News for 'Ministry'

Xi announces US visit, Trump plans rare airport welcome

Xi announces US visit, Trump plans rare airport welcome

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States from September 23 to 25 for summit talks with US President Donald Trump, with discussions expected to cover critical economic and trade issues, including AI, and the recently signed US sanctions law targeting countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Sports Minister Mandaviya Directs Hockey India To Revive Cash-Strapped League

Sports Minister Mandaviya Directs Hockey India To Revive Cash-Strapped League

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Sports Ministry has formed a five-member committee to address the financial viability and sustainability of the Hockey India League (HIL). Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Hockey India officials and franchise representatives, directing them to develop a comprehensive plan for the league's revival, which has faced challenges since its return last year.

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Notorious gangster Mainpal Dhilla, currently jailed, was granted 12-hour custody parole to marry his Cambodian partner, Meta Chan, in Jhajjar. Dhilla had met Chan in Cambodia after fleeing India in 2018 using a fake identity, where they had children. He was extradited last year after an international operation involving CBI and Interpol.

India Prioritises People-Centric AI Amidst Global Pause Calls

India Prioritises People-Centric AI Amidst Global Pause Calls

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

India's IT Ministry sources state the country will not slow down its Artificial Intelligence development, distinguishing its focus on people-centric applications from global concerns over frontier models. The government acknowledges AI safety risks and is tightening incident reporting norms, with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasising regulation for user safety.

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to review progress in bilateral ties, covering trade, defence, and energy, against the backdrop of heightened trade friction due to the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026'.

India's New Steel Policy Aims for 600 MT Capacity, Decarbonisation by 2047

India's New Steel Policy Aims for 600 MT Capacity, Decarbonisation by 2047

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

India's government is set to release its draft National Steel Policy for public consultation, aiming for over 600 million tonnes of steelmaking capacity and 500 million tonnes of consumption by 2047. The policy will also introduce a ~5,000-crore scheme to incentivise small steel producers for carbon emission reduction and address challenges like raw material availability and technological dependence.

Coal Stocks at 74 Indian Power Plants Plummet to Just 7 Days

Coal Stocks at 74 Indian Power Plants Plummet to Just 7 Days

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Coal inventories at India's thermal power stations have fallen to 22.9 million tonnes, providing only a seven-day fuel cover and affecting 74 out of 190 plants, a situation last seen in October 2023.

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

As international investigations intensify into the mid-air security scare aboard the Flydubai flight, Israel's i24 News reported that an Emirati source has revealed that among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot were leaflets and publications from "Free Palestine" groups, alongside pro-Palestinian material.

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for another six months in specified areas of Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, effective from October 1. This decision follows a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states, maintaining the "disturbed area" declaration in various districts and police station jurisdictions.

What Did Modi Say To Make Putin, Xi Smile?

What Did Modi Say To Make Putin, Xi Smile?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The 18th BRICS Summit got underway in New Delhi with leaders of partner countries gathering in the capital to discuss the changing global economic and geopolitical landscape.

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

While Smit Machchhar is rightly being lauded as a hero, the curious thing is that the name of the Omani copilot responsible for this attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft has been withheld. His name and face should have been splashed all over the international media. This was not done and it therefore raises legitimate suspicion. Is it possible that his involvement could expose some powerful entity? Could it point to a blatant intelligence failure that would have left certain powers shamefaced? Could it be that he may have revealed things that could prove severely damaging to certain vested interests? asks Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Indian Rowers Mull Complaint Over Last-Minute Crew Changes At Asian Games

Indian Rowers Mull Complaint Over Last-Minute Crew Changes At Asian Games

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Indian rowers at the Asian Games are contemplating a complaint to the sports ministry over last-minute crew changes, which they claim affected their performance. The Rowing Federation of India president, Balaji Maradapa, stated the changes were necessary due to weather-induced schedule compression and accused a former coach of influencing the players.

LIC's top management thins as MD exits, other PSU insurers also face vacancies

LIC's top management thins as MD exits, other PSU insurers also face vacancies

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is facing a thinning of its top management as Managing Director Dinesh Pant exits to join Irdai, leaving one of four MD posts vacant. This comes amidst broader staffing challenges across several public sector insurers and a headless Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).

