News for 'Welfare Front'

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's biggest challenge will be to find a new growth driver, particularly against the backdrop of a global economy ravaged by heightened uncertainty and fragmentation, financial markets on a precipice, and global commodity prices on a continued uptrend.

Why BJP, AIMIM, Cong came together in Amravati

Why BJP, AIMIM, Cong came together in Amravati

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Despite their top leaders frowning upon such practices, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Congress came together in the Achalpur Municipal Council in Maharashtra's Amravati district to ensure unopposed election of various committee chairpersons.

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has suggested that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) consider establishing gaushalas (cowsheds) under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to care for stray animals entering highways. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with several states' efforts to manage stray dog populations and suggested developing an app to report stray animal sightings.

Big blow to T20 World Cup: Bangladesh say NO to India travel

Big blow to T20 World Cup: Bangladesh say NO to India travel

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Bangladesh refused to send its national cricket team for the T20 World Cup in India, effectively paving the way for Scotland to take its place in the tournament roster after the ICC dismissed the country's demand for a change of venue.

SC bars stem cell therapy for autism outside clinical trials

SC bars stem cell therapy for autism outside clinical trials

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that stem cell therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can only be offered within approved and monitored clinical trial settings, deeming any other use unethical and potentially malpractice.

Revealed: CM Nitish poorer than ministers, assets put at Rs 1.65 cr

Revealed: CM Nitish poorer than ministers, assets put at Rs 1.65 cr

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's assets have increased slightly to Rs 1.65 crore, while several ministers are wealthier, according to the latest asset disclosure.

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

In apparent signs of thaw after years of bickering stemming out of internal feud in the AIADMK in the past, party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed Dhinakaran back in to the National Democratic Alliance. The AMMK founder reciprocated with a "heartfelt thanks," yet admitting there was "sibling rivalry" with AIADMK, the party he was once associated with.

T20 WC: Pakistan's India boycott triggers ICC wrath

T20 WC: Pakistan's India boycott triggers ICC wrath

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday warned the Pakistan Cricket Board's reported position of "selective participation" in the Men's T20 World Cup could have far-reaching consequences for the PCB and the global cricket ecosystem.

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has stated that laws and regulations should serve as a unifying force between religions and communities, not create discord. The observation came while dismissing a plea against the entry of Christian priests into a Hindu temple.

Three Key Priorities For Government!

Three Key Priorities For Government!

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

While many areas compete for resources, defence, education, and adaptation deserve focus for maximum impact, suggests Laveesh Bhandari.

T20 World Cup: JioStar threatens to sue Pakistan for India match boycott

T20 World Cup: JioStar threatens to sue Pakistan for India match boycott

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

T20WC Boycott: Broadcasters may move court against PCB

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Addressing an event after launching the service, Shah said the rival ride-hailing platforms have reduced commission and are offering many other incentives, including free rides to customers, seeing the success of Bharat Taxi during the pilot operation.

'Bihar bride for Rs 20,000' remark lands U'khand minister's husband in row

'Bihar bride for Rs 20,000' remark lands U'khand minister's husband in row

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya, has caused a controversy after allegedly saying that girls from Bihar are available for marriage at a low price. The statement has drawn criticism from the opposition Congress and the Bihar State Women Commission.

Big Labour Budget: 61% Unspent

Big Labour Budget: 61% Unspent

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Of the Rs 31,820.80 crore allocated to central sector schemes and projects, only Rs 11,868.05 crore was utilised, according to the revised estimates.

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday claimed that Governor R N Ravi 'insulted' the gubernatorial position he holds, by not reading out the speech at the commencement of the assembly session.

T20 WC: 'Enough is enough': Pak boycotts India, fans rally

T20 WC: 'Enough is enough': Pak boycotts India, fans rally

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Pakistan's decision to boycott its Twenty20 World Cup match against India has drawn widespread support from fans and administrators who hailed the move as a long-overdue stand in a rivalry in which sport and geopolitics have collided.

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

While the DMK depends on a 'silver sieve' of welfare schemes to stay in power, its support is slowly draining away under the weight of poor governance, corruption, and voters who are no longer satisfied with benefits alone and now want basic administration to work, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman deputy Chief Minister after being elected as the leader of the NCP legislature wing.

In a first, 41 Maoist-free Chhattisgarh villages set to celebrate R-Day

In a first, 41 Maoist-free Chhattisgarh villages set to celebrate R-Day

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The Tricolour will be hoisted for the first time on Republic Day in 41 villages freed from Maoist influence in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, marking a success in the fight against 'Red Terror' and heralding peace and development.

Dalit woman doctor ends life after colleague refuses to marry over caste

Dalit woman doctor ends life after colleague refuses to marry over caste

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

A 23-year-old Dalit house surgeon in Siddipet district allegedly died by suicide after being betrayed by a senior resident doctor who refused to marry her due to caste differences. Police have arrested the accused and registered a case under the BNS and SC/ST Act.

