News for 'central government'

The Dilemma Of A Missing Workforce For Climate Action

The Dilemma Of A Missing Workforce For Climate Action

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

This was perhaps a missed opportunity for India to spotlight a core domestic challenge: The scale of workforce preparation required for a young, populous, rapidly growing country seeking to reach net zero, points out Radha Roy Biswas.

100% FDI in insurance likely soon

100% FDI in insurance likely soon

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, a move that was welcomed by industry as it would help attract more capital and global expertise, while boosting insurance coverage in the country. A bill to amend the insurance law is likely to be tabled on Monday in Parliament, whose winter session is slated to conclude on December 19.

GST reforms expected to ignite animal spirits in financial sector: DEA secy

GST reforms expected to ignite animal spirits in financial sector: DEA secy

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Noting that recent uncertainties created by global tariffs have not impacted the Indian economy severely, Anuradha Thakur, secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, said the central government is hopeful that the recent goods and services tax (GST) rationalisation will ignite the much needed animal spirits in the financial sector.

Delhi air turns lethal as AQI peaks at 498, skyline lost in haze

Delhi air turns lethal as AQI peaks at 498, skyline lost in haze

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Delhi choked under a thick blanket of smog on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, which falls in the higher spectrum of 'severe' category.

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) adoption rate has risen to over 4.35 per cent, with more than 100,000 people out of 2.3 million eligible individuals opting for it, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) chairman S Ramann said in an exclusive interview with Business Standard on Monday. He also said that six states had approached the PFRDA for help in adoption of the scheme.

SC rejects TN plea to modify order on Karur stampede probe

SC rejects TN plea to modify order on Karur stampede probe

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court turned down Tamil Nadu government's plea to modify its order suspending a one-man enquiry commission and the SIT to look into the Karur stampede. The court also took a critical view of a report filed by the Madras High Court registrar general.

From Bad To Worse: How Indian Football Fared In 2025

From Bad To Worse: How Indian Football Fared In 2025

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Indian football remained in a state of terminal decline after experiencing arguably its darkest phase in a year marked by severe administrative crisis, court hearings, financial issues, absence of domestic leagues, and a steep decline in performance of the senior men's team.

Assam varsity shut after protest against VC over corruption charges

Assam varsity shut after protest against VC over corruption charges

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Students at Tezpur University in Assam have shut down the institution, protesting against Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh over allegations of corruption and financial irregularities. The shutdown has led to the cancellation of end-term examinations and has garnered support from teachers and non-teaching staff.

HC rejects plea against 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting on TN hill

HC rejects plea against 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting on TN hill

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The division bench said that in the single judge's order dated December 1, 2025, the responsibility to carry out the work (lighting the lamp) was entrusted to the Thirupparankundram Arulmighu Subramania Swamy temple management.

How security forces capture strategic Maoist strongholds in Bastar

How security forces capture strategic Maoist strongholds in Bastar

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

A security camp has been established in the Naxalite-hit Sukma district of Chhattisgarh to improve security and facilitate development. The camp, set up by security forces, aims to dominate the area, secure development works, improve coordination with villagers, and intensify anti-Naxal operations.

Foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid': High alert in Murshidabad

Foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid': High alert in Murshidabad

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Security has been tightened in Beldanga, West Bengal, ahead of a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a proposed mosque, modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid. The area has been placed under high security with additional forces deployed.

Delhi orders 50% WFH for govt, private offices as air quality worsens

Delhi orders 50% WFH for govt, private offices as air quality worsens

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Delhi government mandates 50% work from home for offices and private establishments under GRAP stage three due to severe air pollution. Essential services are exempted.

BCCI cites govt policy amid India-Pak Asia Cup row

BCCI cites govt policy amid India-Pak Asia Cup row

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Saikia stressed that the Indian cricket board will continue to adhere to the policy formalised by the government.

FBI offers $50,000 reward for Indian who killed woman, son

FBI offers $50,000 reward for Indian who killed woman, son

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The FBI is offering a reward for information about an Indian national wanted in connection with the 2017 murder of an Indian woman and her son in New Jersey. US authorities are urging India to extradite the suspect, Nazeer Hameed.

Delhi choked by worst AQI of the year, strict curbs kick in

Delhi choked by worst AQI of the year, strict curbs kick in

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

A thick layer of toxic smog enveloped the national capital on Saturday as air quality deteriorated sharply, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke the strictest curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'When the accused has a past record demonstrating unprecedented and unmatched criminality and perversion, I believe the interests of justice would have been better served if such a person remained behind bars.'

Govt slams Sonia Gandhi over 'Nehru papers', seeks return to PMML

Govt slams Sonia Gandhi over 'Nehru papers', seeks return to PMML

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The government has criticized Sonia Gandhi for holding '51 cartons of Jawaharlal Nehru papers' and has requested their return to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) for public access.

Pan masala cess to boost public health, security

Pan masala cess to boost public health, security

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Experts said that earmarking of funds for public health at par with national security indicates a key policy shift.

India rolls out next-gen e-passports to stop forgery, impersonation

India rolls out next-gen e-passports to stop forgery, impersonation

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Indian government has introduced a next-generation e-passport with enhanced security features, including an embedded RFID chip, to combat forgery and impersonation. The rollout follows successful pilot testing and implementation across India and abroad.

