News for 'Ministry'

Cashless toll plazas: NHs to go fully digital from April 10

Cashless toll plazas: NHs to go fully digital from April 10

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Cash payments will be discontinued at toll plazas on national highways from April 10, with FASTag as the primary mode of payment and UPI as a fallback option at a higher charge.

Government Puts Airline Seat Rule on Hold After Industry Pushback

Government Puts Airline Seat Rule on Hold After Industry Pushback

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The government has suspended its directive requiring airlines to offer at least 60% of seats on flights without additional charges, following industry concerns about the impact on fares and pricing structures.

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan, aiming to allow Tehran's leadership time to form a unified proposal to end the seven-week war.

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

HC orders FIR against Rahul Gandhi in dual citizenship case

HC orders FIR against Rahul Gandhi in dual citizenship case

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has directed the registration of an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi concerning allegations of dual citizenship, potentially escalating the legal scrutiny surrounding the opposition leader.

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Maya Thakur, a transgender icon, advocates for amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, to include self-identification and protect transgender individuals who wish to remain independent from traditional eunuch communities.

China surpasses US as India's largest trading partner, trade deficit widens

China surpasses US as India's largest trading partner, trade deficit widens

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

China has emerged as India's largest trading partner in 2025-26, with bilateral trade reaching USD 151.1 billion, while India's trade deficit with Beijing widened to an all-time high of USD 112.6 billion.

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.

IAF to procure high-altitude compact UAV for Garud Special Forces

IAF to procure high-altitude compact UAV for Garud Special Forces

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force is set to procure a compact, indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for its elite Special Forces unit, designed to operate in extreme conditions and high altitudes.

Naval Singh Removed After Sumit Antil Alleges Harassment

Naval Singh Removed After Sumit Antil Alleges Harassment

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has terminated the services of coach Naval Singh after Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil accused him of mental harassment and verbal abuse.

Mastermind Arrested In Interstate Robbery Gang Bust

Mastermind Arrested In Interstate Robbery Gang Bust

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Police in Haryana have arrested seven individuals, including the suspected mastermind, in connection with a robbery of gold and cash from a bullion trader's employees. The accused are part of an interstate gang involved in organised robberies across the NCR, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

CNN and Al Jazeera report that the Americans and Iranians are discussing a way out of conflict and hostilities face to face, in the same room -- the first time that such a high level interaction has taken place since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian government has increased the export duty, or windfall tax, on diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre and on aviation fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 a litre, effective immediately, to boost domestic availability and prevent exporters from exploiting global price differences.

1st Indian vessel crosses Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran ceasefire

1st Indian vessel crosses Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

An India-flagged LPG tanker, Jag Vikram, has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, marking a significant development for India's energy security.

Is China providing military aid to Iran?

Is China providing military aid to Iran?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

China's Foreign Ministry has refuted allegations of providing military support to Iran, warning the US against imposing tariffs based on these accusations. The statement follows reports of Iran acquiring a Chinese satellite for targeting US military bases. Meanwhile, a rescheduled meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping is set for May.

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, addressing topics ranging from ceasefire efforts to maritime security and the safe return of Indian nationals. The MEA also addressed the UN Climate Change Conference and the delimitation bill.

Student Suicide At NIT Kurukshetra: Protests Erupt

Student Suicide At NIT Kurukshetra: Protests Erupt

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A second-year student at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, was found dead in her hostel room, marking the fourth suspected student suicide in two months, triggering protests on campus.

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia conflict, urging for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and global commerce.

More than 1,700 Indians return home from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

More than 1,700 Indians return home from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has facilitated the safe passage of over 1,700 Indian nationals from Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan since the beginning of the West Asia conflict.

Russia-China to Discuss West Asia Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Russia-China to Discuss West Asia Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Beijing to discuss the West Asia conflict, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and bilateral relations with Chinese leaders.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

India Launches Robotic Surgery Systems for Battlefield Emergencies

India Launches Robotic Surgery Systems for Battlefield Emergencies

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched indigenous robotic technologies, Project Vimana and Project Operion, designed to perform life-saving surgeries on the battlefield, potentially revolutionising emergency care for injured security personnel.

Iran awaiting FIFA response on World Cup venue switch

Iran awaiting FIFA response on World Cup venue switch

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is uncertain as the government awaits FIFA's response regarding their request to relocate matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns.

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'Whether you will bring this down and cause hurt to senior citizens, who are probably living on that little interest rate that they earn out of it... But equally, if I just look at the kitty of the National Small Savings Fund, it is from that same kitty that I'm borrowing.'

Drug Trafficker Detained Under Stringent Law to Break Delhi Network

Drug Trafficker Detained Under Stringent Law to Break Delhi Network

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A 25-year-old woman, allegedly a key drug trafficker in Delhi, has been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act and will be moved to a Chennai prison to disrupt her network.

Wholesale Price Inflation Jumps to 3.88% in March Amidst West Asia Crisis

Wholesale Price Inflation Jumps to 3.88% in March Amidst West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

India's wholesale price inflation surged to 3.88 per cent in March, marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase, primarily driven by a sharp rise in crude petroleum, natural gas, and manufactured items amidst the West Asia crisis.

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of weapons and military hardware worth Rs 2.38 crore, including S-400 missiles and medium transport aircraft, to bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities.

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Around one full month of supply is firmly arranged with additional procurement being continuously finalised, and oil companies are successfully delivering over 5 million cylinders every day.

India's defence exports surge 63% to record Rs 38,424 cr in FY 2025-26

India's defence exports surge 63% to record Rs 38,424 cr in FY 2025-26

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's defence exports reached a record high of Rs 38,424 crore in fiscal year 2025-26, marking a significant increase of over 62 per cent compared to the previous year, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

An Indian national has been killed in Kuwait following Iranian strikes on a power and water desalination plant, bringing the total number of Indian fatalities in the West Asia conflict to eight.

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers still remain in the western Persian Gulf region

All seven on board killed in Qatari helicopter crash

All seven on board killed in Qatari helicopter crash

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

According to a statement issued by the Turkish ministry of defence, search and rescue operations were launched immediately after the crash, leading to the recovery of the wreckage and the bodies of those onboard.

Unemployment among individuals aged 15 and above rises marginally to 5.1% in March

Unemployment among individuals aged 15 and above rises marginally to 5.1% in March

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

India's unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and older increased to 5.1 per cent in March 2026, up from 4.9 per cent in February, primarily due to a rise in joblessness in urban areas, according to government data.

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, citing concerns over the safety of its athletes.

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan's skewed foreign reserves got a major boost after Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits while extending its existing $5 billion facility for a further three years.

No hike in fuel prices; over 10K PNG connections added daily: Govt

No hike in fuel prices; over 10K PNG connections added daily: Govt

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The petroleum ministry on Friday reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining stable petrol and diesel prices, despite India's high dependence on imports.

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The unregulated marketing has to stop. People are getting recommendations for this from gym trainers, from marriage counsellors -- that is simply unacceptable.' ''There are many ways to lose weight -- eat less, fast, exercise, eat healthy. That is how you lose weight.'

Munir-led Pak delegation reaches Tehran for peace talks

Munir-led Pak delegation reaches Tehran for peace talks

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A Pakistani delegation, led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, has arrived in Tehran to mediate the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, following initial talks in Islamabad.

Pak sends 13,000 soldiers, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

Pak sends 13,000 soldiers, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Pakistan has deployed a military contingent, including soldiers and fighter jets, to Saudi Arabia as part of a joint strategic defence agreement aimed at enhancing military coordination and regional security.