News for 'central information commission'

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Jyoti was among 12 people who have been arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks on charges of espionage, with investigators pointing at an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India.

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

While six of them have been held from Punjab, five were nabbed from neighbouring Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

Has Karur Tragedy Halted Vijay's Political Rise?

Has Karur Tragedy Halted Vijay's Political Rise?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

The Karur tragedy has exposed the huge gaps in Vijay's understanding of realpolitik, elections and political administration, asserts N Sathiya Moorthy.

CBI not liable to furnish any information under RTI Act: Kerala HC

CBI not liable to furnish any information under RTI Act: Kerala HC

Rediff.com7 Nov 2022

The case lodged against him by one of the Customs officials is pending before the special judge, Thiruvananthapuram.

'Biggest reform in sports since independence': LS passes Sports Bill

'Biggest reform in sports since independence': LS passes Sports Bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Sports Bill is a key reform aimed at building a "transparent, accountable and world-class sports ecosystem" in India.

Special Branch manual confidential, can't be disclosed under RTI: HC

Special Branch manual confidential, can't be disclosed under RTI: HC

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

The high court said disclosing such information will not only compromise the functioning of the Special Branch of the Delhi police, but could also jeopardise ongoing and future investigations, adding that it falls within the scope of 'exempted information' under the RTI Act.

How India must select information commissioners

How India must select information commissioners

Rediff.com23 Feb 2016

There is a great need to introduce a transparent process to select information commissioners, who are expected to oversee transparency, says former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi.

Why 767 Maharashtra Farmers Died By Suicide

Why 767 Maharashtra Farmers Died By Suicide

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'You've got to understand it is not easy to die by suicide.' 'People commit suicide only when they lose everything and find no other way to live.'

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer M G Devasahayam, who was one of the signatories to the representation on the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) and the vote-counting process, had filed an application with the poll panel under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, seeking details of the action taken on it.

Are I-T Returns Details Private?

Are I-T Returns Details Private?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Disclosing an individual's income-tax returns is tantamount to violating the person's fundamental right to privacy as recognised by the Constitution.

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

At the end of the discussion, the older Monpa said that if today the Chinese were to come inside India, "I will fight and kill them", prudently adding, "if they are of my age, if they are younger soldiers, I will not be able to fight". The entire village had a good laugh.

YK Sinha appointed as chief info commissioner along with 3 ICs

YK Sinha appointed as chief info commissioner along with 3 ICs

Rediff.com7 Nov 2020

Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha was appointed as the chief information commissioner on Saturday, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement.

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.

'Counter-Productive For India To Create Upstream And Downstream Acrimony'

'Counter-Productive For India To Create Upstream And Downstream Acrimony'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'China has thus far been cautious, emphasising its focus on development rather than weaponising water resources.'

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

A nationwide strike called by trade unions to protest against the central government's labor policies had a mixed impact across India. While normal life remained largely unaffected in most parts of the country, some sectors like banking, transport, and insurance experienced disruptions. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in West Bengal.

Disha Salian committed suicide, no foul play found: Police

Disha Salian committed suicide, no foul play found: Police

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Mumbai police submit to the Bombay High Court that Disha Salian committed suicide, refuting claims of foul play by her father, who alleges gangrape and murder and seeks a CBI probe.

No information on creation of Aarogya Setu app: Govt

No information on creation of Aarogya Setu app: Govt

Rediff.com28 Oct 2020

Information Commissioner, in a terse order, pointed out that the website of the application mentions that the content on it is "owned, updated and maintained" by MyGov and MeitY

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Landslides blocked arterial roads leading up to Dharali where dozens of people were trapped and many homes and cars swept away by the raging waters on Tuesday. Eleven Army personnel from the nearby camp in Harsil were among those missing.

The Sword Of Vigilance Hangs Over Bankers

The Sword Of Vigilance Hangs Over Bankers

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

'Vigilance' is a dreaded term for PSB employees and there are instances where this fear is misused by the higher authorities to tame their subordinate officials. This fear always deters PSB executives from making decisions -- the fewer the decisions, the less the chance of falling into trouble, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Watch LIVE! All the action from Parliament

Watch LIVE! All the action from Parliament

Rediff.com22 Jul 2019

Watch all the debates and discussions in Parliament.

Molested, driven out of home, women at Malda camp tell NCW

Molested, driven out of home, women at Malda camp tell NCW

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

A delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW) visited a relief camp in Malda, West Bengal, and reported that women were being harassed and threatened by police. The NCW team, led by chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, met with those displaced by riots in Murshidabad and alleged that the women were being coerced to return home without proper safety measures. The team is scheduled to travel to Murshidabad and Kolkata to continue their investigation.

'RSS Wanted To Destroy The Janata Party'

'RSS Wanted To Destroy The Janata Party'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

'JP opened up about all the betrayals, the betrayal of the Jan Sangh and the RSS, how they ganged up with Sanjay Gandhi and pulled down the Morarji Desai government, how they destroyed the Janata Party.'

Heatwave continues in northwest, central India; relief after 2 days

Heatwave continues in northwest, central India; relief after 2 days

Rediff.com4 Jun 2024

Temperatures in 17 locations breached 45 degrees Celsius on Monday, with the punishing heat affecting health and livelihoods.

Shakti Dubey tops 2024 civil services exam; women dominate top 5

Shakti Dubey tops 2024 civil services exam; women dominate top 5

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Shakti Dubey has topped the civil services examination 2024, with Harshita Goyal and Dongre Archit Parag getting the second and third ranks, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced on Tuesday. The top five successful candidates comprise three women and two men. The civil services examination is conducted annually in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. A total of 1,009 candidates -- 725 men and 284 women -- have been recommended by the UPSC for appointment to various services.

