News for 'Ministry'

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The government is considering using the Indian Air Force to transport NEET-UG papers to ensure a secure retest on June 21, following allegations of malpractices in the original exam.

Karnataka to get 4 deputy CMs; cabinet berth for Siddaramaiah's son

Karnataka to get 4 deputy CMs; cabinet berth for Siddaramaiah's son

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is set to meet with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi to discuss the state cabinet reshuffle following Siddaramaiah's resignation. Key topics include Rajya Sabha and MLC candidates, as well as potential appointments of multiple Deputy CMs to maintain social and regional balance.

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to address issues faced by students regarding the CBSE examination system, following allegations of irregularities. The government has committed to transparency and accountability, assuring that all genuine concerns will be addressed effectively.

GST 2.0 guidelines fail to resolve refund delays for large taxpayers

GST 2.0 guidelines fail to resolve refund delays for large taxpayers

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Despite the Centre's GST 2.0 guidelines aiming to facilitate provisional refunds within seven days for low-risk cases, many large taxpayers are still encountering significant delays in obtaining Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds under the inverted duty structure (IDS), with experts citing inconsistent state-level scrutiny and subjective interpretations.

Court Orders Charges Against Jacqueline Fernandez In Money Laundering Case

Court Orders Charges Against Jacqueline Fernandez In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against actress Jacqueline Fernandez, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, and 15 others in connection with a Rs 200-crore money laundering case.

Cong councillor who refused to sing Vande Mataram denied bail

Cong councillor who refused to sing Vande Mataram denied bail

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

An Indore court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Congress councilor Fauzia Sheikh Alim, who is accused of refusing to sing 'Vande Mataram' during a municipal corporation meeting, citing a prima facie case under BNS section 196(1).

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The United States military and Kuwaiti air defence forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, with Iran's state broadcaster claiming American military installations in Kuwait were deliberately targeted.

Bhangar Bomb Blast: NIA Nabs Driver, Searches MLA's Hideouts

Bhangar Bomb Blast: NIA Nabs Driver, Searches MLA's Hideouts

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Sainur Molla, the driver involved in transporting victims of the Bhangar bomb blast in West Bengal, bringing the total arrests to three. The agency also conducted extensive searches at eight locations, including those linked to former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla, a prime suspect, as part of its ongoing investigation into the crude bomb explosion that occurred before the recent state elections.

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed "in principle" to the club-led model of running the Indian Super League (ISL) for two years and has conveyed it to the sports minister, a top official said on Tuesday.

Public Sector Banks clock fourth straight year of profit, hit record Rs 1.98 trillion

Public Sector Banks clock fourth straight year of profit, hit record Rs 1.98 trillion

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Public-sector banks (PSBs) in India have reported an 11.2 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit, reaching a record 1.98 trillion in FY26, marking their fourth consecutive year of profitability, driven by sustained business growth, improved asset quality, and strong capital positions.

NEET leak: Doctors' body denied presentation before Parl panel

NEET leak: Doctors' body denied presentation before Parl panel

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET and CUET UG 2026 exams, the National Testing Agency (NTA) faced tough questions from a parliamentary standing committee regarding safeguards against paper leaks and hacking vulnerabilities.

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Karnataka Minister K H Muniyappa has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the portfolio allocation in the new D K Shivakumar government, citing a lack of consideration for seniority. He urged the Congress leadership to review the assignments, highlighting his preference for portfolios like Social Welfare or Agriculture, and noted that another senior minister, Ramalinga Reddy, also resigned over the issue.

PSU External Borrowings May Top $15 Billion in FY27 Amid RBI Incentives

PSU External Borrowings May Top $15 Billion in FY27 Amid RBI Incentives

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

State-owned enterprises in India are projected to significantly increase their overseas borrowings, potentially exceeding $15 billion in FY27, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's new concessional forex swap facility which offers a 3 per cent funding-cost advantage.

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com29 May 2026

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

Rediff.com18 May 2026

India has voiced deep concern over a drone attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), calling it a dangerous escalation in the West Asia conflict.

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty has criticised the Kerala UDF government for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Centre's PM SHRI scheme and attempting to implement it despite earlier opposition. He clarified that the previous LDF government froze the agreement over concerns about the National Education Policy and that funds received were not for PM SHRI. The scheme continues to be a politically contentious issue in the state.

Trump praises Modi, says India 'took advantage' of US policies

Trump praises Modi, says India 'took advantage' of US policies

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Responding to a question on the trade deal being negotiated between the two countries, Trump said India had taken advantage of US policies for years and charged tremendous tariffs.

