News for '-centre'

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indians across the country welcomed the New Year 2026 with celebrations, religious observances, and gatherings at tourist spots. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended greetings for peace and prosperity.

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Long before he became Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro's life intersected with India in a profound personal way.

Jharkhand: Surgery conducted under mobile flashlight

Jharkhand: Surgery conducted under mobile flashlight

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

A video showing a tubectomy being conducted on a woman under a mobile phone flashlight in a government health centre in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district has gone viral, prompting the administration to order an investigation, an official said on Monday.

India's household debt rises to 41.3% of GDP, above 5-yr avg

India's household debt rises to 41.3% of GDP, above 5-yr avg

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

India's household debt climbed to 41.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) at the end of March 2025, marking a sustained rise from its five-year average of 38.3 per cent, with consumption-related loans accounting for bulk of the borrowings, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its Financial Stability Report.

Wanted Maoists among 14 ultras gunned down in Bastar

Wanted Maoists among 14 ultras gunned down in Bastar

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Security forces killed 14 Naxalites, including wanted ultras Mangtu (DVCM) and Hunga Madkam, in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh's Sukma and Bijapur districts in the Bastar region on Saturday, officials said.

In-form Kohli to play 3rd Vijay Hazare Trophy match next week

In-form Kohli to play 3rd Vijay Hazare Trophy match next week

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

A BCCI source said that while the Indian ODI squad for the New Zealand series is assembling in Vadodara by January 8, there is a possibility that Kohli might arrive a day earlier and train.

States Have Thrown A Spanner In RBI's Easy-Money Machine

States Have Thrown A Spanner In RBI's Easy-Money Machine

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

State debt is rising because revenues are disappointingly weak. Ten states have debt ratios exceeding 30 per cent. In 2023-2024, states were borrowing simply to meet day-to-day expenses, points out Debashis Basu.

'To make contest easier': Pawars tie-up for another civic poll

'To make contest easier': Pawars tie-up for another civic poll

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Ajit Pawar on Sunday announced the alliance between the factions for the Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls.

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has asked the central government why it cannot reduce the GST on air purifiers, considering the poor air quality in Delhi. The court's concern is that the current 18% GST makes air purifiers unaffordable for the common man.

India Suffers While China, EU Buy Russian Oil

India Suffers While China, EU Buy Russian Oil

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

India has gained the least since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and was penalised the most, while the US, China and the European Union emerged as the biggest beneficiaries from the war.

Kohli Back In Vijay Hazare Trophy After 15 Years!

Kohli Back In Vijay Hazare Trophy After 15 Years!

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Virat Kohli returns to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy -- India's national ODI tournament -- after 15 years with his previous match in the competition dating back to February 18, 2010.

Recipe: Apple And Walnut Crumble Cake

Recipe: Apple And Walnut Crumble Cake

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

A soft, fruit-studded cake with crumble topping that turns golden as it bakes. You will find it impossible to stop at just one slice.

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh was published after a special intensive revision exercise, with 12.55 crore voters retained out of 15.44 crore listed earlier. Around 2.89 crore voters were excluded due to deaths, migration, or multiple registrations.

Ola Electric's mkt share at 9.3% in Dec

Ola Electric's mkt share at 9.3% in Dec

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Driven by improved customer experience, Ola Electric is witnessing "clear outcomes" in market share from its focused service transformation programme, the company said, as it registered 9,020 units in December, lifting its month-on-month share to 9.3 per cent from 7.2 per cent in November.

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has sought a first information report (FIR) after students allegedly raised 'provocative' slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah inside the university campus during an event on Monday night, varsity officials said.

Cough Syrup For Kids: Centre Tightens Rules

Cough Syrup For Kids: Centre Tightens Rules

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Health ministry advisory urges rational use of cough syrups in children after 11 deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

He'll be in big trouble: BJP hits back at ally Ajit Pawar

He'll be in big trouble: BJP hits back at ally Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan criticized Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's allegations of corruption in the Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, suggesting they are politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has requested Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru's documents to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library, emphasizing their national significance. He also addressed the Aravalli Hills controversy and the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'...including my baby sisters, age three and one.' 'My dad was humiliated, and he started screaming at them.'

India Tech Hiring Near 6-Year Low

India Tech Hiring Near 6-Year Low

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

As of January 2026, the number of active job openings stood at 103,000, down 24 per cent from 136,000 in the same period last year.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

Red Fort blast accused communicate with Pak handlers via 'ghost' SIM cards

Red Fort blast accused communicate with Pak handlers via 'ghost' SIM cards

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

The outcome of the investigations essentially formed the basis for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to issue a sweeping directive on November 28 last year, mandating that app-based communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal must be continuously linked to an active, physical SIM card within the device.

