News for 'Central Government'

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

PSU External Borrowings May Top $15 Billion in FY27 Amid RBI Incentives

PSU External Borrowings May Top $15 Billion in FY27 Amid RBI Incentives

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

State-owned enterprises in India are projected to significantly increase their overseas borrowings, potentially exceeding $15 billion in FY27, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's new concessional forex swap facility which offers a 3 per cent funding-cost advantage.

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Michel Danino, one of the NCERT academics previously barred by the Supreme Court over a controversial chapter on the judiciary, maintains the content was 'correct' and defends its inclusion in the textbook.

NCERT book row: SC modifies order banning academics

NCERT book row: SC modifies order banning academics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court has modified its previous order regarding three academics involved in a controversial NCERT textbook chapter on corruption in the judiciary, allowing government bodies to make independent decisions about their association with the academics.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

BJP MLA's Phone Snatched During Morning Walk

BJP MLA's Phone Snatched During Morning Walk

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A 19-year-old man allegedly snatched the mobile phone of BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik during his morning walk in Raipur. The accused was arrested within eight hours, but the incident has sparked political controversy.

Blocked roof exit, cooking heaters: Probe reveals more lapses in Delhi hotel fire

Blocked roof exit, cooking heaters: Probe reveals more lapses in Delhi hotel fire

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Delhi Police are investigating a blocked roof exit and the use of cooking heaters in guest rooms as key factors in the recent Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people. Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj has been arrested, and a Look Out Circular issued against his wife, while the manager remains absconding.

NEET-UG re-exam on June 21; computer-based test from next year: Pradhan

NEET-UG re-exam on June 21; computer-based test from next year: Pradhan

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which was cancelled due to alleged irregularities, will be re-conducted on June 21.

RBI Governor Signals Action If Iran War Leads To Entrenched Inflation

RBI Governor Signals Action If Iran War Leads To Entrenched Inflation

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'If the war continue for a longer period of time, it is just a matter of time before the government will pass on some of the price increases.'

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Imtiaz Ali's new film Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to delve into the enduring trauma of the 1947 Partition, continuing Bollywood's complex cinematic journey of depicting one of history's most violent and impactful events.

Suvendu issues 'final' warning, vows zero tolerance on attacks against police

Suvendu issues 'final' warning, vows zero tolerance on attacks against police

Rediff.com18 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards vandalism and attacks on police personnel following violent protests in Kolkata. He warned of strict legal action and promised full government support for law enforcement.

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

D K Shivakumar, the Vokkaliga strongman and state Congress President, is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today at 4:05 pm at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony will also see some ministers taking oath, though the final list is awaiting approval from the Congress high command.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Women Reservation Act 2023 comes into force ahead of voting to its amendment in LS

Women Reservation Act 2023 comes into force ahead of voting to its amendment in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Women's Reservation Act 2023, mandating 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, has been enacted, but its immediate implementation is unclear due to ongoing parliamentary debates and delimitation requirements.

Fresh plea in SC against HC order over Bhojshala verdict

Fresh plea in SC against HC order over Bhojshala verdict

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A fresh plea has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court order, which said that the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar district was a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

CBI Takes Custody In NEET Paper Leak Case

CBI Takes Custody In NEET Paper Leak Case

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken into custody a person from Nashik, Maharashtra, in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak. The individual was initially detained by Nashik Police following a request from Rajasthan Police.

Bengal Jail Officials Suspended Amid Mobile Phone Allegations

Bengal Jail Officials Suspended Amid Mobile Phone Allegations

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The West Bengal government has suspended two senior officials at Presidency Correctional Home following allegations that inmates were using mobile phones within the facility. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that a network of organised crime was being operated from within the state's prisons.

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation against Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged drug trafficker associated with the Dawood Ibrahim gang.

Vijay praises BJP-partnered Puducherry government

Vijay praises BJP-partnered Puducherry government

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Actor-politician Vijay held his first public meeting in Puducherry, criticising the central government for neglecting the union territory's demand for statehood and praising the local government's impartiality. He also targeted the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, suggesting they could learn from Puducherry.

