News for 'benefit requests'

USCIS restores discretion to reject incomplete visa requests

USCIS restores discretion to reject incomplete visa requests

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinstated officers' authority to deny immigration benefit requests if applicants submit incomplete applications or fail to provide necessary documentation. This new policy, effective immediately, reverses a previous rule that allowed a 12-week response period for requests for evidence, placing the burden squarely on applicants to prove eligibility at the time of filing.

'Save this league': India women make passionate plea for Women's HIL

'Save this league': India women make passionate plea for Women's HIL

Rediff.com18 hours ago

India women's hockey players urge the Sports Ministry and corporates to save the Women's HIL, saying the league is vital for developing future talent.

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

Rediff.com16 hours ago

The Supreme Court has agreed to constitute a special bench to address the Centre's plea regarding the applicability of its March 11 judgment on OBC creamy-layer criteria to candidates of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation for 958 recommended candidates based on the creamy-layer determination applied before the verdict, citing potential unequal treatment and disruption to training schedules.

Maha sarpanch discusses bribe 'rate card', video goes viral

Maha sarpanch discusses bribe 'rate card', video goes viral

Rediff.com3 days ago

A video from Maharashtra's Latur district has gone viral, showing a sarpanch discussing a "rate card" for bribes allegedly demanded by officials to approve government aid for villagers. The sarpanch claimed that Panchayat Samiti members and officials were demanding money for schemes like wells, cattle sheds, and housing. Authorities have sought an explanation from the sarpanch and are investigating the allegations.

24,000 Manipur violence-hit families yet to get aid? SC seeks verification

24,000 Manipur violence-hit families yet to get aid? SC seeks verification

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday asked an apex court-appointed committee to verify claims that around 24,000 families affected by the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence are yet to receive benefits under government rehabilitation and welfare schemes.

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Two NCPI MPs from Murshidabad, West Bengal, met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to express concerns over the removal of mosque loudspeakers, alleging police overreach and targeting of Muslims. They also sought his intervention to expedite hearings for approximately 27 lakh people excluded from electoral rolls, highlighting difficulties faced by genuine voters due to delays in tribunal decisions.

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.

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has appealed to his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Vijay Joseph to defer his proposed August 3 visit to Bengaluru. The request comes amidst widespread protests in Karnataka following a decision by the CWMA upholding a direction for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Rediff.com5 days ago

Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday asserted that his government was committed to protecting the interests of the state's farmers and people on the Cauvery issue, while appealing to organisations to withdraw the proposed state-wide bandh.

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

Goa govt moves SC seeking enhanced sentence for Tarun Tejpal

Goa govt moves SC seeking enhanced sentence for Tarun Tejpal

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Goa government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court seeking enhanced sentence for journalist Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 sexual assault case, contending the case warrants imprisonment for life.

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). This status makes FMSCI eligible for financial grants and is a significant step in the government's efforts to bring Formula 1 racing back to India, with a Task Force also being formed to explore hosting major motorsport events.

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.

8 Foods To Boost Your Immunity This Monsoon

8 Foods To Boost Your Immunity This Monsoon

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Consultant-Clinical Dietitian Sabah Ghare recommends why you must include seasonal fruits like jamun along with colourful veggies in your monsoon diet.

Sports Ministry Provisionally Recognises FMSCI To Boost Motorsport In India

Sports Ministry Provisionally Recognises FMSCI To Boost Motorsport In India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF), a move aimed at promoting motorsport and facilitating Formula 1's return to India. This recognition requires FMSCI to amend its constitution to comply with governance acts, and a Task Force is being established to assess the benefits and challenges of hosting major motorsport events.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, who accused the governing body of putting the game's 'soul' up for sale.

Want To Quit Smoking? Try Yoga

Want To Quit Smoking? Try Yoga

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An AIIMS study reveals that yoga can increase a user's chances of quitting tobacco by approximately 50 per cent.

Deal in sight: Trump cancels planned attack on Iran

Deal in sight: Trump cancels planned attack on Iran

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of a planned attack on Iran, contingent on Tehran agreeing to rapidly open the Strait of Hormuz and end its nuclear programme. This decision follows appeals from Middle Eastern countries and includes Israel's commitment, though Iran had previously warned against any "adventurous action" from the US.

Hospitalisation, Cashless Claims & Settlement: What Every Medical Insurance Policyholder Should Know

Hospitalisation, Cashless Claims & Settlement: What Every Medical Insurance Policyholder Should Know

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Many claim disputes arise not because the insurer refuses to pay but because policyholders don't know the claim process, miss important documents or misunderstand what their policy covers.

