News for 'Central Government'

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The government plans to expand its central bank digital currency (CBDC)-based food subsidy programme to Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu by June, following its implementation on a pilot basis in Gujarat and Puducherry, official sources said.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com4 days ago

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of attempting to search her car while en route to Kolkata airport, alleging misuse of central machinery by the BJP ahead of state elections.

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Stir erupts against Karnataka's AI city

Rediff.com1 days ago

About 45 km from the tech hub of Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is planning a mega artificial intelligence (AI)-powered city with a budget of more than Rs 18,000 crore. To be spread over 9,000 acres, the project aims to follow the theme "Work, live, play" with technology as its core. At the centre of it are, however, thousands of farmers who are protesting against land acquisition by the government.

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Centre had asked the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Election Commission's circular regarding the deployment of central government personnel for vote counting in West Bengal, dismissing a plea by the TMC.

Digital Access, Data Governance Remain Challenges For India's DPI

Digital Access, Data Governance Remain Challenges For India's DPI

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlights the challenges of digital access, data governance, interoperability, and cyber security in India's digital public infrastructure (DPI), despite its world-class scale.

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

Rediff.com2 days ago

As India marks a decade of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus is shifting towards enhancing efficiency through artificial intelligence, data sharing, and process simplification. The reform, which unified India's indirect tax system, has significantly broadened the tax base and boosted revenues, with future plans including a streamlined two-tier rate structure and continued technological integration to reduce compliance costs and combat evasion.

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

Rediff.com4 days ago

Many students who do well in the NEET exams miss out on a medical seat because they didn't get their documentation in order. You don't want to be that student, says Ashok Hegde.

Himachal Government Vows Action In 2022 Paper Leak Case

Himachal Government Vows Action In 2022 Paper Leak Case

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured strict action in the 2022 police recruitment paper leak case, following a CBI recommendation for penalties against police officers.

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Rediff.com3 days ago

The World Health Organization has requested information from the Indian government regarding the alleged supply of spurious oxytocin injections linked to the deaths of five women in Kota hospitals. This comes after regulatory action, including the cancellation of manufacturing licenses for Jackson Laboratories units, following joint inspections by drug control bodies. The government is investigating the matter, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to quality violations.

Threat email triggers terror alert across Delhi, Uttarakhand

Threat email triggers terror alert across Delhi, Uttarakhand

Rediff.com2 days ago

Intelligence agencies have issued a security alert for Delhi and Uttarakhand due to a possible terror threat, prompted by an email warning of attacks. Key religious sites, government establishments, and police installations are under heightened surveillance. The alert follows incidents involving Nihang Sikhs in Uttarakhand, though the email's authenticity is under investigation.

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A video of an inmate from Hoshiarpur Central Jail alleging harassment and demanding money from staff has gone viral, leading to an official inquiry and a political backlash against the Punjab government.

Delhi HC upholds blocking of Telegram ahead of NEET retest

Delhi HC upholds blocking of Telegram ahead of NEET retest

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Indian government's decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram, citing the messaging app's capacity for 'automated dissemination' of large content, which could facilitate misinformation during the crucial NEET-UG retest.

Light aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper

Light aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper

Rediff.com3 days ago

A light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, prompting immediate evacuations. The incident occurred despite stringent airspace regulations in the Chinese capital, with details on casualties and the aircraft's origin still unclear.

Centre To Release Funds To Bolster Mizoram's Power Sector

Centre To Release Funds To Bolster Mizoram's Power Sector

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced the Centre's readiness to release Rs 6 crore to Mizoram to strengthen its power sector. The announcement came during a meeting with BJP leaders in Aizawl, where issues concerning Mizoram, including pending central funds and housing schemes, were discussed.

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Tamil invocation song was rendered last during the swearing-in of new ministers. Left parties have criticised the decision to sing the Tamil anthem after Vande Mataram and the national anthem.

RBI Proposes AI Risk Management Framework

RBI Proposes AI Risk Management Framework

Rediff.com5 days ago

Recognising the growing use of AI/ML models by regulated entities across business and decision-making processes, the RBI said weaknesses in governance, oversight, risk management, and controls could expose institutions to financial, operational, compliance, and reputational risks.

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'Present day youth are not interested in the past. They want to see what you are going to do now.'

At least 164 killed, around 1,000 hurt as quakes rock Venezuela

At least 164 killed, around 1,000 hurt as quakes rock Venezuela

Rediff.com4 days ago

At least 32 people have been killed and over 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela, with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declaring La Guaira a disaster zone and warning the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

AIFF Unanimously Adopts Revised Constitution, Introduces Key Changes

AIFF Unanimously Adopts Revised Constitution, Introduces Key Changes

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unanimously approved its revised Constitution, aligning with the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), 2025. This significant overhaul, decided at a virtual Special General Body Meeting, introduces a new election panel, mandates national anthems before matches, modifies foreign player rules in ISL, and updates the disciplinary code, aiming to enhance governance, transparency, and player development in Indian football.

