News for 'Government Initiatives and Industry'

Gold Imports Fall After Duty Hike

Gold Imports Fall After Duty Hike

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Monthly gold imports have declined to 25-30 tonnes from 70-80 tonnes while recycling of old jewellery has increased following the recent hike in import duties.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government announced it has paid a record Rs 3,21,963 crore to sugarcane growers since 2017, emphasising on-time payments and direct transfers to farmers' accounts. The government highlighted initiatives like farm loan waivers and the 'Smart Ganna Kisan' system for online sugarcane management.

Markets await clarity on Jio IPO plans, AI, data centre strategies

Markets await clarity on Jio IPO plans, AI, data centre strategies

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Investors are keenly awaiting clarity on Reliance Jio Infocomm's IPO, the company's AI and data centre strategies, and next-generation leadership structure at Reliance Industries Ltd's (RIL's) 49th annual general meeting (AGM).

Women Entrepreneurs To Be Trained As Drone Pilots

Women Entrepreneurs To Be Trained As Drone Pilots

Rediff.com12 May 2026

FLO has signed agreements with Garuda Aerospace, NEOSKY India and YRG for a skilling programme to train 1,000 women drone pilots by March next year.

Want To Make India's Heaviest Rocket, LVM3?

Want To Make India's Heaviest Rocket, LVM3?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The EoI comes at a time when ISRO is working to enhance LVM3's payload capacity to five tonnes in GTO and is also evaluating the procurement of a Russian semi-cryogenic engine for the vehicle's second stage.

Netrasemi's Indigenous AI Chipset A2000 Nears Commercial Launch

Netrasemi's Indigenous AI Chipset A2000 Nears Commercial Launch

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Netrasemi, an Indian semiconductor start-up, has announced that its flagship AI chipset, A2000, has achieved silicon bringup and is preparing for commercial production this year. The A2000 SoC, supported by Zoho and the government's DLI programme, will enable smart vision and real-time video analytics for smart cameras and edge AI platforms.

Maharashtra Government Responds to IT Job Fraud Targeting Graduates

Maharashtra Government Responds to IT Job Fraud Targeting Graduates

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has initiated action against those involved in an alleged job fraud targeting fresh graduates with the promise of jobs at Hinjewadi IT Park in Pune. The government is also working on regulations to address forced resignations and layoffs in the IT sector.

Reliance succession 'almost complete' as children take charge: Mukesh Ambani

Reliance succession 'almost complete' as children take charge: Mukesh Ambani

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani announced that the transfer of day-to-day management responsibilities at Reliance Industries to his children, Akash, Isha, and Anant, is "almost complete," marking the final stages of a significant succession process for India's most valuable company.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) announced plans to make Tamil Nadu its 'flagship EV hub for India', committing over 26,000 crore in investment, enhancing localisation, and creating approximately 2,000 additional jobs over the next five to six years. The company will roll out two new EV models from its Chennai facility this year, including its first mass-market dedicated EV.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government has formed a committee on responsible AI to develop a framework for the safe, ethical, and transparent adoption of AI across government systems and public services.

India-US Trade Rift Deepens Over Section 301 Hearings

India-US Trade Rift Deepens Over Section 301 Hearings

Rediff.com22 May 2026

American industry groups sought punitive tariffs on Indian goods at USTR hearings, while Indian officials defended the country's manufacturing growth as demand-led and WTO-compliant.

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India has successfully negotiated the protection of its steel export interests under the free trade agreement with the UK, ensuring 85 per cent of its outbound shipments remain outside Britain's steel safeguard measures. This consensus addresses a key sticking point ahead of the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) coming into force on July 15.

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'Exploration should be made easier and companies should be given operational flexibility.'

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'...because that protects their aviation industry.' 'The Boeing 787 is one of the most widely-flown wide-body aircraft in the world, and Airbus is running neck-and-neck with Boeing.' 'Airbus is not going to let an opportunity like this pass.' 'If a software problem with the 787 is confirmed, they will use it to increase their own orders.'

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, prioritising it over motorised vehicle movement, and has called for the establishment of a regulatory body to ensure its enforcement and provide restitutionary remedies for violations.

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states and Union Territories, recommending mandatory annual POSH audits and other measures to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The advisory aims to ensure safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive working environments for women across all sectors, emphasising institutional accountability, proper committee constitution, and robust awareness programmes.

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Companies are already diversifying sourcing, raising prices, and reworking operating models as the disruption drags on.

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'A lot of people feel there is pressure on the AAIB not to go against Boeing or GE -- both enormous American companies.' 'If the AAIB implicates Boeing or GE, it will impact their sales.' 'If their sales are impacted, jobs are lost in the United States. No government would willingly do that.'

