News for 'Union Grant Commission'

NCERT To Launch MA, PhD Courses

NCERT To Launch MA, PhD Courses

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Now that NCERT has received the status of a deemed university, it will start its own MA courses, postgraduate courses, and doctoral research in education, fully funded by the government.'

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Eighteen of India's 28 states exceeded the fiscal deficit ceiling of 3 per cent of GSDP in FY25, a deterioration comparable to the Covid year of 2020-21, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report also noted a decline in states reporting a revenue surplus, with Bihar, Mizoram, and Telangana moving into deficit.

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Indian government is actively developing a policy for flex-fuel vehicle adoption and aiming for 100 per cent ethanol blending in petrol to enhance energy self-reliance, particularly in light of supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

Rediff.com4 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements, including AI-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and police escorts, to ensure the smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

Manipur violence probe panel gets six-month extension

Manipur violence probe panel gets six-month extension

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Centre has granted a six-month extension to the Commission of Inquiry investigating the 2023 Manipur violence, pushing the deadline for its report to November 20. This marks the fifth extension for the panel, which was formed in June 2023 to probe the ethnic clashes that resulted in over 260 deaths.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com1 days ago

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Nagaland is seeking to implement the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations in a way that respects the state's customary laws and traditional systems of care, while remaining legally sound.

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address on April 18 violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections. They are seeking an inquiry and remedial action.

NEET paper leak: 5 remanded in CBI custody, 2 more arrested

NEET paper leak: 5 remanded in CBI custody, 2 more arrested

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The CBI has taken custody of five individuals arrested in connection with the NEET-UG exam leak and apprehended two more suspects. The agency is investigating the potential involvement of insiders within the National Testing Agency (NTA). Protests continue across the country, demanding accountability and reforms in the examination process.

Plea in SC challenges definition of caste discrimination in UGC rules

Plea in SC challenges definition of caste discrimination in UGC rules

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging a University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation, alleging it has a non-inclusionary definition of caste-based discrimination and excludes certain categories from institutional protection.

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal's new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved several key policy changes, including the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer for border fencing, and the adoption of new criminal laws.

Bengal govt approves land transfer to BSF, joins Ayushman Bharat

Bengal govt approves land transfer to BSF, joins Ayushman Bharat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key administrative and policy measures, including the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer to the BSF for border fencing, and the implementation of the BNS criminal law.

West Bengal To Adopt Ayushman Bharat, BNS Criminal Law

West Bengal To Adopt Ayushman Bharat, BNS Criminal Law

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key administrative and policy measures, including the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer to the BSF for border fencing, and the implementation of the BNS criminal law.

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to expel infiltrators from West Bengal and secure the border if the BJP wins the upcoming assembly elections. He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of neglecting North Bengal and favouring Muslims in budget allocations.

JNUSU members detained during protest march to education ministry

JNUSU members detained during protest march to education ministry

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Several members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) were detained after attempting to march towards the Ministry of Education to protest alleged institutional neglect in higher education.

UCC, 'Ram Rajya': Shah sharpens BJP's Bengal poll pitch

UCC, 'Ram Rajya': Shah sharpens BJP's Bengal poll pitch

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the BJP's manifesto for West Bengal, promising a Uniform Civil Code, a Bengali chief minister, and improved governance.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Vanniyar vote can tip the balance in 70 to 75 assembly constituencies of the 234 in the state, mainly in the Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruppathur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts.

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising to tackle corruption and illegal immigration if the BJP comes to power. He criticised the current TMC government and outlined the BJP's plans for the state.

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Infiltration in West Bengal

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Infiltration in West Bengal

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rallies in Birbhum, West Bengal, promising to tackle corruption and infiltration if the BJP wins the upcoming elections. He criticised the TMC government and outlined welfare schemes for women, youth, and farmers.

Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan has dismissed the BJP's influence in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, citing unfulfilled promises and a lack of tangible benefits for the state.

US Business Schools Eye India Partnerships

US Business Schools Eye India Partnerships

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The outreach comes amid a drop in Indian student enrolments in management programmes at American universities last year, following changes to US student visa policies.

