News for 'Centre'

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has implemented a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for its personnel in Manipur, mandating the use of bulletproof vehicles and restricting stray movements, following recent ambushes on Assam Rifles troops. Concurrently, two elite CoBRA battalions have been deployed to conduct operations against armed miscreants, aiming to strengthen security and restore peace in the violence-hit state.

Hindu, Muslim sides reject mediation in Gyanvapi dispute

Hindu, Muslim sides reject mediation in Gyanvapi dispute

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Both Hindu and Muslim parties involved in the Gyanvapi dispute have rejected the Supreme Court's mediation initiative, stating that the matter should be resolved through judicial adjudication. This decision came during a session at a Varanasi court, where both sides expressed their preference for a court verdict over an out-of-court settlement.

Fear grips Ram Temple donation counting staffers as 50% quit amid probe

Fear grips Ram Temple donation counting staffers as 50% quit amid probe

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Over half of the employees engaged in counting donations at the Ram temple have resigned amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of offerings, reducing the strength of counting personnel to just around a dozen, sources said on Friday.

Protester who suffered pellet gun injuries discharged from hospital

Protester who suffered pellet gun injuries discharged from hospital

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, an accounts manager from Gurugram, was severely injured by pellets during a protest in Central Delhi on July 20. He underwent surgery at Lady Hardinge Hospital to remove pellets from his face and neck, sustaining injuries near vital structures. The Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, while other protesters, including a 10-year-old boy, also suffered serious injuries during the demonstrations against alleged exam irregularities.

NEET case: Court sends coaching centre founder to 9-day CBI custody

NEET case: Court sends coaching centre founder to 9-day CBI custody

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The CBI has arrested Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, founder of Renukai Career Centre, for his alleged involvement in the NEET-UG paper leak. The arrest followed the recovery of a leaked question paper from his mobile phone.

Skyroot's Success Changes India's Space Future

Skyroot's Success Changes India's Space Future

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

'The Indian private space sector is no longer a high-risk bet; it is a highly bankable, globally competitive asset class capable of easing the global small satellite launch bottleneck.'

FIFA World Cup: Spain's perfect defence faces France's biggest test

FIFA World Cup: Spain's perfect defence faces France's biggest test

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

France's defender Ibrahima Konate states the team is not afraid of Spain ahead of their World Cup semi-final, despite acknowledging Spain's exceptional quality and formidable defence. Having lost to Spain in previous tournaments, France is preparing thoroughly, focusing on containing individual talents like Lamine Yamal while aiming for their fifth World Cup final appearance.

What's Shubman Gill Doing With Roger Federer?

What's Shubman Gill Doing With Roger Federer?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

India cricket captain Shubman Gill attended the Wimbledon Championships, where he met tennis legend Roger Federer. Gill also watched matches from the Royal Box alongside Sachin Tendulkar, marking his entry into an exclusive group of Indian captains to receive this honour.

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.

Typhoon Bavi makes landfall in China; 2 million evacuated

Typhoon Bavi makes landfall in China; 2 million evacuated

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Typhoon Bavi made landfall in eastern China, leading to the evacuation of nearly 2 million people. Authorities issued red alerts for rainstorms and orange alerts for the typhoon, causing widespread cancellations of flights and ferry services, and the closure of tourist attractions.

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for staging a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence regarding the NEET paper-leak issue. Pradhan accused Gandhi of using students as "political tools" to disrupt Parliament, while asserting the government's commitment to discussing NEET concerns in the House. The incident involved Gandhi and other opposition leaders being detained after refusing to end their sit-in.

IT companies risk losing ground to AI-native firms: S&P Global

IT companies risk losing ground to AI-native firms: S&P Global

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Indian IT service providers face heightened competition from AI-native firms in the next three years, potentially eroding their revenue base unless they remain competitive and protect recurring businesses, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings.

Breakfast recipe: Avocado toast with poached eggs

Breakfast recipe: Avocado toast with poached eggs

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Chef Prakash Chettiyar, executive chef, JW Marriott Kolkata shares a tempting breakfast recipe.

The Best Player At World Cup 2026 Is... Vote!!!

The Best Player At World Cup 2026 Is... Vote!!!

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Nine football superstars, one ultimate honour-vote for the player you believe delivered the most memorable performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged as a prominent youth leader, transforming a satirical movement into a powerful force that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke views this as just the beginning, advocating for issue-based politics over identity politics and demanding further reforms in the examination system.

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Mobile payments pioneer Paytm reported significant growth in its UPI payments business for Q1 FY27, driven by app simplification, AI investments, and a focus on attracting Gen Z customers. The company saw a 45% year-on-year increase in Consumer UPI Gross Transaction Value and a rise of 60 lakh in Monthly Transacting Users, outpacing the industry. Paytm's strategy prioritises customer retention and product innovation, leading to a profitable quarter with strong revenue and EBITDA growth, further supported by AI-led operational efficiencies and an India-focused language model.

'Today's Children Are Not Slaves Of Anyone'

'Today's Children Are Not Slaves Of Anyone'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'This generation decides on their own what is good or bad for them.' 'They got an outlet to vent their anger against this government through CJP and they did that.' 'They felt how can the government control us or lathi charge us?'

Youth Protest: The Lasting Lessons

Youth Protest: The Lasting Lessons

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

At the end of this journey, no matter now it ends, these youngsters will know something essential about the Indian government, the Indian judiciary, the Indian media, the Indian police, the Indian laws and indeed about Indian society, asserts Aakar Patel.

