News for 'Central'

Ram Temple donation case: SC to hear pleas on August 17

Ram Temple donation case: SC to hear pleas on August 17

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court will hear petitions on August 17 seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, after deferring the original hearing due to the Solicitor General's UN engagement.

'I will find a way to vanish': CBI chargesheet reveals Twisha's final messages

'I will find a way to vanish': CBI chargesheet reveals Twisha's final messages

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against the husband and mother-in-law of former model and actor Twisha Sharma, accusing them of mental cruelty that led to her suicide. The chargesheet relies heavily on text messages sent by Sharma, detailing her suffocation and distress, and awaits crucial forensic reports from her iPhone and other digital evidence.

NCERT, CBSE Face Major Staff Shortages

NCERT, CBSE Face Major Staff Shortages

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

A parliamentary panel flagged staffing shortages at NCERT and CBSE, inadequate education spending, falling enrolment and poor internet connectivity in government schools.

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

From Sanjay Leela Bhansali and S S Rajamouli to Sundar C and Ayan Mukerji, these 15 filmmakers took a wild detour from their comfort zones, with wildly different results.

Tejaswin Shankar eyes Asian Games gold after rapid decathlon progress

Tejaswin Shankar eyes Asian Games gold after rapid decathlon progress

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Tejaswin Shankar, a two-time Commonwealth Games medalist, is targeting an Asian Games decathlon gold with a personal best, while building towards Olympic-level performances and longevity.

The Valley Blooms in Purple

The Valley Blooms in Purple

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Umar Ganie captures the blooming lavender fields, often called India's Purple Paradise, in Ganderbal, central Kashmir.

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's burgeoning franchise volleyball ecosystem, particularly with dedicated Under-21 tournaments like the Guardians Trophy, is creating a structured pathway for young players. This initiative aims to develop talent from the grassroots to professional levels, fostering cultural adaptation and skill enhancement, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the senior national team and achieving Olympic qualification.

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Economists highlight that resolving domestic policy bottlenecks, particularly through land reforms and improving the ease of doing business, will be critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'next-generation reforms' and India's economic transformation towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047.

RBI keeps key interest rate same amid inflation, global risks

RBI keeps key interest rate same amid inflation, global risks

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained its benchmark policy rate at 5.25 per cent for the fourth consecutive meeting, prioritising clarity on inflation trends, particularly concerning energy costs and geopolitical developments.

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Having analysed the break up of the hospital billing structure the committee believes that rationalising of room charges needs to be done on an emergent basis.'

Bihar Prohibition Fails To Curb Crime Against Women

Bihar Prohibition Fails To Curb Crime Against Women

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'The prohibition regime has been accompanied by concerns regarding the expansion of the illicit liquor trade, increased enforcement challenges and corruption, and the growing use of alternative intoxicants, including illicit drugs.'

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Delhi Police has strongly defended its use of force during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest on July 20, telling the Supreme Court that the agitation was 'hijacked by anti-social elements and history-sheeters,' leading to law and order breakdown and over 240 police personnel injuries.

The Magic Of India's Long Train Journeys

The Magic Of India's Long Train Journeys

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Back when India moved slowly, every window seat came with a view, and every rail journey came with excess baggage - food, fears, family drama, points out Ajanta Krishnamurthy.

Sashastra Seema Bal Crowned Champions At All-India Police Judo Event

Sashastra Seema Bal Crowned Champions At All-India Police Judo Event

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has won the All-India Police Judo cluster tournament, which featured around 1,600 athletes from 36 police organisations. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) secured the runner-up position, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) coming in third.

President Murmu approves 78 gallantry awards, 13 posthumous ahead of I-Day

President Murmu approves 78 gallantry awards, 13 posthumous ahead of I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumously, to the personnel of the defence forces and central armed police forces on the eve of 80th Independence Day.

Maharashtra Forms Task Force For Drone Policy Implementation

Maharashtra Forms Task Force For Drone Policy Implementation

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government is setting up a ministerial task force, led by Minister Ashish Shelar, to ensure the effective implementation of its drone policy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this, emphasising the need for a "policy of policies" to integrate R&D, manufacturing, testing, and subsidies, and to strengthen the state's drone ecosystem, including developing a 'Drone City'.

Mahindra Launches BE 6 SPORTEQ Range: One Big Update, Simplified Options

Mahindra Launches BE 6 SPORTEQ Range: One Big Update, Simplified Options

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Is this one car with options, or three distinct vehicles? Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com finds out.

