News for 'Ministry of Information'

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The latest annual report of the finance ministry has disclosed that the agency funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in 2023-24.

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Observing an "unholy nexus" between the banks and developers to dupe homebuyers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the CBI to register seven preliminary enquiries against builders in NCR, including Supertech Limited.

Indian Scientists Make Weather History

Indian Scientists Make Weather History

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

'Nobody asked us to work on this. It was on our own that we decided to embark on this journey.'

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The bank made a Rs 67 crore net profit, up 21% from the previous year. Its deposits grew 8%, the loan book 10%. Net bad loans dropped from 7.53% to 6.07%. So why was the banker, who headed the bank, not promoted?

Sam Pitroda says hacker played explicit content during his event at IIT

Sam Pitroda says hacker played explicit content during his event at IIT

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on Thursday said he was invited to speak at an Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee event via a video link when just minutes after his speech, a hacker infiltrated and began streaming explicit, inappropriate content.

US slams India's telecom, electronics testing norms, standards

US slams India's telecom, electronics testing norms, standards

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The US wants India to recognise internationally accredited labs, harmonise labelling requirements and the validity period of test reports and certification with global practices, and eliminate retesting requirements.

NIA takes over Pahalgam terror attack probe, files case

NIA takes over Pahalgam terror attack probe, files case

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The entry and exit points are being closely scrutinised by the investigating NIA teams for clues to the modus operandi of the terrorists, the officials said.

'Pilots Must Have Tried Everything In 50 Seconds'

'Pilots Must Have Tried Everything In 50 Seconds'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

'In 50 seconds, the pilots were fighting drag, trying relight, throttling up and avoiding obstacles.' 'They had neither height nor speed. There was no margin.'

India-Pak tensions: Govt extends closure of 28 airports till May 15

India-Pak tensions: Govt extends closure of 28 airports till May 15

Rediff.com9 May 2025

A senior government official confirmed that after a meeting with other stakeholders, the decision has been taken and airlines and airport authorities have been informed about it.

Govt blocks 'India Got Latent' episode with sex remark

Govt blocks 'India Got Latent' episode with sex remark

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Allahbadia faced backlash from all quarters after his distasteful comment on parents and sex on comedian Samay Raina's YouTube reality show India's Got Latent went viral on social media on Monday.

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a PIL alleging that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu awarded government contracts to his family members. The court has asked the state government to provide details of the beneficiaries and inform if due process was followed. The bench also sought responses from union ministries of home affairs, finance and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the issue within five weeks.

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is preparing to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of efforts to improve relations between India and China, which have been strained since a military standoff in 2020. The two countries have also agreed in principle to resume flight services between them.

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

India shoots down 8 Pak missiles targeting Jammu

India shoots down 8 Pak missiles targeting Jammu

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer. Explosions were heard and flashes seen in the sky.

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

'If you follow the law, America offers opportunities. But those who violate the law will face the consequences.'

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A bench of the Bangladesh High Court ordered the release on bail of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in November on charges of defaming the country's national flag. The two-judge bench granted the bail after a final hearing on their previous rule asking authorities why he should not be granted bail. Das, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25.

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern to the US authorities over the treatment of deportees on a flight that landed on February 5, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also registered its concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The US side has confirmed that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th and 16th February, 2025.

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Slovak Republic's President, Peter Pellegrini, has expressed interest in adopting a tree-planting initiative similar to India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inspiration came during a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who was on a two-day state visit to Slovakia. During a tree-planting ceremony in Nitra, Murmu highlighted Modi's initiative to plant trees in the name of mothers. Pellegrini was impressed and suggested that Slovakia could consider a similar program. The initiative, launched on World Environment Day last year, encourages people to plant a tree in their mother's name as a symbolic gesture of love and respect.

Finance ministry official calls note on 2G 'informal'

Finance ministry official calls note on 2G 'informal'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2012

The controversial note, made by the finance ministry and sent to the Prime Minister's office on March 25, 2011, involved two Cabinet ministers -- finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and home minister P Chidambaram, who was the finance minister at the time of the 2G scam in 2007-08.

JSW Steel becomes world's most valuable steelmaker with $30.3 bn mcap

JSW Steel becomes world's most valuable steelmaker with $30.3 bn mcap

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

JSW Steel, owned by Sajjan Jindal, has emerged as the world's most valuable steelmaker, boasting a market capitalisation (mcap) of nearly $30.31 billion, according to Bloomberg data.

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indian-American billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington, D.C., discussing India-US relations, innovation, biotechnology, and the role of entrepreneurship. Modi also met with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during his visit.

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been taken into 18-day custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India. Rana was extradited from the United States after years of legal battles and will be questioned to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the attacks.

India submits bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

India submits bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Ahmedabad has been finalised to organise the 2030 Commonwealth Games should India win the bid.