India calls for ceasefire, hostage release; hails Gaza peace plan

India calls for ceasefire, hostage release; hails Gaza peace plan

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

India has called for a ceasefire, release of all hostages, and peaceful resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The Centre informed Parliament that India welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan. The article also covers India's energy sourcing strategy and the release of Indian fishermen by Pakistan.

Rs 14,000 crore from World Bank used in Bihar polls: Jan Suraaj

Rs 14,000 crore from World Bank used in Bihar polls: Jan Suraaj

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Spokesperson and one of the key architects of the Party, Pavan Verma, levelled serious allegations that funds from the World Bank meant for some other project were diverted for the Bihar Assembly elections by the central government and distributed to women voters in the state.

Over 18,000 Indians deported by US since 2009, Jaishankar tells RS

Over 18,000 Indians deported by US since 2009, Jaishankar tells RS

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Indian government reveals that the United States has deported over 18,000 Indian nationals since 2009, with a focus on human trafficking investigations and concerns over the treatment of deportees.

Oppn seeks speedy probe into Red Fort blast, raises security concerns

Oppn seeks speedy probe into Red Fort blast, raises security concerns

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Opposition parties in India are demanding a thorough and speedy investigation into a car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. They are also raising concerns about the security situation in the national capital and questioning the government's handling of the matter.

Bihari Youth's Loudest Cry Is For 'Naukri'

Bihari Youth's Loudest Cry Is For 'Naukri'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

'Bihar youth need employment. Create jobs for us. Nothing matters more.'

Rubaiyya Sayeed prime kidnapping suspect nabbed after 36 years

Rubaiyya Sayeed prime kidnapping suspect nabbed after 36 years

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The CBI arrested Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, an absconder carrying a Rs 10 lakh reward, in connection with the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed. He is allegedly part of a conspiracy hatched by the banned JKLF.

Bihar polls: Jehanabad's youths want jobs, not rhetoric, from next govt

Bihar polls: Jehanabad's youths want jobs, not rhetoric, from next govt

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Voters in Bihar's Jehanabad and Ghosi express their hopes for change, particularly regarding job creation and development, in the upcoming government following the state elections.

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Sonia Gandhi criticizes the Modi government's environmental policies, claiming they endanger the Aravalli hills and disregard environmental protection.

Rate Cut effect: PFC, Sidbi plan to raise Rs 11,000 crore from bond market

Rate Cut effect: PFC, Sidbi plan to raise Rs 11,000 crore from bond market

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Activity in the corporate bond market is set to gain momentum following a 25-bp policy repo rate cut by the rate-setting panel of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). State-owned public cebPower Finance Corporation (PFC) and Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) are planning to raise up to Rs 11,500 crore through bonds on Tuesday as issuers expect borrowing costs to ease.

Is Hemant Soren weighing a political turn towards the BJP?

Is Hemant Soren weighing a political turn towards the BJP?

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Speculation intensifies regarding a potential political shake-up in Jharkhand's ruling coalition, fueled by strained relations between JMM, RJD, and Congress, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Delhi visits. Both JMM and Congress have denied the claims.

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced plans to invest $17.5 billion in India to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country's AI-first future, marking the third major AI-driven investment in the country in the past two months. Microsoft said that the $17.5 billion (around Rs 1.58 lakh crore) investment builds on the $3 billion (around Rs 26,955 crore) funding announced earlier this year, which the company is on track to spend by the end of CY (calendar year) 2026.

No extension of waqf property registration deadline: Govt

No extension of waqf property registration deadline: Govt

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the deadline for registering Waqf properties on the UMEED portal will not be extended. However, those who attempted registration but could not complete it will be exempt from penalties for the next three months.

QS Rankings Expose India's Higher-Education Gap

QS Rankings Expose India's Higher-Education Gap

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India not only lost its top place as the most represented higher-education system to China, several of its marquee institutions saw a significant drop.

Fix It Up! ISL Clubs Give Dire Warning To AIFF

Fix It Up! ISL Clubs Give Dire Warning To AIFF

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Current situation risks rendering ongoing operations untenable: ISL clubs to AIFF

3K personnel deployed as Kabir's mosque plan heightens Dec 6 heat in Bengal

3K personnel deployed as Kabir's mosque plan heightens Dec 6 heat in Bengal

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Governor C V Ananda Bose, meanwhile, urged citizens not to be swayed by "provocative statements and rumours" and asked the state to ensure there was 'no disturbance anywhere'.

Manufacturing Push Lifts Private Capex In H1FY26

Manufacturing Push Lifts Private Capex In H1FY26

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Private investment projects constitute well over 70 per cent of the nearly Rs 34 trillion of fresh investments announced in H1 this year.

Hopes fading for J-K's statehoood: Omar Abdullah

Hopes fading for J-K's statehoood: Omar Abdullah

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expresses dwindling hope for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, citing delays and governance challenges in the Union Territory setup.

Society won't forgive us if we don't stand by doctors: SC

Society won't forgive us if we don't stand by doctors: SC

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court reserved its judgement on a plea regarding insurance coverage for doctors and health workers who died battling Covid-19 in private clinics and non-recognized hospitals. The court emphasized the importance of supporting doctors and ensuring valid claims are settled.

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

A rally marking the 41st anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy was disrupted by a controversy over an effigy allegedly depicting an RSS 'sevak,' leading to an FIR against organizers.

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Calcutta high court on Friday refused to intervene in the construction of a mosque -- modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid -- at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad, proposed by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.