News for 'Central'

Kerala Assembly Passes Motion Against UPI MDR

Kerala Assembly Passes Motion Against UPI MDR

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a motion urging the central government to completely withdraw the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Chief Minister V D Satheesan and CPI MLA K Rajan highlighted concerns that the MDR would increase business costs, harm small businesses, and reduce the appeal of digital payments, while the BJP argued it would not affect general public or small merchants.

Haryana Govt To Fight HERC Decision On Private Power Licence

Haryana Govt To Fight HERC Decision On Private Power Licence

Rediff.com3 days ago

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the state government's firm support for power employees, pledging to challenge the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's (HERC) decision to grant a parallel electricity distribution licence to a private company for Gurugram and Nuh districts before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). The government is appealing to unions to defer their planned three-day strike while making arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

WazirX founder Nischal Shetty: We have outdone ourselves, but it is a journey we are still on

WazirX founder Nischal Shetty: "We have outdone ourselves, but it is a journey we are still on"

Rediff.com1 days ago

WazirX founder Nischal Shetty stated, "We have outdone ourselves, but it is a journey we are still on, and there is a long way to go," reflecting on the cryptocurrency exchange's year-long journey since restarting operations after a cyberattack and restructuring.

Latur Court Sentences Man To 20 Years RI For Child Sexual Assault

Latur Court Sentences Man To 20 Years RI For Child Sexual Assault

Rediff.com2 days ago

A special court in Latur, Maharashtra, has sentenced Chumbalya alias Ritesh Rajnand Kasbe to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl last year. The verdict was delivered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with the court also imposing a Rs 5,000 fine.

Will neither be intimidated nor back down: Dipke vows to continue battle

Will neither be intimidated nor back down: Dipke vows to continue battle

Rediff.com6 days ago

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Sunday said that he and his associates would continue their efforts despite what he described as illegal arrests and detentions.

HC bars disclosure of PM's foreign trips on IAF plane citing national security

HC bars disclosure of PM's foreign trips on IAF plane citing national security

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Delhi High Court has overturned a Central Information Commission (CIC) order that mandated the disclosure of information regarding the Prime Minister's foreign visits on IAF aircraft under the RTI Act. The court cited national security concerns and the physical safety of the Prime Minister, stating that no sufficient larger public interest was demonstrated to override these risks. It also noted that the CIC erred in directing disclosure of Special Foreign Returns (SFR) - II.

Skilling India For 35 Crore New Jobs By 2030

Skilling India For 35 Crore New Jobs By 2030

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's manufacturing and services sectors are set to create over 35 crore new jobs by 2030, necessitating urgent skilling and industry-academia collaboration. Key sectors like automotive, logistics, telecom, clean energy, and textiles will drive this growth, highlighting the need for competency-driven learning to prepare the workforce.

Maharashtra CM Assures Swift Action In Tiger Shroff Firing Case

Maharashtra CM Assures Swift Action In Tiger Shroff Firing Case

Rediff.com5 days ago

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that Mumbai Police will track down those responsible for the firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff, including their handlers. The police have leads and believe the accused are operating from outside Maharashtra, possibly abroad. Fadnavis also criticised the Opposition's stance on law and order.

Dipke, Neha among 150 detained; flash protests continue in Delhi

Dipke, Neha among 150 detained; flash protests continue in Delhi

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke and AISA chief Neha Bora were preventively detained by Delhi Police on Friday, preventing their participation in the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protests amidst heightened security in the national capital.

Odisha Man Held In Keralam For Rape, Blackmail

Odisha Man Held In Keralam For Rape, Blackmail

Rediff.com3 days ago

Keralam police have arrested Siddhab Gamidanga, 24, from Odisha in connection with a rape case in Ernakulam. He allegedly sexually assaulted the complainant, took nude photos, and threatened to circulate them. He fled to Odisha after the case was registered but was traced and brought back to Keralam on a transit warrant.

