News for 'government accountability'

'What Happened With Anthropic Is A Wake-Up Call'

'What Happened With Anthropic Is A Wake-Up Call'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

'It shows that access to these technologies cannot be taken for granted.'

RBI's forex gains jump 52% in FY26, balance sheet swells

RBI's forex gains jump 52% in FY26, balance sheet swells

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported a significant 52 per cent year-on-year increase in gains from foreign exchange transactions, reaching 1.69 trillion in FY26. This surge occurred despite the central bank selling a gross $195 billion in the spot market to manage rupee volatility, which saw a 9.85 per cent depreciation.

Worried Children, stressed parents join 'Cockroach' protest

Worried Children, stressed parents join 'Cockroach' protest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants, and parents gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for a protest organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, expressing deep concerns over recurring examination controversies, result uncertainties, and a perceived lack of accountability within the education system.

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.

Jharkhand Minority Commission Chairman Expresses Grave Concern Over Rising Crime Against Minorities

Jharkhand Minority Commission Chairman Expresses Grave Concern Over Rising Crime Against Minorities

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Jharkhand State Minority Commission Chairman Hedayatullah Khan has voiced serious concerns over a surge in crimes against minority community members across the state, including the recent discovery of two minor siblings' bodies in Hazaribag and the disappearance of a three-year-old girl in Jamshedpur. Khan criticised the administration's handling of these cases, citing police negligence in registering an FIR for the missing girl, and demanded impartial investigations and accountability from senior police officials.

Don't Blindly Trust Your Form 16

Don't Blindly Trust Your Form 16

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Salaried taxpayers should not use these forms blindly to file their income-tax returns.

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's annual defence production has reached an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, marking a significant 15.6 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year. This achievement reflects a 110 per cent increase since 2020-21 and highlights the country's expanding defence industrial base, driven by policy support and increased private sector participation.

Nagaland CM Demands Justice For Six Nagas Killed In Manipur

Nagaland CM Demands Justice For Six Nagas Killed In Manipur

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has strongly condemned the "horrific and inhuman" killing of six Nagas in Manipur, demanding immediate action against those responsible. The incident occurred after Naga organisations facilitated the release of 14 hostages, but appeals for the reciprocal release of six Naga hostages allegedly held by the Kuki community ended in tragedy. Rio urged both the Indian and Manipur governments to ensure justice and called for peace and restraint among communities.

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Airtel, which upgraded all postpaid customers to priority plans, argued that the service did not throttle or degrade the experience for its prepaid customers, forming the majority of its 368 million customers in the country.

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The murder of a Jalandhar-based RTI activist has sparked outrage and political condemnation in Punjab, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government's handling of law and order.

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Eighteen of India's 28 states exceeded the fiscal deficit ceiling of 3 per cent of GSDP in FY25, a deterioration comparable to the Covid year of 2020-21, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report also noted a decline in states reporting a revenue surplus, with Bihar, Mizoram, and Telangana moving into deficit.

Punjab Governor Highlights Aadhaar's Role in Governance and Welfare

Punjab Governor Highlights Aadhaar's Role in Governance and Welfare

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphasised the importance of Aadhaar in promoting good governance, transparency, and ease of living, highlighting its role in ensuring welfare benefits reach the intended recipients and strengthening the rural economy through Direct Benefit Transfer.

India Inc payout to shareholders grows slower than profit for third straight year

India Inc payout to shareholders grows slower than profit for third straight year

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Shareholder payouts by India Inc, including dividends and buybacks, increased by 2.2 per cent year-on-year in FY26 to $5.06 trillion, but this growth lagged the 18.8 per cent rise in reported net profit for the third consecutive year, leading to the lowest dividend payout ratio in 12 years.

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has urged the United Nations to update its sanctions regime against Afghanistan, arguing that it must reflect the changed political reality and focus on incentivising positive actions rather than solely relying on punitive measures. India highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and development support for the Afghan people.

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, labelling it a "Frankenstein state" for its alleged support of terrorism. The remarks came after Pakistan and the OIC raised the Kashmir issue, which India firmly rejected, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir's integral status. India also deemed the Indus Water Treaty "outdated" given Pakistan's policies.

Uttarakhand Official Nabbed in Bribery Sting Operation

Uttarakhand Official Nabbed in Bribery Sting Operation

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

An accountant in Uttarakhand's Almora district was arrested by the Vigilance Department for accepting a bribe to release funds for a toilet construction project.

Trio Booked For Cheating Tribal Farmer Of Land Compensation

Trio Booked For Cheating Tribal Farmer Of Land Compensation

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police have registered a case against three persons for allegedly cheating a tribal farmer of Rs 50.27 lakh by fraudulently withdrawing part of his land compensation for the Vadhvan Port project in Maharashtra's Palghar district, officials said on Thursday.

Is Rs 1 Cr Enough For Retirement?

Is Rs 1 Cr Enough For Retirement?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Of course, NOT! Here's why. And here's how you can increase your Rs 1 crore retirement corpus.

