News for 'Central'

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.

RBI allows banks to link bulk deposit rates to liquidity profile

RBI allows banks to link bulk deposit rates to liquidity profile

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new framework allowing banks to offer differential interest rates on bulk deposits based on their liquidity characteristics under the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework, while maintaining the principle of uniform pricing across similar deposits.

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The global players' union, FIFPRO, has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'profound abuse of presidential power' following the secretive development and subsequent shelving of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which aimed to privatise the FIFA World Cup.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.

CJP protest rekindles memories of Delhi's landmark street agitations

CJP protest rekindles memories of Delhi's landmark street agitations

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Recent protests by CJP supporters attempting to march towards Parliament in Delhi highlight a recurring pattern of public demonstrations in the capital over the past 15 years. The article details several significant protests, including the 2021 farmers' tractor rally, the 2011 Anna Hazare movement, the 2012 Nirbhaya protests, anti-CAA demonstrations, and the 2023 wrestlers' protest, all of which involved attempts to reach central Delhi's high-security zones to press demands.

Praveen Chithravel's Commonwealth Games Silver Fuels Family Pride, Village Dreams

Praveen Chithravel's Commonwealth Games Silver Fuels Family Pride, Village Dreams

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Indian athlete Praveen Chithravel secured a silver medal in the men's triple jump at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, bringing immense pride to his agricultural daily wage worker father and their village in Tamil Nadu.

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Haryana is institutionalising drone technology as a key governance tool, deploying AI-powered surveillance and high-resolution geospatial mapping. This initiative aims to detect illegal constructions, monitor mining activities, map civic infrastructure, and track pollution across the state. The Chief Secretary reviewed progress on various projects, including an AI-powered Change Detection Application and digital mapping of municipal assets, highlighting the state's commitment to evidence-based governance and improved public service delivery.

Volatile trading session on RBI's big day, Sensex holds steady with 152-point gain

Volatile trading session on RBI's big day, Sensex holds steady with 152-point gain

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its key policy rates for the fourth consecutive time, keeping the repo rate at 5.25 per cent, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed 152 points higher in a volatile session, recovering from an intraday dip.

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

RBI says polymer notes have a significantly longer lifespan, potentially reducing printing costs and replacement frequency.

Dhurandhar Actor Ayesha Khan Detained During Protests

Dhurandhar Actor Ayesha Khan Detained During Protests

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Actors Ayesha Khan, Imran Khan, Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem have joined the nationwide youth protests.

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of attempting to search her car while en route to Kolkata airport, alleging misuse of central machinery by the BJP ahead of state elections.

Congress reclaims Martyrs' Day stage amid TMC split; eyes revival

Congress reclaims Martyrs' Day stage amid TMC split; eyes revival

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The West Bengal Congress on Tuesday held its Martyrs' Day programme in Kolkata after several years, commemorating the youth wing workers killed in the 1993 police firing, and said the attendance at the gathering marked the party's revival in the state.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Leading African football administrators have publicly expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, offering him crucial backing ahead of next March's presidential election, despite his recent decision to abandon a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue.

Ajaraie's Hat-Trick Powers NorthEast United To Emphatic Durand Cup Victory

Ajaraie's Hat-Trick Powers NorthEast United To Emphatic Durand Cup Victory

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Defending champions NorthEast United FC secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Bodoland FC in their opening Group F fixture of the 135th Durand Cup. Alaaeddine Ajaraie led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by goals from Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Redeem Tlang, and Antonio Moyano, showcasing a commanding performance.

Chhattisgarh: BJP man held in BSP iron scrap theft case; 17 arrests so far

Chhattisgarh: BJP man held in BSP iron scrap theft case; 17 arrests so far

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A ruling Bharatiya Janata Party functionary was held in connection with the alleged theft of iron scrap worth several crore rupees from the public sector Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 17, the police said on Sunday.

Birbhum cash haul rises to Rs 28 cr, stone trader at large

Birbhum cash haul rises to Rs 28 cr, stone trader at large

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

West Bengal police have seized a staggering Rs 28.5 crore in cash and 15 kg of gold from the residence of absconding stone trader Tullu Mondal's manager and brother-in-law, Minar Mondal, in Birbhum district, leading to his arrest.

Ahmedabad to set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability at 2030 Commonwealth Games

Ahmedabad to set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability at 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has outlined Ahmedabad's vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasising unparalleled accessibility for para athletes and a strong commitment to sustainability through green energy and electric transport.

FPIs Reverse Selling Spree, Infuse Rs 20,200 Crore into Indian Equities in July

FPIs Reverse Selling Spree, Infuse Rs 20,200 Crore into Indian Equities in July

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

After four consecutive months of withdrawals, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) injected Rs 20,200 crore into Indian equities in July, driven by attractive valuations, improving corporate earnings, and a more favourable global environment.

