News for 'Universal Service'

If UID is voluntary, why is it used to deliver services?

If UID is voluntary, why is it used to deliver services?

Rediff.com19 Oct 2012

How can Aadhaar be deemed 'voluntary' if service delivery is being made dependent on it, asks Gopal Krishna

'Adani Group is a man-made disaster in the making'

'Adani Group is a man-made disaster in the making'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2023

In 1937, a hydrogen-powered German airship flying into New Jersey caught fire and crashed, killing 35 passengers on board. It was sort of a man-made disaster as some 100 people were loaded on to a balloon filled with the most flammable material in the universe. The airship was named Hindenburg. Eight decades later, in 2017, a graduate of international business management from the University of Connecticut founded a "forensic financial research" firm to specialise in spotting wrongdoings and frauds, or what it calls man-made disasters, at companies around the globe and take market bets against them.

How Urban Flooding Affects Lives

How Urban Flooding Affects Lives

Rediff.com27 Jul 2023

Year by year, our cities remain defeated in the face of weather conditions, costing us time, money, resources and often lives, observe Amit Kapoor and Bibek Debroy.

EPFO to roll out universal A/C nos, calls for clean up act

EPFO to roll out universal A/C nos, calls for clean up act

Rediff.com26 Feb 2014

Employees Provident Fund Organisation is likely to issue permanent account numbers to employees.

Tracing the journey of auto industry pioneer Keshub Mahindra

Tracing the journey of auto industry pioneer Keshub Mahindra

Rediff.com12 Apr 2023

Mahindra & Mahindra chairman emeritus Keshub Mahindra passed away this morning in Mumbai due to old age. Mahindra, 99, breathed his last this morning at home peacefully, said a person close to the family. After joining the company in 1947, he became the chairman in 1963.

How drones can give wings to farmers

How drones can give wings to farmers

Rediff.com13 Nov 2022

So far, the drones that were considered important for the agriculture sector were nature-made winged-insects - a key component of the bee-based natural pollination cycle. The new-age drone is a whirring machine with rotors that can help farmers plan and grow and manage their crops. For the farm sector in India, which has had low levels of mechanisation, the impact of drones can be tremendous. The use of drones can help it leapfrog to modernisation in the same way that mobile phones helped India overcome its traditional lack of connectivity.

India's envoy in Ramallah, Mukul Arya, found dead in embassy

India's envoy in Ramallah, Mukul Arya, found dead in embassy

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

It was not immediately known how Arya, a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, died.

Tasks Cut Out For New Commerce Secretary

Tasks Cut Out For New Commerce Secretary

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

The government is targeting export of goods and services worth $2 trillion by 2030.

Steel Man of India, Jamshed J Irani, passes away at 86

Steel Man of India, Jamshed J Irani, passes away at 86

Rediff.com1 Nov 2022

Jamshed J Irani, known as the steel man of India, died in Jamshedpur late Monday night, Tata Steel said. He was 86. "The Steel Man of India passes away. It is with profound grief that Tata Steel informs of the demise of Padma Bhushan Dr Jamshed J Irani," Tata Steel said in a statement. He passed away on October 31, 2022 at 10 PM at TMH (Tata Hospital) in Jamshedpur, it said.

'India can continue to be fastest growing economy this decade'

'India can continue to be fastest growing economy this decade'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2023

'With a solid investment programme and sustainable development strategy, India can exceed 7 per cent growth per year, or a doubling of high-quality national income within a decade.'

Modi in Washington; to receive ceremonial welcome at White House

Modi in Washington; to receive ceremonial welcome at White House

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

The prime minister, who is visiting the US at the invitation of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, will join them for the state banquet along with a number of dignitaries on Thursday.

How India Can Rival China As Production Platform

How India Can Rival China As Production Platform

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

We have the workforce, now we need to ensure that we take full advantage of game-changing technologies and geopolitical openings, suggests Jayant Sinha, chairman, Parliament's Standing Committee on Finance.

No reason for Indian students to leave Russia: Embassy

No reason for Indian students to leave Russia: Embassy

Rediff.com11 Mar 2022

The embassy, however, said certain disruptions in Russian banking services, as well as direct flight connectivity to India, have been reported and Indian students may consider returning home if they have concerns over these aspects.

