News for 'Public Service Commission'

Canada welcomes India's decision to resume some visa services

Canada welcomes India's decision to resume some visa services

Rediff.com26 Oct 2023

India's high commission in Canada said on Wednesday that the country's officials will resume processing some types of visa applications for Canadians applying from across the country as well as abroad.

UP: 6 arrested for 'leaking' exam paper to recruit review officers

UP: 6 arrested for 'leaking' exam paper to recruit review officers

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

The state government cancelled the exam on March 2, following reports that the paper was leaked.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya's leadership bid revoked over India ties

Canadian MP Chandra Arya's leadership bid revoked over India ties

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Canada's Liberal Party has revoked Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya's bid to run for the party leadership and his nomination in his own Ottawa Nepean constituency over alleged ties to the Indian government. Citing a source with top-secret clearance, the Globe and Mail daily reported that Arya, who visited India last August and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had not informed the government of that trip even though bilateral relations are in a deep freeze. The Liberals have never revealed why they barred the three-term Liberal MP from the party's recent leadership race or from running again in Nepean constituency. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service had briefed the government about Arya's "alleged close ties to the government of India, including its High Commission in Ottawa". Arya has rejected the allegations and believes he was removed because of his stance against the Sikh Khalistani movement in Canada.

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Terrorism and insurgency in J&K had subsided when India demolished East Pakistan -- for the simple reason that Pakistan understands power. We need to follow Chanakya's dictum of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed for strategising against Pakistan, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd). The ground truth is that unless we are prepared to acknowledge our shortcomings, including massive intelligence failures, punish those responsible and take corrective actions, we will continue in the same vein, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

How to get more bang for the buck out of field agents

How to get more bang for the buck out of field agents

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Will allowing business correspondents to hawk insurance products help in reviving 5-lakh strong field agents as a viable channel?

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Assam Cabinet on Sunday had decided not to register any case against the Congress MP or his British spouse, who the BJP has accused of having ISI links, but instructed the DGP to file an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

UPSC marks disclosed: Civil services topper Tina Dabi got 52.49%

UPSC marks disclosed: Civil services topper Tina Dabi got 52.49%

Rediff.com15 May 2016

Tina, 22, a graduate from Delhi's Lady Shri Ram College, topped the 2015 civil services exam securing 1,063 marks (52.49 per cent) out of a total of 2,025-comprising 1,750 of main and 275 of interview.

SC collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer; lawyers to go on strike

SC collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer; lawyers to go on strike

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court collegium has confirmed the transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to his parent Allahabad High Court. This decision comes after an inquiry was initiated against Justice Varma regarding the alleged discovery of a large amount of cash at his official residence. The transfer recommendation was made public in a resolution uploaded on the Supreme Court's website. The alleged cash discovery occurred following a fire at Varma's residence in Delhi on March 14, 2025. The apex court collegium, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has also constituted a three-member inquiry committee to further investigate the matter.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.

Task force to coordinate filling up of vacancies in central ministries

Task force to coordinate filling up of vacancies in central ministries

Rediff.com14 Jul 2022

The development assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last month announced 10 lakh government recruitments in the next 1.5 years.

A Labourer's Daughter Is World Champion

A Labourer's Daughter Is World Champion

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

When Kasturi Rajamurty won a gold medal in powerlifting at the WPPL World Cup in Russia, she sure had come a long way. From a life of penury to constantly being short of funds to fuel her passion, she had finally triumphed, and how.

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The high-octane campaigning for the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Monday, with big guns from all three major parties holding roadshows, public meetings, padayatras and bike rallies in a final push to sway voters. The Aam Aadmi Party remains confident of securing a third consecutive term, highlighting its governance record and welfare schemes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to reclaim power in Delhi after more than 25 years, held 22 roadshows and rallies across the city. The Congress, seeking a revival after failing to win any seats in the last two elections, also intensified its efforts. The election battle has seen sharp political exchanges, with AI-generated spoofs, catchy slogans, and roadshows dominating the discourse. The outcome of this fiercely contested election will determine whether the AAP continues its dominance, the BJP breaks its losing streak, or Congress makes a surprising comeback. The final verdict will be revealed on February 8, as Delhi awaits the results of what has been one of its most high-stakes electoral battles.

Judicial panel visits Sambhal mosque, violence-hit areas

Judicial panel visits Sambhal mosque, violence-hit areas

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

Amid tight security, members of a judicial commission on Sunday visited the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and other areas which witnessed violence over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque.

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The 'mediation' by the United States from behind the scene on the diplomatic track appears to be once again working, which calls on both Delhi and Islamabad to show restraint and pull back from a military confrontation, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Mobile services suspended across Pak as voting underway

Mobile services suspended across Pak as voting underway

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

With former prime minister Imran Khan in jail, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is tipped to emerge as the single largest party in the elections.

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government may seek the help of agencies like the Interpol in investigating the alleged interference of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who allegedly has links with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife, in India's internal affairs. Sarma said the probe is at an initial stage and he has informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the developments in the case.

Which Pakistan General Will Deal With Jaish?

Which Pakistan General Will Deal With Jaish?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Pakistan army's Bahawalpur Corps has always had a special significance for India as it keeps an eye on the Jaish e Mohammed, explains Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Actor Vijay launches party, to quit films for politics

Actor Vijay launches party, to quit films for politics

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

Top Tamil actor Vijay on Friday announced the launch of his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, and said he will contest the 2026 assembly polls in the state.

