COMMUNICATION SECRETARY
Japan issues fresh warning against yen bears as currency slides
Japanese authorities, led by Masato Kanda, are prepared to address speculative and volatile movements in the currency market to protect the economy without altering market trends.
Wifi penetration continues to lag in India despite govt, telcos' efforts: DST Secretary
Despite efforts by the government and operators, wifi penetration in India lags behind, says Department of Science and Technology official.
Model code of conduct lifted, says Election Commission
The model code of conduct, imposed during the Lok Sabha election, has been lifted by the Election Commission after the results were declared in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
Top US and Chinese defence officials seek to restore communications as tensions rise in Indo-Pacific
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun for the first time in person since 2022. The two discussed tensions in the Indo-Pacific region at the Shangri-La defence forum. The US emphasised freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China accused the US of inflaming regional security. Both countries are restoring defence contacts and plan to resume military-to-military communications.
Jammu bus accident: 6 transport department officials suspended
Six transport department officials in Jammu and Kashmir were suspended for negligence after a tragic bus accident killed 22 and injured 64 on the Jammu-Poonch highway. The bus, carrying devotees to a shrine, plunged into a gorge due to the driver losing control at a blind curve. A high-level probe has been initiated. Authorities are providing support to victims and their families.
US welcomes plans for crisis-communications working group with China: Pentagon
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "reaffirmed the announcement by President (Joe) Biden and (Chinese) President Xi Jinping in November 2023 that both sides will resume telephone conversations between theater commanders in the coming months, and the Secretary welcomed plans to convene a crisis-communications working group by the end of the year," a Pentagon statement said.
- Go To Page 1
What did Prince Harry say that made Charles furious? Here are the details
Prince Harry had lashed out at the press after their coverage regarding his partner. This statement has now been taken down from the website of the Royal Family.
US, Chinese defense chiefs to meet following Taiwan tension
China in recent days has encircled Taiwan with warships and fighter jets in a test of its ability to seize the island, which it claims. The drills follow the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, who has vowed to safeguard self-ruling Taiwan's democracy.
Unjustly targeted, BJP's show-cause notice demoralizing: Jayant Sinha
BJP MP Jayant Sinha defends himself against party's show cause notice for not participating in campaigning, citing focus on global climate change and postal voting during elections.
Health crisis in Assam: Union Minister urges assessment as diarrhoea-like illness claims lives in Tinsukia tea estate
Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed concern over the recent diarrhoea outbreak at Tongona Tea Estate in Tinsukia, resulting in 11 deaths. He engaged with Assam's chief secretary and the district commissioner to provide immediate assistance.
India friend of world; we expect it to help bring peace to Ukraine: Switzerland ahead of peace summit
Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel expects India, as a friend of the global community, to play a key role in bringing peace to Ukraine. India's participation in the Switzerland summit is crucial for the peace process, given its influence in diplomatic terms worldwide. India's expertise in conflict transformation and peace promotion is highly valued.
Lok Sabha polls: EC summons Andhra chief secretary, DGP over poll violence
In its communication to the state officials, the poll panel reminded them that the model code of conduct (MCC) is still in effect. It also pointed out how the commission has repeatedly emphasised that there is no scope of violence in democracy.
Delhi LG recommends NIA probe against Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi LG V K Saxena's office has recommended an NIA investigation against Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, alleging acceptance of funds from banned terrorist group 'Sikhs for Justice.' This suggestion comes ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on interim bail amidst ongoing Lok Sabha elections
Hamas received 'extraordinarily generous' ceasefire proposal from Israel, says Blinken
"In this moment the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende in the Saudi capital Riyadh. "They (Hamas) have to decide and they have to decide quickly," he said. "I'm hopeful that they will make the right decision."
Discussed China's "dangerous actions" in South China Sea: Antony Blinken
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, he said, "In today's meetings, I discussed the PRC's dangerous actions in the South China Sea, including against routine Philippine maintenance operations, maritime operations near the Second Thomas Shoal."