Rajan questions Sebi inaction on Mauritius funds trading in Adani stocks

Rajan questions Sebi inaction on Mauritius funds trading in Adani stocks

Rediff.com5 Mar 2023

Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan has asked why SEBI has not yet got to the bottom of ownership of the four Mauritius-based funds who are said to have parked 90 per cent of their $6.9 billion in Adani group stocks, saying does the market regulator need help of investigating agencies for this? The funds -- Elara India Opportunities Fund, Cresta Fund, Albula Investment Fund and APMS Investment Fund -- have been under cloud for last couple of years after allegations that they may be shell companies. They came into focus once again in January when a US short seller alleged that Adani Group used offshore shell companies to inflate stock price.

India keen to take international trade to $2 trn by 2030: Goyal

India keen to take international trade to $2 trn by 2030: Goyal

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

India's goods and services exports have already crossed $675 billion in last fiscal year and the country is now aspiring to take international trade to $2 trillion by 2030, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said. Interacting with faculty, researchers, and students at the Stanford University here, Goyal also said by the time India would celebrate the 100th anniversary of its independence, it would be a $30 trillion economy. "...by 2047-2050 period, when India would be completing 100 years of Independence, we will be at least a $30 trillion economy on a business as usual scenario and possibly a $35-45 trillion economy if some of the aggressive plans that the government is putting together work well.

Is The Congress Doomed?

Is The Congress Doomed?

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

The Congress needs to reorganise itself at the grassroots, infuse younger blood, and have more boots on the ground. Just offering freebies is not the answer anymore. Leadership matters, asserts Ramesh Menon.

'Whatever we do, we have to make an impact'

'Whatever we do, we have to make an impact'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

'Professors can teach even when they are 90 because they don't lose their skill with words. Go deeper and there's spirituality in it.'

Why Indians Turn To Dating Coaches

Why Indians Turn To Dating Coaches

Rediff.com13 Jul 2023

The online world is filled with love gurus promising to teach "how to woo someone in minutes", unlike those who talk about the need to do the self-work.

'The State must be more tolerant of dissent than it is now'

'The State must be more tolerant of dissent than it is now'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2023

'Nearly 13,000 individuals have been charged for sedition since 2010.' 'If the Supreme Court stay ever gets vacated, arrests will follow immediately.'

California Senate passes bill banning caste discrimination

California Senate passes bill banning caste discrimination

Rediff.com12 May 2023

Promoters of the bill, being led by non-profit Equality Lab, said that a similar bill is being introduced in the State House of Representatives, before it can be sent to the Governor to be signed into a law.

Why There's A Slump In IT Hiring

Why There's A Slump In IT Hiring

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

'These companies hired in high numbers last year and are balancing that out this year by recruiting fewer freshers.'

EPFO adds 16.26 lakh subscribers in Nov

EPFO adds 16.26 lakh subscribers in Nov

Rediff.com20 Jan 2023

Retirement fund body EPFO added 16.26 lakh subscribers on a net basis in November 2022, which is 16.5 per cent higher compared to a year ago, the labour ministry said on Friday. The provisional payroll data of Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) released on Friday by the ministry highlighted that the EPFO has added 16.26 lakh net members in the month of November 2022. The data indicate a 25.67 per cent increase in net additions compared to the previous month in October 2022, a labour ministry statement said.

Venugopal Dhoot: From an industry leader to a defaulter

Venugopal Dhoot: From an industry leader to a defaulter

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

Starting with a family, which had a dealership of Bajaj Auto's scooters, to becoming the owner of a household name in consumer appliances who could afford to have Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador, Venugopal Dhoot's is a story of an aggressive small town businessman's pursuit to be on the top. Now arrested in connection with the ICICI Bank loan fraud case, Venugopal Dhoot during his heydays was not the one to simply sit on small achievements like Videocon becoming the largest television set manufacturer in India.

IPL 2023: The Rs 5,000 Crore Battle!

IPL 2023: The Rs 5,000 Crore Battle!

