Search results for 'Ministry'

Govt defends new GDP estimates, says revisions reflect data upgrades, not higher growth by design

Govt defends new GDP estimates, says revisions reflect data upgrades, not higher growth by design

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

India's statistics ministry has defended its newly released economic growth estimates, stating that revisions to last year's GDP and the divergence between different price measures reflect updated data and estimation techniques rather than an attempt to artificially boost headline growth.

What Is Driving India's Outreach To Neighbours?

What Is Driving India's Outreach To Neighbours?

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India has significantly increased its diplomatic engagements with Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

Tejas takes centre stage as India, Japan air chiefs fly sortie in Rajasthan

Tejas takes centre stage as India, Japan air chiefs fly sortie in Rajasthan

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita took off from Air Force Station Jodhpur in Tejas aircraft on Sunday during the ongoing Indo-Japan bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026'.

UK Unveils Specialist Courts To Speed Up Rape Convictions

UK Unveils Specialist Courts To Speed Up Rape Convictions

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The British government has announced the rollout of specialist courts for rape and serious sex offences across England and Wales. Backed by significant funding, these courts aim to accelerate conviction rates, prioritise cases, and provide better support for victims, addressing the current low prosecution rates and long delays in the justice system.

Vijay Kumar Demands Transparency In NRAI Coaching Appointments

Vijay Kumar Demands Transparency In NRAI Coaching Appointments

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar has called for an independent review of the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) coaching appointments, citing concerns about transparency, eligibility criteria, and potential conflicts of interest. The NRAI, however, asserts that appointments are merit-based and views Kumar's concerns as 'sour grapes' after his own non-selection.

SC questions cremation of missing Delhi realtor's body before identification

SC questions cremation of missing Delhi realtor's body before identification

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has ordered the Delhi and Gurugram police to explain why the body of missing Delhi realtor Yuvraj Singh Manchanda was cremated without identification and why details were not uploaded to the CCTNS portal. This directive comes after Manchanda's family alleged they were not informed about the recovery of his body, which was found in Gurugram and cremated before they were notified. The court also referenced its earlier directives on prompt FIR registration for missing persons, highlighting concerns about human trafficking and the need for an all-India police grid.

India, China ties must follow 'three mutuals', Modi tells Xi

India, China ties must follow 'three mutuals', Modi tells Xi

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasized that both nations must show sensitivity to each other's core issues and be guided by mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest. Modi highlighted the critical importance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control for the development of India-China relations, while also addressing concerns regarding Taiwan and Tibet.

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to maintain zero-fee UPI transactions for several more years, arguing that the benefits of UPI as a public good outweigh the costs. This comes amidst the government's recent decision to introduce a 0.4% fee on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, a move that has drawn criticism.

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.

Meta to report child safety issues to law enforcement: Govt

Meta to report child safety issues to law enforcement: Govt

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Meta has agreed to report child safety-related matters, including child sexual abuse cases, to appropriate law enforcement agencies in India, government sources confirmed, emphasising that online safety for children is a "non-negotiable" fundamental principle for social media platforms operating in the country.

EPFO wage ceiling hiked to Rs 25,000, to benefit 51 lakh workers

EPFO wage ceiling hiked to Rs 25,000, to benefit 51 lakh workers

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the mandatory EPFO wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, a move expected to bring over 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory social security coverage.

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.

Karnataka govt's two-stanza Vande Mataram order sparks political storm

Karnataka govt's two-stanza Vande Mataram order sparks political storm

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Congress government in Karnataka has issued an order limiting the singing of 'Vande Mataram' to its first two stanzas at state programmes, with exceptions for events attended by high-ranking officials. This decision, based on a 1937 Congress resolution, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which labels it "appeasement politics" and an insult to the national symbol.

Keralam minister returns friend's luxury car amid row

Keralam minister returns friend's luxury car amid row

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Keralam Minister K M Shaji has returned an ultra-luxury Range Rover, belonging to a friend, which he was using as his official vehicle. The move comes amidst controversy and allegations of violating his oath of office, with the opposition questioning the use of a private luxury car instead of a government-provided one.

