News for 'Policy Division'

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The United Nations has revised downward India's economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.4 per cent from an earlier 6.6 per cent, attributing the change to global uncertainties and economic shocks stemming from the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP over the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the delay in recognising the Kurmali language, accusing the party of dividing people and making false promises.

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Gujarat High Court has granted former cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan four weeks to pursue his claim on a piece of land in Vadodara under a state policy. The court warned him that further delays in vacating the plot would result in higher damages, noting he has occupied the land since 2014 without payment despite an unfavourable allotment decision.

Himachal Forest Guard Arrested For Assaulting Female Colleagues

Himachal Forest Guard Arrested For Assaulting Female Colleagues

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A forest guard in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district has been suspended and arrested for allegedly misbehaving with and assaulting three women Van Mitras while on duty.

TN CM Vijay carries forward DMK govt-initiated Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai project

TN CM Vijay carries forward DMK govt-initiated Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai project

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu's new government, led by C Joseph Vijay, is committed to advancing the ~38,000 crore shipbuilding project with HD Hyundai in Thoothukudi, securing bipartisan support from the Opposition DMK, despite initial industry concerns about policy continuity after the change in leadership.

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permits wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup campaign has left many Iranian-Americans torn between supporting Team Melli and opposing the country's leadership, highlighting deep divisions within Los Angeles' influential Iranian diaspora.

SC allows Vinesh to compete in Asian Games trials, cautions courts against interference

SC allows Vinesh to compete in Asian Games trials, cautions courts against interference

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Supreme Court allowed Olympian Vinesh Phogat to compete in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials while cautioning against excessive judicial interference in sporting matters during the hearing of WFI's plea challenging the Delhi High Court order.

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Top leaders of opposition parties including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, besides Left leaders and those from smaller parties, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital.

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a series of measures aimed at enhancing public safety through forensic science upgrades and boosting rural incomes with a new farm stay policy.

WFI Appeals High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

WFI Appeals High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

Far-Right UK Party Leader's Anti-Immigration Stance Causes Uproar

Far-Right UK Party Leader's Anti-Immigration Stance Causes Uproar

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Rupert Lowe, leader of the far-right Restore Britain party in the UK, has sparked controversy with anti-immigration posts targeting Indian and Pakistani immigrants, leading to a social media backlash and raising concerns ahead of a crucial by-election.

South African Scientists Recognised For Public Health Work

South African Scientists Recognised For Public Health Work

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Two South African scientists of Indian origin, Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Keertan Dheda, have been awarded the Order of Mapungubwe for their contributions to public health, particularly in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis research, and pulmonology.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma's return as Assam's Chief Minister underscores the BJP's increasing dominance in the northeast, marked by both development and divisive policies.

Bengaluru Police Crackdown: 36 Crore Worth Of Drugs Seized

Bengaluru Police Crackdown: 36 Crore Worth Of Drugs Seized

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Bengaluru police have seized drugs worth over 36 crore and arrested 16 people, including four foreign nationals, in recent operations, according to Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Audit Flags Irregularities At Delhi Medical Council

Audit Flags Irregularities At Delhi Medical Council

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Delhi government's Health Department has received an audit report highlighting alleged financial and administrative irregularities within the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) between 2019 and 2025.

Punjab To Enact Anti-Drug Law To Confiscate Properties

Punjab To Enact Anti-Drug Law To Confiscate Properties

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the state government will introduce an anti-drug law allowing for the confiscation of drug smugglers' properties. Mann criticised previous administrations for enabling drug trafficking and highlighted the enactment of an anti-sacrilege law, promising stricter measures against sacrilege and drug-related offences.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

Rediff.com10 May 2026

'India's security challenges are no longer confined to the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control.'
'They also span cyber networks, economic systems, information warfare, technology ecosystems, maritime routes, and internal social cohesion.'

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for restraint in the use of petro products due to the West Asia crisis, emphasising the need to save foreign exchange and reduce the impact of war. He also highlighted India's progress in solar power and ethanol blending, while assuring support to Telangana's development.

Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi, Mamata For Allegedly Ignoring The Poor

Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi, Mamata For Allegedly Ignoring The Poor

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing them of favouring the wealthy over the poor and prioritising power.

Wrestler Deepak Punia Seeks Career Revival After Protest Disruption

Wrestler Deepak Punia Seeks Career Revival After Protest Disruption

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia discusses the impact of the wrestlers' protest on his career and his aspirations for the upcoming Asian Games.

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat's attempt to compete in the National Open Ranking tournament was rejected by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), leading to a confrontation where she alleged a 'pre-planned conspiracy' to prevent her return to wrestling.

Indian Carmakers Kick Off FY27 with Robust 27% Sales Surge in April

Indian Carmakers Kick Off FY27 with Robust 27% Sales Surge in April

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Indian carmakers experienced a robust start to the new fiscal year, with an estimated 4.5 lakh passenger vehicles sold in April, marking a 27 per cent increase year-on-year, attributed to factors like GST 2.0, repo rate cuts, and income tax benefits.

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'In a volatile global market, India is pursuing a low-risk, low-return policy, akin to a SIP -- slow, steady investment.' 'Pakistan is following a high-risk, high-return policy.'

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Democrat leaders have criticised US President Donald Trump for referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes', accusing him of amplifying 'racist trash' on social media.

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Haryana government is launching an initiative to equip its employees with artificial intelligence (AI) skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, aiming to enhance governance and public service delivery.

Experts Call for Unified Framework to Boost India's Energy Storage Capacity

Experts Call for Unified Framework to Boost India's Energy Storage Capacity

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Industry experts and the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) advocate for a unified framework to address the significant supply gap in domestic cell manufacturing, crucial for enhancing India's energy storage capabilities and reducing reliance on imports.

108 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh; huge cache of arms, cash recovered

108 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh; huge cache of arms, cash recovered

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

108 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, yielding a large cache of weapons and cash. The surrender highlights the government's success in combating Left Wing Extremism and the weakening of Maoist ideology.

Not afraid of Trump admin, will speak out loudly against war: Pope Leo XIV

Not afraid of Trump admin, will speak out loudly against war: Pope Leo XIV

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Pope Leo XIV on Monday underscored his commitment to spiritual advocacy over political friction, stating that he has no desire to engage in a confrontation with the US administration.

15 Naxalites Surrender in Chhattisgarh, Crippling Maoist Operations

15 Naxalites Surrender in Chhattisgarh, Crippling Maoist Operations

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Fifteen Naxalites, including a veteran ultra with a significant bounty, surrendered in Chhattisgarh, effectively dismantling the Maoist movement in the Raipur-Sambalpur region.

Tata Sons IPO Buzz Grows Amid Trust Rift

Tata Sons IPO Buzz Grows Amid Trust Rift

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

If Tata Sons is listed, the special veto rights of Tata Trusts, under Article 121A, may have to go away.

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's defence sector is on the cusp of a 'super cycle' of growth, driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts and a strong policy push towards indigenous manufacturing, with major players like BEL, HAL, and BDL poised for significant order inflows and technological advancements.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and TMC of Failing West Bengal

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to provide jobs in West Bengal during recent rallies.

Mass Surrender: 108 Maoists Give Up Arms in Chhattisgarh

Mass Surrender: 108 Maoists Give Up Arms in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

In a significant victory for the government's anti-Naxal efforts, 108 Maoists, including 44 women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, citing disillusionment and the appeal of rehabilitation programs. The surrender also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons and valuables.

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is shifting its focus from individual athletes to the criminal networks that supply performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), recognising that athletes are often victims of sophisticated doping operations.