News for 'Planning and Development Department'

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.

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.com2 days ago

"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.

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Noida International Airport is set for its grand opening as roads are fixed and infrastructure preparations near completion. Here's what's ready and what to expect from the launch.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has asked the finance ministry to spell out a clear legal strategy, including options such as a "golden share" or indirect control structures, to maintain strategic oversight in public sector entities if state ownership falls below 51 per cent.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

IIT Guwahati Creates Stronger Cement Mortar for Nuclear Safety

IIT Guwahati Creates Stronger Cement Mortar for Nuclear Safety

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a method to enhance cement mortar, making it stronger, more durable, and capable of blocking harmful radiation, with the goal of improving the safety of nuclear facilities.

CALM-Brain: India's First Psychiatric Data Repository Launched

CALM-Brain: India's First Psychiatric Data Repository Launched

Rediff.com1 days ago

India has launched its first repository of data on major psychiatric disorders, CALM-Brain, in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to systematically document details of patients with mental illness to improve diagnosis and treatment.

'If the first ball is meant to be hit, hit it': Parag's message for Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026

'If the first ball is meant to be hit, hit it': Parag's message for Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag emphasises the importance of allowing young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to develop without undue pressure, while coach Kumar Sangakkara focuses on the team's flexibility and depth for the upcoming IPL season.

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Rediff.com1 days ago

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with regional leaders to promote peace and stability.

Students Urged to Embrace AI Wisely, Not Fear It

Students Urged to Embrace AI Wisely, Not Fear It

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

At the D Y Patil International University's Foundation Day, experts advised students to embrace AI wisely, highlighting its potential and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age.

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has announced a significant investment in sports infrastructure, with the goal of transforming the state into a sports hub and positioning Ahmedabad as a potential host city for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Rediff.com1 days ago

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in West Asia. This follows Pakistan's offer to host talks between the US and Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict.

How The Taxman Plans To Close Cases Faster

How The Taxman Plans To Close Cases Faster

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Building on last year's clearance of 172K cases, I-T department is pushing for faster appeal disposals, penalty reforms and system-driven processes to curb litigation and boost tax certainty.

J-K plans 9 new tourist spots; sites shut after Pahalgam to reopen by May

J-K plans 9 new tourist spots; sites shut after Pahalgam to reopen by May

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government announces plans to introduce nine new tourist destinations and reopen sites closed after the Pahalgam terror attack, aiming to revive and expand the region's tourism sector.

Stranded Windies await flight home after T20 World Cup exit

Stranded Windies await flight home after T20 World Cup exit

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The West Indies cricket team remains stranded in Kolkata due to international airspace restrictions following the T20 World Cup, while South African players also face travel disruptions.

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The government has intensified its Study in India programme and is working closely with universities and states to achieve this goal.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

US trade probe targets India, 15 other countries

US trade probe targets India, 15 other countries

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) office on Wednesday launched a sweeping investigation into manufacturing and industrial practices in 16 economies, including India, citing concerns over what it calls 'structural excess capacity' that could distort global trade. Announcing the move on a White House press call, Jamieson Greer said the probe would be conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, one of Washington, DC's most powerful trade enforcement tools.

High Court Refuses Relief to Ex-Official in Money Laundering Case

High Court Refuses Relief to Ex-Official in Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that accepting a bribe constitutes acquiring proceeds of crime, denying relief to a former municipal official arrested in a money laundering case.

T20 World Cup final: Airfares skyrocket as fans rush to Ahmedabad

T20 World Cup final: Airfares skyrocket as fans rush to Ahmedabad

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Airfares to Ahmedabad have surged as cricket fans travel to the city for the T20 World Cup final. Indian Railways has introduced special trains to manage the increased demand.

T20 World Cup Final: Ahmedabad Airfares Skyrocket Amid Travel Rush

T20 World Cup Final: Ahmedabad Airfares Skyrocket Amid Travel Rush

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Airfares to Ahmedabad have surged as cricket fans travel to the city for the T20 World Cup final. Indian Railways has introduced special trains to manage the increased demand.

'Euthanasia will restore his dignity': Rana's family

'Euthanasia will restore his dignity': Rana's family

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has allowed passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old man who has been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013, highlighting the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the right to die with dignity.

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu recounts a 'tense and scary' experience at Dubai International Airport after an explosion occurred nearby, amidst escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

Was Modi briefed on Iran attack during Israel visit?

Was Modi briefed on Iran attack during Israel visit?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Israel initiated military action against Iran shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, capitalising on a fleeting opportunity and years of strategic preparation, according to Israel's ambassador to India.

Govt receives financial bids for IDBI Bank stake sale, says Dipam

Govt receives financial bids for IDBI Bank stake sale, says Dipam

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The government on Friday received financial bids for the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (Dipam) said in an official statement on X.

Govt Plans Car-To-Car Alerts To Prevent Crashes

Govt Plans Car-To-Car Alerts To Prevent Crashes

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'We hope we will be able to at least end crashes that involve collisions with stationary vehicles as there will be an automatic warning.'

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman deputy Chief Minister after being elected as the leader of the NCP legislature wing.

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Through policy interventions, Indian cities need to be reimagined as a network of inter-connected assets and services which serve to strengthen the social contract between citizens and their cities by improving their quality of life, the Economic Survey has flagged.

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures that the Indian government is prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iran-Israel conflict and disruptions in Dubai, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of 'serious action' if directions are defied in any form.

ISRO Invites Indian Industry To Build Space Station

ISRO Invites Indian Industry To Build Space Station

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station represents the next phase of India's human spaceflight ambitions, enabling long-duration presence in space, advanced microgravity research and technology development, and supporting future human exploration missions.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Global uncertainty is something which definitely occupies the minds of officials when we are preparing for the Budget.'

India, US To Issue Joint Statement On Trade Deal

India, US To Issue Joint Statement On Trade Deal

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'Based on the joint statement, a formal agreement will be drafted, which may take a month or month-and-a-half to finalise. We aim to sign the formal agreement by mid-March.'