News for 'Targeted Public Distribution System'

Delhi Scraps Thousands of Ration Cards, Eyes AI for Verification

Delhi Scraps Thousands of Ration Cards, Eyes AI for Verification

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Delhi government has cancelled over 45,000 ration cards and is considering using artificial intelligence to identify ineligible beneficiaries in its public distribution system.

Enforcement Directorate Raids West Bengal Over PDS Scam

Enforcement Directorate Raids West Bengal Over PDS Scam

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations in West Bengal as part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged Public Distribution System (PDS) scam.

India's Medical Isotope Mission Needs Faster Corridors

India's Medical Isotope Mission Needs Faster Corridors

Rediff.com6 days ago

A country that makes the isotope sets the timetable for everyone who needs it.

'Jio Has The Energy And Nimbleness Of A Startup'

'Jio Has The Energy And Nimbleness Of A Startup'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'... but runs with the rigour and discipline of a large enterprise.'

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Government To Expand Digital Food Subsidy Programme

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The government plans to expand its central bank digital currency (CBDC)-based food subsidy programme to Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu by June, following its implementation on a pilot basis in Gujarat and Puducherry, official sources said.

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Chandigarh is set to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or digital rupee, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on August 14. This initiative makes Chandigarh the first Union Territory to fully roll out CBDC-based DBT for food subsidy, enhancing transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, will be purpose-bound for purchasing foodgrains from authorised merchants.

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The move is meant to enhance the operational capability of the armed forces, reduce import dependence and increase domestic value addition.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'

HC orders removal of false info on judges' London badminton trip

HC orders removal of false info on judges' London badminton trip

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Delhi high court has ordered social media companies and online service providers to remove 'false' information circulating online about Indian judges and Union ministers allegedly participating in a badminton tournament in London at taxpayers' expense. The court deemed the content malicious and a systematic misinformation campaign aimed at undermining the judiciary and executive.

Patiala Authorities Seize 45 LPG Cylinders in Misuse Crackdown

Patiala Authorities Seize 45 LPG Cylinders in Misuse Crackdown

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Authorities in Patiala, India, seized 45 domestic LPG cylinders from eateries, restaurants, and hotels during a special drive to check the misuse of cooking gas cylinders.

'Traitor, gimmick': Rahul targets Modi over economy, 'Melody'

'Traitor, gimmick': Rahul targets Modi over economy, 'Melody'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting 'Melody' toffees to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, calling it a 'gimmick' while India faces an 'economic storm'. He accused Modi of prioritising public relations over addressing the struggles of farmers, labourers, and youth, a sentiment echoed by other Congress leaders.

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign targeting drug syndicates, especially those operating near educational institutions, and outlines reforms to improve police functioning and public accessibility.

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a statewide campaign to crack down on drug syndicates, focusing on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions, and improving police functioning across the state.

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Targeted PDS coverage below 50%

Targeted PDS coverage below 50%

Rediff.com12 Mar 2008

The study of the Targeted Public Distribution System, which covered 18 states, held that though the offtake per household has shown improvement yet only about 57 per cent of the below the poverty line households are covered. The information was given by minister of state for finance Pawan Kumar Bansal in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Based on evaluation studies and feedback received from states, a nine point action plan has been jointly formulated.

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

PharmEasy's parent has a new playbook: Profit first, growth second

Rediff.com27 May 2026

API Holdings, the parent company of online pharmacy PharmEasy, has significantly reduced its debt from 1,800 crore to 1,050 crore and refinanced it at lower interest rates under CEO Rahul Guha, shifting its focus from 'growth at any cost' to profitability and aiming for a debt-free balance sheet before a potential stock market listing.

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

As Iran heads into crucial peace talks with the United States of America, here are the six men who decide the Islamic Republic's course.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Corruption rendering PDS ineffective

Corruption rendering PDS ineffective

Rediff.com12 Jun 2007

What is ailing India's Public Distribution System (PDS)? "Corruption" is the one and only answer to that question.

Only 42% PDS grain reaches the poor

Only 42% PDS grain reaches the poor

Rediff.com16 Jun 2005

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

What is food subsidy?

