News for 'State for Public Affairs'

Govt blocks access to BBC documentary on Modi

Govt blocks access to BBC documentary on Modi

Rediff.com21 Jan 2023

The Centre has issued directions for blocking multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the BBC documentary 'India: The Modi Question', sources said.

'If its basic industry is terrorism': Jaishankar on helping Pak

'If its basic industry is terrorism': Jaishankar on helping Pak

Rediff.com23 Feb 2023

Jaishankar also made it clear that it is in nobody's interest to see a country get into severe economic difficulties, and that too a neighbour.

Who stops us from correcting 'distortions' in history, asks Shah

Who stops us from correcting 'distortions' in history, asks Shah

Rediff.com25 Nov 2022

'If we do this, we will see that the true history of India will be established and the lies will end spontaneously'

India, Pak should resolve Kashmir issue via dialogue, consultations: China

India, Pak should resolve Kashmir issue via dialogue, consultations: China

Rediff.com27 Oct 2022

Replying to a question on the Kashmir issue raised by a Pakistani journalist, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a media briefing in Beijing said that China's position on the issue of Kashmir has been "consistent and clear".

Meet the 24 newly inducted ministers in Siddaramaiah's expanded cabinet

Meet the 24 newly inducted ministers in Siddaramaiah's expanded cabinet

Rediff.com27 May 2023

Within a week of assuming power, the Congress government in Karnataka has expanded its cabinet on Saturday, filling all posts.

'Politically, BJP is ruthless'

'Politically, BJP is ruthless'

Rediff.com20 Jul 2023

'The BJP think they are running an ideology machine in this country, and they have to convert everyone, from people to parties to party leaders.'

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Rediff.com17 Aug 2022

Portfolios were on Tuesday allocated in the new Bihar cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who, predictably, retained the all-important home department which helps him keep direct control on the state police.

Covid scare: PM reviews situation, warns against laxity, urges mask use

Covid scare: PM reviews situation, warns against laxity, urges mask use

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

Amid a spurt in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday cautioned against complacency and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at international airports.

All The Muslim Union Ministers

All The Muslim Union Ministers

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that not a single Muslim is part of the Union Cabinet.

Delhi services bill: Tharoor says coercive federalism exists; Lekhi hits back

Delhi services bill: Tharoor says coercive federalism exists; Lekhi hits back

Rediff.com4 Aug 2023

Tharoor argued that the proposed bill represents a "grave chapter in the history of the Indian republic, seeking to ratify an ordinance that in many ways is an assault on our democratic heritage and the spirit of federalism."

Kharge says his mic was turned off, Opposition walks out of RS

Kharge says his mic was turned off, Opposition walks out of RS

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday claimed he was 'insulted' as his mic was turned off while he was speaking in the House the previous day.

Par panel suggests reservation for transgenders in CAPFs

Par panel suggests reservation for transgenders in CAPFs

Rediff.com6 Aug 2023

Highlighting the low representation of women in the Central Armed Police Forces, a parliamentary committee has asked the Union home ministry to take steps to encourage them to join the services, besides recommending a reservation for transgenders.

Manipur: BJP's Formidable Internal Security Challenge

Manipur: BJP's Formidable Internal Security Challenge

Rediff.com12 Jun 2023

There are three things you never do in a small North East state: Undermine local leaders, divide and rule, push homogenisation, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Jaishankar hails Vajpayee's post-Pokhran diplomacy

Jaishankar hails Vajpayee's post-Pokhran diplomacy

Rediff.com24 Jan 2023

Presiding over the third Atal Bihari Vajpayee memorial lecture that was delivered by former Singaporean diplomat Bilahari Kausikan in New Delhi, Jaishankar also hailed Vajpayee's stint as an external affairs minister, and his role in strengthening India's ties with the United States and Russia.

