Search results for 'Ministry'

Centre Extends N Kalaiselvi's Tenure As CSIR Director General

Centre Extends N Kalaiselvi's Tenure As CSIR Director General

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

N Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has received an extension to her tenure until February 2027. Known for her pioneering work in lithium-ion batteries, Kalaiselvi's extended leadership marks a significant milestone for women in Indian science.

Amid fiscal worries, govt puts PSU share sales on fast track

Amid fiscal worries, govt puts PSU share sales on fast track

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Indian government is accelerating its sale of minority stakes in state-owned companies, including a significant offer for sale (OFS) in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) expected "very soon," to meet its 80,000 crore mobilisation target and reduce its holdings to 75 per cent in most listed PSUs by year-end.

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Indian government has ratified an 8.25 per cent interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the financial year 2025-26, with over seven crore contributing members expected to see this credited to their accounts this month.

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran, on Saturday (local time), at the commander in chief, US President Donald Trump's direction.

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India, even as Iran announced the closure of the critical waterway following Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea against a Delhi court order to frame charges in a Rs 200-crore money laundering case is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing. The case involves alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is accused of running an organised criminal network from jail and defrauding individuals.

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The NCERT Class 8 social science textbook has undergone significant revisions, including a tweaked narrative on the 1947 Partition, the inclusion of VD Savarkar's demand for Swaraj, and the removal of references to Adolf Hitler and Nazi ideology. These changes follow a Supreme Court intervention regarding controversial content on the judiciary.

52K Cr Proposals For Armed Forces Cleared With Focus On Air Defence

52K Cr Proposals For Armed Forces Cleared With Focus On Air Defence

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Clearances include next-gen air defence, anti-tank missiles, anti-drone systems, loitering munitions, and naval UAVs.

Russian Olympic Committee Ban Provisionally Lifted By IOC

Russian Olympic Committee Ban Provisionally Lifted By IOC

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its ban on the Russian Olympic Committee, which was imposed in 2023. This decision opens the door for Russian athletes to return to international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, though the use of national symbols remains undecided.

Govt Assures E20 Fuel Use is Safe, Won't Affect Vehicle Insurance Validity

Govt Assures E20 Fuel Use is Safe, Won't Affect Vehicle Insurance Validity

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian government has dismissed concerns that the use of E20 fuel could affect the validity of vehicle insurance policies, stating that the ethanol blending programme remains safe, consumer-friendly, and economically beneficial.

India initiates anti-dumping investigations against three Chinese products

India initiates anti-dumping investigations against three Chinese products

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India has launched anti-dumping investigations into imports of thermal paper, Biaxially Oriented Polyamide (BOPA) Film, and certain antioxidants from China, following complaints from domestic manufacturers alleging material injury due to cheap imports.

Sports Ministry Re-evaluates National Sports Awards to Ensure Deserving Athletes Are Honoured

Sports Ministry Re-evaluates National Sports Awards to Ensure Deserving Athletes Are Honoured

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The National Sports Awards have been delayed due to a re-evaluation process by the Sports Ministry to ensure only deserving athletes are honoured. The ministry aims to establish clearer criteria to avoid controversies and ensure deserving athletes are recognised without unnecessary hurdles.

Crude falls back to Feb levels: What is stopping a fuel price cut?

Crude falls back to Feb levels: What is stopping a fuel price cut?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Global oil prices fell on Thursday to their lowest levels since before the outbreak of the Iran conflict, offering a significant economic tailwind for India, the world's third-largest crude importer, by easing inflation risks, reducing the import bill and improving the government's fiscal position.

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Union Health Ministry has amended drug rules, making it mandatory to have a doctor's prescription for the sale of all syrups, including cough syrups. This move aims to enhance regulatory oversight and patient safety following concerns over drug quality and contamination-linked deaths.

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Senior Indian officials highlight the indispensable role of the private sector in translating India-US cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals into tangible outcomes. The collaboration aims to build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems and position India as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

UNESCO has warned Pakistan that two historical sites within the Taxila World Heritage site could be placed on a "danger list" or even delisted if "unnecessary interventions" and "reconstructions" are not reversed. The UN cultural agency highlighted concerns about new masonry replacing ancient walls and increased wall heights, compromising the authenticity of the sites. Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the work constitutes conservation, not reconstruction.

FMSCI pushes for Formula 1, MotoGP, World Rally C'ship return to India

FMSCI pushes for Formula 1, MotoGP, World Rally C'ship return to India

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

FMSCI President Arindam Ghosh announced plans to bring Formula 1 back to India by 2030, and a round of the World Rally Championship and MotoGP by 2028, following a meeting with the Sports Ministry. The federation is focused on developing Indian drivers and promoting motorsports in the country.