Ola Electric's mkt share at 9.3% in Dec

Ola Electric's mkt share at 9.3% in Dec

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Driven by improved customer experience, Ola Electric is witnessing "clear outcomes" in market share from its focused service transformation programme, the company said, as it registered 9,020 units in December, lifting its month-on-month share to 9.3 per cent from 7.2 per cent in November.

ITC stock downgraded after excise duty hike

ITC stock downgraded after excise duty hike

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Analysts have sharply reduced cigarette maker ITC's earning estimates for the next two years, fearing a significant dent in the company's profitability and margins. This is owing to a steep hike in excise duty on tobacco by the government.

OTT Shows Are Driving North East Tourism

OTT Shows Are Driving North East Tourism

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Cities across the north east have recorded significant year-on-year growth in air traffic, pointing to a clear link between screen exposure and travel intent.

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The BJP alleged that the move would undermine existing reservation norms and was aimed at consolidating a particular vote bank.

Anaswara Makes Tradition Trendy

Anaswara Makes Tradition Trendy

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Anaswara Rajan has mastered a style lane that few can pull off -- deeply rooted traditional looks with just the right amount of edge.

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the GST Council to consider lowering or abolishing the goods and services tax on air purifiers, citing worsening air quality in the national capital. The court has asked the council to meet at the earliest, even via video conference if necessary, to address the issue.

25 More Candid Pictures From 2025

25 More Candid Pictures From 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Bollywood stars always make for good pictures but catching them in their most unguarded, candid moments is what makes for great pictures.

8 Things You Must Know About Paracetamol

8 Things You Must Know About Paracetamol

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Taking paracetamol is something that deserves careful attention and should not be done too casually or too often.

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'The RSS, that advocated military strength, remained in the ideological doghouse for over half a century. Many of the RSS' responses even today carry the burden of this past,' points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

The Greatest Thing Sreenivasan Did For Malayalam Cinema

The Greatest Thing Sreenivasan Did For Malayalam Cinema

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Sreenivasan could so willingly be 'our little man' because in his heart of hearts he never felt trivial or inconsequential. And to the very end he stayed that way, the shrimp who knew he was a giant. Sreehari Nair doffs his hat to the late legend.

King Kohli breaks Tendulkar's List A record!

King Kohli breaks Tendulkar's List A record!

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Virat Kohli went past the iconic Sachin Tendulkar as the fastest to reach 16,000 runs in List A cricket, achieving the milestone in his 330th innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Bengaluru.

Republic Day 2026: Army To Showcase Animal Contingent

Republic Day 2026: Army To Showcase Animal Contingent

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

For the first time in Republic Day history, the Indian Army's Remount and Veterinary Corps will showcase a specially curated animal contingent during the Republic Day 2026 parade on Kartavya Path. The unique contingent features Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and military dogs, highlighting the crucial role of animals in India's defense forces.

World Welcomes 2026 With Dazzling Celebrations

World Welcomes 2026 With Dazzling Celebrations

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

The world welcomed 2026 with spectacular celebrations across continents. From dazzling fireworks illuminating iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Marina Bay, and Copacabana beach to intimate gatherings at historic sites, the New Year brought together diverse cultures in joyous unity.

Historic! ISRO's 'Bahubali' rocket launches heaviest-ever satellite

Historic! ISRO's 'Bahubali' rocket launches heaviest-ever satellite

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite would be the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history from Indian soil.

No foul play in Zubeen Garg death so far: Singapore police

No foul play in Zubeen Garg death so far: Singapore police

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Singapore police are investigating the death of singer Zubeen Garg, who died in September. They currently suspect no foul play and are awaiting a Coroner's Inquiry in 2026. A separate investigation in India has charged four people with murder in connection with the case.

Kochi Biennale faces Christian group's ire over Christ painting

Kochi Biennale faces Christian group's ire over Christ painting

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A painting displayed at the Kochi Biennale has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from Christian groups, who allege that the artwork hurts religious sentiments by presenting a distorted depiction of Christ's Last Supper.

1 In 5 Airports Handle Just 2 Flights A Day

1 In 5 Airports Handle Just 2 Flights A Day

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Around one-fifth of 143 airports handling only domestic flights recorded an average of two or fewer aircraft movements a day between April and November 2025, according to data from the Airports Authority of India

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A bill to repeal the MGNREGA and introduce a new rural employment law, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), has been circulated among Lok Sabha members.