News for 'State for Arms Control and International'

Ex-bureaucrats defend Modi, bash critical colleagues

Ex-bureaucrats defend Modi, bash critical colleagues

Rediff.com30 Apr 2022

The group said it does not believe the open letter to Modi by the Constitutional Conduct Group -- the name of the association of former bureaucrats -- had "sincere motivations".

Drones over Punjab: Need for offensive action

Drones over Punjab: Need for offensive action

Rediff.com15 Oct 2019

'If UAV technology is used by the adversary to target VIPs or strategic targets it would be a different ball game altogether,' says Group Captain Murli Menon (retd).

China to cut PLA troops by more than 50%

China to cut PLA troops by more than 50%

Rediff.com12 Jul 2017

'This is the first time that active PLA army personnel would be reduced to below one million,' PLA Daily said.

125 dead in Indonesia soccer stadium stampede

125 dead in Indonesia soccer stadium stampede

Rediff.com2 Oct 2022

A stampede at a soccer stadium in Indonesia has killed at least 125 people and injured 180 after police sought to quell violence on the pitch, authorities said on Sunday, in one of the world's worst stadium disasters.

Biden-Putin tango promises to be riveting

Biden-Putin tango promises to be riveting

Rediff.com27 Jan 2021

Both statesmen possess a cultivated pugnacious style which they keep in reserve and can at will bring into play, and despite the mutual distrust in Russian-American relations, they are proponents of detente, quintessentially, who take their mission deadly seriously, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

China's UNSC gamble is a setback to relations with India

China's UNSC gamble is a setback to relations with India

Rediff.com17 Aug 2019

'India needs to closely monitor the discussions at the UNSC and make counter-measures as this touches its core interests', points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

PIX: Suryakumar powers India to victory in 3rd T20I

PIX: Suryakumar powers India to victory in 3rd T20I

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

Suryakumar Yadav gave an exhibition of his incredible hitting skills with a superb 76 as India cantered to a seven-wicket win against the West Indies in the third T20 International on Tuesday.

Why BPCL divestment is on the slow track

Why BPCL divestment is on the slow track

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

In December 2019, the India arm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu surprised many with its ultra-competitive bid to become the transaction advisor for the country's largest strategic divestment in Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL). The multinational major quoted just Rs 1; the second-highest bidder, SBI Caps, reportedly quoted Rs 15-17 crore. For Deloitte, the motivation was to bag a prestigious deal adding a national energy company to its portfolio. No doubt, it expected BPCL to go to a marquee buyer in quick time.

Disputes with India should be settled peacefully via talks: Pak Army chief

Disputes with India should be settled peacefully via talks: Pak Army chief

Rediff.com2 Apr 2022

The chief of the army staff said that with one-third of the world in the Gulf region and elsewhere involved in some sort of conflict and war, "it is important that we keep the flames of fire away from our region."

As Muslims we have the right to raise our voice for Kashmir: Taliban

As Muslims we have the right to raise our voice for Kashmir: Taliban

Rediff.com3 Sep 2021

Amid India's concerns that Afghanistan's territory might be used for anti-India activities under the Taliban regime, the terror group has said that it has the right to raise its voice for Muslims anywhere, including in Kashmir. However, it added that the group does not have a policy of raising arms against any country.

China rules out India's NSG entry without specific plan

China rules out India's NSG entry without specific plan

Rediff.com21 Jun 2019

China, while blocking India's entry into the NSG previously, has called for a two-step plan that stipulates the need for the NSG members to arrive at a set of principles for the entry non-NPT states and then move forward discussions of specific cases.

With open offer to buy 26% stake, Adanis seek to become majority shareholder in NDTV

With open offer to buy 26% stake, Adanis seek to become majority shareholder in NDTV

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

Three firms, Vishvapradhan Commercial Pvt Ltd along with AMG Media Networks and Adani Enterprises Ltd, have offered a price of Rs 294 for the acquisition of up to 1,67,62,530 fully paid-up equity shares of NDTV having a face value of Rs 4 from the public shareholders.

Obama seeks war powers; vows defeat of Islamic State

Obama seeks war powers; vows defeat of Islamic State

Rediff.com12 Feb 2015

Obama asks Congress to grant war powers; vows defeat of Islamic State.

'Why would India deliberately fire an unarmed missile into Pakistan?'

'Why would India deliberately fire an unarmed missile into Pakistan?'

Rediff.com15 Mar 2022

'Pakistan was very mature in the way it dealt with the incident.' 'India too owned up to the accident.' 'The whole incident was resolved quite amicably.' 'Both countries should be proud of how they have handled this situation.'

