News for 'Central'

'Kala Pani is appropriate punishment for CEC Gyanesh Kumar': Cong MP

'Kala Pani is appropriate punishment for CEC Gyanesh Kumar': Cong MP

Rediff.com5 days ago

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Saturday demanded punishment for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid an ongoing political row over the SIR exercise, declaring that "Kala Pani" is the appropriate punishment for Kumar based on the magnitude of his position and the alleged gravity of his misconduct.

Bank unions to go on 3-day strike from Monday. Here's why

Bank unions to go on 3-day strike from Monday. Here's why

Rediff.com4 days ago

Banking services across India, particularly at public sector banks, are set to be disrupted for three days starting Monday due to a nationwide strike by bank unions. The strike, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), is primarily to press for a five-day working week and other demands, despite the finance ministry's appeal for dialogue.

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.

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.

'Hostile Takeover Of Tata Sons Would Be Extremely Difficult'

'Hostile Takeover Of Tata Sons Would Be Extremely Difficult'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'The issue appears to be less about Chandrasekaran personally and more about the direction Tata Sons should take.'

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.

Reforms Utsav To Showcase 1,300 Reforms

Reforms Utsav To Showcase 1,300 Reforms

Rediff.com6 days ago

The three-month long outreach will be closely monitored by senior government officials.

LPU unrest: Highway reopens after 15-hr blockade; classes suspended

LPU unrest: Highway reopens after 15-hr blockade; classes suspended

Rediff.com3 days ago

Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, protested alleged rape claims, leading to a 15-hour blockage of National Highway-44 and clashes with police. The university suspended classes and postponed exams. BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the AAP government of instigating the unrest to disrupt an upcoming Amit Shah rally, while police registered a rape case and formed an SIT despite LPU calling the claims "rumours."

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.

How To Prevent Deaths By Suicide At IITs

How To Prevent Deaths By Suicide At IITs

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

171 IIT student deaths by suicide or other unnatural causes have been recorded between January 2006 and September 2026. Of these, 120 were recorded between 2016 and September 2026, compared with 51 in the preceding decade.

Supreme Court Halts Death Sentence For Man In POCSO Case

Supreme Court Halts Death Sentence For Man In POCSO Case

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed the execution of a man sentenced to death for the repeated sexual assault of three minor girls. The apex court's decision comes after the Madras High Court confirmed his conviction and death penalty. The Supreme Court has sought reports from probation officers, jail authorities, and a psychological evaluation of the appellant, posting the matter for hearing after 20 weeks.

Panama coach reveals how India can grow football

Panama coach reveals how India can grow football

Rediff.com5 days ago

Panama's coach, Thomas Christiansen, suggests India can learn from Panama's football growth despite baseball's dominance, highlighting the need for league improvement, better facilities, and attracting top players to boost football's popularity and global standing. Midfielder Carlos Harvey also advocates for bringing in star players to increase visibility.

Sridhar Vembu: Why India Needs An Independent AI Strategy

Sridhar Vembu: Why India Needs An Independent AI Strategy

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Zoho cofounder Sridhar Vembu dismisses exaggerated fears about AI's catastrophic potential and global development pauses. He advocates for India to adopt an independent AI strategy, fostering partnerships while avoiding entanglement in US-China tech rivalry. Vembu stresses extensive investment in foundational R&D across sectors, distinguishing it from costly frontier AI model development. He also highlights concerns about AI's impact on human judgment, skill erosion, and job disruption, particularly in software engineering, while remaining optimistic about new economic opportunities.

NEET-UG Paper Leak: Son Of Accused Debarred For Two Years

NEET-UG Paper Leak: Son Of Accused Debarred For Two Years

Rediff.com7 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has debarred Aditya Motegaonkar, son of NEET-UG paper leak accused Shivraj Motegaonkar, from the examination for two years and withheld his result, following alleged irregularities in the May 3 exam and a retest.

Cosmetics From Pakistan Breach Indian Market

Cosmetics From Pakistan Breach Indian Market

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

CDSCO has warned consumers against using two unauthorised Pakistani whitening creams after finding excessive heavy metals and regulatory violations.

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) flagged the proposed screening of an uncertified documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, citing violations of the Cinematograph Act. IIIT-Hyderabad subsequently distanced itself from the event, stating no recognised student bodies had organised it. The screening, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," was reportedly cancelled by students, following a similar postponement at NLSIU Bengaluru due to opposition.

Tanker with Indian crew was attacked by Iran twice: US

Tanker with Indian crew was attacked by Iran twice: US

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The US military has refuted Iran's Revolutionary Guards' assertion that an oil tanker struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the Panama-registered vessel, El Gaia, was previously hit by an Iranian missile and then a drone, highlighting ongoing Iranian attempts to impede commercial vessels in the crucial maritime trade route.

