News for 'United Services Institution'

Bajwa's rapprochement: Honest intent or smoke screen?

Bajwa's rapprochement: Honest intent or smoke screen?

Rediff.com22 Mar 2021

Pakistan's offer to normalise relations with India is an attempt to buy temporary peace due to its economic and politico-strategic compulsions, notes Brigadier Narender Kumar (retd).

I-T dept slaps Rs 30-cr service tax notice on Amity

I-T dept slaps Rs 30-cr service tax notice on Amity

Rediff.com24 Jun 2013

The notice also said service tax amounting to Rs 28.08 crore (Rs 280.8 million), in addition to education cess of Rs 56 lakh and secondary and higher education cess of Rs 28 lakh (Rs 2.8 million) for the period between October 2007 and September 2012, should be recovered from Amity under the provision to sub-section 1 of section 73 of the Finance Act.

Time to end DRDO's monopoly on defence research

Time to end DRDO's monopoly on defence research

Rediff.com17 Sep 2020

We must seize the opportunity provided by the COVID-19 crisis to kick-start indigenous research efforts, recommends Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Modi govt forced Pakistan to talk peace

Modi govt forced Pakistan to talk peace

Rediff.com19 Apr 2021

'Under National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval and now Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, India began to actively work on Pakistani internal faultlines with a possibility of the break-up of Pakistan as the only solution,' observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

General Bikram Singh likely to be promoted as tri-service chief

General Bikram Singh likely to be promoted as tri-service chief

Rediff.com4 Dec 2013

Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh to be appointed chairman of chiefs of staff committee in January, Lt Gen Anil Chait to head army, say sources

'Russia is US's most acute security threat worldwide'

'Russia is US's most acute security threat worldwide'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2022

'This, together with Chinese revisionism, will constitute the major test of the international system.'

Naik Rathore, hero of 1971 Indo-Pak battle of Longewala, passes away

Naik Rathore, hero of 1971 Indo-Pak battle of Longewala, passes away

Rediff.com19 Dec 2022

Bhairon Singh Rathore, a BSF veteran of the 1971 India-Pakistan war whose bravery at Rajasthan's Longewala post was portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the Bollywood movie Border, died in Jodhpur on Monday.

Toll climbs to 37 as north India is battered by rains: Army, NDRF step in

Toll climbs to 37 as north India is battered by rains: Army, NDRF step in

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

Incessant rains unleashed more death and destruction on Monday in parts of north India, with 37 people killed in landslides and other rain-related incidents in the last two days even as the Army and NDRF teams stepped in to intensify the relief and rescue operations.

Why Pakistan isn't taking advantage of Ladakh standoff

Why Pakistan isn't taking advantage of Ladakh standoff

Rediff.com2 Jan 2021

TheWhat led to Pakistan not taking advantage of India's difficulty is the hold that the US has over the Pakistani ruling elite, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Will My Job Be Threatened?

Will My Job Be Threatened?

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

Ajit Balakrishnan decodes the post-ChatGPT angst.

Farooq counters Amit Shah's charges with achievements during NC rule in J-K

Farooq counters Amit Shah's charges with achievements during NC rule in J-K

Rediff.com7 Oct 2022

Abdullah issued a white paper on development undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir during the rule of "Abdullah and Sons" -- as Shah referred the family in his speech at a rally in Baramulla district -- to counter the allegations of corruption.

Armed forces can take action against officers for adultery, says SC

Armed forces can take action against officers for adultery, says SC

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that armed forces can take action against their officers for adulterous acts, as it clarified the landmark 2018 judgment that decriminalised adultery.

Imran Khan to resume march from the same point where he was attacked

Imran Khan to resume march from the same point where he was attacked

Rediff.com6 Nov 2022

Imran Khan on Sunday announced that his party will resume the march to Islamabad from the same spot where he survived an assassination attempt but sustained bullet injuries during a rally in Punjab province, saying he prefers 'death instead of living the life of a slave'.

UP seeks to take embassies' help to boost exports

UP seeks to take embassies' help to boost exports

Rediff.com2 Aug 2022

The Uttar Pradesh government will tap the Indian embassies in the US and European countries in its bid to double merchandise shipments to Rs 3 trillion in the next 4-5 years. The Indian embassies in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, Israel, Singapore, etc. will promote the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) products, apart from traditional handicrafts and indigenous products, under the state's flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. "Indian embassies will provide the much-needed traction and visibility to our traditional products in key export destinations across the globe," UP additional chief secretary (MSME and export promotion) Navneet Sehgal told Business Standard.

'If anything goes wrong with Byju's...'

