News for 'independent witnesses'

M-cap of BSE-listed companies at record $3 trillion

M-cap of BSE-listed companies at record $3 trillion

Rediff.com25 May 2021

The country's dash to a $3-trillion market cap is more a case of teamwork, than a few members doing most of the heavy lifting. Sample this: The share of top 100 companies to India's total market cap (BSE-listed companies' m-cap) is 67.3 per cent currently, less than what it has been when the nation hit previous milestones, such as $1 trillion, $1.5 trillion in 2007 or $2.5 trillion more recently in December 2020. In 2007, when India's m-cap topped the $1-trillion mark for the first time, the top 100 companies accounted for three-fourths of the total m-cap; at $1.5 trillion, the share was almost 80 per cent.

No material in Zakia Jafri's complaint to take it forward: SIT tells SC

No material in Zakia Jafri's complaint to take it forward: SIT tells SC

Rediff.com10 Nov 2021

Zakia Jafri, the wife of slain Congress leader Ehsan Jafri who was killed at Gulberg society in Ahmedabad on February 28, 2002 during the violence, has challenged the SIT's clean chit to 64 persons including Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister during the 2002 riots in the state.

China listening, Jaishankar brings up territorial integrity at BRICS online meet

China listening, Jaishankar brings up territorial integrity at BRICS online meet

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

The five-nation grouping BRICS on Tuesday resolved to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and vowed to step up joint efforts in building support for an India-backed global framework to effectively deal with the menace.

Renewable energy: Investments may cross $15 bn in 2022

Renewable energy: Investments may cross $15 bn in 2022

Rediff.com24 Dec 2021

After witnessing cloudy skies this year, the country's renewable energy sector is expected to boom with a likely investment of over $15 billion in 2022 as the government focuses on electric vehicles, green hydrogen, manufacturing of solar equipment as well as achieving the ambitious 175 GW renewable capacity target. India, which has an installed renewable energy generation capacity of a little over 150 GW, aims to reach 175 GW in 2022. Out of the total mix, 100 GW would be from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from small hydro power projects.

2021: A year of many firsts for the revenue dept

2021: A year of many firsts for the revenue dept

Rediff.com23 Dec 2021

A record GST tax collection, an overhaul of the income tax return filing portal and the landmark move to scrap retrospective taxation have set the stage for the next level of reforms in tax administration that include bringing a framework for cryptocurrencies and rationalising the GST rate structure. With tax reforms such as faceless assessment taking roots, 2021 will go down as the year that pivoted the tax administration in a country aspiring to become the world's favourite investment destination. The task ahead is going to be a tough one as the tax department would grapple with taxing cryptocurrencies, rationalising Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates to shore up revenues and post June 2022, the scenario of how the GST revenue plays out for states without the Centre's support of compensation.

When Indian skippers and selectors crossed swords...

When Indian skippers and selectors crossed swords...

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

The breakdown in communication between national selectors, led by chairman Chetan Sharma, and the team management comprising skipper Virat Kohli over Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran's contentious selection, is not the first such instance in Indian cricket.

Should Politics Be Kicked Out of Campuses?

Should Politics Be Kicked Out of Campuses?

Rediff.com19 Jan 2022

College is where the manicured view of the world provided by one's family, encounters new trends. It is the dawn of exploration. Wishing for a sanitised bubble on campus appears hypocritical. The correct strategy, one would assume, is to weed out the violence while retaining the right to political debate, argues Shyam G Menon.

US House formalises Trump impeachment process

US House formalises Trump impeachment process

Rediff.com31 Oct 2019

No Republican supported the resolution, while Independent Justin Amash of Michigan, who left the Republican party earlier this year, voted in favour.

'If you polarise society by 80-20, BJP will benefit'

'If you polarise society by 80-20, BJP will benefit'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2022

'Segregation suits the BJP at the moment. It will not suit them forever.'

Malik hoists tricolour in 'first' I-Day celebration in J-K post Art 370

Malik hoists tricolour in 'first' I-Day celebration in J-K post Art 370

Rediff.com15 Aug 2019

Malik said the step will enable good governance, bring self-reliance and employment opportunities to people Jammu and Kashmir and most importantly the feeling of unity and equality with the rest of the country.

RSS chief defies order, unfurls tricolour at Kerala school

RSS chief defies order, unfurls tricolour at Kerala school

Rediff.com15 Aug 2017

Mohan Bhagwat defied a district administration order that only elected representatives, school authorities or government officials could hoist the tricolour at the government-aided institution.