Amid 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants, Mumbai bids adieu to Lord Ganesha

Amid 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants, Mumbai bids adieu to Lord Ganesha

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mumbai resonated with 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants and dhol-tasha beats as devotees immersed Ganesh idols on Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 12-day festival. Over 430 idols were immersed by noon, with no untoward incidents reported, as elaborate arrangements by police and BMC ensured smooth proceedings.

Police Uncover Decades-Long Abuse In Veeramani POCSO Case

Police Uncover Decades-Long Abuse In Veeramani POCSO Case

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

In a high-profile POCSO case, Chennai police have discovered more minor victims of sexual harassment allegedly by granite businessman R Veeramani, with investigators suspecting the abuse spans over two decades. Additional victims' statements have been recorded, and the case involves charges under POCSO, IT, and SC/ST Acts.

Aditya Thackeray refuses to apologise to Disha Salian's father

Aditya Thackeray refuses to apologise to Disha Salian's father

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has refused to apologise to Satish Salian, father of late celebrity manager Disha Salian, after receiving a Rs 500 crore defamation notice. Thackeray dismissed the allegations as "frivolous," stating his social media posts did not mention Salian and were aimed at political actors linking his name to the tragic case without evidence. He reiterated he never knew Disha Salian and highlighted inconsistencies in Satish Salian's past statements, calling for an independent CBI probe.

Typhoon Dujuan nears Tokyo, Asian Games on alert

Typhoon Dujuan nears Tokyo, Asian Games on alert

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Typhoon Dujuan is approaching East Japan's Pacific Coast, bringing warnings of heavy rain, strong winds, and landslides. The typhoon has already caused transportation disruptions and led to the postponement of an equestrian event at the Asian Games venue.

NSUI ticketing under spotlight as rebels shine in DUSU polls

NSUI ticketing under spotlight as rebels shine in DUSU polls

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The NSUI's performance in the DUSU elections has highlighted significant internal issues regarding ticket distribution, with rebel candidates outperforming official nominees. This trend, observed across various university elections, points to growing dissent within the Congress's student wing under Kanhaiya Kumar's tenure, despite some recent successes.

Disha Salian death: 'CBI FIR names Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea, Dino Morea among others'

Disha Salian death: 'CBI FIR names Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea, Dino Morea among others'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The CBI has registered an FIR in the Disha Salian death case, following a Bombay High Court order that criticised Mumbai Police for its six-year delay and "glaring discrepancies" in the investigation. Salian, former manager of Sushant Singh Rajput, died in June 2020, a week before Rajput's own death, which led to speculation about a connection. The High Court had expressed concerns over the Mumbai Police's handling of the case, which was initially treated as an accidental death.

Kanpur Police Arrest Son In Trader Murder Probe

Kanpur Police Arrest Son In Trader Murder Probe

Rediff.com7 days ago

Police in Kanpur have arrested Subrat Manocha, son of pharmaceutical dealer Vineet Manocha, in connection with his father's murder. The arrest follows allegations by an alleged contract killer, Vishal Gautam, who claimed Subrat hired him for Rs 6 lakh to commit the crime. Investigators are verifying evidence, including call records, as Subrat denies the charges.

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader announced the busting of a major interstate counterfeit drug racket, leading to an arrest and an ongoing investigation into the suspected supply of fake medicines to hospitals. The racket involved procuring cheap drugs, refilling them, and relabelling them as premium brands, with seizures worth Rs 5 crore. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the widespread network.

Tata Trusts Propose Merger to Keep Tata Sons Unlisted, Shed NBFC Tag

Tata Trusts Propose Merger to Keep Tata Sons Unlisted, Shed NBFC Tag

Rediff.com3 days ago

Tata Trusts, the majority shareholders of Tata Sons, have proposed merging two operating companies, Tata Electronics Systems Solutions Pvt Ltd (TESS) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), with Tata Sons. This restructuring aims to shed Tata Sons' classification as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and a core investment company (CIC), thereby allowing it to retain its status as an unlisted private company and resolve ongoing disputes regarding its future ownership.

How Rahi Sarnobat Overcame Debilitating Illness For A Second Shot At Glory

How Rahi Sarnobat Overcame Debilitating Illness For A Second Shot At Glory

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian sports pistol shooter Rahi Sarnobat discusses her challenging journey back to elite competition after battling a debilitating neuropathic pain syndrome. She shares how the illness forced her to redefine her training, mindset, and priorities, leading to a "second life" in the sport as she prepares for her fourth Asian Games.

Police Uncover Decades Of Abuse In Veeramani POCSO Case

Police Uncover Decades Of Abuse In Veeramani POCSO Case

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The Central Crime Branch in Chennai has uncovered evidence suggesting that granite businessman R Veeramani's alleged sexual harassment of minors may span over two decades, predating 2003. The investigation, which began with a 2019 video clip, has identified multiple survivors, leading to charges under the POCSO Act, IT Act, and SC/ST Act against Veeramani and two accomplices. The Child Welfare Committee is also monitoring the case for further action.