Olympic Medallist Vijender Singh Seeks Ministry Support For Haryana Boxing Academy

Olympic Medallist Vijender Singh Seeks Ministry Support For Haryana Boxing Academy

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh is planning to establish a boxing academy in his ancestral village of Kaluwas, Bhiwani, and has sought financial assistance from the Sports Ministry.

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'India should hold several high-level chess tournaments that would attract the world's top players so that the country will have a say in the game.'

3 Chair Yoga Poses You Can Try In Office

3 Chair Yoga Poses You Can Try In Office

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Yoga expert Pushpa R recommends three seated yoga poses that will help you stretch, relax and feel flexible at work.

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed into the ages on July 17, would have turned 90 today, July 28. Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam remembers a dear friend who he believes was 'undoubtedly the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.'

Nationwide Raids Target Euro 2024 Ticket And Hospitality Violations

Nationwide Raids Target Euro 2024 Ticket And Hospitality Violations

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

German investigators have launched nationwide searches, including at the DFB soccer association offices, as part of a probe into suspected ticket and hospitality violations related to the 2024 European Championship. The investigation targets illegal allocation of thousands of tickets and hotel invitations to preferred guests, with one municipal employee suspected of receiving benefits worth 2,400.

World IVF Day: 10 Habits That Lower Sperm Count

World IVF Day: 10 Habits That Lower Sperm Count

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

From what goes on your plate to how long someone sits with a laptop on their lap, seemingly harmless habits can make a big difference, warns says Dr Aakil Khan, consultant and urologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'

New EPF Rules Every Employee Must Know

New EPF Rules Every Employee Must Know

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The EPF should remain a retirement nest egg, not be turned into an emergency fund.

DMK seeks CBI case against Vijay's minister after SC snub

DMK seeks CBI case against Vijay's minister after SC snub

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The DMK has approached the Supervisory Committee and the CBI, seeking action against Minister Aadhav Arjuna for allegedly influencing witnesses in the ongoing Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Karur stampede. This comes after the Supreme Court declined to regulate Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's visit to Karur to meet victims' families, a visit the DMK opposes due to the ongoing investigation.

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.

Antibiotic Resistance Threatens Safe Surgery

Antibiotic Resistance Threatens Safe Surgery

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'As bacteria become increasingly resistant, preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics is everyone's responsibility.'

3 Asanas To Delay Ageing, Feel, Look Younger

3 Asanas To Delay Ageing, Feel, Look Younger

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Yoga expert Pushpa R recommends three simple but powerful asanas that support longevity and delay ageing.

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Gujarat High Court has granted former cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan four weeks to pursue his claim on a piece of land in Vadodara under a state policy. The court warned him that further delays in vacating the plot would result in higher damages, noting he has occupied the land since 2014 without payment despite an unfavourable allotment decision.

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI), an interoperable digital network under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). UHI aims to connect patients and healthcare providers across various digital platforms, addressing fragmentation in India's digital health ecosystem and improving access to verified services, especially in rural areas.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, is staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks. Dipke has stated he will not leave until their demands are met and has requested Delhi Police to extend permission for the ongoing demonstration.

Thinking About Jaw Augmentation Surgery? Must-Knows

Thinking About Jaw Augmentation Surgery? Must-Knows

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Want a sharper jawline? A plastic surgeon explains who should consider jaw augmentation, how the procedure works, its risks, benefits and long-term results.

Bengal Villagers Recover 'Cut Money' Paid During TMC Rule

Bengal Villagers Recover 'Cut Money' Paid During TMC Rule

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Villagers in Mathabhanga, West Bengal, have started receiving refunds of 'cut money' they paid to local toughs to access government scheme benefits during the previous TMC regime. The BJP claims this is due to their rise to power, while the TMC denies any involvement in the illegal collections.

Can Headaches Be A Sign Of Brain Tumour?

Can Headaches Be A Sign Of Brain Tumour?

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

On World Brain Tumour Day, Consultant Brain and Spine Surgeon Dr Keval Shukla explains why you should not ignore symptoms like persistent headache, blurred vision and a loss of balance.

Governor Review: Oversimple Take On India's Monetary Muddle

Governor Review: Oversimple Take On India's Monetary Muddle

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Governor: Simplistic narrative, questionable historical accuracy, underwhelming production quality, notes Sukanya Verma.