News for 'mechanical'

Elon Musk's X sues govt over censorship, content regulation

Elon Musk's X sues govt over censorship, content regulation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Social media giant 'X' (formerly Twitter) has filed a lawsuit in the Karnataka High Court against the Government of India, challenging what it called unlawful content regulation and arbitrary censorship. The lawsuit argues that the government's use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act violates Supreme Court rulings and undermines free expression online. 'X' further claims that the government's Sahyog portal acts as a "censorship tool" that pressures platforms to remove content without proper legal review.

Can't exercise pocket veto: SC sets timeline for governors' on bills

Can't exercise pocket veto: SC sets timeline for governors' on bills

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that governors cannot indefinitely delay giving assent to bills passed by state legislatures, setting a timeline of one to three months for their actions. The court said the governor must act "as soon as possible" and that failure to comply with the timeline will make their inaction subject to judicial review. The ruling comes as several opposition-ruled states have accused governors of delaying assent to bills passed by their assemblies.

'Allahabad Rape Judgment Will Be Reversed'

'Allahabad Rape Judgment Will Be Reversed'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

'If it is not reversed, it will set a dangerous precedent.'

L&T Q4 net profit jumps 25% to Rs 5,497 crore, beats Street estimates

L&T Q4 net profit jumps 25% to Rs 5,497 crore, beats Street estimates

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 25 per cent rise in net profit attributable to the owners of the company for the January-March quarter of 2024-25, owing to higher revenues and an exceptional gain. For the quarter under review, L&T posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,497.3 crore, while revenue rose 10.9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 74,392.28 crore.

Jio inks pact with Elon Musk's SpaceX to offer Starlink services in India

Jio inks pact with Elon Musk's SpaceX to offer Starlink services in India

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The Reliance Industries' digital services company Jio Platforms Limited has signed an agreement with SpaceX to offer Starlink's broadband internet services to its customers in India, the company said on Wednesday. The agreement is subject to SpaceX receiving authorisation to sell Starlink in India. The development came a day after Jio's rival Bharti Airtel signed a similar pact with SpaceX.

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Misri to visit China on Jan 26, 27

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Misri to visit China on Jan 26, 27

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will travel to Beijing for a two-day trip beginning Sunday, marking the second high-profile visit from India to China in less than one-and-a-half months. The visit comes amidst ongoing border tensions and follows a recent disengagement pact between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. The Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism meeting will focus on the next steps for India-China relations, including in the political, economic, and people-to-people domains. The decision to revive this bilateral mechanism was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October.

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Indian government has increased the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs) by 24 percent, effective April 1, 2023. This increase was based on the Cost Inflation Index and brings their monthly salary to Rs 1.24 lakh. The notification also included increases in daily allowances for sitting members, pension, and additional pension for former MPs. While some MPs welcomed the increase, others expressed dissatisfaction and instead advocated for a rise in the MP Local Area Development Fund (MPLADS). The increase has been implemented based on the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act and the Cost Inflation Index specified in the Income Tax Act of 1961.

MTech Grads, How You Can Get Govt Jobs

MTech Grads, How You Can Get Govt Jobs

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

rediffGURU Aasif Ahmed Khan counsels students on the best career options in tech and engineering.

PhysicsWallah files IPO papers via confidential route

PhysicsWallah files IPO papers via confidential route

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Physics Wallah has filed Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), a precursor to hitting the primary market from where the edtech Unicorn reportedly plans to raise around Rs 4,500 crore through IPO.

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Congress party has claimed credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, from the US, saying the Modi government did not initiate the process and merely benefited from the "mature, consistent and strategic diplomacy" begun under the UPA. Former Home Minister P Chidambaram said the government did not secure any breakthrough to make the extradition possible, nor is it the result of any grandstanding. He added that it was a testament to what the Indian state can achieve when diplomacy, law enforcement and international cooperation are pursued sincerely and without any kind of chest-thumping. Chidambaram detailed the UPA government's efforts in securing Rana's extradition, citing the registration of a case against him in 2009, diplomatic pressure on Canada and the US, and continued efforts despite legal setbacks. He highlighted the role of the UPA in securing Rana's conviction for other terrorism-related offences and the cooperation between the US and Indian agencies in gathering evidence and securing his extradition. The Congress leader further stated that it was the UPA's groundwork that paved the way for Rana's extradition, even after the change in government in 2014.

