News for 'National Social Assistance Programme'

Budget 2026: Sports goods sector gets Rs 500 cr boost; Rs 900 cr for Khelo India

Budget 2026: Sports goods sector gets Rs 500 cr boost; Rs 900 cr for Khelo India

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government's flagship Khelo India programme received an allocation of Rs 924.35 crore.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

India restores embassy in Kabul, vows to deepen ties with Afghanistan

India restores embassy in Kabul, vows to deepen ties with Afghanistan

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The MEA release said that the embassy of India in Kabul will further augment India's contribution to Afghanistan's comprehensive development.

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

BJP sources said the formal process to elect current party President J P Nadda's successor will begin in mid-January, following Makar Sankranti, with Nitin Nabin expected to be the frontrunner to file his nomination.

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

'Poverty eradication is a continuous process. There is no full stop to it.'

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a draft resolution endorsing United States President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan and authorising the establishment of an international stabilisation force in the enclave, with the American leader describing it as a 'moment of true historic proportion'.

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has announced a massive increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge that will fundamentally alter how American companies hire skilled foreign workers, particularly impacting Indian IT professionals who comprise the largest group of beneficiaries.

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received Rs 13,611 crore in the Union Budget announced on Saturday, while the allocation for disability welfare now stands at Rs 1,275 crore.

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

'The Bhashini Mission has delivered a working technology at large scale, which is as good as or better than the one with MNC tech giants.'

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of non-compliance with laws and irregularities at Vantara, a Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat. The SIT will examine the acquisition of animals, compliance with wildlife protection laws, and other related issues.

Why Gen Z Fears AI And Big Tech Jobs

Why Gen Z Fears AI And Big Tech Jobs

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Gen Z, driven by AI anxiety and economic pragmatism, have concerns about pursuing passions as careers as they fear it may not make them enough sufficient income.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Israel committed to 'degrading' Iran's nuclear threat: Envoy

Israel committed to 'degrading' Iran's nuclear threat: Envoy

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Asked about the expectations from the US, Azar said Washington and Israel are "completely in sync". He said he felt that the US would "support" Israel's action.

Seniors gang rape student inside Kolkata college, main accused linked to TMC

Seniors gang rape student inside Kolkata college, main accused linked to TMC

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

A first-year student of a law college in south Kolkata was allegedly "gang-raped" inside the institution by an alumnus and two senior students of the institution, a police officer said on Friday.

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation cuts funds, there could be more impact.'

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The BJP's surprise announcement of a caste census in the next census has sparked political debate, particularly in Bihar where the issue of backward empowerment holds significant electoral weight. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by the ruling party to counter opposition efforts to mobilize support among disadvantaged sections of society. The decision is also viewed as a recognition of the growing influence of OBC politics in India.

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sports budget raised by over Rs 350 crore, Khelo India gets biggest share

This phase will...: SC judges visit strife-torn Manipur

This phase will...: SC judges visit strife-torn Manipur

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Supreme Court judge, Justice B R Gavai, expressed hope that the "current difficult phase" in ethnic strife-torn Manipur will be over soon with the assistance of the executive, legislature and judiciary and the state will prosper like the rest of the country. Justice Gavai, who led a delegation of Supreme Court judges that visited Manipur, called upon the people of the state to work together to restore peace and harmony. He also urged the people of the state to work together to restore peace and normalcy, and lauded the natural beauty he witnessed while travelling from Imphal to Churachandpur. He expressed delight in noting that training programmes were being imparted at the relief camps, and thanked the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court and the district legal services authority for their efforts. Justice Gavai also stressed the need for readmission of students who had to drop out of school due to the conflict and called upon the educational institutions and the public to ensure all students complete their education.

'Imposing Hindi Will Affect BJP's Prospects In Tamil Nadu'

'Imposing Hindi Will Affect BJP's Prospects In Tamil Nadu'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'The vast majority of BJP supporters in Tamil Nadu can't speak any language other than Tamil.' 'When rural Tamil Nadu can't speak any other language than Tamil, how are they going to convince them that they have to learn Hindi?'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'Additionally, the significant employment multiplier will boost direct and indirect jobs of up to 1.1 million.'

FM seeks additional Rs 2.35 lakh crore to meet expenses

FM seeks additional Rs 2.35 lakh crore to meet expenses

Rediff.com14 Sep 2020

Of the total cash outgo Rs 40,000 crore is towards enhanced expenditure under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program and Rs 33,771.48 crore have been sought for direct benefit transfer under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and National Social Assistance Programme.

The Coming Dementia Epidemic

The Coming Dementia Epidemic

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Around 7.4 per cent of Indians aged 60 and above are affected by dementia. This number is expected to rise from the current 8.8 million to 17 million by 2036, marking a 97 per cent increase.

