News for 'Ministry of New'

PM Modi conferred Indonesia's top civilian award 'Bintang Adipurna'

PM Modi conferred Indonesia's top civilian award 'Bintang Adipurna'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Indonesia's highest honour, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' medal, by President Prabowo Subianto, recognising his leadership in strengthening bilateral relations and furthering Indonesia's unity, continuity, and prosperity.

NIA charges Shabir Ahmad Shah among 6 separatists in Srinagar violence case

NIA charges Shabir Ahmad Shah among 6 separatists in Srinagar violence case

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a charge sheet against six Kashmiri separatist leaders, including Shabir Ahmad Shah, for allegedly instigating large-scale mob violence against police personnel during the funeral procession of a slain terrorist in Srinagar nearly three decades ago.

El Nino effect: 111 districts tagged as most vulnerable, 20 in Maharashtra

El Nino effect: 111 districts tagged as most vulnerable, 20 in Maharashtra

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian government has identified 111 districts as 'most vulnerable' to crop damage due to a 43 per cent monsoon deficit, driven by El Nino, which threatens kharif sowing. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that weak monsoon conditions are expected to persist until July 2, prompting contingency plans and recommendations for alternative, less water-intensive crops.

'Removed 1.6L India accounts': Meta details crackdown on child abuse content

'Removed 1.6L India accounts': Meta details crackdown on child abuse content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Meta on Tuesday published a detailed blog outlining its efforts to combat child sexual abuse material across its apps, citing AI-powered detection, ad review systems and large-scale enforcement actions, days after the government issued a notice to the social media giant over reports of Instagram advertisements promoting such content.

Govt restores commercial LPG supplies as West Asia crisis eases

Govt restores commercial LPG supplies as West Asia crisis eases

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The government on Thursday restored liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to commercial consumers such as hotels, restaurants and other businesses to pre-crisis levels, and lifted sector-specific restrictions imposed during the recent West Asia conflict, in a sign that energy supply concerns are easing as global markets stabilise.

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that human-led artificial intelligence will be the defining force in India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at the 29th National Conference on e-Governance, he emphasised that technology must strengthen governance without replacing human accountability, advocating for responsible AI deployment with citizens at the centre. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on e-Governance 2026, outlining a roadmap for AI-enabled, data-driven, and secure digital governance.

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's finance ministry anticipates inflation will remain relatively contained in the coming months, supported by a correction in crude oil prices and softening input costs following the cessation of the West Asia conflict, despite earlier spikes in wholesale and retail inflation.

Indian Railways Allows Bulky Sports Gear On Trains

Indian Railways Allows Bulky Sports Gear On Trains

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Indian Railway Ministry has issued a new circular allowing sportspersons to carry oversized and bulky sports equipment, such as javelins, on trains. This relaxation, however, excludes pole-vault poles due to technical feasibility. The equipment can be transported in designated luggage spaces on a priority basis, subject to freight charges, and existing weight limits will not apply.

LeT chief Hafiz Saeed named as accused in Pahalgam terror attack

LeT chief Hafiz Saeed named as accused in Pahalgam terror attack

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet naming Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed as an accused in the Pahalgam terror attack, charging him with waging war against India and hatching a cross-border conspiracy.

CJP's Abhijeet Dipke to appear before MeitY panel over X account block

CJP's Abhijeet Dipke to appear before MeitY panel over X account block

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke is set to appear before a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) committee regarding the withholding of the group's X account. This development comes amidst an ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities and the NEET paper-leak controversy.

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The World Health Organization has requested information from the Indian government regarding the alleged supply of spurious oxytocin injections linked to the deaths of five women in Kota hospitals. This comes after regulatory action, including the cancellation of manufacturing licenses for Jackson Laboratories units, following joint inspections by drug control bodies. The government is investigating the matter, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to quality violations.

