News for 'Public Affairs Centre'

State force should never be used to browbeat political opinion, scribes: SC

State force should never be used to browbeat political opinion, scribes: SC

Rediff.com10 Dec 2021

A bench comprising Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh made these observations while quashing the FIRs against editors of a news web portal and others, in connection with articles published in West Bengal.

Kerala's Covid cases soar past 30,000 for second day running

Kerala's Covid cases soar past 30,000 for second day running

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

Kerala health minister Veena George, who reviewed the state's COVID-19 situation two days ago, today blamed the violation of home quarantine directives for the worsening situation and cautioned against the increased indoor transmission of coronavirus at homes.

Construction of new Parl to start after heritage committee's approval

Construction of new Parl to start after heritage committee's approval

Rediff.com5 Jan 2021

The Central Public Works Department, which is executing the government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project, will soon start the construction work of the new Parliament building once it gets permission from the Heritage Conservation Committee, officials said on Tuesday.

Booth jeeta toh UP jeeta, Amit Shah tells BJP leaders in UP

Booth jeeta toh UP jeeta, Amit Shah tells BJP leaders in UP

Rediff.com13 Nov 2021

Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and workers here on Friday that they must focus on polling booths if they want the party to win the coming assembly polls.

Are Indians Tolerant?

Are Indians Tolerant?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2021

By maintaining that all Indians are tolerant, the Pew centre appears to have skimmed over the surface of its subject matter without delving deep, asserts Amulya Ganguli.

'Modi can't be seen in Xi's company'

'Modi can't be seen in Xi's company'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2022

'The MEA, hopefully, made it clear that the Indian PM can't be seen in Xi Jinping's company when China has, for all intents and purposes, annexed over 1,000 sq kms of Indian territory in eastern Ladakh, and essentially that the Wuhan spirit and the Mamallapuram spirit have turned into vinegar.'

Finmin reimposes spending curbs on ministries, depts for Q2

Finmin reimposes spending curbs on ministries, depts for Q2

Rediff.com1 Jul 2021

The finance ministry on Wednesday reimposed expenditure curbs on ministries and government departments for July-September quarter. There will be no spending restrictions on the ministries of health, rural development, agriculture, MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) and railways as part of a two-pronged strategy. "The existing guidelines for expenditure control have been reviewed. "Keeping in view the evolving situation arising out of Covid-19 and anticipated cash position of the government, it is felt essential to regulate Quarterly Expenditure Plan (QEP)/Monthly Expenditure Plan (MEP) of specific ministries/departments for July-September, 2021," the Department of Economic Affairs in the finance ministry said in a notification.

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.

Pranab, Modi, Demonetisation

Pranab, Modi, Demonetisation

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

'Modi had not discussed demonetization with me prior to his announcement on 8 November 2016. 'I learnt of it along with the rest of the country. 'I was not surprised when he did not discuss the issue with me prior to making the public announcement. 'It fitted in with his style of making dramatic announcements.' A fascinating excerpt from Pranab Mukherjee's The Presidential Years: 2012-2017.

No action against firms for non-payment of wages during lockdown: SC

No action against firms for non-payment of wages during lockdown: SC

Rediff.com12 Jun 2020

A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M R Shah said industries and employees need each other and they should sit together to arrive at a settlement on the issue of payment of wages.

Industries in rural areas allowed to operate from April 20

Industries in rural areas allowed to operate from April 20

Rediff.com15 Apr 2020

Fresh guidelines issued by the Union home ministry on Wednesday permit industries operating in rural areas to run from April 30 with strict social distancing norms.

Tharoor lost Cong prez poll but score many political points

Tharoor lost Cong prez poll but score many political points

Rediff.com19 Oct 2022

Amid questions over his future, many political observers believe he has enhanced his political stature.

Uddhav's challenge: Keeping Sena flock together, rebuilding party

Uddhav's challenge: Keeping Sena flock together, rebuilding party

Rediff.com30 Jun 2022

Thackeray, considered a soft-spoken man vis-a-vis his aggressive father, took oath as the 18th chief minister under the tripartite alliance in November 2019, the first in his family to hold a public office.

