News for 'Government of India'

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the Indo-Pacific's new era -- where perception shapes reality faster than treaties -- the real entrapment is not of China or the United States. It is the test Japan has set for itself -- and whether partners like India, acting as balancers rather than accelerants, can help ensure that the story ends in stability, points out Varun Arya.

'India Lags Behind In Innovation Leadership'

'India Lags Behind In Innovation Leadership'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'We frequently discuss AI, but we're waiting for other countries to develop solutions rather than creating intellectual property ourselves.' 'We haven't yet produced comprehensive AI solutions developed in India for global markets.'

A long-game Budget

A long-game Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, which was a first, had an excellent domestic macro backdrop. According to the first advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, against 6.5 per cent in 2024-25.

Govt proposes to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6%

Govt proposes to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government has proposed to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6 per cent in FY27, from 56.1 per cent in the current fiscal year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday.

Govt proposes to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6%

Govt proposes to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government has proposed to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6 per cent in FY27, from 56.1 per cent in the current fiscal year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday.

Modi sold off farmers' blood and sweat: Rahul on US deal

Modi sold off farmers' blood and sweat: Rahul on US deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi buckled under United States pressure to finalise a trade deal and 'sold off' the hard work of Indian farmers through the agreement.

President's rule lifted in Manipur as NDA stakes claim to form govt

President's rule lifted in Manipur as NDA stakes claim to form govt

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

President's rule in Manipur has been revoked, paving the way for a new government led by Y Khemchand Singh. The move comes after months of ethnic violence and the imposition of President's rule in February 2025.

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

BJP MP C Sadanandan Master addressed the Rajya Sabha, appealing for unity and highlighting the government's achievements while raising concerns about migration in Kerala.

London Court Denies Bail to Nirav Modi in PNB Fraud Case

London Court Denies Bail to Nirav Modi in PNB Fraud Case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The High Court of Justice in London has rejected a fresh bail petition filed by diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

Nirmala Sitharaman creates history with 9th consecutive Budget

Nirmala Sitharaman creates history with 9th consecutive Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday makes history as she presents a record ninth consecutive Budget that is expected to unveil measures to sustain growth momentum, maintain fiscal discipline, and contain reforms that could buffer the economy from global trade frictions, including US tariffs.

India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics: Modi

India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics: Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

Polgar And Khadilkar Sisters Changed Chess Forever

Polgar And Khadilkar Sisters Changed Chess Forever

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

'For us as it was for Judit it was never a men's world; it was always study, analyse, study, analyse and be confident,' recalls Woman International Master Jayashree Khadilkar Pande.

The Many Benefits Of Yumlicious Yams

The Many Benefits Of Yumlicious Yams

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Yams are wholesome root vegetables packed with essential nutrients, offering a mix of vitamins, minerals and energy-giving components.

Opposition calls US trade pact a 'trap deal', steps up protest

Opposition calls US trade pact a 'trap deal', steps up protest

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Opposition MPs, including members of the Congress party, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex over the India-US trade agreement, controversy surrounding former Army chief MM Naravane's unpublished memoir, and the suspension of eight MPs.

10 Stocks That May Gain From Budget

10 Stocks That May Gain From Budget

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The fiscal tilt towards capex benefits companies in investment-related sectors like capital goods, defence equipment, engineering & construction and metal & mining. The planned cut in revenue expenditure will weigh on companies in consumption sectors like FMCG, consumer durables and retail.

The Illusion Of India's 8% Growth

The Illusion Of India's 8% Growth

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

The key question is how much of the latest growth record represents recovery from the 2020-2021 downturn, and what is the sustainable growth rate now, asks T N Ninan.

Budget 2026: Modest Relief For Students, Travellers

Budget 2026: Modest Relief For Students, Travellers

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

No income tax relief, but compliance burden eased for youth and middle class through lower TCS.

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The proposals outlined in Budget 2026-27 represent a carefully crafted, multi-year strategy designed to strengthen India's big bets on the path to Viksit Bharat 2047, says Sameer Gupta.

