News for 'Policy Division'

How Gadchiroli Broke The Maoist Backbone

How Gadchiroli Broke The Maoist Backbone

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'The watershed moment was June 22, 2024, when the divisional in-charge of Gadchiroli, Giridhar Tumreti, who was their senior-most commander, along with his wife, came forward to surrender before the then deputy chief minister and home minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rates has increased the momentum in India's economic activity both on the supply and demand sides, while robust agricultural activity - reflected in the strong onset of rabi sowing and adequate reservoir levels - has reinforced the outlook for food supply and rural incomes, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

From Antim to Vinesh: A Year of Turmoil and Promise

From Antim to Vinesh: A Year of Turmoil and Promise

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The medal count was nowhere close to satisfactory at the senior level but junior performances held out hope for a brighter future as Indian wrestling searched for new stars in a challenging 2025.

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

At least seven elephants were killed, and one was injured after a herd of jumbos was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday, officials said.

Over 18,000 Indians deported by US since 2009, Jaishankar tells RS

Over 18,000 Indians deported by US since 2009, Jaishankar tells RS

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Indian government reveals that the United States has deported over 18,000 Indian nationals since 2009, with a focus on human trafficking investigations and concerns over the treatment of deportees.

RSS is a recognised organisation: Bhagwat slams critics

RSS is a recognised organisation: Bhagwat slams critics

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat defended the organization's recognition and addressed concerns about respecting the Indian tricolour, responding to criticism from Congress leaders.

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.

Important stanzas of Vande Mataram were dropped: Modi

Important stanzas of Vande Mataram were dropped: Modi

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party, alleging that the dropping of important stanzas from the national song 'Vande Mataram' in 1937 sowed the seeds of partition. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the year-long commemoration of 'Vande Mataram'.

Chhattisgarh sees largest Maoist surrender; 210 rebels give up arms

Chhattisgarh sees largest Maoist surrender; 210 rebels give up arms

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

210 Maoist cadres, including a Central Committee member, surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur, marking the "largest mass surrender" in the state's anti-Naxal operations. The surrendered Naxalites carried a collective bounty of Rs 9.18 crore and handed over 153 weapons. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the development as a historic moment for Chhattisgarh and the nation.

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2, according to the State Election Commissioner. The schedule for other local bodies will be announced later.

Congress accuses Modi of insulting Tagore, 1937 CWC over Vande Mataram row

Congress accuses Modi of insulting Tagore, 1937 CWC over Vande Mataram row

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

The Congress party has intensified its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Vande Mataram controversy, alleging that he has insulted the Congress Working Committee of 1937 and Rabindranath Tagore. The party demands Modi address current issues instead of historical debates.

CERC staffers reportedly earned Rs 173 cr via insider trading

CERC staffers reportedly earned Rs 173 cr via insider trading

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

CERC, which has a key role in India's power sector, has also set up a committee to gather further evidence in the matter and take suitable action.

3 Maoists carrying Rs 14 lakh bounty killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

3 Maoists carrying Rs 14 lakh bounty killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Bodies of three Maoists, including a woman cadre, were recovered from the site, along with a self-loading rifle (SLR), a .303 rifle, a 12-bore gun and other Naxalite-related materials, the SP said.

Lessons India Taught China In 1962 War

Lessons India Taught China In 1962 War

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The well-fought defensive battles in Aksai Chin and eastern Arunachal, in remote and forbidding locations such as Galwan, Rezang La, Gurung Hill and Walong, effectively halted Chinese advances not once but twice during the campaign. These engagements, fought with grit and without adequate support, were not immediately known to the world in 1962, points out Dr Kumar.

After 40 yrs underground, 2 top Maoist leaders surrender in Telangana

After 40 yrs underground, 2 top Maoist leaders surrender in Telangana

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Two senior leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist), including a Central Committee Member underground for over four decades, surrendered to Telangana police, citing health issues, pressure from security forces, and ideological differences.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

Rediff.com17 May 2025

India's economic growth forecast for 2025 has been revised downward to 6.3 per cent, and despite a projected moderation, the country remains one of the fastest-growing large economies, supported by resilient consumption and government spending, the United Nations has said.

'Israel Doesn't Want Pakistan To Have Nuclear Weapons'

'Israel Doesn't Want Pakistan To Have Nuclear Weapons'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'If the Trump administration could gain access to the nuclear weapons, they would be satisfied -- at least they could control them.'

RBI outlines steps to improve EPFO's investment management

RBI outlines steps to improve EPFO's investment management

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The RBI advisory follows a labour ministry request earlier this year seeking the central bank's expertise to identify gaps in EPFO's investment strategy and fund management practices, including accounting, risk management, and internal governance.

Three top Maoist leaders surrender before Telangana police

Three top Maoist leaders surrender before Telangana police

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

Three senior leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist) surrendered to the Telangana police. The leaders cited health issues, ideological differences, and changing socio-political circumstances as reasons for their surrender. The Telangana DGP appealed to other underground Maoist cadres to return to the mainstream.

