News for 'Central Government'

Fresh flash flood threat in Nepal as Bhotekoshi water level rises

Fresh flash flood threat in Nepal as Bhotekoshi water level rises

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

A senior cryosphere specialist has warned of a potential secondary flash flood in Nepal due to debris from an ice-rock avalanche accumulating at a river confluence, creating a temporary dam that is collecting water.

Forex Reserves See Massive $14.14 Billion Jump to $707 Billion

Forex Reserves See Massive $14.14 Billion Jump to $707 Billion

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw one of their largest weekly expansions, surging by USD 14.136 billion to reach USD 707.002 billion during the week ended August 7, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

What caused the deadly Nepal flash floods

What caused the deadly Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) suggest that an ice-rock avalanche originating in a high-altitude area likely triggered the devastating flash floods that swept across central Nepal districts, killing at least 95 people and leaving nearly 500 missing.

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted a directive from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that prohibited Dabur India from marketing certain food products with "100 per cent" claims. The court cited a lack of hearing for Dabur before the FSSAI order was issued, granting prima facie relief to the company.

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Karnataka government has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and Bigbasket due to the online sale of toxic Dhatura fruits/seeds. Citing public health and food safety concerns, authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences for suppliers to these platforms and mandated the removal of all Dhatura-related listings.

Tibetian glaciers unstable, warns China after deadly Nepal floods

Tibetian glaciers unstable, warns China after deadly Nepal floods

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Chinese officials warn that glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are becoming increasingly unstable, leading to a higher risk of flash floods and other disasters, as evidenced by a recent deadly ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. The region has seen a significant reduction in glacier area, and scientists are calling for advanced monitoring systems to predict these complex events.

Surplus Liquidity from FCNR(B) Inflows to Cut Bank Funding Costs by 50 Bps

Surplus Liquidity from FCNR(B) Inflows to Cut Bank Funding Costs by 50 Bps

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Indian banks anticipate a reduction of up to 50 basis points in their funding costs due to a surge in liquidity from robust Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR (B), flows, lessening their reliance on more expensive certificates of deposit (CDs).

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted crucial resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the lone BJP member opposing both.

No SC ban on CJP's Sep 5 march: 'Expect everyone to act responsibly'

No SC ban on CJP's Sep 5 march: 'Expect everyone to act responsibly'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to issue orders prohibiting a protest march called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) for September 5. The court stated its expectation that all parties would act peacefully and lawfully, directing the petitioner to a High Powered Enquiry Committee. The CJP's march aims to protest the Centre's alleged failure to honour promises made regarding examination irregularities and police violence during previous agitations.

Google tells HC it has withheld Dhruv Rathee's 'defamatory' video in India

Google tells HC it has withheld Dhruv Rathee's 'defamatory' video in India

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Google has informed the Delhi High Court that it has withheld a "defamatory" YouTube video by social media influencer Dhruv Rathee in India. The video, which allegedly hurt religious sentiments by insulting Hindu deities, was withheld following an order from the Centre's Grievance Appellate Committee. The petitioner, Amita Sachdeva, seeks global blocking, but Google states the issue of global injunction is pending before a division bench.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

China, US, India must compensate Nepal for flash floods: Khanal

China, US, India must compensate Nepal for flash floods: Khanal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Nepal has launched a diplomatic initiative to secure climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, asserting that post-disaster assistance for recent deadly flash floods should be viewed as a moral and legal liability, not charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted Nepal's disproportionate suffering from global warming despite negligible emissions, citing rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. The country has formally approached the Loss and Damage Fund board for urgent financial aid following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin.

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive rescue operations following devastating flash floods and mudslides near the China-Nepal border in Tibet. The disaster has caused heavy casualties, left nearly 400 people missing, including 105 Indians and 37 NRIs, and damaged infrastructure. Emergency teams have been deployed, and efforts are underway to evacuate residents and provide medical aid.

Pak top court orders Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail

Pak top court orders Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital for a medical examination concerning an eye ailment. This directive comes despite jail authorities claiming his eyesight was "almost normal," following petitions from his legal team expressing dissatisfaction with government hospital treatment.

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A central government committee has upheld the ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film Satluj, citing concerns over India's sovereignty and integrity, sparking political debate in Punjab.

Modi govt's new Gen Z push: One minister to visit one university every day

Modi govt's new Gen Z push: One minister to visit one university every day

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Modi government is launching a 'One Day, One University' programme, sending Union ministers to universities daily to engage with Gen Z, address their concerns, and inform them about government schemes. This initiative follows recent student protests over the NEET paper leak and aims to foster better understanding between the youth and the government.

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'You have to get private investment to somewhere between 35% to 36% of GDP. It is hovering about 30%-31%.'

Chennai to Manipur: How cops cracked Odisha woman's murder case

Chennai to Manipur: How cops cracked Odisha woman's murder case

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Police have arrested Manik Uddin Laskar and Bhagabati Majhi, the prime suspects in the murder of a 38-year-old woman whose dismembered body was found in a suitcase on the Tamil Nadu Express in Agra. The couple was apprehended in Manipur after a multi-state search, following an investigation that traced their movements from Chennai and uncovered further gruesome details at their rented home.

