News for 'Central'

Who Will Lord Ram Bestow His Blessings On In UP Polls?

Who Will Lord Ram Bestow His Blessings On In UP Polls?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The monsoon session of Parliament will set the tone for how the Hindu community feels about what happened at the Ram Mandir. Whether emotions will be stirred within the voters of India lies solely at the oratory skills of the Congressis and Samajwadis, notes Zainab Sikander.

Political row erupts over heightened security at Mamata's residence

Political row erupts over heightened security at Mamata's residence

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Heavy police and central forces deployment outside Mamata Banerjee's Kolkata residence has sparked a political row. The TMC alleges it's to prevent her from visiting the family of an 11-year-old rape and murder victim in Baruipur, while the BJP claims it's routine security. This comes amidst public outrage and violence following the girl's death.

FPIs Reverse Selling Trend, Pump Rs 15,157 Cr into Indian Equities in July

FPIs Reverse Selling Trend, Pump Rs 15,157 Cr into Indian Equities in July

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

After four consecutive months of outflows, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have turned net buyers in Indian equities in July, investing over Rs 15,157 crore, driven by improving domestic macroeconomic indicators, a stable rupee, and better global risk sentiment.

CBDT Targets Rs 26.97 Trillion Direct Tax Collection

CBDT Targets Rs 26.97 Trillion Direct Tax Collection

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Tax collection so far has been encouraging, with net direct tax receipts reaching Rs 5.21 trillion by June 17, nearly a 15 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Trump to reinstate Hormuz blockade, announces 20% toll on ships

Trump to reinstate Hormuz blockade, announces 20% toll on ships

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump announced the 'reinstatement' of an 'Iranian Blockade' in the Strait of Hormuz, stating the US would charge a 20 per cent levy on transiting cargo for providing security, while Iran warned against any US interference, reaffirming its authority over the critical waterway.

TMC leader's son's cafe demolished for encroachment

TMC leader's son's cafe demolished for encroachment

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

An allegedly illegal cafe, Aranayer Kule, owned by Imran Molla, son of TMC leader Saokat Molla, was demolished in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district. The demolition followed repeated notices from the district administration regarding the structure's encroachment on Matla river's sandbank, which the family failed to remove.

El Nino effect severely impacts India's hydropower generation, pushing up power demand and coal reliance

El Nino effect severely impacts India's hydropower generation, pushing up power demand and coal reliance

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

India's hydropower generation has been significantly constrained in July due to the El Nio effect, which has weakened the southwest monsoon and reduced reservoir levels. This decline, following a 21 per cent year-on-year drop in June 2026, is forcing greater reliance on coal generation and straining grid flexibility amidst rising power demand.

'Paani Waali Train': 'This Is The Future Of Railway Mobility'

'Paani Waali Train': 'This Is The Future Of Railway Mobility'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

India has launched its first hydrogen-powered train, the 'Namo Green Rail', from Jind, Haryana, marking a significant step towards sustainable railway mobility. The 10-coach train, which emits only water vapour, is currently operating on the Jind-Sonipat route and represents a major technological advancement for the country's transport sector.

Antibiotic Resistance Threatens Safe Surgery

Antibiotic Resistance Threatens Safe Surgery

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'As bacteria become increasingly resistant, preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics is everyone's responsibility.'

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This new position aims to strengthen administrative and financial management following alleged embezzlement concerns. The CEO will be appointed for a three-year term, overseeing various aspects from finance to pilgrim facilities, and must be an actively practising Hindu with specific managerial experience.

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Union Territory administration in Ladakh has announced the establishment of an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) for each of its seven districts, significantly expanding democratic decentralisation. This move extends elected local self-governance beyond Leh and Kargil, with a proposed Union Territory-level body under a customised Article 371 framework to oversee these councils.

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A sensational New York Times report alleging that Israel's Mossad secretly groomed former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a post-Islamic Republic Iran is being scrutinised for its strategic timing amidst Iran's sensitive post-Khamenei transition.

Why Hardik Pandya Is Making Bengaluru His New Training Hub

Why Hardik Pandya Is Making Bengaluru His New Training Hub

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made the unprecedented move of permanently shifting his training base to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. This decision aims to leverage the COE's facilities for injury rehabilitation and skills training throughout his career, marking a significant shift from traditional player practices.

FPIs Invest 55,518 Crore In June

FPIs Invest 55,518 Crore In June

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

...exceeding their 49,340 crore equity selloff.

Ahmedabad blasts an attack on India's sovereignty, meant to topple govt: HC

Ahmedabad blasts an attack on India's sovereignty, meant to topple govt: HC

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Gujarat high court has characterised the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts as a direct assault on India's sovereignty and democratic governance.

Burglars break into Twisha Sharma's mother-in-law's home

Burglars break into Twisha Sharma's mother-in-law's home

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Thieves broke into the Bhopal residence of former judge Giribala Singh, who is currently jailed in connection with her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma's death. While the suspects fled, abandoning some stolen items, the incident has prompted calls for the CBI to secure all documents at the property, fearing potential tampering with the crime scene. Police are investigating the theft using CCTV footage.

