News for 'Union Ministry of Information'

Govt asks social media firms to remove Kolkata victim's details

Govt asks social media firms to remove Kolkata victim's details

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

Seeking prompt removal of identifiable references of the deceased from all social media platforms, the IT ministry warned that failure to comply with the apex court's order may result in legal consequences and further regulatory action.

Home ministry recommends CBI probe into NGO Oxfam India

Home ministry recommends CBI probe into NGO Oxfam India

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

The Union home ministry on Thursday recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the affairs of the Indian arm of the global NGO Oxfam for alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, sources said.

Sebastian Coe in India for 2036 Olympics talks

Sebastian Coe in India for 2036 Olympics talks

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Primer Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday and discussed India's intent to host the 2036 Olympics and development of athletics in the country.

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations on Wednesday, fulfilling a decades-old agreement that prohibits attacks on each other's atomic facilities. The exchange took place amid strained relations between the two countries over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism. The agreement, signed in 1988, mandates the annual exchange of such lists, which has occurred for the 34th consecutive year.

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Journalist and author Chitra Subramaniam has demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) make public its findings from the "box of evidence" received from Switzerland regarding the Bofors payoffs. Subramaniam, author of 'Boforsgate: A Journalist's Pursuit of Truth', expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the evidence, questioning who opened the box, when it was opened, and what it contained. She also raised doubts about the official narrative regarding the alleged bribe in the Bofors case, suggesting the sum of Rs 64 crore may not reflect the full extent of the corruption. Subramaniam also alleged that the CBI planted stories about Hindi film actor Amitabh Bachchan to derail the investigation and launched a political vendetta against the Bachchans. She recalled that Bachchan had come to her home and asked if she had seen his name. The CBI has recently requested assistance from the United States in the case, seeking information from private investigator Michael Hershman, who claims to have crucial details about the scandal. The Bofors scandal, a major bribery case involving the Indian government and the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors in the 1980s, pertains to allegations of a Rs 64-crore bribe in a Rs 1,437-crore deal for the supply of 400 155mm field Howitzers.

Meity To Tap Global AI & ML Experts

Meity To Tap Global AI & ML Experts

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'We will start reaching out to researchers, academics, and experts on AI from top universities and companies from across the world.'

Extradition process begins to bring back Lawrence Bishnoi's Brother from US

Extradition process begins to bring back Lawrence Bishnoi's Brother from US

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Both Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi have been named as wanted accused in the April 14 firing incident outside the Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartment in Mumbai's Bandra area.

Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, India revamps tariff structure

Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, India revamps tariff structure

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Anticipating US action on tariffs, India seems to have made the first move by revamping its tariff structure by reducing the slabs to eight rates, points out Mukesh Butani.

Saif's Rs 15,000 crore property inheritance in limbo

Saif's Rs 15,000 crore property inheritance in limbo

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The fate of properties worth Rs 15,000 crore inherited by actor Saif Ali Khan and his family from Bhopal's erstwhile rulers hangs in the balance due to uncertainty over filing an appeal against an order of the Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property. If an appeal is not filed by the Bhopal Nawab's successors, the properties could fall under the Centre's control, lawyers have said. The matter stems from a 2015 ruling that declared the Bhopal Nawab's property "Enemy Property" due to the eldest daughter, Abida Sultan Begum, migrating to Pakistan after the Partition. However, a 1962 order recognized Sajida Sultan Begum, the second daughter, as the sole successor to the properties after the death of Nawab Hamidullah Khan. The dispute is currently with the Mumbai-based Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property, following a Madhya Pradesh High Court order that directed the filing of a representation within 30 days. The high court's order also raised the issue of limitation as the appeal was filed after a significant period. The properties include Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace and Flag Staff House. The Enemy Property Act was passed in 1968 to regulate properties left behind in India by those who emigrated to Pakistan.

FCRA licence of NGOs will be scrapped if..., warns govt

FCRA licence of NGOs will be scrapped if..., warns govt

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

FCRA registration will also be cancelled if any NGO is not utilising foreign funding as per the aims and objectives of the NGO or if it has not uploaded the annual returns, the ministry said.

Vande Bharat All Set For The Mountains

Vande Bharat All Set For The Mountains

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The new Vande Bharat Express train is specially designed to operate seamlessly in Jammu & Kashmir's challenging winter conditions for the upcoming Katra-Srinagar rail route.

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.

8th Eco Census likely next year; data for 7th awaited

8th Eco Census likely next year; data for 7th awaited

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (Mospi) has started preparations for the eighth Economic Census (EC), which is expected to be formally launched next year, sources told Business Standard, even as the results of the seventh edition are yet to be made public. "Centre has asked states and Union Territories (UTs) to submit requirements for funds and manpower in a bid to start work on the eighth EC. "The states and UTs are required to set up a dedicated unit to conduct the exercise.

Mysuru layoffs: Infosys denies using force, intimidation tactics

Mysuru layoffs: Infosys denies using force, intimidation tactics

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

IT services company Infosys on Wednesday said it did not use force or intimidation tactics when it laid off trainees at Mysuru campus over performance-related issues, and that it was explaining the circumstances to the labour department authorities. In an interview to PTI, Shaji Mathew, chief human resources officer at Infosys, however, conceded that assessment failure percentages this time around have been "slightly higher" than in the past but dismissed charges that the tests had been designed for failure.