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Over the past year, the sale of injectable GLP-1 agonists (used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity) such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic have surged a whopping 218 per cent.

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is instead working with Oman to establish a mechanism for the safe passage of ships through the Strait.

Bilateral mechanism in place for deportation of illegal Bangladeshis: Govt

Bilateral mechanism in place for deportation of illegal Bangladeshis: Govt

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India on Friday reiterated that it follows a structured bilateral mechanism for the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals and expressed hope that pending nationality verification requests with Dhaka would be expedited, amid fresh allegations by Bangladesh that the Border Security Force (BSF) was attempting to push people across the border.

India's peak power demand reaches record high amidst heatwave

India's peak power demand reaches record high amidst heatwave

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 257.37 GW on Monday, driven by increased use of cooling appliances during an intense heatwave, according to power ministry data. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast continued heatwave conditions in northwest and central India.

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Airtel, which upgraded all postpaid customers to priority plans, argued that the service did not throttle or degrade the experience for its prepaid customers, forming the majority of its 368 million customers in the country.

India urges states, UTs to step up Ebola surveillance after WHO alert

India urges states, UTs to step up Ebola surveillance after WHO alert

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Union Health Ministry has directed states and Union territories to enhance surveillance, hospital preparedness, and screening of international travellers after the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

Ebola fears: Another Sudanese hospitalised in Hyderabad, Ugandan girl isolated in Jaipur

Ebola fears: Another Sudanese hospitalised in Hyderabad, Ugandan girl isolated in Jaipur

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

A Sudanese national with fever was admitted to the state-run Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, taking the total number of Ebola-related admissions at the facility to two, officials said on Friday, while a 19-year-old woman from Uganda has been admitted to a government hospital in Jaipur after showing symptoms similar to Ebola virus infection.

Anti-Doping Act To Criminalise Substance Trafficking, Distribution

Anti-Doping Act To Criminalise Substance Trafficking, Distribution

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The National Anti Doping Act will be amended to criminalise trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances with a jail term of upto five years, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday.

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Dr Subhash Kashyap not only enhanced Parliament's image in India and abroad, but also the position of Lok Sabha secretary-general which succeeding secretary-generals have upheld thorough neutrality, objectivity and high degree of professionalism, notes Rup Narayan Das.

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Union home ministry has updated the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, requiring foreigners staying in India beyond 180 days to register before their visa expires. The new rules also offer relief to children born to foreign parents and revise reporting requirements for medical institutions.

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that India's economy is projected to return to a 7 per cent-plus growth trajectory by 2027-28 (FY28), or sooner if external conditions improve, despite near-term challenges from the West Asia crisis.

Sports Ministry Approves Lundup's Participation in Winter Olympics

Sports Ministry Approves Lundup's Participation in Winter Olympics

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Sports Ministry has approved cross country skier Stanzin Lundup's participation in the Winter Olympics in Italy, despite a Delhi High Court order regarding Manjeet's exclusion. The decision was made at no cost to the government.

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.

Fintechs Seek Safe Harbour Shield

Fintechs Seek Safe Harbour Shield

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'There has to be a safe harbour for licensed entities, which have followed all the norms prescribed by the RBI.'

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Oil-marketing companies (OMCs) are set to significantly expand the sale of flex fuel (E85) across India, with plans to reach 5,000 outlets in major cities by the end of next year, according to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This move aims to boost ethanol demand, reduce crude oil imports, and cut carbon emissions, coinciding with the launch of India's first flex-fuel vehicles by Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.

National Commission For Women Plans UT Offices

National Commission For Women Plans UT Offices

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has proposed opening offices in India's Union territories and is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

Why The Boxing Federation Of India Is Under Fire

Why The Boxing Federation Of India Is Under Fire

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Sports Ministry has issued a showcause notice to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) over concerns about its selection policy and failure to make key appointments.

BJP, Nepal's RSP Discuss Gen Z

BJP, Nepal's RSP Discuss Gen Z

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Our discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties.'

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has emphasised that the expert committee tasked with defining the Aravalli hills and ranges must consult domain experts and other stakeholders to ensure public input is heard.

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Environment Ministry's expert appraisal committee (EAC) has cleared the expansion of the Magadh opencast coal mine in Jharkhand, operated by Central Coalfields Limited, despite pending court cases regarding alleged encroachment of forest land.

J-K Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 2 Cr Linked To Drug Trafficking

J-K Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 2 Cr Linked To Drug Trafficking

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir police have attached properties worth approximately Rs 2 crore, allegedly acquired through proceeds from illicit narcotics trafficking, as part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.