News for 'Secretary N K Singh'

Dallewal's fast: SC holds rare hearing, gives ultimatum to Punjab govt

Dallewal's fast: SC holds rare hearing, gives ultimatum to Punjab govt

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court on Saturday gave the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to shift to hospital.

Can India become a global innovation hub?

Can India become a global innovation hub?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into a partnership with the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a premier industry organisation representing India's leading new-age companies.

Was This Why BJP Came 2nd In UP?

Was This Why BJP Came 2nd In UP?

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

I learnt that Yogi was deeply unhappy with the BJP's choice of Lok Sabha candidates. He had proposed a list of names, but hardly any of his suggestions were accepted.

BPCL divestment completely off the table, says Hardeep Singh Puri

BPCL divestment completely off the table, says Hardeep Singh Puri

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

BPCL is a high revenue-earning public-sector undertaking (PSU) and plans to privatise it are completely off the table, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday after assuming charge of the ministry for the second time. "Why would we divest ourselves of highly successful Maharatnas like BPCL," Puri said, arguing the Centre was not in favour of divesting its stake in oil PSUs.

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in the Indian Parliament walked out of the Rajya Sabha after their demand for an immediate discussion on the alleged mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh, where a stampede led to several deaths, was rejected. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, declined to suspend the scheduled business of the day to take up the issue, citing his previous rulings regarding notices under Rule 267.

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

As a leader, he was ambitious, not for himself but for India and its people. His was not the short-term election cycle calculation of individual political gain. His was a practical vision of how to better the lives of his fellow citizens, asserts Ambassador Shivshankar Menon, who served as foreign secretary and national security advisor when Dr Singh was prime minister.

'A Great Soul Of India'

'A Great Soul Of India'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

He won two terms in office, which was a stunning feat for a leader who used his silence as the most vocal weapon to change the economy and the lives of a billion people, asserts Tarun Vijay, former BJP MP and former Chief Editor, Panchjanya, the RSS weekly.

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Almost five years later, the three services have still not fully understood that joint/theatre commands are not a discussion point; they are the prime minister's diktat on a military reform measure that is in line with what armed forces around the world have implemented, points out Ajai Shukla.

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul sacrificed: Is Sidda planning to resign?

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul sacrificed: Is Sidda planning to resign?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Amidst alleged power struggles within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has called for discipline within the party, emphasizing that the party is paramount. This comes as the state's chief minister and deputy chief minister submitted a consolidated report on the performance of 31 ministers to Surjewala, fueling speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle.

'Budget's Main Objective Was To Honour Taxpayers'

'Budget's Main Objective Was To Honour Taxpayers'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Our attempt to honour the taxpayer has been since 2014 and more actively since 2019-2020 onwards.'

Day after stampede, safety measures ramped up at Maha Kumbh

Day after stampede, safety measures ramped up at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh that killed 30 people, the Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up security measures and crowd management efforts. Despite the tragedy, millions of devotees continue to flock to the religious gathering, undeterred by the pre-dawn chill and dense fog. Security forces are being deployed in larger numbers, and new restrictions will be imposed at key locations to prevent further incidents. The authorities are also conducting a thorough review of the arrangements in the Mela area, and several officials are being assigned to oversee operations until February 12.

Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand's 14th CM today

Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand's 14th CM today

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

This will be the 49-year-old JMM leader's fourth stint as chief minister. Soren retained the Barhait seat, defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes in the recent assembly polls.

Thousands visit Ayodhya temple on consecration anniv

Thousands visit Ayodhya temple on consecration anniv

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The three-day celebrations began on Saturday with a recital of Yajurveda and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performing an 'abhishek' on the Ram Lalla idol.

Who is Nayab Singh Saini, the new CM of Haryana

Who is Nayab Singh Saini, the new CM of Haryana

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

Saini, 54, a low profile OBC leader, rose through the ranks in the party and was unanimously elected as the leader of the state BJP's legislature group at a meeting held in Chandigarh on Tuesday.

Delhiwaale ho, dum dikhao: Kohli's advice to youngsters

Delhiwaale ho, dum dikhao: Kohli's advice to youngsters

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Virat Kohli began training with the Delhi team on Tuesday ahead of his eagerly-awaited Ranji Trophy comeback after a 12-year gap.

