News for 'Public Affairs Centre'

Does China Really Want Indian Territory?

Does China Really Want Indian Territory?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

The Chinese aren't after territory. Their target is our national will, morale and the sense of autonomy we feel in making our strategic choices. They are attacking India and the Modi government at their weakest point, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

'Khalistanis are a microscopic minority in Punjab'

'Khalistanis are a microscopic minority in Punjab'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2023

'The Khalistanis get bulk of the money from abroad.' 'Where did Amritpal's Mercedes come from, which costs well over Rs 60 lakhs?' 'Where does his fleet of vehicles come from?' 'Local Punjabis can certainly not contribute this kind of money.'

'US Won't Pressure India On Russia'

'US Won't Pressure India On Russia'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2022

'Washington appears to be playing the long game, and making the argument to India that over the longer term, Russia -- sanctioned, cash-strapped, isolated by the West -- will no longer be a viable defence partner for India'

Nitish Kumar wins trust vote amid BJP walkout

Nitish Kumar wins trust vote amid BJP walkout

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

Altogether 160 MLAs voted in favour of the confidence motion while no vote was cast against the same.

Why Is It An Attack On India?

Why Is It An Attack On India?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2023

India's Right-wing has sought to own our democracy by making itself appear the stuff of majority, and sometimes, a national ethos older than the Constitution on which our democracy is based, argues Shyam G Menon.

Stalin Draws Up Line Of DMK Succession

Stalin Draws Up Line Of DMK Succession

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

What does Udhayanidhi's induction as minister mean? For the DMK, it indicates the future course, direction and leadership. It is continuity with change, and change with continuity, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Sri Lankan crisis worsens as new finance minister quits, dissidents may walk out

Sri Lankan crisis worsens as new finance minister quits, dissidents may walk out

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

Sri Lanka's new Finance Minister Ali Sabry on Tuesday resigned, a day after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed him after sacking his brother Basil Rajapaksa amidst the island nation's worst economic crisis.

Will EPS Now Take On The BJP?

Will EPS Now Take On The BJP?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

The EPS camp believes that the BJP was already arm-twisting the AIADMK into conceding more seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections 'than they deserve' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Afghan protestors outside UNHCR office can be Covid super spreaders: HC

Afghan protestors outside UNHCR office can be Covid super spreaders: HC

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

The Delhi high court on Wednesday expressed concern over a large gathering of Afghan nationals protesting outside the UNHCR office and seeking refugee status, saying it could act as a super spreader of coronavirus as there is lack of adherence to Covid-19 appropriate norms.

'Consensus' at all party meet not to stall LS amid fresh row over Pegasus

'Consensus' at all party meet not to stall LS amid fresh row over Pegasus

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

While Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about the consensus, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said there is no need for a separate discussion in Parliament on the Pegasus issue during the budget session.

EXPLAINED: What's this row over now-retired Bengal Chief Secretary

EXPLAINED: What's this row over now-retired Bengal Chief Secretary

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

Following is the gist of the controversy over sudden transfer of West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, who retired on Monday, to Delhi and related rules.

Budget targets are achievable: Sitharaman

Budget targets are achievable: Sitharaman

Rediff.com2 Feb 2022

At the customary post-Budget media interactions, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her topmost bureaucrats touched upon a number of issues. The minister said the government taxing income from digital virtual assets did not give them legitimacy and that issue was being dealt separately in the planned cryptocurrency Bill. She also expressed confidence that the Budget targets were achievable.

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

'...Market-linked debentures, high-value insurance, exemptions from capital gains by investment in real estate, etc.' 'So, there are a number of measures directed at collecting a fair share from higher income individuals.'

Kohinoor diamond gifted to UK, not stolen: Centre tells SC

Kohinoor diamond gifted to UK, not stolen: Centre tells SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2016

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the government, said this was the stand of the Culture Ministry.

SC notice to Centre, TN govt on pleas to protect fishermen

SC notice to Centre, TN govt on pleas to protect fishermen

Rediff.com25 Oct 2013

Voicing concern over Tamil Nadu fishermen being caught by Sri Lankan navy, the Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and state government on petitions filed by Dravida Munetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kazhagam members of Parliament for release of those languishing in jails there.