No information: MEA on likely arrest of 2 Nijjar killing suspects by Canada

No information: MEA on likely arrest of 2 Nijjar killing suspects by Canada

Rediff.com30 Dec 2023

His remarks at a press briefing came when asked about a media report that said Canada may arrest two suspects in Nijjar's killing "within weeks".

Bomb hoax: AI flight remains airborne for hours, returns to Mumbai

Bomb hoax: AI flight remains airborne for hours, returns to Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

An Air India flight bound for New York returned to Mumbai on Monday morning after a bomb threat was reported. The aircraft, carrying 303 passengers, was thoroughly checked by security agencies, and nothing suspicious was found. The flight has been rescheduled to operate at 5 am on Tuesday, and passengers have been offered hotel accommodation and other assistance. This incident follows a recent trend of hoax bomb threats on flights, with at least 15 flights receiving such threats this year.

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Shahzadi Khan, currently imprisoned in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba jail, has been sentenced to death by a court for the death of a child who was under her care.

No fuel for 15+ year old vehicles in Delhi from April 1

No fuel for 15+ year old vehicles in Delhi from April 1

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The Delhi government will stop providing petrol to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the city after March 31, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced. The decision is part of the government's efforts to combat air pollution in the national capital. The meeting focused on key policy decisions, including restrictions on older vehicles, mandatory anti-smog measures, and the transition to electric public transport. The government will install gadgets at petrol pumps to identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them.

Breach of understanding: India on ceasefire violation by Pak

Breach of understanding: India on ceasefire violation by Pak

Rediff.com11 May 2025

India has accused Pakistan of breaching an understanding reached earlier on Saturday to stop military actions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said there have been repeated violations of the understanding since the evening, and that the Indian armed forces are giving an appropriate response.

Why Infosys laid off over 300 freshers

Why Infosys laid off over 300 freshers

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

IT services company Infosys has laid off over 300 freshers who underwent foundational training at its Mysuru campus but could not clear internal assessments after three attempts, according to sources. IT employee union NITES, however, said the number of freshers affected by the move was much higher, and threatened to lodge an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking urgent intervention and strict action against the company.

Waiting for muhurat? SC slams Assam over delay in deporting foreigners

Waiting for muhurat? SC slams Assam over delay in deporting foreigners

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India censured the Assam government for keeping persons declared foreigners in detention centers indefinitely and not deporting them. The court questioned the state's explanation for not sending nationality verification forms to the Ministry of External Affairs, stating that detainees should be deported immediately once identified as foreigners. The court directed the Assam government to initiate the deportation process of 63 declared foreign nationals whose nationality was known and file a status report in two weeks. The court also directed the Centre to provide details of those deported and how it plans to deal with detainees whose nationality is unknown.

SC raps Assam govt for not deporting 63 foreigners

SC raps Assam govt for not deporting 63 foreigners

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

"Are you waiting for some muhurat," the Supreme Court remarked on Tuesday as it came down heavily on the Assam government for keeping people declared as foreigners in detention centres indefinitely rather than deporting them.

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

An upcoming book by investigative journalist Chitra Subramaniam claims that senior Indian bureaucrats "tutored" Bofors officials in a secret meeting in 1987 on how to absolve then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of all blame in the infamous bribery scandal. The book, "Boforsgate," details how the meeting was held to cover up the alleged Rs 64 crore bribe in a Rs 1,437 crore deal for Howitzer guns, and how Indian officials provided advice on concealing information from investigators. Subramaniam's revelations are based on documents provided to her by the Swedish head of police investigating the Bofors case.

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Finance Ministry's annual report has revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in India during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The projects, implemented in partnership with the Indian government, cover areas like agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and climate adaptation. This disclosure comes amidst controversy over USAID's alleged role in influencing Indian elections, with claims that the agency allocated USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'. However, the report clarifies that no funds were dedicated to enhancing voter turnout.

X to be held responsible for content by AI tool Grok: Govt sources

X to be held responsible for content by AI tool Grok: Govt sources

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Indian government has said that social media platform X will be held responsible for content generated by its artificial intelligence tool Grok. This comes after users on X asked Grok questions about Indian politicians and the AI platform responded with "unpalatable" answers. The government is currently in discussion with X to understand and assess how Grok works. The government has previously taken action against social media platforms for AI-generated content that has been deemed offensive. In this case, the government is considering holding X accountable for Grok's content, even though it is generated by an AI tool. The government's stance is likely to have implications for other social media platforms that use AI tools.

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

'I Expect More Disasters To Happen'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'Even one accident can cause problems for the entire coastal system.'

9 Errors In JEE Mains Exam Answers Sparks Outrage

9 Errors In JEE Mains Exam Answers Sparks Outrage

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The National Testing Agency is facing criticism on social media for alleged errors in the answer keys for the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Main Session 2, 2025.

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The "construct of the DPDP Act" cannot be changed at this stage, though there may be some minor tweaks in the language of the Rules and formats in certain legitimate cases.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.