T20 World Cup rocked! Pakistan to boycott India clash

T20 World Cup rocked! Pakistan to boycott India clash

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Pakistan on Sunday announced a boycott of its high-profile men's T20 World Cup group league match against India, a move that is likely to have repercussions, even as the government cleared the national team's participation in the rest of the global event, starting February 7.

'Equity Market Poised For Comeback In 2026'

'Equity Market Poised For Comeback In 2026'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The bigger unknown remains global geopolitics, which is inherently unpredictable, including developments in our neighbourhood.' 'Another concern is the increasing tilt of government finances towards welfare subsidies, especially at the state level.' 'This could constrain capital expenditure, which is critical for long-term growth.'

'Whenever Seat Arithmetic Permits, BJP Will Want Its Own Chief Minister'

'Whenever Seat Arithmetic Permits, BJP Will Want Its Own Chief Minister'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

'Removing Nitish Kumar prematurely risks unsettling both the alliance balance and parts of the social coalition that delivered this victory.'

Lessons To Learn From The Tatas

Lessons To Learn From The Tatas

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Usually, in the western view, corporate success is attributed to efficiency, organisational structure, and scale. R Gopalakrishnan and Harish Bhat argue that philosophy, culture, and the transmission of values are more important for sustaining growth and profitability of an enterprise over a period of time.

Vande Mataram Gets A 2.0 Version

Vande Mataram Gets A 2.0 Version

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

'It took 22 working days for us to complete the song.'

Why Djokovic exited Professional Tennis Players Association

Why Djokovic exited Professional Tennis Players Association

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Novak Djokovic said he would step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association, citing concerns over transparency and governance within the organisation.

Karbi Anglong: Panel To Resolve Boundary Dispute

Karbi Anglong: Panel To Resolve Boundary Dispute

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

'This move acknowledges that unresolved internal borders can be just as disruptive as external ones.'

Planning To Invest In NPS Vatsalya?

Planning To Invest In NPS Vatsalya?

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

NPS Vatsalya offers a disciplined investment avenue that parents can use to create intergenerational wealth by contributing even small sums.

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was stripped of his portfolios after being convicted in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. His ministries have been reassigned to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kokate has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital after complaining of chest pain.

Delhi zoo faces allegations of negligence in jackal's death

Delhi zoo faces allegations of negligence in jackal's death

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is facing allegations from its workers' union regarding the death of a jackal. The union claims the animal suffocated inside a bear den after staff used chili powder and fire to force it out. The incident has sparked calls for an independent inquiry and raised concerns about animal welfare protocols at the zoo.

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Reiterating Sitharaman's statement that this is a youth power budget, Modi emphasised that the provisions made in the budget will prepare leaders, innovators and creators across different sectors.

Telangana: 500 strays killed to fulfil panchayat poll promises

Telangana: 500 strays killed to fulfil panchayat poll promises

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

In a fresh incident of stray dog killings, around 200 canines were allegedly killed in Telangana's Kamareddy district, taking the toll to about 500 in the last one week, police said on Tuesday.

Nitish distributes new departments, retains civil aviation

Nitish distributes new departments, retains civil aviation

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has allocated portfolios of newly created departments among ministers, keeping Civil Aviation with himself, an official notification said.

Class 7 girl raped for months, delivers baby; accused held

Class 7 girl raped for months, delivers baby; accused held

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

According to police, neither the victim nor her family knew about the pregnancy until she went into labour on Tuesday.

Record Aussie Open prize money but stars want more

Record Aussie Open prize money but stars want more

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Australian Open will offer a record A$111.5 million ($74.73 million) in prize money this year and while players welcomed the increase, top names like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka said the push for a bigger payout must continue across the Grand Slams.

BCCI backs ICC stance on sportsmanship over Pak boycott

BCCI backs ICC stance on sportsmanship over Pak boycott

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said that the BCCI completely agrees with the ICC and the Indian cricket board won't make any comments on the boycott until we speak with the ICC.

Delhi blast: UP ATS seeks details of Madrasa students, staff

Delhi blast: UP ATS seeks details of Madrasa students, staff

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad, in the aftermath of the recent Red Fort blast in Delhi, has stepped up its monitoring efforts and sought comprehensive details of madrasas, their students, and teaching staff across the eight districts under Prayagraj zone, officials said on Wednesday.

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

In 2025-26, the government allocated Rs 6,81,210 crore for defence budget.

FTA to boost marine products; concerns over farm exports' non-tariff barriers

FTA to boost marine products; concerns over farm exports' non-tariff barriers

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India's marine product exports facing rough weather from punitive US tariffs are expected to get a big boost following the reduction of 26 per cent tariff as part of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), but concerns over non-tariff barriers, which are a dominant aspect of marine trade to the EU, still remain.