X to be held responsible for content by AI tool Grok: Govt sources

X to be held responsible for content by AI tool Grok: Govt sources

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Indian government has said that social media platform X will be held responsible for content generated by its artificial intelligence tool Grok. This comes after users on X asked Grok questions about Indian politicians and the AI platform responded with "unpalatable" answers. The government is currently in discussion with X to understand and assess how Grok works. The government has previously taken action against social media platforms for AI-generated content that has been deemed offensive. In this case, the government is considering holding X accountable for Grok's content, even though it is generated by an AI tool. The government's stance is likely to have implications for other social media platforms that use AI tools.

Cash recovery row: SC collegium begins initial probe against judge

Cash recovery row: SC collegium begins initial probe against judge

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court collegium has initiated an initial inquiry against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma following the alleged discovery of a large stash of cash at his official residence during a fire incident. The collegium has also reportedly recommended Justice Varma's transfer to his parent high court, the Allahabad High Court. The inquiry will involve seeking a report from the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on the incident. The controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of cash was first reported by The Times of India. Justice Varma's proposed transfer is subject to the Centre's approval. The amount of cash found is not yet known. Justice Varma, currently heading a division bench dealing with sales tax, GST, company appeals and other appeals, did not hold court on Friday. Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya expressed shock over the incident. The collegium reportedly received information about the cash discovery from government officials. Some collegium members have called for stricter action against Justice Varma, including seeking his resignation or launching an in-house inquiry. The Supreme Court has an in-house inquiry mechanism to deal with allegations against judges, which involves forming a committee to investigate and, based on the report, take further action. A judge of a constitutional court can only be removed through impeachment by Parliament.

Trump Diktat Threatens Oil PSUs Dividends In Venezuela

Trump Diktat Threatens Oil PSUs Dividends In Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

ONGC's overseas arm applied for a sanctions waiver to access $500 million dividend from two Venezuelan projects.

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The USTR report, released just ahead of the US' April 2 deadline for implementing reciprocal tariffs, has also cited high tariffs and price caps, which have not increased in line with inflation, as key obstacles for US businesses.

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has rejected a privilege notice against Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he cited a 1948 government press release to authenticate his statement that a Congress leader was part of the management of Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had moved the notice against Shah for "casting aspersions" on Congress Parliamentary Party head Sonia Gandhi.

EXPLAINED: Trump's reciprocal tariffs

EXPLAINED: Trump's reciprocal tariffs

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Here is a list of Q & As to explain these issues and implications of the US move.

Sitharaman introduces New Income Tax Bill in LS

Sitharaman introduces New Income Tax Bill in LS

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and urged Speaker Om Birla to refer it to a select committee of the House. Opposition members opposed the Bill at the introduction stage but the House passed a motion by voice vote for its introduction.

'Investors: Stay Calm. Avoid Speculative Investment Behaviour'

'Investors: Stay Calm. Avoid Speculative Investment Behaviour'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'My advice: Don't mark your portfolio to market every day. Focus on survival.'

Russian Attack Marks 3rd War Anniversary

Russian Attack Marks 3rd War Anniversary

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

In 2024, Russia made only modest territorial gains, controlling about 18% of Ukraine, while suffering massive casualties and equipment losses.

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, stating that the Constitution does not allow religion-based quotas. He also said that such reservations go against the wishes of B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He also spoke about the controversy over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra, stating that people who went against the ethos of India were made icons. Hosabale lauded figures like Rajput king Maharana Pratap for resisting Mughal emperor Akbar and said those who resisted invaders were also "freedom fighters". He also spoke about the RSS's idea of 'One Nation, One Culture', stating that it draws inspiration from India's rich cultural heritage and ethos.

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'The entire town, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, my schoolteachers and the ustads from the madrasa were present to witness my arangettam.'

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

In the talks, China emphasised that the two sides should proceed from the fundamental interests of China, India and adhere to the strategic height and long-term perspective of China-India relations, the readout said.

India, China should meet halfway: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

India, China should meet halfway: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday called on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed issues of bilateral interest.

SpaceX's Starship rocket explodes, debris grounds flights

SpaceX's Starship rocket explodes, debris grounds flights

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Engineers from Space X said that the 400-foot-tall ship, launched from the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in Texas, lost altitude control after several engines stopped working 20 seconds before the end of the ascent burn.

