News for 'Centre'

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

Why RBI Asked EPFO To Upgrade Its Investment System

Why RBI Asked EPFO To Upgrade Its Investment System

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

India's largest retirement fund manager, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), is enhancing its investment governance and fund management practices, following the Reserve Bank of India's recommendations.

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has disrupted major pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, including the Kedarnath route and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, prompting the IMD to issue red and orange alerts for extremely heavy rainfall across several districts.

Argentina World Cup winner Otamendi calls time on international career

Argentina World Cup winner Otamendi calls time on international career

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Argentina's veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football after a 17-year career, which included winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.

'My policeman dad was nearly lynched at Jantar Mantar'

'My policeman dad was nearly lynched at Jantar Mantar'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Families of Delhi Police personnel injured during the July 20 CJP-led 'Sansad Chalo' march are calling for a parliamentary discussion on the trauma and injuries suffered by officers, arguing that the public discourse has unfairly focused solely on allegations of police excesses.

Who Is Saransh Jain? Meet Team India's Surprise Pick

Who Is Saransh Jain? Meet Team India's Surprise Pick

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain, 33, has been named in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka, replacing the injured Washington Sundar, marking a surprise call-up after impressive all-round performances for India A.

Toxic, Batwara 1947: What Will You Watch In August?

Toxic, Batwara 1947: What Will You Watch In August?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

August is going to be a special month for Bollywood, thanks to the Independence Day weekend, which will see a couple of big releases.

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Two youths from Bareilly, allegedly harassed and assaulted by an activist linked to a Hindu outfit while en route to a NEET paper leak protest in Delhi, have demanded strict legal action. The incident, captured in a viral video, has drawn condemnation from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who called for the accused's immediate arrest.

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a fabricated social media post attributed to former US President Donald Trump, captioned 'If only!', to highlight his demand for the restoration of J&K's statehood, drawing significant criticism online.

They're India's future, Modi is past: Rahul meets protesting students

They're India's future, Modi is past: Rahul meets protesting students

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has voiced strong support for protesting students, asserting that their demand for the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is non-negotiable. He contrasted the students as India's future with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the past, encouraging the students to continue their agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's closed-door meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, just before NCPI MPs were to attend an NDA meeting, has ignited speculation about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India's political future and its potential alignment with the BJP-led alliance. The NCPI comprises 20 rebel TMC MPs who broke away after the West Bengal Assembly election.

Mirabai Chanu wins third Commonwealth Games gold as lifters boost India's medal tally

Mirabai Chanu wins third Commonwealth Games gold as lifters boost India's medal tally

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, breaking records in the women's 48kg weightlifting. Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi also added silver medals, contributing to India's growing tally at the Games.

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday.

Coaching owner paid Rs 5 lakh to NTA panel member for NEET questions: CBI

Coaching owner paid Rs 5 lakh to NTA panel member for NEET questions: CBI

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The CBI has revealed that Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, a coaching centre owner arrested in the NEET paper leak case, allegedly paid Rs 5 lakh to an NTA panel member, P V Kulkarni, for leaked chemistry questions. The agency recovered handwritten notes matching NTA's master question sets from Motegaonkar's phone, taken days before the exam.

Mirage 2000 'Turned The Tide' Of Kargil War

Mirage 2000 'Turned The Tide' Of Kargil War

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

How the Indian Air Force's strategic deployment of Mirage 2000 jets and precision laser-guided bombs during Operation Safed Sagar delivered a 'decisive and crushing blow' to the enemy, playing a pivotal role in India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War.

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'It would have never crossed anybody's mind where life would have taken us or that Irrfanji would fall sick.'

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Despite a typhoid diagnosis, Abhijeet Dipke has reaffirmed his commitment to the nationwide protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Can Bananas And Curd Give You a Cold?

Can Bananas And Curd Give You a Cold?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani explains if bananas and curd are safe to eat when you have a cold or a sore throat.

Maharashtra TET paper leak 'mastermind' arrested from Bihar

Maharashtra TET paper leak 'mastermind' arrested from Bihar

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Police have arrested the alleged mastermind, Vijayendrakumar alias Bijendra Kumar Gupta, and an associate in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 14. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) tracked Gupta, identified as the chief coordinator of an inter-state network, to Samastipur, Bihar. The arrests are expected to help uncover the financial aspects of the racket, which involved an organised criminal syndicate within a printing press.

Sweeping changes in education system: Students' demands from new minister

Sweeping changes in education system: Students' demands from new minister

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Following the change in the Education ministry, students involved in the CJP protests express hope for significant reforms. Their key demands include greater transparency in the exam system, affordable and quality education, and improved government schools, highlighting the widespread desire for a more equitable and effective education system in India.

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'Saransh is a very keen observer, he wants to keep learning.' 'He has the skills to be a top off-spinner, the way he releases the ball that is very good.' 'He is also mentally tough because he has played so much of domestic cricket.'

NEET Paper Leak: Court Remands Coaching Centre Founder To CBI Custody

NEET Paper Leak: Court Remands Coaching Centre Founder To CBI Custody

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A Delhi court has remanded Shivraj Raghunath, founder of Renukai Career Centre, to nine days' CBI custody in connection with the NEET paper leak case. The CBI is investigating the source of the leaked papers and the involvement of other individuals.

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Holding Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for alleged police brutalities on protesting students, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that "Jan Shakti" (people's power) will "drag him out" one day to make him accountable.