Sharad Pawar hasn't yet relented: Praful Patel

Sharad Pawar hasn't yet relented: Praful Patel

Rediff.com3 May 2023

'If the situation arises, the committee will decide on Pawar's successor and the decision will be unanimous'

Pre-qualification bids for PM's new Rs 360 cr home cancelled again

Pre-qualification bids for PM's new Rs 360 cr home cancelled again

Rediff.com3 Oct 2022

The central public works department on Monday cancelled the pre-qualification bids for the construction of a Rs 360-crore new residence for the prime minister for the second time within more than two months.

If Inflation Is Here, Can Social Conflict Be Behind?

If Inflation Is Here, Can Social Conflict Be Behind?

Rediff.com9 May 2023

For all its claims to economic glory, the majority of India's population lives vulnerable lives, a situation that has only worsened over the past 15 years, to the extent that the government now fears to release economic data or even conduct a proper Census, notes Rathin Roy.

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Rediff.com27 Jan 2023

Coming Wednesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 2023 Union Budget - the last full Budget ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While India exited 2022 as a relatively bright spot in the global economy, the FM will endeavour to present a Budget that insulates India's economy against global headwinds and recession in advanced economies, while sticking to the path of fiscal consolidation. In this, she is being helped by her core team of trusted advisors.

Govt Misses Divestment Target

Govt Misses Divestment Target

Rediff.com19 Jan 2023

Ahead of the Budget, the government has achieved almost half the divestment target of Rs 65,000 crore. FY23 divestment receipts are unlikely to be anywhere close to the budgeted target.

Centre moves SC over Delhi ruling, day after ordinance

Centre moves SC over Delhi ruling, day after ordinance

Rediff.com20 May 2023

The Centre on Friday brought an ordinance to create for the first time a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) that will have the power to recommend the transfer and posting of all Group A officers and officers of DANICS serving in Delhi. NCCSA will be headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi, with the Chief Secretary and Principal Home Secretary of Delhi being the other two members.

'Yogi baba won't allow criminals to survive'

'Yogi baba won't allow criminals to survive'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

The murder of Atiq and his brother and the police encounter with his son have raised many questions about the propriety of how crime is tackled by the Yogi government. But Yogi knows he has the support of the people who are fed up with crime holding the state to ransom for decades, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Delhi's selectors sacked after Saurashtra thrashing

Delhi's selectors sacked after Saurashtra thrashing

Rediff.com5 Jan 2023

The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association sacked its senior selection committee, comprising former National selector Gagan Khoda, Mayank Sidhana and Anil Bhardwaj, on Thursday after the state team was decimated by Saurashtra in a Ranji Trophy group league game.

Jolly Joe At ASEAN Summit

Jolly Joe At ASEAN Summit

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

US President Joe Biden attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gala dinner in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Uniform civil code is nothing but a deliberate attempt to...: Jamiat

Uniform civil code is nothing but a deliberate attempt to...: Jamiat

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

Tthe Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said it opposes the UCC as it is "totally against the religious freedom and fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens in Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution."

Govt, BJP come out guns blazing over Bilawal's attack on Modi

Govt, BJP come out guns blazing over Bilawal's attack on Modi

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

India on Friday launched a no-holds-barred attack on Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for his 'uncivilised' outburst against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the comments were a 'new low' even for that country.

2024 polls: BJP sets 60-seat target in South India

2024 polls: BJP sets 60-seat target in South India

Rediff.com1 Jan 2023

According to the party sources, the preparations are in full swing and seasoned BJP workers are being deployed on more than 50 seats.

Working on assisting Ukraine-returned students, govt tells SC

Working on assisting Ukraine-returned students, govt tells SC

Rediff.com23 Sep 2022

The counsel appearing for the Centre told the top court on Friday that they have written to the secretaries of the ministries of external affairs as well as health on the issue.

