News for 'Union Defence Ministry'

Major security breach in Lok Sabha, 2 intruders release smoke

Major security breach in Lok Sabha, 2 intruders release smoke

Rediff.com14 Dec 2023

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the deadly 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery, shouted slogans and released yellow smoke from canisters that triggered panic and chaos in the House.

ISRO's exclusive satellite to help MHA secure borders

ISRO's exclusive satellite to help MHA secure borders

Rediff.com17 Jan 2019

The move is part of recommendations made by a task force on the use of space technology in improving border management which have been accepted by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Kerala flood relief ops: Centre sends Rs 102 cr bill for use of IAF aircraft

Kerala flood relief ops: Centre sends Rs 102 cr bill for use of IAF aircraft

Rediff.com4 Feb 2019

The IAF had carried out 517 sorties of Fixed Wing aircraft, airlifting 3,787 people and 1,350 tonnes of load, and 634 sorties of helicopters, winching 584 people and airlifting 247 tonnes of load.

SC asks govt to inform missing Army captain's mother every quarter of steps taken

SC asks govt to inform missing Army captain's mother every quarter of steps taken

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to apprise an 83-year-old mother quarterly about the steps taken to trace her son, Captain Sanjit Bhattacharjee, who has been missing in action and is said to be lodged in a jail in Pakistan for over 25 years.

Why Finance Minister Jaitley disappointed Defence Minister Jaitley

Why Finance Minister Jaitley disappointed Defence Minister Jaitley

Rediff.com15 Jul 2014

The finance minister hiked the total defence expenditure from Rs 203,672 crore in FY 2013-2014 to Rs 229,000 crore for FY 2014-2015. Though the increase appears substantial, it is insufficient to undertake the military modernisation necessary to meet the emerging threats, feels Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd).

Major infra revamp taken up at border areas in J-K

Major infra revamp taken up at border areas in J-K

Rediff.com25 Dec 2022

The first phase of the infrastructure renovation and creation of some new ones has been recently completed on a stretch of 26 kilometres along the front in Jammu while another 33 kilometres in the same region is being carried out, official sources told PTI.

DA hike to 31% effective from July 1: FinMin

DA hike to 31% effective from July 1: FinMin

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

Dearness Allowance for central government employees has been hiked to 31 per cent of the basic pay from 28 per cent with effect from July 1, 2021, the Finance Ministry said. In an office memorandum, the Department of Expenditure, under the Finance Ministry, said the term 'basic pay' means the pay drawn as per the 7th pay commission matrix and does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc. "....the Dearness Allowance payable to central government employees shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 28 per cent to 31 per cent of the basic pay with effect from July 1, 2021," said the office memorandum dated October 25.

Why RBI Is Worried About The Rise In Personal Loans

Why RBI Is Worried About The Rise In Personal Loans

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

In the June quarter of FY24, 51 per cent of consumers who took small-ticket personal loans already had more than four credit products at the time of accessing yet another new loan, compared with just 17 per cent in the June quarter of FY20, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Govt introduces 'BH' regn for vehicles to ease transfer across states

Govt introduces 'BH' regn for vehicles to ease transfer across states

Rediff.com28 Aug 2021

To ensure seamless transfer of personal vehicles across states, the road transport ministry has come up with a new registration mark for new vehicles -- Bharat Series (BH-series).

Madam Raksha Mantri: Where's the money for guns, submarines, warships?

Madam Raksha Mantri: Where's the money for guns, submarines, warships?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2017

'An expanding army, rising salaries due to the 7th pay commission, and raised pensions due to OROP are consuming money at the cost of badly needed bulletproof jackets, rifles, artillery, submarines, warships and fighter aircraft,' notes Ajai Shukla.

What the Raksha Mantri needs to urgently do

What the Raksha Mantri needs to urgently do

Rediff.com10 Nov 2014

'It is imperative to restore the dignity and authority of the services chiefs. Erosion of this has resulted in lowering of service efficiency. It is also time to end the practice of taking seniority as the sole criterion for appointing chiefs.'

Relief to Pak Hindu migrants, HC directs Tata to give power to Delhi slum

Relief to Pak Hindu migrants, HC directs Tata to give power to Delhi slum

Rediff.com11 Nov 2022

The court's direction came after being informed that the Ministry of Defence has granted the approval for electricity connections to the migrants living in north Delhi's Adarsh Nagar area.