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The DG-level border talks between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Delhi next month, have been postponed following a change in plan by the neighbouring country, official sources said on Friday.

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Among the new entrants to the Union cabinet, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been given the agriculture and rural development portfolios, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda the health portfolio and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar the power portfolio.

My son is being framed, says father of Saif stabbing accused

My son is being framed, says father of Saif stabbing accused

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The father of Shariful Islam, the Bangladeshi man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan, claims his son was framed and is seeking help from the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry and the Indian High Commission for his release. He alleges that Shariful was living in India illegally without proper documentation and was in fear of arrest. Ruhul claims his son was not the person seen in the CCTV footage and believes there might be a conspiracy. He says Shariful left Bangladesh after the re-election of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fearing for his safety.

Centre on alert over HMPV outbreak in China

Centre on alert over HMPV outbreak in China

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union health ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies, according to official sources.

Prevent undue panic: Centre advises states on mpox

Prevent undue panic: Centre advises states on mpox

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

The Centre on Monday advised states and union territories to screen and test of all suspect mpox cases.

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The strong statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah's office came after former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah asked bureaucrats in the Union Territory to resist any pressure to "further disempower" the incoming elected government.

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'

UPI Frauds Cost Indians Rs 485 Crore

UPI Frauds Cost Indians Rs 485 Crore

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

In FY24 alone, 1.34 million fraud cases were reported, amounting to losses of Rs 1,087 crore.

President's rule imposed in Manipur; assembly suspended

President's rule imposed in Manipur; assembly suspended

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

President's rule was imposed in Manipur on Thursday, with the state assembly put under suspended animation following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The decision came after months of ethnic violence that claimed over 250 lives. Singh's resignation was attributed to his handling of the violence and allegations of instigating conflict. The imposition of President's rule was met with a sense of hope by the Kuki-Zo community, who expressed distrust of the Meitei leadership.

Andhra rains: Vijayawada flooded, over 2.7L affected, says Naidu

Andhra rains: Vijayawada flooded, over 2.7L affected, says Naidu

Rediff.com1 Sep 2024

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the weather situation with senior officials and asked them to incorporate technologies such as drones to assess the deluge and accordingly plan the relief works.

CAB stir: IB ministry issues advisory to news channels

CAB stir: IB ministry issues advisory to news channels

Rediff.com12 Dec 2019

The advisory was issued after some TV channels beamed footage of violent protests in the Northeast.

45 specialists to join Modi govt in major lateral entry push

45 specialists to join Modi govt in major lateral entry push

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

Forty-five specialists will soon be joining key posts of joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries in different central ministries as part of the Modi government's ambitious plan to infuse fresh talent to further improve ease of governance.

Why The Census Is Important

Why The Census Is Important

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.

Amid rising living costs, govt hikes minimum wage rates for workers

Amid rising living costs, govt hikes minimum wage rates for workers

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living, a labour ministry statement said.

CBI chargesheets youth for 'doctored' screenshot of UGC-NET paper

CBI chargesheets youth for 'doctored' screenshot of UGC-NET paper

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

The CBI did not find any large-scale conspiracy in the episode and would limit the charge sheet to offences of attempt to cheat or cheating, they said.

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.

India submits 'Letter of Intent' to host 2036 Olympics

India submits 'Letter of Intent' to host 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

India face competition from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, who are positioning themselves as strong contenders to host the 2036 Olympics.

Marathi, Bengali among 5 languages to get classical tag

Marathi, Bengali among 5 languages to get classical tag

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved conferring the status of classical language on Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages.

PMO's 'informal interaction' with CEC, ECs raises eyebrows

PMO's 'informal interaction' with CEC, ECs raises eyebrows

Rediff.com18 Dec 2021

The Congress hit out at the government, alleging that it was treating the EC as its "subservient tool".

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Chief minister-designate Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to present letters of support from coalition partners, shortly after the Congress officially extended its backing to the party.

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.

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The Indian government has lodged a strong protest with Canada after consular officials at the Indian consulate in Vancouver were informed they were under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications had been intercepted. The Indian government maintains that Canada has provided space for pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity and has urged Canada to take action against anti-India elements.

Cabinet approves assured pension for govt employees

Cabinet approves assured pension for govt employees

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The National Pension System is applicable for government employees joining the service after April 1, 2004. It was based on the premise of contribution rather than defined benefit applicable for employees prior to the NPS.

Govt dissolves Pronab Sen-led panel on statistics, cites 'overlap' in work

Govt dissolves Pronab Sen-led panel on statistics, cites 'overlap' in work

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

With the dissolution of former chief statistician Pronab Sen-led Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the National Statistical Commission (NSC) has regained prominence as the primary statistical body to address issues regarding results, methodology and questionnaire, among others. A MoSPI official in an email informed the 16-member SCoS about the decision to dissolve it, citing that its work was "overlapping" with that of the Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys (NSS), which was set up in June this year.

Got fake govt e-notice? Here's what to do

Got fake govt e-notice? Here's what to do

Rediff.com14 Jul 2024

Users should be aware of "fake emails" sent in the garb of a government e-notice, said the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in a public advertisement.

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Signalling both change and continuity, India's new government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term, got into work gear on Tuesday with cabinet ministers and ministers of state filing into their respective offices to assume charge.