News for 'Central'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocates for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' based on Ujjain's historical significance in time calculation, challenging the dominance of Greenwich Mean Time.

Assam Rifles Enhances CISF Drone Awareness and Response Capabilities

Assam Rifles Enhances CISF Drone Awareness and Response Capabilities

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Assam Rifles conducted a drone awareness and training session for CISF personnel, focusing on drone identification, threat assessment, and response measures.

'Iran can't have nukes': Trump rejects Tehran proposal, signals tough line

'Iran can't have nukes': Trump rejects Tehran proposal, signals tough line

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that his administration has received a proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in West Asia, but described the offer as insufficient.

CII seeks fiscal support, credit lines for industries hit by West Asia conflict

CII seeks fiscal support, credit lines for industries hit by West Asia conflict

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has proposed a 20-point policy agenda to the finance ministry, including a conflict-linked emergency credit line guarantee scheme and tax rationalisation on energy inputs, to support MSMEs, exporters, and energy-intensive industries affected by the ongoing West Asia war.

60 Drug Samples Fail Quality Standards in February: Health Ministry

60 Drug Samples Fail Quality Standards in February: Health Ministry

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Central Drugs Laboratories identified 60 drug samples as 'not of standard quality' in February, while state labs found 134 substandard samples. Investigations are underway for spurious drugs manufactured by unauthorised companies.

Mumbai Metro network expands with launch of two new lines

Mumbai Metro network expands with launch of two new lines

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Mumbai's metro network has expanded with the inauguration of the first phases of Metro Line 9 and Line 2B, promising improved connectivity and reduced travel times for commuters.

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which provides graded punishment for bodily harm to transgender persons, has been approved by the President of India. The bill has faced criticism from opposition MPs for excluding gays and lesbians and for the establishment of an authority to determine transgender status.

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A combination of security pressure and rehabilitation efforts has significantly weakened Naxalism in India, leading to numerous surrenders and the elimination of key leaders.

Manipur Reels After Bomb Attack and Protest Deaths

Manipur Reels After Bomb Attack and Protest Deaths

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district following a bomb attack that killed two children and subsequent protest deaths at a CRPF camp. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a government investigation.

Gujarat Assembly Removes Terrorism Provisions from Crime Act

Gujarat Assembly Removes Terrorism Provisions from Crime Act

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Gujarat legislative assembly has unanimously passed a bill amending the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2015, to remove terrorism-related provisions. This change aligns the state law with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which now comprehensively addresses terrorism, preventing overlap and ambiguity in legal proceedings.

Delhi HC Orders DPS Dwarka to Reinstate Expelled Students After Fee Dispute

Delhi HC Orders DPS Dwarka to Reinstate Expelled Students After Fee Dispute

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has intervened in a dispute between Delhi Public School, Dwarka, and parents over fee hikes, ordering the reinstatement of expelled students and directing partial fee payments.

DPS Dwarka Students Reinstated After Fee Dispute Intervention

DPS Dwarka Students Reinstated After Fee Dispute Intervention

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has intervened in a fee dispute between Delhi Public School, Dwarka, and parents, ordering the reinstatement of 25 expelled students and directing parents to pay 50% of outstanding fees.

Nightclub Owners Arrested in Goa for Alleged Forgery in Licence Application

Nightclub Owners Arrested in Goa for Alleged Forgery in Licence Application

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Mapusa police in Goa have taken custody of Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, in connection with alleged forgery to obtain an excise licence. This follows a devastating fire at the nightclub in December that resulted in 25 deaths.

Rupee posts biggest annual decline in 14 years, tumbles 9.88% in FY26

Rupee posts biggest annual decline in 14 years, tumbles 9.88% in FY26

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee rebounded against the US dollar after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) restricted banks' net open positions in dollars. This move prompted banks to sell dollars, providing temporary support for the rupee amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices.

Jharkhand Man Arrested After Killing Mother and Burning Her Body

Jharkhand Man Arrested After Killing Mother and Burning Her Body

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A 40-year-old man in Jharkhand, reportedly suffering from mental health issues, has been arrested for killing his mother and burning her body. Police are investigating the incident, and the accused has been remanded in judicial custody.

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri was accused of leading efforts to disrupt maritime trade, including actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Speaking to North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly on Tuesday, Kim accused the United States of carrying out 'terrorism and invasions' across regions, referring to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

US intel report counters Trump on Iran's missile capability

US intel report counters Trump on Iran's missile capability

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Media reports based on intelligence sources say nearly half of Iran's missile launchers remain intact, while thousands of one-way attack drones are still part of its arsenal even after continuous strikes targeting military infrastructure over the past five weeks.

Delhi Cop Arrested After SUV Kills Woman Labourer

Delhi Cop Arrested After SUV Kills Woman Labourer

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A Delhi Police sub-inspector has been arrested after his SUV allegedly struck and killed a woman labourer at a road construction site in Punjabi Bagh. The officer has been charged with rash driving and causing death by negligence.

Food Delivery Rider Dies After Alleged Hit-and-Run by Mercedes in Faridabad

Food Delivery Rider Dies After Alleged Hit-and-Run by Mercedes in Faridabad

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A Zomato food delivery agent died after being allegedly hit by a speeding Mercedes in Faridabad. The driver fled the scene, and police have seized the vehicle and are investigating the incident.