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

As a protege of Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to scale bilateral ties much higher. Trade and investment shall grow. People-to-people contacts shall be scaled up, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Modi's Risky Gamble With The Taliban

Modi's Risky Gamble With The Taliban

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Developing relations with the Taliban is needed, but plunging headlong into Afghanistan without due thought will be akin to the rooster entering a KFC outlet, warns Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

New I-T rules to be notified by Dec-end

New I-T rules to be notified by Dec-end

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Income Tax department is working on simplified I-T forms and aims to notify new rules by December-end to give effect to the new I-T Act, which will come into force from April 1 next year, a senior tax official said on Monday.

NCERT new modules blame Cong for Partition, say leaders underrated Jinnah

NCERT new modules blame Cong for Partition, say leaders underrated Jinnah

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Instead, they argue, three actors shaped the division, "Jinnah, who demanded it; the Congress, which accepted it; and Mountbatten, who formalised and implemented it."

Amid strained ties, India, US set for military exercise in Alaska

Amid strained ties, India, US set for military exercise in Alaska

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Indian and US military contingents will participate in a joint exercise in Alaska, focusing on tactical drills and integrated use of military systems.

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'Pakistan is uncomfortable with the Indian presence in Afghanistan. They want the Taliban to ensure that there is no Indian presence in Afghanistan.'

'Very Shocked Shivakumar Recited RSS Anthem'

'Very Shocked Shivakumar Recited RSS Anthem'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'But I know why he did it.' 'He was being heckled by BJP members who were mocking the Congress.' 'In that context, he quoted the song to tell them: "We know your anthem, we know your ideology, we know how divisive you are".' 'It was not an endorsement.'

At Dussehra rally, Uddhav calls BJP an 'amoeba', slams Wangchuk's arrest

At Dussehra rally, Uddhav calls BJP an 'amoeba', slams Wangchuk's arrest

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the BJP over the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and accused the party of corruption and divisive politics during his Dussehra rally.

Indian History Congress slams NCERT modules on Partition

Indian History Congress slams NCERT modules on Partition

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Indian History Congress (IHC) has criticized NCERT's new Partition Horrors Remembrance Day modules, alleging they spread falsehoods with communal intent by depicting the Congress as complicit in Partition while absolving the British.

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Vijay, despite the loud message from his delayed arrival at the road-show/stampede venue, and more so his continued inaccessibility for fans-turned-cadres after graduating from a super-star to a political party leader with electoral ambitions, refuses to change. Or, so it seems, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

No rules, no rides: HC grounds bike taxis in Karnataka

No rules, no rides: HC grounds bike taxis in Karnataka

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed the development, stating that the companies must abide by the court's decision.

'He told me to shut up, lower your head and do as we say': Lovlina

'He told me to shut up, lower your head and do as we say': Lovlina

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Tokyo Olympics bronze-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain's allegations of "disrespectful and gender-discriminatory behaviour" against national federation's executive director Col Arun Malik are being investigated.

'New I-T Act Will Be Prospective In Nature'

'New I-T Act Will Be Prospective In Nature'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'...so cases that arose under the existing Act will be adjudicated under the old provisions.' 'Care has been taken to ensure that the new I-T Act does not give rise to interpretational issues.'

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

If the TVK joins the NDA, there is every likelihood of the AIADMK winning an absolute majority in the 234 seat assembly and wanting to form a stand-alone government. In turn, it could mean that the BJP especially and the TVK equally so, will want to restrict the AIADMK's seat share closer to the cut-off figure, if only to ensure that EPS won't get the absolute majority that he desires (if the NDA won, that is) and will have to settle for a coalition government, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Nepal Crisis: A Wake-Up Call For India

Nepal Crisis: A Wake-Up Call For India

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Having control over both digital media and NGOs, it was easy for the US to topple the government and destabilise Nepal -- to undercut Chinese influence and pressure India, argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Florida Governor Slams H-1B Visas As 'Total Scam'

Florida Governor Slams H-1B Visas As 'Total Scam'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'Most of them (H-1Bs) are from one country, India, there's a cottage industry about how all those people make money off this system.'

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Veteran politician Satyapal Malik, who served as governor of multiple states and later became a vocal critic of the government, has died at the age of 79.

No talks...: Jaishankar outlines 5-point 'new normal' against Pak terror

No talks...: Jaishankar outlines 5-point 'new normal' against Pak terror

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discusses India's approach to cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing a firm response and no compromise on nuclear blackmail.

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Amit Shah seemingly encouraging AIADMK dissident Sengottaiyan after party boss Edappadi K Palaniswami had removed his one-time mentor from all party posts has not gone down well with party cadres. They are now ready to buy Team EPS' theory that the BJP and Amit Shah are out to liquidate the AIADMK, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.