News for 'Transparency Initiative'

NSE IPO: 'Demand Is Unexpectedly Large'

NSE IPO: 'Demand Is Unexpectedly Large'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Shares will be allocated across different institutional investors, including domestic mutual funds, other domestic institutions and FPIs.

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'...but should prepare for listing unless a court grants effective interim relief.'

Granite Baron POCSO Case: Ex-Employee Held For Video, Financial Probe Widens

Granite Baron POCSO Case: Ex-Employee Held For Video, Financial Probe Widens

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Central Crime Branch has arrested Ganesan, a former employee of Gem Granites, for possessing video evidence in the POCSO case against industrialist R Veeramani. The arrest comes as police intensify their probe into multi-crore financial transactions allegedly linked to the case, involving influential individuals and attempts to suppress the investigation.

US, EU flag India's 'trade barriers' at WTO, citing high tariffs, QCOs, and digital trade curbs

US, EU flag India's 'trade barriers' at WTO, citing high tariffs, QCOs, and digital trade curbs

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The United States and the European Union have strongly criticised India's trade policies at the World Trade Organization review, highlighting concerns over high tariffs, quality-control orders (QCOs), and restrictions on digital trade and services, which they argue undermine India's economic openness.

CJP joins Odisha students' stir, seeks minister's exit over textbook errors

CJP joins Odisha students' stir, seeks minister's exit over textbook errors

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Students and political parties in Odisha are protesting widespread errors in school textbooks, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. The CJP has extended support to the Navnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan's 'satyagraha', while the state government has begun distributing corrected textbooks.

Modi, Xi Struggle To Break Stalemate

Modi, Xi Struggle To Break Stalemate

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Xi brought in asymmetrical power play by stating that India should have 'strategic cognition' and 'strategic judgement made on the basis of the stage of development the two countries are at'. This is a very nuanced way of asserting China's coercive diplomatic posture and reflects Beijing's penchant to unleash border instability at will, restrict rare earth metal exports, exert pressure on India at global and regional orders, asserts China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

Google's Vizag AI Hub: Construction by '28, Full Ops in 5 Years

Google's Vizag AI Hub: Construction by '28, Full Ops in 5 Years

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Google aims to complete the first phase of its 1 gigawatt artificial intelligence (AI) data centre hub in Visakhapatnam by late 2028, with full operations across all phases expected within five years, according to Alexander Smith, Principal of Global Infrastructure and Energy for Asia Pacific at Google.

Jharkhand student leader on hunger strike stopped from joining Tiranga Yatra

Jharkhand student leader on hunger strike stopped from joining Tiranga Yatra

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto was allegedly prevented by police from joining a Tiranga Yatra while on his 14th day of an indefinite hunger strike against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured the public that his government is committed to ensuring transparency in examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC.

SC to hear on Aug 31 plea challenging anonymous cash donations to parties

SC to hear on Aug 31 plea challenging anonymous cash donations to parties

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on August 31 a plea which has challenged the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive cash donations below Rs 2,000.

How Khelo India Dialogue Aims To Shape India's Sporting Future

How Khelo India Dialogue Aims To Shape India's Sporting Future

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the 'Khelo India Dialogue' to engage with youth on India's sporting journey, national development, and Olympic aspirations. The virtual event, structured around five key themes including sports ecosystem improvement, youth leadership, and a 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' movement, aims to gather ideas for a stronger, youth-led 'Viksit Bharat' and nurture talent for the 2036 Olympics.

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.

Vinesh Phogat Challenges Wrestling Federation Of India's Disciplinary Action

Vinesh Phogat Challenges Wrestling Federation Of India's Disciplinary Action

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Olympian Vinesh Phogat has moved the Delhi High Court challenging two show-cause notices issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

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.

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Leading global technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. However, these releases have ignited significant debate among researchers regarding the transparency and monitorability of AI reasoning, particularly concerning OpenAI's Astra model and its "recurrent depth" architecture.

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities. OpenAI's Astra model, achieving a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, has ignited a debate among researchers due to its "recurrent depth" architecture, which some fear makes its reasoning harder to monitor. Anthropic and Google also released new models, focusing on coding, scientific research, and cybersecurity, alongside new image and video AI tools.

Delhi HC orders 6-month forensic audit in Daiichi-Fortis case

Delhi HC orders 6-month forensic audit in Daiichi-Fortis case

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has mandated a six-month forensic audit into the alleged dissipation of assets by former Fortis promoters Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivinder Mohan Singh, stemming from enforcement proceedings by Japanese drug major Daiichi Sankyo.

Sebi chief defends Closing Auction System, says 'takes time to understand'

Sebi chief defends Closing Auction System, says 'takes time to understand'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has defended the newly rolled out Closing Auction System (CAS), stating that it is a transparent mechanism and that the industry needs time to understand the change. He acknowledged initial turbulence and concerns from fund houses but noted an increase in mutual fund participation.

Vinesh Phogat's World Championships Hopes Dashed By Delhi High Court Ruling

Vinesh Phogat's World Championships Hopes Dashed By Delhi High Court Ruling

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to grant wrestler Vinesh Phogat an interim exemption to participate in the women's selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. The court stated that eligibility criteria apply uniformly to all athletes and granting an interim relief to Phogat, who recently returned from maternity leave, would lead to unequal treatment without a full adjudication of the policy's validity. Phogat had sought to challenge the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) circular on eligibility, arguing it unfairly excludes athletes returning from maternity.