Bengaluru Police Nab Five in Major Drug Trafficking Operation

Bengaluru Police Nab Five in Major Drug Trafficking Operation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Bengaluru police have arrested five individuals for allegedly trafficking MDMA and ganja in various parts of the city. The operation resulted in the seizure of drugs and other items worth 5.77 crore.

Banking system liquidity surplus shrinks to Rs 16,875 cr, lowest since Jan 22

Banking system liquidity surplus shrinks to Rs 16,875 cr, lowest since Jan 22

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The net liquidity surplus in the banking system fell to Rs 16,875 crore on Thursday the latest data by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed, lowest since 22 January.

Iran rejects US proposal for 48-hour ceasefire as tension escalates

Iran rejects US proposal for 48-hour ceasefire as tension escalates

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Iran has formally turned down a proposal from the United States for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera, citing reports from the semi-official Fars news agency.

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Migration from Kerala has become a significant issue in the upcoming Assembly elections, with political parties promising to create more opportunities within the state to discourage emigration for studies and jobs. Experts suggest focusing on 'brain gain' strategies to attract talent back to Kerala after gaining experience abroad.

How RBI's Two-Factor Authentication Will Impact Digital Payments

How RBI's Two-Factor Authentication Will Impact Digital Payments

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Two-factor authentication for all digital transactions, including UPI, is now mandatory in India, as per RBI guidelines, to enhance security and curb fraud.

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

At Border Pillar 609 at Babliyan near Jaisalmer, the one thing that dominates the landscape is something entirely different, something central to our identity -- the Tiranga -- flying boldly above the blazing desert.

Missing F-15 crew member rescued, says Trump

Missing F-15 crew member rescued, says Trump

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The United States Special Forces have rescued the second F-15 crew member alive, who went missing after Iran downed the jet amid the West Asia conflict, President Donald Trump has confirmed.

Can I Apply To Vellore Institute Of Technology Without Clearing IIT-JEE?

Can I Apply To Vellore Institute Of Technology Without Clearing IIT-JEE?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, founder of EduJob360, offers guidance on how to pick the right college and course for your future.

Statue of B R Ambedkar Vandalised in Punjab Village

Statue of B R Ambedkar Vandalised in Punjab Village

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A statue of B R Ambedkar was vandalised in Noorpur Jattan village, Punjab, leading to protests and claims of responsibility by a pro-Khalistan leader. Police are investigating the incident, which is not the first of its kind in the area.

Sensex P/E valuations lowest since May '20 amid FPI selloff

Sensex P/E valuations lowest since May '20 amid FPI selloff

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The benchmark BSE Sensex's trailing 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple has declined to 20.2x, its lowest since May 2020, driven by a record $42 billion FPI selloff since September 2024 and concerns over corporate earnings and economic growth.

Election Commission Seeks Clarity on Attack at Shashi Panja's Home Before Modi Rally

Election Commission Seeks Clarity on Attack at Shashi Panja's Home Before Modi Rally

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Election Commission has requested a detailed report from Kolkata Police regarding the alleged attack on Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja's residence before a rally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initial police report was deemed incomplete, prompting the EC to seek further clarity on the incident, police response, and utilisation of central forces.

Two Killed by Lightning Strike While Travelling to Temple in Jalna

Two Killed by Lightning Strike While Travelling to Temple in Jalna

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Two young men were killed by a lightning strike while travelling to a temple near Mahakala village in Jalna district, Maharashtra. Another person was injured in the incident. The tragedy occurred during unseasonal rains in the region.

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'The BJP and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Although extensive air attacks have been carried out to destroy most of Iran's defence capabilities, the latter's resilience and sustenance during the war clearly indicate that the US landing force would encounter severe resistance in the operation, explains Commodore Venugopal Vengalil (retd).

India-Africa Initiative Aims to Bridge AI Skills Gap

India-Africa Initiative Aims to Bridge AI Skills Gap

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

JNS Cloud Solutions, in partnership with upGrad Enterprise, has launched the Africa AI Skilling Initiative to accelerate digital transformation and address the skills gap in Africa.

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'We are considering this to ensure swift action on content for which the respective ministries have domain experts and can better determine the illegality of the content or the web site that needs to be taken down.'

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.

Chhattisgarh Declares Naxalism 'Completely Eliminated' Ahead of Deadline

Chhattisgarh Declares Naxalism 'Completely Eliminated' Ahead of Deadline

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announces the complete elimination of armed Naxals in the state, attributing the success to strategic planning and security operations. He highlights the rehabilitation efforts for remaining cadres and future plans for security camps.

Landmark Study Assesses Reproducibility in Social and Behavioural Science Research

Landmark Study Assesses Reproducibility in Social and Behavioural Science Research

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A major US study has assessed the reproducibility of research papers in the social sciences, revealing insights into the credibility of findings and highlighting challenges in replicating results.

Landmark Study Assesses Reproducibility in Social Sciences

Landmark Study Assesses Reproducibility in Social Sciences

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A seven-year study analysing thousands of social science research papers reveals insights into the reproducibility and robustness of findings in the field.