News for 'governance reforms'

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers still remain in the western Persian Gulf region

Bombay High Court Examines Legality of Furlough Restrictions for MCOCA and POCSO Convicts

Bombay High Court Examines Legality of Furlough Restrictions for MCOCA and POCSO Convicts

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has referred to a larger bench the question of whether the state can deny furlough to prisoners convicted under special statutes like MCOCA and POCSO, citing potential violations of fundamental rights.

Karnataka Passes Bills to Tackle Honour Killings and Protect Ancient Manuscripts

Karnataka Passes Bills to Tackle Honour Killings and Protect Ancient Manuscripts

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Karnataka Assembly has passed two significant bills aimed at social reform and heritage preservation: the Karnataka Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Unity, Freedom, Dignity and Tradition in Marriage Bill, 2026, and the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026.

Bombay High Court Refers Furlough Restrictions for Special Act Convicts to Larger Bench

Bombay High Court Refers Furlough Restrictions for Special Act Convicts to Larger Bench

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has questioned the denial of furlough to prisoners convicted under special Acts, citing a potential violation of fundamental rights. The issue has been referred to a larger bench due to conflicting previous judgments.

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'The West Asia or the Gulf crisis has shown that what we develop as national infrastructure when things are not as bad as they could be, we forget to plan for adversities.'

Strikes Shake India's Gig Economy

Strikes Shake India's Gig Economy

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Two of the three strikes are related to the gig economy, a centrepiece of the new labour Codes.

Goldilocks phase, reforms glide path to spur Indian economy in 2026

Goldilocks phase, reforms glide path to spur Indian economy in 2026

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

India, the world's fourth largest economy, is set to maintain the 'goldilocks' phase with tailwinds of good growth, low inflation and robust banking performance as well as reform initiatives poised to sustain the economic pace witnessed during 2025.

Chief Secretary Gupta Dismisses Land Scam Allegations as Baseless

Chief Secretary Gupta Dismisses Land Scam Allegations as Baseless

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta has dismissed allegations of irregularities in the Chester Hill housing project, asserting his innocence and claiming a conspiracy against him. The controversy involves alleged violations of land laws and accusations of benami land deals.

Rs 64,000 Crore Investment in Coal Gasification to Cut Energy Imports

Rs 64,000 Crore Investment in Coal Gasification to Cut Energy Imports

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced that seven coal gasification projects will be established in Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal with a Rs 64,000 crore investment, aiming to reduce India's reliance on energy imports.

Women Lawyers Face Steep Career Barriers

Women Lawyers Face Steep Career Barriers

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Nearly two-thirds (63.7 per cent) said they had, at some stage, found the profession discouraging.

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

Karnataka Passes Landmark Bills on Marriage Freedom and Manuscript Preservation

Karnataka Passes Landmark Bills on Marriage Freedom and Manuscript Preservation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Karnataka Assembly has passed two significant bills aimed at social reform and heritage preservation: the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, and the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill, 2026.

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The unregulated marketing has to stop. People are getting recommendations for this from gym trainers, from marriage counsellors -- that is simply unacceptable.' ''There are many ways to lose weight -- eat less, fast, exercise, eat healthy. That is how you lose weight.'

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, regardless of religion. This follows a similar move by Uttarakhand and excludes Scheduled Tribes and groups with protected customary rights.

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'If movement remains stalled for three to four months, more than 300,000 recruitments from India could be affected.'

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'You End Up Firefighting': Finance Minister

'You End Up Firefighting': Finance Minister

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'Uncertainty level A in the morning, uncertainty level B in the afternoon. If I answer about tariff rates now, I'll be outdated by the evening.'

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's privatisation push, once projected as a cornerstone of economic reform, has suffered another setback, with the Centre set to call off the IDBI Bank stake sale, highlighting the political and structural constraints shaping the country's disinvestment policy, experts say.

Govt to end LPG supply to households refusing PNG switch

Govt to end LPG supply to households refusing PNG switch

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The government has mandated that cooking gas LPG supply to households will be discontinued if consumers fail to switch to piped natural gas where such connectivity is available, under a new order aimed at accelerating gas network expansion and reducing reliance on a single fuel.

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Rajya Sabha, detailing India's strategies to navigate the global energy crisis sparked by the West Asia conflict, including securing diverse energy sources and expanding strategic oil reserves.

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A referendum on the implementation of a reform package in Bangladesh saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced.

Himachal CM Orders Removal of Officials on 'Doubtful Integrity' List

Himachal CM Orders Removal of Officials on 'Doubtful Integrity' List

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that all government officials listed in the Officers of Doubtful Integrity (ODI) will be removed from sensitive positions. The decision follows concerns raised in the state assembly regarding officials with questionable integrity holding key posts and receiving extensions.

Maharashtra CM Announces Medals for Anti-Naxal Unit, Focus on Digitisation

Maharashtra CM Announces Medals for Anti-Naxal Unit, Focus on Digitisation

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced medals for personnel in the C-60 anti-Naxal unit and outlined plans for police digitisation and technology adoption.

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly defended Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against a no-confidence motion, accusing the Congress party of attacking constitutional institutions and undermining parliamentary democracy.

Sivagiri Mutt Head Calls for Equal Political Representation for Backward Communities in Kerala

Sivagiri Mutt Head Calls for Equal Political Representation for Backward Communities in Kerala

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Satchidananda has voiced concerns over the lack of adequate representation for backward communities in elections by political parties in Kerala, India. He also welcomed the Kerala High Court decision disqualifying the leadership of the SNDP Yogam.

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its manifesto for the West Bengal elections, focusing on welfare politics and women's empowerment with pledges to expand existing schemes, improve healthcare, and develop infrastructure.

Why taxis, autos, trucks in Maha are going off roads

Why taxis, autos, trucks in Maha are going off roads

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Transporters across Maharashtra have announced a statewide strike to protest against e-challans and other issues, potentially disrupting transport services including school buses and commercial vehicles.

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Following the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad calls for a comprehensive probe into the Ashok Kharat case, demanding investigation of all individuals allegedly linked to the self-styled godman arrested for rape.

Smallcap Segment Is Volatile

Smallcap Segment Is Volatile

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'Except for extremely conservative investors, others can consider allocating 10 to 20 per cent of their portfolio to small caps.'

India among 13 nations to be invited to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in

India among 13 nations to be invited to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Highlighting the party's broader stance on international relations, he added, "Friends to all, malice to none."

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The government has intensified its Study in India programme and is working closely with universities and states to achieve this goal.

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

India flags 'huge mountain of debt' in developed nations as matter of concern

India flags 'huge mountain of debt' in developed nations as matter of concern

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The "huge mountain of debt" in developed economies and the risk of a possible unravelling is a matter of concern for India, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday, pointing to the recent spike in Japanese bond yields.

SC quashes parts of tribunals reforms law as unconstitutional

SC quashes parts of tribunals reforms law as unconstitutional

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has struck down key provisions of the 2021 Tribunals Reforms law, citing violations of separation of powers and judicial independence. The court restored earlier directions on tenure for tribunal members.

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

SC Orders States to Develop Protocol for Open Prisons

SC Orders States to Develop Protocol for Open Prisons

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories in India to develop a time-bound protocol for improving the functioning of open prisons, ensuring they serve as effective institutions for reformation and rehabilitation.

Nitish Kumar's Education Reforms: Top Grades Then Slide

Nitish Kumar's Education Reforms: Top Grades Then Slide

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The story of Bihar's educational reform is a lesson for all reforms done halfway.