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been shifted to Police Lines following a fact-finding inquiry initiated by Punjab Police. This action comes after news reports linked the officer to an extortion-related investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under "Operation Hard Ball," targeting India-based organised crime syndicates. The US indictment alleges the officer's involvement in a $400,000 extortion scheme using false murder charges, drawing significant political criticism.

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Under the Odisha state premature release policy, prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment become eligible for remission after completing 25 years in prison, subject to recommendations by the Odisha State Sentence Review Board and approval by the state government. Dara Singh has now spent more than 26 years in prison.

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a "revenge list" featuring 13 world leaders, including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, with a graphic depicting them as targets, amidst escalating regional hostilities and US reports of an Iranian assassination plot against Trump.

6 Chocolate Festivals Worth Travelling To

6 Chocolate Festivals Worth Travelling To

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A visit to a chocolate festival is a journey purely fuelled by temptation

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed that a separate open space be provided adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar for offering namaz on Fridays, pending the final resolution of the case. The court emphasised the sensitive nature of the matter and urged both Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience.

Germany star ruled out of FIFA World Cup after injury blow

Germany star ruled out of FIFA World Cup after injury blow

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

German central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup and will be sidelined for several months due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during their Group E victory over Ivory Coast. Despite the setback, coach Julian Nagelsmann remains confident in the team's central defence options.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Many students who do well in the NEET exams miss out on a medical seat because they didn't get their documentation in order. You don't want to be that student, says Ashok Hegde.

Manipur groups demand NRC update ahead of Census 2027

Manipur groups demand NRC update ahead of Census 2027

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Fourteen civil society organisations from Manipur have urged the Centre to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state before the completion of Census 2027. They argue this is essential to address concerns over demographic changes and alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar, which they believe has altered the state's population profile.

CRPF suspends DIG for sharing messages opposing CAPF Bill

CRPF suspends DIG for sharing messages opposing CAPF Bill

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force has suspended a senior DIG-rank officer for sharing content allegedly "against" the government during the recent passage of the Central Armed Police Force bill, which the cadre officers of these forces had called discriminatory.

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to Sourav Ganguly, these coming biopics are bringing some of India's most fascinating lives to the big screen.

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

France's formidable attack has propelled them through the World Cup group stage, but coach Didier Deschamps is focused on resolving issues on the team's left side before their Round of 32 match against Sweden.

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'The government has to act as one unit since the threat from these newer models will soon scale up.'

Environment ministry removes three senior officials in surprise rejig

Environment ministry removes three senior officials in surprise rejig

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Environment Ministry has removed its private secretary and two additional private secretaries through three separate orders issued on July 3. While one was removed on "administrative grounds" and another "prematurely repatriated," the appointment of the third was terminated, with no specific reasons publicly stated for these significant personnel changes.

References to TVK, 'New India' muted in Vijay's Jana Nayagan

References to TVK, 'New India' muted in Vijay's Jana Nayagan

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed 12 modifications for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan', including muting references to 'TVK' and 'New India', and deleting a scene showing the Indian flag falling on the ground, according to the film's certification order.

LeT terrorist killed in J&K's Shopian after 5 days of manhunt

LeT terrorist killed in J&K's Shopian after 5 days of manhunt

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

An anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district resulted in the killing of a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist. Security forces had maintained a five-day cordon in the Meemandar area, leading to intermittent exchanges of fire.

I, Nobody Review: A Good Thriller That Loses Its Way

I, Nobody Review: A Good Thriller That Loses Its Way

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A terrific first half makes I, Nobody look like a great thriller, until an increasingly muddled second half loses the plot, laments Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Ceasefire crumbles? US bombs Iran after Hormuz attack, Tehran retaliates

Ceasefire crumbles? US bombs Iran after Hormuz attack, Tehran retaliates

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The US forces conducted strikes against Iran, on Friday, as a powerful response to Thursday's attack on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, said Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement.

Assam Police Foil Terror Plot

Assam Police Foil Terror Plot

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Police say timely operation prevented a possible mass-casualty attack.

Dutch prosecutors summon Tata Steel over 'intentional and unlawful' release of harmful substances

Dutch prosecutors summon Tata Steel over 'intentional and unlawful' release of harmful substances

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Dutch prosecutors have decided to summon Tata Steel IJmuiden BV (TSIJ) over multiple suspected criminal offences, including the "intentional and unlawful" release of harmful substances into the air that may have adversely affected public health, following a complaint filed by over 800 complainants.

Centre Tightens Rules on Alcohol-Based Medicines

Centre Tightens Rules on Alcohol-Based Medicines

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The move follows reports from several state drug-regulatory authorities indicating misuse and hoarding oral formulations with high ethyl-alcohol concentration, which people use as a substitute for liquor.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across Mumbai, disrupting traffic and daily life. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, advising precautions. Specific areas recorded over 200 mm of rainfall, and the IMD forecasts continued heavy rains for the Konkan region, Goa, South Gujarat, Odisha, and Central India.