News for 'modernisation'

Goodbye, Mr Gorbachev

Goodbye, Mr Gorbachev

Rediff.com31 Aug 2022

He may have been hailed as The Great Reformer in nations elsewhere, but in his motherland, Mikhail Sergeyevich was a hate figure for his policies ending the chimera of Russian dominance in the world.

IAF to phase out remaining 4 MiG 21 squadrons by 2025

IAF to phase out remaining 4 MiG 21 squadrons by 2025

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

The plan to phase out the Soviet-origin aircraft fleet is part of the IAF's modernisation drive and it is not related to the latest crash of a MiG-21 jet in Rajasthan's Barmer on Thursday night.

No decision to sanction India for S-400 deal or not: Blinken after 2+2 meet

No decision to sanction India for S-400 deal or not: Blinken after 2+2 meet

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States is calling on all nations not to have major weapons transactions with Russia. He made these marks after the conclusion of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of India and the United States.

Amid LAC stand-off, govt approves arms procurement worth Rs 2,290 cr

Amid LAC stand-off, govt approves arms procurement worth Rs 2,290 cr

Rediff.com28 Sep 2020

Besides clearing the proposal to buy assault rifles, the other significant acquisitions approved by the DAC include procurement of smart anti-airfield weapon (SAAW) systems for the navy and the Indian Air Force at an approximate cost of Rs 970, the officials said.

A Budget With An Eye On Elections

A Budget With An Eye On Elections

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

Nirmala Sitharaman's messaging was clear when she presented a well-balanced Budget with an eye on state elections in nine states followed by a general election next year, observes Ramesh Menon.

'India is China's prime military target'

'India is China's prime military target'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2023

'On the LAC, China can undertake military action at any place with much fewer resources. It can do 'salami slicing'.'

Why It's Best Not To Talk To Pakistan Now

Why It's Best Not To Talk To Pakistan Now

Rediff.com20 Feb 2023

The only thing that might justify a response is the desperate state of Pakistan's economy and how its people are suffering. But it's better to be heartless for now, argues Shekhar Gupta.

What 'Hike' In Defence Budget Doesn't Reveal

What 'Hike' In Defence Budget Doesn't Reveal

Rediff.com11 Feb 2022

Even as Chinese troops continue squatting on territory that we claim as our own -- this was the lowest allocation for defence in percentage terms since the 1950s, reveals Ajai Shukla.

China, Not Pakistan, Is India's Enemy No 1

China, Not Pakistan, Is India's Enemy No 1

Rediff.com16 Jan 2023

16 Indian Army divisions face China, 20 face Pakistan and two divisions are reserves. This powerful signal can hardly be missed in China or Pakistan, notes Ajai Shukla.

China delivers largest, most advanced warship to Pak

China delivers largest, most advanced warship to Pak

Rediff.com9 Nov 2021

Designed and built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), the frigate was delivered to the Pakistan Navy in a commissioning ceremony in Shanghai, according to Global Times.

'I tried to modernise the Indian flavours at MasterChef'

'I tried to modernise the Indian flavours at MasterChef'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2013

Hailing from Kolhapur, MasterChef Australia contestant Rishi Desai shares his experience on the show.

Rijiju again slams Collegium; CJI calls it best system to appoint judges

Rijiju again slams Collegium; CJI calls it best system to appoint judges

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday claimed that a few retired judges and some activists who are 'part of the anti-India gang' are trying to make the Indian judiciary play the role of the opposition party.

Trump bans US investments in firms linked to Chinese military

Trump bans US investments in firms linked to Chinese military

Rediff.com13 Nov 2020

The executive order, which was signed by Trump on Thursday, prohibits certain purchases involving publicly traded securities or any securities that are derivative of or are designed to provide investment exposure to such securities of any Communist Chinese military company.

Don't spare corrupt: Modi to CVC and anti-corruption agencies

Don't spare corrupt: Modi to CVC and anti-corruption agencies

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

He said the country needs to have "zero tolerance" for corruption in the administrative ecosystem and this would work for the idea of a developed India.

'Pentagon didn't have to be asked': Biden if Putin uses nukes

'Pentagon didn't have to be asked': Biden if Putin uses nukes

Rediff.com12 Oct 2022

Biden, while not ruling out the meeting Putin at G20 meet, said that there are conditions attached.

