News for '-duty'

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

In 2025-26, the government allocated Rs 6,81,210 crore for defence budget.

Budget 2026 stays committed to long-term growth drivers

Budget 2026 stays committed to long-term growth drivers

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Capex, infrastructure development, and prudent fiscal management are the key focus areas in the Budget, says Nilesh Shah.

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The European Union (EU) has suspended export benefits to sectors such as textiles and plastics under a preferential scheme for India and two other countries from January 1, a move that will impact the country's shipment to the 27-nation bloc. The development is important as the two sides are likely to announce the closure of negotiations for a free tarde agreement (FTA) on January 27.

Poet Munawwar Rana's daughter alleges triple talaq

Poet Munawwar Rana's daughter alleges triple talaq

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Hiba Rana, daughter of poet Munawwar Rana, has filed a case against her husband alleging triple talaq, dowry harassment, and assault. The FIR details years of alleged abuse and demands for dowry.

Annamalai resigns from TN election role, but ready to campaign

Annamalai resigns from TN election role, but ready to campaign

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has stepped down as election in-charge for six Assembly constituencies due to his father's health condition. He has informed the party leadership of his decision, citing his inability to travel and the need to care for his father.

CCI Orders Probe into IndiGo

CCI Orders Probe into IndiGo

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Competition Commission of India, following its preliminary inquiry, said the airline appeared to have caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition by restricting its services.

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Don't Expect Tax Relief In This Budget!

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

After the last Budget's announcement of a major tax relief for those earning an annual salary of less than Rs 12 lakh, there is not much that individuals can look forward to in the forthcoming Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

February 2026: 5 Smartphones You Can't Miss

February 2026: 5 Smartphones You Can't Miss

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

February 2026 is a promising 28 days for smartphone fans in India.

Will Budget 2026 Fix The Customs-FTA Disconnect?

Will Budget 2026 Fix The Customs-FTA Disconnect?

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Customs regimes can lead to labyrinthine legal disputes. Budget 2026 must recognise that an excessively defensive Customs posture can itself become a trade barrier, point out Mukesh Butani and Shankey Agrawal.

Ajit Pawar's death: Have lost a dear elder friend and guide, says Fadnavis

Ajit Pawar's death: Have lost a dear elder friend and guide, says Fadnavis

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, declaring a government holiday and state mourning. Other state leaders also mourned Pawar's passing, highlighting his contributions to Maharashtra's development and politics.

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The tragedy struck the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday evening, when about 19 people were riding the swing before it suddenly tilted and then crashed onto the ground.

We'd decided three games for Sanju and two for Ishan to keep: Suryakumar

We'd decided three games for Sanju and two for Ishan to keep: Suryakumar

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not read too much into Ishan Kishan keeping the wickets ahead of Sanju Samson in the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram, saying the stumper's duties were always supposed to be shared in this series.

Delhi biker death: Labourer held for not reporting fall

Delhi biker death: Labourer held for not reporting fall

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a labourer for allegedly failing to report a biker's fall into a pit in Janakpuri, which led to the biker's death. The subcontractor involved was also arrested.

Afghanistan put three-foreign-league cap for top players

Afghanistan put three-foreign-league cap for top players

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

'This measure aims to manage workload and ensure peak performance for national duties.'

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India resumed hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, addressing the use of Aadhaar and concerns about voter deletions.

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government on Sunday gave a strong push to upgradation and expansion of healthcare infrastructure, medical education and pharma sector with the Union Budget 2026-27 announcing a slew of steps, including those aimed at making India a global hub for allied healthcare professionals and biopharma manufacturing.

New Zealand eye all-round sharpness against tricky Afghanistan

New Zealand eye all-round sharpness against tricky Afghanistan

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

New Zealand aims to regain their form against a formidable Afghanistan in their opening Group D match of the ICC T20 World Cup. Key players and strategies are under scrutiny as both teams seek a strong start in the tournament.

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Union Budget 2025-26 had allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore (BE) to the ministry helmed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Where To Watch Gustaakh Ishq On OTT

Where To Watch Gustaakh Ishq On OTT

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The poetic love story Gustaakh Ishq has started streaming on JioHotstar.

How Galwan, Nubra, Karan & Arjun Stole Republic Day Show!

How Galwan, Nubra, Karan & Arjun Stole Republic Day Show!

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The swag of the military animals on Kartavya Path was unbeatable! Commanded by Captain Harshita Raghav, the double-humped camels, ponies, kites and dogs are soldiers providing active military duties.

