News for 'governance'

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting from both ruling and Opposition ranks, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti on Monday swept 16 of the 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council seats from local authorities' constituencies even as Nashik delivered a surprise defeat to the governing bloc.

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India, even as Iran announced the closure of the critical waterway following Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

Telegram access restricted in India ahead of NEET-UG re-test

Telegram access restricted in India ahead of NEET-UG re-test

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Indian government has temporarily restricted access to the Telegram messaging app and disabled its message-editing feature in India until June 22, 2026, and June 30, 2026, respectively, ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination to combat organised cheating rackets.

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced plans for a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The party highlighted student suicides linked to the issue and called for compensation for affected families.

US-Iran peace deal on track, negotiators are in Switzerland: Vance

US-Iran peace deal on track, negotiators are in Switzerland: Vance

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

US Vice President J D Vance confirmed that peace talks with Iran are underway in Switzerland, with negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner already present. Vance plans to join soon, expressing confidence in the US's strong negotiating position despite a delay caused by recent Israel-Lebanon firing.

Mammootty, Madhavan, Alka Yagnik Receive Padma Awards

Mammootty, Madhavan, Alka Yagnik Receive Padma Awards

Rediff.com6 days ago

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards 2026 upon a host of luminaries, including Mammootty, R Madhavan, and Alka Yagnik.

UN Women warns AI amplifies gender bias, digital violence

UN Women warns AI amplifies gender bias, digital violence

Rediff.com6 days ago

UN Women has issued a stark warning that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is placing women at a higher risk of discrimination and digital violence, citing studies that reveal significant gender bias in AI systems and large language models.

How many points are needed to advance to the World Cup knockouts?

How many points are needed to advance to the World Cup knockouts?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

It is only the second time a tournament run by world football's governing body FIFA has featured as many as 48 teams.

India Achieves Quantum Cooling Milestone

India Achieves Quantum Cooling Milestone

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

This is one of the coldest temperatures achieved in a research facility in India with more than 80 per cent domestically sourced components.

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga on Sunday, as Indian missions abroad organised events to highlight the ancient practice's role in fostering health and well-being.

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

Rediff.com7 days ago

In a bid to provide students with a safe, transparent and quality educational environment, a special drive is being conducted across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the regulation of coaching institutes and against illegal coaching centres.

'Difficult Situations Bring Out the Best in Us': Iran Eye World Cup History

'Difficult Situations Bring Out the Best in Us': Iran Eye World Cup History

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Iran's players say adversity has united Team Melli after a resilient 0-0 draw against Belgium kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive. A win over Egypt could secure a historic first-ever place in the last 32.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Adhikari Pledges Economic Revival, Improved Law And Order In Bengal

Adhikari Pledges Economic Revival, Improved Law And Order In Bengal

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari outlined his government's priorities, focusing on strengthening the state's economy, attracting investment to create jobs, and improving law and order. He criticised the previous administration for alleged corruption and appeasement politics, while highlighting initial successes in border management and reducing criminal activities.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

12 Indians among 13 killed in blast at Qatar gas plant

12 Indians among 13 killed in blast at Qatar gas plant

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

An explosion at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani nationals, and injured 66 others. The incident, attributed to a technical malfunction during start-up operations, prompted immediate response from Qatari authorities and an offer of assistance from the Indian Embassy.

'Hindu Dharma is not registered': Bhagwat on demand to register RSS

'Hindu Dharma is not registered': Bhagwat on demand to register RSS

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has firmly rejected demands for the organisation to register itself, asserting that the Sangh operates openly and has nothing to hide. Responding to Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge's call for registration, Bhagwat stated that such demands are politically motivated and that the government is well aware of the RSS's existence and activities.

480 new entrants entered Indian automobile sector last year, mostly in EVs

480 new entrants entered Indian automobile sector last year, mostly in EVs

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India's electric vehicle market is experiencing an unprecedented boom with a 37 per cent increase in new entrants, driven by supportive policies and infrastructure.

Anthropic Slams US' Suspension of Fable 5, Mythos 5 as 'Misunderstanding'

Anthropic Slams US' Suspension of Fable 5, Mythos 5 as 'Misunderstanding'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Anthropic has labelled the US government's directive to suspend its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models as a "misunderstanding" and is actively working to restore access, warning that the current standard for narrow jailbreak findings could "essentially halt all new model deployments for all frontier model providers."

Gold Imports Fall After Duty Hike

Gold Imports Fall After Duty Hike

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Monthly gold imports have declined to 25-30 tonnes from 70-80 tonnes while recycling of old jewellery has increased following the recent hike in import duties.

