News for 'Central'

India scraps physical boarding passes for international flyers

India scraps physical boarding passes for international flyers

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Indian immigration authorities are eliminating the mandatory physical stamping of boarding passes for international travellers from September 1, allowing e-boarding passes on smartphones for clearance. This move by the Bureau of Immigration aims to reduce passenger inconvenience and errors, with physical passes still accepted but not stamped. A pilot project for digital immigration entry/exit for Indian passport holders is also underway.

2026 Winners: 5 Airports That Make Flying A Pleasure

2026 Winners: 5 Airports That Make Flying A Pleasure

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

World's Top 5 Airports of 2026 based on votes from passengers across the globe in the 2025-2026 World Airport Survey by SKYTRAX.

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.

Nepal flash floods: Villagers in Bihar-UP anxious after alert

Nepal flash floods: Villagers in Bihar-UP anxious after alert

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Villages along the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal, with authorities monitoring the Gandak River for potential downstream surges and the NDRF deploying 20 teams for preparedness.

The Men And Women Who Protect Our Freedom

The Men And Women Who Protect Our Freedom

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

On India's 80th Independence Day, a photo feature by Pravin Talan and Rupali Talan offers a compelling look into the challenging lives and rigorous training of India's armed and security forces, from the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir to the dense forests of Gadchiroli.

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.

Government Coaching Plan May Pressure Coaching Centres

Government Coaching Plan May Pressure Coaching Centres

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'If a student can get a good teacher, quality content and mock tests at no cost, it becomes very hard for a mid-tier coaching centre to keep charging for the same lecture.'

Cockroaches, gutka packet: FSSAI slaps notices on Delhi's JW Marriott, Andaz

Cockroaches, gutka packet: FSSAI slaps notices on Delhi's JW Marriott, Andaz

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

India's food safety regulator, FSSAI, has issued notices to five-star hotels JW Marriott and Andaz Delhi following inspections that revealed serious hygiene and food-safety violations, including cockroach infestations, expired food, poor sanitation, and improper food storage.

SC to hear plea of journalist who blew lid off Ram temple theft

SC to hear plea of journalist who blew lid off Ram temple theft

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, who is challenging an FIR filed against him by Ghaziabad police in an alleged road rage case. Upadhyay claims the FIR is retaliatory, stemming from his reporting on alleged irregularities in donations to Ayodhya's Ram temple and corruption in Uttar Pradesh. He fears arrest and seeks quashing of the FIR or transfer of the investigation to an independent agency.

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'One important clarification is that the reported US action is not a blanket cancellation of all US tourist visas.'

Why Are Thousands of GST Appeals Pending?

Why Are Thousands of GST Appeals Pending?

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

GSTAT has crossed 75,000 filings but disposed of only 83 cases, highlighting the huge backlog facing India's new GST appeals tribunal.

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.

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Ten days after both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, the Monsoon session is yet to end formally, giving rise to speculation that the government wants to pass a key legislation without convening a new session.

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.

Heavy rain waterlogs Delhi, traffic, flights disrupted

Heavy rain waterlogs Delhi, traffic, flights disrupted

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Heavy rainfall in Delhi led to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic congestion, bringing the national capital to a standstill, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for further heavy rain.

Red Corner Notice issued against 2024 Sambhal violence 'mastermind'

Red Corner Notice issued against 2024 Sambhal violence 'mastermind'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against fugitive gangster Shariq Sata, the alleged mastermind behind the November 2024 violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, following a request from the Uttar Pradesh Police via the CBI.

Baloch militants are 'foreign-sponsored proxies', says Pak army chief

Baloch militants are 'foreign-sponsored proxies', says Pak army chief

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has described militants operating in Balochistan as 'foreign-sponsored proxies' actively working to destabilise the province and obstruct its development.

How Zeeshan Ansari rebuilt his career after IPL stint

How Zeeshan Ansari rebuilt his career after IPL stint

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian cricketer Zeeshan Ansari attributes his red-ball cricket resurgence to the invaluable lessons learned from spin legends Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into ED Allegations Against Former Indiabulls Housing Finance Promoter

Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into ED Allegations Against Former Indiabulls Housing Finance Promoter

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to examine all six allegations of financial irregularities levelled by the Enforcement Directorate against Sameer Gehlaut, former chairperson of Indiabulls Housing Finance (IHFL), and five corporate groups, following repeated criticism of investigating agencies for lack of progress.

I-Day 2026: 1,057 jawans get Gallantry, Service medals; CRPF tops with 86

I-Day 2026: 1,057 jawans get Gallantry, Service medals; CRPF tops with 86

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has announced the awarding of 1057 Gallantry and Service Medals to personnel from Police, Fire Service, Home Guard & Civil Defence, and Correctional Services on Independence Day, recognising their exceptional bravery and distinguished service.

