News for 'governance'

UP govt appoint legal aid for accused in Ram temple theft case

UP govt appoint legal aid for accused in Ram temple theft case

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed Kulshekhar Singh, an ex-joint director of the Department of Prosecution, as legal aid defence counsel for the accused in the alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement case, following a boycott by the Faizabad Bar Association.

'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.

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court has made strong observations on systemic corruption in India, suggesting the death penalty for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He criticised the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and the Uttar Pradesh government's "bulldozer actions," highlighting the normalisation of corruption and the state's complicity in unauthorised constructions.

Relief for Reliance Jio, Anti-Competition Complaint Against It Dismissed

Relief for Reliance Jio, Anti-Competition Complaint Against It Dismissed

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India's fair trade regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has dismissed a complaint alleging anti-competitive conduct against Reliance Jio Infocom Ltd and over 4,500 other firms across various sectors, citing a lack of specific evidence.

SBI to oversee new donation counting system at Ram Temple

SBI to oversee new donation counting system at Ram Temple

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Ram Temple trust in Ayodhya has implemented a new, two-shift system for counting cash donations, overseen by the State Bank of India (SBI), following an embezzlement scandal. A new team, including ex-servicemen and supervisors, has been deployed to enhance security and transparency in the process, aiming to prevent future theft and restore public trust.

PWD declares Azam Khan's Jauhar University road open to public

PWD declares Azam Khan's Jauhar University road open to public

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department has declared a 3-km road passing through SP leader Azam Khan's Mohammad Ali Jauhar University campus in Rampur as a public road, erecting signboards to ensure unrestricted access. The road, built by the PWD in 2016-17, had its access restricted by the university since 2019, leading to a legal dispute that is still ongoing in the Allahabad High Court.

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to the Centre to reconstitute the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust as a 'public trust' and include structural safeguards for oversight by seers, citing alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations.

Police removes Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, taken to Safdarjung hospital

Police removes Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, taken to Safdarjung hospital

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health significantly declined on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting alleged NEET examination irregularities. Despite his hospitalisation, other activists continue their fast.

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Opposition parties disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, leading to multiple adjournments. Protests focused on the alleged NEET paper leak and Ram temple donation theft issues, with demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The House was eventually adjourned for the day after repeated appeals for order failed.

DSP Siraj Dons The Uniform; Meets Telangana DGP C V Anand

DSP Siraj Dons The Uniform; Meets Telangana DGP C V Anand

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who recently assumed charge as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Telangana Police, paid a courtesy call on Telangana Director General of Police CV Anand.

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday deferred the selection of its first chief executive officer (CEO) by a month after receiving 5,200 applications for the post and decided to appoint a secretary in the interim to meet growing administrative requirements.

TN: Differently-abled man arrrested for selling gutkha dies in custody

TN: Differently-abled man arrrested for selling gutkha dies in custody

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A 34-year-old 'differently-abled' man, SabariVarman, arrested for selling tobacco products, died in judicial custody in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari district, prompting his family to allege police brutality and stage protests demanding an investigation.

Jana Nayagan Review: Mass-y For Fans, Messy For Others

Jana Nayagan Review: Mass-y For Fans, Messy For Others

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

C Joseph Vijay's Jana Nayagan is not just a film but a potent political statement, strategically crafted to align with his political aspirations and claim the legacy of M G Ramachandran, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

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.

'Can't imagine Hindu Rashtra without...': What RSS chief told Muslim delegation

'Can't imagine Hindu Rashtra without...': What RSS chief told Muslim delegation

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi stated, "We thought we'll go to the fountainhead of this hate discourse. This whole hate narrative according to us was being spread by the RSS," explaining the delegation's decision to meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2022.

Geopolitical risks, supply shocks could keep credit-deposit gap elevated: SBI

Geopolitical risks, supply shocks could keep credit-deposit gap elevated: SBI

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A recent SBI Economic Research report indicates that the significant gap between credit and deposit growth, currently over 530 basis points, is likely to persist if geopolitical risks and external supply shocks continue. However, an improvement in deposit growth is anticipated with inflows into foreign currency non-resident (bank) deposits.

59 India-Bound Vessels Transited Hormuz Since War

59 India-Bound Vessels Transited Hormuz Since War

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India has successfully evacuated 59 vessels, including 23 Indian-flagged and 36 foreign-flagged ships carrying cargo for India, from the Strait of Hormuz since March 1, 2026, amid fresh attacks and declining shipping traffic, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Rajya Sabha.

Cong, BJP battle on streets across country as student agitation spirals

Cong, BJP battle on streets across country as student agitation spirals

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The spiralling agitation over the NEET issue saw protests and counter-protests by Congress and BJP across the country on Wednesday, with clashes and tense face-offs at many places, a day after Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders were forcibly removed from a dharna outside the prime minister's residence.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remained camped at Jantar Mantar following a police crackdown during their 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability for alleged exam irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Maharashtra Government Enforces POSH Act For Workplace Safety

Maharashtra Government Enforces POSH Act For Workplace Safety

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has directed strict implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to protect women in the workplace, following a serious incident at a TCS unit in Nashik. Establishments with 10 or more employees must set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and register on the Centre's She-Box portal, with failure to comply resulting in penalties.