Protesters go on rampage during Bihar bandh, BJP leaders get security

Protesters go on rampage during Bihar bandh, BJP leaders get security

Rediff.com18 Jun 2022

A railway station and a police vehicle were torched and several law enforcers injured in stone-pelting incidents on the fourth consecutive day of protests against Agnipath scheme on Saturday when a bandh was also called to press for the demand for rollback of the new scheme for recruitment in armed forces.

Is India A Better Target For China Than Taiwan?

Is India A Better Target For China Than Taiwan?

Rediff.com6 Sep 2022

The Xi Jinping regime might try to quell internal distress by directing nationalism and militarism against India, warn Ajay Shah and Gautam Bambawale.

2020 communal riots: Mamata withdraws cases against Op India, YouTuber

2020 communal riots: Mamata withdraws cases against Op India, YouTuber

Rediff.com9 Dec 2021

The Supreme Court on Thursday appreciated the decision of the West Bengal Government to withdraw the cases against some persons, including editors of a news web portal, in connection with articles published by them and hoped that it would be followed by other states.

Invoke stringent law against those hoarding: MHA to states

Invoke stringent law against those hoarding: MHA to states

Rediff.com8 Apr 2020

In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Union home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the ministry of home affairs, under the Disaster Management Act, has allowed manufacture or production, transport and other related supply-chain activities in respect of essential goods like foodstuff, medicines and medical equipment during the 21-day lockdown.

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

The Centre on Tuesday said it will not seek disclosure of flash sales from e-commerce players to regulate the fraudulent sale of goods and services but will take appropriate action as per the law on consumer complaints. Discount sales that benefit maximum to consumers will continue, but not fraudulent flash sales on the e-commerce platforms, the government said, adding that the e-tailers need not be "anxious" about the draft rules. Ban on fraudulent flash sales, mis-selling and appointment of chief compliance officer/grievance redressal officer -- are among key amendments proposed to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, on which the government has sought public comments by July 6.

Delhi gang rape: Centre pleads with HC to extend custody of juvenile

Delhi gang rape: Centre pleads with HC to extend custody of juvenile

Rediff.com14 Dec 2015

The Centre said that several mandatory aspects were missing from the post-release rehabilitation plan which needed to be considered before setting him free.

Sidhu attends Rahul-led tractor rally in Punjab, slams BJP

Sidhu attends Rahul-led tractor rally in Punjab, slams BJP

Rediff.com4 Oct 2020

Sidhu, who had been at loggerheads with Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, had stayed away from all Congress activities ever since he resigned as cabinet minister last year.

HC refuses to intervene in Jadhav's case, says Centre taking steps to secure his release

HC refuses to intervene in Jadhav's case, says Centre taking steps to secure his release

Rediff.com19 Apr 2017

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Anu Malhotra said the government was best placed to take a decision and safeguard the life and liberty of its citizens.

Does Rahul Want To Be Opposition PM Candidate?

Does Rahul Want To Be Opposition PM Candidate?

Rediff.com3 Jan 2023

After Rahul's Bharat Jodo Yatra began criss-crossing the Hindi heartland, BJP leaders have revived their attacks on 'dynasty politics' and 'family rule' in the Congress, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

BJP Barking Up The Wrong Tree In Tamil Nadu

BJP Barking Up The Wrong Tree In Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

The BJP continuing to look at the Dravidian polity through the religious prism has not worked in Tamil Nadu whereas it has yielded political and electoral results across much of the rest of the country, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Police raids home of Karachi suicide bomber's father

Police raids home of Karachi suicide bomber's father

Rediff.com28 Apr 2022

Pakistani security forces on Thursday raided the house of the father of the woman suicide bomber from Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) who blew herself up in Karachi University that killed three Chinese teachers and injured another.

'BharatPe board is charting out path for listing'

'BharatPe board is charting out path for listing'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2022

'The company's transition from an individuals-driven private firm to a board-driven listed public one will be carried out in a well-thought-through and well-executed manner.'

NDTV founders Prannoy and Radhika Roy to sell company stake to Adani

NDTV founders Prannoy and Radhika Roy to sell company stake to Adani

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

NDTV founders Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika Roy on Friday said they will sell all but 5 per cent of their remaining shareholding in the news broadcaster to Adani Group for up to Rs 647.6 crore. Roys, who founded New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) as India's first and largest private producer of news current affairs and entertainment television, lost their status of being the company's largest shareholder in recent weeks. This follows Adani Group becoming the majority shareholding of NDTV after first buying out a company backed by the founders and then acquiring more shares from the open market.

