News for 'Empowered Group of Ministers'

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Reiterating Sitharaman's statement that this is a youth power budget, Modi emphasised that the provisions made in the budget will prepare leaders, innovators and creators across different sectors.

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

Nitish snaps as women leave event during his address

Nitish snaps as women leave event during his address

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed anger when a group of women left an event where he was speaking about government initiatives for women's empowerment.

'Miya Vs Indigenous' Politics Reshaping Assam Poll

'Miya Vs Indigenous' Politics Reshaping Assam Poll

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Once demographic fear becomes campaign language, it legitimises social targeting.'

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Despite a directive from the Election Commission, no FIR has been filed against TMC MLA Monirul Islam in connection with vandalism at the Farakka Block Development Office in Murshidabad. The delay raises questions about the implementation of the Commission's orders ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence.

All 14 ISL clubs give written nod for Feb 14 start

All 14 ISL clubs give written nod for Feb 14 start

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The top-tier ISL will feature 91 matches on a home-and-away basis.

Andhra all set for huge investments from Adani Group, Reliance

Andhra all set for huge investments from Adani Group, Reliance

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Adani Group said on Friday it will invest around Rs 1 trillion in various sectors of Andhra Pradesh over the next ten years, deepening its commitment in the state where it will partner with Google for an artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam.

ISL 2025-26: 13 teams confirm participation

ISL 2025-26: 13 teams confirm participation

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

13 clubs have confirmed for truncated ISL, AIFF hoping for Odisha FC to join: sources

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'Previously, contributing only 25 per cent of material costs, states now face burdens of 40 per cent to 100 per cent of total costs, ensuring poorer states will curb project approvals, directly stifling work demand.'

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced plans to invest $17.5 billion in India to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country's AI-first future, marking the third major AI-driven investment in the country in the past two months. Microsoft said that the $17.5 billion (around Rs 1.58 lakh crore) investment builds on the $3 billion (around Rs 26,955 crore) funding announced earlier this year, which the company is on track to spend by the end of CY (calendar year) 2026.

12 states to spend Rs 1.68L cr on women's cash schemes

12 states to spend Rs 1.68L cr on women's cash schemes

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

A new report indicates that increasing unconditional cash transfer schemes for women across 12 Indian states are impacting their fiscal health, with six states projecting revenue deficits.

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Bandana Preyashi, the bold IAS officer from Bihar who took on dreaded dons, is the court-appointed mentor to 18-year-old Sakshi, who had fled home to follow her IAS dream.

Is The 'Bhunja Party' Really Running Bihar?

Is The 'Bhunja Party' Really Running Bihar?

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishore claim that a group of senior Janata Dal-United leaders and retired bureaucrats, locally dubbed the 'Bhunja Party', manages the state administration on Nitish Kumar's behalf.

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Why BJP, Nitish Need Each Other

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Left to its machinations, the BJP would have loved to cut Nitish down to size, but it can't afford to do so as the JD-U is in alliance with the BJP at the Centre, and cannot form a government on its own in Bihar. For now, both need each other: Nitish for legitimacy, the BJP for numbers, points out Ramesh Menon.

Dead lock ends as Ladakh leaders to hold talks with Centre on Oct 22

Dead lock ends as Ladakh leaders to hold talks with Centre on Oct 22

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Representatives from Ladakh have accepted an invitation from the Ministry of Home Affairs for a meeting in Delhi on October 22 to discuss their demands for statehood and safeguards for the Union Territory.

Bihar govt to give Rs 1,000 per month to unemployed graduates

Bihar govt to give Rs 1,000 per month to unemployed graduates

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Bihar government will provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to unemployed graduate youths for two years under the 'Mukhyamantri Nishchay Swayam Sahayta Bhatta Yojana'. This scheme has been expanded from intermediate-passed youth to include graduates.

'New Respect, New Prestige': How Sports Stars Wished Modi

'New Respect, New Prestige': How Sports Stars Wished Modi

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75, wishes poured in from across the country, with sporting icons Gautam Gambhir, R Praggnanandhaa, and Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker sending their heartfelt messages.

Rioters are like demons, will be crushed, says Yogi

Rioters are like demons, will be crushed, says Yogi

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

"You have seen that in Islam, it is said that they oppose 'bootparastee' (idol worship). It is their matter and their philosophy. We perform idol worship. We worship the 'saakaar brahma' and the 'niraakaar brahma', which is allowed by the Sanatan Dharma.... Some are saying 'I Love Mohammad' and indulging in arson and vandalism." "They know that this is Sharadiya Navratra, the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. If they spread chaos during the Sharadiya Navratra, work like 'Chundd' and 'Mundd', then Goddess Bhagwati is not going to tolerate it. Goddess Bhagwati crushes such 'Chundd' and 'Mundd'," Adityanath said.

