Search results for ' Chamber'

Time to be brave, stretch fiscal deficit targets if need be: Kamath

Time to be brave, stretch fiscal deficit targets if need be: Kamath

Rediff.com16 Jul 2021

Veteran banker K V Kamath on Friday said it is "time to be brave" for the government, and it should stretch the fiscal deficit target set in the budget if need be, to push growth. He said benign interest rates of under 8 per cent and abundant liquidity are also necessary to seize what he called as a 25-year growth runway opportunity awaiting the country. The government has targeted to get the fiscal deficit at 6.8 per cent for FY22 in the Budget presented early this year.

Tokyo Games: JOY and AGONY

Tokyo Games: JOY and AGONY

Rediff.com14 Aug 2021

The Tokyo Olympics produced many, many, many emotional moments for the athletes and their coaches...

There was no Parliament session for 60% of country: Rahul

There was no Parliament session for 60% of country: Rahul

Rediff.com12 Aug 2021

Leaders of several opposition parties took out a protest march in Delhi against the government on several issues, including Pegasus and alleged manhandling of their MPs in Rajya Sabha

How can Hindutva be compared to ISIS?

How can Hindutva be compared to ISIS?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2021

Irrespective of their voting preferences, most voters would find this comparison with ISIS revolting. More specifically, would it persuade anybody who voted for Narendra Modi to change her or his mind? asks Shekhar Gupta.

SC registrars, ex-judge on Pegasus radar: Report

SC registrars, ex-judge on Pegasus radar: Report

Rediff.com4 Aug 2021

Counsels for AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam accused Christian Michel and fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi were also the potential targets of Israeli spyware Pegasus.

GST systematically flawed, there is lot of tax leakage: Kerala FM

GST systematically flawed, there is lot of tax leakage: Kerala FM

Rediff.com4 Aug 2021

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal has sought systemic changes in the GST structure, saying every state and consumer has lost because of its basically flawed architecture that has also led to rampant revenue leakage for the states. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime came into force in July 2017. Even though the framework is focused on having a one-nation-one-tax model, quite a few items, including petroleum products and liquor are still out of the GST purview.

Maha Speaker claims Fadnavis, BJP MLAs tried to attack him

Maha Speaker claims Fadnavis, BJP MLAs tried to attack him

Rediff.com6 Jul 2021

Jadhav said that after Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal answered Devendra Fadnavis's remarks on OBC reservation with 'evidence', the BJP became 'uneasy'.

'e-RUPI may completely negate pilferage'

'e-RUPI may completely negate pilferage'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2021

The launch of e-RUPI, a person- and purpose-specific digital payment solution, by the government is expected to completely negate any pilferage and will ensure full benefit to intended beneficiaries, India Inc said on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched e-RUPI, which is aimed at improving transparency and targeted delivery of benefits. PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Sanjay Aggarwal said that the move is a significant step to enhance the digitisation process of the country.

Suvendu did come to my house but I didn't meet him: SG Tushar Mehta

Suvendu did come to my house but I didn't meet him: SG Tushar Mehta

Rediff.com3 Jul 2021

Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, had also denied the meeting, saying that he had recently gone to Mehta's residence in Delhi regarding a case related to "post-poll violence" in the state but "could not meet him in person".

Infrastructure sectors' output rises 16.8% in May

Infrastructure sectors' output rises 16.8% in May

Rediff.com30 Jun 2021

The output of eight core sectors grew by 16.8 per cent in May, mainly due to a low base effect and uptick in production of natural gas, refinery products, steel, cement and electricity, official data released on Wednesday showed. The eight infrastructure sectors of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity had contracted by 21.4 per cent in May 2020 due to the lockdown restrictions imposed to control the spread of the COVID-19 infections. In March this year, these key sectors had recorded a growth of 11.4 per cent, and 60.9 per cent in April.

Maha to start home vaccination for bedridden people

Maha to start home vaccination for bedridden people

Rediff.com30 Jun 2021

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday told the Bombay high court that it would soon start home vaccination against COVID-19 for people who are immobile or bedridden on an experimental basis, and would not wait for an approval from the Centre.

11 Spelling Bee finalists: 9 Indian kids!

11 Spelling Bee finalists: 9 Indian kids!

Rediff.com29 Jun 2021

'We look forward to seeing them show off their knowledge and hard work as they square off against the dictionary on the national stage.'

Rs 1.75 lakh crore divestment target on track: CEA

Rs 1.75 lakh crore divestment target on track: CEA

Rediff.com28 Jun 2021

The target of mopping up Rs 1.75 lakh crore from divestments of some of the public sector companies, including LIC and BPCL during the current fiscal, is on track and groundwork is being prepared for the goal, Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian said on Monday. On the COVID-19 pandemic, Subramanian said the impact of the second wave is lesser than that of the first one. In an interactive session, organised by Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the CEA said robust GST collections, over Rs one lakh crore per month for eight months in a row shows that consumption is picking up indicating positive signal for growth.

