News for 'Ministry'

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Rediff.com4 days ago

The government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to amend provisions for decriminalising minor offences, aiming to promote ease of doing business and living.

Centre Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drug Misuse

Centre Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drug Misuse

Rediff.com6 days ago

Inspections conducted across 49 entities including pharmacies, wholesalers, and clinics to detect violations and misleading marketing practices.

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Rediff.com5 days ago

In an official statement, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry, alleging that Moscow was attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes.

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are opposing the government's directive to offer 60% of seats for free selection, arguing it will lead to increased airfares to compensate for lost revenue.

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalls writing to Narendra Modi in 2010 about conserving the Great Indian Bustard, amid recent announcements of successful conservation efforts.

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

Rediff.com22 hours ago

The Indian government has maintained the interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF and NSC, for the eighth consecutive quarter, starting April 1, 2026.

Ukraine protests over detention of nationals in India

Ukraine protests over detention of nationals in India

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Ukraine has lodged a formal protest with India regarding the detention of six Ukrainian nationals in Mizoram, alleging unauthorised entry and unlawful activities. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is seeking consular access and immediate release of its citizens.

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and oil companies amidst volatile international oil markets.

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

Rediff.com4 hours ago

The 4th India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) showcases athletic gear and equipment from 75 exhibitors, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting sports goods manufacturing in India.

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Rediff.com1 days ago

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar sustained a hairline fracture in his shoulder after a fall during a reception for his Egyptian counterpart. Despite the injury, he continued with scheduled meetings throughout the day.

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The 4th India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) is set to take place, showcasing athletic gear and equipment from across the country, as the government pushes to establish India as a global hub for sports goods manufacturing.

Big relief for flyers, govt says no selection fees on 60% seats

Big relief for flyers, govt says no selection fees on 60% seats

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Indian airlines are now required to offer 60% of seats for free and ensure families sit together, as the government strengthens passenger rights and addresses concerns about high seat selection fees.

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Rediff.com6 days ago

The mortal remains of a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, who was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been returned to his family in Sitapur. Ravi Gopal, who worked as a driver, died on March 18. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed condolences and facilitated the repatriation of his body.

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

Rediff.com1 hour ago

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point peace plan to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, focusing on de-escalation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

Rediff.com2 days ago

A combination of security pressure and rehabilitation efforts has significantly weakened Naxalism in India, leading to numerous surrenders and the elimination of key leaders.

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Suspected Poisoning Near Satpura Tiger Reserve

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Suspected Poisoning Near Satpura Tiger Reserve

Rediff.com2 days ago

A radio-collared tiger was allegedly poisoned to death near the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the arrest of five individuals suspected of lacing the tiger's kill with poison after it preyed on their cattle; the suspects are also allegedly involved in illegal opium cultivation.

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has stated that it does not maintain centralised data on incidents of hate speech, racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination against people from the Northeast, emphasising that policing and public order are the responsibility of state governments.

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

In view of the disruptive situations, the Central government has also announced a financial relief package of Rs 497 crores aimed at helping exporters affected by disruptions in West Asia.

Iran threatens to target US-Israeli universities in West Asia

Iran threatens to target US-Israeli universities in West Asia

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday issued a stark warning that American and Israeli universities in West Asia could be treated as 'legitimate targets' in retaliation for alleged United States and Israeli strikes on Iranian academic institutions and cultural infrastructure.

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

Rediff.com3 hours ago

India significantly increased piped natural gas (PNG) connections in March as the government accelerates the expansion of cleaner fuel networks amid global supply disruptions.

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Poisoning in Madhya Pradesh

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Poisoning in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com3 days ago

A radio-collared tiger was allegedly poisoned to death in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the arrest of five individuals. The incident highlights concerns about poaching and monitoring failures, prompting calls for investigation and accountability.

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has asked the finance ministry to spell out a clear legal strategy, including options such as a "golden share" or indirect control structures, to maintain strategic oversight in public sector entities if state ownership falls below 51 per cent.