NCERT adds Art 370 abrogation to Class 12 textbook

NCERT adds Art 370 abrogation to Class 12 textbook

Rediff.com21 Jul 2020

Earlier this month, a controversy had erupted over the reduction of syllabus by the Central Board of Secondary Education due to the COVID-19 situation, with the Opposition alleging that chapters on India's democracy and plurality are being "dropped" to propagate a particular ideology.

Gerson Da Cunha: The Forever Man

Gerson Da Cunha: The Forever Man

Rediff.com11 Jan 2022

'Gerson existed at the intersection of principle and conscience. 'One of our conversations turned to his return to India from Brazil. 'He spoke about the choices he made and the things he felt he had failed at. 'What emerged was how he always steadfastly stuck to his beliefs and was true to them and himself. 'The need to -- in Spike Lee's words -- Do The Right Thing.' Director Dev Benegal remembers Gerson da Cunha, 'friend, guide, light'.

Chhota Rajan, 8 others get life in jail for 'cold-blooded' killing of J Dey

Chhota Rajan, 8 others get life in jail for 'cold-blooded' killing of J Dey

Rediff.com2 May 2018

Vora and Paulson Joseph were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Bypolls to 3 Lok Sabha, 29 assembly seats today

Bypolls to 3 Lok Sabha, 29 assembly seats today

Rediff.com30 Oct 2021

Adequate security and Covid safety measures have been put in place for the electoral exercise.

MUST SEE! Exploring Lucknow

MUST SEE! Exploring Lucknow

Rediff.com4 Jan 2022

Noah Dominic, Maya Dominic, Durga Dominic and Dominic Xavier recall via sketches a spectacular vacation in Lucknow.

The BEST and WORST of 2021

The BEST and WORST of 2021

Rediff.com3 Jan 2022

A year marked by more lows than highs for Hindi cinema, here's a recap of the best and worst in 2021.

Full Text: President's joint address to both houses of Parliament

Full Text: President's joint address to both houses of Parliament

Rediff.com31 Jan 2022

Here's the full text of President's Ram Nath Kovind's address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on the first of Budget Session 2022.

JCO among 5 soldiers killed in gunfight with terrorists in Poonch

JCO among 5 soldiers killed in gunfight with terrorists in Poonch

Rediff.com12 Oct 2021

A Defence spokesman said the ultras opened heavy fire on search parties resulting in critical injuries to the JCO and four other personnel.

India-China escalation can be misused by other players: Russia

India-China escalation can be misused by other players: Russia

Rediff.com12 Nov 2020

'Russia remains in a unique position since it has special strategic relations with both India and China and these relationships are independent in nature'

BPCL privatisation: How long will govt wait for the right suitor?

BPCL privatisation: How long will govt wait for the right suitor?

Rediff.com19 Jan 2022

In 2017, a consortium led by Russian state oil company Rosneft agreed to buy Essar Oil for $12.9 billion in India's biggest foreign acquisition of a homegrown company. Rosneft's buyout of Essar's assets was meant to herald a wave of energy investments in India - over six decades after Esso, Caltex and Shell invested in India's refining sector in the 1950s. But the government has tripped up in its efforts to sell Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), formerly Burmah Shell, a blue chip public sector company. Bidders include a couple of global funds and resources firm Vedanta.

India, Bangladesh restore cross-border rail link, ink 7 pacts

India, Bangladesh restore cross-border rail link, ink 7 pacts

Rediff.com17 Dec 2020

The restoration of the Chilahati-Haldibari railway link and signing of the pacts, providing for cooperation in areas of hydrocarbons, agriculture and textiles among others, came at a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.

Covid-19 pandemic: PEs pour $584 million into healthcare in 2021

Covid-19 pandemic: PEs pour $584 million into healthcare in 2021

Rediff.com11 Jun 2021

Sensing a huge opportunity in the healthcare sector during the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, private equity (PE) players are upping their investments in the space. According to data from research platform VCCEdge, the PEs have together invested a staggering $583.82 million in the first five months of 2021 in five deals, which is the highest investment in the sector in the last five calendar years - from 2016 to 2020. The second highest investment in the sector took place in 2017, when PEs invested $503 million in 18 deals, with an average deal size of $29. 9 million.

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

The ministry's year-end review is silent on the continued occupation by Chinese troops of territory that India has always claimed and patrolled.

Voice of India's youth being muzzled: Sonia on JNU violence

Voice of India's youth being muzzled: Sonia on JNU violence

Rediff.com6 Jan 2020

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar condemned the violence at the Jawaharlal Nehru University and said that it was a "disturbing and fascist strike" by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Patnaik breaks 53-day silence on teacher's murder, says case 'politicised'

Patnaik breaks 53-day silence on teacher's murder, says case 'politicised'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2021

The teacher was kidnapped and murdered on October 8, while her body was exhumed from a school playground on October 19. Two people, including the prime accused, were arrested.

