News for 'IT ministry'

Home Ministry Explains Use of Open-Source Intelligence for Security

Home Ministry Explains Use of Open-Source Intelligence for Security

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Home Ministry has informed a parliamentary committee that security agencies utilise open-source intelligence, including social media, for information gathering, ensuring no privacy breach as personal data is not collected.

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Larger NGOs could no longer work with smaller ones, especially those organisations working on the ground that had no means of or expertise in raising money themselves, reveals Aakar Patel.

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held "constructive" talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, focusing on the normalisation of bilateral ties. The discussions reviewed recent developments and progress towards rebuilding trust after the eastern Ladakh border standoff. Both sides have implemented measures, including disengagement pacts and high-level meetings, to improve relations.

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

If we really want to curb the further depreciation of the rupee and make the rupee appreciate, we want to come out of the mindset that the exchange rate is merely a number, bring policy corrections to help reduce the outflow of foreign exchange by imposing suitable tariffs to discourage imports and bring self reliance, discipline FPIs, and correcting rules governing royalty outflows, suggests Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

India Rejects US 'Overcapacity' Claims in Steel, Textiles, Citing Low Per Capita Consumption

India Rejects US 'Overcapacity' Claims in Steel, Textiles, Citing Low Per Capita Consumption

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly refuted claims by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding excess capacity in its steel and textile sectors, arguing that the nation's significantly low per capita consumption of these products contradicts such assertions, according to Amitabh Kumar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce.

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Sports Ministry has introduced stricter guidelines for selecting coaches for India's Asian Games contingent, prioritising demonstrable contribution and regular association with athletes to manage the increasing number of requests.

12 Indians among 13 killed in blast at Qatar gas plant

12 Indians among 13 killed in blast at Qatar gas plant

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

An explosion at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani nationals, and injured 66 others. The incident, attributed to a technical malfunction during start-up operations, prompted immediate response from Qatari authorities and an offer of assistance from the Indian Embassy.

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will lead a mass yoga session in New Delhi for the 12th International Day of Yoga, themed "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," joined by actor Akshay Kumar. The Sports Ministry is organising nationwide events with over 15,000 participants, highlighting yoga's global impact since its UN adoption in 2014.

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

'Why not aspire for 8 or 9 or even 10 per cent?'

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Delhi airport hold-up of Bangladesh PM adviser triggers diplomatic row

Delhi airport hold-up of Bangladesh PM adviser triggers diplomatic row

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Bangladesh summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner to convey "deep disappointment" after Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to the Prime Minister, was stopped and questioned by immigration authorities at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident led to Rahman's decision to return home despite being cleared to proceed.

11 India-bound vessels transit Hormuz after US-Iran pact to end conflict

11 India-bound vessels transit Hormuz after US-Iran pact to end conflict

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Following a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran to resolve the West Asia conflict, eleven India-bound vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. This development signals a positive shift for maritime trade, with more Indian-flagged ships expected to pass through the crucial waterway soon.

Seychelles confers first 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title on Modi

Seychelles confers first 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title on Modi

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Modi thanked Seychelles for the honour and dedicated it to the nations which are fighting the challenges of climate change.

Gulf nations welcome Iran-US deal, urge protection of maritime routes

Gulf nations welcome Iran-US deal, urge protection of maritime routes

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Gulf countries on Monday welcomed a peace deal reached between the US and Iran to end their conflict and called for protection of maritime routes and freedom of international navigation, including the uninterrupted flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are reportedly heading to Switzerland for a new round of US-Iran negotiations, following a recently announced memorandum of understanding to end hostilities in West Asia and a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

After 3 deaths, India restricts seafarers' posting to conflict zones

After 3 deaths, India restricts seafarers' posting to conflict zones

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Directorate General of Shipping has advised Indian maritime agencies to restrict the deployment of seafarers to conflict areas following a US military strike that killed three Indian crew members off the Oman coast. India has also protested the attack, which occurred amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Amid the passport row, Shashi Tharoor has proposed legal changes to simplify proof of Indian citizenship.

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Following the signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, US President Donald Trump reiterated the terms for a 60-day negotiation period, vowing that Tehran will receive "not ten cents" in financial relief.

Delhi to get first underground nuclear and chemical command centre

Delhi to get first underground nuclear and chemical command centre

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Delhi is set to establish its first underground Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) command centre at the new Delhi Fire Services headquarters, a facility designed to ensure uninterrupted coordination and protection for personnel during nuclear warfare, radiological leaks, or chemical disasters.

