News for 'Ministry'

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit, offering a potential opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to address the long-standing border dispute and recurring tensions, with both sides emphasising the importance of peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations amidst recent reports of aggressive Chinese posturing in Arunachal Pradesh.

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has requested India to create a "conducive environment" for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's potential visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, linking it to their demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This comes amidst strained relations following Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, which Bangladesh deemed offensive, and her subsequent death sentence in absentia for "crimes against humanity." India maintains that the extradition request is under examination and that it had no role in Hasina's media event.

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India's top women's singles players, including Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Vaidehee Chaudhari, have been excluded from the Asian Games tennis squad after the Sports Ministry pruned the list, leaving the national challenge without its leading singles contenders.

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move from 'endless war to the end of war' in Ukraine, emphasising that a peaceful resolution is humanity's shared priority.

China blames high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal for flash floods

China blames high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal for flash floods

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

China on Friday said the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal may have triggered the massive flash flood disaster that engulfed the Tibet-Nepal border, killing hundreds and causing widespread damage.

What Are Our Leaders Up To?

What Are Our Leaders Up To?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Glimpses of our leaders at work on Wednesday: From photography and policy meetings to honours for veterans and high-level consultations.

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media interaction in New Delhi, stating it played no role in the event nor endorsed her comments regarding the Bangladesh government. This comes after Bangladesh expressed outrage over the permitted interaction, which saw Hasina announce her determination to return to Bangladesh to restore democracy.

NSDC And AWS Launch Major Cloud And AI Skilling Initiative

NSDC And AWS Launch Major Cloud And AI Skilling Initiative

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cultus Education, has launched a nationwide initiative to provide cloud and AI skilling to 1.5 lakh learners. This programme aims to equip youth, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with essential technology skills and job-ready training, contributing to India's goal of becoming a global innovation hub.

Nepal floods: 'She was coming for Raksha Bandhan, but decided to visit Kailash first'

Nepal floods: 'She was coming for Raksha Bandhan, but decided to visit Kailash first'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

An NRI couple from Vadodara, Kinnari and Mihir Patel, who travelled to Nepal from New Zealand, have gone missing after devastating flash floods hit the region, prompting their family to appeal to the government for swift rescue action.

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Airports Authority of India has received a request for a waiver from contractual restrictions that prevent airport concessionaires and their group entities from holding equity in scheduled airlines, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed in the Rajya Sabha. This comes amid reports of the Adani group's interest in the airline business, despite their denial.

Education Ministry dismisses concerns over CBSE 'On Screen Marking'

Education Ministry dismisses concerns over CBSE 'On Screen Marking'

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Ministry of Education has dismissed concerns about On-Screen Marking (OSM) affecting students' scores in CBSE class 12 exams and announced a reduction in revaluation and answer sheet verification charges to ease student anxiety.

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a bill which now provides 'Vande Mataram' with the same legal protection and status as India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee said the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content should include robust technology-enabled age-verification mechanisms, effective parental controls and suitable penalties for non-compliance.

Hundreds throng Nepal hospitals, emergency wards crammed

Hundreds throng Nepal hospitals, emergency wards crammed

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Hundreds of people are desperately searching for missing family members and friends outside hospitals in Nepal, as devastating flash floods have killed at least 270 people and left 826, including 476 foreigners, reported missing.

Air India flight turbulence: Pilot undergoes dope test again

Air India flight turbulence: Pilot undergoes dope test again

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude, leading to injuries and prompting a psychoactive substance screening for the pilot-in-command, with confirmatory test results now awaited.

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted the Textbook Development Team for class 11 and 12 political science with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems and inclusion, with at least four of the members having direct or indirect links with the RSS.

India scraps physical boarding passes for international flyers

India scraps physical boarding passes for international flyers

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Indian immigration authorities are eliminating the mandatory physical stamping of boarding passes for international travellers from September 1, allowing e-boarding passes on smartphones for clearance. This move by the Bureau of Immigration aims to reduce passenger inconvenience and errors, with physical passes still accepted but not stamped. A pilot project for digital immigration entry/exit for Indian passport holders is also underway.

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao underscores the critical importance of heeding local warnings regarding alleged Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control, amidst ongoing border tensions and official denials.

Flags should not be thrown on ground: MHA asks states, UTs to follow Flag Code

Flags should not be thrown on ground: MHA asks states, UTs to follow Flag Code

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Union home ministry directed all the states and Union territories on Monday to adhere to the Flag Code, underlining that while flags made of paper may be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, those should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the events.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with a deepening flood crisis as the death toll from devastating flash floods in Rasuwa and surrounding districts has tragically risen to 538, with authorities now warning of a fresh flood threat and initiating evacuations.