Day after Kejri arrest, INDIA moves EC against misuse of central agencies

Day after Kejri arrest, INDIA moves EC against misuse of central agencies

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

In a memorandum submitted to the EC, the INDIA party leaders submitted a list of recent instances of central agencies targeting Opposition parties and alleged an absence of a level playing field for the opposition.

Congress picks Rahul Gandhi as leader of Oppn in Lok Sabha

Congress picks Rahul Gandhi as leader of Oppn in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

The decision on Rahul Gandhi's appointment as the Leader of Opposition was made after a meeting of the floor leaders of the INDIA bloc at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence.

Rs 1.2 Lakh Scholarship For Entrance Exam Coaching

Rs 1.2 Lakh Scholarship For Entrance Exam Coaching

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

Students from de-notified tribes, nomadic tribes and semi-nomadic tribes will receive coaching fees of up to 1,20,000 and additional benefits for preparing for entrance examinations such as JEE, NEET, CLAT and the NDA.

Reconsider denial of Agnipath records, CIC tells defence ministry

Reconsider denial of Agnipath records, CIC tells defence ministry

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

Durve argued that the word 'secret' is nowhere in the exemption clause under which information could be denied to an applicant.

After CEO exit, RBI okays IndusIndexecutives' panel to run the show

After CEO exit, RBI okays IndusIndexecutives' panel to run the show

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved IndusInd Bank's request to form an executive committee to discharge the duties and responsibilities of the chief executive officer (CEO) for a period of maximum three months or till a new CEO takes charge, whichever is earlier.

Hindutva outfit demands stringent OTT laws 'as in UAE'

Hindutva outfit demands stringent OTT laws 'as in UAE'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

The outfit suggested that the government amend the Information Technology Act to classify all such content as pornography, which people should only be able to access by punching in their Aadhaar details or their fingerprints. Archis Mohan reports

Bengal panchayat polls: Cong, govt employees demand more central forces

Bengal panchayat polls: Cong, govt employees demand more central forces

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

The State Election Commission on Friday informed the Calcutta high court that it has requisitioned 822 companies of central forces for the July 8 panchayat polls in West Bengal.

Sidda suspends Bengaluru police chief, orders RCB representatives' arrest

Sidda suspends Bengaluru police chief, orders RCB representatives' arrest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the chief minister also announced a one-man judicial probe, headed by Justice Michael D'Cunha, a retired high court judge of Karnataka, into the tragic incident.

ED allowed to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies

ED allowed to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies

Rediff.com28 Nov 2022

The government has allowed the Enforcement Directorate to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies, including SFIO, CCI and NIA, a move that will expedite nailing of law-breakers. The finance ministry notified changes to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on November 22. Through the notification, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which deals primarily with cases of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws, would be able to share data with a total of 25 agencies, including the 10 specified earlier.

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The BJP received the highest amount in large donations among national parties in the financial year 2023-24, with over Rs 2,243 crore declared from 8,358 donations, according to a report by poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report, based on data submitted to the Election Commission, highlighted trends in political donations above Rs 20,000. The total declared donations to national parties stood at Rs 2,544.28 crore from 12,547 contributions - a sharp 199 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Fake cardiologist N John Camm, linked to 7 deaths in MP, arrested

Fake cardiologist N John Camm, linked to 7 deaths in MP, arrested

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

A fake cardiologist operating at a missionary hospital in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, has been linked to the deaths of seven patients. Police have filed an FIR against the accused, identified as Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, who allegedly used the name of a renowned UK cardiologist. The incident came to light after a complaint was filed with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which is investigating the case. The accused has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including forgery and criminal liability. The incident has sparked political controversy, with the Congress accusing the BJP of protecting the accused.

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to address the growing concern of student suicides in higher educational institutions. The court took note of the recurring cases and directed Delhi Police to register FIRs on the complaints of families of two students who died by suicide at IIT Delhi in 2023. The NTF, chaired by former apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, will prepare a comprehensive report, including the identification of causes leading to suicides, analysis of existing regulations, and recommendations for strengthening protections. The NTF will also have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of higher educational institutions and make further recommendations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns and eliminating suicides.

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

China has announced a 7.2 percent increase in its national defence budget, bringing the total to USD 249 billion for the year. This rise comes amidst China's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces, including the development of new warships and fighter jets. The budget increase, exceeding last year's 7.2 percent rise, reflects China's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of the Communist Party's leadership in guiding the military, with President Xi Jinping at the helm of the Central Military Commission. China's defence spending is now three times that of India's and is viewed by critics as a sign of the country's growing military ambitions.

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'What does Indira Gandhi want from me? At this age, what will I do to her?'

Guv defies Mamata on Murshidabad visit; violence report submitted to HC

Guv defies Mamata on Murshidabad visit; violence report submitted to HC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The West Bengal government has assured the Calcutta High Court that the law and order situation in violence-hit Murshidabad district is under control. The court was hearing a petition by the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged bomb blasts during communal riots and sought an NIA investigation. The state government claims adequate steps have been taken to quell the violence, while the Centre has requested an extension of CAPF deployment in the district. The violence erupted during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad, displacing several families. The state government has reported that some families have returned to their homes.

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Kerala Police are investigating the mysterious deaths of an IRS officer, his sister, and their mother in Kochi. The officer, Maneesh Vijay, and his sister, Shalini Vijay, were found hanging inside their house, while their mother, Shakuntala Agarwal, was discovered dead on her bed. Police have not yet established a direct link between the deaths and a CBI case in which Shalini was summoned as an accused. Preliminary findings suggest the siblings died by suicide, but the cause of their mother's death is still under investigation. The family had been residing in the quarters for the past year and a half but reportedly kept to themselves, maintaining limited interaction with neighbours, police added.