'If anything goes wrong with Byju's...'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

'India's edtech and start-up story will be in danger.'

What led to Chinese buildup in Ladakh sector

What led to Chinese buildup in Ladakh sector

Rediff.com26 Jan 2023

The paper suggests the strategy needs to be area-specific eg, border tourism can be promoted aggressively in the Turtuk or Siachen sector, and Daulat Beg Oldi or Depsang plains.

'Narasimha Rao was a prime minister with an open mind'

'Narasimha Rao was a prime minister with an open mind'

Rediff.com2 May 2023

'Narasimha Rao asked me why China was doing so well in attracting foreign investments and I gave my frank opinion.' 'I told him that giving thrust to exports had to be a national effort.' 'But in India, the system was very centralised in the Government of India and the state governments had no role to play.'

Rupee drops 10 paise to close at all-time low of 82.40 per USD

Rupee drops 10 paise to close at all-time low of 82.40 per USD

Rediff.com10 Oct 2022

The rupee depreciated 39 paise to an all-time low of 82.69 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday as elevated crude oil prices and risk-averse sentiment among investors weighed on the local unit. Moreover, a negative trend in domestic equities and firm American currency sapped investor appetite, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 82.68 against the greenback, then slipped further to 82.69, registering a fall of 39 paise over its previous close.

If you give respect, you will get respect: Pilot in veiled swipe at Gehlot

If you give respect, you will get respect: Pilot in veiled swipe at Gehlot

Rediff.com20 Jan 2023

In an apparent attack on Gehlot, Pilot said one's upbringing should be such that he gives respect to others, adding that respect comes back when it is given.

Rupee slides to all-time low of 82.30 against dollar

Rupee slides to all-time low of 82.30 against dollar

Rediff.com7 Oct 2022

The rupee depreciated further by 13 paise to hit a new life-time closing low of 82.30 against the US dollar on Friday as a firm American currency and risk-averse sentiment among investors weighed on the local unit. Moreover, a negative trend in domestic equities and elevated crude oil prices sapped investor appetite, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local currency opened at 82.19, then fell further to 82.43. It finally settled at an all-time low of 82.30 against the American currency, registering a decline of 13 paise over its previous close.

Mukesh Ambani's succession plan - retail to Isha, energy to Anant

Mukesh Ambani's succession plan - retail to Isha, energy to Anant

Rediff.com29 Aug 2022

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani on Monday laid bare the succession plan at India's most valuable company, identifying twins children Akash and Isha for telecom and retail leadership, and youngest son Anant for new energy unit. He, however, insisted he isn't retiring yet and will "continue to provide hands-on leadership as before". At the annual shareholders' meeting of Reliance Industries Ltd, he said the robust architecture that he has announced will ensure the firm remains "a unit, well-integrated and secure institution even as it develops existing businesses and adds new growth engines."

Time for India to EMBRACE Russia

Time for India to EMBRACE Russia

Rediff.com6 Dec 2021

We can make a beginning by openly acknowledging the Russian help in 1971 victory when President Putin visits India on 6 December 2021. Showing gratitude to a friend is part of our DNA, notes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

India@75: Beacon Of Light In Gloomy World

India@75: Beacon Of Light In Gloomy World

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

World over, pluralism is in retreat. Luckily for us, Indian pluralism and its consequent tolerance of diversity is rooted in our basic values. As long as we remain faithful to these values and keep our institutions in good health, the Indian miracle of last 75 years is likely to last centuries, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Kerala announces complete lockdown from May 8

Kerala announces complete lockdown from May 8

Rediff.com7 May 2021

Strict lockdown-like restrictions are already in place in the southern stateand the Pinarayi Vijayan government decided to clamp the complete shutdown in the wake of severe spike in the positive cases.

Will India manage to grow at 6.8% in FY24?

Will India manage to grow at 6.8% in FY24?

Rediff.com22 Mar 2023

The external environment has worsened further. While the Finnish economy entered into a recession, Swedish economic growth also dipped. The Finnish gross domestic product (GDP) dropped 0.6 per cent in October-December, 2022. It was the second quarter of negative growth, which is a technical definition of recession.

Why Xi's China resembles Nazi Germany

Why Xi's China resembles Nazi Germany

Rediff.com17 May 2021

Chinese hubris and the slippery slope it finds itself on have important lessons for authoritarian leaders elsewhere, including in India, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Modi's 2-day K'taka visit from Monday, to attend Yoga Day event in Mysore

Modi's 2-day K'taka visit from Monday, to attend Yoga Day event in Mysore

Rediff.com19 Jun 2022

The PMO said mass yoga demonstrations will be organised at 75 iconic locations across the country under the leadership of 75 Union ministers, with Modi attending the exercise at Mysore.