Maruti Suzuki launches India's first flex-fuel Wagon R, boosting ethanol adoption

Maruti Suzuki launches India's first flex-fuel Wagon R, boosting ethanol adoption

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has launched the Wagon R, India's first flex-fuel car, capable of running on any blend of ethanol and petrol from E20 to E100, aligning with national energy security and sustainability goals.

How TCS And Mistral Will Deliver AI Solutions Globally

How TCS And Mistral Will Deliver AI Solutions Globally

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Tata Consultancy Services has partnered with French artificial intelligence firm Mistral to provide frontier grade AI solution, Mistral Forge, for enterprises across the world.

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

BEST employees continued their strike in Mumbai for a second day, causing significant disruption to public transport despite appeals from the Maharashtra Transport Minister and the invocation of MESMA. Commuters were forced to rely on alternative, overcrowded transport options, while the striking unions maintained their demands for budget merger, improved pay, and absorption of contractual workers.

The Top 5 Engineering Careers In India

The Top 5 Engineering Careers In India

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJobs360, explains how traditional engineering choices are being replaced with flexible, future-ready career paths that align with industry requirements.

Govt Not Complacent, More Reforms In The Pipeline: Shaktikanta Das

Govt Not Complacent, More Reforms In The Pipeline: Shaktikanta Das

Rediff.com12 May 2026

'Policy consistency combined with timely and calibrated reforms are expected to ensure that India not only maintains macroeconomic stability, but also emerges as a globally competitive and inclusive economy.'

Hindustan Zinc To Generate 2,000 Crore Through AI Solutions

Hindustan Zinc To Generate 2,000 Crore Through AI Solutions

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) plans to generate 2,000 crore in value by implementing artificial intelligence-driven solutions across its mining and manufacturing operations. This initiative is part of a broader industry trend to adopt digital technologies for cost reduction, margin improvement, and enhanced environmental and social governance.

India, US strike landmark critical minerals deal amid China concerns

India, US strike landmark critical minerals deal amid China concerns

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A readout by the US said the agreement marked a milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations to ensure that the foundational elements required for advanced technology and energy are available within trusted networks.

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Oil-marketing companies (OMCs) are set to significantly expand the sale of flex fuel (E85) across India, with plans to reach 5,000 outlets in major cities by the end of next year, according to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This move aims to boost ethanol demand, reduce crude oil imports, and cut carbon emissions, coinciding with the launch of India's first flex-fuel vehicles by Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'You empower a man, you are not necessarily empowering a family, you are just empowering him.'

Budget 2026: The Industry Wishlist...

Budget 2026: The Industry Wishlist...

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Investors and startup executives are calling for extending the period for an entity to be recognised as a startup from 10 to 15 years for deep-tech companies.

Mukesh Ambani draws nil salary for sixth consecutive year

Mukesh Ambani draws nil salary for sixth consecutive year

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Mukesh Ambani, Asia's second richest man, has not drawn a salary from Reliance Industries for the sixth consecutive year, with dividends from his extensive shareholdings serving as his primary source of income.

IIT Dhanbad Joins Forces With South African University

IIT Dhanbad Joins Forces With South African University

Rediff.com15 May 2026

TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has signed an agreement with the University of Pretoria, South Africa, for research collaboration in critical minerals, rare earth element processing, recycling, extraction technologies and advanced mining innovation.

Army Set To Boost Ballistic Missile Arsenal

Army Set To Boost Ballistic Missile Arsenal

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'DRDO has been directed to license missile technologies to the private sector.'

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

How A Patent Workshop Is Helping Researchers And Startups

How A Patent Workshop Is Helping Researchers And Startups

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A one-day patent workshop was held at CSIR-NIIST to promote intellectual property awareness and equip researchers and startups with essential knowledge in patent filing and innovation.

Jewellers back PM's gold appeal, propose monetisation scheme enhancements

Jewellers back PM's gold appeal, propose monetisation scheme enhancements

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Leading Indian jewellery bodies, including the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) and Malabar Gold & Diamonds, have expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to reduce gold imports and are advocating for enhancements to the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) to unlock India's vast idle gold reserves.

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will soon allow subscribers to withdraw their EPF and transfer it directly to their bank accounts through the UPI payment gateway. Testing of the facility has been completed, according to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Vijay's electoral triumph in Tamil Nadu is poised to dramatically revive the fortunes of his much-anticipated final film, Jana Nayagan, which has been plagued by release delays, censorship battles, and a cancelled streaming deal.

AI deals rising, but IT sector earnings lag

AI deals rising, but IT sector earnings lag

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Indian IT stocks have seen a significant decline of up to 33 per cent year-to-date in 2026, largely due to artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting traditional outsourcing models, leading analysts to predict a challenging FY27 for the sector despite some cushion from rupee depreciation.