News for 'Essential Services'

National Defence Academy to Host Sabhikhi Cup 2026, Emphasising Sportsmanship and Jointmanship

National Defence Academy to Host Sabhikhi Cup 2026, Emphasising Sportsmanship and Jointmanship

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The National Defence Academy (NDA) will host the Sabhikhi Cup 2026, a prestigious sports event featuring cadets from India's top military training institutions, promoting athletic excellence, teamwork, and inter-service cooperation.

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlinale

Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlinale

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlin International Film Festival, as she was 'shocked and disgusted' by the comments of the jury members regarding their stance on Gaza.

India's e-retail aisles buzz again, market hits $66 billion

India's e-retail aisles buzz again, market hits $66 billion

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India's online retail market concluded 2025 with electronic retail (e-retail) gross merchandise value (GMV) reaching $65-66 billion, a 19-21 per cent increase, according to a report by Bain & Company and Flipkart. This growth is significantly driven by GenZ shoppers and the rapid expansion of quick commerce, which has emerged as a global leader.

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A nationwide strike called by central trade unions saw a mixed response across India, impacting various sectors and states differently, with some areas experiencing disruptions while others remained largely unaffected.

Delhi Police Seize Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Bust

Delhi Police Seize Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Bust

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have registered multiple FIRs and seized hundreds of LPG cylinders in a crackdown on illegal storage, refilling, and black marketing operations amid concerns of potential supply shortages.

Delhi Police Uncover Illegal LPG Cylinder Storage and Refilling Operations

Delhi Police Uncover Illegal LPG Cylinder Storage and Refilling Operations

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have dismantled an illegal operation involving the storage of over 600 LPG cylinders and arrested an individual for illegally refilling gas cylinders, highlighting concerns over safety and black market activities.

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'The reason why they rushed through the bill was they wanted to avoid using the 2026 Census because the 2026 Census by their own decision will be a caste census.' 'The BJP knows that a significant share of the OBCs who will get captured in the census, for the first time after the 1931 Census, are against the BJP. Only a segment of the OBCs are in their favour.' 'So they wanted to avoid the OBC reservation among women, which is a demand of a lot of Opposition parties.'

Microsoft Restores Services To Nayara

Microsoft Restores Services To Nayara

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Microsoft Corp has restored all services -- including email access -- to Russian oil giant Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy, just before a scheduled hearing in the Delhi high court over the service suspension.

SFBs' universal licence dream: It's a long road ahead

SFBs' universal licence dream: It's a long road ahead

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India's 2024 norms for the voluntary conversion of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) into universal banks, particularly the subjective 'diversified loan portfolio' criterion, are proving to be a significant hurdle, with Ujjivan SFB and Jana SFB having their applications returned.

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Uncertainty surrounds the planned second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, as both sides engage in brinkmanship. Despite Pakistan's security preparations, Iran has yet to confirm its attendance, citing a lack of seriousness from the US in pursuing diplomacy and violations of the ceasefire.

Government Employee in Madhya Pradesh Nabbed for Alleged Bribery in School Toilet Repair Funds Case

Government Employee in Madhya Pradesh Nabbed for Alleged Bribery in School Toilet Repair Funds Case

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A government employee in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani district was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe to release funds for the repair of a girls' toilet at a school.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Urges End to Moratorium on Digital Product Tariffs

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Urges End to Moratorium on Digital Product Tariffs

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) is advocating for the termination of the moratorium on customs duties for electronically transmitted digital products, arguing that it hinders self-reliance, causes revenue losses, and restricts India's ability to tax emerging technologies like AI.

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Protests erupted across several districts of West Bengal over alleged harassment of people in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, leading to road blockages and tyre burning. Demonstrations were held in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Purba Medinipur.

Tired of Paneer? 10 Veg Sources Of Protein

Tired of Paneer? 10 Veg Sources Of Protein

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Priya Palan, a dietician at Zen Multispecialty Hospital, recommends a list of protein-rich vegetarian sources you can easily include in your diet.

Ready-to-eat foods fill qcom baskets amid LPG curbs

Ready-to-eat foods fill qcom baskets amid LPG curbs

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Quick commerce platforms are experiencing a significant increase in demand for ready-to-eat food items as urban households face disruptions in cooking gas supply and a temporary outflow of migrant domestic help.

7 Foods To Boost Your Daily Iodine Intake

7 Foods To Boost Your Daily Iodine Intake

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

How to add iodine to your diet.