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

India may seek sunset clause in US trade pact

India may seek sunset clause in US trade pact

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India may press for an automatic review mechanism in its proposed interim trade deal with the United States (US), mirroring a sunset clause introduced by the European Parliament in its trade agreement with Washington, people aware of the negotiations said. The European Parliament last week approved the EU-US trade deal but inserted a sunset clause requiring the arrangement to expire on December 31, 2029, unless both sides agree to extend it.

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold their initial round of talks in Switzerland on Friday, following a ceasefire agreement virtually signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Items include luxury watches, jewellery, carpets, shawls, silverware and collectible artefacts with bidding prices reaching up to Rs 20 lakh.

No word on India-US interim trade deal as tariff deadline looms

No word on India-US interim trade deal as tariff deadline looms

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India and the United States have reviewed progress on a proposed interim bilateral trade agreement, discussing market access, digital trade, and non-tariff barriers, as they race to finalise a deal before a temporary 10 per cent US tariff regime expires on July 24.

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A clarification by the ministry of external affairs that the passport is not a proof of citizenship has once again brought to the fore the need for a legal framework to provide citizens with a single document to establish they are Indians.

Kumaraswamy Calls For Tech Adoption In Steel To Boost Competitiveness

Kumaraswamy Calls For Tech Adoption In Steel To Boost Competitiveness

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy has urged the Indian steel industry to adopt advanced technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and IoT to enhance global competitiveness and productivity. Speaking at a Chintan Shivir, he highlighted that digitalisation is crucial for achieving ambitious steel capacity targets by 2035 and addressing challenges such as operational efficiency, decarbonisation, and export competitiveness. The minister also emphasised how technology can improve safety and reduce downtime in steel plants.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

IRCTC fines Tejas Express food vendor Rs 1 lakh after fly found in meal

IRCTC fines Tejas Express food vendor Rs 1 lakh after fly found in meal

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The IRCTC has fined a catering firm Rs 1 lakh and issued a show-cause notice for licence termination after a passenger found a fly in his meal on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Rajdhani Express. The firm, Araha Hospitality Pvt Ltd, was warned for lapses in meal preparation and packaging, and instructed to improve hygiene and quality control to prevent future incidents.

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has upgraded its official data portal to be directly readable by AI models, aiming to prevent reliance on non-credible sources. This initiative includes standardising 288 priority datasets and addressing semantic interoperability challenges to improve public service delivery.

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to permanently retain Aadhaar update histories related to date-of-birth changes and to restrict such modifications after a significant period. This move is part of WFI's intensified crackdown on age fraud in wrestling, which has seen numerous disqualifications and suspensions, aiming to ensure fair play and transparency in age-group competitions.

NEET re-exam: HC seeks Centre's reply on Telegram ban

NEET re-exam: HC seeks Centre's reply on Telegram ban

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to respond to Telegram's petition challenging a temporary government order that restricts access to its platform and disables message-editing features in India, citing concerns over potential cheating during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

Tension escalates as Iran's IRGC claims it hit 8 US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Tension escalates as Iran's IRGC claims it hit 8 US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday claimed it had destroyed eight US military infrastructures in Kuwait and Bahrain in a joint missile and drone operation, describing the strikes as retaliation for a second wave of US military attacks on Iranian targets.

Indian Skiers Arif Khan, Stanzin Lundup Get First IOC $10K Olympian Grant

Indian Skiers Arif Khan, Stanzin Lundup Get First IOC $10K Olympian Grant

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Skiers Arif Mohammad Khan and Stanzin Lundup will be the first Indian beneficiaries of the International Olympic Committee's US$ 10,000 grant for Olympians.

Centre Mandates Periodic Renewal Of Fertility Clinics Registration

Centre Mandates Periodic Renewal Of Fertility Clinics Registration

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The move is to strengthen oversight, improve compliance, and boost patient confidence.

NEET re-test: Google drops Telegram from Play Store, app CEO opposes ban

NEET re-test: Google drops Telegram from Play Store, app CEO opposes ban

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Google has removed the messaging app Telegram from its Play Store in India, with Apple expected to follow, in compliance with a government order aimed at preventing paper leaks during the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination on June 21. The government has also directed Telegram to temporarily disable its message-editing feature until June 30.

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran does not include provisions regarding Tehran's ballistic missile programme. This statement followed talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sharif emphasising Iran's right to its defence capabilities and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran peace process.

MY Bharat Youth Convention To Feature Top Sports Stars

MY Bharat Youth Convention To Feature Top Sports Stars

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organising a MY Bharat Youth Convention in New Delhi, featuring prominent sports personalities and bringing together over 6,000 young participants. The event aims to felicitate emerging talent in sports, entrepreneurship, governance, and content creation.