Mandaviya To Chair Crucial Meeting On Hockey India League's Future

Mandaviya To Chair Crucial Meeting On Hockey India League's Future

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to meet Hockey India League (HIL) franchise owners and federation officials to address the league's financial and administrative crisis. The HIL is struggling with unpaid player dues, rising costs, and franchise withdrawals, prompting the ministry to seek solutions for its survival, especially given its importance for Indian hockey development.

Defence ministry refutes 'concealment' charge over Op Sindoor martyrs

Defence ministry refutes 'concealment' charge over Op Sindoor martyrs

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Amid a row surrounding the six martyrs of Operation Sindoor, the defence ministry on Saturday said the nation paid homage to them at the "earliest opportunity", and their memory shall always be honoured with the dignity and reverence, it deserves.

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.

SC directs Centre to frame statutory safeguards for minors on social media

SC directs Centre to frame statutory safeguards for minors on social media

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explore a statutory framework to ensure social media intermediaries comply with Indian laws regarding minors, particularly concerning their inability to independently enter into contracts. The court highlighted the need for safeguards to protect children from potential harms on digital platforms, including exploitation and misuse of data, and asked the Solicitor General to examine incorporating these requirements into intermediary rules.

UAE to Invest Additional $25 Billion in India, Deepening Economic Ties

UAE to Invest Additional $25 Billion in India, Deepening Economic Ties

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed intent to invest an additional $25 billion in India, with an ultimate goal of reaching $100 billion in investments, Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced. This comes as both nations plan to enhance cooperation in shipping, ports, energy, and emerging technologies, against a backdrop of expanding bilateral trade.

SC orders Delhi police audit, mapping of crime-prone areas

SC orders Delhi police audit, mapping of crime-prone areas

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has issued comprehensive directives to the Delhi Police Commissioner to enhance safety for women and minor girls in Delhi-NCR. These measures include forming dedicated police teams, conducting vulnerability audits of public spaces, improving lighting and CCTV surveillance, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The court also sought reports on the functioning of fast-track courts, utilisation of sexual offender databases, and the Mission Shakti programme.

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

SC to hear plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) next week that seeks the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and challenges the alleged unilateral decision-making within the Election Commission without the approval of two other Election Commissioners.

Days after signing sanctions bill, Trump may receive Xi at airport

Days after signing sanctions bill, Trump may receive Xi at airport

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Top US and Chinese officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, held "candid, in-depth and constructive" talks in New York on economic and trade issues, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence. These discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to Washington and occur amidst new US sanctions targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, and the US unveiling an "AI Force."

Flyers protest at Delhi airport as SpiceJet flights to Dubai delayed

Flyers protest at Delhi airport as SpiceJet flights to Dubai delayed

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Around 200 SpiceJet passengers protested at Delhi airport after their flights to Dubai were repeatedly rescheduled and delayed since Monday. The airline cited operational reasons due to an aircraft grounding and is arranging alternate flights, while the Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA are monitoring SpiceJet's operations.

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary alleges 'harassment' after Asian Games squad drop

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary alleges 'harassment' after Asian Games squad drop

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary, dropped from the Asian Games squad due to an alleged ACL tear, has accused the national federation of physical and mental harassment, claiming she was cleared by doctors to compete and was replaced unfairly.

Asian Games Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment, Threatens Suicide

Asian Games Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment, Threatens Suicide

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary, dropped from the Asian Games squad due to an alleged ACL tear, has accused the national federation of physical and mental harassment, claiming she was medically cleared to compete. The Wushu Association of India maintains she was replaced due to a high-grade ACL tear confirmed by MRI, while Divyanshi alleges foul play to favour another athlete.

Arunachal activist booked over foreign funds for anti-dam protests

Arunachal activist booked over foreign funds for anti-dam protests

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The CBI has registered a case against Arunachal Pradesh environmental activist and lawyer Bhanu Tatak for allegedly receiving Rs 20.94 lakh in foreign funds without mandatory FCRA registration or prior permission. The agency claims these funds were used to organise and sustain protests against two hydropower projects in the state. A preliminary enquiry indicated Tatak received foreign contributions directly into her personal account and did not file income tax returns declaring these funds.