At 94, Andhra woman renounces US citizenship to die an Indian

At 94, Andhra woman renounces US citizenship to die an Indian

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A 94-year-old woman, K Mahalakshmamma, who lived in the United States for over two decades, has renounced her American citizenship to return to her native village in Andhra Pradesh and die as an Indian citizen. She underwent an oath-taking ceremony before the Bapatla District Collector, and her application for Indian citizenship restoration has been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

HAL, Tata, Adani, L&T among firms in race for IAF's Rs 30K cr UAV deal

HAL, Tata, Adani, L&T among firms in race for IAF's Rs 30K cr UAV deal

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

In the race for 87 Medium-Altitude Long-Range, Endurance unmanned aerial vehicles deal, around 10 bids have been received from Indian private and public sector firms.

INS Mahendragiri Set To Boost Naval Power

INS Mahendragiri Set To Boost Naval Power

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

With over 75 per cent indigenous content, the frigate is among the most self-reliant frontline warships built in India.

Modi lauds Pradhan's work in birthday message

Modi lauds Pradhan's work in birthday message

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, commending his significant contributions to the implementation of the National Education Policy. This praise follows the successful re-examination of NEET-UG, despite earlier controversies surrounding paper leaks.

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India was on Friday accorded the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, for the first time.

HC seeks Centre's stand on Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction

HC seeks Centre's stand on Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre's response regarding pleas from Delhi Gymkhana Club members and staff challenging a show-cause notice for eviction. The court has asked the Solicitor General to ensure the Estate Officer's hearing is adjourned until after the next court date, indicating judicial oversight in the ongoing dispute over the club's 27.3-acre premises.

India's Grand Plan To Bring Formula One Back

India's Grand Plan To Bring Formula One Back

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Indian Sports Ministry, led by Minister Manuskh Mandaviya, is establishing a dedicated Task Force to explore the revival of Formula One racing in India. This initiative follows a meeting with key stakeholders, aiming to assess the challenges and benefits of hosting major motorsport events, with a target of bringing F1 back by 2028. The Task Force will recommend a comprehensive policy framework to support motorsports growth, leveraging India's significant F1 fanbase.

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian has resigned from the council of ministers following the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha term. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, which was effective immediately.

How India Is Building AI Resilience Amid Global Access Restrictions

How India Is Building AI Resilience Amid Global Access Restrictions

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India is adopting a two-pronged strategy for artificial intelligence development, focusing on open-source models and indigenous innovation to counter global access restrictions on advanced AI technologies. The government aims to support local developers and ensure AI creates tangible economic impact across various sectors, rather than being solely driven by market speculation.

Major Step For Indus Valley Civilisation Research

Major Step For Indus Valley Civilisation Research

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Human skeletal remains from the ancient Indus-Saraswati Civilisation site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana have been formally transferred by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) for detailed scientific investigation. This transfer, under a new MoU, aims to advance multidisciplinary research into one of the largest known settlements of the Indus-Saraswati Civilisation, with archaeologists having uncovered eight burials, including three complete skeletons, during recent excavations.

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Indian government has ratified an 8.25 per cent interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the financial year 2025-26, with over seven crore contributing members expected to see this credited to their accounts this month.

India's PCB exports to China a rare success story

India's PCB exports to China a rare success story

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India's exports of printed circuit boards (PCBs) to China dramatically increased over 40-fold to $1.5 billion in FY26, indicating a significant shift where China is increasingly importing simpler electronic assemblies from India as it focuses on higher-value manufacturing domestically.

'Positive progress' in US-Iran talks in Doha, says Pakistan

'Positive progress' in US-Iran talks in Doha, says Pakistan

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Pakistan and Qatar have successfully mediated separate meetings between US and Iranian negotiators in Doha, reporting positive progress on a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at West Asian peace. Further discussions are planned after the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India, even as Iran announced the closure of the critical waterway following Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

Veteran Physicist Umesh Waghmare To Lead Science And Technology Department

Veteran Physicist Umesh Waghmare To Lead Science And Technology Department

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Veteran physicist Professor Umesh V Waghmare has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology. Currently a professor at JNCASR, Bengaluru, his appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. He succeeds Professor Abhay Karandikar and brings a distinguished academic background from IIT-Bombay, Yale, and Harvard to the role.

