News for 'Public Policy'

Zero-Bid Satellite Deal Raises Questions

Zero-Bid Satellite Deal Raises Questions

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Pixxel has raised $95 million in funding and with the company's commercial Firefly satellites up in orbit selling data globally 'we know and seen what it takes to make this business work.'

ED summons Anil Ambani on Aug 5, issues look out circular

ED summons Anil Ambani on Aug 5, issues look out circular

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani for questioning in a money laundering case linked to alleged bank loan fraud.

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'The background for the Saudi-Pakistan agreement is the fact that the regional security order has collapsed due to the Israeli attack on Doha.' 'The Americans have largely abandoned their security guarantee for West Asia and the region has no choice but to look at alternatives.'

Union Budget 2025-26: Economists stress need for manufacturing policy

Union Budget 2025-26: Economists stress need for manufacturing policy

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The need for a manufacturing policy, reining in food inflation and raising investment in the country were among key suggestions given by economists who met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior ministry officials in the first round of pre-Budget consultations on Friday.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'Those Resisting Mughals Should Never Be Forgotten'

'Those Resisting Mughals Should Never Be Forgotten'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'Whenever present-day politics do get involved, history sinks to the level of a morality play, with advocates for this or that cause seeking to praise their heroes or condemn their villains.'

85% pvt participation in key ports by '30: Sonowal

85% pvt participation in key ports by '30: Sonowal

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The government has identified 50 public-private partnership (PPP) projects worth over Rs 60,000 crore, significantly surpassing the original targets of the National Monetisation Pipeline, said Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the Business Standard Infrastructure Summit on Thursday.

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'I'm sure those few terrorists who are continuing to operate in the Valley are not reading books.' 'Are they trying to tell us that there are certain people who first intellectualise themselves and then go about picking up guns?' 'It is absolutely absurd.'

'Pak Deftly Used Personal Diplomacy To Connect With Trump'

'Pak Deftly Used Personal Diplomacy To Connect With Trump'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'As one former Indian diplomat put it to me, Delhi has access to the White House, but Islamabad has access to Mar-a-Lago.'

'This will only increase panic between people and dogs'

'This will only increase panic between people and dogs'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR localities has sparked mixed reactions, with RWAs welcoming the move and animal rights activists raising concerns about implementation and potential harm.

We've not had a US president who...: Jaishankar amid tariff war

We've not had a US president who...: Jaishankar amid tariff war

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including 25 per cent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'The current strain in the relationship is serious and likely to be long lasting.' 'Even if Trump suddenly changes his attitude toward India -- which he is entirely capable of doing -- it is unlikely that New Delhi will be able to pick up the pieces and respond as if nothing has happened.'

Thackeray cousins to share stage after 20 years

Thackeray cousins to share stage after 20 years

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

For the first time in 20 years, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will share the stage on July 5 at a joint 'victory' rally organised by the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena to celebrate the rollback of the contentious government resolutions (GRs) on three-language policy.

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, India, has stopped taking deposits from patients at the emergency department after a pregnant woman died after being turned away for non-payment. The hospital faced intense criticism following the incident, which involved the wife of a BJP MLC's personal secretary. The woman was shifted to another hospital where she died after delivering twins.

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

Won't remove voters without notice: EC to SC on Bihar SIR

Won't remove voters without notice: EC to SC on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The Election Commission has assured the Supreme Court that no voter's name will be deleted from the draft electoral roll in Bihar without prior notice and a fair hearing. The EC also clarified that it is not required to share separate lists of those not included in the draft rolls.

The Teen Who Built A Tax Education Game

The Teen Who Built A Tax Education Game

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Manas Sood, a Class 12 student from the Delhi Public School, has distributed 2,650 boxes of Tax City Education and empowered over 12,000 students from 52 schools across India. His aim? To help young Indians understand taxes and become financially literate.

Beyond US, Canada, UK: Indian Students Now Prefer...

Beyond US, Canada, UK: Indian Students Now Prefer...

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Rediff reports on the reasons behind this dramatic shift.

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A big question mark is on whether Shashi Tharoor, who had led the delegation to the US among other countries, will be picked as speaker by the Congress, as the seasoned Lok Sabha member's enthusiastic endorsement of the government's action following the terror attack has soured his ties with his party.

'Trump Tilting Towards Pakistan'

'Trump Tilting Towards Pakistan'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'India is too important to the United States for there to be any kind of a permanent bump in the relationship.'

