News for 'Public Policy'

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

From demonetisation to sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes to bulldozers, Justice Gavai has been part of several judgments.

Sensex May Hit 105,000 by Dec 2025

Sensex May Hit 105,000 by Dec 2025

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The risk-reward for the Indian markets, Morgan Stanley said, is turning favourable.

50 Naxalites surrender ahead of Modi's Chhattisgarh visit

50 Naxalites surrender ahead of Modi's Chhattisgarh visit

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

The Naxalites, 10 of whom are women, turned themselves in before senior officials of the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), he added.

Tharoor's presence will give sleepless nights to many: Modi

Tharoor's presence will give sleepless nights to many: Modi

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially commissioned the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, whose presence at the inauguration, Modi said, will give 'sleepless nights' to many.

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Kharge claimed that the Centre accepted "intelligence failure" in an all-party meeting and said it should be held accountable for "not reinforcing" security arrangements in Kashmir to protect people.

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has underscored the importance of not equating the victims and perpetrators of terror attacks, highlighting the need for global unity in combating terrorism. Speaking at Raisina Tokyo 2025, Misri expressed appreciation for Japan's support following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He also cautioned against the trend of some Western countries hyphenating India and Pakistan in the context of their recent military confrontation. Misri further outlined India's economic aspirations and its commitment to becoming a factor of stability in a turbulent world.

What Will RBI Governor's Agenda Be?

What Will RBI Governor's Agenda Be?

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

As RBI governor, Sanjay Malhotra will have to give the highest priority to the interest of the economy while deciding on the growth-inflation trade off at Mint Street.

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Presumption of innocence must guide all formal actions, but transparency must not be mistaken for pre-judgment.' 'The cruel irony, however, is that Justice Varma is a fine judge who enjoys a reputation for writing well-reasoned judgments.'

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Rediff.com22 May 2025

For the first time, the Data Security Council of India assembled a joint task force to source threat intelligence at the origin and ensure coordinated action across the cybersecurity spectrum.

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

'Delaying Military Action Would Keep Pakistan Anxious'

'Delaying Military Action Would Keep Pakistan Anxious'

Rediff.com5 May 2025

'Surgical strikes or air strikes, or both, are likely on the table.'

IMF imposes 11 new conditions on Pak, warns against tensions with India

IMF imposes 11 new conditions on Pak, warns against tensions with India

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slapped 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the release of the next tranche of its bailout programme and warned that tensions with India could heighten risks to the scheme's fiscal, external, and reform goals, according to a media report on Sunday.

FD Rate Cuts: Balance Returns With Safety

FD Rate Cuts: Balance Returns With Safety

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Choose an FD tenure that provides a balance between returns and the horizon for which you can invest.'

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Four students, including an Indian, at Michigan public universities have filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials, alleging their student immigration status was unlawfully terminated. The lawsuit claims the students' status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was illegally terminated without proper notice or explanation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, representing the students, says they were targeted by the Trump administration without a valid reason. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the students' status to allow them to complete their studies and avoid the risk of detention and deportation. The case is part of a growing trend of lawsuits against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown on higher education. Experts warn that these actions could deter future international scholars from choosing the US as their academic destination, undermining the reputation of US universities.

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is preparing to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of efforts to improve relations between India and China, which have been strained since a military standoff in 2020. The two countries have also agreed in principle to resume flight services between them.

'Clients Are In Risk-management Mode'

'Clients Are In Risk-management Mode'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'Entering India is exciting, but it's also challenging. You have to be prepared for long-term investment.'

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The ministry of external affairs also seemed to reject Trump's forceful comments that Washington brokered the understanding between India and Pakistan on ending their four-day military conflict.

Sector & thematic funds: Investors with high risk appetite should stay put

Sector & thematic funds: Investors with high risk appetite should stay put

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Inflows into sector and thematic (S&T) funds fell sharply from around 5,711.6 crore in February 2025 to about 170.1 crore in March 2025 - a decline of 97 per cent. With many such funds underperforming, investors need to assess whether to remain invested or exit.

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Asim Munir's Aspiration Is Longevity'

'Asim Munir's Aspiration Is Longevity'

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'Munir hopes to solidify his hold on power.'

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking an independent selection process for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on March 17. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, argues that the current system of appointment solely by the executive and the prime minister violates the Constitution and undermines the CAG's independence. The petition calls for a transparent process involving the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The PIL contends that the CAG's role as a watchdog over government finances requires a fair and non-arbitrary appointment procedure.

Why India's medical device makers are moving to Vietnam, Malaysia

Why India's medical device makers are moving to Vietnam, Malaysia

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A large number of medical device-manufacturing units have been forced to move to Vietnam and Malaysia due to delays, inconsistent timelines, and a lack of transparency in licensing processes, according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.

