News for 'Planning Commission'

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using 'victim card' politics to gain sympathy during the assembly elections, dismissing claims of threats to her life as a political strategy.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

Adityanath Blames Graft For UP's 'BIMARU' Status

Adityanath Blames Graft For UP's 'BIMARU' Status

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attributed the state's 'BIMARU' (sick) status to corruption during previous governments, emphasising the need for transparency and meritocracy in recruitment processes. He highlighted improvements in medical facilities and increased government job opportunities for young people in Uttar Pradesh.

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.

India Clears Nuclear FDI Policy

India Clears Nuclear FDI Policy

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'The Atomic Energy Commission has approved the FDI policy and it is going in for ministerial consultations.'

Increasing the number of policy sales will be a key focus area for SBI Life

Increasing the number of policy sales will be a key focus area for SBI Life

Rediff.com6 May 2026

"Policy sales will be one of the focus areas for the company because looking at the large insurance gap, large number of people being uncovered. The only right way to go is to increase the number of policies," said Amit Jhingran, MD & CEO, SBI Life Insurance.

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (retd) has been appointed as India's next Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been named the next Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Lt Gen Subramani's primary mandate will be to implement the military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-services synergy.

Indian killed in Moscow drone strike from Odisha; joined job 2 months ago

Indian killed in Moscow drone strike from Odisha; joined job 2 months ago

Rediff.com19 May 2026

An Indian worker from Odisha was killed and two others were injured in a drone attack by Ukraine in the Moscow region. The deceased, A Rameya, was working at an oil refinery. Efforts are underway to repatriate his body.

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest alleging irregular activities inside a strongroom housing EVMs in West Bengal, following concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee regarding EVM security.

Why US Dropped Criminal Charges Against Gautam Adani

Why US Dropped Criminal Charges Against Gautam Adani

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice has permanently dropped all criminal charges against Indian tycoon Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, bringing a high-profile securities and wire fraud case in New York to a close after prosecutors concluded they could not sustain the allegations.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Shah plotting to spark unrest, impose President's rule in Bengal: Mamata

Shah plotting to spark unrest, impose President's rule in Bengal: Mamata

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the Election Commission for allegedly failing to protect judicial officers involved in electoral roll revisions in Malda district. She accused the EC of lacking control over law and order and enabling the BJP's alleged attempts to disrupt the election process.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

Army Personnel Arrested In Honey-Trap Robbery Case In Delhi

Army Personnel Arrested In Honey-Trap Robbery Case In Delhi

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An Army personnel is among four people arrested for allegedly honey-trapping, abducting and robbing a 72-year-old chartered accountant in Delhi.

Delhi Police Arrests Consultant In Immigration Fraud Case

Delhi Police Arrests Consultant In Immigration Fraud Case

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested an immigration consultant accused of defrauding a woman of approximately Rs 1.83 crore by falsely promising Canadian immigration through a business investment programme.

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

Despite global risks, top Indian carmakers bullish on FY27 domestic demand

Despite global risks, top Indian carmakers bullish on FY27 domestic demand

Rediff.com18 May 2026

India's leading passenger vehicle manufacturers are significantly increasing investments and factory capacities, alongside planning major product launches for FY27, driven by strong confidence in sustained domestic demand growth despite global geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks.

Spying scandal rocks English football as Southampton expelled from world's richest match

Spying scandal rocks English football as Southampton expelled from world's richest match

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs after being found guilty of spying on opponents. Middlesbrough have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the final.

'Act of terror' under UAPA includes planning, coordination: SC

'Act of terror' under UAPA includes planning, coordination: SC

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that an 'act of terror' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) includes planning, coordination, and mobilization, not just the final execution of the act. The court emphasized that the intent and effect of the act are crucial, not solely the instrumentality used.

Army, BSF jawans acquitted in 2015 espionage case over probe lapses

Army, BSF jawans acquitted in 2015 espionage case over probe lapses

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A Delhi court recently acquitted five accused, including an army personnel and a Border Security Force personnel, in an espionage case. While acquitting the accused persons, the court flagged serious lapses in the investigation.