Want A Govt Job? 10 Competitive Exams You Can Take

Want A Govt Job? 10 Competitive Exams You Can Take

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

rediffGURU Rohit Gupta, co-founder and COO of College Vidya, provides a list of competitive exams that can help you land a job in the public sector.

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Union Budget as a "people's budget" that fulfills the dreams of every Indian and said that it is a "force-multiplier" that will boost consumption, investment and growth. He highlighted a host of measures for different sectors, including welfare initiatives for gig workers, tax relief for the middle class, and support for the manufacturing sector.

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump for the fourth time in recent days claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million funding to India for 'voter turnout', evoking a sharp response from the Congress which urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'talk to his friend' and strongly refute the allegation.

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy, suspends visa services in Agartala

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy, suspends visa services in Agartala

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura's capital Agartala on Tuesday announced the suspension of all visa and consular services with immediate effect until further notice because of 'security reasons', a day after the mission's premises was breached by a group of people protesting against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka.

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The number of cyberfraud cases has skyrocketed from 2,677 in 1999-2000 to 29,082 in FY24 -- more than a 10-fold increase. The RBI pegs digital payment frauds at Rs 1,457 crore in FY24, up more than five times in a year. It's not just the number of frauds. What's alarming is the growing sophistication of the fraudsters, exposing the vulnerabilities within the financial system, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

India to get $ 1.5 bn loan from ADB to buy Covid vax

India to get $ 1.5 bn loan from ADB to buy Covid vax

Rediff.com25 Nov 2021

The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$ 1.5 billion (around Rs 11,185 crore) loan to India for COVID-19 vaccine procurement.

Cash transferred in accounts of poor during lockdown: Govt

Cash transferred in accounts of poor during lockdown: Govt

Rediff.com14 Apr 2020

To kick-start the work under MGNREGA after the lockdown is lifted, the government has already prepared plans and states have also submitted their work plans.

COVID-19: India declines UN's integrated supply chain assistance

COVID-19: India declines UN's integrated supply chain assistance

Rediff.com28 Apr 2021

India has declined assistance offered by the United Nations of its integrated supply chain for COVID19-related material, saying the country has a "robust system" to deal with the required logistics, a spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said.

Aadhaar is a empowerment tool for the poor: Chidambaram

Aadhaar is a empowerment tool for the poor: Chidambaram

Rediff.com17 Feb 2014

The apex court observed that the government could not deny benefits to those who did not have not Aadhaar numbers.

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

Whether it was the MGNREGS or the NFSA or the Aadhaar-based DBT scheme for cash transfer, the Modi government has built on the basic architecture created by the Singh government. Policy makers in the Modi government, instead of discarding them as products of the previous political regime, worked on them, expanded their scope and reach, and used new tools to improve their performance, explains A K Bhattacharya.

Atishi Marlena In Delhi's Hot Seat

Atishi Marlena In Delhi's Hot Seat

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

The Delhi battlefield may not be a cakewalk for the Rhodes Scholar.

SC stays MP civic body order, allows Christian prayer meeting

SC stays MP civic body order, allows Christian prayer meeting

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

The petition was filed against the order of the high court upholding the revocation of the nod to hold the prayer meet.

President Murmu flags cost, use of English as hurdles to justice

President Murmu flags cost, use of English as hurdles to justice

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

She said that access to justice for all has been a theme close to her heart and mentioned several steps taken to help economically disadvantaged sections of society to approach legal institutions for remedial action.

'Make caste discrimination in schools and colleges a crime'

'Make caste discrimination in schools and colleges a crime'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2023

'The government should immediately enact an Act to make caste discrimination a criminal offence and lay down a procedure similar to that of the Anti-Ragging Act.' 'Ragging has nearly been eliminated because it is treated as a criminal offence.' 'Similar procedure should be used in case of caste discrimination.'

'Brother' Kejriwal's govt announces Rs 1000 monthly aid for women above 18

'Brother' Kejriwal's govt announces Rs 1000 monthly aid for women above 18

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Monday announced the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' for the 2024-25 fiscal, under which Rs 1,000 will be given monthly to women aged above 18 from the fiscal year 2024-25.

10 Tips for Losing Belly Fat

10 Tips for Losing Belly Fat

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

Focus on consuming fewer calories overall to create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss, advises rediffGURU Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan.

WOW Moments From Paris Olympics!

WOW Moments From Paris Olympics!

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

With the athletes bidding goodbye to Paris after another bone-tingling edition of the Olympics, Norma Astrid Godinho/Rediff.com, shares some interesting nuggets that made the Paris Olympics an event to remember!