Chhattisgarh minister walks out of assembly over Cong MLA's remarks

Chhattisgarh minister walks out of assembly over Cong MLA's remarks

Rediff.com27 Jul 2021

The minister walked out of the House after being upset over what he termed as the government's 'limited' statement on the issue, following which members of the opposition BJP claimed such an incident had 'never happened where a minister expressed dissatisfaction over his own government's reply'.

Wipro's Rishad Premji bats for self-governance by social media platforms

Wipro's Rishad Premji bats for self-governance by social media platforms

Rediff.com17 Jun 2021

Software major Wipro's chairman Rishad Premji on Thursday said social media platforms have integrated the world like never before and should be allowed to practice "responsive self-governance" to tackle the menace of hate and misinformation. Premji said technological developments on the digital and social media represent an incredibly powerful opportunity for betterment and the issues arising through its misuse need to be addressed immediately. "Technology, particularly digital and social media, have integrated the world as never before. "They've fostered human connections and solidarity across distances and barriers.

CII pitches for Rs 3 lakh cr fiscal stimulus to push growth

CII pitches for Rs 3 lakh cr fiscal stimulus to push growth

Rediff.com17 Jun 2021

The Indian economy requires a Rs 3 lakh crore fiscal stimulus, including cash transfer to households through Jan Dhan accounts to spur economic growth amid the pandemic, industry chamber CII said on Thursday and pitched for appointment of a 'Vaccine Czar' for speedy vaccination coverage. CII president T V Narendran also said the chamber expects GDP to grow at 9.5 per cent in 2021-22 as the strong growth in the second half of the fiscal year will be supported by robust external demand and large-scale coverage of vaccination, allowing resumption of economic activity. He also advocated for appointment of a "Vaccine Czar" for speedy vaccination coverage.

Euro: High-tech machines, luxurious beds for Spain players

Euro: High-tech machines, luxurious beds for Spain players

Rediff.com17 Jun 2021

The machine will replace hyperbaric oxygen chambers which the team have stopped using since Sergio Busquets tested positive for COVID-19 this month.

10 Tips to SUCCEED in the Gig Economy

10 Tips to SUCCEED in the Gig Economy

Rediff.com11 Aug 2021

You have to make yourself visible and create opportunities for yourself, advises Gaurav Goyal, co-founder, Scalenut.

India Inc hails PM's announcement on COVID vaccine

India Inc hails PM's announcement on COVID vaccine

Rediff.com7 Jun 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that the central government will provide free coronavirus vaccine to states will help ensuring quick rollout of vaccine, uniformity of procurement prices and resuming normal economic activities at the earliest, India Inc said on Monday. Industry chamber PHDCCI said that the increased role of the central government in the vaccination procurement process would help make vaccination drives further effective and maximise the supply in the country in relatively less time. "This would be a crucial step in making the country COVID free sooner than later," it said.

'Animosity won't lead Kashmir anywhere'

'Animosity won't lead Kashmir anywhere'

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

While there was unrest in the rest of the Kashmir valley, the Dal Lake was serene and peaceful.

12 BJP MLAs suspended from Maha assembly for 1 yr for 'misbehaviour'

12 BJP MLAs suspended from Maha assembly for 1 yr for 'misbehaviour'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2021

The 12 suspended members are -- Sanjay Kute, Ashish Shelar, Abhimanyu Pawar, Girish Mahajan, Atul Bhatkhalkar, Parag Alavani, Harish Pimpale, Yogesh Sagar, Jay Kumar Rawat, Narayan kuche, Ram Satpute and Bunty Bhangdia.

Why Amit Mitra is important to Mamata

Why Amit Mitra is important to Mamata

Rediff.com27 Nov 2021

No longer Bengal's finance minister, Amit Mitra, Mamata's principal chief advisor, will still advise and aid the 'chief minister and finance department on all matters relating to management of state finance', represent the 'state government in national and international events/meetings/committees' and examine 'important proposals/files and policy issues relating to financial matters referred to him for advice/views'.

AFSPA: 'A symbol of oppression, an object of hate'

AFSPA: 'A symbol of oppression, an object of hate'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2021

The Supreme Court found enough grounds to order a CBI probe into 1,528 extra-judicial killings in Manipur between 2000 and 2012.

US allows some H-1B visa seekers to re-submit their applications

US allows some H-1B visa seekers to re-submit their applications

Rediff.com24 Jun 2021

Some foreign guest workers in the US will be able to re-submit their applications for the H1-B visa, the most sought-after non-immigrant visa among Indian IT professionals, if their petition was solely rejected because it was based on the initial registration period, according to a federal agency. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such re-submission of applications is for those whose applications have been rejected or administratively closed solely because the requested start date was after October 1, 2020. The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Pfizer in final stages of vaccine deal with India: CEO

Pfizer in final stages of vaccine deal with India: CEO

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

United States Pharma giant Pfizer is in the final stages of an agreement with India to supply anti-COVID-19 vaccines, Chief Executive Officer Dr Albert Bourla said on Tuesday, observing that the domestically manufactured vaccines would be the backbone of vaccinating the Indian people.