'There is no need for Parliament, BJP should lock this Parliament'

'There is no need for Parliament, BJP should lock this Parliament'

Rediff.com30 Nov 2021

'A country cannot be run on lines that everyone should be in agreement and those who disagree should be silenced.' 'If this is how they look at democracy, then I can only wish good luck to the future of parliamentary democracy in India.'

Stage set for Assam's final phase of polling in 40 seats on Tuesday

Stage set for Assam's final phase of polling in 40 seats on Tuesday

Rediff.com5 Apr 2021

A direct contest between nominees of the BJP-led NDA and Congress-headed Grand Alliance is on the cards in 20 constituencies

'Another 600 to 700 points fall is possible'

'Another 600 to 700 points fall is possible'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2022

'This fall is nothing. We could see worse if everybody hits the panic button.'

Crucial bypoll results today, to decide fate of Shivraj govt

Crucial bypoll results today, to decide fate of Shivraj govt

Rediff.com10 Nov 2020

The counting will begin at 8 am, and as per the Election Commission's COVID-19 guidelines, a candidate, his poll agent and counting agent can remain present in the counting hall, officials said, adding various measures have been taken to ensure social distancing and avoid crowding.

Covid fight: 4 faultlines India must address

Covid fight: 4 faultlines India must address

Rediff.com31 May 2021

Rather than worry about what picture of India is being painted in the foreign media, the focus must be on marshalling all our energies to provide relief and solace to our deeply wounded and dispirited citizens, says former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'Police seems to be a mute spectator'

'Police seems to be a mute spectator'

Rediff.com5 May 2021

'Those who win indulge in shooting, looting, throwing bombs and burning houses.'

3 tests will decide if Opposition's ready for UP polls

3 tests will decide if Opposition's ready for UP polls

Rediff.com27 Jan 2020

This year promises to offer ample opportunities on the electoral turf to the SP, BSP and Congress to get their act together and play the "semi-final" of sorts before the "final match" two years later, reports Virendra Singh Rawat

'No protection from jokes': Comic Kunal Kamra defends his tweets in SC

'No protection from jokes': Comic Kunal Kamra defends his tweets in SC

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

'If this court believes I have crossed a line and wants to shut down my internet indefinitely, then I too will write Happy Independence Day post cards every 15th August, just like my Kashmiri friends'

Ratan Tata honoured for 'epitomising unity, peace'

Ratan Tata honoured for 'epitomising unity, peace'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2020

Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata was conferred the title of "Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace" by the Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (FIICC) for epitomising "unity, peace and sustainability". "Ratan Tata's support toward Israel has been unstinted. His commitment to put India on the global map with dignity and respect has been noted by each and everyone. "A man respected by the business communities of all the three countries - India, Israel and UAE - he epitomises unity, peace and sustainability," the president of the bilateral chamber, Gul Kripalani, said.

'They know they have lost, so such desperate tactics'

'They know they have lost, so such desperate tactics'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2022

'Please do not threaten us with street violence.' 'Do you have some humanity left in you?'

Infosys retains law firm to probe whistleblower complaints

Infosys retains law firm to probe whistleblower complaints

Rediff.com22 Oct 2019

Nandan Nilekani said one board member had received two anonymous complaints on September 30, 2019 - one dated September 20, 2019, titled 'Disturbing unethical practices' and an undated note with the title, 'Whistleblower Complaint'.

Finance Minister Sitharaman faces an economy under pressure

Finance Minister Sitharaman faces an economy under pressure

Rediff.com31 May 2019

A stern articulator with outspoken views and a dignified personality, Sitharaman now bears the responsibility of steering the economy which has witnessed sluggish growth in recent quarters.

Weightlifting federation probe reveals corruption, doping cover-ups

Weightlifting federation probe reveals corruption, doping cover-ups

Rediff.com4 Jun 2020

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) was plagued by decades of corruption orchestrated by autocratic former president Tamas Ajan, said Richard McLaren after he led an independent investigation into the governing body. McLaren, the Canadian law professor whose findings in July 2016 led to Russia being banned from all international athletic competitions, including the Rio Olympics, told reporters on Thursday that the IWF was rife with corruption. This included vote buying, doping cover-ups and $10.4 million in cash that cannot be accounted for.

India believes in winning hearts, not land: Rajnath

India believes in winning hearts, not land: Rajnath

Rediff.com14 Aug 2020

But it does not mean we will let our self-esteem be hurt, Rajnath said in the message to the armed forces on the eve of Independence Day.