Why Did Gambhir Meet Amit Shah?

Why Did Gambhir Meet Amit Shah?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'A warm meeting with Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShahji. Grateful for his time and guidance. Wishing him continued good health and well-being.'

Independent Inquiry Launched Into Hockey India Harassment Allegations

Independent Inquiry Launched Into Hockey India Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Indian Olympic Association has established a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate allegations of harassment and intimidation against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh. These accusations were made by former women's team captain Asunta Lakra, who claims she was threatened after raising concerns about alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand. The Sports Ministry directed the formation of this panel, while Hockey India faces a separate inquiry against Lakra for allegedly threatening a young player.

How ARAI Is Boosting India's Drone Sector With New Certification

How ARAI Is Boosting India's Drone Sector With New Certification

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has launched comprehensive conformity assessment and certification services for drone manufacturers, aiming to streamline the type approval process for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in India. This initiative supports the rapidly expanding drone sector by ensuring design, quality, and performance meet evolving safety and airworthiness standards.

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Five British nationals arrested on suspicion of terror charges related to an explosives threat near RAF Fairford have been released on police bail. The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation is ongoing, with stringent conditions placed on the suspects. Iran has denied any involvement, while former US President Donald Trump claimed US intelligence assisted in the arrests.

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated 'Vayu UTtaM', an indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system, at 'Dronathon 2026' in Pokhran. This ground-based system is designed to manage drone operations in congested airspace and identify rogue drones, with applications extending to critical infrastructure, civil aviation, and public safety. The event also saw the release of the 'IAF UAS Roadmap' to guide indigenous innovation in unmanned systems.

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Govt inks pact with 4 spiritual bodies to boost 'drug-free India' drive

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Indian government has expanded its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by signing agreements with four spiritual organisations. These partnerships aim to enhance grassroots awareness, prevention, recovery, and social mobilisation efforts against substance abuse, leveraging the extensive reach of these groups.

Will take steps to...: India reacts to US sanctions bill

Will take steps to...: India reacts to US sanctions bill

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

India has stated its commitment to protecting its economic interests and ensuring energy security after the US House of Representatives passed a bill allowing the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries, including India and China, for purchasing Russian crude oil. The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed India's resolve to maintain diversified energy sourcing and has articulated its concerns to US interlocutors regarding the bill's potential implications.

Private Sector Capex Rises 7% in FY25, Govt Spending Slows

Private Sector Capex Rises 7% in FY25, Govt Spending Slows

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Private corporations in India invested approximately 30.3 trillion in fixed assets during FY25, marking a 7 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the statistics ministry. This growth in private capital expenditure contrasts with a slowdown in government capital spending.

How Meta's Offer Will Nail Child Sex Abuse Offenders

How Meta's Offer Will Nail Child Sex Abuse Offenders

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'Details of accounts such as the name, email id associated with the account, the IP address will now be shared with law enforcement agencies, which will help track down offenders faster.'

DRI Cracks Down On Illicit Drug Trafficking With Massive Seizures

DRI Cracks Down On Illicit Drug Trafficking With Massive Seizures

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has conducted multiple intelligence-led operations across India, seizing over 845 kg of various contraband substances including ganja/cannabis, charas, amphetamine, and cocaine. These operations led to the arrest of 15 individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking, disrupting several supply chains.

Pakistan navy ship damaged after ramming into Indian warship

Pakistan navy ship damaged after ramming into Indian warship

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Pakistan over an 'unacceptable' naval collision in international waters, citing a breach of a 1991 bilateral agreement on military conduct after a Pakistani Navy vessel collided with an Indian Navy warship in the Arabian Sea.

SAI Steps Up Support For Indian Contingent At Asian Games

SAI Steps Up Support For Indian Contingent At Asian Games

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has increased its on-ground support for Indian athletes at the Asian Games in Japan, providing transport for shooters and accommodation for staff, following reports of logistical issues and international criticism against the Organising Committee.