Dipke calls for tiranga marches across country on Friday

Dipke calls for tiranga marches across country on Friday

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has called for a 'tiranga march' in Delhi's Central Park on Friday, October 16, after two CJP members, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were jailed for allegedly unfurling the national flag and protesting at Jantar Mantar. Dipke asserts that waving the tricolour is not a crime and encourages nationwide marches.

Theatre Commands: India Awaits Top-Level Approval

Theatre Commands: India Awaits Top-Level Approval

Rediff.com15 hours ago

'The political leadership is very clear that we have to move towards the integration of the three services into theatre commands.'

Gurugram Police Arrest Man For Harassing CISF Personnel At Metro Station

Gurugram Police Arrest Man For Harassing CISF Personnel At Metro Station

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Gurugram Police have arrested Manish Kumar for allegedly misbehaving with a woman CISF personnel at IFFCO Chowk metro station. Kumar is accused of snatching her phone, obstructing duty, and threatening her family, following a period of stalking and harassment. Police apprehended him on Tuesday, and his criminal record shows previous cases of molestation and vehicle damage.

Neha Bora refuses to sign 'peace bond' despite HC order

Neha Bora refuses to sign 'peace bond' despite HC order

Rediff.com5 hours ago

AISA president Neha Bora appeared before a special executive magistrate after the Delhi High Court dismissed her challenge to a police notice requiring a Rs 10,000 "peace bond." Bora refuses to sign the bond, alleging it's used to curb democratic dissent, while the court has directed authorities to provide her with all material supporting the allegations by October 29.

Ekta Diwas parade in Guj on Oct 31 to mark end of Maoist menace in India

Ekta Diwas parade in Guj on Oct 31 to mark end of Maoist menace in India

Rediff.com3 days ago

This year's Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, will feature around 2,000 artists from 126 Naxal-affected districts and celebrate the significant achievement of ending armed Naxalism in the country. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the annual event on October 31, which also commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. The celebrations will include cultural performances, innovative tableaux, and will honour security forces while promoting tourism to the Statue of Unity.

First Arrest Made In Alleged Siddaramaiah Sting Operation

First Arrest Made In Alleged Siddaramaiah Sting Operation

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Bengaluru Police have arrested Ritesh Pandey, a Delhi-based man, in connection with the uploading of a purported sting operation video targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on social media. This marks the first arrest in the case, which involves allegations of a political conspiracy and an ongoing investigation into the video's origin and circulation.

Jhota Murder: Family Refuses Post-Mortem, Demands Top Officials' Resignation

Jhota Murder: Family Refuses Post-Mortem, Demands Top Officials' Resignation

Rediff.com1 days ago

The family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa continues to refuse a post-mortem of his body, demanding the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav. Despite the government agreeing to a CBI probe, compensation, and other concessions, the family and a joint action committee insist their key demands, including the resignations, have not been met, prolonging the standoff.

Don't WhatsApp me: Omar to MLAs ahead of cabinet rejig

Don't WhatsApp me: Omar to MLAs ahead of cabinet rejig

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a cabinet expansion and reshuffle for early next week, urging party members not to lobby for positions as the list is finalised. He also discussed various issues with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, including the LG's health, the National Dental Commission Act, and the plight of Kashmiri pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia due to flight cancellations and high airfares. Abdullah also declined to comment on LAC patrolling, stating it's outside J&K's purview post-Ladakh's separation.

Justice Sought For Slain Anti-Drug Activist Parvider Singh Jhota In Mansa

Justice Sought For Slain Anti-Drug Activist Parvider Singh Jhota In Mansa

Rediff.com7 days ago

Anti-drug activist Parvider Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on October 13. His family and supporters are refusing to cremate his body until their demands for justice, including a CBI probe and resignations of top officials, are met. The incident has triggered political protests and condemnation across Punjab, with various leaders visiting the protest site and the SGPC announcing a tribute.

Delhi School Tragedy: Police Probe Breakup, Suicide Note

Delhi School Tragedy: Police Probe Breakup, Suicide Note

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Police are investigating the death of a 17-year-old Class 12 student found burnt on her school premises in east Delhi's Krishna Nagar on Saturday. A three-page purported suicide note was recovered, and a suspected breakup is being probed as a possible reason. The family, however, alleges a conspiracy, and all angles, including foul play, are under examination.

