News for 'Central'

Arif Zakaria: 'Jinnah's Role Was Demanding'

Arif Zakaria: 'Jinnah's Role Was Demanding'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

'...because of the character, how it was to be portrayed, the speech, the scenes.' 'There was a physicality involved because he was a TB patient who eventually had cancer and passed away.'

Foreigners have no absolute right to enter India, rules HC

Foreigners have no absolute right to enter India, rules HC

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Delhi High Court has ruled that foreign nationals do not possess an inherent or legally enforceable right to enter India, even if they hold a valid visa. The court emphasised that entry is a sovereign function, subject to national security, foreign policy, and administrative discretion. This observation came while dismissing a plea from a Turkmenistan national who was denied entry despite having a business visa, citing adverse inputs and national security concerns.

When Bhagat Singh Wrote About Love

When Bhagat Singh Wrote About Love

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Did love make Bhagat Singh a weaker revolutionary? In a heated argument once, Sukhdev accused him of allowing his fascination with a woman to come in the way of revolutionary duty. Bhagat Singh's answer, in a letter days later, was a defence of love as a revolutionary's strength, not a weakness. On Bhagat Singh's 119th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra looks at the friendship, arguments and ideas that bound him and Sukhdev together.

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The INDIA bloc is set to convene on September 30 in New Delhi to formulate a unified strategy regarding the Election Commission, focusing on the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The meeting will also address coordinated protests and the CEC selection process, bringing together diverse opposition parties.

Major Drug Haul In Arunachal Pradesh: Two Peddlers Apprehended

Major Drug Haul In Arunachal Pradesh: Two Peddlers Apprehended

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Security forces in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district have seized 233 grams of suspected brown sugar, estimated to be worth Rs 46.60 lakh. Two individuals were arrested during the joint anti-narcotics operation conducted by Assam Rifles, Arunachal Pradesh Police, and CRPF. The contraband was found hidden in 21 soap cases.

Cockroaches from across India will march to Delhi on Oct 10 if...: Dipke warns CEC

Cockroaches from across India will march to Delhi on Oct 10 if...: Dipke warns CEC

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led a large protest in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke announced a further protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Kumar does not step down, citing alleged voter deletions and irregularities in recent elections. The protest, which saw participation from various activists and public figures, also called for freezing voter lists and abolishing the 2023 law on Election Commissioner appointments.

CCAvenue Brings Apple Pay To Its Merchant Network

CCAvenue Brings Apple Pay To Its Merchant Network

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Apple Pay has officially launched in India, integrating with CCAvenue and partnering with Axis Bank to bring secure and convenient mobile payment solutions to millions of iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users across a vast network of merchants.

Political Row Erupts In Tamil Nadu Over POCSO Case Video Evidence

Political Row Erupts In Tamil Nadu Over POCSO Case Video Evidence

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Minister R Nirmal Kumar has challenged former DMK minister S Regupathy's assertion that video evidence in a POCSO case involving industrialist R Veeramani is "shadowy." Kumar accused the DMK of attempting to protect the accused, while Regupathy denied the allegations, defending the previous government's actions and criticising the current administration's handling of public concerns and sensitive case disclosures. The dispute highlights political tensions surrounding a high-profile child protection case.

Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan barred from speaking on betting investigation

Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan barred from speaking on betting investigation

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has been denied permission by the PCB to hold a media conference regarding an ongoing investigation by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency into his alleged involvement with online betting and gambling. Rizwan and teammate Imam-ul-Haq had their phones confiscated and are being questioned.

Global Interest Rate Hikes to Make FY27 Second Half Challenging: CEA Nageswaran

Global Interest Rate Hikes to Make FY27 Second Half Challenging: CEA Nageswaran

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that the second half of the current fiscal year (FY27) is expected to be challenging due to increased downside risks to global growth and rising interest rates worldwide.

Delhi Court To Rehear Arguments In Lalu Yadav Land-For-Jobs Money Laundering Case

Delhi Court To Rehear Arguments In Lalu Yadav Land-For-Jobs Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A Delhi court is set to rehear arguments on charges against RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and others in a money laundering case linked to the railways land-for-jobs scam. The case, investigated by the Enforcement Directorate, alleges that land was transferred as bribes for railway jobs during Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister. The proceedings are restarting after a previous judge was transferred.

4 Golds, 30 Medals: India's Asian Games Tally After Day 7

4 Golds, 30 Medals: India's Asian Games Tally After Day 7

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Asian Games medals tally after Day 7 shows China in a commanding lead with 176 medals, including 107 gold. Japan and Korea follow, while India is positioned tenth with a total of 30 medals.