China Is Net Gainer In Ukraine War

China Is Net Gainer In Ukraine War

Rediff.com7 Mar 2023

The unalloyed truth about the Ukraine-Russia conflict is that it is a war that Russia cannot lose and Ukraine cannot win, observes Colonel Anil Athale (retd).

Amit Shah talks to rival Kuki, Meitei leaders for restoring peace

Amit Shah talks to rival Kuki, Meitei leaders for restoring peace

Rediff.com31 May 2023

He also held another meeting with a delegation of civil society organisations as part of his outreach and they expressed their commitment to peace and assured that they would work for restoring normalcy in Manipur.

Saving the heart of Make in India

Saving the heart of Make in India

Rediff.com26 May 2017

Will private firms really boost Make in India in the defence sector? Ajai Shukla seeks answers.

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.

For the first time ever, NSG commandos may march down Rajpath on R-Day

For the first time ever, NSG commandos may march down Rajpath on R-Day

Rediff.com19 Dec 2016

The 'black cats' will reflect a dashing sheen to the parade as they will be dressed in their trademark black coloured overalls, balaclava headgear and special assault rifles MP-5 along with the iconic commando dagger.

Armymen's trust moves SC over discrepancy in pension to different forces

Armymen's trust moves SC over discrepancy in pension to different forces

Rediff.com21 Oct 2020

An armymen's trust has moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the central government to remove the disparity in the pensionary benefit and to extend the old pension scheme benefits to the personnel of the armed forces under both the ministry of home affairs and the ministry of defence.

Needed: Urgent solutions to defend India well!

Needed: Urgent solutions to defend India well!

Rediff.com13 Feb 2020

'While all would agree on the need to be ready to launch cross-border strikes on terror camps, there is sharp disagreement on how best to do it.' 'Through IAF fighters, or surface-to-surface missiles?' 'Or should army Special Forces be created to do the job?' 'If air strikes are the agreed priority, additional funding must be made available for the purchase of fighters and missiles.' 'If it is to be Special Forces, the army must be facilitated in raising a Special Forces Command,' notes Ajai Shukla.

BJP will soon project CM candidate for UP polls: Parrikar

BJP will soon project CM candidate for UP polls: Parrikar

Rediff.com11 Jun 2016

Hitting out at the Samajwadi Party government over the Mathura violence, he said it is the biggest failure of the state government which has also failed to control 'goonda raj' in the state.

MoD's Big Made In India Push

MoD's Big Made In India Push

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

Banning the import of platforms that are already being built in India serves little purpose.

Reliance, Dassault sealed the deal during UPA rule: BJP's counter to Rahul

Reliance, Dassault sealed the deal during UPA rule: BJP's counter to Rahul

Rediff.com22 Sep 2018

Prasad alleged there was pressure for extraneous considerations and 'bribe' for not finalising the Rafale deal during the UPA rule.

The Gloves Are Off In Tamil Nadu

The Gloves Are Off In Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

Stalin is preparing the DMK to go the whole hog in making 'federalism', 'Tamil self-respect' and 'communal cohesiveness' the party's poll plank next year, and package the BJP and its possible allies, as 'divisive' and 'reactionary', predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

States given 1.28 cr PPEs, 3 cr N95s, 10 cr HCQ tablets: Centre

States given 1.28 cr PPEs, 3 cr N95s, 10 cr HCQ tablets: Centre

Rediff.com13 Aug 2020

In addition, 22,533 'Make in India' ventilators have been delivered to various states, Union territories and central institutions, the ministry said, adding that the Centre is also ensuring the installation and commissioning of the machines.

RS adjourned amid ruling party ruckus over Rajasthan

RS adjourned amid ruling party ruckus over Rajasthan

Rediff.com4 Aug 2023

Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Friday amid an uproar in the House over the issue of law and order situation in Rajasthan.

With eye on next assembly polls, Modi preps for Cabinet rejig

With eye on next assembly polls, Modi preps for Cabinet rejig

Rediff.com15 Mar 2017

The reshuffle is likely to take place after the ongoing Budget session ends on April 12, reports Archis Mohan.