Delhi gets state-of-the-art storehouse for EVMs, VVPATs

Delhi gets state-of-the-art storehouse for EVMs, VVPATs

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

A multi-functional facility, equipped with 36 specially designed vaults for storage of Electronic Voting Machines and VVPATs, was on Friday inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra in Delhi, officials said.

'I knew my film would not have a hero or villain'

'I knew my film would not have a hero or villain'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2023

'Rakesh's life is hard, but he knows how to find joy.' 'He doesn't think his life's value comes from money. He sees no shame in his poverty.'

Army in better position in China border after infra boost: Lt Gen Kalita

Army in better position in China border after infra boost: Lt Gen Kalita

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

The commander said the situation in the region has been stable and no major "changes or palpable shift of stance has been noted" even as the Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a stand-off in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh.

300-400 Pak-trained terrorists ready to cross LoC: Army chief

300-400 Pak-trained terrorists ready to cross LoC: Army chief

Rediff.com15 Jan 2021

In his speech during the Army day parade, he also said that there has been 44 per cent increase in ceasefire violations that reflects Pakistan's sinister design.

Army commanders to discuss Ladakh stand-off

Army commanders to discuss Ladakh stand-off

Rediff.com17 Apr 2022

The conclave will be held at the national capital from April 18-22 and will be chaired by Army Chief Gen MM Naravane.

India to buy military equipment worth Rs 7,965 crore

India to buy military equipment worth Rs 7,965 crore

Rediff.com2 Nov 2021

The Defence Ministry on Tuesday approved the procurement of arms and military equipment worth Rs 7,965-crore, including 12 light utility helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, according to an official statement.

Cabinet clears Rs 76,000-crore incentive scheme for semiconductors

Cabinet clears Rs 76,000-crore incentive scheme for semiconductors

Rediff.com15 Dec 2021

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 76,000 crore policy boost for semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country in an bid to position India as a global hub for hi-tech production. Announcing the decision of the Cabinet, IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw observed that electronics plays an important role in everyday life, and semiconductor chips forms a crucial part of electronics. Outlining the details of the scheme, he said the Rs 76,000 crore programme has been approved for the development of semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem.

5-8 Chinese Navy units operating in Indian Ocean at any time, says Navy chief

5-8 Chinese Navy units operating in Indian Ocean at any time, says Navy chief

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

China remains a "formidable challenge" that has increased its presence not only along India's land borders but also in the maritime domain, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Tuesday and asserted that the naval force keeps a regular watch in the Indian Ocean Region.

Prepared to defeat any misadventures to defend territorial integrity: Rajnath

Prepared to defeat any misadventures to defend territorial integrity: Rajnath

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

"We have long witnessed unfortunate attempts to employ force to change the status quo at our unresolved borders", Singh said at the inaugural ceremony of Aero India-2021, the country's premier Defence and aerospace show, at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.

How China's PLA is changing...

How China's PLA is changing...

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

A new military rank system had been introduced for the PLA, but all soldiers must always obey the Communist party, reveals Jayadeva Ranade, the distinguished China expert and retired RA&W officer.

China struggles to find enough pilots for 3 aircraft carriers: Report

China struggles to find enough pilots for 3 aircraft carriers: Report

Rediff.com1 Oct 2022

With Fujian, China's third and most advanced aircraft carrier, having started sea trials last week, the PLA needed at least 200 qualified carrier-based fighter jet pilots to operate 130 ship-borne aircraft.

Adani highest bidder for West Bengal's Tajpur deep-sea port

Adani highest bidder for West Bengal's Tajpur deep-sea port

Rediff.com25 Mar 2022

India's largest private port operator Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) Ltd has emerged as the highest bidder for the West Bengal government's greenfield deep-sea port project at Tajpur in a neck-to-neck fight with JSW Group, a source said on Friday. APSEZ and Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group were the only two entities that took part in the financial bid round, though there were more port and logistics majors who had expressed initial interest in the estimated Rs 7,000-crore project in Purba Medinipur district. "APSEZ is the highest bidder, offering a share of 0.25 per cent of gross revenue. "It was marginally higher than the second bidder who offered 0.23 per cent," a senior government official said, without wanting to be named.

Philippines in talks with India to procure advanced light helicopters

Philippines in talks with India to procure advanced light helicopters

Rediff.com17 Jul 2022

The Southeast Asian nation has been focusing on modernising its military in the face of myriad security challenges as well as decades-long territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Xi warns against anyone 'bullying' and 'oppressing' China

Xi warns against anyone 'bullying' and 'oppressing' China

Rediff.com1 Jul 2021

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Communist Party of China at the historic Tiananmen Square, Xi in over an hour-long address also said that integrating Taiwan with the Chinese mainland is a historic mission of the ruling party.