Army maintains strong defence posture along LAC: Gen Manoj Pande

Army maintains strong defence posture along LAC: Gen Manoj Pande

Rediff.com15 Jan 2023

General Pande said the northern border region has been peaceful and steps have been taken to maintain peace through established protocol and existing mechanism.

We need a treaty with America to deal with China

We need a treaty with America to deal with China

Rediff.com8 Sep 2020

American help in defending our independence will send a strong signal to the Chinese, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why are electric two-wheelers in India catching fire?

Why are electric two-wheelers in India catching fire?

Rediff.com12 May 2022

Nearly a decade ago, the first fully electric vehicle (EV) caught fire on the road in the US. It was a model from Tesla, the world's most admired EV maker. A metal fragment punctured the underbelly of the vehicle, penetrating its battery pack, leading to a fire. Indian lawmakers and automakers have had nine years to study the incident (in fact, three Tesla Model Ss caught fire in two months in 2013) but seem to have learnt little.

Rupee slips 3 paise to fresh low of 79.06

Rupee slips 3 paise to fresh low of 79.06

Rediff.com30 Jun 2022

Sliding for the fifth straight session, the rupee fell 3 paise to close at a fresh lifetime low of 79.06 against the US dollar on Thursday amid a strong greenback overseas and unrelenting foreign fund outflows. At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened at 78.92 against the greenback and witnessed an intra-day high of 78.90 and a low of 79.07. It finally settled at 79.06, down 3 paise over its previous close of 79.03.

Will govt restart rupee-rouble trade?

Will govt restart rupee-rouble trade?

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

The government may soon give the green light to bilateral trade between Russia and India in their national currencies to avoid any trade disruptions, multiple people aware of the matter said. While the Department of Commerce has recommended the proposal, an announcement is likely to be made by the finance ministry after further deliberations between the Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Financial Services. "The finance ministry will take a call on how to peg the two currencies," a senior government official told Business Standard. In the past, the two nations have had rupee-rouble trade, and when such an arrangement is implemented again, it will bypass the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West.

Rupee sinks 19 paise to new low of 77.93 against US dollar

Rupee sinks 19 paise to new low of 77.93 against US dollar

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

The rupee tumbled 19 paise to close at a fresh lifetime low of 77.93 against the US dollar on Friday as rising crude oil prices and unabated foreign capital outflows soured sentiment. A sell-off in equity markets and stronger greenback overseas also weighed on the domestic unit, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local currency opened at 77.81 and witnessed an intra-day high of 77.79 and a low of 77.93 against the US dollar.

Biden administration goes into mission mode to help India fight COVID-19

Biden administration goes into mission mode to help India fight COVID-19

Rediff.com27 Apr 2021

'We are in close touch with Indian officials at all levels. We are also closely coordinating with our allies, friends, and Quad partners about how we can collectively support India in its hour of need,' a senior Biden administration official told reporters

Is Nitish's hold over administration slipping?

Is Nitish's hold over administration slipping?

Rediff.com4 Apr 2023

This is the first time after Nitish Kumar dumped the BJP in August 2022 that violence has broken out across the state, reports M I Khan.

Kharge extends hand to parties to defeat BJP, says ready for sacrifices

Kharge extends hand to parties to defeat BJP, says ready for sacrifices

Rediff.com25 Feb 2023

In the prevailing difficult circumstances, the Congress is the only party that can provide capable and decisive leadership to the country, Kharge asserted.

At mega TMC rally, united Oppn vows to oust Modi

At mega TMC rally, united Oppn vows to oust Modi

Rediff.com19 Jan 2019

Over 20 political parties, except the Biju Janata Dal and the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Front, took part in the massive rally.

4 lions at Singapore zoo test positive for COVID-19

4 lions at Singapore zoo test positive for COVID-19

Rediff.com10 Nov 2021

The country also reported 3,397 fresh COVID-19 cases, including 169 from dormitories for migrant workers.

Centre approves Rs 23,123 cr package to fight Covid

Centre approves Rs 23,123 cr package to fight Covid

Rediff.com8 Jul 2021

Mandaviya said this is the second phase of the Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package as the Central government had given Rs 15,000 crore earlier for setting up Covid-dedicated hospitals and health centres across the country.

Will be very difficult for BJP to win elections, if...: Rahul

Will be very difficult for BJP to win elections, if...: Rahul

Rediff.com31 Dec 2022

'When I started this, I just took it as an ordinary yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. Slowly we understood that this yatra has a voice and feelings'