News for 'Central India'

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.

Instagram Tightens Teen Content Controls in India

Instagram Tightens Teen Content Controls in India

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The updated content settings will mean that teenagers in India will be able to view only content similar to what they would likely see in an age-appropriate movie.

Massive Drug Seizure: Meth Tablets Recovered In Mizoram

Massive Drug Seizure: Meth Tablets Recovered In Mizoram

Rediff.com2 days ago

Mizoram police and Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 38.7 crore in Champhai district, bordering Myanmar, arresting three individuals including a Myanmar national.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com2 days ago

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

AI Adoption in India: Concentrated in Top Cities, But Potential Spreads

AI Adoption in India: Concentrated in Top Cities, But Potential Spreads

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

OpenAI reports India is a leading AI market with strengths in coding, data analysis, and reasoning, but adoption is heavily concentrated in top cities, highlighting a significant regional disparity.

India Eyes Inclusion of Indigenous Sports in 2030 Commonwealth Games

India Eyes Inclusion of Indigenous Sports in 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

India is considering including indigenous sports like Kabaddi and Mallakhamb in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, alongside confirmed sports like hockey and cricket.

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Is Bhutan merely experimenting with digital finance -- or is the Himalayan kingdom punching far above its weight, quietly playing one of the most sophisticated strategic games in Asia today? asks Varun Arya.

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

Why govt cannot disclose Russian oil import data

Why govt cannot disclose Russian oil import data

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) has denied an RTI request for data on oil imports from Russia, citing its 'commercial and confidential' nature and exemptions under the RTI Act. The Central Information Commission supported this decision, referencing strategic and economic interests.

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $9 Billion, Nearing Record High

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $9 Billion, Nearing Record High

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a substantial increase of USD 9.063 billion, reaching USD 697.121 billion for the week ended April 3, 2026, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This surge follows a previous week's decline and brings the reserves closer to their all-time high.

Mohan Yadav Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal

Mohan Yadav Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal

Rediff.com6 days ago

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed confidence that the BJP will form a government in West Bengal, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and citing high voter turnout as a sign of public trust.

RBI net-bought $7.4 bn in Feb, highest since Mar '25

RBI net-bought $7.4 bn in Feb, highest since Mar '25

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) net-bought $7.4 billion from the spot foreign exchange market in February, its highest buy since March 2025, before heavily intervening by selling dollars in March as the rupee declined over 4 per cent following a spike in crude oil prices.

Did Delimitation Tilt Assam's Electoral Map In BJP's Favour?

Did Delimitation Tilt Assam's Electoral Map In BJP's Favour?

Rediff.com1 days ago

The delimitation in Assam has quietly changed the political scene, raising questions about whether new constituency boundaries helped the BJP by spreading out Muslim-majority voters.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com17 hours ago

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse highlights the positive impact of the Khelo India Tribal Games on Chhattisgarh, shifting its image from a region associated with naxalism to one with opportunities for tribal youth through sports.

RBI Citizen's Charter: Nearly All Applications Processed On Time

RBI Citizen's Charter: Nearly All Applications Processed On Time

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it processed 99.7 per cent of applications within the prescribed timeline under its Citizen's Charter in April 2026. The central bank handled a total of 21,150 applications, showcasing its commitment to efficient service delivery.

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Rediff.com4 days ago

India should not stay on the margins of this initiative. There should be a serious debate about what would be in India's best interests asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Key accused in Rs 2,672 cr bank fraud case arrested after UAE extradition

Key accused in Rs 2,672 cr bank fraud case arrested after UAE extradition

Rediff.com3 days ago

The CBI has arrested Kamlesh Parekh, a fugitive wanted in a 10-year-old Rs 2,672 crore bank fraud case, after his extradition from the UAE.

FY26 Direct Tax Collection Rises 5% to Rs 23.40 Lakh Crore, Misses Revised Target

FY26 Direct Tax Collection Rises 5% to Rs 23.40 Lakh Crore, Misses Revised Target

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's net direct tax collections increased by 5.12 per cent to over Rs 23.40 lakh crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year, but this figure still fell short of the revised budget target of Rs 24.21 lakh crore, primarily due to income tax cuts implemented earlier in the year.

RBI Cancels Paytm Payments Bank Licence: What it Means for Depositors

RBI Cancels Paytm Payments Bank Licence: What it Means for Depositors

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank, citing that the bank's affairs were conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of the bank and its depositors, and its management was prejudicial to public interest.

