News for 'Central Region'

Maha BJP chief's remark backfires, Cong sweeps Latur civic polls

Maha BJP chief's remark backfires, Cong sweeps Latur civic polls

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Congress won elections to the Latur Municipal Corporation (LMC) in central Maharashtra on Friday, bagging a clear majority with 43 seats in the 70-member body, leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party a distant second with 22 seats.

Can This Budget Deliver Strategic Growth and Jobs?

Can This Budget Deliver Strategic Growth and Jobs?

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

India is growing fast, but to keep growing strong, the government must make more things at home, create jobs, and spend money wisely, suggests Rajiv Memani, regional managing partner, Africa-India Region, EY.

Budget 2026: 7 new high-speed rail corridors announced

Budget 2026: 7 new high-speed rail corridors announced

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Two dedicated freight corridors -- Eastern and Western -- are in operation covering several states and districts.

Fresh snowfall in Kashmir; Srinagar highway closed, flights hit

Fresh snowfall in Kashmir; Srinagar highway closed, flights hit

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Fresh snowfall in Kashmir, including Srinagar, leads to flight cancellations and highway closures, disrupting normal life.

Maharashtra overtakes Tamil Nadu in NITI's 2024 export preparedness index

Maharashtra overtakes Tamil Nadu in NITI's 2024 export preparedness index

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Maharashtra has pipped Tamil Nadu in NITI Aayog's latest Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for 2024. While Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh gained ground, Karnataka and Haryana slipped out of the top five, the central government think tank said in its report released on Wednesday.

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC government in West Bengal of patronizing infiltration, leading to demographic changes and riots. He reassured refugees and promised action against illegal migration if the BJP comes to power.

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Political consultancy firm I-PAC has reacted to the Enforcement Directorate's raids at its Kolkata premises, calling it an "unsettling precedent." The raids have triggered political upheaval in West Bengal, where elections are due in months. The firm, engaged by the TMC, said it would continue to work in an "unfazed and unperturbed" manner.

US conducts strikes across Syria

US conducts strikes across Syria

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, along with partner forces, conducted large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria as a part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Once the might of the Indian establishment turned completely against the Maoists, there was no way they could survive -- either in Gadchiroli or anywhere else, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

Agencies flag 'crypto hawala' pipeline funding terror in J-K

Agencies flag 'crypto hawala' pipeline funding terror in J-K

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Mirroring the traditional hawala system, where money is sent through non-banking channels, this digital version uses the anonymity of unregulated cryptocurrency to erase the financial trail and inject cash into the domestic economy.

ICG ship Sarthak makes historic visit to Iran's Chabahar Port

ICG ship Sarthak makes historic visit to Iran's Chabahar Port

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Indian Coast Guard ship Sarthak visited Chabahar port in Iran, marking the first such visit and underscoring India's growing maritime engagement in the region. The visit aims to strengthen institutional linkages and enhance mutual understanding in maritime safety and security.

Man loses Rs 16.50L in digital arrest for 'Delhi blast probe'

Man loses Rs 16.50L in digital arrest for 'Delhi blast probe'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The caller told the victim that a bank account linked to his mobile number had allegedly received Rs 7 crore through money laundering activities and warned that he would be arrested in the case.

Great Himalayan Dream: Can Nepal spark T20 World Cup magic?

Great Himalayan Dream: Can Nepal spark T20 World Cup magic?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

For a team that once struggled for basic infrastructure, the T20 World Cup is being viewed as a defining leap rather than just another appearance for Nepal.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

'Maoists Will Be Extinct In 2 Months'

'Maoists Will Be Extinct In 2 Months'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'From every point of view, they have faced an extremely difficult couple of years, and the setback they have suffered is irreversible.' 'This reality has begun to set in even amongst the top-level cadres. That is why, in recent times, we have witnessed a huge number of senior-level cadres emerging from the jungle and deciding to renounce violence and join the mainstream.'

World's 11 Famously Long Tunnels

World's 11 Famously Long Tunnels

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Running deep beneath mountains, rivers, and sometimes bustling cities are the world's longest tunnels. Quiet marvels of modern engineering, hidden from sight, they are vital to everyday life, carrying drinking water to millions, whisking metro trains between megacities, draining floodwaters, and connect regions once separated by formidable terrain.

The Story Behind World's Longest Sari

The Story Behind World's Longest Sari

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Supreet Singh, filmmaker and co-founder of Red Dot Foundation, explains how the 4km long Infinite Saree is a larger campaign against all forms of sexual abuse, including marital rape.

Positive biz outlook nudges banks to hire for sales growth

Positive biz outlook nudges banks to hire for sales growth

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Banks are witnessing a surge in hiring for sales staff in secured segments such as home, vehicle and gold loans as compared to the recovery category, driven by a boost in business growth, and a host of regulatory measures aimed at improving ease of doing business, according to industry experts.

A long-game Budget

A long-game Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, which was a first, had an excellent domestic macro backdrop. According to the first advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, against 6.5 per cent in 2024-25.

US launches 'deadly' strike on ISIS in Nigeria

US launches 'deadly' strike on ISIS in Nigeria

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The United States on Thursday launched a 'deadly' strike against the terror organisation Islamic State in Northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump said.