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament, urging unity on national issues like 'Viksit Bharat', swadeshi, and national security. She highlighted government initiatives and the nation's progress.

Rahul standoff rattles Opposition unity as SP, TMC back Budget debate

Rahul standoff rattles Opposition unity as SP, TMC back Budget debate

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Cracks appeared in the opposition ranks as some parties showed willingness to participate in the budget debate, while the government insisted on equal speaking opportunities for all members amidst ongoing disruptions.

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Budget 2026 boosts healthcare spend, drugs relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government on Sunday gave a strong push to upgradation and expansion of healthcare infrastructure, medical education and pharma sector with the Union Budget 2026-27 announcing a slew of steps, including those aimed at making India a global hub for allied healthcare professionals and biopharma manufacturing.

Budget 2026: Time To Fix The Weak Link In R&D Ecosystem

Budget 2026: Time To Fix The Weak Link In R&D Ecosystem

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Restoring weighted tax deductions and adopting a petty patents regime can foster firm-level innovative activity critical for competitiveness, points out Nagesh Kumar.

RBI to roll out risk-based premium model for deposit insurance

RBI to roll out risk-based premium model for deposit insurance

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The RBI will now charge banks different deposit insurance fees based on how risky they are, allowing safer banks to pay less premium.

Budget proposes Rs 10,000 cr investment in biopharma over next 5 years

Budget proposes Rs 10,000 cr investment in biopharma over next 5 years

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed Rs 10,000 crore investment in the biopharma sector over the next five years, a move which would give a boost to the country's pharmaceuticals industry.

New baggage rules come into effect; duty-free limit hiked

New baggage rules come into effect; duty-free limit hiked

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The new baggage rules, 2026, come into effect from midnight on February 2 and replace a decade-old baggage rule.

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.

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.

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration have accused jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of attempting to instigate Gen Z for protests, drawing parallels to unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Arab Spring.

Budget 2026: Key numbers to be watched

Budget 2026: Key numbers to be watched

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Here are the key numbers to watch out for in the Union Budget for 2025-26:

Wanted to play, but this is govt's decision: BCB

Wanted to play, but this is govt's decision: BCB

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Bangladesh Cricket Board maintain they were willing to play the T20 World Cup in India but were overruled by the government, forcing their exit from the tournament.

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

In 2025-26, the government allocated Rs 6,81,210 crore for defence budget.

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

India has strongly advised its nationals to avoid travelling to Iran due to the deteriorating security situation and widespread anti-government protests.

T20 World Cup: SKY Praises Gambhir For...

T20 World Cup: SKY Praises Gambhir For...

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'The atmosphere he has created in the team -- he has tried to infuse a culture of playing for the team and not focusing on personal milestones.'

PM's absence was act of fear: Cong women MPs write to Birla

PM's absence was act of fear: Cong women MPs write to Birla

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Congress women MPs in the Lok Sabha have accused Speaker Om Birla of bias, alleging he made false allegations against them under pressure from the ruling party to defend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the House.

ICC appeal fails as BCB stands firm on India travel

ICC appeal fails as BCB stands firm on India travel

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board's position remains unchanged.'

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticized the Union Budget, calling it 'lacklustre' and 'disappointing,' claiming it fails to address the needs of farmers, unemployed youth, and other key sectors.

Entry-level cars rebound, boost Maruti's quarterly sales to record high

Entry-level cars rebound, boost Maruti's quarterly sales to record high

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Maruti Suzuki sold more cars than ever before, earned more money, and saw many first-time buyers choosing small cars again.

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's biggest challenge will be to find a new growth driver, particularly against the backdrop of a global economy ravaged by heightened uncertainty and fragmentation, financial markets on a precipice, and global commodity prices on a continued uptrend.

Cuban envoy seeks India's help against US 'madness'

Cuban envoy seeks India's help against US 'madness'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera strongly condemned the US military operation in Venezuela, calling it a 'criminal act' and a 'terrorist act'. He emphasized the need for global unity to counter US unilateral actions and highlighted India's pivotal role in the evolving geopolitical landscape.