News for 'union-cabinet'

Govt permits 100% FDI in oil PSUs approved for divestment

Govt permits 100% FDI in oil PSUs approved for divestment

Rediff.com29 Jul 2021

The government on Thursday permitted 100 per cent foreign investment under the automatic route in oil and gas PSUs which have received in-principle approval for strategic divestment. The move would facilitate privatisation of India's second biggest oil refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL). The government is privatising BPCL and selling its entire 52.98 per cent stake in the company.

'Govt paid Rs 164.5 cr to Infosys for new I-T portal'

'Govt paid Rs 164.5 cr to Infosys for new I-T portal'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2021

The government paid Rs 164.5 crore to Infosys to build the new income tax e-filing portal between January 2019 and June 2021, Parliament was informed on Monday. "The contract for Integrated e-filing & Centralized Processing Centre (CPC 2.0) Project was awarded through an open tender published on Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) to Infosys Ltd, the Managed Service Provider on the lowest cost basis.

Sena minister Arvind Sawant quits Modi govt

Sena minister Arvind Sawant quits Modi govt

Rediff.com11 Nov 2019

Sawant swore in as Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises after 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Doval highlights increasing rivalries in Indian Ocean at maritime security meet

Doval highlights increasing rivalries in Indian Ocean at maritime security meet

Rediff.com30 Jun 2022

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday called for seamless coordination among various agencies involved in protecting India's maritime interests in the face of emerging security challenges and increasing rivalries and competitions in the Indian Ocean.

Bhupender Yadav: BJP's 'organisation man' gets seat in Cabinet

Bhupender Yadav: BJP's 'organisation man' gets seat in Cabinet

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

Bhupender Yadav's entry to the Modi government as a Cabinet minister is seen as his just reward after serving as a party office-bearer for the longest term among all current occupants.

Sitharaman allocates Rs 85,000 cr for SC-OBC welfare, Rs 53,700 cr for STs

Sitharaman allocates Rs 85,000 cr for SC-OBC welfare, Rs 53,700 cr for STs

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman on Saturday proposed a budget of Rs 85,000 crore in 2020-21 for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes and Rs 53,700 crore for Scheduled Tribes.

Karunanidhi saw the 2G episode -- from the leak of the CAG report to the weak defence put forth by Congress leaders -- as politically motivated

Karunanidhi saw the 2G episode -- from the leak of the CAG report to the weak defence put forth by Congress leaders -- as politically motivated

Rediff.com9 Apr 2021

Karunanidhi was convinced that using the 2G cases against the DMK and reopening the fodder case against Lalu Prasad Yadav were products of the Congress leadership's short-sightedness. A revealing excerpt from A S Panneerselvan's Karunanidhi: A Life.

CWC meet next week to end suspense over internal polls

CWC meet next week to end suspense over internal polls

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

A senior party leader on the condition of anonymity said the CWC meeting will be called next week although the agenda is to be worked out and finalised.

Watch LIVE! All the action from Parliament

Watch LIVE! All the action from Parliament

Rediff.com5 Aug 2019

Watch all the debates and discussions in Parliament.

Winter session begins today, farm law repeal among 26 bills on agenda

Winter session begins today, farm law repeal among 26 bills on agenda

Rediff.com29 Nov 2021

The government's agenda also includes the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021.

Cabinet paves way for privatisation of govt-owned insurers

Cabinet paves way for privatisation of govt-owned insurers

Rediff.com29 Jul 2021

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, paving the way for privatisation of government-owned insurers. The amendments, approved by Cabinet, will remove the clause for the Centre to hold at least 51 per cent in public sector insurance companies at any given time. It will also have an enabling provision for the transfer of management control from the government to the potential buyer of the public sector insurance company. The finance ministry will move amendments to the insurance Act in the ongoing Parliament session.

Ukraine crisis: Govt may defer LIC IPO

Ukraine crisis: Govt may defer LIC IPO

Rediff.com2 Mar 2022

With the Russia-Ukraine war roiling financial markets globally, the government may defer the mega IPO of LIC and wait for an opportune time to get the maximum value of its holding in the state-owned insurance behemoth, sources said. "It's a full blown war now so we will have to assess the situation for going ahead with the LIC IPO," a government source said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, too, had indicated review of the IPO in view of the evolving geopolitical situation.

74% FDI in insurance gets Cabinet nod

74% FDI in insurance gets Cabinet nod

Rediff.com10 Mar 2021

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod for amendments in the Insurance Act, paving way for 74 per cent foreign direct investment in the sector. Currently, the permissible FDI limit in the life and general insurance stands at 49 per cent with ownership and management control with Indian. According to sources, the Cabinet in its meeting has approval for amendments in the Insurance Act, 1938.

Dom's Take: Who will the Farm Bill benefit?

Dom's Take: Who will the Farm Bill benefit?

Rediff.com18 Sep 2020

Dominic Xavier asks if the bills will really benefit farmers or if this is a ploy by the Modi government to push the agricultural sector towards privatisation.

Prez accepts Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation

Prez accepts Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation

Rediff.com18 Sep 2020

'The President of India, as advised by the prime minister, has accepted the resignation of Harsimrat Kaur Badal from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect,' the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.

Sitharaman meets President Kovind ahead of Budget speech

Sitharaman meets President Kovind ahead of Budget speech

Rediff.com1 Feb 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday called on President Ram Nath Kovind before presenting the Union Budget 2021-22. As per established tradition, the Finance Minister met the President at the Rashtrapati Bhawan before heading to Parliament. The Union Cabinet will meet at 10.15 am to clear the Budget.

Don't control Raj Bhavan, Guv Khan tells Kerala govt as tiff escalates

Don't control Raj Bhavan, Guv Khan tells Kerala govt as tiff escalates

Rediff.com19 Feb 2022

Making a scathing attack against the Left government, he said the practice of giving pension benefits to the personal staff of ministers just after completing two years a few months ago was a 'gross violation and abuse of authority.'

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.

Nitish slams media for 'dragging' JD-U in reshuffle episode

Nitish slams media for 'dragging' JD-U in reshuffle episode

Rediff.com4 Sep 2017

He said his party was neither expecting nor planning to discuss the expansion

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

60% of Indians in Ukraine safely evacuated: Centre to Kerala HC

60% of Indians in Ukraine safely evacuated: Centre to Kerala HC

Rediff.com2 Mar 2022

The central government has told the high court that under 'Operation Ganga', in addition to commercial aircrafts, Indian Air Force flights have also been pressed into operation to evacuate the Indians who have crossed into Romania, Poland, Hungary and other neighbouring countries of Ukraine.

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.

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.

Bihar's political temperature rises as Chirag meets Tejashwi

Bihar's political temperature rises as Chirag meets Tejashwi

Rediff.com8 Sep 2021

While politicians and pundits speculate a strong possibility of their coming together, the two young leaders, however, told prying journalists their meeting was a result of "family relations" that went back to ties shared by their fathers.

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.

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.