News for 'digital governance'

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Messaging platform Telegram has submitted its reply to the IT Ministry's notice regarding its 'username' feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, following a similar submission by WhatsApp.

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

A derogatory 'cockroach' remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing inadvertently sparked a nationwide student movement, transforming an insult into a powerful symbol of protest that led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

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.

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Bharti Airtel is strategically shifting its focus towards data centres, cloud services, and financial services as key drivers for its next phase of growth, leveraging significant past investments in digital infrastructure, as outlined by Chairman Sunil Mittal in the company's Annual Report for 2025-26.

Cop murder accused, who lived as fake doctor in MP, held after 28 years

Cop murder accused, who lived as fake doctor in MP, held after 28 years

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A man who allegedly reinvented himself as a small-town "doctor", married, raised a family and quietly ran a clinic in Madhya Pradesh while evading law for nearly 28 years over the murder of a cop has been finally arrested by the Delhi police.

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for a USD 15 billion Google Artificial Intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam, calling it a 'growth engine for India' and Asia's biggest such facility.

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Haryana government is launching an initiative to equip its employees with artificial intelligence (AI) skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, aiming to enhance governance and public service delivery.

Ram Temple Trust deactivates VIP pass IDs of Champat Rai, two ex-officials

Ram Temple Trust deactivates VIP pass IDs of Champat Rai, two ex-officials

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has deactivated the digital IDs of former general secretary Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra, and special invitee Gopal Rao. This action follows alleged irregularities in the issuance of VIP darshan passes and an ongoing SIT probe into financial misconduct at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The move aims to curb misuse of preferential entry passes.

Shiprocket to use IPO funds for AI push, eyes broader merchant operating system

Shiprocket to use IPO funds for AI push, eyes broader merchant operating system

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Shiprocket plans to allocate a significant portion of its IPO proceeds towards artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to evolve its e-commerce enablement platform into a comprehensive operating system for merchants, enabling conversational commands and reducing manual tasks.

Modi posts fresh video on Instagram, thanks everyone for support

Modi posts fresh video on Instagram, thanks everyone for support

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new bill to introduce strict laws against paper leaks, following public demand and student protests. The announcement was made via an Instagram video that also set a new world record for views.

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasises the importance of holistic development and grassroots governance for India's progress at a national conference in Jammu.

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Indian education ministry has undergone a significant reshuffle of top officials, including the removal of higher education secretary Vineet Joshi, amidst widespread controversies surrounding NEET-UG paper leaks and CBSE digital evaluation glitches, with the opposition demanding the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

CM Shivakumar Appeals For Calm During FIFA World Cup Final Screening

CM Shivakumar Appeals For Calm During FIFA World Cup Final Screening

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged football fans to maintain peace during the FIFA World Cup final and announced special permissions for hotels and restaurants to screen the match live until 3:30 AM. He is also set to join a public screening event in Koramangala, organised by the KSFA and DYES, to watch the final between Argentina and Spain with other enthusiasts.

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint after an AI-generated deepfake video, maliciously altering his remarks, surfaced on social media. The video falsely depicted him making threatening statements against students protesting the NEET examination. Government sources confirm many related links have been taken down, and Goyal has warned of strict legal action against those involved in its creation and dissemination.

CBI chargesheet reveals how 3 NTA subject experts pulled off NEET leak

CBI chargesheet reveals how 3 NTA subject experts pulled off NEET leak

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts, P V Kulkarni for chemistry, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar for physics and Manisha Gurunath Mandhare for botany and zoology, were the primary sources of the NEET paper leak, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation's chargesheet.

Journalist questioned, phone seized in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA bribery case

Journalist questioned, phone seized in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA bribery case

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A journalist from a Tamil news channel was questioned by Chennai police and his mobile phone seized in connection with an alleged bribery case involving a ruling TVK MLA. The MLA claimed he was offered Rs 35 crore to vote against his party in a no-confidence motion, part of a larger "Meghalaya Project" to destabilise the government. The Chennai Press Club has condemned the police action, citing concerns over press freedom.

Hyderabad Duo Arrested in Connection with Belagavi 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Hyderabad Duo Arrested in Connection with Belagavi 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Two individuals from Hyderabad have been arrested in connection with a 'digital arrest' scam in Belagavi, where an 81-year-old businessman was defrauded of over Rs 15 crore.

Why AI Agents Can't Go Fully Autonomous Yet

Why AI Agents Can't Go Fully Autonomous Yet

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The biggest challenge to widespread deployment is no longer AI. It is the financial and commerce infrastructure that was built decades ago for deterministic software and human interactions -- not autonomous AI agents.