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Several popular rum and whisky brands, including variants of Old Monk Rum and McDowell's No 1, have been prohibited from sale after laboratory tests found their samples did not conform to prescribed standards, primarily due to the addition of artificial flavouring substances.

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'You have to get private investment to somewhere between 35% to 36% of GDP. It is hovering about 30%-31%.'

India Hosts BRICS Sports And Youth Ministers Meeting In Visakhapatnam

India Hosts BRICS Sports And Youth Ministers Meeting In Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a two-day meeting of BRICS Sports and Youth Ministers in Visakhapatnam, aiming to strengthen cooperation in youth affairs and sports, with a focus on sports manufacturing, indigenous disciplines, and youth development.

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting, organised by India's Sports Ministry, successfully concluded in Visakhapatnam. Presided over by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting built upon previous youth engagements, focusing on developing young leaders and promoting youth cooperation among BRICS nations.

Probe report on Justice Varma tabled in RS amid removal proceedings

Probe report on Justice Varma tabled in RS amid removal proceedings

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

An inquiry committee's report into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, who faced removal proceedings over unaccounted cash found at his residence, was tabled in Rajya Sabha. The report details the investigation into the alleged discovery of burnt currency following a fire at his official residence. Justice Varma has since resigned, rendering the removal proceedings infructuous, though his resignation is yet to be formally notified.

5 Entities With 62% Voting Rights Behind Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.5 Cr Insolvency Plan Getting NCLT Nod

5 Entities With 62% Voting Rights Behind Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.5 Cr Insolvency Plan Getting NCLT Nod

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved media baron Subhash Chandra's personal insolvency resolution plan, which proposes to pay Rs 6.5 crore against admitted creditor claims of approximately Rs 22,006.57 crore, despite allegations from dissenting lenders that five family-linked entities controlled 61.78 per cent of the voting share.

RSS critic Kharge says no rioting cases against outfit, sparks row

RSS critic Kharge says no rioting cases against outfit, sparks row

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated in the Legislative Council that no cases of communal riots or other crimes have been registered against the RSS. This statement, made in response to an opposition query, has sparked a political controversy, with the BJP criticising Kharge, a vocal RSS critic, for his alleged "political vendetta." Kharge, in turn, clarified that the RSS is not a registered legal entity, and therefore, cases are registered against individuals, not the organisation itself, calling for its registration for transparency.

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

India and China have agreed to advance discussions on an "Early and Substantial Harvest" of boundary delimitation and border management during the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Both sides reached an eight-point consensus, committing to the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement. Key outcomes include enhancing border management, improving understanding of the Line of Actual Control, establishing new meeting points and hotlines, and continuing cooperation on trans-border rivers and pilgrimage.

Bangladesh PM's visit should take place sooner...: Indian envoy

Bangladesh PM's visit should take place sooner...: Indian envoy

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, highlighted the importance of dialogue in resolving bilateral issues between India and Bangladesh, expressing optimism for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India. His remarks come amidst diplomatic strains over Bangladesh's demand for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose virtual media interaction from New Delhi caused outrage in Dhaka.

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian government sources revealed that a 'cautious approach' was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June talks with then-US President Donald Trump due to concerns over Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' with foreign leaders, leading to a preference against a joint media interaction.

New Censor Rule: No Film Changes After Certification

New Censor Rule: No Film Changes After Certification

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification has updated Rule 33 of the Cinematograph Certification Rules, prohibiting filmmakers from making any post-certification modifications, cuts, or additions to their films, making the certified cut the definitive final version.

Suspense over Xi's BRICS visit continues as Doval meets Chinese VP Han, FM Wang

Suspense over Xi's BRICS visit continues as Doval meets Chinese VP Han, FM Wang

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, focusing on the India-China boundary question and enhancing bilateral relations. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, aiming to address persistent border differences and stabilise ties strained by past conflicts like the Galwan Valley clash.

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The defence ministryh has "initiated efforts" to join the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, Future Combat Air System (FCAS), spearheaded by the French government, and sought from it the roadmap to acquire such aircraft, a parliamentary panel has said.

Bangladesh fumes over Hasina's media interaction in India

Bangladesh fumes over Hasina's media interaction in India

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Bangladesh on Wednesday expressed outrage over deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, saying the event has hurt the sentiments of its people and could adversely affect efforts to improve bilateral ties with India.

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The pilots testing positive have been removed from duty, with their samples sent for confirmatory testing.

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payments Ecosystem

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payments Ecosystem

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed a decade since its launch, becoming the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem. It has seen exponential growth in transaction volume and value, expanding financial inclusion and setting a global benchmark for real-time payments.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

Education Ministry To Prioritise AI Training For Teachers

Education Ministry To Prioritise AI Training For Teachers

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Education Ministry will focus on training teachers in the use of Artificial Intelligence tools over the next three to four months to support classroom teaching, lesson planning and student assessment, a senior official said.

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.