News for '-govt'

Over 5K govt schools have zero students; T'gana, Bengal top list

Over 5K govt schools have zero students; T'gana, Bengal top list

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A recent report indicates that over 5,000 government schools in India have no students enrolled, with a significant concentration in Telangana and West Bengal. The number of schools with very low enrolment has also increased.

G RAM G bill introduced in LS amid objections by Oppn

G RAM G bill introduced in LS amid objections by Oppn

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Opposition members strongly opposed the proposed legislation at the introduction stage and pressed for sending the bill to a parliamentary panel for greater scrutiny. The MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi of the Congress, strongly objected to the "removal" of Mahatma Gandhi's name.

IndiGo crisis: Are you helpless, Delhi HC asks govt

IndiGo crisis: Are you helpless, Delhi HC asks govt

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also asked how could other airlines take advantage of the crisis situation and charge hefty sums for tickets from the passengers.

Govt notifies Rs 7,280-cr scheme to manufacture rare earth magnets in India

Govt notifies Rs 7,280-cr scheme to manufacture rare earth magnets in India

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Centre has notified the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) with an outlay of Rs 7,280 crore. The initiative is targeting to reduce dependence on China for critical inputs and secure supply chains for EVs, electronics, aerospace and green energy.

No extension of waqf property registration deadline: Govt

No extension of waqf property registration deadline: Govt

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the deadline for registering Waqf properties on the UMEED portal will not be extended. However, those who attempted registration but could not complete it will be exempt from penalties for the next three months.

Govt orders 10% cut in IndiGo flights; airline says....

Govt orders 10% cut in IndiGo flights; airline says....

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The flights have been cut across sectors, particularly on high-demand, high-frequency routes, according to a DGCA statement.

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.

Kerala govt to appeal Dileep's acquittal in actress assault case

Kerala govt to appeal Dileep's acquittal in actress assault case

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Kerala government announces its decision to appeal against the acquittal of Malayalam actor Dileep in the actress assault case, citing incomplete justice for the survivor. The court found six others guilty. The decision follows reactions from political leaders, film industry figures, and the public.

'Snooping not possible': Govt on Sanchar Saathi app

'Snooping not possible': Govt on Sanchar Saathi app

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

In the context of the discussions about the app, the minister also said the government want to give power in the hands of the people to help them protect themselves.

No airline, however large...: Govt talks tough amid IndiGo chaos

No airline, however large...: Govt talks tough amid IndiGo chaos

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the Lok Sabha regarding the recent IndiGo flight disruptions, assuring that the airline will be held accountable and strict action will be taken for non-compliance and passenger hardship.

Govt to curtail IndiGo's winter flights; give slots to rivals

Govt to curtail IndiGo's winter flights; give slots to rivals

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Blaming Indigo entirely for the crisis, Naidu said that even on December 1, 2025, when the Ministry met with Indigo on FDTL, as it required some clarification, the company didn't flag the issue that caused the crisis.

Will take strict action against IndiGo to set example: Govt

Will take strict action against IndiGo to set example: Govt

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the government has initiated an inquiry into Indigo's mass flight cancellations and will take strict action against the operator to set an example for other airlines.

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Days after his ministry told smartphone makers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said users are free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app, and it will remain dormant till they register on it.

Govt's big order on refund, rescheduling fees; IndiGo responds

Govt's big order on refund, rescheduling fees; IndiGo responds

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

The airline announced that it will fully refund all bookings cancelled between December 5 and December 15 and will offer a waiver on all cancellation and rescheduling requests.

IndiGo refunds Rs 610 cr, returns 3,000 bags: Govt

IndiGo refunds Rs 610 cr, returns 3,000 bags: Govt

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

IndiGo has processed refunds totalling Rs 610 crore and delivered 3,000 pieces of baggage to passengers after recent flight disruptions, according to the government.

29 top Maoists killed since 2019, LWE-hit districts drop to 11: Govt

29 top Maoists killed since 2019, LWE-hit districts drop to 11: Govt

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The government informed Lok Sabha that security forces have neutralised 29 top Naxal leaders since 2019, with a significant reduction in affected districts.

Sonia Gandhi accuses Modi govt of trying to erase Nehru's legacy

Sonia Gandhi accuses Modi govt of trying to erase Nehru's legacy

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi accuses the ruling party of attempting to vilify Jawaharlal Nehru and erase his legacy, speaking at the launch of the Nehru Centre India.

Govt withdraws order on mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi

Govt withdraws order on mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The government on Wednesday withdrew the order mandating pre-installation of cyber security app Sanchar Saathi on smartphones by manufacturers.

SC refuses urgent hearing on IndiGo crisis, says govt has taken steps

SC refuses urgent hearing on IndiGo crisis, says govt has taken steps

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court declined to expedite a hearing regarding the widespread IndiGo flight cancellations, acknowledging the government's intervention in the matter.

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is ready to discuss the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, but cautioned the Opposition against setting timelines. This comes after the Opposition demanded an immediate discussion on the matter, citing concerns over the safety of BLOs and the importance of the issue for democracy.

