,000 men, women and children were killed based on their ethnicity. He said his mother is originally from Tanzania. Patel said he believes that people who put politics and personal ambition over service to the country should be named and that Americans deserve transparency.

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Her comments come a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 percent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

Why Talks With Naga Groups Have Stalled

Why Talks With Naga Groups Have Stalled

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

'People's expectations were very high.' 'We felt both sides had understood each other.' 'But the removal of Article 370 triggered apprehensions within the Naga people.'

CBI moves HC seeking death penalty for RG Kar convict

CBI moves HC seeking death penalty for RG Kar convict

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an appeal in the Calcutta High Court seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, who was sentenced to "life imprisonment until death" for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The CBI argued that the crime falls under the "rarest of rare" category deserving capital punishment, while the trial court had ruled otherwise. The West Bengal government has also appealed for the death penalty, but the CBI opposed the state's right to file an appeal, claiming it was the prosecuting agency and therefore had the right to appeal on the grounds of inadequacy of the sentence. The high court will hear the appeals from the CBI, the victim's family, and the convict on January 27.

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The real intention of the 'Tariff Man' (as Trump calls himself) may not even be to put the 'Tariff King' (as he describes India) on the mat with a knockout punch but to arm-twist the Indian leadership to agree to some multi-billion dollar mega arms deal, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The BJP may win more seats in the February 5 assembly election, but not enough to trump AAP, notes Ramesh Menon.

26/11: 'Rana Will Tell Us About ISI's Role'

26/11: 'Rana Will Tell Us About ISI's Role'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'He is the key to unravel the 26/11 conspiracy.'

Modi thanks Gehlot for attending his event 'despite political tussle'

Modi thanks Gehlot for attending his event 'despite political tussle'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2023

The prime minister was addressing the flagging-off ceremony of the Vande Bharat Express through video conferencing.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Indian Diaspora has been able to carve a niche in their adopted countries as a result of their talent, perseverance and hardworking nature, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

UN team meets Rohingyas in Jammu as BJP protests

UN team meets Rohingyas in Jammu as BJP protests

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

A two-member team of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) met Rohingya Muslims at a slum in Jammu amid a heated debate whether the illegally settled immigrants be provided water and electricity.

CJI on judge Gowri: Lawyers who appear for diverse political views make amazing judges

CJI on judge Gowri: Lawyers who appear for diverse political views make amazing judges

Rediff.com16 Nov 2023

Defending the collegium's decision to appoint advocate Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri appointment as a judge of the Madras high court, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud has said one should not be "cold calling" individuals merely for views they may have held as lawyers.

Trump was hit by...: FBI after its chief raises doubts

Trump was hit by...: FBI after its chief raises doubts

Rediff.com27 Jul 2024

Reacting to the FBI's statement, Trump told his supporters that he has accepted an apology from the FBI.

RG Kar protests pose unprecedented crisis for TMC

RG Kar protests pose unprecedented crisis for TMC

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

'Although there is a visible dent in TMC's urban votes, especially among women, the CPI-M and the BJP are unlikely to benefit from this'

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The auction, a violation of democratic norms, has been condemned by several political leaders. Elections to gram panchayats in Punjab will be held on October 15.

Why Trump wants his supporters to donate to Democrats

Why Trump wants his supporters to donate to Democrats

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

President-elect Donald Trump urged his supporters to donate to Democrats to help them overcome the 'financial strain' in the aftermath of the general elections.