News for 'Social Service Branch'

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.com2 days ago

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.

Odisha CM Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Bank Ordeal

Odisha CM Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Bank Ordeal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's intervention in a case where a tribal man was forced to exhume his sister's skeleton to prove her death to a rural bank in Keonjhar district. Patnaik urged for accountability and empathy in rural banking services.

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to withdraw her money, sparking widespread condemnation. The bank claims it only requested valid documents, but the incident has raised questions about the treatment of vulnerable customers.

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

BJD president Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's intervention in a case where an Odisha tribal man was forced to exhume his sister's skeleton to prove her death to a rural bank. Patnaik seeks accountability for the incident, which has sparked public outrage.

Woman and Accomplice Arrested in Delhi Honey-Trap Extortion Scheme

Woman and Accomplice Arrested in Delhi Honey-Trap Extortion Scheme

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a woman and her associate for allegedly running a honey-trap and extortion racket, targeting victims with false criminal cases to coerce monetary settlements.

Strikes Shake India's Gig Economy

Strikes Shake India's Gig Economy

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Two of the three strikes are related to the gig economy, a centrepiece of the new labour Codes.

GIFT IFSC captures 65% of ECBs in FY26 on lower taxes, lighter rules

GIFT IFSC captures 65% of ECBs in FY26 on lower taxes, lighter rules

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Nearly two-thirds of external commercial borrowings (ECBs) raised so far in the ongoing financial year (2025-26/FY26) have been routed through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), a sharp jump from the 36 per cent recorded in 2024-25.

Indian students recovering after stabbing at Russian university

Indian students recovering after stabbing at Russian university

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Four Indian medical students injured in a stabbing attack at a Russian university are reported to be stable and recovering well. The attacker, a 15-year-old, is also hospitalized.

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

At a time when the finance ministry is focusing on addressing employee grievances, the number of employees in most public-sector banks (PSBs) has declined over the last three financial years.

'El Mencho', Mexico's most wanted drug lord killed in military raid

'El Mencho', Mexico's most wanted drug lord killed in military raid

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Mexico is facing widespread violence and travel advisories after the death of drug lord 'El Mencho,' the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation.

The Lady Who Got A Dreaded Maoist To Surrender

The Lady Who Got A Dreaded Maoist To Surrender

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'They are not abandoning their ideology. They now believe it is better to pursue their goals through the Constitution rather than from the barrel of a gun -- even if the ideology itself remains intact.'

Sheena Bora Case: A Sleuth Takes The Stand

Sheena Bora Case: A Sleuth Takes The Stand

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Indrani Mukerjea, in pure white, sporting dancing pearl jhumkas, bobbed about the accused box, occasionally floating up front to whisper urgent suggestions to her lawyer Ranjeet Sangle as retired cop and prosecution witness Dinesh Kadam gave her a long look. Vaihayasi Pande Daniel returns to cover the Sheena Bora murder trial after 18 months.

Top Government Exams In 2026

Top Government Exams In 2026

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, founder of EduJob360, breaks down the top government competitive exams aspirants can target in 2026, along with their eligibility criteria, important dates, syllabus essentials and preparation strategies.

Kerala school teacher gets life term for raping 10-year-old student

Kerala school teacher gets life term for raping 10-year-old student

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

He was also sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment each and a fine of Rs 50,000 each under sections 5(f) (penetrative sexual assault on a child) and 5(l) (penetrative sexual assault on a child more than once) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have resumed peace talks in Istanbul, aiming to address cross-border terrorism and prevent further escalation. The talks follow recent clashes and a temporary ceasefire, with Pakistan demanding that Afghan soil not be used for terrorism.

Why Are Bankers Committing Suicide?

Why Are Bankers Committing Suicide?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

In the past 10 years, over 500 PSB officers have died by suicide. When targets are overwhelming, senior management and customers are both impatient, and there is constant fear, not every banker has the resilience to survive and thrive, warns Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Yes, the entry of private bankers, particularly with global experience will add value to PSBs, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Kolkata rape-murder: CBI debunks fake letter circulating on social media

Kolkata rape-murder: CBI debunks fake letter circulating on social media

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday dismissed a fake letter being circulated on social media in connection with the ongoing probe into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

When Workplace Stress Turns Deadly

When Workplace Stress Turns Deadly

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

At times, this stress reaches a tipping point, resulting in tragedy. 'Organisations need to empower their people managers to foster psychological safety, where employees feel seen, heard, and supported -- not just as professionals, but as people navigating the pressures of work and life.'

Comic Munawar Faruqui detained during raid at hookah bar

Comic Munawar Faruqui detained during raid at hookah bar

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

Notices were served to Faruqui and others by the police and they were allowed to go.

Brazil responds to Trump's 50% tariff with 'Reciprocity Law'

Brazil responds to Trump's 50% tariff with 'Reciprocity Law'

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday (local time) issued a firm response to United States President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50 per cent tariff on Brazil by invoking the country's 'Economic Reciprocity Law', while asserting Brazil's sovereignty and rejecting 'any form of tutelage' in what he described as Trump's attempts to interfere in the country's internal judicial affairs.

Expert Tips To Future-Proof Your Career

Expert Tips To Future-Proof Your Career

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

rediffGURU Dr Ganesh Natarajan tells you how to upskill and upgrade yourself in order to future-proof your career.

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung deserves to be complimented in telling his life story and that of his people, as subaltern communities within this vast and diverse nation of ours clamour for recognition and a plea for their voices to be heard and their aspirations to be met, notes Lieutenant General Gautam Moorthy.

