News for 'the-union-cabinet'

AAP alleges poaching by BJP; Mann says he was offered money, cabinet berth

AAP alleges poaching by BJP; Mann says he was offered money, cabinet berth

Rediff.com5 Dec 2021

Without naming anyone, Mann, who is an MP from Sangrur, claimed that a senior BJP leader contacted him four days ago and asked him, "What would you take to join the BJP?"

Govt approves Rs 26,058 cr PLI scheme for auto, drone sectors

Govt approves Rs 26,058 cr PLI scheme for auto, drone sectors

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 26,058 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industry to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday. The PLI scheme will incentivize the emergence of advanced automotive technologies' global supply chain in India.

With RCP Singh, JD-U makes debut in Modi cabinet

With RCP Singh, JD-U makes debut in Modi cabinet

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

The loss of trusted allies like Shiv Sena in recent past and the realisation that in the caste-dominated politics of Bihar, BJP cannot do without Nitish Kumar, forced BJP to finally give Singh and the JD-U their honourable due.

Fertiliser subsidy may go up 55% to record Rs 2.5 lakh crore

Fertiliser subsidy may go up 55% to record Rs 2.5 lakh crore

Rediff.com28 Apr 2022

India's fertiliser subsidy bill is likely to shoot up by 55 per cent to record Rs 2.5 lakh crore this fiscal as the government will provide additional funds to make up for the spike in cost from higher import price, top sources said on Thursday. The government will ensure that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the country during the kharif (summer-sown) and rabi (winter-sown) season and it is already in talks with major global producers to import key soil nutrients, they added. According to the sources, Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is likely to visit many countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman and Morocco, soon to secure imports on both short and long term basis.

Country lost an outstanding parliamentarian: Cabinet on Pranab

Country lost an outstanding parliamentarian: Cabinet on Pranab

Rediff.com1 Sep 2020

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also observed silence for two minutes in the memory of Mukherjee.

5G Spectrum Auction Unlikely Before 2023

5G Spectrum Auction Unlikely Before 2023

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

'We are targeting the 5G tender around January-March 2023.'

100% FDI in PSU refiners gets nod; to aid BPCL sale

100% FDI in PSU refiners gets nod; to aid BPCL sale

Rediff.com23 Jul 2021

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal to allow 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in public sector refiners, expanding the scope for FDI in the privatisation of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). The approval by the Cabinet will enable the sale of the government's 52.98 per cent stake in BPCL to a foreign buyer, and, at the same time, will open the door for FDI in other public sector companies in the oil sector put up for privatisation.

Oil min freezes gas allocation; CNG, PNG prices spike

Oil min freezes gas allocation; CNG, PNG prices spike

Rediff.com17 Apr 2022

The oil ministry has stopped making fresh allocation of natural gas from domestic fields to the city gas sector, threatening the viability of Rs 2 lakh crore investment planned in the sector besides leading to a hike in CNG and piped cooking gas prices to record levels, sources said. Despite a decision of the Union Cabinet to give 100 per cent gas supply under 'no cut' priority to the city gas distribution (CGD) sector, current supplies have been maintained at March 2021 demand level. Besides, the process of allocating gas on a six-monthly average drawl also is punishing the CGD entities driving growth.

Amid row over Gandhis' security, SPG amendment bill to be tabled next week

Amid row over Gandhis' security, SPG amendment bill to be tabled next week

Rediff.com22 Nov 2019

According to official sources, family members of former prime ministers will not be guarded by the elite SPG commandos, as per the amendments approved by the Union cabinet.

UPA's Antrix-Devas deal a 'fraud against country', says Sitharaman

UPA's Antrix-Devas deal a 'fraud against country', says Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Jan 2022

The government will use the Supreme Court order calling the 2005 deal between ISRO's commercial arm Antrix and privately-owned Devas Multimedia a fraud, to counter seizure of its properties, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday as she launched a blistering attack on the Congress for handing over airwaves used by the defence to the private firm for pittance. "It is a fraud of Congress, by Congress (and) for Congress," the minister told reporters as she read out paragraphs from the Supreme Court's January 17 decision allowing winding up of Devas Multimedia because of the fraud.

From IAS officer to Modi minister: Meet Ashwini Vaishnaw

From IAS officer to Modi minister: Meet Ashwini Vaishnaw

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

The 51-year-old BJP leader Vaishnaw, born in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, is a suave and former Odisha cadre IAS officer from the 1994 batch. He managed to wrangle support from the ruling BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik despite being in the rival camp.

Airport PPPs on a crowded runway; private sector bids could be subdued

Airport PPPs on a crowded runway; private sector bids could be subdued

Rediff.com30 May 2022

Airports hold pride of place in the government's National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) programme to monetise public assets. Private airport operators, including the Adani group, Fairfax, GMR and Zurich Airport, are expected to evince interest in the next round of public private partnership (PPP) development of state-owned Airport Authority of India (AAI) airports. Industry analysts, however, do not expect bids to be as high as the last round, which saw Adani group gain control of six airports.