Govt recruits volunteers to monitor social media posts

Govt recruits volunteers to monitor social media posts

Rediff.com9 Feb 2021

The volunteers are asked to keep an eye on posts which are against the sovereignty and integrity of India, against the defence of India, against the security of the state, against friendly relations with foreign states, content aimed at disturbing public order, disturbing communal harmony and child sex abuse material.

Why the Centre needs to help this CM

Why the Centre needs to help this CM

Rediff.com12 May 2016

Kashmir's youth are being radicalised. The once-alienated separatists are ready to return to their old haunting ground. The ruling PDP-BJP coalition finds itself on the defensive over almost every issue of governance.

L-G now effective in-charge of Delhi, MHA notifies act

L-G now effective in-charge of Delhi, MHA notifies act

Rediff.com28 Apr 2021

The Union home ministry's notification giving effect to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021 came on Tuesday night, as the city battles a ferocious COVID-19 wave and its healthcare system is stretched to breaking point.

Kejriwal Is Eyeing 2027 Gujarat Poll

Kejriwal Is Eyeing 2027 Gujarat Poll

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

That AAP managed a sizeable vote share in Gujarat is creditable. The BJP can no longer ignore AAP's growing presence in its strongest bastion, explains Ramesh Menon, long-time observer of Gujarat politics.

SC moved over Asthana's appointment as Delhi Police chief

SC moved over Asthana's appointment as Delhi Police chief

Rediff.com24 Aug 2021

The Delhi high court was informed on Tuesday that a petition challenging the appointment of Gujarat-cadre Indian Police Service officer Rakesh Asthana as Delhi Police Commissioner has also been filed before the Supreme Court.

Real Madrid's Benzema on trial in sex tape case

Real Madrid's Benzema on trial in sex tape case

Rediff.com20 Oct 2021

The Real Madrid striker is accused of complicity in the alleged targeting of midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, who plays for the Greek Super League club Olympiacos. Prosecutors allege that Benzema encouraged Valbuena, 37, to pay the blackmailers.

Only hallmarked gold jewellery to be sold from Jan 2021: Paswan

Only hallmarked gold jewellery to be sold from Jan 2021: Paswan

Rediff.com15 Jan 2020

Consumers have to watch out for four marks on hallmarked gold jewellery: BIS mark, purity in carat, assay centre's name and jewellers' identification mark.

'Even if authorised, missile firing makes no sense'

'Even if authorised, missile firing makes no sense'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2022

'This cannot be credibly explained away by referring to a "technical glitch".'

Private hospitals seek proper guidelines on vaccine procurement

Private hospitals seek proper guidelines on vaccine procurement

Rediff.com13 Jun 2021

Several private hospitals across the country said they have no clarity on procuring COVID-19 vaccines under the new policy announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that it has led to the vaccination being put on hold at their centres.

e-Rupee: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

e-Rupee: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

Rediff.com24 Nov 2022

The RBI refuses to classify a cryptocurrency as an asset since it doesn't have future cash flow and its value is always fluctuating because of speculation. There is also no consumer protection, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay, and hence the e-rupee trial run.

Indian students among victims of racism in war-torn Ukraine: Mandela Foundation

Indian students among victims of racism in war-torn Ukraine: Mandela Foundation

Rediff.com6 Mar 2022

Some complained of being beaten up as they tried to join the fleeing crowds, purely because of their skin colour.

What Every Indian Must Know About PM-CARES

What Every Indian Must Know About PM-CARES

Rediff.com5 Oct 2021

Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf traces the journey of PM-CARES from its founding to finally admitting it is not a government fund.

China blocks India-US move to blacklist LeT terrorist 2nd time in 2 days

China blocks India-US move to blacklist LeT terrorist 2nd time in 2 days

Rediff.com20 Oct 2022

Hafiz Talha Saeed is a senior leader of the LeT and is the head of the cleric wing of the terrorist organisation.

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

Much to the surprise of Beijing, Nepal's Parliament on Sunday ratified the contentious US-funded $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact along with an interpretive declaration a day ahead of the February 28 deadline set by Washington.