'Your anger is their satisfaction': Delhi cops told to stay calm at protests

'Your anger is their satisfaction': Delhi cops told to stay calm at protests

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Fresh guidelines issued to the Delhi police by a central agency advise personnel to remain calm during protests, avoid rising to provocation and being pictured as "villains" by the demonstrators filming them, police sources said on Sunday.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

Gold prices increasingly driven by inflation, monetary policy, not just war: Report

Gold prices increasingly driven by inflation, monetary policy, not just war: Report

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A new report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFSL) indicates that inflation, interest rates, and monetary policy have become more significant drivers of gold prices than traditional geopolitical conflicts, with markets increasingly focusing on these economic factors.

5 Reasons Why Toxic Is A 'Tabaahi' Of Our Expectations

5 Reasons Why Toxic Is A 'Tabaahi' Of Our Expectations

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Toxic looks spectacular, but beneath its glossy, brutally violent exterior lies a hollow, confused film that mistakes style and swagger for substance, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Senior surrendered CPI (Maoist) leader Tippiri Tirupati alias Devji plans to appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to lift the ban on the outfit. He and other surrendered colleagues aim to work legally on people's issues and have also met Telangana DGP C V Anand regarding restrictions on their movements. Tirupati, a former top commander, surrendered in February due to health issues, vowing to work within a legal framework.

200 Indian peacekeepers honoured with UN medal in South Sudan

200 Indian peacekeepers honoured with UN medal in South Sudan

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Over 200 Indian peacekeepers, including women and staff officers, serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been awarded the prestigious UN medal for their exceptional service. India is a significant contributor to UN Peacekeeping, deploying over 4,200 personnel globally.

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

Kashmir's Trash Turns Into Tourist Attraction

Kashmir's Trash Turns Into Tourist Attraction

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Umar Ganie captures glimpses of Srinagar's Waste to Wonder Flower Garden.

Denmark Loses Confidence in Infantino, Seeks New FIFA President

Denmark Loses Confidence in Infantino, Seeks New FIFA President

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Denmark's football association (DBU) has declared it has lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and will seek a credible alternative for the 2027 election, citing a 'fundamental crisis of confidence' over his aborted proposal to sell commercial stakes in FIFA tournaments.

Indian teen killed in bid to save mother in runaway horse carriage in NYC's Central Park

Indian teen killed in bid to save mother in runaway horse carriage in NYC's Central Park

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

An 18-year-old Indian teenager, Romanch Mahajan, died in New York's Central Park after a horse-drawn carriage bolted, throwing his mother. He attempted to save her but sustained fatal injuries. The incident has reignited calls to ban horse carriages in the park, with officials and union representatives commenting on driver negligence and a history of similar accidents.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Chandigarh is set to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or digital rupee, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on August 14. This initiative makes Chandigarh the first Union Territory to fully roll out CBDC-based DBT for food subsidy, enhancing transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, will be purpose-bound for purchasing foodgrains from authorised merchants.

West Asia Tensions, Fed Minutes to Shape Gold and Silver's Next Move

West Asia Tensions, Fed Minutes to Shape Gold and Silver's Next Move

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Gold and silver prices are anticipated to maintain a positive trajectory in the coming week, with market volatility expected to remain high due to ongoing developments in West Asia and upcoming global economic data, particularly the Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting minutes.

10 injured as crane collapses on houses in Mumbai

10 injured as crane collapses on houses in Mumbai

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Ten people, including a 3-month-old baby, were injured when a hydraulic crane toppled onto houses in Mumbai's Kurla East during preparations for demolition work, affecting goods train movement and damaging vehicles.

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.

Could Nepal's Disaster Have Been Foreseen?

Could Nepal's Disaster Have Been Foreseen?

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'This is no longer a single-hazard problem; it is a cascading, multi-hazard problem. A landslide never occurs in isolation. This entire chain is the cascading effect of what looks, at first, like a single disaster.'

Twisha Sharma died by suicide, no sign of assault: AIIMS

Twisha Sharma died by suicide, no sign of assault: AIIMS

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The AIIMS medical board has definitively concluded that former actor-model Twisha Sharma died by suicidal hanging.

Is Fadnavis shifting to national politics? He says...

Is Fadnavis shifting to national politics? He says...

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed speculation about a potential move to national politics, asserting his commitment to serving the state. He clarified that his visit to Delhi was to discuss Maharashtra's development projects with the central government, not for a change in his political role.

10 Malayalam Songs That Capture Onam Best

10 Malayalam Songs That Capture Onam Best

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

From timeless classics to modern favourites, these 10 Malayalam songs capture the colour, warmth and togetherness of Onam like few others can.