BJP won't allow Babri Masjid to come up in Bengal, says Amit Shah

BJP won't allow Babri Masjid to come up in Bengal, says Amit Shah

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, attacking Mamata Banerjee's TMC and promising development if the BJP wins the state elections. He accused Banerjee of appeasement politics and vowed to prevent the construction of a Babri Masjid-like structure in Bengal.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee challenges Amit Shah to resign, questioning his commitment to clean politics, citing Shah's past arrest and criticising the BJP's actions against allegedly corrupt leaders.

K Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

K Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan has dismissed the BJP's influence in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, accusing the party of failing to fulfil its promises to the state.

Why UGC's new regulations have sparked controversy, protests

Why UGC's new regulations have sparked controversy, protests

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The University Grants Commission's (UGC) new regulations on promoting equity in higher education institutions have sparked protests and legal challenges. This article explains the regulations, the concerns raised, and the government's response.

Shah Alleges West Bengal Government Aided Infiltration, Defends Voter List Revision

Shah Alleges West Bengal Government Aided Infiltration, Defends Voter List Revision

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accuses the West Bengal government of openly facilitating infiltration, defends the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, and asserts BJP's prospects in upcoming elections.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resign, citing hypocrisy in Shah's call for 'clean politics' given his past arrest. Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission and defended his party's record.

UGC issue: New rules won't be discriminatory or misused, says govt

UGC issue: New rules won't be discriminatory or misused, says govt

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The new UGC regulations mandating all higher education institutions to form "equity committees" to look into discrimination complaints and promote equity were notified on January 13.

One-Regulator Education Bill Sent To Panel

One-Regulator Education Bill Sent To Panel

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

'It interferes in administrative matters of institutions, robbing them of their independence in day-to-day affairs and appointments.'

'Direct fertiliser subsidy transfer very much on table'

'Direct fertiliser subsidy transfer very much on table'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

On Agri Stack, Expenditure Secy V Vualnam says it's progressing well; using IT, farmers will be able to choose exact fertiliser quantities needed, reducing crowding at fertiliser outlets.

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament, urging unity on national issues like 'Viksit Bharat', swadeshi, and national security. She highlighted government initiatives and the nation's progress.

SC orders govt to grant permanent commission to woman Army officer

SC orders govt to grant permanent commission to woman Army officer

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Union government to grant a permanent commission to a woman officer in the Army Dental Corps who was denied benefits given to similarly placed officers. The court ruled that the woman officer was wrongly excluded from consideration and that the principle of "what is sauce for the goose ought to be sauce for the gander" applies in this case. The court directed the government to implement the order within four weeks and to extend all consequential benefits, including seniority, promotion, and monetary benefits, to the officer.

Kerala CM accuses guv of omitting 'BJP criticism' from speech

Kerala CM accuses guv of omitting 'BJP criticism' from speech

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of omitting portions of the state cabinet-approved policy address, specifically criticizing the Union Government's fiscal policies and the pending status of state bills.

NEET-EWS Quota: How A 19 Yr Old Won A Supreme Court Case

NEET-EWS Quota: How A 19 Yr Old Won A Supreme Court Case

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'My argument was straightforward: If the Constitution allows this reservation and SC/ST and OBC candidates are already getting reservation in private institutions -- backed by Constitution Bench orders -- then not extending the same to EWS candidates directly violates the 103rd Amendment and Article 14, which guarantees the right to equality.'

A long-game Budget

A long-game Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, which was a first, had an excellent domestic macro backdrop. According to the first advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, against 6.5 per cent in 2024-25.

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The European Union (EU) has suspended export benefits to sectors such as textiles and plastics under a preferential scheme for India and two other countries from January 1, a move that will impact the country's shipment to the 27-nation bloc. The development is important as the two sides are likely to announce the closure of negotiations for a free tarde agreement (FTA) on January 27.

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Initially, we will look to take a small batch of a few hundred students, with a plan to increase this to 5,000 students in the next five years, and eventually 10,000 by 2036.'