Hail The Tiranga! Hail The Preamble!

Hail The Tiranga! Hail The Preamble!

Rediff.com7 days ago

On October 16, 2026, Cockroach Janta Party supporters carried out Tiranga rallies across Bengaluru, New Delhi and Mumbai to show solidarity with detained CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Protesters held the Preamble of the Constitution, banners, and large Tricolours while security personnel detained several participants in Connaught Place.

'Will Modi shut 100 places?' CJP founder Dipke hits out over park closure

'Will Modi shut 100 places?' CJP founder Dipke hits out over park closure

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a 'Lehra do Tiranga' march in Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday, despite the NDMC announcing the park's closure and Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders against mass gatherings. The march is part of an ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Police have urged people to stay away, while Dipke questioned the authorities' stance on waving the national flag and alleged surveillance. The agitation follows the arrest of CJP leaders and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.

Faridabad Police Arrest Six In Rs 50 Lakh Cyber Fraud Case

Faridabad Police Arrest Six In Rs 50 Lakh Cyber Fraud Case

Rediff.com4 days ago

Faridabad police have arrested six individuals in connection with a cyber-fraud case where Rs 50 lakh was swindled using a company CMD's photograph on WhatsApp. The police managed to freeze Rs 29 lakh of the defrauded amount. The accused, from Mumbai and Gujarat, were produced in court and sent to judicial custody.

Bengaluru Police Arrest Four, Rescue 13 Children From Forced Begging

Bengaluru Police Arrest Four, Rescue 13 Children From Forced Begging

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Bengaluru police have arrested four individuals for allegedly forcing minor children into begging. The operation led to the rescue of 13 children, who were found begging at traffic signals across the city. The accused admitted to their involvement, and the children have been handed over to the Child Welfare Committee.

Why NITI Aayog Wants Data Centres Treated As Strategic Infrastructure

Why NITI Aayog Wants Data Centres Treated As Strategic Infrastructure

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

NITI Aayog has recommended treating data centres as strategic infrastructure rather than mere investment projects, releasing a report titled 'Data Centre Evaluation Framework to Help States Plan for Sustainable Growth'. The report advocates for common standards, central government guidance, and a structured approach for states to manage data centre growth, considering resource requirements and economic benefits.

Protesters marching towards EC headquarters detained

Protesters marching towards EC headquarters detained

Rediff.com1 days ago

Thousands of protesters, including farmers, trade unionists, students, and Left party members, marched towards the Election Commission of India headquarters in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the withdrawal of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging 'vote chori' and exclusion of eligible citizens.

Kolkata stampede: 2 arrested, announcer's FB post raises doubts

Kolkata stampede: 2 arrested, announcer's FB post raises doubts

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Durga idol of Chorbagan Sarbojanin will be immersed on Saturday under strict police supervision, even as the investigation into the stampede that claimed 19 lives continues. The immersion was cleared by the SIT, which directed the puja pandal be preserved. Forensic experts have raised concerns about ventilation, and police have arrested two announcers, bringing the total to nine. One announcer's Facebook post after arrest has raised questions.

Key Arrest Made In Rs 2.5 Crore Digital Arrest Scam Targeting Retired Judge

Key Arrest Made In Rs 2.5 Crore Digital Arrest Scam Targeting Retired Judge

Rediff.com5 days ago

A man from Kochi has been arrested in connection with a 'digital arrest' scam that defrauded a retired judge in Rajasthan of Rs 2.5 crore. The accused allegedly threatened the judge with false links to hawala transactions and the Pulwama case, leading to his apprehension in a coordinated police operation.

Long Hunt Ends: CBI Arrests Fake Currency Fugitive

Long Hunt Ends: CBI Arrests Fake Currency Fugitive

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Mohd Ismail Sheikh, an absconder wanted in fake Indian currency note (FICN) cases, after more than 14 years. Sheikh was allegedly involved in using and exchanging counterfeit Rs 1,000 notes in Puducherry.