Cabinet rejig? PM Modi calls meet for 'self appraisals'

Cabinet rejig? PM Modi calls meet for 'self appraisals'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2016

Reports suggest that the prime minister has been evaluating his ministers' performances with an eye on implementing key government schemes before the next round of crucial state assembly polls.

Govt provides for OROP, pay panel despite earlier doubts

Govt provides for OROP, pay panel despite earlier doubts

Rediff.com8 Mar 2016

It should be noted that the CPC allocation is provisional.

NSG boss claims his men defused IED in Delhi... turns out it was WW-II bomb

NSG boss claims his men defused IED in Delhi... turns out it was WW-II bomb

Rediff.com23 Aug 2016

In a faux pas, NSG Chief R C Tayal on Tuesday claimed his men defused an Improvised Explosive Device recovered from high-security DRDO Bhawan after "no other agency" could handle the situation, but it later turned out to be a bomb of World War II vintage.

Rahul targets Modi on Manipur; frustrated dynast, says BJP

Rahul targets Modi on Manipur; frustrated dynast, says BJP

Rediff.com15 Jul 2023

Union minister Smriti Irani reacted furiously to the Congress leader's barb at the prime minister over the Rafale purchase and the tense situation in Manipur.

Why did Sitharaman snub the Russians at DefExpo?

Why did Sitharaman snub the Russians at DefExpo?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2018

'It was deliberate,' the Russians allege.

Chidambaram's statement in 2014 on OROP was without cabinet nod: SC told

Chidambaram's statement in 2014 on OROP was without cabinet nod: SC told

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

It added that following this, the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare of Ministry of Defence vide communication dated November 7, 2015, conveyed the policy of OROP for the defence force personnel.

What Ails India's Civil Service

What Ails India's Civil Service

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

'A large portion of youngsters who aspire to join the civil services are not motivated by the spirit of public service and idealism of which the civil services offer in abundance.' 'When they join the mandarin club they look for the loaves and fishes of office, rather than make a difference and wipe what Mahatma Gandhi called 'every tear from every Indian',' points out Rup Narayan Das.

'Fortunate that men like him walked this earth during our time'

'Fortunate that men like him walked this earth during our time'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2019

Shortly after former Defence Minister George Fernandes died at the age of 88, leaders across the political spectrum paid tribute to the veteran leader. Here is how our leaders reacted to the tragedy.

Centre seeks second extension from SC to pay OROP arrears

Centre seeks second extension from SC to pay OROP arrears

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

This is the second extension sought by the Union government to pay the arrears after it had first moved the top court in June and sought three months to compute and make payment.

Brahmos misfire: HC seeks Centre's stand on IAF officer's plea against sacking

Brahmos misfire: HC seeks Centre's stand on IAF officer's plea against sacking

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

A bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna issued notice on the petition by the former wing commander, who was posted as engineering officer at the relevant time, and granted the Centre six weeks to file its response.

Ethical Code to keep doctor, drugmaker nexus at bay not mandatory yet

Ethical Code to keep doctor, drugmaker nexus at bay not mandatory yet

Rediff.com22 Aug 2022

'Gift-giving' - from free dinners and drug samples to promotional merchandise - seems to be driving drugmakers' marketing - a marketing prescription deeply entrenched in the industry. This is a well-oiled racket that sees pharmaceutical (pharma) companies 'gifting' doctors to push their respective drugs under the guise of marketing. But is there a cure in sight to end this unhealthy alliance? The recent controversy following the income-tax raids on Bengaluru-based drugmaker Micro Labs, makers of popular paracetamol brand Dolo-650, has brought this to the fore, again.

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.

After SC verdict, UPSC allows unmarried women to apply for NDA exam

After SC verdict, UPSC allows unmarried women to apply for NDA exam

Rediff.com24 Sep 2021

In compliance with the apex court's interim direction, the UPSC has decided to open the application on upsconline.nic.in for this exam to enable 'unmarried women candidates only' who are otherwise eligible in terms of nationality, age, educational qualification etc., the statement said.

Modi responsible for delay in Rafale delivery: Rahul

Modi responsible for delay in Rafale delivery: Rahul

Rediff.com7 Mar 2019

Jaitley also dubbed Gandhi's attack on Modi as an attempt to shift the focus due to people's 'revulsion' towards the Congress party.