All MPSC exams to be held in Marathi: Fadnavis

All MPSC exams to be held in Marathi: Fadnavis

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that all competitive examinations conducted through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) will be held in Marathi. The decision was made following a query raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Milind Narvekar, who pointed out that some examinations related to agriculture and engineering disciplines were conducted only in English. The chief minister stated that efforts are underway to make Marathi textbooks available for technical subjects and that the new education policy allows for engineering courses to be conducted in Marathi. This decision is expected to benefit Marathi-speaking students aspiring to take the MPSC exams.

Pipeline tariffs: CNG, piped gas to be charged lowest rate

Pipeline tariffs: CNG, piped gas to be charged lowest rate

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

In a significant change to regulations, oil and gas regulator PNGRB has proposed a new policy of how tariffs for pipelines carrying gas to users will be determined, and proposed charging city gas entities selling CNG and piped cooking gas to households at the lowest rates.

'Musk, Vivek biggest threat for China'

'Musk, Vivek biggest threat for China'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump's plan to overhaul the government with a new department headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk and Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will be a biggest threat for China as it has to compete with far more efficient US political system, a policy advisor to the Chinese government said.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The 31st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in December 2018, deferred a decision to reduce the GST rate for cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This was despite recognising that cement - along with automobile parts - remained among the few mass-consumption items still taxed at the highest slab, which was originally meant for luxury and sin goods.

The Lady Doctor Taking On The Pakistan State

The Lady Doctor Taking On The Pakistan State

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'The Pakistani government's growing fear of Dr Mahrang's rising popularity is evident.' 'Her defiance is inspiring.'

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'He is intrigued by the intractability of Kashmir issue. With his interest in dealmaking and peacebrokering, he sees it as an exciting challenge to tackle.'

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

With a major network rollout on the cards, the government is not keen to change the pattern of tower monetisation for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), officials at the state-owned telecom-service provider said. The monetisation target in the telecom sector had to be revised owing to a change in BSNL's approach to mobile-phone tower monetisation, which had shifted from a sale-based model to a lease-based one.

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh is reviving its 'brotherhood committees', a strategy used successfully in the 2007 elections, to bolster its support among Other Backward Castes (OBCs) ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections. These committees, to be formed in all 403 constituencies, aim to connect with 100 people from OBC communities in each village, acting as ambassadors of the party at the booth level. The BSP sees these committees as a counter to the Samajwadi Party's PDA pitch and a means to consolidate its scattered rural vote bank. The party is also highlighting the 'anti-Dalit' and 'anti-OBC' tactics of the Congress, BJP and SP, hoping to capitalize on perceived grievances and reposition itself as a champion of marginalized communities.

Stable policy, revenue visibility & regulated margins triggers for NTPC

Stable policy, revenue visibility & regulated margins triggers for NTPC

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

As the political uncertainty settles down, investors are reviewing their assumptions about the power sector. Demand here is likely to continue to grow strongly in the long-term at around 5-6 per cent CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) during the next 6-7 years. Given policy continuity, several trends will persist.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Delhi government has announced that vehicles older than 15 years will be denied fuel at petrol pumps starting April 1.

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The BJP has lauded the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, as a testament to "New India's" zero-tolerance stance against terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Congress has countered the claim, stating that the extradition was the result of diplomatic efforts initiated during the UPA government's tenure. The BJP highlighted Rana's return as a tribute to security personnel who lost their lives fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and a step towards justice for victims of the attack. The Congress, however, asserted that the Modi government did not initiate the extradition process but benefited from the UPA's groundwork. The exchange of accusations has added a political dimension to Rana's extradition, with both parties vying for credit for the development.

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

Rediff.com3 May 2025

'Amaravati will be a game changer for Andhra Pradesh.'

India's VC funding rises 43% to $13.7 bn in 2024

India's VC funding rises 43% to $13.7 bn in 2024

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

India's Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem exhibited robust growth in 2024, with funding surging 43 per cent year-on-year to $13.7 billion, according to a report. This recovery was fuelled by a 45 per cent rise in deal activity, with 1,270 transactions recorded, reinforcing India's position as the second largest market for venture capital and growth funding in the Asia-Pacific region, the report by Bain & Company and IVCA said.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

Trump tariffs 'will go into effect immediately': White House

Trump tariffs 'will go into effect immediately': White House

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Trump met with his trade team on Tuesday, and the tariffs he announces at a Rose Garden ceremony at 4 pm ET Wednesday will go into effect "immediately," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press briefing.