Oil Min tells ONGC to give 60% stake in Mumbai High, Bassein fields to foreign cos

Oil Min tells ONGC to give 60% stake in Mumbai High, Bassein fields to foreign cos

Rediff.com1 Nov 2021

The petroleum ministry has told ONGC to give away 60%stake plus operating control in India's largest oil and gas producing fields of Mumbai High and Bassein to foreign companies, according to an October 28 letter to the state-owned company. Amar Nath, additional secretary (exploration) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, wrote a 3-page letter to ONGC chairman and managing director Subhash Kumar, saying productivity of the Mumbai High and Bassein & Satellite (B&S) offshore assets under state-owned firm was low and international partners should be invited and given 60 per cent participating interest (PI) and operatorship. This is the second time since April that Nath, who is part of the ONGC management as the longest-serving government nominee director on its board and often considered a potential candidate to replace Kumar next year, has written an official letter, painting a poor picture of the company's performance.

Petrol, diesel prices drop as govt cuts excise duty

Petrol, diesel prices drop as govt cuts excise duty

Rediff.com21 May 2022

The excise duty cut will translate into a reduction of Rs 9.5 a litre on petrol and Rs 7 a litre in diesel after taking into account its impact on other levies.

Will EPS Now Take On The BJP?

Will EPS Now Take On The BJP?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

The EPS camp believes that the BJP was already arm-twisting the AIADMK into conceding more seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections 'than they deserve' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

India at 75: 18 biggest moments for Indian markets from 1947 to 1993

India at 75: 18 biggest moments for Indian markets from 1947 to 1993

Rediff.com12 Aug 2022

From the enactment of the capital control Act to the recognition of the BSE as a stock exchange and the infamous Harshad Mehta scam, here are the 18 biggest events for stock markets from 1947 to 1993.

Why does India fail to attract foreign investments in oil & gas?

Why does India fail to attract foreign investments in oil & gas?

Rediff.com1 Dec 2021

Why does the world's fastest-growing major consumer of energy fail to attract investments in oil and gas? This is a question worth pondering after private sector conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) failed to close a $15-billion downstream asset deal with Saudi Arabia's national oil company, Aramco. It's understandable if multi-billion dollar investments in oil and gas projects or deals involving state companies that need to traverse a complex bureaucracy at state and federal levels and the corridors of ministries unravel. However, Mukesh Ambani-run RIL, India's most successful energy company, is not typically known to fumble on closing deals (Ambani closed deals worth around Rs 2 trillion early last year in telecom and retail with blue chip investors).

Why the Afghans LOST the War

Why the Afghans LOST the War

Rediff.com16 Aug 2021

When corruption eats into the vitals of a nation, the State structures decompose and collapse. And when the leadership loses respect of the people, the war is lost, asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar, who played a stellar role in beginning India's systemic dealings in Afghanistan in 1994.

Govt permits 100% FDI in oil PSUs approved for divestment

Govt permits 100% FDI in oil PSUs approved for divestment

Rediff.com29 Jul 2021

The government on Thursday permitted 100 per cent foreign investment under the automatic route in oil and gas PSUs which have received in-principle approval for strategic divestment. The move would facilitate privatisation of India's second biggest oil refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL). The government is privatising BPCL and selling its entire 52.98 per cent stake in the company.

Putin calls on 300,000 reserve troops to join Ukraine war

Putin calls on 300,000 reserve troops to join Ukraine war

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

Putin said the purpose of the West is to weaken, divide and ultimately destroy Russia.

Ukraine: 'India remained cold-blooded and rational'

Ukraine: 'India remained cold-blooded and rational'

Rediff.com12 May 2022

'As long as we have such partners, Russia cannot be isolated.'

Pak violated ceasefire 3,800 times along LoC this yr: MEA

Pak violated ceasefire 3,800 times along LoC this yr: MEA

Rediff.com23 Oct 2020

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said Pakistani forces have continued to engage in unprovoked ceasefire violations, often from civilian areas, to support infiltration of terrorists across the LoC.

Operation Snow Leopard still on: Army Commander amid LAC row

Operation Snow Leopard still on: Army Commander amid LAC row

Rediff.com22 Jan 2022

Referring to the developments in Ladakh in the wake of Chinese aggression, he said disengagement with People's Liberation Army was completed from various areas in a peaceful manner and efforts are on through dialogue for disengagement from other areas.

