News for 'governance'

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has hinted at a potential re-alliance with the BJP, expressing a desire for "agreements" that bring progress to Punjab from Delhi. This follows a recent meeting between SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reigniting speculation about the former allies rejoining forces after their 2020 split over farm laws.

Nashik-Palghar Tremors: Cause For Alarm?

Nashik-Palghar Tremors: Cause For Alarm?

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Hydro-seismicity is a phenomenon that typically shows up during and just after the monsoon.' 'Heavy rain causes water to percolate deep into the rock, and where there are fractures, that water fills the pores and builds up what we call pore water pressure.' 'That pressure can widen existing cracks, and eventually the rock gives way -- which surfaces as tremors.'

Over 200 from 14 states arrested as ISI-backed terror plot foiled

Over 200 from 14 states arrested as ISI-backed terror plot foiled

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian security forces have successfully dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network, arresting over 200 operatives across 14 states and preventing planned subversive attacks ahead of Independence Day.

HC rejects UP student's hijab plea, upholds school dress code

HC rejects UP student's hijab plea, upholds school dress code

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Allahabad high court has dismissed a petition filed by a minor student of a school in Prayagraj. The petitioner had sought permission to wear a hijab additionally along with the prescribed school dress code while attending classes.

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Rediff.com6 days ago

Thousands of students clashed with Bihar Police in Patna while attempting to march to the chief minister's residence, protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) examination system and alleged irregularities.

Could Nepal's Disaster Have Been Foreseen?

Could Nepal's Disaster Have Been Foreseen?

Rediff.com4 days ago

'This is no longer a single-hazard problem; it is a cascading, multi-hazard problem. A landslide never occurs in isolation. This entire chain is the cascading effect of what looks, at first, like a single disaster.'

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court, in a 6:3 majority verdict, has ruled that the expansive, labour-friendly definition of 'industry' from its 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board judgement will not be used for interpreting the Industrial Relations Code of 2020. However, the 'triple test' from the 1978 verdict will still apply to pending cases under the now-repealed 1947 Industrial Disputes Act.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

SC to hear plea of journalist who blew lid off Ram temple theft

SC to hear plea of journalist who blew lid off Ram temple theft

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, who is challenging an FIR filed against him by Ghaziabad police in an alleged road rage case. Upadhyay claims the FIR is retaliatory, stemming from his reporting on alleged irregularities in donations to Ayodhya's Ram temple and corruption in Uttar Pradesh. He fears arrest and seeks quashing of the FIR or transfer of the investigation to an independent agency.

At Pune event, Rahul Gandhi asks girl students to 'smash Manusmriti mindset'

At Pune event, Rahul Gandhi asks girl students to 'smash Manusmriti mindset'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged girl students to "smash patriarchy" and criticised the "Manusmriti mindset" during an interaction in Pune, highlighting issues of sexual harassment, safety, and economic independence for women.

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A government adviser has called for India to reintroduce a petrol variant with a lower ethanol blend, such as E10, alongside the current E20 fuel. This move aims to protect millions of older vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, which may experience performance issues and damage from the higher 20 per cent ethanol blend.

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted the Textbook Development Team for class 11 and 12 political science with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems and inclusion, with at least four of the members having direct or indirect links with the RSS.

Report Highlights Key Challenges For India's AI Growth

Report Highlights Key Challenges For India's AI Growth

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A report by policy think tank The Dialogue reveals that India's artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem is primarily constrained by a shortage of skilled talent and a lack of data standardisation, rather than market concentration. The study, which surveyed 308 stakeholders, found that talent availability and data usability are major concerns, with a significant reliance on open-source AI models.

India imposes sugar stock limits on bulk consumers to curb price rise

India imposes sugar stock limits on bulk consumers to curb price rise

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Indian government has imposed stockholding limits on bulk sugar consumers, restricting them to a 15-day supply if they use over 10 tonnes monthly, effective September 1 to November 30, to stabilise prices ahead of the festival season.

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.

Ministers should send their kids to village schools: Dipke

Ministers should send their kids to village schools: Dipke

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has challenged ministers and politicians to send their children to village schools for at least a day to truly grasp the difficulties faced by rural students, who often walk several kilometres for education.

Govt forms quick response teams to combat fake news on social media

Govt forms quick response teams to combat fake news on social media

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Government departments are establishing Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to promptly address and counter misleading or fake content circulating on social media. These teams will monitor digital platforms, verify information, and coordinate with fact-checking units to ensure timely and accurate responses to misinformation, with some ministries already having formed their QRTs.

Why Are Thousands of GST Appeals Pending?

Why Are Thousands of GST Appeals Pending?

Rediff.com7 days ago

GSTAT has crossed 75,000 filings but disposed of only 83 cases, highlighting the huge backlog facing India's new GST appeals tribunal.

Pak's ex-PM Imran Khan shifted back to jail from hospital

Pak's ex-PM Imran Khan shifted back to jail from hospital

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Imran Khan has been declared 'medically fit' by a team of doctors after a comprehensive examination at Shifa International Hospital.

Lata song played at Shinde's event instead of Vande Mataram

Lata song played at Shinde's event instead of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

A Hindi song with a 'Vande Mataram' refrain, not the official national song, was played at a government event in Thane attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who subsequently directed organisers to adhere strictly to the approved version.