Arrested on CM's order: RCB official tells HC

Arrested on CM's order: RCB official tells HC

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The Karnataka high court on Monday did not grant interim relief to Nikhil Sosale, head of marketing, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who was arrested on June 6 in connection with the fatal stampede near M Chinnaswamy Stadium, and adjourned the matter for hearing on Tuesday.

Two killed, 11 hurt as dust storm, rain lash Delhi; flight ops hit

Two killed, 11 hurt as dust storm, rain lash Delhi; flight ops hit

Rediff.com22 May 2025

A 22-year-old youth and a person with disability died, while at least 11 were injured, in separate rain-related incidents in the national capital on Wednesday evening. The incidents occurred amid sudden changes in weather in Delhi, as a rainy storm marked by hail wrecked havoc across the city, throwing traffic out of gear as far as Delhi-Noida, Delhi-Ghaziabad, and Delhi-Gurugram roads and uprooting several trees.

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.

Jailed Gujarat scribe booked in fifth case for extorting realty agent

Jailed Gujarat scribe booked in fifth case for extorting realty agent

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Jailed journalist Mahesh Langa, already facing multiple charges, has been booked in a fresh case for allegedly extorting Rs 40 lakh from a real estate agent by threatening to malign his image and implicate him in a false case. This is the fifth FIR registered against him since his arrest in October 2023 for an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) scam. The latest case was registered based on a complaint by Janak Thakor, a real estate agent, who alleged that Langa threatened to write negative articles about him and trap him in a false case unless he paid the money. Langa has been in jail since his arrest in October and is facing charges in four previous cases registered by Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Rajkot police.

USTR Report Intensifies Trade Tensions With India

USTR Report Intensifies Trade Tensions With India

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The US Trade Representative noted that India's average applied tariff rate stood at 17% per cent, the highest of any major world economy.

Will US Host India-Pakistan Talks In Washington?

Will US Host India-Pakistan Talks In Washington?

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Acutely conscious that he's left with less than four years to create his legacy, Trump is undoubtedly a man in a hurry, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Are Baloch rebels out of Pakistan's control now?

Are Baloch rebels out of Pakistan's control now?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from hit-and-run attacks to carrying out sophisticated operations with tactical precision. The group's tactics and targets have become increasingly audacious, targeting security forces, Chinese nationals, and innocent civilians. Experts attribute the BLA's evolution to various factors, including the leadership of Bashir Zeb, the group's growing intelligence network, and its exploitation of the grievances of the Baloch people. The BLA's actions are a cause for concern, as the group's sophisticated attacks pose a major challenge to security forces.

Mumbai's controversial 'moral' cop Dhoble transferred

Mumbai's controversial 'moral' cop Dhoble transferred

Rediff.com16 Sep 2012

Controversial Mumbai cop Vasant Dhoble, who hit the headlines for his late night crackdown on pubs and restaurants, has been shunted out of the social service branch and moved to the city's western suburbs.

Youth held for raping girlfriend in Mumbai

Youth held for raping girlfriend in Mumbai

Rediff.com8 Jan 2013

A 25-year-old youth from Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping his girlfriend whom he had eloped with one month back, the police said on Tuesday.

Govt doubles Mudra loan limit to Rs 20 lakh to promote entrepreneurship

Govt doubles Mudra loan limit to Rs 20 lakh to promote entrepreneurship

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced the doubling of the upper limit of Mudra loans to Rs 20 lakh to promote entrepreneurship in the country. "The limit of Mudra loans will be enhanced to Rs 20 lakh from the current Rs 10 lakh for those entrepreneurs who have availed and successfully repaid previous loans under the 'Tarun category', she said while presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha.

Mumbai police warning to India TV

Mumbai police warning to India TV

Rediff.com17 Mar 2005

Police sources said a notice was issued by the police's social service branch to the channel asking it not to air such "objectionable" material, failing which they would attract penal provisions.

Pooja Bhatt summoned over Rog poster

Pooja Bhatt summoned over Rog poster

Rediff.com13 Jan 2005

The social service branch registered the offence and sent a notice to Bhatt to appear for questioning, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjay Apranti said.

Twice suspended, Mumbai cop Waze now dismissed from service

Twice suspended, Mumbai cop Waze now dismissed from service

Rediff.com11 May 2021

A 1990-batch officer of the Maharashtra cadre, Waze, also known as an "encounter cop", was earlier suspended after his arrest by the National Investigation Agency in the SUV-cum-murder case on March 13.

Extraordinary Story Of EPFO Digitisation

Extraordinary Story Of EPFO Digitisation

Rediff.com27 May 2024

A remarkable story which helped in transforming a bureaucratic organization, to a customer centric organization. This experience may inspire several government / private organizations to modify or adopt digitisation to transform their business, notes Professor N Ravichandran (retd).

Railways goes corporate, will scrap Rs 30,000 cr social subsidy

Railways goes corporate, will scrap Rs 30,000 cr social subsidy

Rediff.com18 May 2017

This comes as IR posted its worst operating ratio (money spent to earn every Rs 100) in 16 years, at 96.9 in 2016-17.

The Hotelier Who BJP Apologised To

The Hotelier Who BJP Apologised To

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Sree Annapoorna Sree Gowri Shankar is a familiar name across the country. With over 1,500 employees, it is renowned for its filter coffee and Keerai Vada throughout Tamil Nadu. Its operating revenues range from Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore.

Did You Know About Tatas' China Link?

Did You Know About Tatas' China Link?

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The Tata Group is one of the very few Indian MNCs which has carved out a niche in China's highly competitive market, notes Rup Narayan Das.