News for 'Public Affairs Centre'

BJP Hands 'Tamil Pride' On A Platter To DMK

BJP Hands 'Tamil Pride' On A Platter To DMK

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

If the DMK is able to sustain the momentum until the assembly polls, the AIADMK especially and the PMK and possibly the infant TVK too would find it hard to sign up with the BJP, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

In a lengthy statement on X late Monday night, a defiant Kamra said those busy leaking his number on social media or calling him incessantly should know that it all goes to his voicemail where they will be subjected to "the very song" that they hate.

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Doctors' strike cripples OPDs nationwide, Centre to form panel

Doctors' strike cripples OPDs nationwide, Centre to form panel

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

The government on Saturday said a committee will be formed to propose safety measures for healthcare professionals even as OPD services were hit across the country as doctors joined the 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to protest the alleged rape and murder of a trainee medic in Kolkata.

Leaders, Heed The 11-Year Rule!

Leaders, Heed The 11-Year Rule!

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

There is a reason this 11 year phenomenon is a rule as much as it is an observation. It speaks to the nature of man and what humans are like, explains Aakar Patel.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, faces imminent execution despite the payment of blood money. Despite the lack of bilateral ties between India and war-torn Yemen, family members and human rights activists are clinging to hope for a last-minute pardon. The family has raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees and negotiations, and is prepared to pay any additional amount required. However, the execution order received presidential approval despite ongoing proceedings, leaving little time for intervention. Priya's family is burdened by debt and seeks urgent support from the Indian government to save her life.

Centre to recruit private sector experts in key posts across 12 ministries

Centre to recruit private sector experts in key posts across 12 ministries

Rediff.com16 May 2023

The department of personnel and training has asked the Union Public Service Commission to recruit such specialists through "lateral entry" mode in 12 government departments/ministries, he said.

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Gautam Adani's alleged proximity to Narendra Modi may dent the latter's self-styled image of incorruptibility, points out Kanika Datta.

President's rule imposed in Manipur; assembly suspended

President's rule imposed in Manipur; assembly suspended

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

President's rule was imposed in Manipur on Thursday, with the state assembly put under suspended animation following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The decision came after months of ethnic violence that claimed over 250 lives. Singh's resignation was attributed to his handling of the violence and allegations of instigating conflict. The imposition of President's rule was met with a sense of hope by the Kuki-Zo community, who expressed distrust of the Meitei leadership.

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

The BJP has accused the Congress of politicising the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and levelling "baseless allegations" of disrespect and mismanagement at his State funeral. The Congress has countered by alleging that the government's arrangements for the funeral were a "shocking display" of disrespect. The row comes as the Congress alleges that the Centre did not allow news agencies except for DD (Doordarshan) to cover the funeral, did not provide enough space for Singh's family around the pyre, and did not stand up for the national flag during the gun salute. The BJP has refuted all of these charges.

Took 5 decades to realise mistake: HC on barring govt staff from joining RSS

Took 5 decades to realise mistake: HC on barring govt staff from joining RSS

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Thursday said it took the Union government nearly five decades to realise that an "internationally renowned" organisation like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was wrongly placed in the list of organisations banned for government employees.

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The number of cyberfraud cases has skyrocketed from 2,677 in 1999-2000 to 29,082 in FY24 -- more than a 10-fold increase. The RBI pegs digital payment frauds at Rs 1,457 crore in FY24, up more than five times in a year. It's not just the number of frauds. What's alarming is the growing sophistication of the fraudsters, exposing the vulnerabilities within the financial system, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Taking a dig at a section of Bangladeshi politicians, who said the country has legitimate claims over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wondered whether Indians 'would have lollipop' when external forces would try to occupy Indian lands.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

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.

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.

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Centre seeks Maha nod to take over Ambedkar's London house

Centre seeks Maha nod to take over Ambedkar's London house

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

The file has been submitted for approval, the official in the Chief Minister's Office told PTI.

Centre approves Delhi's budget, minister calls its stalling unconstitutional

Centre approves Delhi's budget, minister calls its stalling unconstitutional

Rediff.com22 Mar 2023

A day after heated exchanges between the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation and the Centre over the Delhi budget, the Union home ministry on Tuesday approved the city government's financial document, paving the way for its tabling in the assembly.