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

After a significant 9.9% depreciation in FY26, the Indian rupee has shown comparative stability in the first half of FY27, depreciating by only 1.1%, attributed to regulatory interventions and measures to attract foreign capital, despite ongoing global pressures from rising crude oil prices and foreign investor outflows.

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Notorious gangster Mainpal Dhilla, currently jailed, was granted 12-hour custody parole to marry his Cambodian partner, Meta Chan, in Jhajjar. Dhilla had met Chan in Cambodia after fleeing India in 2018 using a fake identity, where they had children. He was extradited last year after an international operation involving CBI and Interpol.

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.

Kolkata Gears Up For Historic India Vs Brazil Football Clash

Kolkata Gears Up For Historic India Vs Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Five-time world champions Brazil are set to play India in an invitational friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, marking their first-ever international meeting. The match, while a spectacle for Indian fans, has drawn criticism regarding its cost and impact on Indian football development, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioning its value over long-term investment. For Brazil, it's part of a rebuilding process, while India aims to gain invaluable experience against a top-tier team.

Govt panel asks states for data on demographic changes over 15 years

Govt panel asks states for data on demographic changes over 15 years

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes has requested states and Union Territories to provide detailed data on "visible changes" in religious demography over the last 15 years. This includes information on birth registrations, religious structures, vehicle registrations, property transfers in tribal areas, and educational institutions, aiming to assess demographic shifts and recommend policy measures.

Pooja Meri Jaan Review: Well-Intentioned

Pooja Meri Jaan Review: Well-Intentioned

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Pooja Meri Jaan sometimes gets heavy-handed, but makes the point clear that any conversation around consent must begin with taking a 'no' seriously. That's a message worth reiterating, asserts Mayur Sanap.

ED Intensifies Crackdown On Online Gaming With Fresh Asset Attachments

ED Intensifies Crackdown On Online Gaming With Fresh Asset Attachments

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has attached fresh assets worth Rs 442 crore belonging to online gaming company Gameskraft and its app RummyCulture, bringing the total frozen assets in the money laundering probe to Rs 2,843 crore. The agency alleges the company used bots to defraud users and generated proceeds of crime through platform commissions.

The First Lady Boss Of India's Elite Commando Force

The First Lady Boss Of India's Elite Commando Force

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Sanjukta Parashar, an IPS officer with a formidable background in counter-insurgency, has made history by becoming the first woman inspector general of the CRPF's elite CoBRA force.

El Nio threatens rabi crops, may affect foodgrain output

El Nio threatens rabi crops, may affect foodgrain output

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

India's Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra has warned that the upcoming rabi (winter) crop season is likely to be challenging for rainfed areas due to the strengthening El Nio weather pattern, potentially affecting foodgrain production. This comes as Maharashtra declares drought in nearly 74 per cent of its talukas, highlighting the immediate impact of climate change.

Shah Rukh Khan Visits Lalbaugcha Raja With Gauri, Suhana

Shah Rukh Khan Visits Lalbaugcha Raja With Gauri, Suhana

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Shah Rukh Khan sought Lord Ganesha's blessings as he visited Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai with wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana.

Centre pushes states, UTs to finalise labour Code rules by October 31

Centre pushes states, UTs to finalise labour Code rules by October 31

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Indian government is pressing all states and Union Territories (UTs) to publish their rules under the four new labour Codes by October 31, aiming to fully operationalise the new labour law framework. This move is crucial as labour falls under the concurrent list, requiring state-level rule-making for effective implementation.

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced that over 200 taluks are likely to be declared drought-affected after phased assessments. The state has convened a special legislative session to discuss the crisis, farmer assistance, and seek significant financial relief and loan waivers from the Union government, while also alleging a "step-motherly attitude" from the Centre regarding fund releases.

Western Athletes Embrace Traditional Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

Western Athletes Embrace Traditional Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Nomad Games, a biannual tournament of traditional nomadic sports, has drawn over 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries to Kyrgyzstan, including many from Western nations keen to experience ancient Central Asian traditions like horseback archery and Kok Boru.

CBI To Investigate Massive Scrap Theft At Bhilai Steel Plant

CBI To Investigate Massive Scrap Theft At Bhilai Steel Plant

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has approved a CBI probe into the alleged large-scale theft of iron and scrap from the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Durg district. This follows the arrest of 21 individuals, including a BJP functionary and BSP officials, and the seizure of assets worth Rs 3.22 crore in May. BJP MLA Rikesh Sen, who has been vocal about the issue, welcomed the decision, stating that "white-collar" individuals involved in looting national assets will now face action.