Family of four found dead in Mysuru apartment

Family of four found dead in Mysuru apartment

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A family of four, including a couple and their teenage son, was found dead in their apartment in Mysuru, Karnataka. Police suspect the husband may have poisoned his family members before hanging himself. The deceased have been identified as Chetan (45), his wife Rupali (43), their son Kushal (15), and Chetan's mother Priyamvada (62).

'We Don't Want To Survive On Govt Incentives'

'We Don't Want To Survive On Govt Incentives'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

'The only solution is for the government to allow us to charge a low controlled MDR of 25 bps on UPI P2M transactions only for merchants with more than a Rs 40 lakh turnover.'

Ukraine Overtakes India in Arms Import

Ukraine Overtakes India in Arms Import

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The five largest exporters of major arms in 2020-2024 were the US (43 per cent), France (9.6 per cent), Russia (7.8 per cent), China (5.9 per cent), and Germany (5.6 per cent).

What Is Love?

What Is Love?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Love isn't what has been marketed to us all through our lives. It is not grand gestures or some big bang waiting to happen; it is an appreciation of what we have and often overlook, notes Aarti David.

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Each state is unique, but when it comes to finance, the fundamentals cannot be different.'

SLBC tunnel collapse: Railways helps with plasma cutter

SLBC tunnel collapse: Railways helps with plasma cutter

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

South Central Railway has joined the rescue teams that are engaged in locating the eight persons who remain trapped in the partially collapsed SLBC tunnel for the past six days, with necessary equipment, a senior official said on Friday.

'North Will Decide Who Will Rule India In Future'

'North Will Decide Who Will Rule India In Future'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The southern states will have no voice.' 'Political parties in future need to focus only on one region, the northern region, to win the general election.'

'TN should compete with US, China, and not Indian states'

'TN should compete with US, China, and not Indian states'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

'We don't have to compete with Maharashtra or Gujarat. We have to now start thinking about how we compete with the United States or China.'

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

A video and inquiry report have raised questions about the Delhi Fire Services' claim that no cash was found at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma during a fire incident on March 14. The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows fire fighters dousing flames on articles that appear to include half-burnt Indian currency notes. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice has initiated an in-house inquiry against Justice Varma and the Supreme Court has proposed his transfer to the Allahabad High Court.

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

India and Belgium on Monday explored potential defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain, and discussed ways to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.

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.

No discrepancies found even after checking 4.5 cr VVPAT slips: CEC

No discrepancies found even after checking 4.5 cr VVPAT slips: CEC

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has asserted the integrity of India's electoral process, stating that no discrepancies have been found between the votes counted on electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. Addressing concerns about mismatches in polling figures, Kumar attributed the issue to limitations in the data reported by the Voter Turnout Reporting (VTR) app, which excludes postal ballot votes. He emphasized the robust mechanisms in place to ensure accuracy, including reconciliation of every vote with Form 17C and thorough review of any minor errors. Kumar highlighted that the Election Commission rigorously follows guidelines for all aspects of the electoral process, including electoral rolls and machine handling.

SC collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer; lawyers to go on strike

SC collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer; lawyers to go on strike

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court collegium has confirmed the transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to his parent Allahabad High Court. This decision comes after an inquiry was initiated against Justice Varma regarding the alleged discovery of a large amount of cash at his official residence. The transfer recommendation was made public in a resolution uploaded on the Supreme Court's website. The alleged cash discovery occurred following a fire at Varma's residence in Delhi on March 14, 2025. The apex court collegium, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has also constituted a three-member inquiry committee to further investigate the matter.

SC to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

SC to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India will examine the jurisdiction of the Lokpal, India's anti-corruption ombudsman, in entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges. The court is considering a suo motu proceeding initiated over the Lokpal's January 27 order on the issue. The case involves two complaints filed against a sitting additional judge of a high court, alleging that he influenced a judge of the subordinate judiciary and a judge of the same high court set to deal with a suit filed against the complainant by a private company.

Starlink deal: What it actually means for Airtel, RIL

Starlink deal: What it actually means for Airtel, RIL

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

India's biggest telecom players, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries-backed Jio Platforms, will soon bring billionaire Elon Musk-led SpaceX's Starlink satellite services to India. According to analysts, the move could boost India's tele density, especially in the rural areas, and may be an opportunity for investors to add the two stocks on dips for long-term gains

Touching minor's lips without sexual intent not POCSO offence: HC

Touching minor's lips without sexual intent not POCSO offence: HC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The judge, however, ruled that there was a clear prima facie case under Section 354 of IPC for 'assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty".