News for 'government accountability'

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Oil-marketing companies (OMCs) are set to significantly expand the sale of flex fuel (E85) across India, with plans to reach 5,000 outlets in major cities by the end of next year, according to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This move aims to boost ethanol demand, reduce crude oil imports, and cut carbon emissions, coinciding with the launch of India's first flex-fuel vehicles by Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.

Why Rahul Gandhi Wants A Probe Into CBSE Exam Contract

Why Rahul Gandhi Wants A Probe Into CBSE Exam Contract

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent judicial probe and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged irregularities in the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, claiming a company with a questionable past was awarded the contract.

Kolkata TMC Councillor Arrested On Molestation Charges

Kolkata TMC Councillor Arrested On Molestation Charges

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Biswajit Mondal, has been arrested on charges of assaulting and molesting a woman. The arrest follows a complaint filed on June 1, detailing an incident from March 2024, and comes amidst a series of arrests of KMC councillors on various charges.

Majithia Will Not Flee, Will Fight Legally: Wife

Majithia Will Not Flee, Will Fight Legally: Wife

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Akali Dal MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia says her husband Bikram Singh Majithia will pursue his case through the courts and has not fled the country, despite allegations and a lookout circular.

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday approved a new Excise Policy, permitting the sale of hard liquor through retail vends, reducing documents to obtain a licence from 16 to six and extending the liquor availability to four more districts.

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has suspended a deputy collector for his alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, in the first such crackdown on officials after the case rocked the state earlier this year.

India's GDP expands 7.8% in Q4, full year growth hits 7.7%

India's GDP expands 7.8% in Q4, full year growth hits 7.7%

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India's economy registered a robust 7.7 per cent growth in the fiscal year 2025-26, an increase from 7.1 per cent in the previous year, with the January-March quarter alone seeing a 7.8 per cent expansion.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Over the past year, the sale of injectable GLP-1 agonists (used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity) such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic have surged a whopping 218 per cent.

Banks Make Record Profits, But Worry Because...

Banks Make Record Profits, But Worry Because...

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The asymmetry in deposit and credit growth is the biggest challenge before the Indian banking industry. For every 100 deposit that a bank mobilises, it needs to keep 3 with the banking regulator in the form of cash reserve ratio on which it doesn't earn any interest. Another 18 is used for buying government bonds (statutory liquidity ratio). This means, a bank is left with 79 for giving credit. Add to this, its capital which can be used for giving loans. Most banks are facing a fund crunch. They need to find ways to attract deposits if they want to sustain credit growth, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

New Army Chief Set To Accelerate Modernisation

New Army Chief Set To Accelerate Modernisation

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Lieutenant General Seth's involvement in the army's capability development and modernisation efforts is evident from the key appointments he has held in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development Directorates, including Colonel Capability Development for Mechanised Forces, Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition, and Additional Director General Capability Development.

Blocked roof exit, cooking heaters: Probe reveals more lapses in Delhi hotel fire

Blocked roof exit, cooking heaters: Probe reveals more lapses in Delhi hotel fire

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Delhi Police are investigating a blocked roof exit and the use of cooking heaters in guest rooms as key factors in the recent Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people. Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj has been arrested, and a Look Out Circular issued against his wife, while the manager remains absconding.

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation against Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged drug trafficker associated with the Dawood Ibrahim gang.

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Abusing, Threatening Police

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Abusing, Threatening Police

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Rajasthan's Minister of State for Cooperation, Gautam Kumar Dak, has been booked for allegedly verbally abusing and threatening police officers in public. An audio clip purportedly capturing the incident circulated online, leading to the registration of an FIR against the minister.

World Environment Day: Meet The 14 Year Old Fighting Climate Change

World Environment Day: Meet The 14 Year Old Fighting Climate Change

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'People told me to go back to school and leave climate issues to adults. But if adults had done their job, I wouldn't be here protesting.' At just 14, climate activist Licypriya Kangujam says children are paying the price for a crisis they did not create, while governments continue to make promises without delivering meaningful change.

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan reviews CBSE evaluation system

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to address issues faced by students regarding the CBSE examination system, following allegations of irregularities. The government has committed to transparency and accountability, assuring that all genuine concerns will be addressed effectively.

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government announced it has paid a record Rs 3,21,963 crore to sugarcane growers since 2017, emphasising on-time payments and direct transfers to farmers' accounts. The government highlighted initiatives like farm loan waivers and the 'Smart Ganna Kisan' system for online sugarcane management.

Why Rahul Gandhi Wants A Probe Into CBSE Exam System

Why Rahul Gandhi Wants A Probe Into CBSE Exam System

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent judicial probe and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged irregularities in the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, questioning the awarding of the contract to a firm with a controversial past.

