News for 'Indian government'

High Spirits: Liquor Brands Bet On Premium Buzz In Hindi Heartland

High Spirits: Liquor Brands Bet On Premium Buzz In Hindi Heartland

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Indian liquor brands are increasingly focusing on Hindi heartland states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana as the next major growth engine for premiumisation, driven by expanding luxury portfolios, craft spirit launches, and upgraded retail experiences, as state governments embrace reforms.

Telegram being used for terror activities, leaked papers, Centre tells HC

Telegram being used for terror activities, leaked papers, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi high court that the Telegram messaging app was being exploited for illegal activities ranging from cybercrime and financial frauds to terrorism and circulation of leaked examination papers.

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian government has established a control room to provide crucial support and assistance to the nearly one crore Indian citizens residing in the region.

Someone Else Owns India's Off Switch

Someone Else Owns India's Off Switch

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A sovereign cloud, our own DNS root and Root CA, a defence-led research base that builds for keeps, and a real national cybersecurity strategy that outlives electoral cycles are not vanity projects. They are the difference between a nation that can be switched off and one that cannot, points out Venkata Satish Guttula.

Sarvam AI becomes unicorn with $234 million Series B funding, HCLTech acquires 10.46% stake

Sarvam AI becomes unicorn with $234 million Series B funding, HCLTech acquires 10.46% stake

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Sarvam AI, an Indian full-stack sovereign artificial intelligence company, has achieved unicorn status after raising $234 million in a Series B funding round led by HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners, with HCLTech acquiring a 10.46 per cent stake.

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.

India-UK Trade Deal to Kick Off July 15, PM Modi Confirms

India-UK Trade Deal to Kick Off July 15, PM Modi Confirms

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into effect on July 15, 2026, anticipating a significant boost to bilateral trade and investment.

Discounts drive Russian oil imports to new high

Discounts drive Russian oil imports to new high

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India's crude oil imports from Russia reached a record high of approximately 2.73 million barrels per day (mbpd) in June, driven by discounts of $2-5 a barrel. This surge comes as the West Asia crisis disrupted supplies from traditional sources and China reduced its own purchases, leading Russia to offer more favourable terms to India.

Mammootty, Madhavan, Alka Yagnik Receive Padma Awards

Mammootty, Madhavan, Alka Yagnik Receive Padma Awards

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards 2026 upon a host of luminaries, including Mammootty, R Madhavan, and Alka Yagnik.

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

WhatsApp is finally letting you hide your phone number behind a custom username. While it's a massive win for privacy, cybersecurity experts warn it could unleash a wave of identity scams. Here is what you need to know.

1st Indian vessel crosses Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran ceasefire

1st Indian vessel crosses Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

An India-flagged LPG tanker, Jag Vikram, has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, marking a significant development for India's energy security.

Tamil Nadu CM Felicitates Praggnanandhaa For Historic Norway Chess Title Win

Tamil Nadu CM Felicitates Praggnanandhaa For Historic Norway Chess Title Win

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay honoured Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa with a Rs 50 lakh cash incentive for winning the Norway Chess title, making him the first Indian to achieve this feat. The Chief Minister also played a game of chess with the young Grandmaster.

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and working to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. Over 52,000 Indians have returned home following the partial opening of airspace.

After 3 deaths in ship attacks, India summons US envoy for second time

After 3 deaths in ship attacks, India summons US envoy for second time

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

India has summoned the US charge d'affaires for the second time this week to protest American Navy strikes on three commercial vessels off the coast of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members. New Delhi has demanded an end to these attacks, acknowledging that the US Navy targeted the ships, some of which were reportedly non-compliant with US sanctions.

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Data reveals a disturbing trend of Indian worker deaths abroad, particularly in Gulf nations, alongside numerous complaints of exploitation and labour rights violations.

India to create 'smart border' along Pakistan, Bangladesh

India to create 'smart border' along Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the launch of a tech-enabled 'smart border' project to secure India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The project aims to stop infiltration and combat demographic changes.

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, labelling it a "Frankenstein state" for its alleged support of terrorism. The remarks came after Pakistan and the OIC raised the Kashmir issue, which India firmly rejected, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir's integral status. India also deemed the Indus Water Treaty "outdated" given Pakistan's policies.

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.

Why FPIs pulled out Rs 43,000 cr in first week of June

Why FPIs pulled out Rs 43,000 cr in first week of June

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn nearly Rs 43,000 crore from Indian equities in the first week of June, contributing to a total outflow of Rs 2.67 lakh crore in 2026, driven by a global shift towards technology and AI-linked opportunities and persistent rupee depreciation.

