News for 'People Development'

SC stays UGC regulations on hold, flags 'dangerous impact'

SC stays UGC regulations on hold, flags 'dangerous impact'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed a recent University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation following petitions arguing that the Commission's definition of caste-based discrimination was too narrow, excluding certain categories from institutional protection.

'Beggar' picked up from Indore street owns 3 houses, car, autos

'Beggar' picked up from Indore street owns 3 houses, car, autos

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

An anti-beggary drive in Indore, India, uncovered a leprosy-afflicted man who reportedly owns property worth several lakh rupees, including houses, a car, and autorickshaws, and earns interest by lending money.

Trump unveils 'Board of Peace', India skips ceremony

Trump unveils 'Board of Peace', India skips ceremony

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

India was among the countries not present in Davos when US President Donald Trump unveiled his "Board of Peace" that seeks to work towards bringing lasting peace to Gaza and possibly resolve global conflicts. India is yet to take a call on it, people familiar with the matter said when asked about Trump's invite to PM Modi.

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court's stay on the UGC equity regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses has been met with mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, while some expressed concern over the implications for marginalized communities.

'Wherever Cricket Is Played In The World, Indian Audiences, Indian Sponsors, Indian Corporate Houses Provide Funding, Make It A Success'

'Wherever Cricket Is Played In The World, Indian Audiences, Indian Sponsors, Indian Corporate Houses Provide Funding, Make It A Success'

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Inderjit Bindra, who raised Indian cricket on the world stage in the 1990s and early years of this century, passed into the ages on Sunday. 26 years ago, Mr Bindra spoke at length to Rediff about his vision for Indian cricket, an interview which we republish in his memory.

States Chalk Out Plans For Census 2027

States Chalk Out Plans For Census 2027

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Odisha and Uttar Pradesh are among the first to roll out the digital exercise.

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'It would have polarised the Marathi-non Marathi divide further. 'Fadnavis had a very clear strategy: Let all Marathi people campaign for us (the BJP), and whatever results we get will be delivered by Marathi people only.'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

Ukraine war to end? Zelenskyy announces trilateral meet in UAE

Ukraine war to end? Zelenskyy announces trilateral meet in UAE

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Zelenskyy also stated that documents being drafted with Washington, DC to end the war were close to completion.

8 Islamic nations agree to join Trump's 'Board of Peace'

8 Islamic nations agree to join Trump's 'Board of Peace'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Trump's 'Board of Peace' is being projected by Washington, DC as a new international body to usher in peace and stability in Gaza and beyond, triggering speculation that it could throw a challenge to the United Nations.

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin has been formally declared as the BJP national president, succeeding J P Nadda. The leadership transition was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers.

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'What has changed is that the new regulations are backed by a clear enforcement framework. They have real consequences and, for the first time, make compliance unavoidable.'

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

From EV bus expansion to airport-like terminals and rural connectivity, Uttar Pradesh is overhauling public transport to cut pollution and ensure every village has modern, affordable travel, reports Siddharth Kalhans.

Delhi blast: ED attaches Al Falah University assets worth Rs 140 cr

Delhi blast: ED attaches Al Falah University assets worth Rs 140 cr

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached the land and building of Haryana-based Al Falah University, worth about Rs 140 crore, that came under the radar of the security agencies following the November 10 Red Fort area blast, and filed a charge sheet against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and his charitable trust.

Modi, Merz set for Ahmedabad talks amid rising global tensions

Modi, Merz set for Ahmedabad talks amid rising global tensions

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

In their talks, Modi and Merz are likely to deliberate on trade and investment ties as New Delhi is looking at deepening economic engagement with Europe against the backdrop of Washington's 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, people familiar with the matter said.

Doctors who wrote 'Rx' held RDX in hands: Rajnath on Delhi car blast

Doctors who wrote 'Rx' held RDX in hands: Rajnath on Delhi car blast

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns of a rising trend of white-collar terrorism, where highly educated individuals engage in anti-social and anti-national activities. He cited the Red Fort bombing as an example and emphasized the importance of values and ethics in education.

GBS outbreak in MP town, 2 dead; govt ramps up detection

GBS outbreak in MP town, 2 dead; govt ramps up detection

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Two persons have died after an outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), an immunological nerve disorder, in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district, prompting the government to launch a drive to identify patients and ensure their treatment, officials said.

Noida techie death: Real estate firm director arrested

Noida techie death: Real estate firm director arrested

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Police on Tuesday arrested the director of a real estate group in connection with the death of a 27-year-old software engineer, whose car had plunged into a water-filled pit at a construction site in Noida's Sector 150, officials said.