The faces from Gujarat in new Modi Cabinet

The faces from Gujarat in new Modi Cabinet

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

Influential Patel community leader Parshottam Rupala, minister in the first Narendra Modi government Mansukh Mandaviya and three-time MP Darshana Jardosh, all from Gujarat, were among those inducted in the Union cabinet on Wednesday.

Govt issues ordinance prohibiting strikes by essential defence services

Govt issues ordinance prohibiting strikes by essential defence services

Rediff.com1 Jul 2021

A gazette notification said employees involved in the production of defence equipment, services and operation or maintenance of any industrial establishment connected with the military as well as those employed in repair and maintenance of defence products will come under the purview of the ordinance.

With AAP, Capt in fray Punjab no more a Cong-SAD duel

With AAP, Capt in fray Punjab no more a Cong-SAD duel

Rediff.com8 Jan 2022

Punjab's 117 assembly seats are going to be a keenly-watched contest with the Congress, the AAP, the SAD-BSP alliance, and the BJP-PLC-SAD (Sanyukt) battling to form the government in the state, with a probable entry of farmers' front in the form of Sanyukt Samaj Morcha.

Govt approves merger of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBIL

Govt approves merger of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBIL

Rediff.com25 Nov 2020

The government on Wednesday approved merger of crisis-ridden Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) with DBS Bank India Ltd (DBIL) and removed restrictions on withdrawal of deposits by depositors. The Union Cabinet has approved the merger of the LVB with DBS Bank India Limited, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters, adding the decision will provide comfort to 20 lakh depositors and protect the services of 4,000 employees.

Cabinet nod for trade pact with Mauritius covering 310 items

Cabinet nod for trade pact with Mauritius covering 310 items

Rediff.com17 Feb 2021

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement, a kind of a free trade pact, between India and Mauritius which is aimed at liberalising norms to boost two-way commerce

Govt lights up Diwali with Rs 3737 cr bonus for 30 lakh employees

Govt lights up Diwali with Rs 3737 cr bonus for 30 lakh employees

Rediff.com21 Oct 2020

The government on Wednesday decided to give Rs 3,737 crore bonus to 30.67 lakh central government employees to encourage spending during the festival season and add to demand in the economy.

Rajnath likely to address Parliament on Sino-India issue on Tuesday

Rajnath likely to address Parliament on Sino-India issue on Tuesday

Rediff.com14 Sep 2020

During the monsoon session, which began on Monday, the Opposition is seeking to corner the government on its handling of the standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, the COVID-19 situation, economic downturn and unemployment, and is pressing for discussions on these issues.

Voda Idea gearing up to 'compete in the market'

Voda Idea gearing up to 'compete in the market'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

Vodafone Idea MD and CEO Ravinder Takker told PTI that the company is gearing up to invest in the business and compete in the market.

Fadnavis changes Twitter bio to 'Maharashtra's Sevak'

Fadnavis changes Twitter bio to 'Maharashtra's Sevak'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2019

Earlier, after resigning on November 8, Fadnavis had updated his Twitter bio, changing it to 'caretaker chief minister' from chief minister.

Cabinet approves bill to repeal farm laws

Cabinet approves bill to repeal farm laws

Rediff.com24 Nov 2021

The new bill will now be introduced in the Lok Sabha for passage in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament beginning November 29.

Cabinet clears policy on PSU privatisation

Cabinet clears policy on PSU privatisation

Rediff.com28 Jan 2021

The policy was part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package announced by Sitharaman in May 2020 as a coherent policy where all sectors would be opened for private sector participation.

Day after ordinance, Centre extends tenure of IB, RAW chiefs, secretaries

Day after ordinance, Centre extends tenure of IB, RAW chiefs, secretaries

Rediff.com15 Nov 2021

The central government on Monday issued a Gazette notification to extend the tenure of defence secretary, home secretary, director of Intelligence Bureau, and secretary of Research and Analysis Wing for a period of two years.

PM unhappy over ministers' absence during Question Hour

PM unhappy over ministers' absence during Question Hour

Rediff.com21 Nov 2019

He is learnt to have said that Question Hour is an important part of parliamentary proceedings as the government gets a chance to put across the various decisions taken by it in public interest.

Prez nod to HRD Ministry name change

Prez nod to HRD Ministry name change

Rediff.com18 Aug 2020

The Ministry of Education was renamed as the HRD ministry in 1985 during the tenure of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee S Selvaganapathy was declared elected unopposed to the lone seat in Rajya Sabha from Puducherry, the first time the saffron party has got representation in the Upper House from the Union Territory, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's two nominees, Kanimozhi N V N Somu and K R N Rajeshkumar, were elected without contest from Tamil Nadu.