Salman Khan Steps In To Help Assam Flood Victims

Salman Khan Steps In To Help Assam Flood Victims

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has initiated a multi-phase relief drive through his Being Human organisation and fan club in Assam, providing food, medicines, and essentials to families affected by devastating floods, with plans for long-term rehabilitation support.

Oppn seeks urgent debate on police brutality at Gen Z protests

Oppn seeks urgent debate on police brutality at Gen Z protests

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties have submitted notices in the Rajya Sabha demanding an urgent discussion on the alleged use of force, including pellet guns, against students protesting the NEET paper leak issue. They are seeking accountability from the Home Minister and Prime Minister regarding the police action and alleged assault on protesters and journalists.

Assam floods: Over 6.5 lakh people affected; toll rises to 66

Assam floods: Over 6.5 lakh people affected; toll rises to 66

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The flood situation in Assam is showing signs of improvement with receding water levels, though over 6.5 lakh people across six districts remain affected and the death toll has risen to 66. Relief operations are being intensified, with central and state leaders reviewing measures and a central team assessing damages.

Meet The Chef Who Swapped Spices For Bowls At The Commonwealth Games

Meet The Chef Who Swapped Spices For Bowls At The Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Mohammed Ayub Qureshi, a 67-year-old Pakistani chef from Glasgow, represented his country in lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games, showcasing a unique blend of his culinary passion and sporting dedication. Known as "Chico" in the bowls community and running the popular Alishan Tandoori, Qureshi's story highlights the spirit of the Games and the diverse backgrounds of its athletes.

Pixxel And Sarvam Partner To Launch Orbital Data Centre

Pixxel And Sarvam Partner To Launch Orbital Data Centre

Rediff.com4 May 2026

US-Indian space company Pixxel has partnered with Bengaluru-based artificial intelligence firm Sarvam to build an orbital data centre satellite.

Ford India's new Coimbatore hub to drive data science, enhance global resilience

Ford India's new Coimbatore hub to drive data science, enhance global resilience

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Ford Business Solutions (FBS) India, the global capability centre for Ford Motor Company, has inaugurated a new office in Coimbatore, its third location in India. This expansion is a strategic move to strengthen the resilience of Ford's global operations, with nearly 50 per cent of its future growth in India expected to be in technology, data science, and data analytics.

India Creates History At Physics Olympiad

India Creates History At Physics Olympiad

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

All five Indian teenagers who competed at the International Physics Olympiad 2026 won gold medals; thanks to their achievement, India shared the world No 1 ranking with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.

I-T portal 'largely stable' despite peak load, Infosys penalised for delays

I-T portal 'largely stable' despite peak load, Infosys penalised for delays

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Indian government has informed the Lok Sabha that the income-tax return (ITR) e-filing portal is functioning in a 'largely stable and efficient manner' despite a significant increase in traffic during the peak filing season. However, it acknowledged transient technical issues and disclosed that contractual penalties have been imposed on Infosys for project delays and service-level agreement failures.

Xi Jinping Urges Global Cooperation For Ethical AI Development

Xi Jinping Urges Global Cooperation For Ethical AI Development

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.

How Rishikanta battled injury to script CWG history

How Rishikanta battled injury to script CWG history

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

India's Rishikanta Singh secured a silver medal in the men's 60kg weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games, despite matching the Games record in snatch, due to two failed attempts in the clean and jerk, which allowed Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan to win gold.

CJP protest: Teen receives pellet injuries, may lose sight in one eye

CJP protest: Teen receives pellet injuries, may lose sight in one eye

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The first thought Ajay Duggal had when he saw his nephew, his eyes shut, his face, neck and chest pockmarked with tiny red perforations, was this: "What if the 19-year-old loses his sight completely." Sahil Lochab was allegedly hit by a pellet gun in his right eye during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi on June 20. His uncle asked him what he could see from the eye. The reply chilled him - there was nothing. No blur, no haze, only darkness.

CEA Calls For Industry Investment In Skilling, Innovation For GCCs

CEA Calls For Industry Investment In Skilling, Innovation For GCCs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has urged the industry to invest in skilling, capability development, and innovation to counter the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, particularly for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He noted that while the government has supported GCCs through Budget measures like simplifying transfer pricing and promoting expansion into tier-II/III cities, industry must move beyond low-cost execution to thrive in an an AI-driven landscape. Nageswaran emphasised that AI displaces routine tasks, necessitating a focus on higher-value work and continuous skill enhancement to maintain India's competitive edge.

U Mumba TT secure dominant 8-3 victory over Kolkata ThunderBlades to reach UTT final

U Mumba TT secure dominant 8-3 victory over Kolkata ThunderBlades to reach UTT final

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Defending champions U Mumba TT, led by captain Manush Shah and Anna Hursey, secured an emphatic 8-3 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades in the second semi-final of Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, setting up a final clash with Dempo Goa Challengers.

Indo MIM Eyes Engine Applications Amidst Robust Aerospace Growth

Indo MIM Eyes Engine Applications Amidst Robust Aerospace Growth

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Precision engineering components maker Indo MIM Ltd is optimistic about the growth of the domestic aerospace industry, particularly focusing on engine applications. The company notes a significant acceleration in foreign OEM interest in India for engineering talent and manufacturing. Indo MIM recently announced its Rs 3,812 crore IPO, opening on July 23, to fund borrowings and general corporate purposes.