US Defence Secretary holds talks with Chinese counterpart, first since 2022
It is the first time since November 2022 that Austin has held talks with his Chinese counterpart when he spoke with the then defence minister of China Wei Fenghe in Cambodia. Dong was appointed China's Defence minister in December. China then named General Li Shangfu as its defence minister.
US Defence Secretary Austin discusses regional, global security issues with Chinese counterpart in first call since Nov '22
The Defence Secretary reaffirmed the announcement by President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023 that both sides will resume telephone conversations between theatre commanders.
Banks asked to check mis-selling, safeguard account holders' interest: DFS Secy
Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi emphasized the need for public sector banks to prevent mis-selling of insurance products and safeguard the interests of account holders. The Department of Financial Services has instructed banks to prioritize customer interests amidst complaints of fraudulent practices, especially in selling insurance policies to elderly customers
Manipur government introduces 'no work, no pay' rule for government officials
The Manipur government has invoked 'No Work, No Pay' rule due to officials' unauthorized absence. Attendance records will be maintained, and action reports must be submitted by March 13. Manipur adopts 1961 as base year for Inner Line Permit system.
Defence chief on the defensive: Lawmakers to confront Austin on secret hospital stay
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will publicly address Congress for the first time to explain his delayed notification about his hospitalization for prostate cancer surgery last month. Expected to face sharp questions, Austin has already apologized for the lapse in communication, which kept his hospital stay secret for days, even from President Joe Biden. The incident raised concerns about command and control of the armed forces, but a review found no ill intent, attributing the secrecy to privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy.
Paytm's advisory panel chief says yet to delve deep to identify any issue with firm
"We are an external advisor. At this point they (Paytm) are dealing with RBI," Damodaran said in response to a question on the impact on Paytm with regard to RBI's January 31 order on Paytm Payments Banks Limited (PPBL).
Govt hopeful of resolving farmers' concerns before wheat procurement season: Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra
The government, represented by Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, expressed optimism about resolving the ongoing farmers' protest before the wheat procurement season begins in March. Despite farmers' rejection of previous proposals, the government remains open to further discussions to address their concerns, such as a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and farm debt waiver.
Mos MEA V Murleedharan meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Rio
Union Minister of State V Murleedharan had a brief discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Rio. Brazil assumed the presidency from India. India expressed support for Brazil and discussed various international issues including Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel-Hamas war.
DoT to establish quantum certification lab; set standards for quantum computing: Secy
While speaking at the Second International Quantum Communication Conclave, Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal said that a lot of work is happening in C-DoT on quantum communications, and India has to be cautious in developing the technology with like-minded parties.
"I did not handle this right...": US Defence Secy apologizes for mishandling communication around his cancer treatment
Austin's unannounced hospitalization, which was not disclosed to the media or Biden and other senior administration officials for days, raised major questions about transparency and communications within the Biden administration. Republicans have been highly critical of how the Pentagon handled Austin's illness and the House Armed Services Committee has called on the defence secretary to testify about the failure to notify key government leaders.
India, UK relationship 'force for good'; should work together for global peace: UK Home Secretary James Cleverly
British Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasizes the UK-India relationship as a "force for good" in preventing conflict from spilling over globally. He highlights the intellectual horsepower of India and the potential for coordination and cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.
Telecom secretary meets US Deputy NSA to launch OpenRAN plan
The agreement came during Neeraj Mittal's, secretary of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), visit to the United States starting January 12, 2024, addressing critical aspects of "India's technological prowess and global collaboration", the ministry said.
USA Treasury Secretary sees 'progress' in rocky US-China ties and expects more communication
U.S. Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, described her 10-hour bilateral discussions with senior Chinese officials as 'direct' and 'productive' as her four-day Beijing encounter ended. Yellen said that her talks had improved relations between the two nations. She emphasised the importance of reducing the risk of misunderstandings and deepening cooperation across climate change, debt, and other issues.
Load More