If good neighbourliness is missing...: Jaishankar's dig at China, Pak

If good neighbourliness is missing...: Jaishankar's dig at China, Pak

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Delivering a thinly veiled message to Pakistan from its soil, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said activities across borders characterised by the 'three evils' of terrorism, extremism and separatism are unlikely to encourage trade, energy flows and connectivity.

Centre brings ordinance to control Delhi services, AAP cries foul

Centre brings ordinance to control Delhi services, AAP cries foul

Rediff.com20 May 2023

The ordinance comes a week after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in the national capital to the Delhi government, excluding those related to police, public order and land.

Did Ravi Act Without The Centre's Okay?

Did Ravi Act Without The Centre's Okay?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

Is Governor Ravi acting without informing/consulting the Centre, or is the BJP leadership unsure of what to do with the DMK in Tamil Nadu? asks N Sathiya Moorthy.

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The National Informatics Centre uses AI to automate document analysis and detect fraud in government departments.

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The national team, captained for the bulk of those years by Misbah Ul Haq, hosted its 'home' games in the United Arab Emirates and remained relatively successful until fixtures trickled back onto Pakistani soil in 2018.

Sorry state of affairs: SC on lack of sexual harassment panels at workplace

Sorry state of affairs: SC on lack of sexual harassment panels at workplace

Rediff.com12 May 2023

The top court said there are serious lapses in the enforcement of the 2013 Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act.

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.

Sikar in Rajasthan emerges as major hub for NEET-UG

Sikar in Rajasthan emerges as major hub for NEET-UG

Rediff.com21 Jul 2024

An analysis of data indicated that while the candidates who allegedly benefitted from the paper leak and other irregularities have not done well, some centres have a high concentration of well-performing students.

Govt gets 5.59 lakh public grievances so far this yr

Govt gets 5.59 lakh public grievances so far this yr

Rediff.com12 Jul 2022

The Centre received 5.59 lakh public grievances against various government departments in the first half of this year, with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) getting most of such complaints, according to an official report.

Supreme Court stops CoA from taking over affairs of IOA

Supreme Court stops CoA from taking over affairs of IOA

Rediff.com18 Aug 2022

In an interim relief, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the status quo and said the Delhi High Court-appointed three-member Committee of Administrators (COA) will not take over the affairs of the Indian Olympic Association.

Top-level bureaucratic reshuffle at Centre, Pant named new health secretary

Top-level bureaucratic reshuffle at Centre, Pant named new health secretary

Rediff.com14 Jun 2023

Pant, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Rajasthan cadre, is currently secretary in the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways.

Waqf Property Income Falls 99%

Waqf Property Income Falls 99%

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

In FY24, the net income generated from Waqf properties fell to about Rs 1.26 crore from Rs 150 crore in FY20.

Got fake govt e-notice? Here's what to do

Got fake govt e-notice? Here's what to do

Rediff.com14 Jul 2024

Users should be aware of "fake emails" sent in the garb of a government e-notice, said the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in a public advertisement.

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

While there are some new faces in the cabinet, leaders such as BJP president JP Nadda and Jual Oram have returned as ministers.

45 specialists to join Modi govt in major lateral entry push

45 specialists to join Modi govt in major lateral entry push

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

Forty-five specialists will soon be joining key posts of joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries in different central ministries as part of the Modi government's ambitious plan to infuse fresh talent to further improve ease of governance.

NGO Centre for Policy Research barred from receiving foreign funds

NGO Centre for Policy Research barred from receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

The ministry of home affairs has suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of prominent public think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR) over violation of laws, officials said on Thursday.

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The finance minister continues to be backed by the same policy team in charting out the broad strategy as in the few earlier Budgets.

Delhi govt challenges Centre's ordinance in SC

Delhi govt challenges Centre's ordinance in SC

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

The Delhi government on Friday moved the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the ordinance on control of services, saying it is an 'unconstitutional exercise of executive fiat' that attempts to 'override' the top court and the basic structure of the Constitution.