Govt to raise legal marriage age of women from 18 to 21

Govt to raise legal marriage age of women from 18 to 21

Rediff.com16 Dec 2021

Experts, however, have raised concern over the decision, saying the move is akin to treating symptoms instead of the underlying causes.

Govt will now pay your EPF dues till Aug

Govt will now pay your EPF dues till Aug

Rediff.com8 Jul 2020

The approval is in addition to the existing scheme for the wage months of March to May, 2020 approved on April 15, 2020. The total estimated expenditure is Rs 4,860 crore and over 72 lakh employees in 3.67 lakh establishments will be benefitted.

5G auctions most likely in Feb 2022

5G auctions most likely in Feb 2022

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

Speaking to PTI, Vaishnaw said that the telecom reforms package cleared by the Cabinet is adequate for the survival of existing players, and will ensure robust competition in the sector. With more reforms, and more structural changes, that are in the pipeline, "more players should come", he added.

President's rule in J-K extended for 6 more months

President's rule in J-K extended for 6 more months

Rediff.com12 Jun 2019

This is likely to be the last extension of the central rule in the state as the Election Commission had issued a statement recently stating that elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be announced after the annual Amarnath Yatra beginning on July 1.

New crypto Bill to be introduced after Cabinet nod: Sitharaman

New crypto Bill to be introduced after Cabinet nod: Sitharaman

Rediff.com30 Nov 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the government is working out a new Bill on cryptocurrency which will be placed in the ongoing session of Parliament after approval of the Union Cabinet. The ongoing winter session is scheduled to end on December 23. Replying to a series of questions in the Rajya Sabha, she said the new Bill takes into account the rapidly changing dimensions in virtual currency space, and incorporate features of the earlier Bill that could not be taken up.

'Crypto not currency; needs to be regulated'

'Crypto not currency; needs to be regulated'

Rediff.com7 Sep 2021

Former RBI deputy governor R Gandhi on Tuesday made a case for treating and regulating crypto as a separate asset class with a view to enabling governments around the world to effectively deal with illegal activities associated with virtual currencies. After quite a lot of debate over the years, he said, people have fully understood that crypto cannot be a currency because the fundamental element of a currency- that it should be a legal tender- is missing in this case. He said that in this case, one cannot compel a crypto currency to be accepted by another person as it is not a legal tender.

Govt approves revised DTH guidelines; to issue 20 year licence

Govt approves revised DTH guidelines; to issue 20 year licence

Rediff.com23 Dec 2020

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved revision in guidelines for providing direct to home (DTH) services in the country under which licenses would be issued for 20 years, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said. The Union Cabinet has also approved 100 per cent FDI in the DTH broadcasting services sector, Javadekar said, adding that while the commerce ministry had spoken of 100 per cent FDI in the DTH sector, the guidelines of the information and broadcasting ministry needed to be changed.

The Politics behind Modi's Reshuffle

The Politics behind Modi's Reshuffle

Rediff.com8 Jul 2021

The reshuffle had politics at its heart, so the biggest complement of new ministers, both Cabinet rank and below, came from UP, which will see assembly elections in a few months.

Cabinet okays poll reforms, Aadhar may be linked to electoral rolls

Cabinet okays poll reforms, Aadhar may be linked to electoral rolls

Rediff.com15 Dec 2021

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday is learnt to have cleared a bill on electoral reforms, including the one to link electoral roll with Aadhaar on a voluntary basis to root out multiple enrolments.

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.

Cabinet gives nod to raise abortion limit to 24 weeks

Cabinet gives nod to raise abortion limit to 24 weeks

Rediff.com29 Jan 2020

While addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said the upper limit for permitting abortions has been extended from the present 20 weeks to 24 weeks. He also said that this will ensure safe termination of pregnancies and also give women reproductive rights over their bodies.

With Yogi in fray from Gorakhpur, Hindu Yuva Vahini gets active back in action

With Yogi in fray from Gorakhpur, Hindu Yuva Vahini gets active back in action

Rediff.com28 Jan 2022

The HYV describes itself as "a fierce cultural and social organisation dedicated to Hindutva and nationalism". Alongside cow protection, its stated objectives are "complete abolishment of the differentiation between touchable-untouchable and high-low, promote the harmonious development of society".

PLI scheme a signal of change in attitude to industry: Mahindra

PLI scheme a signal of change in attitude to industry: Mahindra

Rediff.com17 Nov 2020

"I took some time to explore the contours of this initiative. I don't use the term 'game-changer' too often but it's apt in this case. For me, what's much more important than the mechanics of the scheme is the dramatic shift it signals in the attitude towards industry," Mahindra said in a tweet.