Govt makes active SIM link mandatory for messaging apps

Govt makes active SIM link mandatory for messaging apps

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The Indian government has directed app-based communication services like WhatsApp and Telegram to ensure continuous linkage to a user's active SIM card to combat cyber fraud. Non-compliance will result in penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

IndiGo operations to normalise in 3 days, says govt; launches probe

IndiGo operations to normalise in 3 days, says govt; launches probe

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Friday said various operational measures, including keeping new flight duty norms in abeyance, will help address the IndiGo flight disruptions, and complete restoration of services is expected in next three days.

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Calcutta High Court overturned a single bench order that annulled the appointments of 32,000 primary school teachers in West Bengal, stating that irregularities were not proven in all recruitments. The decision brings relief to the teachers and is seen as a boost for the TMC-led state government.

Govt makes Sanchar Saathi app mandatory on all new handsets

Govt makes Sanchar Saathi app mandatory on all new handsets

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

According to the direction dated November 28, all mobile phones that will be manufactured in India or imported after 90 days from the date of issuing of the order will need to have the app.

No Full-Stop To Govt Versus Governors Tussle

No Full-Stop To Govt Versus Governors Tussle

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court's opinion on the presidential reference can impact on any number of cases if and when governors, if not the President, take a literary view of the Supreme Court's 'ppinion' on their 'discretionary powers' without reference to the rider on 'reasonable time', points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Sonia Gandhi criticizes the Modi government's environmental policies, claiming they endanger the Aravalli hills and disregard environmental protection.

ISL on hold: Govt calls emergency talks to save football

ISL on hold: Govt calls emergency talks to save football

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The latest crisis emerged after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) could not find a new commercial partner for the conduct of domestic league, including the top-tier Indian Super League.

Make demergers tax-neutral, biz houses nudge govt

Make demergers tax-neutral, biz houses nudge govt

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, Indian business houses have urged the government to make demergers tax-neutral, particularly in cases involving transfer of investments in associate companies with 25 per cent or more shareholding, under the new Income Tax Act. This may possibly help some companies planning to go public, according to a source.

ITR forms under new Income Tax Act to be notified prior to FY28: Govt

ITR forms under new Income Tax Act to be notified prior to FY28: Govt

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

The new income tax returns (ITR) form based on the I-T Act, 2025, will be notified prior to 2027-28 fiscal year, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Monday. The CBDT committee on simplification of ITR forms is carrying out extensive consultations with tax experts, institutional bodies, and field formations of the I-T Department, he said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Decoding govt order on active SIM link for WhatsApp, other apps

Decoding govt order on active SIM link for WhatsApp, other apps

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The missive has, however, polarised stakeholders, with mobile operators under COAI coming out in its support, while digital platforms under the aegis of Broadband India Forum expressing "serious concerns" around overreach and calling for a pause in implementation of timelines.

Rs 7,500 for up to 500 km: Govt caps airfares amid IndiGo chaos

Rs 7,500 for up to 500 km: Govt caps airfares amid IndiGo chaos

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Taking a serious note of the situation, the civil aviation ministry said it has invoked regulatory powers to ensure fair and reasonable fares across all affected routes.

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Opposition parties in India are demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and national security in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. They raised concerns about federalism, national security, and the purity of voter lists during an all-party meeting.

Lalu, Rabri asked to vacate bungalow; RJD slams govt

Lalu, Rabri asked to vacate bungalow; RJD slams govt

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi has been allotted a new residence by the Nitish Kumar government, requiring her to vacate the bungalow she has occupied for years. The decision has sparked reactions from RJD leaders and family members.

Assam govt tables inquiry report on 1983 Nellie massacre

Assam govt tables inquiry report on 1983 Nellie massacre

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Assam government on Tuesday distributed the report of the Tewary Commission, which had probed into the 1983 Nellie massacre during which over 2,000 people were killed, and large-scale violence that year, in the Assembly on first day of Winter Session.

'Cost of Centre's monopoly model': Rahul on IndiGo fiasco

'Cost of Centre's monopoly model': Rahul on IndiGo fiasco

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Gandhi said it is ordinary Indians who pay the price in delays, cancellations and helplessness.

PM-led panel to pick CIC on Dec 10, govt tells SC

PM-led panel to pick CIC on Dec 10, govt tells SC

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet on December 10 to select and recommend names for the post of Chief Information Commissioner and information commissioners of the Central Information Commission (CIC).

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha to levy excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products, and a new cess on manufacturing of pan masala, which will replace the GST compensation cess on such sin goods.

Is Imran Khan dead? PTI urges Pak govt to clarify

Is Imran Khan dead? PTI urges Pak govt to clarify

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The appeal follows repeated refusals in recent weeks to allow Imran's sisters to meet him at Adiala jail, prompting them to question his whereabouts and stage sit-ins outside the facility.

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

'Can I Claim HRA, Home Loan Benefit If...?'

'Can I Claim HRA, Home Loan Benefit If...?'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

rediffGURU T S Khurana answers readers' personal income tax queries