Rediff.com6 Mar 2023

This season, the nature of the advertising game has changed dramatically with TV and digital rights going to different entities.

Simple Tips To Lower Blood Sugar

Simple Tips To Lower Blood Sugar

Rediff.com18 Jul 2023

rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani suggests starting off with small and frequent meals.

'Xi's Main Challenge Is Taking Over Taiwan'

'Xi's Main Challenge Is Taking Over Taiwan'

Rediff.com20 Oct 2022

'Even though as Xi will seemingly continue to stay in power beyond his third term, competitions for the post-Xi leadership would be inevitably unfolded beneath the surface of water, and that will be a big headache for Xi the dictator.'

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Rediff.com24 Dec 2022

Verma, 54, who served as a former US ambassador to India from January 16, 2015, to January 20, 2017 is currently the chief legal officer and head of global public policy at Mastercard.

What To Check Before Studying Abroad

What To Check Before Studying Abroad

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

While most universities and colleges are genuine about what they offer, applicants need to verify the claims to check for authenticity and red flags if any, alerts Piyush Kumar, regional director, (South Asia), IDP Education, an overseas education consultancy.

'India must have its place in the sun'

'India must have its place in the sun'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2023

'China seems more intent on creating a new world order rather than shaping the existing one.' 'India is of course, at this moment in time, aligned with the West-led order because of China's full-spectrum aggressive behaviour towards India.'

NCB makes India's 'largest-ever' LSD seizure, 6 held

NCB makes India's 'largest-ever' LSD seizure, 6 held

Rediff.com6 Jun 2023

The seizure, as per officials, is estimated to be worth over Rs 10 crore in the international market (about Rs 5K-7K per blot) and all the six who have been taken into custody, beginning late last month, are students and youngsters who wanted to make 'easy money' by remaining anonymous within the deep layers of secret internet-based apps and messenger service like WICKR.

Licence fee waived on rural telephones

Licence fee waived on rural telephones

Rediff.com25 Jul 2008

The waiver, decided recently by the Telecom Commission, a wing of the DoT, is worth around Rs 200 crore (Rs 2 billion) per year. The commission also decided to reduce the levy towards the Universal Service Obligation Fund from the present 5 per cent to 3 per cent of the adjusted gross revenue.

10 Tips To Have A Baby After 35

10 Tips To Have A Baby After 35

Rediff.com14 Jul 2023

If you are considering pregnancy, it is advisable to meet with a healthcare provider to discuss your overall health, any pre-existing conditions, and any steps you can take to optimise your health before conceiving, advises Dr Kiran Coelho.

How UGC's 2-Degree Choice Will Help Students

How UGC's 2-Degree Choice Will Help Students

Rediff.com25 Apr 2022

The decision to allow students to pursue two degrees simultaneously will boost their employability as it gives them the opportunity to concentrate on one mainstream undergraduate degree while enrolling in another with a vocational focus.

Maruti to roll out first EV next fiscal, five more by FY30

Maruti to roll out first EV next fiscal, five more by FY30

Rediff.com27 Jan 2023

Maruti will launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in the next financial year (FY24), and will roll out six EVs in the country by FY30, the automaker's parent firm Suzuki said on Thursday.

9 dead as rains batter Punjab, Haryana; Army called in for rescue ops

9 dead as rains batter Punjab, Haryana; Army called in for rescue ops

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

The Punjab government has ordered the closure of schools till July 13 while in Chandigarh schools are closed till Thursday.

New Telecom Act: Sops to cell cos

New Telecom Act: Sops to cell cos

Rediff.com13 Apr 2005

The government said on Wednesday that the Telegraph Act would be amended to incorporate cellular service providers to get a share from the Universal Service Obligation Fund to connect all villages, highways and rail network.\n\n

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.

Sydney bids farewell to seige victims at memorial service

Sydney bids farewell to seige victims at memorial service

Rediff.com23 Dec 2014

Two victims of the deadly Sydney siege were remembered on Tuesday by tearful mourners at private memorial services here, a week after a gunman held them hostage inside a downtown cafe in Australia.