Kejriwal says CJP protesters forced Modi to yield, assures legal aid

Kejriwal says CJP protesters forced Modi to yield, assures legal aid

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal has strongly criticised the Central government's crackdown on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters, comparing the police brutality to that of the British Raj. He announced the launch of a helpline to provide medical and legal aid to injured protesters and their families.

Bihar alcohol ban failed, govt should revoke it: Study

Bihar alcohol ban failed, govt should revoke it: Study

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A research paper by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommends that Bihar revoke its alcohol ban, citing its failure to reduce violence against women and a rise in illicit drug and alcohol consumption. The report suggests that reinstating the liquor excise tax would significantly increase state revenues and decrease enforcement costs.

BJP Leader Alleges West Bengal Government Depriving Citizens of Central Welfare Benefits

BJP Leader Alleges West Bengal Government Depriving Citizens of Central Welfare Benefits

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has accused the West Bengal government of deliberately withholding central allocations for social welfare projects, including Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana, impacting millions of citizens. He also criticised the state's handling of farmer support and public distribution systems.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a central Kolkata building resulted in nine deaths, primarily due to asphyxia, and the rescue of around 80 people. West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury highlighted the quick response of the Fire Brigade but raised concerns about safety norms, lack of windows, and the proliferation of cramped hotels within the building. An investigation committee will be formed, and fire audits will be conducted across all hotels in the state.

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose again on Sunday, days after a devastating flash flood struck Nepal, authorities warned, urging residents and rescue personnel in flood-hit districts to remain alert.

Bihar Prohibition Fails To Curb Crime Against Women

Bihar Prohibition Fails To Curb Crime Against Women

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'The prohibition regime has been accompanied by concerns regarding the expansion of the illicit liquor trade, increased enforcement challenges and corruption, and the growing use of alternative intoxicants, including illicit drugs.'

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

Rains or glacier lake outburst? What triggered Nepal floods

Rains or glacier lake outburst? What triggered Nepal floods

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

A new scientific report reveals that the recent devastating floods in Nepal's Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor were triggered by a massive ice-rock avalanche from the high Himalayas, challenging initial assumptions of rainfall or glacial lake outburst floods.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to replace a British-era law and allow digital and virtual records to be admissible as evidence in courts. This legislation aligns with contemporary digital banking practices and extends a uniform evidential framework to various financial entities, including NBFCs and fintech companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's role in strengthening public confidence and safeguarding customer privacy. The bill's passage, however, saw an Opposition walkout over unrelated issues.

K'taka Oppn to lay siege to assembly on Monday over DKS minister's removal

K'taka Oppn to lay siege to assembly on Monday over DKS minister's removal

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka assembly R Ashoka on Sunday announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally Janata Dal-Secular would lay siege to Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on August 24 seeking the removal of planning and statistics minister B Nagendra from the cabinet.

N-plants save blushes for India's Q1 investment outlay

N-plants save blushes for India's Q1 investment outlay

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's fresh investment plans in Q1FY27 surged 71 per cent to 14.77 trillion, primarily driven by four large nuclear power projects worth 6.5 trillion, according to investment monitoring firm Projects Today. Excluding these nuclear projects, fresh investment plans actually declined 4.27 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with a deepening flood crisis as the death toll from devastating flash floods in Rasuwa and surrounding districts has tragically risen to 538, with authorities now warning of a fresh flood threat and initiating evacuations.

SCO approves anti-terror security centre after Modi's warning

SCO approves anti-terror security centre after Modi's warning

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India has highlighted 13 key outcomes from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, focusing on enhanced cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and addressing transnational threats. These outcomes include the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security, a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism, and agreements on narcotics control, climate change, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing India's engagement in the Eurasian region.

Fresh flood risk in Nepal as new barrier lake forms on China border

Fresh flood risk in Nepal as new barrier lake forms on China border

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A new barrier lake has formed near the source of Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, with Chinese authorities warning of a potential breach. This poses a fresh flood risk to downstream areas in Nepal, prompting warnings for residents and calls for diplomatic consultations to manage cross-border glacier risks.

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gandak river system, prompting emergency measures including evacuations and continuous monitoring by central and state authorities.

'No one even asks about us': Kargil martyr's family alleges broken promises

'No one even asks about us': Kargil martyr's family alleges broken promises

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

More than a quarter of a century after Indian Army soldier Avnish Yadav laid down his life in the Kargil War defending the nation, his family said that several promises made by the authorities in recognition of his sacrifice are yet to be fulfilled.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

Shivakumar minister Nagendra quits again amid Valmiki scam heat

Shivakumar minister Nagendra quits again amid Valmiki scam heat

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

For the second time in two years, Karnataka minister B Nagendra resigned from the state Cabinet on Friday amid the Opposition heat over his alleged involvement in the Rs 89 crore Valmiki Corporation scam.