Delhi's three new protest venues: What you need to know

Delhi's three new protest venues: What you need to know

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Delhi Police have designated three new venues for protests - Burari Ground, CBD Ground, and Ramlila Ground - after denotifying Jantar Mantar. These sites vary in size and location, with concerns raised about the impact of protests on commercial and residential areas near CBD Ground, while Burari Ground is the largest. Ramlila Maidan has a rich political history.

Jhota Murder: Family Refuses Post-Mortem Until Demands Met

Jhota Murder: Family Refuses Post-Mortem Until Demands Met

Rediff.com2 days ago

The family of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was shot dead last week in Mansa, is refusing a post-mortem examination until their demands are met. They are seeking a trauma centre in Jhota's name and compensation for the injured, despite the CBI taking over the murder investigation. Protests are ongoing, and a joint action committee has called for resignations and dismissals of officials.

ED Unearths Organised Exam Paper Leak In Odisha

ED Unearths Organised Exam Paper Leak In Odisha

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating an alleged paper leak in the 2024 Odisha police sub-inspector exam, focusing on the roles of Odisha Police Recruitment Board officials and private entities. The agency is tracing the flow of "proceeds of crime" and plans to attach illicit assets under PMLA. Recent searches in Odisha and West Bengal targeted companies involved in conducting the exam, revealing an organised leakage scheme and significant cash payments from candidates.

Anti-drug activist Jhota's murder: Punjab CM orders CBI probe

Anti-drug activist Jhota's murder: Punjab CM orders CBI probe

Rediff.com4 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a CBI probe into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, following intense pressure from his family and supporters after his killing on October 13 in Mansa.

Simplified GST registration for small e-commerce sellers to begin Nov 1

Simplified GST registration for small e-commerce sellers to begin Nov 1

Rediff.com1 days ago

A simplified GST registration facility for small e-commerce sellers, allowing them to register in other states by declaring the e-commerce platform's warehouse as their principal place of business, will be enabled from November 1. This move aims to encourage small businesses to expand beyond their home states.

Delhi HC to hear Neha Bora's plea against 'peace' bond tomorrow

Delhi HC to hear Neha Bora's plea against 'peace' bond tomorrow

Rediff.com3 days ago

All India Students' Association (AISA) President Neha Bora has challenged a Delhi Police notice requiring her to execute a 'peace' bond, arguing it is vague and an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent.

'War can never be answer to war': Rajnath Singh at SCO meet

'War can never be answer to war': Rajnath Singh at SCO meet

Rediff.com4 days ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve global conflicts, stating, "war can never be the answer to war," while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

SC upholds Bombay HC order quashing Yes Bank's Rs 8,415 cr AT-1 bonds' write-off

SC upholds Bombay HC order quashing Yes Bank's Rs 8,415 cr AT-1 bonds' write-off

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has upheld the Bombay High Court's decision to quash the Yes Bank administrator's write-off of Rs 8,415 crore worth of Additional Tier 1 (AT-1) bonds, criticising the RBI and Yes Bank's conduct.

Kochi Police Uncover Suspected Conspiracy After Synagogue Arson Arrest

Kochi Police Uncover Suspected Conspiracy After Synagogue Arson Arrest

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

A 32-year-old man, Ebin B Paul, has been arrested in Kochi for allegedly setting fire to a plant nursery in front of a synagogue. Police suspect a wider conspiracy and have seized various narcotic substances from his residence during the investigation. The incident occurred on September 12.

Can India's Fireworks Capital Take on China?

Can India's Fireworks Capital Take on China?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sivakasi, India's fireworks capital, is eyeing global markets as green crackers, rising demand and interest from overseas buyers offer a chance to challenge China's dominance.

LFW Day 3: Tejasswi Prakash Makes Workwear Look Glam

LFW Day 3: Tejasswi Prakash Makes Workwear Look Glam

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Tejasswi Prakash brought a dose of boardroom attitude to the runway on October 15, turning showstopper for NIF Global's The Runway presentation at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI 2026 in New Delhi.