Malnutrition in Gujarat: Government Responds to Rising Child Health Concerns

Malnutrition in Gujarat: Government Responds to Rising Child Health Concerns

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has reported that over 2 lakh children in 20 districts are malnourished, prompting government intervention through fortified food programs and nutritional support for mothers and children.

Overseas Education Loans Get Riskier

Overseas Education Loans Get Riskier

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Students and families must stress test repayment capacity based on Indian salary standards.

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has directed senior officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to rules in governance. He emphasised the importance of honest opinions and actions for the state's development, urging officials to restart stalled centrally sponsored schemes and implement promises from the BJP's election manifesto.

NHRC Seeks Report On Septic Tank Deaths In Odisha

NHRC Seeks Report On Septic Tank Deaths In Odisha

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a detailed report from Odisha officials regarding the deaths of six people in a septic tank, raising concerns about human rights violations.

Hyderabad Duo Arrested in Connection with Belagavi 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Hyderabad Duo Arrested in Connection with Belagavi 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Two individuals from Hyderabad have been arrested in connection with a 'digital arrest' scam in Belagavi, where an 81-year-old businessman was defrauded of over Rs 15 crore.

India's Demerger Trend Soars: Over $40 Billion in Deals in 2025

India's Demerger Trend Soars: Over $40 Billion in Deals in 2025

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Indian companies are increasingly opting for demergers, with 29 deals valued at over $40 billion in 2025 alone, marking a 10-year high, as promoters and boards recognise that markets favour focused businesses over complex conglomerates.

The Fragile Truth Behind India's Bull Market

The Fragile Truth Behind India's Bull Market

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Indian stock market mythos of 36 years is wrapped in a diaphanous negligee, lashed together by a delicate, etheric sash of 1.6 bull markets. To make money from here on will require a ground invasion, trench by trench, rather than carpet bombing. Way more difficult, points out Shankar Sharma.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association is under investigation for allegedly using the name of its deceased president to secure funds from the state government. A complaint questions the association's governance and financial practices, including the sanctioning of funds from multiple agencies for the same event.

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress staged protests against the Centre over the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, demanding strict action against those involved in the alleged paper leak and a Supreme Court-monitored probe.

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a detailed constituency-wise disclosure of disenfranchisement caused by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

Punjab Opposition Alleges Anarchy Under AAP Rule

Punjab Opposition Alleges Anarchy Under AAP Rule

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Opposition parties in Punjab have criticised the AAP government following the killing of a police officer and a jail incident, alleging a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Cockroach Party is the outcome of youth's frustration: BJP ally

Cockroach Party is the outcome of youth's frustration: BJP ally

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has stated that the ban on the Cockroach Janata Party's social media handles is a symptom of widespread frustration among India's youth regarding employment, competitive examinations, and economic pressures, urging the government to address these concerns through policy changes.

Cockroach Janta Party founder to return to India, lead stir against Pradhan

Cockroach Janta Party founder to return to India, lead stir against Pradhan

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke plans to return to India to launch a peaceful protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related lapses.

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and allegedly with Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited fresh political speculation about his potential defection and the formation of a dissident parliamentary faction, further deepening the turmoil within the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released over 2,115 crore directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, benefiting over 58 lakh eligible individuals.

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'The situation globally is quite challenging, but we have the confidence and courage of conviction that we will come out winners even in this challenging time.'

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will soon allow subscribers to withdraw their EPF and transfer it directly to their bank accounts through the UPI payment gateway. Testing of the facility has been completed, according to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Core Infrastructure Sector Output Rises 1.7% in April, Driven by Steel, Cement, Electricity

Core Infrastructure Sector Output Rises 1.7% in April, Driven by Steel, Cement, Electricity

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India's eight core infrastructure sectors recorded a two-month high growth of 1.7 per cent in April, primarily boosted by strong performances in steel, cement, and electricity production, according to government data.

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is instead working with Oman to establish a mechanism for the safe passage of ships through the Strait.

AI ecosystem opaque, needs accountability: CCI chairperson

AI ecosystem opaque, needs accountability: CCI chairperson

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem is opaque and needs to be made transparent and accountable, said Competition Commission of India's (CCI) Chairperson Ravneet Kaur at the Business Standard Manthan Summit on Wednesday.

Can Srini Pallia Revive Wipro?

Can Srini Pallia Revive Wipro?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

'Wipro's challenge is not lack of ideas. In fact, some of its recent structural moves are arguably bolder than peers.' 'The problem is proving it can operationalise these bets faster and more consistently.'