What is food subsidy?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2007

Food subsidy is provided by the Centre in the budget of the Department of food and public distribution to meet the difference between the economic cost of foodgrains and their sales realisation at central issue prices.

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Poverty data to be outsourced

Poverty data to be outsourced

Rediff.com16 Sep 2004

Centre readies direct cash transfer process

Centre readies direct cash transfer process

Rediff.com17 Dec 2012

Some UTs to start from April 1 and other transfers to be launched from January.

Plan Panel to give report on BPL in a month

Plan Panel to give report on BPL in a month

Rediff.com20 Apr 2010

On the complaint of shortage of foodgrain, the minister said lifting of foodgrain by states/Union Territories under TPDS and other welfare schemes has been less than the allocation made to them.

I am losing sleep over rising subsidy bill: FM

I am losing sleep over rising subsidy bill: FM

Rediff.com8 Feb 2012

The fiscal deficit, estimated at 4.6 per cent of the gross domestic product, is expected to be around 5.6 per cent, mainly on account of factors like subdued revenue collection, poor disinvestment receipts, high global commodity prices and increasing subsidy bill.

'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.'

Govt may replace rice with wheat in ration shops

Govt may replace rice with wheat in ration shops

Rediff.com22 May 2008

As part of steps to control inflation and augment availability of essential commodities, the government is considering re-allocating wheat in place of rice for the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and other welfare schemes.

Food security law can't cater to APL families

Food security law can't cater to APL families

Rediff.com25 Aug 2009

Food security for all was a poll promise from the ruling Congress party before this year's general elections.

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

China displayed a range of new weapons at a military parade, including laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, giant underwater drones, and fifth-generation aircraft.

India rejects IMF view that US tariffs will stay indefinitely, hit growth

India rejects IMF view that US tariffs will stay indefinitely, hit growth

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The Indian government has expressed its disagreement with the IMF staff's 'baseline' assumption that the 50 per cent US tariffs on its goods exports 'would remain in place indefinitely', based on which the staff pegged the country's GDP growth at 6.6 per cent this year, and pared its 2026-27 projection by 20 basis points to 6.2 per cent.

Modi's $5 trn economy is a useless target: Jean Dreze

Modi's $5 trn economy is a useless target: Jean Dreze

Rediff.com11 May 2021

India might be heading towards a "serious livelihood crisis" as the situation seems to be worse this time for the working class amid the COVID crisis and local restrictions by states already add up to something close to a nationwide lockdown, according to noted economist Jean Dreze. In an interview to PTI, he also said the government's target to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25 was never a "feasible target" and was just to pander to the "super-power ambitions" of the Indian elite. About the impact of the second wave of COVID on the Indian economy, the eminent economist said the situation today is not very different from what it was around this time last year as far as working people are concerned.

Goldman Sachs bets on Indian aerospace, prefers private firms

Goldman Sachs bets on Indian aerospace, prefers private firms

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Goldman Sachs is bullish about Indian aerospace and defence, preferring private companies over public sector units (PSUs) as the country ramps up its export target for the sector to Rs 50,000 crore by FY29 from Rs 23,600 crore last year. The American investment bank's top 'buy' recommendations include Solar Industries, Bharat Electronics, Data Patterns and PTC Industries, while Bharat Dynamics is rated 'sell'.

UID to help govt control slippages in PDS

UID to help govt control slippages in PDS

Rediff.com14 Mar 2011

The working group on food and public distribution constituted under the chairmanship of Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia is likely to recommend using the numbers effectively for streamlining PDS.

Move over incentives, time for 'soft' mandates on EVs: Niti Aayog

Move over incentives, time for 'soft' mandates on EVs: Niti Aayog

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

After a slew of programmes to facilitate electric-vehicle (EV) adoption in India, the NITI Aayog has said the government has done enough on incentives and now it's time to take the programme a step further with "strong signals" through regulations and mandates.

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'Government officials use Gmail and ordinary phones without basic security consciousness.' 'Interoperability, especially in joint exercises with countries like the US, worries me.' 'It often means we open our systems to them, but they don't reciprocate.' 'They could have kill switches in their systems and might even be able to affect ours.'