UK, Canada, Australia recognise Palestine state

UK, Canada, Australia recognise Palestine state

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The UK formally recognized the state of Palestine, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing the need to revive hope for peace and a two-state solution in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The announcement comes amid growing international pressure for a ceasefire and a resolution to the crisis in Gaza.

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

In a double-dose bid to boost growth and employment prospects, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs 2.07 trillion outlay for a research development and innovation (RDI) Scheme to fund private sector innovations, and an employment-linked incentive (ELI) to create over 35 million new jobs over the next two years.

'Shibu Soren Was A Godly Figure For Tribals'

'Shibu Soren Was A Godly Figure For Tribals'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'He was not highly educated. He was Class 10 passed but his intelligence was high. He could impress any group of people.'

'Will never compromise...': Modi's big remark amid Trump tariffs

'Will never compromise...': Modi's big remark amid Trump tariffs

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India will never compromise the interests of its farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers, asserting that he would be ready to pay any price.

'Israel Uses Starvation As A Weapon In Gaza'

'Israel Uses Starvation As A Weapon In Gaza'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'The ruling elite are supporting those attacking the people of Gaza.' 'As a nation we should not cooperate with the oppressor regime that is allowing mass starvation as a weapon of war.'

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'Mr Modi has the power and pre-eminence in the BJP-RSS to choose how long he wants to serve, and he is definitely going to want to contest in 2029.' 'He will only be 79, as old as Donald Trump now, and fitter,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'Earlier, we used to talk about a deficit economy. There is a deficit in democracy' 'If you read superficially Gandhi and Ambedkar and Nehru, some misconceptions and misunderstanding come to mind, as if they were at loggerheads and they differed radically in their views' 'India is one nation. There is only one citizenship. No citizenship for South India and no citizenship for North India and another for the Northeast'

Hydrogen-run cars get a boost with Hyundai-IITM tieup

Hydrogen-run cars get a boost with Hyundai-IITM tieup

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The only other company working on hydrogen cars in India is Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Telangana government has become the first state in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) categorisation, dividing the 59 SC communities into three groups with varying reservation quotas. The decision was made after a commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akther recommended the categorisation. The implementation of SC categorisation in Telangana coincides with the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution.

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'If Uddhav bhau and Raj bhau come together, who can stop us?' Prasanna D Zore reports on the fervour and hope set off by the Thackeray cousins coming together.

Violence erupts near Kolkata over shop; cops hurt, vehicles torched

Violence erupts near Kolkata over shop; cops hurt, vehicles torched

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

The violence, which erupted over the setting up of a shop in Maheshtala under Rabindranagar police station in South 24 Parganas district, quickly escalated, turning the area into a virtual battlefield.

Amazon to invest Rs 2,000 cr in India to expand logistics, improve safety

Amazon to invest Rs 2,000 cr in India to expand logistics, improve safety

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Amazon will invest more than Rs 2,000 crore (about $233 million) in India in 2025 as it strengthens its logistics and safety standards, said the ecommerce company on Thursday.

Centre announces caste census; BJP, allies hail move

Centre announces caste census; BJP, allies hail move

Rediff.com1 May 2025

In a significant move, the Centre on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be part of the next population census, with the inclusion of caste details for the first time since independence hailed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies as a historic step to help design truly equitable and focused policies.

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

'No project completed on time', IAF chief uses Salman Khan's dialogue

'No project completed on time', IAF chief uses Salman Khan's dialogue

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Thursday flagged serious concerns over inordinate delays in various defence acquisition projects and failure to stick to delivery schedules for supply of key platforms even as he hailed Operation Sindoor as a 'national victory'.

5L ineligible women dropped from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

5L ineligible women dropped from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Of the 5 lakh women who were deemed ineligible, 1.5 lakh were found to be above the age of 65, while 1.6 lakh either had a four-wheeler or were beneficiaries of other government schemes like the Namo Shetkari Yojana, the official said.

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'It is typical of China's strategic deception of making virtue out of necessity,' observes Rup Narayan Das.

How 33% reservation empowered women at panchayat level

How 33% reservation empowered women at panchayat level

Rediff.com24 Sep 2023

In the three decades since reservation of seats for women in panchayati raj institutions was introduced, the country saw women dismantling gender barriers to take the lead in the political field at the grassroots level and excel in it.

'Bengal Is In Business'

'Bengal Is In Business'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'This is the Bengal story, where businesses are nurtured, dreams are realised, and legacies are built.'