Unexplained Light Aircraft Crash Rocks Beijing's Citic Tower

Unexplained Light Aircraft Crash Rocks Beijing's Citic Tower

Rediff.com3 days ago

A light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, causing an immediate evacuation and scattering debris. The incident, which occurred in the prominent business district, has raised concerns, with authorities yet to comment and the origin and circumstances of the crash remaining unknown. The aircraft was identified as a Sunward SA60L Aurora, and the crash highlights recent stringent regulations on recreational flying in Beijing's airspace.

Sena-UBT remains strong, Aaditya capable of leading it: Raut

Sena-UBT remains strong, Aaditya capable of leading it: Raut

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sanjay Raut defended the strength of Shiv Sena-UBT, backing Aaditya Thackeray as a capable next-generation leader while claiming the party cadre remains loyal to Uddhav Thackeray despite recent MP defections driven by money and central agency pressure.

Congress Accuses BJP Of Exploiting Tribals For Political Gain

Congress Accuses BJP Of Exploiting Tribals For Political Gain

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Jharkhand Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to gain political advantage by organising large tribal gatherings while allegedly undermining the rights of tribal communities at the grassroots level.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com6 days ago

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

Banking system liquidity in deficit after 3 months

Banking system liquidity in deficit after 3 months

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's banking system liquidity has fallen into a deficit for the first time in nearly three months, prompting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to inject 1.41 trillion through a seven-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction to ease the temporary tightness.

Why Hooda Demands Special Session On Haryana's Collapsing Law And Order

Why Hooda Demands Special Session On Haryana's Collapsing Law And Order

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has called for a special session of the Haryana Assembly to address the state's deteriorating law and order situation. Citing central government and NCRB reports, Hooda highlighted Haryana's unsafe status, high organised crime rates, and alarming statistics on rapes, murders, and suicides, alleging the BJP government's negligence.

Kolkata warehouse tragedy: Suvendu orders audit of all TMC-era projects

Kolkata warehouse tragedy: Suvendu orders audit of all TMC-era projects

Rediff.com3 days ago

A committee constituted by the West Bengal government to carry out a special audit of sanctioned plans for high-rise residential and commercial buildings in and around the city will meet on Friday to begin the exercise, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said.

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Rediff.com1 days ago

For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Indian government has ratified an 8.25 per cent interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the financial year 2025-26, with over seven crore contributing members expected to see this credited to their accounts this month.

Central forces to stay for 60 more days in Bengal even if BJP wins: Shah

Central forces to stay for 60 more days in Bengal even if BJP wins: Shah

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that central forces will remain deployed in West Bengal for at least seven more days after the assembly elections, assuring voters of security during and after the polls.

MP Government Establishes Committee to Oversee Gas and Oil Supply Amid Global Concerns

MP Government Establishes Committee to Oversee Gas and Oil Supply Amid Global Concerns

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has formed a committee to monitor gas and oil supplies amid concerns over the West Asia crisis, assuring citizens that there are adequate stocks and no need to panic. The government is also working to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens from Gulf countries.

Stringent Action After Deadly Firecracker Factory Explosion In Madhya Pradesh

Stringent Action After Deadly Firecracker Factory Explosion In Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Following a deadly explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh, authorities have invoked the National Security Act against the factory manager and filed culpable homicide charges against four individuals, including the owner.

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for June 29 on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR and a time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The TMC has refuted Prime Minister Modi's claim that high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls indicates a mandate for change, asserting it reflects support for Mamata Banerjee and her government's development agenda.

Odisha changes English spellings of 64 places to match Odia phonetics

Odisha changes English spellings of 64 places to match Odia phonetics

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Odisha government has officially changed the English spellings of 64 places, including major cities like Cuttack (now Kataka) and Balasore (now Baleshwar), to align with Odia phonetics. This move aims to preserve the state's linguistic and cultural identity by correcting colonial-era anglicised names and standardising official records.

Arunachal Flash Floods Trigger Flood Threat In Assam

Arunachal Flash Floods Trigger Flood Threat In Assam

Rediff.com5 days ago

The weather office has warned that the prevailing monsoon conditions could trigger flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and a further rise in river levels across the Northeast.

Kerala's Economic Crisis: BJP Points Finger At UDF, LDF

Kerala's Economic Crisis: BJP Points Finger At UDF, LDF

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and B B Gopakumar have accused both the UDF and LDF governments of pushing Kerala into an economic crisis. They criticised the lack of solutions from the ruling fronts, highlighted the state's high public debt, and questioned the allocation of revenue for development versus salaries and pensions.

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states and Union Territories, recommending mandatory annual POSH audits and other measures to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The advisory aims to ensure safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive working environments for women across all sectors, emphasising institutional accountability, proper committee constitution, and robust awareness programmes.

Mehbooba asks Kashmiri pandits to 'move on, not be prisoners of past'

Mehbooba asks Kashmiri pandits to 'move on, not be prisoners of past'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief, urged Kashmiri Pandits to move beyond past grievances and invest in a shared future in the Kashmir Valley. Speaking at the Kheer Bhawani mela, she highlighted the warmth between communities and called for government support for Pandits, while also appealing to them to isolate those who seek to use them for political agendas.