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

For the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the timing of Rath Yatra is a matter of scriptural injunction rather than convenience.

SC to hear Surendra Gadling's bail plea in Elgar Parishad case next week

SC to hear Surendra Gadling's bail plea in Elgar Parishad case next week

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear the bail plea of advocate Surendra Gadling, who has been incarcerated for seven-and-a-half years in the 2018 Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, with the hearing scheduled for next week.

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachidananda has requested greater representation for MLAs from backward class communities in the UDF government's Cabinet.

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Andy Burnham has officially taken office as the new UK Prime Minister, pledging to make politics more about problem-solving and usher in a 'circuit breaker' moment for the country with significant political and economic changes.

Like cockroaches, we will come again: Women at CJP protest

Like cockroaches, we will come again: Women at CJP protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Many of them travelled to Delhi in groups or connected with other participants through WhatsApp groups and activist networks. These networks helped them coordinate their travel, decide meeting points and stay in touch during the protest.

HP India resellers fined Rs 142 crore by CCI for cartelisation, bid rigging

HP India resellers fined Rs 142 crore by CCI for cartelisation, bid rigging

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a total penalty of approximately Rs 142.37 crore on HP India Sales Private Limited and several of its resellers for engaging in cartelisation and bid rigging on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

CJP protest rekindles memories of Delhi's landmark street agitations

CJP protest rekindles memories of Delhi's landmark street agitations

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Recent protests by CJP supporters attempting to march towards Parliament in Delhi highlight a recurring pattern of public demonstrations in the capital over the past 15 years. The article details several significant protests, including the 2021 farmers' tractor rally, the 2011 Anna Hazare movement, the 2012 Nirbhaya protests, anti-CAA demonstrations, and the 2023 wrestlers' protest, all of which involved attempts to reach central Delhi's high-security zones to press demands.

HC declines plea to shift Sonam Wangchuk to private hospital

HC declines plea to shift Sonam Wangchuk to private hospital

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to allow activist Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility, stating that doctors are closely monitoring him and his removal from Jantar Mantar was not arbitrary. The court noted that his family has round-the-clock access and the petition will be heard further on July 24.

What is hurting ease of doing business for Indian automakers?

What is hurting ease of doing business for Indian automakers?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Automobile manufacturers are increasingly vocal about the mounting paperwork and delays associated with India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automotive sector, arguing that compliance requirements are becoming as challenging as meeting technical eligibility conditions. They are pushing for a simpler, faster, and more predictable certification and compliance framework.

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a status quo on the demolition of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's constituency office in South 24 Parganas. The court's directive prevents further demolition until a new hearing or the end of July, following a petition by Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, a company Banerjee is CEO of. The district administration had initiated demolition citing alleged construction without an approved plan.

Was Bullet train bridge washed away in rains? Officials clarify

Was Bullet train bridge washed away in rains? Officials clarify

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Officials clarified that only a temporary access structure for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project's Ulhas river bridge was affected by heavy rains in Thane, not the permanent bridge itself. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) confirmed the incident did not impact the project's design, safety, or execution.

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.

J-K's Doda tense after SOG firing kills man; 3 cops hurt, internet suspended

J-K's Doda tense after SOG firing kills man; 3 cops hurt, internet suspended

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

A 30-year-old man was killed and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured during a firing incident following an alleged attempt to snatch a service rifle in the Jaie area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, officials said.

Delhi Police begins removing protesters from Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police begins removing protesters from Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised on the 21st day of his hunger strike, leading Delhi Police to clear the protest site at Jantar Mantar in compliance with Delhi High Court directions and medical advice.

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Businesses across sectors are positioning themselves to capitalise on the expected surge in demand.

Platforms Told To Prevent Child Exploitation Content

Platforms Told To Prevent Child Exploitation Content

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Experts urge internet platforms to adopt prevention-by-design and stronger AI systems to curb child sexual exploitation material and improve online child safety.

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.

RBI poised for record dividend payout, boosting government's fiscal strength

RBI poised for record dividend payout, boosting government's fiscal strength

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is anticipated to make its highest-ever dividend payment to the government this year, providing a significant fiscal boost to address challenges, including those stemming from the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Pak cleric declares cryptocurrency 'haram', issues fatwa

Pak cleric declares cryptocurrency 'haram', issues fatwa

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A prominent Pakistani Islamic scholar, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, has issued a fatwa declaring cryptocurrency trading "haram" under Islamic law. This ruling, which covers various digital assets including Bitcoin and stablecoins, states that they do not meet the Islamic definition of wealth, potentially impacting crypto adoption despite the government's efforts to regulate and promote the sector.