Stanford students walk out during Sundar Pichai's address over deal with Israel

Stanford students walk out during Sundar Pichai's address over deal with Israel

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Students at Stanford University staged a walkout during Google CEO Sundar Pichai's commencement address, protesting the company's ties with the Israeli government, particularly its Project Nimbus cloud-computing deal.

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.'

Rinku Singh lands key role in UP government setup

Rinku Singh lands key role in UP government setup

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appointed cricketer Rinku Singh as a Regional Sports Officer, recognising his achievements in cricket, including his IPL success and contributions to the Indian national team.

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'We ourselves hadn't heard it initially. Many people called us. The entire village was overjoyed.'

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements, including AI-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and police escorts, to ensure the smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Eighteen of India's 28 states exceeded the fiscal deficit ceiling of 3 per cent of GSDP in FY25, a deterioration comparable to the Covid year of 2020-21, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report also noted a decline in states reporting a revenue surplus, with Bihar, Mizoram, and Telangana moving into deficit.

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has acquired a 10 acre plot in Assam, paving the way for construction of the first Sri Venkateswara temple in North East India.

TTFI Explains Manika Batra's Omission From Asian Games Team

TTFI Explains Manika Batra's Omission From Asian Games Team

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has clarified that Manika Batra's exclusion from India's Asian Games squad was due to strict adherence to existing selection criteria. Despite her name being considered, Batra did not meet the requirements, primarily lacking a national ranking and not being in the top 50 of international rankings at the time of selection. The decision was a collective one by the selection committee, based on a comprehensive assessment.

17-year-old NEET aspirant dies by suicide ahead of re-exam

17-year-old NEET aspirant dies by suicide ahead of re-exam

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

A 17-year-old NEET aspirant in Lucknow allegedly died by suicide, reportedly due to depression following the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination and the pressure of the upcoming re-exam. Her family stated she was hopeful after the initial exam but became distressed after its cancellation.

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Japanese PM's visit to Assam comes amid festering uneasiness in Tokyo about Beijing's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a war threat against India, citing water security as a national concern. This comes as Pakistan grapples with a severe internal water crisis, attributed by experts to mismanagement, and India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack. Asif accused India of "weaponising water" but admitted to lacking current data on the situation.

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The start of the West Asia conflict has led to a sharp increase in crude-linked raw material prices, pushing up the price of helmets across the country.

Banks Make Record Profits, But Worry Because...

Banks Make Record Profits, But Worry Because...

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The asymmetry in deposit and credit growth is the biggest challenge before the Indian banking industry. For every 100 deposit that a bank mobilises, it needs to keep 3 with the banking regulator in the form of cash reserve ratio on which it doesn't earn any interest. Another 18 is used for buying government bonds (statutory liquidity ratio). This means, a bank is left with 79 for giving credit. Add to this, its capital which can be used for giving loans. Most banks are facing a fund crunch. They need to find ways to attract deposits if they want to sustain credit growth, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

US Calls For Openness, Security In AI Partnership With India

US Calls For Openness, Security In AI Partnership With India

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A senior US official has emphasised the importance of openness and security in the development of artificial intelligence between India and the US, urging both nations to avoid dependencies on adversarial countries.

A Complaint Against Mammootty-Mohanlal's Patriot

A Complaint Against Mammootty-Mohanlal's Patriot

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'A film that puts a Malayali collector, a Malayali general, and a Malayali gangster all in the same national plot does not feel pan-Indian. It feels like a school play where only one family showed up,' notes Binu Alex after watching the Mohanlal-Mammootty starrer Patriot.

2030 CWG in Ahmedabad to host 17 sports at massive cost savings

2030 CWG in Ahmedabad to host 17 sports at massive cost savings

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Seventeen sports will feature at the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, which is set to be staged at around 60 per cent lower cost than previous editions as part of the Commonwealth Sport's revamped hosting model.

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used two major public engagements in Kolkata to outline a broader vision for India's future -- one rooted in inner balance and collective well-being through yoga, and the other in national self-reliance and maritime strength.

Mahindra & Mahindra shifts focus beyond tractors to boost future growth

Mahindra & Mahindra shifts focus beyond tractors to boost future growth

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is expanding its farm equipment strategy beyond tractors to include a wider range of mechanisation solutions like harvesters, balers, seed drills, and telematics-enabled services, aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for rental services by rural entrepreneurs and address low mechanisation levels in Indian agriculture.

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, is expected to significantly ease India's crude oil supply risks, lower freight costs, and reduce inflationary pressures, as global oil prices have already dropped.

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's experience as a businessperson and his fluency in Bengali are expected to be crucial in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in attracting Indian investments to Dhaka.