After 1,123 days, tent and stage at Maratha protest epicentre dismantled

After 1,123 days, tent and stage at Maratha protest epicentre dismantled

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The protest site at Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtra's Jalna district, which served as the epicentre for the Maratha reservation agitation led by Manoj Jarange, has been dismantled after 1,123 days. Local residents and the sarpanch decided to remove the tent and stage to facilitate daily activities and traffic movement, marking the end of a significant chapter in the three-year-long demand for OBC quota for the Maratha community.

Scientists Discover Method To Control Cellular Autophagy For Disease Research

Scientists Discover Method To Control Cellular Autophagy For Disease Research

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Researchers have discovered a method to externally manipulate a cell's automatic waste clearance process, known as autophagy. This breakthrough, involving the protein LC3, could offer new therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer and Parkinson's, where cellular cleansing mechanisms are often impaired.

GST Council Oct 7 Meet: What Businesses Want!

GST Council Oct 7 Meet: What Businesses Want!

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Industry is pushing for GST reforms that would let companies use unused tax credits from one state to pay GST liabilities in another, potentially freeing up working capital trapped across state registrations.

#Love Review: Romcom With No Spark

#Love Review: Romcom With No Spark

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Familiar ideas, frustrating characters and stretched-out storytelling make #Love far less romantic than intended.

Private Capex Projected to Reach Rs 3.2 Trillion in FY27 Amidst Global Uncertainty

Private Capex Projected to Reach Rs 3.2 Trillion in FY27 Amidst Global Uncertainty

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

India's private sector capital expenditure is projected to reach approximately 3.2 trillion in the financial year 2026-27, up from 2.6 trillion in FY26, according to a Reserve Bank of India bulletin report, indicating sustained confidence despite global uncertainties.

Typhoon Dujuan threatens to disrupt early Asian Games events

Typhoon Dujuan threatens to disrupt early Asian Games events

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Organisers of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya are preparing for potential disruptions as Tropical Storm Dujuan, with maximum sustained winds of 90 kph, heads towards central Japan, threatening events already underway.

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, seized 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin valued at over Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were detained, and preliminary investigations reveal a transnational smuggling network aiming to deliver the consignment to Tamil Nadu and Punjab.

Digger Review: Tom Cruise Goes Bonkers!

Digger Review: Tom Cruise Goes Bonkers!

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Tom Cruise lets go of the suave, sexy image and embraces the gloriously unsexy with supreme confidence, making this truly impossible mission utterly possible, raves Mayur Sanap.

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'

PCB announces significant pay hike for centrally contracted players

PCB announces significant pay hike for centrally contracted players

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to significantly increase match fees and monthly retainers for centrally contracted players, particularly those in the red ball Track A category, for the 2026/27 cycle. The new contracts also introduce format-based categories and substantial bonuses for winning ICC and Asia Cup events.

Muchova, Noskova steer Czech Republic past Ukraine for 12th Billie Jean King Cup title

Muchova, Noskova steer Czech Republic past Ukraine for 12th Billie Jean King Cup title

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Czech Republic secured their 12th Billie Jean King Cup title by defeating Ukraine 2-0 in the final. Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova delivered dominant singles victories, with Muchova sweeping Anhelina Kalinina and Noskova overcoming Elina Svitolina. This victory marks the Czechs' first title since 2018, solidifying their position as the second-most successful nation in the competition's history.

Loud music at Badrinath: Explanation sought from Garhwal Scouts

Loud music at Badrinath: Explanation sought from Garhwal Scouts

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

A cultural festival at Badrinath Dham has ignited a major controversy due to a loud music and dance event, leading the Chamoli district administration to issue a show-cause notice to the Garhwal Scouts. Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and the Shankaracharya Math have strongly condemned the event, citing violations of cultural and religious decorum and the sanctity of the holy shrine.

RBI's record $18.65 billion net dollar purchase in July boosts forex reserves

RBI's record $18.65 billion net dollar purchase in July boosts forex reserves

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) net purchased a record $18.65 billion in July, driven by inflows from its concessional swap facility, leading to a significant increase in India's foreign exchange reserves.

Terrorists Meet Brutal End

Terrorists Meet Brutal End

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

On Thursday, September 17, two suspected Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists were killed and a suspect was detained during an anti-terror operation in Jammu's Udhampur district.