Delhi CM Orders Transparent Implementation Of Welfare Schemes

Delhi CM Orders Transparent Implementation Of Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has instructed officials to ensure the transparent and timely implementation of welfare schemes announced in the budget. She also appealed to the public to take precautions during the ongoing heatwave.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Neglecting Balurghat Despite 'Double-Engine' Government

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Neglecting Balurghat Despite 'Double-Engine' Government

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP's development record in Balurghat, alleging neglect despite the constituency having a BJP MP and MLA. He challenged the BJP to present a report card of their work and compared it unfavourably to the TMC government's initiatives.

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

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

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

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.

NSE IPO Set To Mint Fortunes

NSE IPO Set To Mint Fortunes

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

With momentum building around the IPO, the NSE saw a surge in retail investors in the last two years, making it one of the widely traded stocks in the unlisted market.

Sack Pradhan or...: Cockroach Party sets 7-day deadline for govt

Sack Pradhan or...: Cockroach Party sets 7-day deadline for govt

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led online campaign turned protest movement, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the resignation or sacking of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests. The CJP, which organised a protest at Jantar Mantar, warned of nationwide agitation if their demands are not met.

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) leadership, led by President Chintan Parikh and Secretary General Sunder Iyer, has pledged to prioritise player welfare, transparent governance, and athlete representation if given a full term. They aim to transform Indian tennis by addressing past administrative issues and fostering a player-centric environment.

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The start of the West Asia conflict has led to a sharp increase in crude-linked raw material prices, pushing up the price of helmets across the country.

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'...because that protects their aviation industry.' 'The Boeing 787 is one of the most widely-flown wide-body aircraft in the world, and Airbus is running neck-and-neck with Boeing.' 'Airbus is not going to let an opportunity like this pass.' 'If a software problem with the 787 is confirmed, they will use it to increase their own orders.'

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Disregarding Mandate

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Disregarding Mandate

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly refusing to accept the electoral mandate, claiming democracy is being 'held at gunpoint' in the state.

Sena-UBT rebels meet Birla, claim support of 6 MPs

Sena-UBT rebels meet Birla, claim support of 6 MPs

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A group of rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs reportedly met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, claiming support of six members, while Uddhav Thackeray loyalists deny any defection. The party has issued a whip for a crucial meeting, and the anti-defection law's implications are being discussed amidst allegations of bribery.

Sonam Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach'

Sonam Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach'

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has voiced his support for the online 'cockroach' movement, urging the government to engage with the concerns raised by youngsters instead of suppressing their digital expression. He described himself as an 'honorary cockroach' and praised the movement's creative and non-violent approach to dissent.

TN Dalit youth who died in police custody cremated after 101 days

TN Dalit youth who died in police custody cremated after 101 days

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The mortal remains of a 26-year-old Dalit youth, Akash, who died in March due to alleged custodial torture, were finally cremated in Madurai 101 days after his demise. The cremation followed a Madras High Court directive, as his family had refused to accept the body, demanding the arrest of police personnel involved. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to a CB-CID investigation, suspension of six police personnel, and a murder case registered against officials.

Delhi CM vows action against illegal buildings after Saket tragedy

Delhi CM vows action against illegal buildings after Saket tragedy

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Following a building collapse in Delhi's Saket area that resulted in six fatalities, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has pledged stringent measures against unauthorised constructions and the officials responsible. She has ordered surveys of unsafe buildings and assured support for the affected families.

Ghaziabad Call Centre Busted For Insurance Fraud

Ghaziabad Call Centre Busted For Insurance Fraud

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Gurugram police have dismantled a cyber fraud operation run from a call centre in Ghaziabad, arresting three individuals accused of defrauding people of significant sums through deceptive insurance and government bond investment schemes.

CBSE chairman, secretary removed from positions after OSM fiasco

CBSE chairman, secretary removed from positions after OSM fiasco

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The chairman and secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have been removed from their positions following allegations of irregularities in the digital evaluation system for the class 12 examination process.

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wellspring fuelling the CJP tsunami is the high levels of youth unemployment. Millions of youngsters, including extremely over-qualified people, apply in desperation for any job that is advertised. No government has been able to deliver on this front and things may get worse as artificial intelligence enters the workforce, points out Devangshu Datta.

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

Kejriwal claims Punjab polls likely in Nov; Mann to be AAP's CM face

Kejriwal claims Punjab polls likely in Nov; Mann to be AAP's CM face

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday claimed that Punjab assembly elections may be held in November this year as against the expected February 2027. Kejriwal also projected Bhagwant Mann as the party's chief ministerial face.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US' statements after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks on ships, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the "compromised PM" listens "like an obedient servant" and "complies with the orders".

Spot a Suspicious Credit Card Transaction?

Spot a Suspicious Credit Card Transaction?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The first thing cardholders should do after spotting a suspicious charge is block the card.

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

There has never been a woman Chief Justice of India, although Justice B V Nagarathna is expected to become the first -- in 2027 if the convention of seniority is followed.