Rahul brings protester 'injured by pellet gun' before media

Rahul brings protester 'injured by pellet gun' before media

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the government, demanding the immediate removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following alleged pellet gun injuries to student protesters.

Switzerland To Lead Global AI Governance Discussions In 2027

Switzerland To Lead Global AI Governance Discussions In 2027

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Switzerland will host the next global AI summit in June 2027 in Geneva, aiming to establish stable processes for AI governance and promote its responsible use. Building on previous summits, including one in New Delhi, the event will focus on AI as a driver of prosperity and human-centred innovation, bringing together governments, organisations, and civil society to address global challenges.

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 20th day, with doctors warning of his critical health condition. Despite this, Wangchuk is resolute in his call for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the Monsoon Session's opening, to protest alleged examination irregularities and demand the Union education minister's resignation.

London Diaries: Every Meal Is a Gamble

London Diaries: Every Meal Is a Gamble

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Divya Nair shares the recipe for the perfectly-cooked salmon to be served with imperfect-looking mushroom pt and mashed potatoes, cooked with lots of love.

Uday Ruddaraju Appointed CTO, Compute At Microsoft-Backed OpenAI

Uday Ruddaraju Appointed CTO, Compute At Microsoft-Backed OpenAI

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Indian-origin tech executive Uday Ruddaraju has been appointed Chief Technology Officer, Compute at OpenAI, a year after leaving Elon Musk's xAI. Ruddaraju, an alumnus of Hyderabad's Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, announced his new role on LinkedIn, highlighting OpenAI's mission to build the world's largest compute footprint for frontier AI.

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea of the Muslim side alleging that the alternative site identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering namaaz was located too far from the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.

Back-to-Back Glory! Sinner Lifts Wimbledon Trophy Again

Back-to-Back Glory! Sinner Lifts Wimbledon Trophy Again

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Jannik Sinner has done it again, defeating Alexander Zverev to claim his second straight Wimbledon title in a thrilling final on Centre Court.

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant waiver of approximately Rs 48,000 crore in pending electricity dues for farmers, aiming to facilitate new agricultural power connections and support the state's agricultural sector.

Kejriwal says CJP protesters forced Modi to yield, assures legal aid

Kejriwal says CJP protesters forced Modi to yield, assures legal aid

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal has strongly criticised the Central government's crackdown on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters, comparing the police brutality to that of the British Raj. He announced the launch of a helpline to provide medical and legal aid to injured protesters and their families.

Max, Min And Meowzaki Review: Love And Loss

Max, Min And Meowzaki Review: Love And Loss

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Max, Min And Meowzaki is not something Bollywood audiences are used to in their cinema that thrives on melodrama and noise. Still, it captures a slice of city life that has made space for cat lovers, movie buffs and Carnatic rockers, discovers Deepa Gahlot.

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led central government of playing 'dangerous games' with Punjab, alleging the misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI for political purposes.

Geopolitical risks, supply shocks could keep credit-deposit gap elevated: SBI

Geopolitical risks, supply shocks could keep credit-deposit gap elevated: SBI

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A recent SBI Economic Research report indicates that the significant gap between credit and deposit growth, currently over 530 basis points, is likely to persist if geopolitical risks and external supply shocks continue. However, an improvement in deposit growth is anticipated with inflows into foreign currency non-resident (bank) deposits.

HC declines plea to shift Sonam Wangchuk to private hospital

HC declines plea to shift Sonam Wangchuk to private hospital

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to allow activist Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility, stating that doctors are closely monitoring him and his removal from Jantar Mantar was not arbitrary. The court noted that his family has round-the-clock access and the petition will be heard further on July 24.

46 militants surrender in Manipur; major step towards peace, says CM

46 militants surrender in Manipur; major step towards peace, says CM

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Forty-six militants of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) surrendered before security forces in Manipur on Tuesday, the police said.

Next agitation to be 10 times bigger: Rahul's warning to BJP-RSS

Next agitation to be 10 times bigger: Rahul's warning to BJP-RSS

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated the youth, calling it a crucial step for education reform, and urged broader public action to hold the government accountable, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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.'

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Voters who exercise their franchise in favour of a particular political dispensation do not do so unconditionally. Their loyalty is subject to maintaining trust and living up to their expectations. It is subject to allowing the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Himachal Pradesh on red alert as rainfall triggers landslides, schools declare holidays

Himachal Pradesh on red alert as rainfall triggers landslides, schools declare holidays

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Himachal Pradesh is on high alert with schools and colleges shut in several districts as heavy rainfall triggers landslides, flash floods, and road closures, prompting authorities to issue warnings and activate emergency centres.

SC to revisit BrahMos espionage case acquittal on UP police appeal

SC to revisit BrahMos espionage case acquittal on UP police appeal

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from Uttar Pradesh police challenging a Bombay High Court ruling that absolved BrahMos Aerospace engineer Nishant Agarwal of major espionage charges under the Official Secrets Act. Agarwal was previously sentenced to life imprisonment by a Nagpur district court for spying for Pakistan's ISI, despite the High Court finding he only illegally stored sensitive data.

Have You Seen This Side Of Shivangi?

Have You Seen This Side Of Shivangi?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

On Lock Upp 2, Shivangi Joshi may come across as the sweet, soft-spoken contestant who wouldn't hurt a fly. But one scroll through her Instagram and you'll discover she has a whole other personality.

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bihar on Wednesday witnessed a pitched battle between hundreds of student activists demanding Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the police, which used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons in a bid to prevent their 'Lok Bhavan march'.