Planet Earth welcomes 8th billion inhabitant

Planet Earth welcomes 8th billion inhabitant

Rediff.com15 Nov 2022

Planet Earth welcomed its 8th billion inhabitant on Tuesday, a remarkable milestone for humanity that is set to propel India to become the world's most populous country next year, surpassing China amid rising global challenges.

Hijab Row Can Hurt Indian Diplomacy

Hijab Row Can Hurt Indian Diplomacy

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

India and Indians can ignore Pakistan, but that cannot be said of other nations in the neighbourhood, where New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy constantly reverberates. Four of the eight SAARC member-nations are Muslim -- Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The rulers decide the nation's India or anti-India policy in the first two, and street-opinion contributes to the same in the latter two, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Power centre Delhi holds key to Modi's India revival dream

Power centre Delhi holds key to Modi's India revival dream

Rediff.com22 Dec 2014

Modi government must push reforms at a fast pace to restore growth.

Will court order unite AIADMK factions?

Will court order unite AIADMK factions?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

There is a sudden realisation in party circles that prolonged court cases could damage its standing, both among the cadres and voters, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Sorabjee, Jethmalani, Salve: Tale Of Three Lawyers

Sorabjee, Jethmalani, Salve: Tale Of Three Lawyers

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

Over the years, a noticeable unpleasantness began to develop between senior and junior, Sorabjee and Salve. Salve gave credit, for his rise in the profession, to Nani Palkhivala, and not to Sorabjee. This hurt Sorabjee, though he never admitted it.

Govt says no compensation to kin of farmers died during protest

Govt says no compensation to kin of farmers died during protest

Rediff.com2 Feb 2021

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday replied in the negative when asked in the Lok Sabha if the government proposes to give compensation to the families of farmers who have died during the ongoing agitation against new farm laws.

'PLA is into 'salami slicing' of Indian territory'

'PLA is into 'salami slicing' of Indian territory'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

'This reluctance to respond forcefully to Chinese PLA provocations and outright aggression has as much to do with Prime Minister Modi personally, as with the institutional mindset of the MEA or even the Indian Army.' 'They are scarred by the 1962 War and are still cowed by China.'

Opposition protests over Pegasus, farm laws continue in Parliament

Opposition protests over Pegasus, farm laws continue in Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2021

The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day on Tuesday amid continuous protests by opposition members over the Pegasus snooping row and farm laws, as they demanded that discussions be taken up on the issues in the House.

Illegal immigrants living on every inch will be deported: Amit Shah

Illegal immigrants living on every inch will be deported: Amit Shah

Rediff.com17 Jul 2019

Currently, the NRC is being updated under the strict monitoring of the Supreme Court in Assam and July 31 has been set as a deadline for final publication of the registered data.

All Indians can now buy land in Jammu and Kashmir

All Indians can now buy land in Jammu and Kashmir

Rediff.com27 Oct 2020

Before repeal of Article 370 and Article 35-A in August last year, non-residents could not buy any immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the fresh changes have paved the way for non-residents to buy land in the union territory.

Will EPS Reign Supreme in AIADMK?

Will EPS Reign Supreme in AIADMK?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2022

EPS' real test will commence with a decision whether or not to patch up with OPS and on what terms -- and then, to decide whether or not to have the BJP for an electoral ally, come 2024, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Covid deaths: Govt can verify 5% ex-gratia claims in 4 states, says SC

Covid deaths: Govt can verify 5% ex-gratia claims in 4 states, says SC

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

The government can verify 5 per cent of claims in four states -- Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh -- where the gap between number of claims and recorded deaths was wide, said a bench of Justices M R Shah and B V Nagarathna.

E-commerce rules to get stricter; flash sales may soon be history

E-commerce rules to get stricter; flash sales may soon be history

Rediff.com21 Jun 2021

The Centre on Monday proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 and sought public comments on banning mis-selling and fraudulent flash sale of goods and services on e-commerce platforms, and also on making registration of these entities mandatory with DPIIT. Ban on misleading users by manipulating search results, appointment of chief compliance officer and resident grievance officer are some of the other amendments being proposed. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 were first notified in July last year.