Ladakh groups to intensify stir to press for statehood

Ladakh groups to intensify stir to press for statehood

Rediff.com16 Feb 2023

Environmental activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk said democracy has been compromised in Ladakh and the local people have no say in decision-making.

Blinded by pellets, Kashmiri girl clears class 12 exam

Blinded by pellets, Kashmiri girl clears class 12 exam

Rediff.com10 Jun 2023

The 22-year-old secured 319 marks out of 500 in the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education, the result for which were declared on Friday.

Puja Khedkar's mother in police custody; Sec 307 added to FIR

Puja Khedkar's mother in police custody; Sec 307 added to FIR

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

Cops also called Manorama, her husband Dilip and three others, all shown as accused in the FIR, as "influential and politically active" persons, in the court in Paud that remanded Manorama in police custody till July 20.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Delhi's administrative set-up may get streamlined; black day, cries AAP

Delhi's administrative set-up may get streamlined; black day, cries AAP

Rediff.com8 Aug 2023

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the bill in the Upper House of Parliament. He said the proposed legislation is aimed at providing effective and corruption-free governance in the national capital.

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.

Jailed Gujarat scribe booked in fifth case for extorting realty agent

Jailed Gujarat scribe booked in fifth case for extorting realty agent

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Jailed journalist Mahesh Langa, already facing multiple charges, has been booked in a fresh case for allegedly extorting Rs 40 lakh from a real estate agent by threatening to malign his image and implicate him in a false case. This is the fifth FIR registered against him since his arrest in October 2023 for an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) scam. The latest case was registered based on a complaint by Janak Thakor, a real estate agent, who alleged that Langa threatened to write negative articles about him and trap him in a false case unless he paid the money. Langa has been in jail since his arrest in October and is facing charges in four previous cases registered by Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Rajkot police.

BJP MLA Fights BJP Government On Corruption

BJP MLA Fights BJP Government On Corruption

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

'I gave enough evidence and proof to punish corrupt officials.' 'But my own government has not filed any FIR against such officials.'

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun questioning Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the deadly strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being held at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi. The interrogation is focused on his possible connection with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his suspected links with the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Behind BJP's Delhi triumph: RSS' quiet campaign

Behind BJP's Delhi triumph: RSS' quiet campaign

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

In the run-up to the Delhi assembly elections, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) went all out to persuade voters to elect an effective and accountable government for the progress of the national capital, contributing to the BJP's thumping victory in the polls, according to sources.

Army cancels nationwide recruitment exam after paper leaked

Army cancels nationwide recruitment exam after paper leaked

Rediff.com28 Feb 2021

The Army has cancelled an examination for pan-India recruitment of general duty personnel after paper was found to have been leaked, officials said on Sunday.

Sidhu has his way as Punjab CM replaces DGP

Sidhu has his way as Punjab CM replaces DGP

Rediff.com18 Dec 2021

Last month, the Channi government replaced the state's advocate general A P S Deol after strong opposition from Sidhu.

When IAS Officers Get Married...

When IAS Officers Get Married...

Rediff.com26 Apr 2022

Tina Dabi, who topped the 2016 Union Public Service Commission exam, married fellow IAS officer Dr Pradeep Gawande in Jaipur last week.

SC refuses to postpone civil services exam due to COVID-19

SC refuses to postpone civil services exam due to COVID-19

Rediff.com30 Sep 2020

The Union Public Service Commission opposed the plea saying all necessary precautions have been taken and adequate arrangements have been made for holding the exam.

Hindenburg says not under investigation by US SEC

Hindenburg says not under investigation by US SEC

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

US short-seller Hindenburg Research has said it is not under investigation by the US SEC as it rubbished alleged links of its founder to a hedge fund for preparing reports targeting companies.

SC notice to Centre, EC on fresh plea against freebies

SC notice to Centre, EC on fresh plea against freebies

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The petition filed by advocate Srinivasan has also sought a direction to poll panel to take effective steps to restrain political parties from making promises of freebies during the pre-election period.

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The grilling of Brigadier-General Dyer by Akshay Kumar's Sir C Sankaran Nair, as shown in Kesari 2, is purely an imaginary sequence, proves Utkarsh Mishra.

SC on Punjab guv vs CM: 'Matter of serious concern'

SC on Punjab guv vs CM: 'Matter of serious concern'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday termed the deadlock between the Punjab government and its governor over assent to bills passed by the assembly a matter of "serious concern" and said it is not happy with what is happening in the state.

UPSC withdraws mandatory English norm in mains exam

UPSC withdraws mandatory English norm in mains exam

Rediff.com28 Mar 2013

Amid a nation-wide controversy, the Union Public Service Commission has withdrawn changes suggested by it in civil services mains examination, dropping mandatory English language paper requirement.

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A government whose policies are focused around making the life of ordinary citizens, specially the most deprived sections, richer; a government that prioritises education, health and transport, that doesn't treat its citizens as subjects who must come to it for everything, is rare in our country.' 'When such a government is thrown out, one is left stunned,' notes Jyoti Punwani.

Google India appoints Niti Ayog's Archana Gulati as head of public policy

Google India appoints Niti Ayog's Archana Gulati as head of public policy

Rediff.com4 May 2022

Internet major Google has appointed former joint secretary at Niti Aayog Archana Gulati as head of public policy in India. A Google spokesperson confirmed the appointment. Messages sent to Gulati elicited no immediate reply. Gulati was looking after digital communications policy matters at the government think tank and took voluntary retirement in April last year.