Ashok Gehlot's ex-OSD turns approver in phone tapping case

Ashok Gehlot's ex-OSD turns approver in phone tapping case

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Lokesh Sharma, the former OSD of Rajasthan's ex-chief minister Ashok Gehlot, has turned approver in a phone tapping case that happened during the political crisis in the state in 2020. Sharma was accused of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and unlawfully intercepting telephonic conversations. He has alleged that Gehlot was involved in tapping of phones and gave evidence to support his claim. Sharma claims that he was directed by Gehlot to circulate recordings of phone calls to the media.

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has expressed concerns over a rise in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reporting 2,200 cases in Bangladesh and 112 in Pakistan this year. The Indian government has urged both countries to take measures to ensure the safety of minorities and has highlighted the issue at international forums. The government has also stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and has shared its concerns with the respective governments.

UP Waqf Board claims ownership of 115-year-old Varanasi college,

UP Waqf Board claims ownership of 115-year-old Varanasi college,

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Udai Pratap College in Varanasi is entangled in a land dispute with the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, which claims a mosque on the campus and surrounding land as Waqf property. The college administration rejects the claim. The dispute dates back to 2018 when a notice was sent to the college alleging the mosque and land were donated by the Nawab of Tonk to the Waqf Board. The college claims the mosque was built illegally and the land belongs to a trust. The Waqf Board attempted construction in 2022 but was stopped by police after the college complained. The college also alleges the mosque is stealing electricity. The mosque administration asserts ownership based on the Nawab's donation and claims a mutual agreement for electricity supply. The college, founded in 1909, has a long history of promoting education in the region.

Delhi Cong chief Arvinder Singh Lovely steps down over alliance with AAP

Delhi Cong chief Arvinder Singh Lovely steps down over alliance with AAP

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

In his letter to the Congress National President, Mallikarjun Kharge, Lovely said that all unanimous decisions taken by the senior Delhi Congress leaders have been unilaterally vetoed by the AICC general secretary (Delhi in-charge).

Legal battles, new squads: Bihar's Ranji Trophy drama unfolds

Legal battles, new squads: Bihar's Ranji Trophy drama unfolds

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The Bihar squad for the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season was finally picked on Tuesday after extensive deliberations and legal wranglings.

Will Sitharaman's Debt-GDP vs Fiscal Deficit Gamble Pay Off?

Will Sitharaman's Debt-GDP vs Fiscal Deficit Gamble Pay Off?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Using the debt-to-GDP ratio as a fiscal anchor aligns with efforts to promote fiscal transparency through proper disclosure of off-budget borrowings.

Los Angeles wildfires kill 5; Biden cancels last foreign trip

Los Angeles wildfires kill 5; Biden cancels last foreign trip

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The uncontrollable fire has so far burned over 70 sq km in three areas: Palisades, west of Los Angeles; Eaton, north of Pasadena and San Fernando Valley.

BJP's Asansol candidate Pawan Singh won't contest polls after backlash

BJP's Asansol candidate Pawan Singh won't contest polls after backlash

Rediff.com3 Mar 2024

Asansol is home to a sizeable migrant population, and the BJP had hoped that Singh would be an effective counter to Sinha, the actor-politician who was in the saffron party for decades before walking out in 2019.

Amid Ambedkar row, Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalits

Amid Ambedkar row, Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalits

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

In the run-up to the assembly elections in Delhi, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal announced an Ambedkar scholarship for free foreign education of the city's Dalit students. The scholarship is a response to the BJP's "insult" of Ambedkar, Kejriwal said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah "insulted and made fun of Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar in Parliament. Crores of people who love Ambedkar were deeply pained," the former Delhi chief minister said. Kejriwal added that the scholarship is a response to the insult meted out by the BJP to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Under the scheme, any Dalit student from Delhi will be able to receive education in foreign universities. If they get admission in any such university, the Delhi government will bear the entire cost of their education, travel and accommodation. Children of government employees will also be eligible for the scheme.

2024 was mostly about lost chances for Congress

2024 was mostly about lost chances for Congress

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

The principal opposition party though appeared content securing 99 of the 543 seats in the 2024 national elections as against its all-time low of 44 in 2014 and then 52 in 2019.

Oppn moves notice in RS to impeach Allahabad HC judge

Oppn moves notice in RS to impeach Allahabad HC judge

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Members of several opposition parties in India have initiated proceedings to impeach Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav for his alleged controversial remarks at a recent event. The impeachment motion, signed by 55 opposition MPs, cites the judge's speech at a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) function, where he allegedly made provocative statements on a uniform civil code and the law working according to the majority. The Supreme Court has taken note of the controversy and sought details from the Allahabad High Court.