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will soon allow subscribers to withdraw their EPF and transfer it directly to their bank accounts through the UPI payment gateway. Testing of the facility has been completed, according to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

NEET paper leak: Accused Shubham Khairnar sent to CBI transit remand

NEET paper leak: Accused Shubham Khairnar sent to CBI transit remand

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A court in Mumbai has sent an accused, arrested in Nashik in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak, to a two-day transit remand of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI took Shubham Khairnar into custody on Tuesday night and presented him before a magistrate's court, seeking his transit remand to take him to Delhi for further investigation.

Ex-IDFC Bank Staff Held In Rs 590 Crore Money Laundering Case

Ex-IDFC Bank Staff Held In Rs 590 Crore Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested two former IDFC First Bank employees in connection with a money laundering case involving the alleged embezzlement of Rs 590 crore in Haryana government funds.

Nagaland Opens Cultural Centre To Preserve Indigenous Heritage

Nagaland Opens Cultural Centre To Preserve Indigenous Heritage

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Nagaland Indigenous Tribes Cultural Resource Centre has been inaugurated in Kohima to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the state's indigenous tribes.

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP over the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the delay in recognising the Kurmali language, accusing the party of dividing people and making false promises.

How Punjab Police Recovered Over 12,000 Lost Mobile Phones

How Punjab Police Recovered Over 12,000 Lost Mobile Phones

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Punjab Police have successfully traced and returned over 12,000 lost mobile phones to their owners in the past year, utilising technical and data analysis. The recoveries, estimated to be worth between Rs 15 to Rs 20 crore, were made possible through initiatives like the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).

US raises concerns over India's data protection, internet shutdown policies

US raises concerns over India's data protection, internet shutdown policies

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has expressed concerns that India's Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, particularly the lack of a deemed consent mechanism for credit information companies, and the Information Technology (IT) Rules of 2021, along with frequent internet shutdowns, could negatively impact the ability of US companies to operate and trade in India.

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders have strongly criticised the ED raids on former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others, alleging political motivation and a conspiracy by the BJP and Congress. They claim the raids are an attempt to intimidate the party and its leaders, and have vowed to fight back against what they see as a politically fabricated case.

India's peak power demand reaches record high amidst heatwave

India's peak power demand reaches record high amidst heatwave

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 257.37 GW on Monday, driven by increased use of cooling appliances during an intense heatwave, according to power ministry data. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast continued heatwave conditions in northwest and central India.

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Members of Parliament questioned top National Testing Agency (NTA) officials about the NEET-UG paper leak, with the NTA stating the CBI is investigating the matter. The parliamentary panel also discussed measures to prevent future leaks and reforms within the NTA.

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against several AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, for their social media posts against a judge in relation to the excise policy case.

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP rigged the West Bengal elections and announces plans for a nationwide anti-BJP alliance. She also protests against post-poll violence and arrests of TMC workers.

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said infiltration and other reasons are causing 'unnatural' demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation.

Key Accused Held In USD 8.5 Million US Fraud

Key Accused Held In USD 8.5 Million US Fraud

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The CBI has arrested Lakhan Jaiprakash Jagwani, a key accused in a case involving the alleged defrauding of US nationals of USD 8.5 million through illegal call centres.

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Bihar's greatest resource is not beneath its soil but above it -- its people. With a population approaching 140 million and one of India's youngest demographic profiles, Bihar possesses an asset many societies would envy, explains Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

US Files Charges Against Indian Man In 2017 Murder Case

US Files Charges Against Indian Man In 2017 Murder Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The US has announced federal charges against Nazeer Hameed, an Indian national, for his alleged involvement in the 2017 murder of Sasikala Narra and her six-year-old son Anish Narra in Maple Shade, New Jersey. Hameed fled to India after the murders and now faces charges for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Adityanath Accuses TMC of Appeasement, Promises 'Double-Engine' Growth in Bengal

Adityanath Accuses TMC of Appeasement, Promises 'Double-Engine' Growth in Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, accusing it of appeasement policies and urging voters to elect a BJP government for inclusive governance and development.

Meet The New CBSE Chief

Meet The New CBSE Chief

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sarthak Sidhant, a 17-year-old student from Jharkhand affected by CBSE's online marking system, made a presentation before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tuesday on alleged irregularities in the tendering process for the selection of vendors for online marking of Class 12 answer scripts.