News for 'Progressive Democratic Front'

Kamala Harris recalls childhood visits to Chennai

Kamala Harris recalls childhood visits to Chennai

Rediff.com16 Aug 2020

Harris, 55, who is the first black to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate of a major party, took a trip down the memory lane, mentioning her 'long walks' in Madras (now Chennai) with her grandfather who would tell her about the 'heroes' responsible for the birth of the world's largest democracy.

Lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' exposed by CAG report on Rafale: Jaitley

Lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' exposed by CAG report on Rafale: Jaitley

Rediff.com13 Feb 2019

"It cannot be that the Supreme Court is wrong, the CAG is wrong and only the dynast is right. Satyameva Jayate -- the truth shall prevail. The CAG Report on Rafale reaffirms the dictum," Jaitley said in a series of tweet.

Indian-American Tulsi Gabbard may run for US presidency in 2020: Sources

Indian-American Tulsi Gabbard may run for US presidency in 2020: Sources

Rediff.com12 Nov 2018

A decision on this could be taken before Christmas, which might not necessarily result in a formal announcement as that could be delayed till the next year, people familiar with her thinking process said.

76th I-Day: Modi sets 'Panch Pran' goal to develop India in 25 yrs

76th I-Day: Modi sets 'Panch Pran' goal to develop India in 25 yrs

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

"For the next 25 years we need to focus on the five resolves - developed India, removing every trace of bondage from our mind, taking pride in our glorious heritage, unity, and fulfilling our duties," he said.

Stalin hits back at Amit Shah over dynasty politics barb

Stalin hits back at Amit Shah over dynasty politics barb

Rediff.com22 Nov 2020

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M K Stalin on Sunday hit back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah for attacking his party with the 2G spectrum scam allegation and dynasty politics barb, saying it was an amusing and conjuring trick ahead of the 2021 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

France begins judicial probe into Rafale deal

France begins judicial probe into Rafale deal

Rediff.com3 Jul 2021

The Congress urged Modi to come forward and order a JPC probe into the Rafale deal.

Chandan Mitra had the courage to swim against the tide

Chandan Mitra had the courage to swim against the tide

Rediff.com2 Sep 2021

Journalist Chandan Mitra, who passed into the ages on Wednesday night, will be missed for his courage to go against the grain, mourns Dr Sudhir Bisht.

In Parl, Shah regrets Naga civilian killings; says probe underway

In Parl, Shah regrets Naga civilian killings; says probe underway

Rediff.com6 Dec 2021

The SIT has been constituted and has been directed to complete the probe within a month, Shah said.

Rawat seems to have edge in Uttarakhand trust vote

Rawat seems to have edge in Uttarakhand trust vote

Rediff.com10 May 2016

Under the Supreme Court-monitored proceedings, the result of the vote will be given to the court on Wednesday morning.

Still in majority, ready to prove it on floor: Uttarakhand CM

Still in majority, ready to prove it on floor: Uttarakhand CM

Rediff.com19 Mar 2016

With the Congress government in crisis in Uttarakhand after nine party members of Legislative Assembly, including a minister, joined hands with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party overnight, Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Saturday asserted that the welfare of the state was his priority and added that he would tender his resignation if he was not able to prove majority.

What Do Indians Vote For?

What Do Indians Vote For?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

If 'development' and jobs and such things are less important to many than identity, then the BJP can dominate the discourse by stressing the largest marker of identity, which is religious nationalism, observes Aakar Patel.

Rio to be sworn-in as new Nagaland CM on March 8

Rio to be sworn-in as new Nagaland CM on March 8

Rediff.com6 Mar 2018

Acharya, in a letter to Rio, asked him to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before March 16, the source said.

'A tribal President will be a great showpiece internationally'

'A tribal President will be a great showpiece internationally'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2022

'But will there be matching action as far as tribals are concerned on the ground?'

'No government can ignore police violence'

'No government can ignore police violence'

Rediff.com23 Nov 2021

'An international survey has shown that India figures high in the list of countries on people's approval of torture.' 'What is surprising is that even if you look at the many vibrant social movements we've had, there's been no campaign that predominantly focuses on police torture.'

No change in US' policy on J-K: Biden administration

No change in US' policy on J-K: Biden administration

Rediff.com12 Feb 2021

According to a 2019 Congressional Research Service report of August 2019, a longstanding goal of US policy in South Asia has been to prevent the India-Pakistan conflict from escalating to interstate war.

The Pension Challenge Confronting India

The Pension Challenge Confronting India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2022

When we look at the pension expenditure of the states, so far, there has been no gain from the NPS reform. Pension expenses as a share of total state revenue expenditure rose from 4% in 1991-1992 to 10% at the time of the NPS reform, and have risen further to about 12%, observes Ajay Shah.

Modi sends greetings to Imran Khan on eve of Pak National Day

Modi sends greetings to Imran Khan on eve of Pak National Day

Rediff.com22 Mar 2019

Imran Khan also tweeted PM Modi's message.

Biden's Taiwan Threat Rattles China

Biden's Taiwan Threat Rattles China

Rediff.com24 May 2022

Key to China's decision regarding Taiwan will be its leadership's assessment whether the US will come to Taiwan's defence, explains Jayadeva Ranade, the former senior RA&W officer and China expert.

Parliament adjourned sine die a day before schedule

Parliament adjourned sine die a day before schedule

Rediff.com22 Dec 2021

The tumultuous Winter session of Parliament ended on Wednesday a day before schedule with proceedings in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha marred by repeated disruptions by the opposition over which the government and the Congress traded charges and the presiding officers expressed their anguish at the conduct of some MPs.

