News for 'Planning and Development Department'

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com1 days ago

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.

Saini Boosts Haryana's Jind with 253 Crore Development Projects

Saini Boosts Haryana's Jind with 253 Crore Development Projects

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has launched development projects worth 253 crore in Jind district, focusing on irrigation, infrastructure, health, and water supply.

India's Space Plans Hit Funding Snag

India's Space Plans Hit Funding Snag

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

While India's interplanetary ambitions remain significant, the current pace of financial and technical progress raises questions about whether the 2027-2028 timelines can be met.

Real Estate Businessman Arrested In Punjab Land Use Scam

Real Estate Businessman Arrested In Punjab Land Use Scam

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a real estate businessman in a money laundering investigation linked to submission of alleged fake consent letters for obtaining Change of Land Use (CLU) from the Punjab government.

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

Rediff.com2 days ago

The US Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of featuring Donald Trump's portrait on a new $250 note, pending congressional approval to amend the law that prohibits living individuals from being depicted on US currency.

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'This system will be of immense help in agricultural planning, disaster management and water resources management.'

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Rediff.com4 days ago

Apart from Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the Barasat MP, those attending the meeting included TMC MLAs Anisur Rahaman Biswas of Deganga, Bina Mondal of Swarupnagar, Mohammad Abdul Matin of Haroa and three more legislators from the Basirhat subdivision of North 24 Parganas district.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha Dismisses Two Employees for Alleged Terrorist Links

J&K LG Manoj Sinha Dismisses Two Employees for Alleged Terrorist Links

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government has terminated the services of two employees for their alleged links with terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Following the swearing-in of C Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, the new cabinet has pledged a 'white paper' audit of all state departments and a 'zero-interference' policy in administration, signalling a significant shift in governance.

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'The situation globally is quite challenging, but we have the confidence and courage of conviction that we will come out winners even in this challenging time.'

Delhi School Could Be Taken Over After Assault Claim

Delhi School Could Be Taken Over After Assault Claim

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Delhi government is considering taking over the management of a private school in Janakpuri following allegations of a sexual assault on a three-year-old girl. The Directorate of Education issued a show-cause notice to the school, citing serious lapses in child safety and compliance with norms, which remains unanswered.

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.

IAF Evacuates NCC Cadets From Violence-Hit Manipur

IAF Evacuates NCC Cadets From Violence-Hit Manipur

Rediff.com5 days ago

The swift operation ensured that the cadets would safely reach their destinations in time for their examinations, bringing relief to anxious parents.

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The West Bengal government is set to investigate the chaotic scenes that marred Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata last year, with concerns raised over ticket sales, security, and administrative lapses.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com7 days ago

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

India Post To Modernise Logistics Infrastructure

India Post To Modernise Logistics Infrastructure

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The government is planning a postal logistics infrastructure upgrade for India Post to modernise parcel facilities, aligning them with those in developed nations, according to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Cactus To Provide AI Expertise For Government Initiatives

Cactus To Provide AI Expertise For Government Initiatives

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Cactus Technology Solutions Private Limited has been empanelled by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) to provide AI and machine learning expertise for government-led digital initiatives.

Haryana Rights Body Concerned Over Nuh School Conditions

Haryana Rights Body Concerned Over Nuh School Conditions

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the alarming conditions in government primary schools in Nuh district, citing violations of children's rights to education, health, and dignified living.

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.

AIIMS Delhi's Surgical Advance Offers Hope For Spinal Deformities

AIIMS Delhi's Surgical Advance Offers Hope For Spinal Deformities

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A modified surgical technique developed at AIIMS, Delhi, is providing new hope for patients with severe spinal deformities. The technique, a refined version of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR), improves spinal stability and reduces complications, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh is spearheading an ambitious initiative to establish a fully integrated beach sand minerals, rare earth, and titanium ecosystem, aiming to attract over 50,000 crore in investments over the next decade. This move is part of India's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on China for strategic minerals and permanent magnets, with the state preparing a comprehensive rare earth policy and planning specialised industrial clusters.

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.

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including trade frictions and the war in Iran.

SC Orders States to Develop Protocol for Open Prisons

SC Orders States to Develop Protocol for Open Prisons

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories in India to develop a time-bound protocol for improving the functioning of open prisons, ensuring they serve as effective institutions for reformation and rehabilitation.

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.

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

Haryana's AI Programme Gains Momentum with World Bank Collaboration

Haryana's AI Programme Gains Momentum with World Bank Collaboration

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the progress of the Haryana AI Development Programme (HAIDP), a Rs 474-crore initiative developed with the World Bank, focusing on AI skilling, startup incubation, and ethical AI governance.

Local Conditions, Not Distant Air, Fuel Indo-Gangetic Plain Heatwaves: IIT Bombay Study

Local Conditions, Not Distant Air, Fuel Indo-Gangetic Plain Heatwaves: IIT Bombay Study

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Researchers at IIT Bombay have discovered that heatwaves in the Indo-Gangetic Plains are primarily caused by local land and weather conditions, rather than hot air originating from elsewhere, emphasising the need for location-specific early warning systems.

How Air India Is Using AI To Transform Operations

How Air India Is Using AI To Transform Operations

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Air India is significantly embracing artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer services, increase revenues, and reduce costs as part of its ambitious transformation plan under the Tata Group.

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

"The US President's statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans," the ministry stated.

Maharashtra Aims To Curb Child Marriage With Wedding Invite Rule

Maharashtra Aims To Curb Child Marriage With Wedding Invite Rule

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is recommending that the state government mandate the inclusion of the bride and groom's date of birth on wedding invitations to combat child marriages.

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Samrat Choudhary's appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister marks a significant milestone for the BJP, ushering in a new era of leadership in the state's political landscape.

J&K Governor Accuses Pakistan Of Pushing Drugs

J&K Governor Accuses Pakistan Of Pushing Drugs

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has accused Pakistan of targeting the region's youth by flooding the streets with drugs, vowing to combat the menace and protect the younger generation.

Madhuvidhu Review: Fun Entertainer with Loose Ends

Madhuvidhu Review: Fun Entertainer with Loose Ends

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Vishnu Aravind's Madhuvidhu is a family entertainer that works in parts but falters when its drama turns unconvincing, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

India expects FY27 fertiliser subsidy bill to rise 20%, retail prices to be same

India expects FY27 fertiliser subsidy bill to rise 20%, retail prices to be same

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

India's fertiliser subsidy bill for the current financial year (FY27) is projected to increase by approximately 20% due to surging global prices, primarily driven by the West Asia crisis, a senior official confirmed. Despite this, retail prices for urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) will remain unchanged, ensuring adequate supply for the kharif season.

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Four Census officials were assaulted in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, prompting the state government to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) to safeguard census officials from physical harm and heat-related risks.

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Former US President Donald Trump has criticised Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a form of 'extortion' amid ongoing negotiations for a peace deal. The remarks come as Iran considers imposing transit fees on vessels crossing the strategic waterway.