Sonam Wangchuk fears he might be killed in 'encounter'

Sonam Wangchuk fears he might be killed in 'encounter'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him responsible for the deaths of four people during protests in Leh last year. Speaking on the first anniversary of the violence, Wangchuk expressed fear for his life, alleging threats, and called for the judicial inquiry report into the incident to be made public. He criticised the use of automatic weapons against protesters and questioned the branding of local youth as "anti-national," linking the violence to unfulfilled promises regarding Ladakh's constitutional safeguards.

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'These limits will change. Very soon restrictions, restrictions will come.'

M777 Howitzers roar as India-US armies drill amid Trump's 100% tariff threat

M777 Howitzers roar as India-US armies drill amid Trump's 100% tariff threat

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Indian and US Army personnel conducted a live-firing demonstration involving the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan as part of the ongoing bilateral Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, showcasing artillery capabilities, operational coordination and exchange of battlefield practices between the two forces.

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India has once again raised alarms over the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and strongly condemned Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabian territory, "including on civilians and economic assets."

Chirag Paswan gets threat from 'hardcore terrorists', office seeks MHA probe

Chirag Paswan gets threat from 'hardcore terrorists', office seeks MHA probe

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, a Z-category protectee, has received threat messages from "hardcore terrorists" according to his office. His office has formally requested the Home Ministry to conduct a thorough investigation into the communication and to significantly enhance his security arrangements due to the grave nature of the threat and his public engagements.

Meta may lose legal immunity after govt calls it service provider

Meta may lose legal immunity after govt calls it service provider

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Government sources state that Meta, due to its algorithmic amplification of content, can no longer be considered a "simple intermediary" but rather a "service provider," implying greater responsibility and potential loss of legal immunity. This shift comes as Meta commits to directly reporting child abuse content to Indian law enforcement, amidst increasing government scrutiny over harmful online content and algorithmic bias.

UK Boosts Maritime Ties With US Torpedo Test

UK Boosts Maritime Ties With US Torpedo Test

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The UK has successfully test-fired a US torpedo from an undersea drone, marking a significant advancement in submarine technology for the AUKUS partners (UK, US, Australia). This development coincides with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to the UN General Assembly, where he is discussing global challenges like AI, the Ukraine conflict, and West Asia security with international leaders, and announced the UK will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in Manchester next November.

Meta India chief appears before child rights panel again over CSEAM ads

Meta India chief appears before child rights panel again over CSEAM ads

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Top Meta India executives, including chief Arun Srinivas, appeared before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for the second time in a week regarding alleged Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) related advertisements on its platforms. Meta has committed to reporting child safety matters directly to India's I4C cybercrime portal, a significant shift from its previous practice of reporting to a US-based centre. The government is pushing for stronger safeguards and accountability from social media platforms to ensure online child safety.

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

'Election Commissioners are Constitutional authorities and they are not supposed to go to the Cabinet secretary. They are not supposed to write letters. And if they are aggrieved, they should straight go to the President of India.'

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging "vote chori" and treason, following a media report revealing that two other Election Commissioners had formally objected to decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the BJP, RSS, and EC of undermining democracy, citing concerns over voter list tampering and lack of transparency.

35,000 security personnel deployed in Delhi for BRICS summit

35,000 security personnel deployed in Delhi for BRICS summit

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Delhi Police has implemented a comprehensive multi-layered security system for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, deploying 15,000 personnel, 200 paramilitary companies, and over 500 CCTV cameras. The arrangements aim to ensure maximum security for visiting dignitaries while minimising public inconvenience, with extensive coordination across agencies and states, and robust measures at the main venue, Bharat Mandapam.

MPs Express Alarm Over New UPI Merchant Fee

MPs Express Alarm Over New UPI Merchant Fee

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Opposition MPs have voiced strong concerns regarding the government's decision to levy a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective October 15. They argue that this "anti-people" move will negatively impact a large segment of the population, despite the finance ministry clarifying that the charge is on the merchant ecosystem and not directly on customers for P2P or small payments.