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has clarified that the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup is a proposal and 'not an obligation', following strong criticism from regional football confederations who felt blindsided by the idea.

10 killed after Typhoon Noul makes landfall in southern China

10 killed after Typhoon Noul makes landfall in southern China

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Ten people were killed in rain-triggered floods in China as Typhoon Noul made landfall early Sunday in the southern province of Guangdong.

Stricter punishment, speedy probe as anti-paper leak law kicks in

Stricter punishment, speedy probe as anti-paper leak law kicks in

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which introduces fast-track courts and significantly enhances punishment for those involved in public examination question paper leaks.

Lok Sabha passes amended anti-paper leak bill, increasing jail terms and fines

Lok Sabha passes amended anti-paper leak bill, increasing jail terms and fines

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Lok Sabha has approved an amendment to India's anti-paper leak law, introducing stricter punishments including jail terms of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh, in response to recent large-scale student protests and the NEET paper leak case.

Top Maoist leader Misir Besra with Rs 2.2 cr bounty captured in Jharkhand

Top Maoist leader Misir Besra with Rs 2.2 cr bounty captured in Jharkhand

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Misir Besra, a banned CPI (Maoist) politburo member with a bounty of over Rs 1 crore and wanted in 141 cases, has been arrested from Jharkhand's Dhanbad district. His arrest is considered a significant achievement in anti-Maoist operations in the state.

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

In response to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has initiated a significant security upgrade, floating a Rs 7.5 crore tender for comprehensive, round-the-clock security services to protect its critical infrastructure and confidential examination materials.

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has quashed the 2021 Office Memorandum allowing retrospective environmental clearances, reinforcing the importance of prior environmental approval for projects but held that the judgment will apply prospectively, thus saving projects that got retrospective ECs from demolition and other punitive measures.

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

Neymar confirms Brazil retirement weeks after heartbreaking World Cup exit

Neymar confirms Brazil retirement weeks after heartbreaking World Cup exit

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Neymar appeared to confirm his retirement from international soccer, saying he no longer wanted to play for Brazil, weeks after suggesting his international career had ended following their World Cup last-16 loss to Norway.

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

West Bengal's annual July 21 Martyrs' Day observance has transformed into an unprecedented political contest, with three rival camps - Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, a breakaway TMC faction, and the Congress - holding parallel programmes in central Kolkata, each vying for legacy and organisational strength.

Didn't mention anyone's name, except...: Udhayanidhi Stalin after arrest

Didn't mention anyone's name, except...: Udhayanidhi Stalin after arrest

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Udhayanidhi Stalin, was detained by police following alleged derogatory remarks against actor Trisha, which he dismisses as a 'fake narrative'.

Indian man found dead in Jerusalem apartment; Israeli arrested

Indian man found dead in Jerusalem apartment; Israeli arrested

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Israeli police have arrested a 31-year-old national in connection with the murder of a 40-year-old Indian man found dead in Jerusalem, prompting a full-scale criminal investigation.

39 medals! India exceed expectations at CWG 2026

39 medals! India exceed expectations at CWG 2026

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

India finished fourth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with 39 medals, overcoming the absence of traditional medal-winning sports. The contingent's success was driven by a record-breaking boxing campaign, a historic performance in judo, and strong contributions from para athletes, showcasing the country's expanding sporting depth.

Three more held in Kolkata NEET protest violence case; 14 arrests so far

Three more held in Kolkata NEET protest violence case; 14 arrests so far

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Three more persons were arrested on Sunday in connection with the violence during a protest here two days ago against the NEET paper leak, taking the total number of apprehended people to 14, the police said.

GST Collection Jumps 15.4% to Over Rs 2.11 Lakh Crore in July

GST Collection Jumps 15.4% to Over Rs 2.11 Lakh Crore in July

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections surged by 15.4 per cent to over Rs 2.11 lakh crore in July, driven by increased mop-up from both domestic transactions and imports.

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested for an alleged 'double-meaning' remark alluding to actor Trisha, leading to widespread protests by DMK cadres and condemnation from various political leaders.

CBDT releases comprehensive guidance for crypto-asset tax reporting

CBDT releases comprehensive guidance for crypto-asset tax reporting

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has released a 198-page guidance note to assist crypto-asset service providers in complying with reporting obligations under the Income-tax Act, 2025, aligning India with the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (Carf) for automatic exchange of tax information.

Glimpses Of Monsoon Mayhem

Glimpses Of Monsoon Mayhem

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The southwest monsoon has intensified across India, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and prompting red alerts for several states, alongside concerns over landslides and urban flooding.

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.