News for 'government benefits'

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court verdict. The High Court had ruled that individuals converting to Islam are not automatically entitled to reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on their conversion.

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.

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Rediff.com4 days ago

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with a World Bank delegation to discuss advancing Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, and skill development in the state. The discussions focused on leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, with plans to showcase Haryana's AI Sandbox globally and develop a dedicated AI model for the state.

How Bihar Plans To Use AI For Efficient Governance

How Bihar Plans To Use AI For Efficient Governance

Rediff.com3 days ago

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has called upon ministers and legislators to extensively use digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for balanced development and improved public outreach. He highlighted the state government's existing use of AI in welfare programmes and project cost reduction, stressing its importance for Bihar's progress in the digital era.

Param Vir Chakra Yogendra Singh Yadav: 'When Youth Stand Up, Governments Have To Listen'

Param Vir Chakra Yogendra Singh Yadav: 'When Youth Stand Up, Governments Have To Listen'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

'These are children of our own country; they must be heard': Param Vir Chakra Awardee Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav.

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in redefining governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating all-round development. He emphasised its impact on digital payments, direct benefit transfers, and expanding digital public infrastructure, making technology a powerful instrument for 'Ease of Living' across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rediff.com1 days ago

Two NCPI MPs from Murshidabad, West Bengal, met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to express concerns over the removal of mosque loudspeakers, alleging police overreach and targeting of Muslims. They also sought his intervention to expedite hearings for approximately 27 lakh people excluded from electoral rolls, highlighting difficulties faced by genuine voters due to delays in tribunal decisions.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

TVK's maiden budget fulfils Vijay's poll promises with gold, cows

TVK's maiden budget fulfils Vijay's poll promises with gold, cows

Rediff.com4 days ago

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government on Wednesday allotted over Rs 1,000 crore to provide gifts of gold coin, ring and milch cows to beneficiaries to fulfill the election promise made by the party ahead of the assembly election this year.

Why Hooda wants Haryana to host CWG 2030

Why Hooda wants Haryana to host CWG 2030

Rediff.com5 days ago

Congress MP Deepender Hooda has urged the central government to consider Haryana as the host or co-host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, citing the state's significant contribution to India's medal tally in major competitions.

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Rediff.com5 days ago

Premature surrender and withdrawal of life insurance policies in India have surpassed maturity payouts over the past five years, indicating a growing trend of policyholders exiting long-term policies before their full tenure, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha.

Financial Sector Can't Wait for AI Risks to Emerge, Says CEA

Financial Sector Can't Wait for AI Risks to Emerge, Says CEA

Rediff.com1 days ago

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran has stressed the urgent need for India's financial sector to proactively address the safety and security risks of artificial intelligence, stating that waiting for problems to materialise is not an option.

Bihar Government Suspends Two IAS Officers On Corruption Charges

Bihar Government Suspends Two IAS Officers On Corruption Charges

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Bihar government has suspended two senior IAS officers, Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, following corruption charges based on findings shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU). The officers are accused of obtaining undue monetary benefits through bribery and commissions.

World Bank: AI Offers Lifeline For Developing Economies

World Bank: AI Offers Lifeline For Developing Economies

Rediff.com5 days ago

The World Bank's "World Development Report 2026" urges developing countries to adopt low-cost AI tools to accelerate progress in healthcare, education, and judicial services. The report highlights AI's potential to boost productivity and improve public services, while noting that jobs in high-income countries are more at risk from automation than those in developing nations.

UP Government Provides Financial Aid To Murder Victim's Family

UP Government Provides Financial Aid To Murder Victim's Family

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has provided financial assistance to the family of a man who was murdered in Baghpat district. The family received Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister Relief Fund following instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com3 days ago

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital transactions applies to merchants, not customers, and aims to support banks and fintech in infrastructure investment. She countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims, stating that a committee will decide on MDR only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a process currently stalled by parliamentary disruptions.

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Rediff.com3 days ago

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met with AI major Anthropic to discuss a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption across governance, education, healthcare, research, and the state's startup ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on deploying AI solutions responsibly, ensuring data privacy, and developing AI-focused skilling programmes and an AI University.

Mexico, Argentina back Infantino amid FIFA World Cup rights row

Mexico, Argentina back Infantino amid FIFA World Cup rights row

Rediff.com1 days ago

Mexico and Argentina's football associations have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite a significant backlash over his abandoned proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, with other confederations and national bodies expressing strong opposition.

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Rediff.com7 days ago

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday asserted that his government was committed to protecting the interests of the state's farmers and people on the Cauvery issue, while appealing to organisations to withdraw the proposed state-wide bandh.