CAQM Mandates Drone Surveillance To Tackle Stubble Burning In Northern States

CAQM Mandates Drone Surveillance To Tackle Stubble Burning In Northern States

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to implement drone-based surveillance to monitor and prevent stubble burning. This initiative aims to counter late-evening burning incidents that evade satellite detection, leveraging drone technology for real-time monitoring, accurate detection, and evidence collection to ensure effective enforcement against agricultural residue burning.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

In response to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has initiated a significant security upgrade, floating a Rs 7.5 crore tender for comprehensive, round-the-clock security services to protect its critical infrastructure and confidential examination materials.

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged as a prominent youth leader, transforming a satirical movement into a powerful force that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke views this as just the beginning, advocating for issue-based politics over identity politics and demanding further reforms in the examination system.

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the state's vision to become a national hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, coinciding with the launch of Naviq Technology by IBS Software Group. The state government is implementing initiatives like an AI-powered dashboard, a Global Job Watch Tower, and curriculum revisions to align with technological advancements and foster skill development in AI and semiconductor sectors.

NIA conducts nationwide raids to bust ISIS-backed plot; 12 held

NIA conducts nationwide raids to bust ISIS-backed plot; 12 held

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted nationwide searches across 10 states and one Union Territory, targeting an online terror radicalisation conspiracy linked to ISIS and AQIS. The operation, which led to the seizure of digital devices, is part of an ongoing investigation into a plot to establish an Islamic state in India through violent jihad. So far, 11 individuals and one juvenile have been arrested in connection with the case.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'

Digital Economy to Contribute 20% to India's GDP by 2030

Digital Economy to Contribute 20% to India's GDP by 2030

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India's digital economy is projected to constitute nearly 20 per cent of the nation's GDP by 2030, fuelled by a growth rate twice as fast as the overall economy, according to a senior government official.

Indian Firms Announce Global Partnerships, New Fund, And Social Impact

Indian Firms Announce Global Partnerships, New Fund, And Social Impact

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Indian companies LTM and Mastek announced new international partnerships for cloud, AI, and digital transformation. Jio BlackRock AMC launched a new hybrid fund. NMIMS partnered with Coursera for AI-enabled learning, and MakeMyTrip Foundation rebuilt a flood-damaged school in Manali.

Now, Get Your Salary Before 7th A Comprehensive Guide to Employee Rights

Now, Get Your Salary Before 7th A Comprehensive Guide to Employee Rights

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

India's Code on Wages mandates strict payout deadlines, two-day full and final settlements, universal wage coverage and capped deductions to safeguard employees and enhance payroll transparency nationwide.

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Airpay Payment Services has partnered with Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) to enable UPI-based digital payments across the lender's network in Maharashtra, aiming to accelerate financial inclusion in rural areas.

Gen Z is 'Generation gutter', 'puke-inducing videos'. Kangana

Gen Z is 'Generation gutter', 'puke-inducing videos'. Kangana

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Kangana Ranaut said some of the women protestors were "so ugly and corrupt that they can't be home makers either"

'Mid- Small-Caps May Deliver More Selective Returns'

'Mid- Small-Caps May Deliver More Selective Returns'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'The market is currently neither cheap enough to be exciting about nor expensive enough to worry about.'

ServiceNow Enhances AI Control Tower For Enterprise Governance

ServiceNow Enhances AI Control Tower For Enterprise Governance

Rediff.com6 May 2026

ServiceNow has announced an expansion of its AI Control Tower offering with new capabilities that give enterprises control over every AI system, agent, and workflow, regardless of where it runs.

RBI directs bank boards to sharpen strategic focus, effective Oct 2026

RBI directs bank boards to sharpen strategic focus, effective Oct 2026

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued amended directions for bank boards, effective October 1, 2026, to rationalise agenda items and enable more focused engagement on strategy and risk governance, while explicitly defining matters reserved for board approval and periodically reviewing delegated powers.

Press freedom can't shield irresponsible journalism: HC

Press freedom can't shield irresponsible journalism: HC

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has highlighted the need for a regulatory framework for the media, stating that freedom of the press cannot be a shield for irresponsible journalism or content that endangers public order. Justice Girish Kathpalia expressed concern over the unregulated nature of a significant section of the media, especially with the rise of social media, and stressed the importance of restraint, fairness, and responsibility. The court also criticised "self-styled reporters" for aggressive tactics and selective reporting that can deepen social divisions, while granting bail to two men accused of assaulting freelancers.

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has strongly condemned controversial remarks made by right-wing political observer T G Mohandas regarding student protests, stating they are his 'personal thoughts' and deserve to be denounced.

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant waiver of approximately Rs 48,000 crore in pending electricity dues for farmers, aiming to facilitate new agricultural power connections and support the state's agricultural sector.

CBDT releases comprehensive guidance for crypto-asset tax reporting

CBDT releases comprehensive guidance for crypto-asset tax reporting

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has released a 198-page guidance note to assist crypto-asset service providers in complying with reporting obligations under the Income-tax Act, 2025, aligning India with the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (Carf) for automatic exchange of tax information.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The government has issued a stern notice to Meta on Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) in paid advertisements on Instagram, sources said on Sunday.