'Rahul Gandhi is a big reason for Congress debacle'

'Rahul Gandhi is a big reason for Congress debacle'

Rediff.com25 May 2023

'Somehow, Rahul Gandhi is not able to connect with the youth of the country.' 'While Modiji is 72, Rahul is only 52.' 'But the popularity of the prime minister among the young population is a lot more than Rahul's.'

Logjam persists in Parliament amid ruckus over Manipur

Logjam persists in Parliament amid ruckus over Manipur

Rediff.com31 Jul 2023

Parliament proceedings were adjourned for the day on Monday following protests by the opposition which has been demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House on the Manipur issue. In the Rajya Sabha, the opposition kept insisting on a discussion under Rule 267 of the House.

Guv-CM tiff escalates in Punjab, AAP wants Purohit shifted out

Guv-CM tiff escalates in Punjab, AAP wants Purohit shifted out

Rediff.com14 Feb 2023

The chief minister accused the Governor of interfering in the state government's affairs and, replying to Purohit's letter made public Monday, indirectly questioned his credentials for the post.

Canadian lawmakers back Indian students facing deportation

Canadian lawmakers back Indian students facing deportation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

A Canadian parliamentary committee has voted unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students who were duped by unscrupulous education consultants in India to enter the country with "fraudulent college admission letters."

US offers all support to make India's G20 presidency a success

US offers all support to make India's G20 presidency a success

Rediff.com25 Feb 2023

Blinken will also attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad grouping and will hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in Delhi.

Canada expels Indian envoy over Khalistani leader's killing

Canada expels Indian envoy over Khalistani leader's killing

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

Canada has expelled an Indian diplomat as it was investigating what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called 'credible allegations' of the involvement of 'agents of the Indian government' in the killing of a Sikh extremist leader in Surrey in June, claims outrightly rejected by New Delhi as 'absurd' and 'motivated'.

India right country at right time to host G20 summit, says Rishi

India right country at right time to host G20 summit, says Rishi

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

Emphasising that various issues are on agenda at the G20 under India's leadership.

'You have started hating India': Cong hits back at Modi

'You have started hating India': Cong hits back at Modi

Rediff.com25 Jul 2023

Modi slammed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as the most directionless the country has ever seen and cited reviled names, such as East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the country's name.

Budget 2023-24: Stay on fiscal glide path, economists advise FM Sitharaman

Budget 2023-24: Stay on fiscal glide path, economists advise FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com29 Nov 2022

The Union government could target a fiscal deficit of 5.8-6 per cent of nominal GDP for 2023-24, and it should continue its capital expenditure push and look to simplify the personal income tax regime, economists recommended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team during their pre-Budget interaction on Monday. Starting last week, Sitharaman had eight pre-Budget consultations this time. More than 110 invitees representing seven stakeholder groups participated in these meetings, the finance ministry said in a statement. The stakeholder groups included representatives and experts from agriculture and agro-processing industry; industry, infrastructure & climate change; financial sector and capital markets; services and trade; social sector; trade unions and labour organisations; and economists.

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US is expected to see discussion on India's possible entry into a US-led global alliance on critical minerals, officials told Business Standard. In June last year, the US, the European Union, and other G7 partners launched the Minerals Security Partnership to ensure that China did not further strengthen its grip on supplies of critical minerals the world over. Various ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, have communicated to the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of India joining the partnership, officials said.

Citizen cannot seek right to stand up in Parliament: SC

Citizen cannot seek right to stand up in Parliament: SC

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said that a citizen cannot seek a right to stand up in Parliament.

Modi will bail out crisis-hit Pak, extend olive branch, claims ex-RAW chief

Modi will bail out crisis-hit Pak, extend olive branch, claims ex-RAW chief

Rediff.com25 Feb 2023

Dulat, however, pointedly said engagement with Pakistan has always been "influenced by domestic politics".

Infra Brushstrokes For The Budget

Infra Brushstrokes For The Budget

Rediff.com30 Jan 2023

7 key areas that the Budget must address to re-energise the infrastructure sector, suggests Vinayak Chatterjee.