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payments Ecosystem

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payments Ecosystem

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed a decade since its launch, becoming the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem. It has seen exponential growth in transaction volume and value, expanding financial inclusion and setting a global benchmark for real-time payments.

SEBI Chairman Highlights Cybersecurity As Board-Level Issue

SEBI Chairman Highlights Cybersecurity As Board-Level Issue

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey stated that cybersecurity is now a board-level concern, not just an IT challenge, emphasising the need for caution when deploying artificial intelligence in critical infrastructure. He highlighted that AI for cybersecurity must be secure, governed, and accountable, and also addressed the emerging risks from quantum computing, urging collective resilience and sharing of best practices among regulators.

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Retired police dogs in Maharashtra will now be allowed to stay with the security force for life rather than being sent to adoptive homes, following a directive by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, officials said on Sunday.

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting, organised by India's Sports Ministry, successfully concluded in Visakhapatnam. Presided over by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting built upon previous youth engagements, focusing on developing young leaders and promoting youth cooperation among BRICS nations.

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Rediff.com7 days ago

National security advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit to take part in the Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary question with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Trump tightens green card rules, Indians face fresh hurdles

Trump tightens green card rules, Indians face fresh hurdles

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Trump administration has reinstated and expanded the "public charge" rule, making it harder for immigrants seeking green cards if they have used public benefits like Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance. This policy change, effective September 18, will impact many applicants, including those from India, by broadening the criteria for inadmissibility.

After 10 Years, India May Import Sugar

After 10 Years, India May Import Sugar

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India is set to import 1 million tonnes of raw sugar at zero duty after domestic stocks fell sharply and prices surged ahead of the festival season.

Trump announces 'Economic D-Day' against Iran, warns countries helping Tehran

Trump announces 'Economic D-Day' against Iran, warns countries helping Tehran

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has declared an 'economic D-Day' against Iran, unveiling what he terms the 'most crushing economic operation ever taken' and warning global entities against providing any support to Tehran.

Bangladesh ready to join Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence alliance

Bangladesh ready to join Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence alliance

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Bangladesh is considering joining a newly formed defence alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, with junior ministers stating that any decision would be based on national interests and a "Bangladesh First" policy. The pact, signed in Makkah, aims for collective deterrence.

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

Rediff.com5 days ago

In many ways, 17th century India occupied a position in the global economy comparable to that of the United States today. Just as millions of people now look towards America because of its economic opportunities, merchants, adventurers and trading companies once looked towards India.

SC prioritises probing sexual assault complaints in NEET protests

SC prioritises probing sexual assault complaints in NEET protests

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court has directed its High-Powered Enquiry Committee to prioritise and immediately submit an interim report on complaints of sexual assault faced by women protesters during the July 20 NEET agitation at Jantar Mantar.

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

Rediff.com7 days ago

The rules require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security or a combination of both to cover civil liability for nuclear damage.

Tata Sons AGM adjourned due to lack of quorum

Tata Sons AGM adjourned due to lack of quorum

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

A crucial annual general meeting (AGM) of Tata Sons, the primary holding company of the Tata conglomerate, was adjourned due to a lack of quorum, specifically the absence of representatives from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT). The SRTT is currently under restrictions from the Maharashtra Charities Commissioner, preventing it from making major decisions or holding meetings, which impacted its ability to participate.

From shelters to spotlight: Ukrainian shuttlers bring war's reality to World Championships

From shelters to spotlight: Ukrainian shuttlers bring war's reality to World Championships

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

For Ukrainian shuttlers Polina Buhrova and Yevheniia Kantemyr, competing at the ongoing World Championships in New Delhi is a way to showcase the resilience of a country battling the invasion by Russia.

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A US appeals court has upheld a $562.5 million arbitral award, which has grown to over $2 billion with interest, in favour of Devas Multimedia against Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO, ruling that US courts have jurisdiction despite Antrix being government-owned.

Delhi Government Signs MoU To Host International School Badminton And Wrestling

Delhi Government Signs MoU To Host International School Badminton And Wrestling

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Delhi government has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the School Games Federation of India and the International School Sport Federation to host international school badminton and wrestling events next year, aiming to boost the city's sports ecosystem and provide international exposure to young athletes.

7 Dogs Review: Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt Ham In Saudi Actioner

7 Dogs Review: Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt Ham In Saudi Actioner

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

7 Dogs has all the money, stars and kinetic action you could want, but its vanity-project sheen cannot hide a painfully generic screenplay, observes Sreeju Sreedharan.

100 murder cases shifted from UP judge who sentenced 22 to death in 4 months

100 murder cases shifted from UP judge who sentenced 22 to death in 4 months

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Approximately 100 murder cases have been transferred from Additional District and Sessions Judge Ravikumar Diwakar's court in Muzaffarnagar to the District and Sessions Judge's court. This administrative order follows Diwakar's delivery of 22 death sentences in 10 cases over the past four months, which caused apprehension among lawyers and litigants regarding capital punishment.

600 students who left 'haunted' Maha school get new hostel

600 students who left 'haunted' Maha school get new hostel

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Girl students at a government residential school in Amravati, Maharashtra, are moving to a new hostel after nearly 600 students left, claiming some girls were "possessed." Officials attributed the strange behaviour to mental stress and local superstitions, including beliefs about spirits and upset deities. The new hostel aims to alleviate overcrowding and provide a better environment.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.