PIX: Kohli Mania Grips Delhi

PIX: Kohli Mania Grips Delhi

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Virat Kohli's unmatched aura dominated the Ranji Trophy fixture between Delhi and Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in Delhi, on Thursday.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

Outsiders barred after namaaz row at Varanasi college escalates

Outsiders barred after namaaz row at Varanasi college escalates

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Amid escalating tensions at the Uday Pratap College in Varanasi over a mosque located on its premises, police on Thursday restricted outsiders' entry to the campus, allowing only students with valid identity cards.

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Right-wing organizations, including Bajrang Dal and All India Karni Sena, held a 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ceremony and chanted Hanuman chalisa at a long-abandoned Shiva temple in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The temple, located in a Muslim-majority locality, was "reopened" by members of these groups. The ceremony took place on Wednesday night amid tight security measures. Local residents, including a former Aligarh Mayor, have voiced concerns over the state of the temple and called for its restoration.

Costly ambulance: Woman transports brother's body 195 km on taxi roof

Costly ambulance: Woman transports brother's body 195 km on taxi roof

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

A woman in Uttarakhand was forced to transport her brother's body on the roof of a taxi after ambulance drivers demanded exorbitant fees. The incident sparked outrage, prompting the state's chief minister to order an investigation.

India was nothing but...: Bangladesh on 1971 victory

India was nothing but...: Bangladesh on 1971 victory

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Bangladesh interim government's Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post on X commemorating Victory Day saying, "India was merely an ally in this victory, nothing more."

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Budget announcement of zero tax for earnings upto Rs 12 lakh per annum and the rejig of tax slabs across the board should prompt more than 90 per cent of individual taxpayers to embrace the new tax regime as compared to the about 75 per cent as of now, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said. Agrawal also highlighted the government's focus on "non-intrusive" tax administration through enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simplified tax processes for common taxpayers. He emphasized the benefits of the new tax regime (NTR), which offers simple calculations and allows taxpayers to file their ITR without professional help. The CBDT chief stated that the Budget provisions related to income tax payment benefit all income earners, not just those earning Rs 12 lakh per annum, creating a positive sentiment in the economy and propelling growth. The department is also harnessing technology, including AI and data analytics, to widen and deepen the tax base, resulting in increased compliance and tax revenue. Agrawal further highlighted the positive impact of data availability and simplified tax processes on compliance rates, citing examples of taxpayers filing revised returns and paying taxes after being prompted by the department's data analysis.

SC orders medical aid for fasting farmer leader

SC orders medical aid for fasting farmer leader

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered immediate medical aid for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast at the Punjab-Haryana border. The court also urged farmers to adopt the Gandhian way of protesting and to ensure that Dallewal's life is saved. The court has formed a high-powered committee to make recommendations to the stakeholders regarding the farmers' grievances.

Cong moves privilege motion against Shah over Ambedkar remarks

Cong moves privilege motion against Shah over Ambedkar remarks

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Kharge claimed that the wording as well as the tone and tenor of the remarks made by the Home minister "are clearly satirical and made in a very bad taste".

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

India and China have agreed to work towards a "roadmap" for rebuilding mutual trust following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, according to a statement from the Indian Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of a regional security conclave. Singh called for drawing lessons from the "unfortunate border clashes" of 2020 and emphasized the need for cooperation rather than conflict. Both sides agreed to work towards a roadmap for rebuilding mutual trust and understanding, and a meeting of the Special Representatives and Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will also take place soon.

Indian-American Sabrina Singh named White House Deputy Press Secretary

Indian-American Sabrina Singh named White House Deputy Press Secretary

Rediff.com9 Jan 2021

Singh was Press Secretary to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on the Biden-Harris campaign.

The Legend That Was Pritish Nandy

The Legend That Was Pritish Nandy

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

He was colourful. He was dramatic. He was The Master of His Craft. There never will be an editor as versatile as Pritish Nandy, notes Nikhil Lakshman.

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Perhaps because the Modi government had some differences of opinion with two of the economist governors (one of whom was appointed by the Manmohan Singh government), there is a view that its political leadership prefers a civil servant to head the RBI, notes A K Bhattacharya.

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Misri is also likely to brief the parliamentary panel on the recent upswing in India's ties with China following the agreement to resume patrolling at friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.