News for 'central India'

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Union Home Ministry has announced changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications, including online applications and renunciation processes.

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

BJP's Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath faced protests by TMC workers when she visited a booth in the assembly constituency in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district where polling was underway. She also accused the ruling party activists of preventing her from leaving the booth premises, following an altercation with them over an allegation of influencing voters.

Andrew Holland: 'I'd Lean Towards 60-70% in Largecaps'

Andrew Holland: 'I'd Lean Towards 60-70% in Largecaps'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'... with the rest split between mid and smallcaps, as valuations are becoming more attractive across segments.'

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

The Gulf War: Prem Panicker's Must Read Blog!

The Gulf War: Prem Panicker's Must Read Blog!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Prem Panicker's Must Read Blog On The Gulf War.

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.

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.

Kannada Actress Ranya Rao To Be Released After Smuggling Case

Kannada Actress Ranya Rao To Be Released After Smuggling Case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Kannada film actress Ranya Rao is set to be released from Bengaluru Central Jail after a year of detention in a gold smuggling case.

How A Software Engineer Ran A Rs 100 Crore Online Trading Scam

How A Software Engineer Ran A Rs 100 Crore Online Trading Scam

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A software engineer earning a high salary allegedly abandoned his career to run a fake online trading racket, duping investors of nearly Rs 100 crore.

Avoid These Life Insurance Mistakes

Avoid These Life Insurance Mistakes

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Proposal forms are often filled by the agent. Check the form after it is filled.

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Nida Khan, a TCS employee accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. An AIMIM corporator is alleged to have provided her shelter. The arrest has sparked political reactions and renewed focus on workplace harassment prevention.

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'Tamil Nadu has 42% of its population in the 18 to 39 age group. The bulk of the population in this age group voted for Vijay and women voters too voted for him in big numbers.'

From arson to clashes, post-election unrest spreads in West Bengal

From arson to clashes, post-election unrest spreads in West Bengal

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Several incidents of post-poll violence have been reported across West Bengal, with tension escalating in various districts following the recent assembly elections. Clashes between political party supporters have led to injuries, arrests, and heightened security measures.

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

Rediff.com15 May 2026

'22 students are fighting over 35,000 seats. In that situation, when someone tells a desperate parent there is a shortcut, and the shortcut costs Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh versus Rs 1.5 crore -- the maths is seductive.'

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

India Extends 4% Retail Inflation Target for RBI Until 2031

India Extends 4% Retail Inflation Target for RBI Until 2031

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Indian government has extended the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) mandate to maintain retail inflation at 4 per cent, with a tolerance band of 2 per cent on either side, for another five years until March 2031.

DBS Bank India Enables Direct Tax Payments via TIN 2.0

DBS Bank India Enables Direct Tax Payments via TIN 2.0

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

DBS Bank India has launched a direct tax payment facility after authorisation from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Utkarsh Small Finance Bank partners with Mumbai Indians as banking partner for T20 League 2026.

'Vijay Won't Ask Anybody For Support'

'Vijay Won't Ask Anybody For Support'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'The TVK might form a minority government.'

ED probes Christian group over foreign card cash deals in Maoist areas

ED probes Christian group over foreign card cash deals in Maoist areas

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the use of foreign debit cards by a global Christian mission to withdraw crores of rupees in Naxal violence-hit regions of India. Searches were conducted in multiple states, and foreign debit cards, cash, and digital devices were seized.

Banking liquidity surplus stays over Rs 5 trn

Banking liquidity surplus stays over Rs 5 trn

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India's banking system is grappling with a persistent liquidity surplus exceeding Rs 5 trillion, driven by significant government spending and bond redemptions, leading market participants to anticipate the Reserve Bank of India will step up Variable Rate Reserve Repo operations to manage the excess funds.

Lukkhe Review: Familiar Drugs And Deceit Tale

Lukkhe Review: Familiar Drugs And Deceit Tale

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Lukkhe plunges into Chandigarh's dark underbelly, exploring a drug epidemic, political corruption, and a burgeoning rap scene, though its narrative often feels like a familiar crime drama, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com13 May 2026

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

EVMs Secured In Tamil Nadu After Assembly Election

EVMs Secured In Tamil Nadu After Assembly Election

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Following the conclusion of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, election commission officials have transferred the sealed EVMs, VVPATs, and other election materials to secure strong rooms at designated counting centres throughout the state.

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly elections.

Bombay HC Asks Centre To Decide On Padma Award For Wrestler Jadhav

Bombay HC Asks Centre To Decide On Padma Award For Wrestler Jadhav

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has directed the Union government to decide by May 4 on posthumously conferring the Padma Vibhushan award to wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India's first individual Olympic medallist.

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has stated that it does not maintain centralised data on incidents of hate speech, racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination against people from the Northeast, emphasising that policing and public order are the responsibility of state governments.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

India, Central Asian nations to work with Afghanistan on security

India, Central Asian nations to work with Afghanistan on security

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India and Central Asian nations agree to collaborate with Afghanistan on security challenges amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. The discussions took place at the third India-Central Asia meeting of top security officials in Bishkek.

Why ED Arrests Dropped Despite Record Asset Seizures

Why ED Arrests Dropped Despite Record Asset Seizures

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India reported a decrease in arrests related to money laundering cases during the last financial year, but the value of assets attached reached a record high. The agency attributed the changes to more targeted investigations and increased efficiency in asset recovery.

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Why Supreme Court Deferred Hearing In Anil Ambani Group Fraud Case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on a PIL alleging large-scale banking fraud involving the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and its firms to May 8.

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh is spearheading an ambitious initiative to establish a fully integrated beach sand minerals, rare earth, and titanium ecosystem, aiming to attract over 50,000 crore in investments over the next decade. This move is part of India's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on China for strategic minerals and permanent magnets, with the state preparing a comprehensive rare earth policy and planning specialised industrial clusters.

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay did not defeat Dravidian politics from outside. He entered the Dravidian field and claimed ownership of it. 'His argument was not that the room should be destroyed. It was that the present occupants no longer deserved to remain in it.'

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

In a region increasingly shaped by competition and coercion, such collaboration strengthens security without confrontation, builds capacity without dependency and promotes order without domination, points out Dr Kumar.

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure the safety of Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and his family, following his defection from AAP to BJP and subsequent protests outside his residence.

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.