Iran Begin World Cup Campaign Amid Diaspora Protests in LA

Iran Begin World Cup Campaign Amid Diaspora Protests in LA

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran launched their World Cup campaign in Los Angeles amid protests by Iranian-Americans, highlighting deep divisions over Tehran's government even as Team Melli drew passionate support from fans in the stands.

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Rediff.com7 days ago

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is on a state visit to Pakistan to discuss the full implementation of an agreement signed between Iran and the US, alongside regional and international developments. The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, following recent high-level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland regarding regional security.

22 lakh take NEET re-exam today, Pradhan urges calm

22 lakh take NEET re-exam today, Pradhan urges calm

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged 22 lakh students appearing for the NEET re-exam to do so "fearlessly and free of anxiety," while the National Testing Agency (NTA) reminded candidates to download fresh admit cards and adhere to entry guidelines.

India-UK FTA: Alcobev Industry Welcomes Tariff Cuts, Domestic Makers Seek Level Playing Field

India-UK FTA: Alcobev Industry Welcomes Tariff Cuts, Domestic Makers Seek Level Playing Field

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Industry bodies representing alcoholic beverage manufacturers have welcomed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will see tariffs on UK whisky and gin reduced, boosting bilateral trade and supporting premiumisation. However, domestic manufacturers are calling for state governments to withdraw concessions currently enjoyed by imported liquor brands.

Direct Tax Collection Jumps 15% to Rs 5.21 Trillion in First 2.5 Months of FY27

Direct Tax Collection Jumps 15% to Rs 5.21 Trillion in First 2.5 Months of FY27

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India's net direct tax collection has seen a robust 15 per cent increase, reaching approximately 5.21 trillion in the first two and a half months of FY27, as on June 17, driven by strong growth in both corporate and non-corporate tax segments.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

2030 CWG in Ahmedabad to host 17 sports at massive cost savings

2030 CWG in Ahmedabad to host 17 sports at massive cost savings

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Seventeen sports will feature at the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, which is set to be staged at around 60 per cent lower cost than previous editions as part of the Commonwealth Sport's revamped hosting model.

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a war threat against India, citing water security as a national concern. This comes as Pakistan grapples with a severe internal water crisis, attributed by experts to mismanagement, and India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack. Asif accused India of "weaponising water" but admitted to lacking current data on the situation.

Discounts drive Russian oil imports to new high

Discounts drive Russian oil imports to new high

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's crude oil imports from Russia reached a record high of approximately 2.73 million barrels per day (mbpd) in June, driven by discounts of $2-5 a barrel. This surge comes as the West Asia crisis disrupted supplies from traditional sources and China reduced its own purchases, leading Russia to offer more favourable terms to India.

'RTI activism a new business', says SC; denies bail to activist

'RTI activism a new business', says SC; denies bail to activist

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has criticised RTI activism, calling it a "new business," while denying anticipatory bail to an activist accused of obstructing road construction work and intimidating public servants in Punjab.

Lightning strikes claim 11 lives in Jharkhand in past 24 hours

Lightning strikes claim 11 lives in Jharkhand in past 24 hours

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At least 11 people, including three women and a 10-year-old girl, were killed in lightning strikes across Jharkhand over the last 24 hours, police said on Monday.

'Mamata Banerjee Will Go To Jail'

'Mamata Banerjee Will Go To Jail'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'You think it is written somewhere that she will not? She might escape for two months, perhaps a little longer. But she will go.'

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com6 days ago

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

Rediff.com6 days ago

Mexico counts more than 135,000 missing people, a figure that has surged since 2006 when then-President Felipe Calderon launched a war against the country's drug cartels.

Harshit Damodaran, Akshat Bajaj Secure Gold And Silver For India

Harshit Damodaran, Akshat Bajaj Secure Gold And Silver For India

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Indian gymnasts Harshit Damodaran and Akshat Bajaj achieved a historic gold-silver finish in the junior men's vault event at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zunyi, China. Harshit secured gold with 13.649 points, while Akshat took silver with 13.433 points, marking a significant achievement for Indian gymnastics.

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A new white paper released by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reveals that Tamil Nadu's direct debt has nearly doubled to an alarming 10 trillion in the past five years, exposing significant fiscal strain and a substantial debt burden on every citizen.

Dipke says Pradhan's exit 'bare minimum' as NEET aspirants join CJP stir

Dipke says Pradhan's exit 'bare minimum' as NEET aspirants join CJP stir

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is continuing its protest at Jantar Mantar for the third day, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities and the May 3 NEET paper leak. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation for affected families, with farmer unions expected to join the ongoing agitation.