Ahmedabad to set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability at 2030 Commonwealth Games

Ahmedabad to set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability at 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com6 days ago

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has outlined Ahmedabad's vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasising unparalleled accessibility for para athletes and a strong commitment to sustainability through green energy and electric transport.

How Ayushman Bharat Will Benefit West Bengal, Says Modi

How Ayushman Bharat Will Benefit West Bengal, Says Modi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the West Bengal government's decision to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme, highlighting the benefits for the state's residents.

Cabinet, Home Secretaries Get One-Year Extension

Cabinet, Home Secretaries Get One-Year Extension

Rediff.com4 days ago

Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan have been granted a one-year extension in their service by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Somanathan's tenure is extended beyond August 2026, and Mohan's beyond August 2026, up to August 2027, under special provisions for key government officials.

Sports Ministry Provisionally Recognises FMSCI To Boost Motorsport In India

Sports Ministry Provisionally Recognises FMSCI To Boost Motorsport In India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF), a move aimed at promoting motorsport and facilitating Formula 1's return to India. This recognition requires FMSCI to amend its constitution to comply with governance acts, and a Task Force is being established to assess the benefits and challenges of hosting major motorsport events.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has appealed to his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Vijay Joseph to defer his proposed August 3 visit to Bengaluru. The request comes amidst widespread protests in Karnataka following a decision by the CWMA upholding a direction for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

Government Teacher Held For Securing Job With Forged Disability Certificate

Government Teacher Held For Securing Job With Forged Disability Certificate

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A government school teacher in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, was arrested for allegedly securing his job 12 years ago using a fraudulent disability certificate. The arrest is part of a special campaign by the SOG to identify individuals who obtained government jobs through forged documents. An investigation revealed the teacher, Bane Singh, claimed 42% disability but had only 6%, while another accused, Yogesh Kumar, had no disability despite claiming 42% hearing impairment.

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

Rediff.com7 days ago

UEFA and CONCACAF say they have lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body withdrew its controversial World Cup rights plan.

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

Rediff.com1 days ago

A meeting of Tamil Nadu MPs, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, unanimously decided to oppose the Union government's proposed delimitation exercise, demanding its complete withdrawal and an extension of the delimitation freeze for another 25 years.

From 'Generation Gutter' to 'India's Strength': Kangana's U-turn on Gen Z

From 'Generation Gutter' to 'India's Strength': Kangana's U-turn on Gen Z

Rediff.com2 days ago

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has made a significant U-turn, praising Gen Z as India's biggest strength and ambassadors of culture, days after controversially labelling them 'generation gutter.' Her new stance aligns with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments advocating for hearing out young protesters.

'It's Not Modi's Rupee That Benefits. It's India's Rupee That Benefits'

'It's Not Modi's Rupee That Benefits. It's India's Rupee That Benefits'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'In all these years of rupee depreciation, of rising oil prices, of inflation caused by import dependence, not one leader had the courage to look the people in the eye and say: Please do this for your country.'

Why India Must Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

Why India Must Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

Rediff.com3 days ago

A think tank, GTRI, has urged India to resist US pressure regarding its UPI policies, advocating for the defence of competition, policy autonomy, and the long-term sustainability of its payments ecosystem. This comes as the Lok Sabha passed a bill allowing charges on UPI transactions, a move GTRI suggests should not be influenced by foreign trade complaints.

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). This status makes FMSCI eligible for financial grants and is a significant step in the government's efforts to bring Formula 1 racing back to India, with a Task Force also being formed to explore hosting major motorsport events.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, who accused the governing body of putting the game's 'soul' up for sale.

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for the immediate passage of the women's reservation bill and the delimitation bill, advocating for a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for all states to ensure fair and equitable representation.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com2 days ago

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

FIFA has issued a clarification regarding its FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, stating it would 'never entertain' selling football to private parties and aims to ensure meaningful commercial ownership for all member nations, following strong criticism and boycott threats from UEFA and CONCACAF.

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Rediff.com2 days ago

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at cracking down on 'birth tourism' and limiting eligibility for birthright citizenship, weeks after the Supreme Court rejected a similar directive.

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is leading a march to the Prime Minister's residence to submit a petition with two lakh signatures against E20 petrol. He is demanding consumer choice, lower E20 prices, and transparency regarding studies supporting the fuel. The government defends the E20 programme, citing energy security and no evidence of vehicle harm.

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Maharashtra waives off Rs 48,000 crore of farmers' power dues

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant waiver of approximately Rs 48,000 crore in pending electricity dues for farmers, aiming to facilitate new agricultural power connections and support the state's agricultural sector.