Modi bats for vehicle scrappage policy

Modi bats for vehicle scrappage policy

Rediff.com13 Aug 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the national vehicle scrappage policy, saying it will help phase out unfit and polluting vehicles and also promote a circular economy. The policy will give a new identity to India's mobility and auto sector, Modi said in a video address to the Investor Summit held to invite investment for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure under the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Programme.

Budget: CBI gets nominal increase of just Rs 4 cr

Budget: CBI gets nominal increase of just Rs 4 cr

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

This is an increment of about 0.50 per cent compared to the last budget.

Cattle hits, snags raise doubts over Vande Bharat as 'train of future'

Cattle hits, snags raise doubts over Vande Bharat as 'train of future'

Rediff.com19 Oct 2022

Experts suggest that a revamp in the surrounding infrastructure should take care of the issues plaguing the VB-2, stressing that the lightweight nature of the trains is what allows for higher speeds, and that needless design additions may hamper the train's efficiency.

AFSPA will soon be lifted in all of Assam, state will achieve normalcy: Shah

AFSPA will soon be lifted in all of Assam, state will achieve normalcy: Shah

Rediff.com10 May 2022

He said that those who have surrendered and returned to the mainstream are being rehabilitated by both the central and Assam governments and they will participate in the development journey of the state.

China launched 11 missiles towards Taiwan overnight: US

China launched 11 missiles towards Taiwan overnight: US

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday directed that the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the ships in her strike group will remain on station in the general area to monitor the situation.

Tying with India to help it play broader stabilising role in Indo-Pacific: US

Tying with India to help it play broader stabilising role in Indo-Pacific: US

Rediff.com30 Oct 2022

The senior defence official, however, refrained from describing the kind of responses that the two countries would respond to their common challenges.

Why India's asset monetisation dream may be hard to achieve

Why India's asset monetisation dream may be hard to achieve

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

India was among the top-five economies with the largest general government capital stock level, said, in 2015, an International Monetary Fund report called "Making Public Investment More Efficient". The report fuelled a debate on countries sitting on piles of cash that could be used better. India was believed to have public assets worth $4.5 trillion. The report urged countries to start asset recycling. Six years after the report, Australia's success in asset recycling has turned India into a believer; despite doing averagely in its previous efforts on roads, railways or meeting its divestment targets.

Industry lauds PM's vision of 'techade'

Industry lauds PM's vision of 'techade'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to make this decade a "techade" for India and the push for 5G, semiconductors and transformation through digital services is going to boost the technology sector in the country, industry players said on Monday. Modi, in his speech on the 76th Independence Day, touched upon all-round development of technology in the country, from 5G to push for electronic chips, laying of optical fibre cable (OFC) network across villages and enablement of digital entrepreneurship in villages through Common Services Centres, making the present decade as "techade" for India. Homegrown mobile devices maker Lava International's Chairman and Managing Director Hari Om Rai said electronics and technology sectors create about $4 trillion of revenue.

How Tatas plan to make Air India world's most advanced airline

How Tatas plan to make Air India world's most advanced airline

Rediff.com16 Feb 2022

Virtually addressing employees of Air India across the globe, he said for the airline to be the best again there will be an organisational redesign, and it will "require a huge transformation, probably the largest transformation and the change all of you would ever go through". The carrier will expand its "outreach both domestically and internationally" and it has the desire to connect India with every part of the globe, he added.

Return to status quo ante, total withdrawal must for LAC peace: IAF chief

Return to status quo ante, total withdrawal must for LAC peace: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

The chief of air staff said Chinese actions along the frontier including in the Ladakh sector are being monitored constantly and the IAF's overall preparations are part of continuing efforts irrespective of challenges from China.

Why implementing stricter e-com rules won't be easy

Why implementing stricter e-com rules won't be easy

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

There is a significant difference of opinion within the government on the draft e-commerce rules put out by the consumer affairs ministry, a top government official said on Wednesday and flagged concerns that continuous change of the policy causes a great deal of uncertainty. The official said that unnecessary fear is created that the government's current e-commerce policy is hurting small traders. "There is a significant difference of opinion within the government on the draft Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules put out by the consumer affairs ministry... Continuous change of the policy causes a great deal of uncertainty," the official said on the condition of anonymity.