'Act of terror' under UAPA includes planning, coordination: SC

'Act of terror' under UAPA includes planning, coordination: SC

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that an 'act of terror' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) includes planning, coordination, and mobilization, not just the final execution of the act. The court emphasized that the intent and effect of the act are crucial, not solely the instrumentality used.

VP Radhakrishnan Calls on Nagaland University Graduates to Embrace Leadership

VP Radhakrishnan Calls on Nagaland University Graduates to Embrace Leadership

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan addressed Nagaland University graduates, urging them to become responsible leaders and contribute to nation-building, emphasising the importance of peace, unity, and character for development.

World Health Day 2026: Indoor Plants That Help You Stay Healthy

World Health Day 2026: Indoor Plants That Help You Stay Healthy

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

On World Health Day 2026, discover plants that improve health naturally, boost immunity, purify air and enhance well-being. Do read the simple gardening tips as well.

9 Most Difficult Exams Across The Globe

9 Most Difficult Exams Across The Globe

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Success percentage rates of some of these toughest exams in the world is in single digits

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasises the importance of holistic development and grassroots governance for India's progress at a national conference in Jammu.

Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP Over Electoral Roll Deletions

Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP Over Electoral Roll Deletions

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP government of conspiring against Indian citizens by deleting names from electoral rolls and diverting attention from core issues.

Andhra Pradesh to Launch India's First Indigenous Quantum Computers

Andhra Pradesh to Launch India's First Indigenous Quantum Computers

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh is set to launch India's first indigenously built, open-access quantum computers, marking a significant step towards building a sovereign quantum hardware ecosystem. The initiative aims to position the state as a global hub for quantum technology and enable applications in various sectors.

Can Rs 1.15 Cr Corpus Fund Rs 2 Lakh Monthly?

Can Rs 1.15 Cr Corpus Fund Rs 2 Lakh Monthly?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Global uncertainty is something which definitely occupies the minds of officials when we are preparing for the Budget.'

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran have drawn strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who are calling for his removal from office, while some Republicans express concern.

How Sleep, Screen Time Affect Your Sex Life

How Sleep, Screen Time Affect Your Sex Life

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Burnout reduces pleasure, curiosity, and the ability to feel desire, even in healthy relationships.

Arunachal Pradesh Seeks to Host North East Games in 2026

Arunachal Pradesh Seeks to Host North East Games in 2026

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) has submitted a proposal to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to host the 4th North East Games in 2026, aiming to boost sports development in the region.

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Delhi should keep all its options open in what is essentially a transitional period in the geopolitics of energy rather than remain a gatekeeper serving Trump's 'America First', suggests Ambasssador M K Bhadrakumar.

Brazil Potash CEO: 'World might face food crisis if war continues till end of April'

Brazil Potash CEO: 'World might face food crisis if war continues till end of April'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

"The world might face a food crisis if the war continued till the end of April, as it could have a dramatic impact on planting in Europe and North America," said Matt Simpson, CEO of Brazil Potash.

19 US states sue Trump admin over new fee on H-1B visas

19 US states sue Trump admin over new fee on H-1B visas

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Nineteen United States states have sued the Trump administration over its 'unlawful' decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, warning that the move will worsen labour shortages in key sectors such as health care, education and technology.

No need to panic, enough LPG supply for homes, says govt

No need to panic, enough LPG supply for homes, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The government has assured citizens that there is no need to panic book LPG cylinders, as uninterrupted supply to households is being ensured despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

NVIDIA CEO: AI Driving Trillion-Dollar Infrastructure Boom and Blue-Collar Job Creation

NVIDIA CEO: AI Driving Trillion-Dollar Infrastructure Boom and Blue-Collar Job Creation

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang argues that Artificial Intelligence is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in human history, requiring trillions of dollars in investment and creating significant demand for skilled blue-collar labour.

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

NCP (SP) leader Anish Gawande has urged the government to withdraw the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026, arguing that it undermines the right to self-determination of gender identity and was drafted without adequate consultation.

'Quality Companies To Lead Next IPO Wave'

'Quality Companies To Lead Next IPO Wave'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'The next phase of India's IPO cycle will be defined by quality, pricing discipline and investor selectivity.'

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Households should moderate large discretionary expenses for the time being.
'They should prioritise essential spending. They should maintain an emergency fund covering 6 to 12 months of expenses.'

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Mumbai receives over 200 mm rainfall in 24 hours

Mumbai receives over 200 mm rainfall in 24 hours

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Several parts of Mumbai received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, with Vikhroli reporting the highest downpour. The IMD reported significant rainfall in various areas of the city.