News for 'government accountability'

Govt warns Meta over WhatsApp username feature, slaps notice

Govt warns Meta over WhatsApp username feature, slaps notice

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta regarding WhatsApp's upcoming username feature, warning the platform not to roll it out until concerns about potential fraud, impersonation, and public safety are addressed to the government's satisfaction.

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.

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This new position aims to strengthen administrative and financial management following alleged embezzlement concerns. The CEO will be appointed for a three-year term, overseeing various aspects from finance to pilgrim facilities, and must be an actively practising Hindu with specific managerial experience.

Car catches fire inside tunnel on Mumbai's coastal road

Car catches fire inside tunnel on Mumbai's coastal road

Rediff.com4 days ago

A car caught fire inside the southbound tunnel of Mumbai's Coastal Road, causing temporary panic and stranding vehicles. Authorities responded swiftly, and no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

Rajesh Exports probed over Rs 15.15 trillion financial misstatement

Rajesh Exports probed over Rs 15.15 trillion financial misstatement

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has commenced an investigation into Rajesh Exports concerning a 15.15 trillion financial misstatement, following a referral from market regulator Sebi.

Ram Temple theft: Police trace accuseds' money trail to land deals, new homes

Ram Temple theft: Police trace accuseds' money trail to land deals, new homes

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The police investigating the "embezzlement" of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have scrutinised the bank accounts of relatives of the eight arrested accused as they seek to establish the money trail behind the alleged diversion of funds, sources said on Friday.

TDP leader, 8 family members arrested over stripping woman in AP

TDP leader, 8 family members arrested over stripping woman in AP

Rediff.com1 days ago

A leader from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and eight family members have been arrested in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, for allegedly stripping a woman and assaulting her family. The incident occurred after the family refused to pay a Rs 10,000 bribe demanded by the TDP leader. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu condemned the act, ordering stringent action and the suspension of the party functionary.

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A digital profiling exercise by the Delhi government has revealed significant infrastructure deficiencies in government schools, including shortages of drinking water taps, lack of facilities for children with special needs, and structurally unsafe buildings.

Wangchuk announces indefinite hunger strike from June 28 over NEET leak

Wangchuk announces indefinite hunger strike from June 28 over NEET leak

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting June 28 at Jantar Mantar if the government fails to address demands concerning the NEET paper leak and issues related to Ladakh's environment and cultural heritage. He expects a response by June 27.

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Rediff.com6 days ago

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to question people associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and review banking arrangements for donations.

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Larger NGOs could no longer work with smaller ones, especially those organisations working on the ground that had no means of or expertise in raising money themselves, reveals Aakar Patel.

Supreme Court to scrutinise Sebi's appeal against SAT's relief for Nusli Wadia

Supreme Court to scrutinise Sebi's appeal against SAT's relief for Nusli Wadia

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine Sebi's challenge to a Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) decision that cleared Wadia Group Chairman Nusli Wadia, Bombay Dyeing, and others of allegations of fraudulent financial reporting.

Digital Access, Data Governance Remain Challenges For India's DPI

Digital Access, Data Governance Remain Challenges For India's DPI

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlights the challenges of digital access, data governance, interoperability, and cyber security in India's digital public infrastructure (DPI), despite its world-class scale.

Not true: WhatsApp denies popular figure username abuse amid govt scrutiny

Not true: WhatsApp denies popular figure username abuse amid govt scrutiny

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

WhatsApp has asserted that username reservation relating to well-known public figure names is restricted only to their legitimate account owners, and termed as "false" any claims that people are reserving popular or well-known usernames.

Ford India's new Coimbatore hub to drive data science, enhance global resilience

Ford India's new Coimbatore hub to drive data science, enhance global resilience

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Ford Business Solutions (FBS) India, the global capability centre for Ford Motor Company, has inaugurated a new office in Coimbatore, its third location in India. This expansion is a strategic move to strengthen the resilience of Ford's global operations, with nearly 50 per cent of its future growth in India expected to be in technology, data science, and data analytics.

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Rediff.com13 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced that the state government will ensure women's freedom of movement at any time and prioritise their complaints. CCTV monitoring will be introduced across civic bodies to enhance transparency and curb corruption. The government also plans to address illegal activities such as toll plazas, sand extraction, and coal mining, while streamlining welfare schemes and improving infrastructure projects.

Farmer gets alert for 1-paisa as PM-Kisan payout, govt calls it 'glitch'

Farmer gets alert for 1-paisa as PM-Kisan payout, govt calls it 'glitch'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A farmer in Maharashtra received a message indicating a one-paisa credit instead of the expected Rs 2,000 under the PM-Kisan scheme, causing confusion. The Agriculture Department later clarified it was a technical error and the full instalment had been successfully processed.

CEA Calls For Industry Investment In Skilling, Innovation For GCCs

CEA Calls For Industry Investment In Skilling, Innovation For GCCs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has urged the industry to invest in skilling, capability development, and innovation to counter the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, particularly for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He noted that while the government has supported GCCs through Budget measures like simplifying transfer pricing and promoting expansion into tier-II/III cities, industry must move beyond low-cost execution to thrive in an an AI-driven landscape. Nageswaran emphasised that AI displaces routine tasks, necessitating a focus on higher-value work and continuous skill enhancement to maintain India's competitive edge.