Parl panel advises caution in emergency approval of vaccine

Parl panel advises caution in emergency approval of vaccine

Rediff.com21 Dec 2020

In a report submitted Monday to Rajya Sabha chairman and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs also said there was a need for a comprehensive public health law to keep a tab on private hospitals and check black-marketing of medicines.

Tatas reshuffle pack after Mistry's exit

Tatas reshuffle pack after Mistry's exit

Rediff.com4 Nov 2016

Tata Sons on Friday announced organisational changes, bringing in S Padmanabhan as the group human resources head.

Heritage panel gives nod, new Parliament construction to begin soon

Heritage panel gives nod, new Parliament construction to begin soon

Rediff.com11 Jan 2021

The nod by the Heritage Conservation Committee came nearly a week after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to seek prior approval from the panel and other relevant authorities before starting construction of the new parliament building.

PIL in SC seeks govt nominees in Ayodhya mosque trust

PIL in SC seeks govt nominees in Ayodhya mosque trust

Rediff.com26 Aug 2020

The plea, filed by advocates Shishir Chaturvedi and Karunesh Kumar Shukla, said that apart from private individuals and members of state Sunni Board, the presence of central and state government representatives was essential to ensure proper management of the funds.

Delhi HC to hear PIL on PM's security breach on April 20

Delhi HC to hear PIL on PM's security breach on April 20

Rediff.com24 Jan 2022

A bench headed by Chief Justice D N Patel initially said that it would ask the Centre to consider as representation the PIL which seeks a declaration that all authorities, civil or military, shall act under the supervision of the Special Protection Group (SPG) in matters of security of the Prime Minister and his immediate family members.

'We will become a good welfare State if...'

'We will become a good welfare State if...'

Rediff.com29 May 2020

'... the government provides adequate cash and kind support for the poorest of the poor for survival... ...conditional cash and skilling support for the economically poor to raise their incomes to adequate levels... ...and make functional arrangements for providing unemployment allowance to the vulnerable poor during disasters like the present one.'

Gold hallmarking to be mandatory from June 1

Gold hallmarking to be mandatory from June 1

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

The government on Tuesday said it is fully prepared to implement mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts from June 1, 2021. Gold hallmarking is a purity certification of the precious metal and is voluntary in nature at present. The Centre, in November 2019, had announced that hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts would be made mandatory across the country from January 15, 2021.

Modi's new ministers take charge a day after expansion

Modi's new ministers take charge a day after expansion

Rediff.com8 Jul 2021

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other ministers took charge of their respective offices on Thursday, a day after taking oath at a ceremony held in the Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Centre treating human rights organisations like criminal enterprises: Amnesty

Centre treating human rights organisations like criminal enterprises: Amnesty

Rediff.com26 Oct 2018

"As an organisation committed to the rule of law, our operations in India have always conformed with our national regulations. The principles of transparency and accountability are at the heart of our work.".

Kerala govt faces flak over rising Covid cases, TPR

Kerala govt faces flak over rising Covid cases, TPR

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

Kerala on Wednesday recorded 31,445 fresh cases, which is 68.11 per cent of the national total -- 46,164 -- of new infections in the last 24 hours.

Govt makes Aarogya Setu a must for all office workers

Govt makes Aarogya Setu a must for all office workers

Rediff.com2 May 2020

The ministry of home affairs has made the use of Aarogya Setu app mandatory for all employees, both private and public, and pinned the responsibility for compliance on the head of respective organisations.

Fall in Kharif output may keep rice prices high

Fall in Kharif output may keep rice prices high

Rediff.com18 Sep 2022

A 6-7 million tonnes shortfall in rice production due to a fall in paddy sowing area is likely to keep rice prices at elevated levels, adding to the inflationary pressure that the slowing economy is already grappling with. Elevated food prices, including that of cereals, had led to retail inflation reversing a three-month declining trend, to touch 7 per cent in August. Similarly, the wholesale price inflation, which declined to 11-month low, also showed price pressures from cereals resulting from wheat output being impacted by severe heat waves in some parts of the country.