News for 'THE Government of India'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Under the Odisha state premature release policy, prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment become eligible for remission after completing 25 years in prison, subject to recommendations by the Odisha State Sentence Review Board and approval by the state government. Dara Singh has now spent more than 26 years in prison.

How UPI Is Expanding Its Global Footprint And Securing Digital Payments

How UPI Is Expanding Its Global Footprint And Securing Digital Payments

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Parliament was informed that UPI has onboarded 55.49 crore users by June 2026, with transactions reaching 24,162 crore in volume and Rs 314 lakh crore in value in FY 2025-26. The platform, operated by NPCI, is expanding internationally through NIPL, facilitating cross-border payments and assisting other nations in building similar systems. Significant efforts are also underway by the Government, RBI, and NPCI to enhance the security and transparency of UPI transactions, including risk-based limits, security frameworks, and public awareness campaigns against cyber-crime.

Youth Protest: 'I Told My Parents I Will Fight For My Rights'

Youth Protest: 'I Told My Parents I Will Fight For My Rights'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'Whatever is happening is wrong. Why is the government sleeping? This is wrong.'

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Anxiety Grows Over SIR Verification

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The population is gripped by anxiety against arbitrariness and the cruelty of a state that sells its actions as minimum government, asserts Aakar Patel.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy pledges $13 billion additional investment in India for AI, cloud infrastructure

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy pledges $13 billion additional investment in India for AI, cloud infrastructure

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced the company's intention to invest an additional USD 13 billion in India by 2030, focusing on expanding AI and cloud infrastructure.

India's FY27 growth may slow to 6.6%: S&PGlobal

India's FY27 growth may slow to 6.6%: S&PGlobal

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

S&P Global Ratings projects India's economic growth to slow to 6.6 per cent in FY27, down from 7.7 per cent in FY26, citing energy stress and a potential sub-par monsoon.

SBI to oversee new donation counting system at Ram Temple

SBI to oversee new donation counting system at Ram Temple

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Ram Temple trust in Ayodhya has implemented a new, two-shift system for counting cash donations, overseen by the State Bank of India (SBI), following an embezzlement scandal. A new team, including ex-servicemen and supervisors, has been deployed to enhance security and transparency in the process, aiming to prevent future theft and restore public trust.

Relief for Reliance Jio, Anti-Competition Complaint Against It Dismissed

Relief for Reliance Jio, Anti-Competition Complaint Against It Dismissed

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India's fair trade regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has dismissed a complaint alleging anti-competitive conduct against Reliance Jio Infocom Ltd and over 4,500 other firms across various sectors, citing a lack of specific evidence.

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded young Indian innovators for the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, which made India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities. While praising the 28-year-old average age of the Skyroot team, Modi made a veiled remark about a "56-year-old young man," widely understood to be a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 56.

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Messaging platform Telegram has submitted its reply to the IT Ministry's notice regarding its 'username' feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, following a similar submission by WhatsApp.

Hydel projects to add 14,000 Mw by '32-33, CEA reckons

Hydel projects to add 14,000 Mw by '32-33, CEA reckons

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The focus is now on accelerating PSP development through faster approvals, better-quality detailed project reports (DPRs), simplified clearances, and early excavation permissions. Speaking at a recent event, Prasad said hydropower and PSPs would be central to supporting India's renewable energy expansion by providing the reliable and flexible capacity needed to balance rising solar and wind generation. "A huge amount of variability is getting introduced into the grid.

Navi Mumbai Airport starts international operations with Abu Dhabi service

Navi Mumbai Airport starts international operations with Abu Dhabi service

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced its international flight operations with an Air India Express service to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant boost in connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and establishing a new global gateway.

How India's AI Job Market Is Evolving Beyond Experimentation

How India's AI Job Market Is Evolving Beyond Experimentation

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A new report reveals a significant shift in India's AI hiring landscape, moving from experimental roles to those focused on deployment, integration, and scaling of AI solutions. Employers, including GCCs, IT services, and enterprises, are increasingly seeking professionals who can implement AI across core business operations, leading to a demand for core AI roles that currently outstrips the available supply.

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development initiatives in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, concluded after police cleared the agitation site and dispersed protesters. While police denied arrests, protesters alleged their leader, Amit Bhatnagar, was detained amidst claims of project irregularities and corruption. The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The NDA's parliamentary party meetings will now be known as 'Mangal Milan', with the first under this new name scheduled for July 21. This change was informally discussed in the Union cabinet. Additionally, the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), comprising 20 MPs who defected from the TMC, is seeking formal recognition and parliamentary facilities, including a party office and designated floor leaders.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Queen Maxima Praises India's Digital Infrastructure For Financial Health

Queen Maxima Praises India's Digital Infrastructure For Financial Health

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health, visited Mumbai to understand India's digital public infrastructure, including UPI and AI, in improving financial health for salaried individuals. She interacted with healthcare professionals and SalarySe leaders, praising India's advancements in financial inclusion and technology's role in empowering individuals.

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court has made strong observations on systemic corruption in India, suggesting the death penalty for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He criticised the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and the Uttar Pradesh government's "bulldozer actions," highlighting the normalisation of corruption and the state's complicity in unauthorised constructions.