Commonwealth Sport President Confident in India's Readiness for 2030 Games

Commonwealth Sport President Confident in India's Readiness for 2030 Games

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare expressed satisfaction with India's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, following a multi-city review of venues and infrastructure.

Second-round effects of supply shocks a real concern, says RBI governor

Second-round effects of supply shocks a real concern, says RBI governor

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that preventing second-round effects of supply shocks, where inflation expectations rise due to prolonged disruptions, is the primary role of monetary policy. He also defended the RBI's foreign exchange market interventions, asserting it did not commit to an 'indefensible peg'.

Why Modi Empowered ED To Tackle Financial Crimes

Why Modi Empowered ED To Tackle Financial Crimes

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

Gap Between ATM Withdrawals And Cash In Circulation Widens

Gap Between ATM Withdrawals And Cash In Circulation Widens

Rediff.com7 days ago

A State Bank of India report indicates a sharp increase in precautionary cash holding in India, with the gap between per capita currency in circulation and ATM withdrawals widening significantly, driven by global uncertainties despite record digital payment transactions.

Bengal polls: Security forces clash with locals over EVM glitch in Birbhum

Bengal polls: Security forces clash with locals over EVM glitch in Birbhum

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Clashes erupted between locals and security personnel in West Bengal's Birbhum district after allegations of EVM malfunctioning triggered tension during the first phase of the state assembly elections.

Electric scooters set to dominate India's two-wheeler market by 2037, outpacing motorcycles

Electric scooters set to dominate India's two-wheeler market by 2037, outpacing motorcycles

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

India's two-wheeler market is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with electric scooters projected to surpass motorcycles in volume terms within the next decade, driven by urbanisation, increased female workforce participation, and the accelerating shift towards electrification, according to an Equirus Securities report.

'Economically, nobody is winning this war'

'Economically, nobody is winning this war'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'Markets never fully lose hope. But an important shift could come if the Strait remains closed -- moving from high prices to no prices.'

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com19 hours ago

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

Rediff.com23 hours ago

'Tamil Nadu has 42% of its population in the 18 to 39 age group. The bulk of the population in this age group voted for Vijay and women voters too voted for him in big numbers.'

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Union Home Ministry has announced changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications, including online applications and renunciation processes.

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of using central agencies to undermine Mamata Banerjee in the West Bengal elections, alleging a lack of public support for the saffron party.

Court Reader Arrested By CBI In Bribery Case

Court Reader Arrested By CBI In Bribery Case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The CBI arrested a court reader in Tis Hazari, Delhi, following allegations of bribery.

RBI Simplifies E-Mandate Rules For Reissued Cards

RBI Simplifies E-Mandate Rules For Reissued Cards

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has updated its e-mandate framework, allowing card issuers to map existing mandates to reissued cards and clarifying rules around transaction limits and customer grievance redressal.

Attempted Murder Case Filed After Karol Bagh Shooting

Attempted Murder Case Filed After Karol Bagh Shooting

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A man was shot and injured in Karol Bagh, central Delhi, early Friday morning. Police have registered a case of attempted murder and are investigating the incident.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com1 days ago

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

Rediff.com6 days ago

BJP's Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath faced protests by TMC workers when she visited a booth in the assembly constituency in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district where polling was underway. She also accused the ruling party activists of preventing her from leaving the booth premises, following an altercation with them over an allegation of influencing voters.

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remark calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist' has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, who have demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Interpol Red Notice Gangster Sahil Chauhan Deported to India from Thailand

Interpol Red Notice Gangster Sahil Chauhan Deported to India from Thailand

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Gangster Sahil Chauhan, wanted in multiple cases and subject to an Interpol Red Notice, has been deported from Thailand to India. He was apprehended in Bangkok and brought back to India, where he faces numerous criminal charges.

RIL's Q4 Profit Falls 12.5% Due to Energy Crisis, Jio Platforms Reports 13% Growth

RIL's Q4 Profit Falls 12.5% Due to Energy Crisis, Jio Platforms Reports 13% Growth

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Reliance Industries Ltd reported a 12.5 per cent fall in its March quarter net profit, primarily impacted by the global energy crisis affecting its oil and chemicals business, while its consumer-facing Jio Platforms unit saw a 13 per cent increase in profit after tax.