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has criticised the Centre for introducing a 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, alleging the decision was influenced by pressure from the United States and its payment companies like Visa and Mastercard. He highlighted a perceived shift in the government's stance on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI, claiming it would ultimately burden consumers and small businesses while benefiting American firms.

Conscientious objectors should not be punished: SC on Vande Mataram plea

Conscientious objectors should not be punished: SC on Vande Mataram plea

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has indicated that individuals with a conscientious objection should not face criminal consequences for declining to sing Vande Mataram, while asking the Centre to consider a 1986 judgment protecting similar rights concerning the national anthem.

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

'Xi is conveying that China is a pre-eminent power, and India should modulate its actions or approaches accordingly.'

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

China has called for stronger global governance of artificial intelligence, advocating for international cooperation to develop the technology for humanity's benefit while preventing it from getting out of control. This comes amidst warnings from leading AI researchers in the US about potential existential risks, with China emphasizing both rapid development and robust safeguards, including its new AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0. The issue is expected to be a key topic in upcoming US-China talks.

Mayawati Criticises New UPI Merchant Transaction Fee

Mayawati Criticises New UPI Merchant Transaction Fee

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

BSP chief Mayawati has criticised the Centre's decision to introduce a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. She termed it a "capitalist profiteering attitude" that burdens the common people, while the government clarified that the charge is on merchants and not customers for person-to-person transactions.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

A Chinese military trading company executive has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information to intelligence agencies from two countries, China's top spy and anti-espionage agency said on Monday.

3 held for anti-BRICS graffiti, Pannun link under probe

3 held for anti-BRICS graffiti, Pannun link under probe

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Delhi Police have arrested three men from Punjab for allegedly painting pro-Khalistan and anti-BRICS slogans near the Singhu border. The arrests were made at the behest of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). One of the accused, Preetpal, previously arrested for similar activities, is suspected to be SFJ's operational head in India and is being investigated for foreign funding and links to terror operatives.

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

India's fertiliser ministry has introduced a new analytical tool and a national-to-retail dashboard to monitor fertiliser dispatches, movement, and inventories in real time, aiming to prevent localised shortages and ensure equitable access for farmers.

India Declares Shahzad Bhatti Network A Terrorist Organisation

India Declares Shahzad Bhatti Network A Terrorist Organisation

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has officially declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This action, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, targets a group involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives, and narcotics, as well as inciting youth into terrorism and spreading hateful digital content. SBN is accused of threatening India's democratic structure, communal harmony, and internal security.

Cargo vessel fire at China shipyard kills 25; Xi Jinping orders probe

Cargo vessel fire at China shipyard kills 25; Xi Jinping orders probe

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A devastating fire on a foreign-flagged cargo ship undergoing repairs at the Qingdao Beihai shipyard in eastern China has resulted in 20 fatalities. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have issued directives for intensified search and rescue operations, thorough investigations into the cause, and enhanced safety measures across all sectors to prevent future accidents.

One India, one time: IST to become sole official time standard

One India, one time: IST to become sole official time standard

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The Indian government has notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026, establishing IST as the sole reference for all official purposes nationwide. These rules, effective in 180 days, aim to synchronise digital systems, reduce reliance on foreign time sources, and enhance coordination across critical sectors like banking, railways, and telecommunications.

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

India's wholesale price-based inflation (WPI) increased to 9.92 per cent in August, up from 9.78 per cent in July, primarily due to rising prices across food, manufactured items, and fuel and power sectors.

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting, outlining a four-point approach for the steady and long-term development of China-India relations. The leaders stressed strategic understanding, win-win cooperation, mutual respect, and inclusive multilateral engagement, reaffirming their commitment to resolving the boundary question and addressing economic concerns. They also discussed global challenges and strengthening people-to-people ties.