'Mix of youth and experience': Hockey India names 24-member squad for FIH Pro League

'Mix of youth and experience': Hockey India names 24-member squad for FIH Pro League

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Indian squad features a blend of experienced players and young talent across departments as the team looks to make a strong start to its Pro League campaign on home soil.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Focus Of Budget Was To Keep Stable Growth Going'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Focus Of Budget Was To Keep Stable Growth Going'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'We kept this Budget on a larger plank, rather than on one incident, however serious.'

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region disrupted traffic and air services, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway and cancellation of flights. Rescue and road clearing operations are underway.

Steel prices hiked again amid rising exports

Steel prices hiked again amid rising exports

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The imposition of safeguard duty, an uptick in exports, and an increase in input cost are driving steel prices higher. The latest round of price increase took place on Friday, with some steel mills increasing hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices by ~500-750 a tonne, according to price reporting and market intelligence firm BigMint. HRC is a benchmark for flat steel.

RSS chief 'ready to step down' if asked

RSS chief 'ready to step down' if asked

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated he will continue in his role despite his age, stepping down only when the organization directs him to do so. He also discussed the importance of values and communication within the RSS.

EFI sends rape-accused EC member as coach to Jordan

EFI sends rape-accused EC member as coach to Jordan

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The naming of rape-accused Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich for an overseas assignment has yet again brought the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) under the scanner, even as the Sports Ministry, in an unrelated development, has issued a show-cause notice to the federation over prolonged governance and compliance failures.

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Once the might of the Indian establishment turned completely against the Maoists, there was no way they could survive -- either in Gadchiroli or anywhere else, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

Rice exporters seek Budget sops to boost competitiveness

Rice exporters seek Budget sops to boost competitiveness

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Indian Rice Exporter's Federation (IREF) on Tuesday urged the government to provide tax incentives, interest subvention and freight support in the upcoming 2026 Budget to strengthen the sector's competitiveness while addressing sustainability concerns.

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's biggest challenge will be to find a new growth driver, particularly against the backdrop of a global economy ravaged by heightened uncertainty and fragmentation, financial markets on a precipice, and global commodity prices on a continued uptrend.

India, US To Issue Joint Statement On Trade Deal

India, US To Issue Joint Statement On Trade Deal

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'Based on the joint statement, a formal agreement will be drafted, which may take a month or month-and-a-half to finalise. We aim to sign the formal agreement by mid-March.'

1st T20I: Saim Ayub stars as Pakistan beat depleted Australia

1st T20I: Saim Ayub stars as Pakistan beat depleted Australia

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Saim Ayub produced a brilliant all-round display to power Pakistan to a 22-run victory against a largely second-string Australia in the first Twenty20 international between the teams in Lahore on Thursday.

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed concerns about population imbalance, citing religious conversion, infiltration, and low birth rates as key factors. He advocated for 'ghar wapasi' and vigilance against infiltrators, while also emphasizing the importance of family and employment.

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Global uncertainty is something which definitely occupies the minds of officials when we are preparing for the Budget.'

Read Bhagavad Gita with Quran: IPS officer to madrasa students

Read Bhagavad Gita with Quran: IPS officer to madrasa students

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The IPS officer had been in the news in the past after he directed all police training schools in Madhya Pradesh to hold Bhagavad Gita and Ramcharitmanas recital sessions for their recruits as this will help them lead a "righteous" life.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Will India Top Group A?

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Will India Top Group A?

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Defending champions India look to do something they have never done in World Cups and retain the trophy.

Ranji Trophy: Padikkal to lead K'taka against Punjab

Ranji Trophy: Padikkal to lead K'taka against Punjab

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Padikkal replaces Agarwal as Karnataka skipper; Injured Karun to miss Punjab game

10 Stocks That May Gain From Budget

10 Stocks That May Gain From Budget

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The fiscal tilt towards capex benefits companies in investment-related sectors like capital goods, defence equipment, engineering & construction and metal & mining. The planned cut in revenue expenditure will weigh on companies in consumption sectors like FMCG, consumer durables and retail.

National Voters' Day: Voter is India's Bhagya Vidhata, says Modi

National Voters' Day: Voter is India's Bhagya Vidhata, says Modi

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Modi urged the youngsters to celebrate when they or a person around them becomes a voter for the first time.

India Will Continue To Buy Russian Oil

India Will Continue To Buy Russian Oil

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'No one can or will bar India from pursuing its energy goals as it wishes.' 'The US FTA wording may sound more restrictive, but the underlying reality will not undermine India's sovereign energy decisions.'