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

A long-billed vulture, J132, released in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve, has travelled nearly 750 km in 17 days, reaching close to Anjaneri hills near Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district. The vulture's journey is part of a conservation program by the state forest department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

Suspected as 'Bangladeshis', 3 Bengal workers attacked in Maha

Suspected as 'Bangladeshis', 3 Bengal workers attacked in Maha

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Three migrant workers from West Bengal were allegedly assaulted in Maharashtra after being suspected of being 'Bangladeshis' for speaking Bengali. The workers claim they were confronted, assaulted, and had their identity questioned despite showing Aadhaar cards.

How Much Money Will Jana Nayagan Make?

How Much Money Will Jana Nayagan Make?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

When it eventually releases, Jana Nayagan is expected to have an opening day collection close to -- or even above -- Rs 100 crore, largely because it is being promoted as Vijay's final movie before he focuses entirely on politics.

BJP-Sena alliance breaches Thackerays' Mumbai citadel

BJP-Sena alliance breaches Thackerays' Mumbai citadel

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has made significant progress in challenging the Thackeray family's control over Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after nearly 25 years. The results mark a potential shift in Mumbai's civic politics, with the BJP emerging as a central force.

HC reserves order on CBFC plea against VIjay's Jana Nayagan

HC reserves order on CBFC plea against VIjay's Jana Nayagan

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

The Madras High Court has reserved its order on an appeal filed by the CBFC, challenging a single judge's direction to grant a censor certificate to the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan'. The case involves disputes over the film's content and the process of obtaining certification.

Man poses as 'Justice Chandrachud', dupes woman of Rs 3.7 crore

Man poses as 'Justice Chandrachud', dupes woman of Rs 3.7 crore

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

A man was arrested in Gujarat for allegedly receiving a significant portion of Rs 3.71 crore siphoned off from a Mumbai woman in a 'digital arrest' scam. The cybercriminals impersonated law enforcement and court officials, staging a fake online hearing to deceive the victim.

First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Guwahati, Howrah

First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Guwahati, Howrah

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The sleeper variant is designed for long-distance journeys, with modern berths, improved interiors and enhanced safety features.'

Indore water contamination toll rises to 7; 38 fresh cases detected

Indore water contamination toll rises to 7; 38 fresh cases detected

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

A water contamination outbreak in Indore has led to multiple deaths and illnesses. Health officials are conducting surveys and providing aid to affected residents.

India Set for Colder Plains, Warmer Hills

India Set for Colder Plains, Warmer Hills

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The winters could be cooler in the plains due to the prevailing La Nina conditions though it does not have a direct relationship and also due to influence of the polar vortex.

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

This is the first Budget in my memory of Budgets over the last half a century which has embraced upfront, enthusiastically and emphatically, technology, modernity and fiscal sobriety, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

Delhi shivers as cold day grips city, air quality plummets

Delhi shivers as cold day grips city, air quality plummets

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Delhi experiences a biting chill with 'cold day' conditions and dense fog, coupled with 'very poor' air quality. The IMD forecasts continued cold weather and potential light rain.

Modi To Inaugurate New Guwahati Airport

Modi To Inaugurate New Guwahati Airport

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

'International flights will continue to operate from the old terminal because of customs and other requirements. Eventually, the old terminal will be closed.'

Army ditches winter lull with new counter-terror doctrine

Army ditches winter lull with new counter-terror doctrine

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Amid freezing temperatures and treacherous terrains, the Indian Army has intensified its counter-terrorism operations across Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir to pursue and neutralise Pakistani terrorists attempting to exploit the harsh winter for concealment, sources said on Saturday.

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.

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

Iran says forces ready for war; accuses US, Israel of stoking unrest

Iran says forces ready for war; accuses US, Israel of stoking unrest

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Baghaei also alleged that recent unrest in Iran was fuelled by foreign interference, claiming riots were triggered by "very evident" interventionist remarks by US and Israeli officials.

Inderjit Singh Bindra: Architect of Modern Indian Cricket

Inderjit Singh Bindra: Architect of Modern Indian Cricket

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

As he is laid to rest, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its greatest administrators -- a visionary who understood that breaking monopolies and building stadiums were about the same thing: Giving millions of cricket-loving Indians the infrastructure worthy of their passion.

'G-RAM-G Is A Work Guarantee Without Any Guarantee'

'G-RAM-G Is A Work Guarantee Without Any Guarantee'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

'A work guarantee that can be switched off at will is no guarantee at all.'

Cold Days Ahead After Warm 2025

Cold Days Ahead After Warm 2025

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Above-normal cold wave days are expected in some areas of central India, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during January 2026.

Ageing CBD offices emerge as developers' next growth play

Ageing CBD offices emerge as developers' next growth play

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Office redevelopment is emerging as a key growth frontier for developers as India's commercial real estate market shifts towards quality, sustainability, and capital efficiency. With land parcels scarce in central business districts (CBDs) and demand for Grade A offices remaining strong, developers and investors are increasingly turning to ageing office stock in prime locations to unlock value.