Sports Ministry Directs Hockey India To Probe Harassment Allegations

Sports Ministry Directs Hockey India To Probe Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Sports Ministry has directed Hockey India to investigate allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment made by former India captain Asunta Lakra. Lakra accused HI general secretary Bhola Nath Singh and highlighted institutional protection for alleged misconduct, urging an independent inquiry and stronger safeguards for women athletes.

After WhatsApp, govt sends notices to Telegram, Signal over username feature

After WhatsApp, govt sends notices to Telegram, Signal over username feature

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Ministry has issued notices to Telegram and Signal, following a similar action against WhatsApp, questioning their username features due to concerns over increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. The government is seeking explanations on how these platforms address such risks, with one homegrown app already disabling the feature.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com6 days ago

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to implement stringent measures, including mandatory drug testing for government jobs and 'bulldozer action' against drug smugglers, to combat the growing menace of 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) in the state.

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Under the lens over serious lapses in the donation management system at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Govind Dev Giri, has said that all audit reports were "safe" and that he had no role in the daily donation collection process at the temple.

Wangchuk's health deteriorates as CJP protest at Jantar Mantar enters 11th day

Wangchuk's health deteriorates as CJP protest at Jantar Mantar enters 11th day

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and activist Sonam Wangchuk's protest at Jantar Mantar has entered its eleventh day, with Wangchuk's health deteriorating due to a hunger strike. Protesters allege heavy police deployment and restrictions, demanding accountability for examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, is staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks. Dipke has stated he will not leave until their demands are met and has requested Delhi Police to extend permission for the ongoing demonstration.

'Happened so fast...': Protesters recall how SOnam Wangchuk was whisked away

'Happened so fast...': Protesters recall how SOnam Wangchuk was whisked away

Rediff.com1 days ago

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police, sparking outrage and renewed determination among protesters who vowed to continue their demonstration.

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Govt allots 2 million more tonnes of broken rice for E20

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Indian government has allocated an additional 2 million tonnes of surplus broken rice from FCI stocks for its ethanol blending programme, while simultaneously issuing a detailed rebuttal to widespread misinformation regarding the E20 fuel, addressing concerns from water consumption to engine damage and environmental impact.

Vietnam tragedy: Bodies of Indian tourists being sent back

Vietnam tragedy: Bodies of Indian tourists being sent back

Rediff.com7 days ago

Fifteen Indian tourists died and one remains critically injured after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members capsized off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to Ho Chi Minh City for repatriation, while most rescued tourists are returning to India. Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Rediff.com2 days ago

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 20th day, with doctors warning of his critical health condition. Despite this, Wangchuk is resolute in his call for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the Monsoon Session's opening, to protest alleged examination irregularities and demand the Union education minister's resignation.

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse stated that despite 5.5 lakh students having non-updated Aadhaar IDs, no student is being deprived of government scheme benefits or facing educational hurdles. He clarified that the government is actively conducting special camps and has issued instructions to ensure continuous access to education and benefits while the update drive is underway.

Wangchuk begins hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, khap leaders join CJP protest

Wangchuk begins hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, khap leaders join CJP protest

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Before sitting on the fast, Wangchuk, along with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Brain, heart, lungs missing from Indian seafarer's body who died in Venezuela

Brain, heart, lungs missing from Indian seafarer's body who died in Venezuela

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The family of an Indian seafarer, Rakesh Chauhan, who died in Venezuela, has called for a high-level investigation after a post-mortem in Uttar Pradesh revealed several internal organs were missing from his repatriated body. The Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India has also demanded accountability from Venezuelan authorities and intervention from the Indian Embassy, citing a lack of transparency and official documents regarding his death.

Vijay govt appoints film producer as Delhi representative

Vijay govt appoints film producer as Delhi representative

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has appointed film producer K Venkata Narayana as the state's special representative to the government in New Delhi, evoking sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and other opposition parties on Friday.

EPF Scheme 2026: What's Changed for You?

EPF Scheme 2026: What's Changed for You?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

For members, the message is simple: don't be misled by headlines about '100% withdrawal'. The basic purpose of the EPF remains unchanged -- to help employees build a financial cushion for retirement while allowing limited access to savings for genuine needs during their working lives.

'May get killed': Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh in December

'May get killed': Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh in December

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Hasina expressed a desire to face consequences on her home soil, where her parents are buried, amidst repression against her party workers.

Delhi to register only e-two-wheelers from April 2028

Delhi to register only e-two-wheelers from April 2028

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Delhi government has approved an ambitious electric vehicle policy that eliminates registration fees and road taxes for EVs priced up to Rs 30 lakh, offers a Rs 1 lakh incentive for purchasing new EVs while scrapping old vehicles, and mandates that only electric two-wheelers can be registered starting April 2028.

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Rediff.com2 days ago

A sensational New York Times report alleging that Israel's Mossad secretly groomed former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a post-Islamic Republic Iran is being scrutinised for its strategic timing amidst Iran's sensitive post-Khamenei transition.

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The government has issued a stern notice to Meta on Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) in paid advertisements on Instagram, sources said on Sunday.

India's PCB exports to China a rare success story

India's PCB exports to China a rare success story

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India's exports of printed circuit boards (PCBs) to China dramatically increased over 40-fold to $1.5 billion in FY26, indicating a significant shift where China is increasingly importing simpler electronic assemblies from India as it focuses on higher-value manufacturing domestically.