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Lucknow alleging illegal religious conversion activities at King George's Medical University (KGMU), following the arrest of a KGMU intern in a rape and blackmail case. The VHP demanded swift action against those involved, claiming an organized attempt at religious conversion.

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer passengers an "airline-like travel experience at economical fares," a statement issued by the PMO stated.

Iran moves UNSC after Trump's appeal to protesters

Iran moves UNSC after Trump's appeal to protesters

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Iran has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, interfering in Iran's internal affairs, and threatening military action, according to an official letter circulated by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN.

Trump says Iran 'called to negotiate', but warns 'US may...'

Trump says Iran 'called to negotiate', but warns 'US may...'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

When asked whether Iran had crossed the red line he had drawn over the treatment of protesters, Trump said, "They're starting to, it looks like."

Tina Dabi Flag Hoisting Video Goes Viral, IAS Officer Explains What Went Wrong

Tina Dabi Flag Hoisting Video Goes Viral, IAS Officer Explains What Went Wrong

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A video of IAS officer Tina Dabi during flag hoisting has gone viral. She explains how the mistake happened and clears the air.

Remained unapologetic on Op Sindoor: Tharoor addresses issues with Cong

Remained unapologetic on Op Sindoor: Tharoor addresses issues with Cong

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor addresses reports of differences with party leadership, clarifying his stance on party positions and emphasizing the importance of national interest.

'Can We Break Up After A Month?'

'Can We Break Up After A Month?'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

'What interested me more than the influencers was how were they surviving in Bombay?' 'How many reels did they make per month? How much money did they need to get by?' 'Did they get a job and then come back home and do this at night?'

Steve Waugh: 'Europe is the last frontier of cricket'

Steve Waugh: 'Europe is the last frontier of cricket'

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Cricket legend Steve Waugh believes the European T20 Premier League can unlock new talent and expand cricket's footprint across Europe.

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Trump withdraws invite to Canada for Gaza Peace Board

Trump withdraws invite to Canada for Gaza Peace Board

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday withdrew the invitation extended to Canada to join the Board of Peace.

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

India has strongly advised its nationals to avoid travelling to Iran due to the deteriorating security situation and widespread anti-government protests.

'We will defend our people against terror': Jaishankar at SCO meet

'We will defend our people against terror': Jaishankar at SCO meet

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, advocating for a 'zero tolerance' approach to terrorism and emphasizing the need for the SCO to adapt to the changing global landscape.

Was Homi Bhabha Murdered? The Mystery Behind His Death

Was Homi Bhabha Murdered? The Mystery Behind His Death

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

60 years ago, on January 24, 1966, Dr Homi J Bhabha, the father of India's nuclear programme, died in an air crash on Mont Blanc. The official inquiry said the plane went off course in bad weather, but coincidences, missing evidence, and later unproven claims have kept conspiracy theories alive. A fascinating excerpt from Bakhtiar Dadabhoy's book, Homi J Bhabha: A Life.

GST Council To Consider 5% GST For Air, Water Purifiers

GST Council To Consider 5% GST For Air, Water Purifiers

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Any reduction on purifiers would need consensus among state finance ministers.

'No relations till Hindus are safe': KKR move backed

'No relations till Hindus are safe': KKR move backed

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Spiritual orator Aniruddhacharya on Monday lauded BCCI's directive for IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman

Anything less than US control of Greenland unacceptable: Trump

Anything less than US control of Greenland unacceptable: Trump

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday again pushed for control of Greenland, calling it necessary for "national security" and arguing it would also bolster NATO's strength.

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday emerged victorious in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also vanquished the alliance of Nationalist Congress Party factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in the Pune civic body.

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Today's situation in the Shaksgam Valley is the consequence of what happened in Gilgit in 1947. But is India ready to militarily get back its territories? asks Claude Arpi.

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The sovereign AI park will be a first-of-its-kind, purpose-built district in India, integrating AI compute infrastructure, secure data frameworks, model research labs, and AI innovation clusters, along with a dedicated institute for AI in governance.

Beijing dodges India's Indus Treaty move at China-Pak strategic talks

Beijing dodges India's Indus Treaty move at China-Pak strategic talks

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

China and Pakistan concluded their strategic dialogue, reiterating their opposition to unilateral actions in South Asia and discussing Kashmir, Afghanistan, and trilateral cooperation.

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor addresses concerns about his recent statements, asserting his alignment with the party's principles and goals.

BMC polls: Fadnavis plays old clips, says Raj, Uddhav fighting for survival

BMC polls: Fadnavis plays old clips, says Raj, Uddhav fighting for survival

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, stating the Mumbai civic body election is a fight for their political survival. He also defended development projects and economic growth under the current government.