Jacqueline Fernandez withdraws Supreme Court plea challenging money laundering charges

Jacqueline Fernandez withdraws Supreme Court plea challenging money laundering charges

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her plea from the Supreme Court, challenging a Delhi court's order to frame charges against her in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case.

Iran has accepted 'just about everything' we wanted: Trump

Iran has accepted 'just about everything' we wanted: Trump

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has accepted "just about everything" the United States has demanded in ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations, particularly regarding denuclearisation. He also asserted that American forces repeatedly carried out military strikes that crippled Tehran's military infrastructure, including radar installations, and escorted commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump dismissed reports of Iran's strength, stating its military and economy were severely weakened.

Indian LNG carrier safely crosses Hormuz, first since US-Iran ceasefire

Indian LNG carrier safely crosses Hormuz, first since US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, chartered by an Indian firm, safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz -- the first Indian LNG tanker to cross the war-hit narrow shipping lane since the war in West Asia broke out more than three and a half months back.

Iran's Supreme Leader to skip father's funeral

Iran's Supreme Leader to skip father's funeral

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's, funeral due to security concerns stemming from Israeli threats. This decision follows a sharp warning from Iran's Foreign Minister to the United States, urging it to control Israel after its Defence Minister reportedly marked Khamenei for death. The incident highlights escalating tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities in West Asia.

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A high-level Indian delegation, including Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, paid tributes to the assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, conveying India's condolences.

India Secures Rs 6 Crore Grant To Host Asian Fencing Championships

India Secures Rs 6 Crore Grant To Host Asian Fencing Championships

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India is set to host the 26th Asian Fencing Championships, which will also serve as a qualifier for the Asian Games. The Sports Ministry has sanctioned Rs 6 crore for the event, taking place at the Bharat Mandapam complex, featuring over 400 athletes from 30+ countries.

How US And India Are Strengthening AI Supply Chains Together

How US And India Are Strengthening AI Supply Chains Together

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The US and India are collaborating to de-risk global supply chains for artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and critical minerals processing. This partnership is facilitated through the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to address over-concentration issues and single points of failure in supply chains, fostering a resilient global economy.

Home Ministry Explains Use of Open-Source Intelligence for Security

Home Ministry Explains Use of Open-Source Intelligence for Security

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Home Ministry has informed a parliamentary committee that security agencies utilise open-source intelligence, including social media, for information gathering, ensuring no privacy breach as personal data is not collected.

India-EU FTA Legal Scrub to Conclude Soon, Pact Expected by December 31

India-EU FTA Legal Scrub to Conclude Soon, Pact Expected by December 31

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the legal scrubbing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) text is expected to be completed within 10-12 days, with the final deal anticipated to be signed by December 31.

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The NEET-UG re-exam was held at centres across the country and overseas on Sunday amid tight security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Sports Ministry has introduced stricter guidelines for selecting coaches for India's Asian Games contingent, prioritising demonstrable contribution and regular association with athletes to manage the increasing number of requests.

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's annual defence production has reached an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, marking a significant 15.6 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year. This achievement reflects a 110 per cent increase since 2020-21 and highlights the country's expanding defence industrial base, driven by policy support and increased private sector participation.

'Economy May Take 2 To 3 Months To Return To Normal'

'Economy May Take 2 To 3 Months To Return To Normal'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

'The real shock is going to be from a deficient monsoon.'

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

At the heart of the decision is concern over the survival of Meghalaya's neighbourhood retailers.

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has entered its 15th day, garnering support from AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, while a student leader from AISA was hospitalised after her condition turned critical.

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The southwest monsoon has advanced across northern Indian states, leading to widespread rainfall, waterlogging, road blockages, and rain-related deaths, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Centre is monitoring the situation, especially concerning potential drought conditions in some areas due to the El Nino effect.

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held "constructive" talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, focusing on the normalisation of bilateral ties. The discussions reviewed recent developments and progress towards rebuilding trust after the eastern Ladakh border standoff. Both sides have implemented measures, including disengagement pacts and high-level meetings, to improve relations.

India Rejects US 'Overcapacity' Claims in Steel, Textiles, Citing Low Per Capita Consumption

India Rejects US 'Overcapacity' Claims in Steel, Textiles, Citing Low Per Capita Consumption

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly refuted claims by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding excess capacity in its steel and textile sectors, arguing that the nation's significantly low per capita consumption of these products contradicts such assertions, according to Amitabh Kumar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Larger NGOs could no longer work with smaller ones, especially those organisations working on the ground that had no means of or expertise in raising money themselves, reveals Aakar Patel.

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

If we really want to curb the further depreciation of the rupee and make the rupee appreciate, we want to come out of the mindset that the exchange rate is merely a number, bring policy corrections to help reduce the outflow of foreign exchange by imposing suitable tariffs to discourage imports and bring self reliance, discipline FPIs, and correcting rules governing royalty outflows, suggests Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.