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea against a Delhi court order to frame charges in a Rs 200-crore money laundering case is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing. The case involves alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is accused of running an organised criminal network from jail and defrauding individuals.

Modi calls Japan PM Takaichi his 'younger sister'

Modi calls Japan PM Takaichi his 'younger sister'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi as his 'younger sister' and hailed her as a 'visionary and popular leader' during a joint press meet, where both leaders unveiled initiatives to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Union Health Ministry has amended drug rules, making it mandatory to have a doctor's prescription for the sale of all syrups, including cough syrups. This move aims to enhance regulatory oversight and patient safety following concerns over drug quality and contamination-linked deaths.

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran, on Saturday (local time), at the commander in chief, US President Donald Trump's direction.

Centre Extends N Kalaiselvi's Tenure As CSIR Director General

Centre Extends N Kalaiselvi's Tenure As CSIR Director General

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

N Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has received an extension to her tenure until February 2027. Known for her pioneering work in lithium-ion batteries, Kalaiselvi's extended leadership marks a significant milestone for women in Indian science.

Govt Assures E20 Fuel Use is Safe, Won't Affect Vehicle Insurance Validity

Govt Assures E20 Fuel Use is Safe, Won't Affect Vehicle Insurance Validity

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian government has dismissed concerns that the use of E20 fuel could affect the validity of vehicle insurance policies, stating that the ethanol blending programme remains safe, consumer-friendly, and economically beneficial.

Amid fiscal worries, govt puts PSU share sales on fast track

Amid fiscal worries, govt puts PSU share sales on fast track

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Indian government is accelerating its sale of minority stakes in state-owned companies, including a significant offer for sale (OFS) in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) expected "very soon," to meet its 80,000 crore mobilisation target and reduce its holdings to 75 per cent in most listed PSUs by year-end.

India initiates anti-dumping investigations against three Chinese products

India initiates anti-dumping investigations against three Chinese products

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India has launched anti-dumping investigations into imports of thermal paper, Biaxially Oriented Polyamide (BOPA) Film, and certain antioxidants from China, following complaints from domestic manufacturers alleging material injury due to cheap imports.

FMSCI pushes for Formula 1, MotoGP, World Rally C'ship return to India

FMSCI pushes for Formula 1, MotoGP, World Rally C'ship return to India

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

FMSCI President Arindam Ghosh announced plans to bring Formula 1 back to India by 2030, and a round of the World Rally Championship and MotoGP by 2028, following a meeting with the Sports Ministry. The federation is focused on developing Indian drivers and promoting motorsports in the country.

Crude falls back to Feb levels: What is stopping a fuel price cut?

Crude falls back to Feb levels: What is stopping a fuel price cut?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Global oil prices fell on Thursday to their lowest levels since before the outbreak of the Iran conflict, offering a significant economic tailwind for India, the world's third-largest crude importer, by easing inflation risks, reducing the import bill and improving the government's fiscal position.

52K Cr Proposals For Armed Forces Cleared With Focus On Air Defence

52K Cr Proposals For Armed Forces Cleared With Focus On Air Defence

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Clearances include next-gen air defence, anti-tank missiles, anti-drone systems, loitering munitions, and naval UAVs.

Indian LNG carrier safely crosses Hormuz, first since US-Iran ceasefire

Indian LNG carrier safely crosses Hormuz, first since US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, chartered by an Indian firm, safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz -- the first Indian LNG tanker to cross the war-hit narrow shipping lane since the war in West Asia broke out more than three and a half months back.

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Senior Indian officials highlight the indispensable role of the private sector in translating India-US cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals into tangible outcomes. The collaboration aims to build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems and position India as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The NCERT Class 8 social science textbook has undergone significant revisions, including a tweaked narrative on the 1947 Partition, the inclusion of VD Savarkar's demand for Swaraj, and the removal of references to Adolf Hitler and Nazi ideology. These changes follow a Supreme Court intervention regarding controversial content on the judiciary.