'No virus': Toxic pesticides, cadmium suspected in Rajouri mystery deaths

'No virus': Toxic pesticides, cadmium suspected in Rajouri mystery deaths

Rediff.com2 days ago

Fresh findings suggest pesticide compounds and elevated cadmium levels may be linked to the deaths of 17 people in a remote village in Rajouri district.

Indian National Stranded in Russia Amid Gulf Tensions Seeks Repatriation

Indian National Stranded in Russia Amid Gulf Tensions Seeks Repatriation

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has addressed Parliament regarding a case of an Indian national seeking repatriation from Russia due to the situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. The government also responded to queries about Indian nationals denied entry to South Korea and seafarers detained in foreign countries.

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, special envoy, foreign ministry of Israel, has asserted that the situation has effectively been a "multi-front regional conflict" since its inception, while claiming significant military and strategic gains against adversarial forces.

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Russia has expressed strong concern over a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a key transit hub on the INSTC, warning of the risk of drawing Caspian states into the ongoing conflict.

India's Sports Startup Ecosystem: Report Unveils Growth Pathways

India's Sports Startup Ecosystem: Report Unveils Growth Pathways

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A new report, 'India's Sports Startup Ecosystem: Current Status and Emerging Pathways,' was unveiled, offering insights into the sports industry's growth potential, innovation, and opportunities for stakeholders as India prepares to host major international sporting events.

Middle East conflict nears nuke flashpoint, warns WHO; urges restraint

Middle East conflict nears nuke flashpoint, warns WHO; urges restraint

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Tedros said that the war in the Middle East has reached a perilous stage with strikes reportedly hitting the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran, and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear facility is located.

UP family seeks aid after man dies in suspected Riyadh missile attack

UP family seeks aid after man dies in suspected Riyadh missile attack

Rediff.com5 days ago

The family of a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, who was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, has demanded compensation and a government job for his widow from the local administration.

Iran imposes 'toll' in Hormuz; India calls it baseless

Iran imposes 'toll' in Hormuz; India calls it baseless

Rediff.com5 days ago

The report said ships must submit full documentation, obtain clearance codes and accept IRGC-escorted passage through a designated corridor.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

Parliamentary panel wants minimum pension under EPS hiked to Rs 7500

Parliamentary panel wants minimum pension under EPS hiked to Rs 7500

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A parliamentary panel has recommended an urgent review of the Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995, to raise it to a more realistic and dignified level, considering the rising cost of living and the financial hardships faced by pensioners.

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Pakistan has rejected India's criticism of its military campaign in Afghanistan, calling India's statement 'baseless' and 'misleading'.

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that nearly 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the West Asia conflict, and 23,000 students in the Gulf region missed CBSE exams due to the turmoil.

Punjab's Halwara Airport to Commence Flight Bookings in April, Boosting Connectivity

Punjab's Halwara Airport to Commence Flight Bookings in April, Boosting Connectivity

Rediff.com2 days ago

Flight bookings for Halwara airport in Punjab are scheduled to begin in April, with the first commercial flight expected between May 10 and 15. The airport's opening is anticipated to significantly enhance air connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

After the Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars Gas Field on Wednesday night, in retaliation, Iran struck Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, resulting in extensive damage, as per the country's Ministry of Defence.

Over 1 Crore Public Grievances Received in Five Years: What's Being Done?

Over 1 Crore Public Grievances Received in Five Years: What's Being Done?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha was informed that over 1 crore public grievances were received in the last five years through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). The government has taken several measures to improve the accountability and efficiency of the grievance redressal mechanism.

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Rediff.com4 days ago

Airpay Payment Services has partnered with Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) to enable UPI-based digital payments across the lender's network in Maharashtra, aiming to accelerate financial inclusion in rural areas.

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

According to sources, the Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide assistance or help required by merchant vessels.