Biden reimposes ban on flyers from Europe, adds South Africa to list

Biden reimposes ban on flyers from Europe, adds South Africa to list

Rediff.com26 Jan 2021

The State Department said US citizens should reconsider non-essential travel abroad. Those that must travel abroad following the implementation of this order should carefully consider the strict implementation of the travel restrictions.

A case for raising defence FDI to 100%

A case for raising defence FDI to 100%

Rediff.com14 Nov 2020

Access to India's defence market must be made conditional -- available only to those who are ready to make a long-term commitment in India, argues Ajai Shukla.

Won't allow to change status quo along India's border: Army chief

Won't allow to change status quo along India's border: Army chief

Rediff.com15 Jan 2022

"Our patience is a sign of our self-confidence, but no one should make the mistake of testing it," Gen Naravane said.

China starts naval drills in disputed South China Sea

China starts naval drills in disputed South China Sea

Rediff.com23 Jul 2015

The Chinese navy has kicked off 10-day military exercises in the disputed South China Sea amid heightened tensions in the region, especially with the United States.

'America shall pay price': China summons US envoy over Pelosi's Taiwan visit

'America shall pay price': China summons US envoy over Pelosi's Taiwan visit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

China urged the US to immediately address its wrongdoings, take practical measures to undo the adverse effects caused by Pelosi's visit.

China protests US ban on TikTok, WeChat; warns counter measures

China protests US ban on TikTok, WeChat; warns counter measures

Rediff.com19 Sep 2020

The US on Friday issued orders to ban popular Chinese social media apps TikTok and WeChat from Sunday to safeguard national security, weeks after India banned them, saying they were prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity and security of the country.

Modi's efforts to get India NSG seat FAIL in Seoul

Modi's efforts to get India NSG seat FAIL in Seoul

Rediff.com24 Jun 2016

Chinese chief negotiator Ambassador Wang Qun told ANI on Friday, "NSG will not take up India's case as of now. There are differences on admitting non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty members. Signing the NPT first is one of five criteria (for membership). These have not been set by China, but by group as a whole."

Zawahiri's killing is a huge blow to depleted Al Qaeda

Zawahiri's killing is a huge blow to depleted Al Qaeda

Rediff.com2 Aug 2022

Al Qaeda's reclusive chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, who played a central role in the 9/11 terror attacks and later created the group's regional affiliate in the Indian subcontinent, was killed in a US drone strike in Afghanistan's Kabul, in the biggest blow to the global terror network since killing of its founder Osama bin Laden in 2011 in Pakistan.

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Rediff.com1 Oct 2021

Tata Sons has emerged as the top bidder for the takeover of debt-laden State-run airline Air India but the bid is yet to be approved by a group of ministers headed by Home Minister Amit Shah, sources said.

Indian planes flew into our airspace, says Pak

Indian planes flew into our airspace, says Pak

Rediff.com26 Feb 2019

Pakistan's claim comes in the wake of tense relations between the two countries in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

China all set to launch manned mission with 3 astronauts

China all set to launch manned mission with 3 astronauts

Rediff.com16 Jun 2021

China is all set to send on Thursday the first three crew members to its under-construction space station which is expected to be Beijing's eye in the sky and will rival the ageing International Space Station (ISS).

Why Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi Has Got It Wrong

Why Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi Has Got It Wrong

Rediff.com9 Jan 2023

Words and actions like those of R N Ravi and a vocal section of the state BJP have only added to Tamil fears and suspicions, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

4 ways to tackle Islamic State's terror

4 ways to tackle Islamic State's terror

Rediff.com25 Jul 2016

'The use of nuclear/biological/chemical weapons by Islamic terrorists is just a matter of time.' 'It must be clearly understood what the world faces is a global level insurgency against the world order.' 'Terrorism is merely a tactic and Islamic State its most brutal face, says Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Pakistan is 'arsonist' disguising itself as 'fire-fighter': India at UNGA

Pakistan is 'arsonist' disguising itself as 'fire-fighter': India at UNGA

Rediff.com25 Sep 2021

"We keep hearing that Pakistan is a 'victim of terrorism'. This is the country which is an arsonist disguising itself as a fire-fighter. Pakistan nurtures terrorists in their backyard in the hope that they will only harm their neighbours," India's first secretary Sneha Dubey said in the UN General Assembly on Friday.

War fears grow as Putin recognises 2 Ukraine regions as independent

War fears grow as Putin recognises 2 Ukraine regions as independent

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

Putin justified his decision in a speech blaming NATO for the current crisis and calling the US-led alliance an existential threat to Russia.