Anil Ambani, RCAP Under CBI Scanner For Alleged Rs 2,684 Crore LIC Fraud

Anil Ambani, RCAP Under CBI Scanner For Alleged Rs 2,684 Crore LIC Fraud

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The CBI has registered a case against Reliance Capital Limited (RCAP), its former chairman Anil Ambani, and others for an alleged Rs 2,684.57-crore fraud. The case stems from a complaint by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) regarding investments in RCAP's non-convertible debentures, alleging criminal conspiracy, misrepresentation, and fraudulent diversion of funds causing significant loss to LIC.

Western Australia Premier Highlights Cricket's Role In Strengthening India-Australia Relations

Western Australia Premier Highlights Cricket's Role In Strengthening India-Australia Relations

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook emphasised cricket's pivotal role in enhancing India-Australia relations, fostering business development, economic ties, and trade. He highlighted the upcoming Big Bash League match in Chennai and the opening of the University of Western Australia campus in Mumbai as key initiatives strengthening bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange.

Porn videos found on rape convict Prajwal Revanna's phone seized in jail

Porn videos found on rape convict Prajwal Revanna's phone seized in jail

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

A forensic examination of a mobile phone seized from former MP Prajwal Revanna's prison cell revealed numerous explicit videos, while a pen drive contained movies and web series. Revanna, who was found using a smartphone in prison, denied ownership of the device and downloading explicit content, despite call logs showing unauthorised communication. Five individuals have been arrested for allegedly smuggling the phone and SIM card into the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.

Antibiotic Self-Medication Raises Kidney Risk

Antibiotic Self-Medication Raises Kidney Risk

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's apex drug regulator cautioned against antibiotic self-medication and their use for conditions where antibiotic treatment is not clinically indicated, particularly viral infections, the common cold and fever.

Woman 'gang-raped' by 2 UP cops, 2 CRPF men at U'khand MLA's farmhouse

Woman 'gang-raped' by 2 UP cops, 2 CRPF men at U'khand MLA's farmhouse

Rediff.com7 days ago

A shocking incident in Amroha sees four law enforcement personnel, including Uttar Pradesh Police and CRPF members, arrested for the alleged gangrape of a woman, sparking outrage and calls for stringent action.

Microsoft Expands India Footprint With New Hyderabad Cloud Region

Microsoft Expands India Footprint With New Hyderabad Cloud Region

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Microsoft has officially launched its fourth cloud region in India, located in Hyderabad, as part of its USD 20.5 billion investment in the country's digital and AI infrastructure. This new facility, which became available on August 6, features zero-water cooling technology and aims to enhance capacity and resilience for organisations in India and Asia, supporting the nation's rapid digital growth and projected increase in data centre capacity.

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters alone during the last five state assembly elections, more than seven times the Rs 207 crore in net receipts reported by the Congress across its central and state units, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission.

Court quashes order denying probe into Sonia Gandhi's voter list entry

Court quashes order denying probe into Sonia Gandhi's voter list entry

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has revived a legal challenge concerning Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's electoral roll inclusion, quashing a magistrate's previous order and mandating a fresh, reasoned hearing on allegations of pre-citizenship voter registration.

Strict dress code for media at Asian Games shooting highlights Japanese precision

Strict dress code for media at Asian Games shooting highlights Japanese precision

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Asian Games shooting range in Nagoya has implemented a strict dress code for photographers and TV cameramen, leading to some confusion among media personnel. While the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has long had such rules, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee has made them exceptionally clear, even requiring a video journalist to change from blue to black jeans. The rules aim to maintain a professional appearance and distinguish shooting as a sport, reflecting Japan's meticulous approach to event organisation.

'Misleading and unfair': Govt bans advance tipping on ride-hailing apps

'Misleading and unfair': Govt bans advance tipping on ride-hailing apps

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

India's Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced that cab aggregators have been ordered to cease advance tipping options, deeming the practice misleading and unfair. This follows the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposing a Rs 10 lakh penalty on Rapido for unfair business practices, including advance tipping and "dark patterns" that pressure users to pay more. Investigations into Uber and Ola are ongoing, with the government emphasizing that tipping should be voluntary and post-ride.

'Mindset must change': SC tells TN to provide land for Navodaya in 3 months

'Mindset must change': SC tells TN to provide land for Navodaya in 3 months

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to comply with its previous order to identify land for establishing Navodaya Vidyalayas in each district of the state, emphasising cooperative federalism and urging a change in mindset regarding the central government's education policy.

How Iran's Women's Kabaddi Team Braved Conflict And Sanctions For Asian Games Silver

How Iran's Women's Kabaddi Team Braved Conflict And Sanctions For Asian Games Silver

Rediff.com5 days ago

Iran's women's kabaddi team faced immense challenges during their Asian Games preparations, including frequent camp changes due to regional conflict, psychological stress on young players, and difficulties arranging international friendly matches due to sanctions.