Talks, cooperation key to solve disputes among countries: Xi at UNGA

Talks, cooperation key to solve disputes among countries: Xi at UNGA

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

Amidst escalating tension in ties with the US, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said that disputes among countries 'need to be handled through dialogue and cooperation' and urged world leaders to eschew 'confrontation and exclusion.'

BJP sweeps Uttarakhand, wins 56 seats

BJP sweeps Uttarakhand, wins 56 seats

Rediff.com11 Mar 2017

Chief Minister Harish Rawat lost both seats he contested.

Is Pinarayi jealous of Shailaja's popularity?

Is Pinarayi jealous of Shailaja's popularity?

Rediff.com19 May 2021

'Here is a woman who has got widespread appreciation for her work.' 'Social media was full of posts wanting her as the chief ministerial candidate.' 'This kind of popularity did not go well within the party.' 'See, today the party is Pinarayi Vijayan!'

'Mood toward China has changed in Washington'

'Mood toward China has changed in Washington'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2020

'There is little appetite in the Democratic foreign policy establishment to pick a fight with India.'

Amrita Rawat sacked from Uttarakhand cabinet

Amrita Rawat sacked from Uttarakhand cabinet

Rediff.com19 May 2014

Uttarakhand minister Amrita Rawat, wife of Satpal Maharaj who recently left Congress to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, was on Monday sacked by Chief Minister Harish Rawat from the state cabinet and an Independent member of Legislative Assembly was sworn in as minister.

Modi to attend Quad Summit in US on Sept 24, address UNGA

Modi to attend Quad Summit in US on Sept 24, address UNGA

Rediff.com14 Sep 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the first in-person summit of the Quad leaders in Washington on September 24 that is expected to broadly focus on contemporary global challenges including ways to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Nagaland 'tense but calm', state cabinet seeks repeal of AFSPA

Nagaland 'tense but calm', state cabinet seeks repeal of AFSPA

Rediff.com8 Dec 2021

Demand for repeal of the act found echoes in the nation's Parliament with National People's Party (NPP) MP Agatha Sangma, a former Minister in the United Progressive Alliance government, terming the act as 'the elephant in the room which (needs to) be addressed' and seeking the 'draconian' Act be repealed.

China-Taliban Bonhomie: What Next?

China-Taliban Bonhomie: What Next?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2021

China may accord recognition to the new government in Kabul at an early opportunity, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar

'Dropping Gadkari is a message to the RSS'

'Dropping Gadkari is a message to the RSS'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2022

'We are seeing an era where only what Modi wishes is going to happen.' 'A clear message has now been sent to others that if this fate could befall on Nitin Gadkari, then just think what could happen to lesser mortals.'

Biden harboured presidential dreams since childhood

Biden harboured presidential dreams since childhood

Rediff.com7 Nov 2020

Third time lucky is an apt phrase to describe the remarkable rise of Joe Biden, a veteran in US politics for around five decades, from being one of the youngest senators in history to the oldest American president-to-be.

Fuel price: CMs hit back at Modi for tax cuts remark

Fuel price: CMs hit back at Modi for tax cuts remark

Rediff.com28 Apr 2022

Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of tax cuts on petroleum products, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday said people were aware of the fact behind the issue and pointed out at his government effecting a Rs 3 a litre cut on petrol earlier.

EU Parliament postpones voting on motion against CAA

EU Parliament postpones voting on motion against CAA

Rediff.com30 Jan 2020

The sources said friends of India prevailed over those of Pakistan in the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Imran Khan welcomes Modi's greetings on Pakistan National Day

Imran Khan welcomes Modi's greetings on Pakistan National Day

Rediff.com23 Mar 2019

Khan said time has come to begin a 'comprehensive dialogue' between the two countries.

Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna on his way out

Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna on his way out

Rediff.com30 Jan 2014

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna is on his way out, according to Congress sources, and Union Minister Harish Rawat and state minister Pritam Singh are emerging as the frontrunners for the top job in the hill state.

Indian American named new White House LGBT liaison

Indian American named new White House LGBT liaison

Rediff.com11 Nov 2014

Indian American Aditi Hardikar has been appointed to a key White House position to liaison with LGBT as well as the Asian American and Pacific Islanders communities.

Obama to raise minimum wage for contract workers

Obama to raise minimum wage for contract workers

Rediff.com29 Jan 2014

Seeking to energise his second term, US President Obama on Tuesday said he will issue an executive order to raise the minimum wage for government contract workers to $10.10 an hour, a step which he argued would help reduce poverty in the country.

Concerned by China's attempts to intimidate neighbours: US

Concerned by China's attempts to intimidate neighbours: US

Rediff.com2 Feb 2021

'We will stand with friends, partners and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security and values in the Indo-Pacific region'

Why 'centre-left thinking' Varun Gandhi is still with BJP

Why 'centre-left thinking' Varun Gandhi is still with BJP

Rediff.com26 Aug 2020

Varun Gandhi adds that communists always joke with him and say he is a "communist in the BJP".

New Parl building to be ready by Oct 2022, construction to begin in Dec

New Parl building to be ready by Oct 2022, construction to begin in Dec

Rediff.com23 Oct 2020

Officials also said that sufficient steps have been taken to control air and noise pollution during the construction work for the new parliament building, which will have separate offices for all MPs and those will be equipped with the latest digital interfaces as a step towards creating 'paperless offices'.

With eye on China, PM's Op-Ed hails India-Japan ties

With eye on China, PM's Op-Ed hails India-Japan ties

Rediff.com23 May 2022

Prime Minister Modi, who is in Japan on a two-day visit to attend a summit of the Quad leaders at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, penned an op-ed on the vibrant relations between India and Japan in the Yomiuri Shimbun.

'Damage to Election Commission will take 20 years to undo'

'Damage to Election Commission will take 20 years to undo'

Rediff.com28 May 2021

'No Indian political party functions in a democratic way.'