Govt must deal strictly with addictive algorithms

Govt must deal strictly with addictive algorithms

Rediff.com7 Jun 2021

India has to put in place legislation and rules which seek more clarity and transparency from technology companies. Domestic and global companies that use consumer behaviour data to enhance addictive behaviour must be scrutinised and controlled. Currently the intermediary guidelines focus mostly on content management and grievance redressal. However, the underlying software engines that influence online consumer behaviour need oversight, too.

Maha BJP holds 'parallel session' outside assembly

Maha BJP holds 'parallel session' outside assembly

Rediff.com6 Jul 2021

Members of the Legislative Council asked how some former legislators could enter the Vidhan Bhavan premises amid COVID-19-related restrictions and sought a report on the matter.

OBC quota: Maha seeks 2011 census data from Centre

OBC quota: Maha seeks 2011 census data from Centre

Rediff.com5 Jul 2021

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution urging the Centre to provide the 2011 census data to enable the State Backward Class Commission to prepare an empirical data of the OBC population, in a bid to restore political reservations for its members in local bodies.

Trinamool MPs meet Prez seeking removal of SG Tushar Mehta

Trinamool MPs meet Prez seeking removal of SG Tushar Mehta

Rediff.com5 Jul 2021

Earlier, the party's members of Parliament had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for removing Mehta over his reported meeting with West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari.

India Inc looks forward to repo rate cut in future

India Inc looks forward to repo rate cut in future

Rediff.com4 Jun 2021

India Inc on Friday said it is looking forward to a repo rate cut in future as cost of funds has to come down in coming times, and expects continuation of accommodative policy stance by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI decided to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4 per cent but maintained an accommodative stance, as the economy faces the brunt of the second COVID-19 wave. Sanjay Aggarwal, president of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the RBI has maintained an accommodative stance as long as necessary to revive and sustain growth on a durable basis and to mitigate impact of COVID-19, apart from an aim to keep inflation within the target.

FICCI suggests graded approach to unlock economy

FICCI suggests graded approach to unlock economy

Rediff.com2 Jun 2021

With the number of coronavirus infections declining in the country, industry chamber FICCI has suggested the government to follow a graded approach in unlocking economic activities. The chamber has suggested opening up of economic activities depending upon the positivity rate of COVID-19 cases in that region or district. It has divided regions at four levels - minimal risk, low risk, medium risk and high risk. It has asked for opening e-commerce supplies for both essential and non-essential activities in all districts irrespective of the positivity rate, besides home delivery of alcoholic beverages, logistics, warehousing and all cargo movement.

Kamala Harris, Pelosi make history at Biden speech

Kamala Harris, Pelosi make history at Biden speech

Rediff.com29 Apr 2021

United States Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have made history as they shared the stage during US President Joe Biden's first joint session to Congress, marking the first time that two women sat behind a US president during an address to Congress.

As Yaas rolls in, fishermen rue absence of insurance scheme

As Yaas rolls in, fishermen rue absence of insurance scheme

Rediff.com25 May 2021

The cover provided under the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, which is a vital safety net for them, ended almost a year back on May 31, 2020. Ever since, there hasn't been much progress on the higher insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh promised under the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, reports Sanjeeb Mukherjee.

Why Central Vista project is all wrong

Why Central Vista project is all wrong

Rediff.com25 May 2021

The project shows a lack of respect for history, even if an inalienable part of it is colonial history, asserts T N Ninan.

'We put pressure on Biden admn over vaccines'

'We put pressure on Biden admn over vaccines'

Rediff.com13 May 2021

'Supplies should start moving to the Serum Institute without any impediments.'

States gear up to tackle Covid spread in villages

States gear up to tackle Covid spread in villages

Rediff.com13 May 2021

As the COVID wave gradually shifts to rural areas, several states are gearing up to check its spread through self-proclaimed lockdowns by Panchayati Raj institutions, creating a database of migrants and providing free online medical consultation to the sick.

Maharashtra traders body plans to defy Covid curbs, open stores

Maharashtra traders body plans to defy Covid curbs, open stores

Rediff.com10 Apr 2021

'Traders have stocked up for upcoming festivals and will make a loss if stores remain shut now. We suffered last year. We can't suffer again. There is no scientific basis for closing all commercial establishments. How long will the government keep them shut?'

Day after crackdown, Oppn MLAs hold parallel assembly in Bihar

Day after crackdown, Oppn MLAs hold parallel assembly in Bihar

Rediff.com24 Mar 2021

Opposition MLAs on Wednesday held a parallel assembly session chaired by RJD leader Bhudev Choudhary in the lawns of the Bihar Assembly, even as proceedings went on in the state legislature.

Biden administration comes under pressure to ship Covid vaccine to India

Biden administration comes under pressure to ship Covid vaccine to India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2021

The Joe Biden administration has come under intense pressure from various quarters, including the powerful US Chambers of Commerce, lawmakers and eminent Indian-Americans, to ship AstraZeneca and other Covid-19 vaccines along with several life-saving medical supplies to India, which is witnessing a deadly surge in coronavirus cases.

Uproar in Rajasthan assembly over phone tapping row

Uproar in Rajasthan assembly over phone tapping row

Rediff.com16 Mar 2021

The BJP had on Monday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on moral grounds after his government said in a reply to a question in the state A assembly that it taps phones in the interest of public safety and order.