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' during a campaign stop, alleging it was a staged event for cameras. She also accused the BJP of aiding Independents from the minority community and criticised the Election Commission over voter roll revisions.

Bharat Taxi Navigates Competition and Digital Adoption Hurdles

Bharat Taxi Navigates Competition and Digital Adoption Hurdles

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah addressed Parliament regarding the challenges faced by Bharat Taxi, a government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform, including competition from established private aggregators and resistance to digital adoption among drivers.

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Actor-politician Vijay is reportedly considering contesting from either Velachery or Virugambakkam constituencies in Chennai for the upcoming Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, according to sources within his party, TVK.

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal has not merely redrawn the electoral map but overturned the operating logic of politics in the state, breaching the TMC's entrenched fortress despite a decade-and-a-half of dominance, minority consolidation, and a sustained "outsider" narrative.

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Indian government is actively developing a policy for flex-fuel vehicle adoption and aiming for 100 per cent ethanol blending in petrol to enhance energy self-reliance, particularly in light of supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

Four Arrested In Delhi Robbery Of Rs 70 Lakh

Four Arrested In Delhi Robbery Of Rs 70 Lakh

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have arrested four individuals, including a company employee, for allegedly robbing two employees of Rs 70 lakh in Delhi's Inderpuri area last month. The employee is accused of leaking information about cash movement and planning the robbery with accomplices.

UltraTech Cement surpasses 200 mtpa capacity, eyes 240 mtpa by FY28

UltraTech Cement surpasses 200 mtpa capacity, eyes 240 mtpa by FY28

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

UltraTech Cement, an Aditya Birla group company, has become the world's largest cement producer outside China, surpassing 200 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of installed capacity in India. The company plans to invest Rs 16,000 crore to reach a target capacity of 240 mtpa by the financial year 2027-28.

Pak-China affairs expert Lt Gen Subramani is India's next CDS

Pak-China affairs expert Lt Gen Subramani is India's next CDS

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The government has appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who shall also function as the secretary to the government of India, department of military affairs, with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders.

US Justice Dept drops all criminal charges against Gautam Adani, case closed permanently

US Justice Dept drops all criminal charges against Gautam Adani, case closed permanently

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The US Department of Justice has permanently dropped all criminal charges against Indian tycoon Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, concluding a high-profile securities and wire fraud case in New York after prosecutors determined they could not sustain the allegations.

Mumbai To Experience 30-Hour Water Cut on May 5-6

Mumbai To Experience 30-Hour Water Cut on May 5-6

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a 30-hour water supply shutdown across parts of Mumbai between May 5 and May 6, 2026, for essential water tunnel connection and maintenance.

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Mulayam Singh Yadav's Son Prateek Dies At 38

Mulayam Singh Yadav's Son Prateek Dies At 38

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, has died at the age of 38 due to cardiac-lung complications. The news has prompted condolences from across the political spectrum in Uttar Pradesh.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

Geopolitical Risks Could Push Jio Platforms IPO to H2 FY27

Geopolitical Risks Could Push Jio Platforms IPO to H2 FY27

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Reliance Industries' digital arm, Jio Platforms, may see its initial public offering (IPO) delayed to the second half of fiscal 2027, according to CreditSights. The delay is primarily attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which could impact market conditions and investor sentiment.

Amit Shah Vows To End 'Goonda Raj' In Bengal If BJP Wins

Amit Shah Vows To End 'Goonda Raj' In Bengal If BJP Wins

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to end 'goonda raj' and 'syndicate raj' in West Bengal if the BJP wins the state elections. He also pledged to identify and take action against infiltrators and stop cattle smuggling.

ED Attaches Assets In Global Media App Fraud Case

ED Attaches Assets In Global Media App Fraud Case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 1.06 crore in connection with the 'Global Media App' fraud, an online earning platform that allegedly generated over Rs 45 crore through illicit means.

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump criticised Iran for attempting to use international waterways for leverage, stating that the United States had restrained itself only to allow space for negotiations.

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised one lakh jobs for youths each year based on merit if the BJP won the West Bengal election, and also pledged to make the state free of infiltrators.