Protest erupts in Jammu after man dies in police custody

Protest erupts in Jammu after man dies in police custody

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A 32-year-old man died after allegedly falling unconscious at a police post in Jammu, leading to protests by his family and locals who claim custodial torture. Police have ordered both departmental and magisterial inquiries into the incident, assuring action against any wrongdoing. Four police personnel have been attached to headquarters.

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Leading technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have announced new AI models with advanced capabilities, including OpenAI's Astra reaching a "Critical" cybersecurity tier. However, these advancements have ignited a significant debate among safety researchers and netizens, particularly concerning the transparency and monitorability of OpenAI's novel "recurrent depth" architecture.

'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.'

How Ai+ Is Investing Rs 100 Crore To Boost Smartphone Security

How Ai+ Is Investing Rs 100 Crore To Boost Smartphone Security

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Indigenous smartphone brand Ai+ has announced a Rs 100 crore bug bounty program over five years, inviting independent researchers to identify and address security vulnerabilities. This initiative, named Project Trust+, aims to foster a collaborative environment with the tech community to enhance the safety and resilience of Ai+ products, reflecting the company's commitment to transparent and collaborative security development.

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have unveiled new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. OpenAI's Astra model achieved a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, but its novel architecture, using "recurrent depth," has sparked significant safety concerns among researchers who fear it makes monitoring the model's reasoning more difficult. Anthropic and Google also introduced new models and features, further advancing AI technology while the debate over responsible development intensifies.

High Court Calls For Fairer WFI Maternity Policy For Athletes

High Court Calls For Fairer WFI Maternity Policy For Athletes

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has urged the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to establish clear guidelines and timelines for female athletes returning to competitive sports after maternity leave. The court's observations came during a hearing for grappler Vinesh Phogat, who is seeking permission to participate in selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships after her maternity break. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma highlighted the unfairness faced by women athletes post-childbirth and criticised the WFI's current policies, hinting at the need for a balanced framework.

Probe reveals another exam paper leak at govt-run agri university

Probe reveals another exam paper leak at govt-run agri university

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) in Raipur has cancelled the BSc Agriculture first-year Plant Pathology exam after a police investigation confirmed its question paper was leaked. This follows an earlier leak of the Entomology paper, which led to arrests. The university is implementing new security measures, including digital paper distribution and increased CCTV surveillance, and will re-conduct the affected exams in September.

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former BJP leader K Annamalai has criticised the Centre for its handling of the NEET issue, alleging a lack of accountability despite three question paper leaks and questioning the delay in engaging with student protesters.

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Cine and TV Artistes Association President Poonam Dhillon has strongly refuted allegations of misusing her position, calling them 'deeply offensive' and stemming from disgruntled CINTAA members who failed to get their way through legal proceedings.

Gujarat Boosts Athlete Support With Shaktidoot 2.0 Scheme And Rs 388 Crore Infrastructure

Gujarat Boosts Athlete Support With Shaktidoot 2.0 Scheme And Rs 388 Crore Infrastructure

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has launched the 'Shaktidoot 2.0' statewide sports scheme, significantly increasing financial assistance for athletes up to Rs 50 lakh. The initiative also focuses on identifying grassroots talent, supporting differently-abled players, and inaugurating sports complexes and libraries worth over Rs 388 crore. The scheme introduces a transparent, performance-based selection process and immediate aid for exceptional non-scheme players.

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with a World Bank delegation to discuss advancing Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, and skill development in the state. The discussions focused on leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, with plans to showcase Haryana's AI Sandbox globally and develop a dedicated AI model for the state.

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Rewari's Kamaljeet, a 22-year-old pistol shooter, is set to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after an injury ended his athletics dream and he transitioned to shooting in 2019, overcoming financial struggles with strong family and institutional support.

When Ratan Tata Saved My Dog

When Ratan Tata Saved My Dog

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The Small Animal Hospital, which provides world-class treatment to pets and strays alike, continues Ratan Tata's legacy.

Collegium not giving reasons is disservice to judges: SC judge

Collegium not giving reasons is disservice to judges: SC judge

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has criticised the collegium system for its lack of transparency in judicial appointments, specifically the absence of stated reasons for elevations. He argues that this opacity allows unsuitable candidates, who may hold unconstitutional views, to enter the judiciary, citing recent controversial remarks by a High Court judge.

After NEET fiasco, Nilekani to head task force on NTA exam reforms

After NEET fiasco, Nilekani to head task force on NTA exam reforms

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered task force, led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The task force aims to leverage technology for a robust and transparent examination system, following recent public agitation and the resignation of the Education Minister.

Government Coaching Plan May Pressure Coaching Centres

Government Coaching Plan May Pressure Coaching Centres

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'If a student can get a good teacher, quality content and mock tests at no cost, it becomes very hard for a mid-tier coaching centre to keep charging for the same lecture.'

Indian EVMs are secure, not connected to internet: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Indian EVMs are secure, not connected to internet: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has affirmed that Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs) are manufactured by public sector companies and operate without internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring their security and reliability.

Bihar teachers' recruitment exam schedule announced amid student protests

Bihar teachers' recruitment exam schedule announced amid student protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Job aspirants and guest faculties in Bihar are protesting in Patna, demanding the timely conduct of the BPSC TRE-4 exam, transparency in recruitments, and the resignation of education officials. They also seek implementation of UGC regulations, increased age limits, and regularisation of assistant professor appointments, threatening further agitation if demands are not met.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.