RMG Cos Stunned By Ban Bill

RMG Cos Stunned By Ban Bill

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

What has surprised the industry is that the Bill has been tabled without any consultation. Critics warn the ban on real-money gaming could fuel black markets, endanger 200,000 jobs and billions in tax revenue.

Under New Bill Modi, Mantris Face Risk Of Arrest Too

Under New Bill Modi, Mantris Face Risk Of Arrest Too

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

BJP strategists are missing something somewhere, and they have not acknowledged it, to be able to repair it in good time, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Tension in UP's Fatehpur as Hindu groups claim mausoleum was temple

Tension in UP's Fatehpur as Hindu groups claim mausoleum was temple

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Members of Hindu right-wing outfits allegedly created ruckus at a mausoleum in Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh, demanding permission to offer prayers and claiming a temple had previously existed at the site. The incident has led to heightened security and political reactions.

Wife spent a year in Pak for work, I visited once: Gogoi slams Sarma

Wife spent a year in Pak for work, I visited once: Gogoi slams Sarma

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Newly appointed Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi has denied allegations of having links to the Pakistani establishment, calling the claims made by the BJP a "C-grade Bollywood movie" that will "flop miserably." Gogoi said he had only visited Pakistan once 12 years ago with his wife, who was working on an international project focused on climate change. He questioned why the BJP government had not acted on the allegations in the past 11 years if there was any wrongdoing. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who made the initial allegations, said he would release further evidence on September 10 after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its inquiry.

Bharat ki baat...: Tewari's message to Cong on being 'benched'

Bharat ki baat...: Tewari's message to Cong on being 'benched'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

There had been intense speculation whether Tewari and Shashi Tharoor, both part of the diplomatic delegations that had been sent abroad to convey India's stand, would speak in the Lower House or not during the ongoing debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

'Curbs on sporting engagements standard safeguard'

'Curbs on sporting engagements standard safeguard'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Implementation of sports bill in 6 months, regulation of participation standard safeguard: Mandaviya

Want A Brahmos Rakhi?

Want A Brahmos Rakhi?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Glimpses from around India that will make you smile and cry.

Nationwide strike over labour reforms, MSP may hit key sectors

Nationwide strike over labour reforms, MSP may hit key sectors

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Over 25 crore workers across India are set to strike against new labour codes and privatisation, potentially disrupting banking, postal, and other essential services.

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'Anybody who says one critical word can be branded as somebody who's glorifying terrorism.'

First Look: Inside Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

First Look: Inside Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Construction of all ten buildings of the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) is slated for completion in the next 22 months. Several ministries currently housed in Shastri Bhavan, Krishi Bhavan, Nirman Bhavan, and Udyog Bhavan will begin relocating to four new locations. The first building, Kartavya Bhavan, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

'Illegal Gambling Sites Are National Security Threat'

'Illegal Gambling Sites Are National Security Threat'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Illegal gambling operators are systematically exploiting India's advertising and payment infrastructure, siphoning off crores of rupees from outside the country.'

Desperate attempt to whip up tensions: India on Pak's missile test

Desperate attempt to whip up tensions: India on Pak's missile test

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating following last week's dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Vijay, with his chief ministerial ambitions, is a one-man army, at least as of now, and his campaign team considers him omnipresent. He has to be present in all districts, if not all constituencies at the same time, as there is no second-line leader or platform speaker in the party, who can draw crowds, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G20 Presidency.

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Digipin promises to revolutionise location-based services in India with safeguards.

Higher tax will drive capital away, says CEA V Anantha Nageswaran

Higher tax will drive capital away, says CEA V Anantha Nageswaran

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Taxing capital less may not lead to more investments but taxing more will drive capital away, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran on Friday said during a discussion on Inequality, Economic Growth and Inclusion. While it is easy to drive capital out, bringing it back is a lot harder, said Nageswaran.

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

A nationwide strike called by trade unions to protest against the central government's labor policies had a mixed impact across India. While normal life remained largely unaffected in most parts of the country, some sectors like banking, transport, and insurance experienced disruptions. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in West Bengal.

Pahalgam massacre: 3 months on, attackers still at large

Pahalgam massacre: 3 months on, attackers still at large

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The officials said that intelligence agencies had been alerted about the possibility of a terror attack, but the inputs were utilised at another place, some 90 kilometres away from the site where the attack took place, resulting in a key security lapse.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.