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Change of guard in some states and evolving El Nino dynamics are triggering fresh actions on raging water-sharing disputes in several states.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

'I don't know how to carry on': Messi hints at retirement?

'I don't know how to carry on': Messi hints at retirement?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Lionel Messi has shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, on Instagram, expressing his profound grief and recalling his father's encouragement to play in one final World Cup.

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Indian government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations for field trials, aiming to enhance durability. This move comes as the Finance Minister also addressed Parliament on declining retail inflation, GST reforms, and other fiscal measures taken to support the economy and household consumption.

10 Films That Took Age-Gap Romance Seriously

10 Films That Took Age-Gap Romance Seriously

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

From Joggers Park to De De Pyaar De, these films dared to make the age gap between their unlikely lovers part of the story rather than something to quietly ignore.

Hayden Panettiere Dies At 36: 7 Roles To Remember Her By

Hayden Panettiere Dies At 36: 7 Roles To Remember Her By

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

From a child star to a superhero icon and horror favourite, Hayden Panettiere left behind a memorable body of work far beyond her years.

Gold loan-backed PSLC sales boost PSBs' non-interest income in Q1FY27

Gold loan-backed PSLC sales boost PSBs' non-interest income in Q1FY27

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Public-sector banks (PSBs) have reported a substantial increase in non-interest income for Q1FY27, primarily driven by the sale of Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLCs) backed by their rapidly expanding gold loan portfolios. This strategy has allowed several lenders to book significant profits by exceeding priority sector lending targets.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party on Sunday demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged assault that led to the death of Janab Mafik, the father of CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal.

Bengal ex-dy speaker's death: TMC factions trade charges, BJP seeks probe

Bengal ex-dy speaker's death: TMC factions trade charges, BJP seeks probe

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The death of former West Bengal assembly deputy speaker and veteran Trinamool Congress leader Ashis Banerjee on Sunday triggered a political blame game, with the rival factions within the party and the Bharatiya Janata Party trading allegations over the circumstances surrounding the 74-year-old leader's death.

Jharkhand protesters want Rahul Gandhi to break ties with JMM-led govt

Jharkhand protesters want Rahul Gandhi to break ties with JMM-led govt

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Students in Jharkhand are intensifying their protests against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation and planning to gherao his residence on August 20, while the CM assures impartial investigations and systemic reforms.

How Tata Steel Tackled Challenges Under Chandra

How Tata Steel Tackled Challenges Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Tata Steel more than doubled its Indian capacity through acquisitions and expansion, strengthening cash generation as it pursued a costly restructuring of its European operations.

Bihar man posing as Ajit Doval's 'covert agent' arrested

Bihar man posing as Ajit Doval's 'covert agent' arrested

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A man identified as Manish Gupta was arrested in Bihar's Khagaria district for allegedly impersonating an IAS officer and falsely claiming ties to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Police recovered a Tesla car, an SUV, imported liquor, and other luxury items from his residence, indicating extensive fraudulent operations. An investigation into his assets and alleged fraud is underway.

CRPF records highest suicides in five years, most deaths occur on duty

CRPF records highest suicides in five years, most deaths occur on duty

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Cases of suicides in the country's largest paramilitary force, Central Reserve Police Force, recorded their highest number at 59 in 2025 over the last five years, with staffers in the constabulary comprising more than 80 percent of those who ended their lives, official sources said on Thursday.

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the risks posed by the 'weaponisation' of resources and strategic sea routes, urging India to achieve greater self-reliance in energy to mitigate vulnerabilities to overseas supplies and geopolitical tensions.

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.

Jharkhand protestors to continue stir till demands met

Jharkhand protestors to continue stir till demands met

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Students in Ranchi, under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, are intensifying their protests against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Despite a large protest involving over 50,000 students, the government has not responded positively, leading to a decision to continue the agitation. The students are demanding transparency, reforms in JPSC and JSSC, cancellation of exams, and an independent investigation, with some even on hunger strike.

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Jharkhand students are protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities with creative and non-violent methods, including mock job "rate cards," satirical posters, and recitations from the Mahabharata. Their agitation, spearheaded by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, focuses on demanding reforms, cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe, while adhering to a strict code of conduct against abusive language.

WhatsApp, Telegram, PDFs: How accused circulated NEET papers

WhatsApp, Telegram, PDFs: How accused circulated NEET papers

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak was orchestrated through an extensive digital network, with confidential question papers circulated via WhatsApp, Telegram, and electronic files among conspirators days before the examination.