RBI poised for record dividend payout, boosting government's fiscal strength

RBI poised for record dividend payout, boosting government's fiscal strength

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is anticipated to make its highest-ever dividend payment to the government this year, providing a significant fiscal boost to address challenges, including those stemming from the ongoing Middle East crisis.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

July 16 will be the biggest and happiest day of the year in Puri, home to the magnificent Jagannath Temple.

Karnataka Government Reinstates DGP K Ramachandra Rao

Karnataka Government Reinstates DGP K Ramachandra Rao

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Karnataka government has revoked the suspension order of DGP K Ramachandra Rao and reinstated him into service with immediate effect, posting him as Director General of Police (Police Manual). Rao was suspended in January following allegations of misconduct and embarrassment to the state administration.

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Sunday saw the entire opposition staging a symbolic walkout over the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs and a demand for a discussion on the issues of Ram temple donation 'theft', NEET paper leak and mixing of ethanol in petrol.

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and Grandmaster Nihal Sarin have voiced concerns over the ongoing NEET exam irregularities and student suicides. Bindra called for a transparent and merit-based education system, while Sarin highlighted the immense pressure students face. The protests, supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk, have seen students attempting to march to Parliament.

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.

Shipping firms asked to avoid sending Indian sailors on vessels through Hormuz

Shipping firms asked to avoid sending Indian sailors on vessels through Hormuz

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has instructed shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian sailors on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, following recent attacks on two vessels carrying Indian seafarers.

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday deferred the selection of its first chief executive officer (CEO) by a month after receiving 5,200 applications for the post and decided to appoint a secretary in the interim to meet growing administrative requirements.

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Approximately 27 workers are trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district following a landslide and suspected gas leak. Rescue operations are underway, but the presence of gas, believed to be methane, is complicating efforts, causing dizziness among rescue personnel. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and West Bengal are involved in the challenging operation to save the workers.

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India has successfully negotiated the protection of its steel export interests under the free trade agreement with the UK, ensuring 85 per cent of its outbound shipments remain outside Britain's steel safeguard measures. This consensus addresses a key sticking point ahead of the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) coming into force on July 15.

Ahead of Monday's Parl march, Dipke urges supporters to throng Jantar Mantar

Ahead of Monday's Parl march, Dipke urges supporters to throng Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Sunday urged its supporters to gather at the Jantar Mantar in large numbers ahead of its proposed 'Sansad Chalo' march on Monday, claiming that there could be a police crackdown on the protest.

3 publishers remanded for books glorifying J-K separatists

3 publishers remanded for books glorifying J-K separatists

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Three publishers have been remanded to 10-day police custody in Jammu for allegedly publishing and circulating books that glorify separatist leaders. The Counter Intelligence Unit is investigating the matter, which led to the blacklisting of two publishers and the suspension of several education department officials.

CEA Calls For Industry Investment In Skilling, Innovation For GCCs

CEA Calls For Industry Investment In Skilling, Innovation For GCCs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has urged the industry to invest in skilling, capability development, and innovation to counter the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, particularly for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He noted that while the government has supported GCCs through Budget measures like simplifying transfer pricing and promoting expansion into tier-II/III cities, industry must move beyond low-cost execution to thrive in an an AI-driven landscape. Nageswaran emphasised that AI displaces routine tasks, necessitating a focus on higher-value work and continuous skill enhancement to maintain India's competitive edge.

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A Joint Committee of Parliament has deferred the adoption of a draft report on a bill proposing the suspension, not permanent removal, of the prime minister, Union ministers, and chief ministers if detained for 30 days on serious criminal charges, opting for more consultations.

Govt is cruel for ignoring Wangchuk, says Dipke as fast enters 18th day

Govt is cruel for ignoring Wangchuk, says Dipke as fast enters 18th day

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is deteriorating on the 18th day of his hunger strike, with his weight dropping significantly and vital signs requiring continuous monitoring. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has accused the government of 'cruelty' for its refusal to engage in dialogue regarding alleged NEET irregularities, intensifying calls for accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

NCP Leader Slams Maharashtra Government Over Farmer Suicides

NCP Leader Slams Maharashtra Government Over Farmer Suicides

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil has criticised the Maharashtra government over farmer suicides and crimes against women, alleging widespread corruption within the ruling alliance.

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Shah vows ruthless crackdown on infiltration, demographic changes

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Centre is committed to curbing unnatural demographic growth caused by abnormal factors, such as infiltration, with a ruthless approach and a quadrangular security grid has been created for the purpose, transforming India's approach from reactive to proactive.

Government slashes expenditure by Rs 60,000 crore to achieve FY26 fiscal deficit goal

Government slashes expenditure by Rs 60,000 crore to achieve FY26 fiscal deficit goal

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Indian central government has reduced its total expenditure by approximately 60,000 crore in FY26, below its revised estimate, to successfully achieve the fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), according to the latest data from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

From intense gangster epics to tender slice-of-life dramas, these 10 films showcase why Dhanush remains one of Indian cinema's most versatile leading men.

Wangchuk loses 8.2 kg as fast enters 16th day; 'lives at stake', says Dipke

Wangchuk loses 8.2 kg as fast enters 16th day; 'lives at stake', says Dipke

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has significantly deteriorated on the 16th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting alleged examination irregularities. His blood glucose and weight have dropped, prompting calls from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and political leaders like AAP's Atishi and CPI(M) MPs for government intervention and accountability.