News for 'government initiative'

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The proposals outlined in Budget 2026-27 represent a carefully crafted, multi-year strategy designed to strengthen India's big bets on the path to Viksit Bharat 2047, says Sameer Gupta.

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The death of a booth level officer in West Bengal due to cardiac arrest has ignited a political battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of workload pressure and politicization of the tragedy.

Europe 'funding war against itself': Scott Bessent on India-EU FTA

Europe 'funding war against itself': Scott Bessent on India-EU FTA

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks come ahead of a high-level summit where India and the European Union are expected to formally announce the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement.

Ahead of Modi's reply, Lok Sabha adjourned amid disruption

Ahead of Modi's reply, Lok Sabha adjourned amid disruption

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the debate on Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, the Chair adjourned the House for the day soon after it reassembled at 5 pm.

'Buying Opportunity, Not A Regret Opportunity'

'Buying Opportunity, Not A Regret Opportunity'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'For those in for the long haul, this is a God-given opportunity.' 'Your market is falling despite strong fundamentals, and such a clear roadmap has been announced.'

Budget 2026: The Industry Wishlist...

Budget 2026: The Industry Wishlist...

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Investors and startup executives are calling for extending the period for an entity to be recognised as a startup from 10 to 15 years for deep-tech companies.

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Learjet 45 (LJ45), a mid-size business jet aircraft produced by the Learjet Division of Bombardier Aerospace, went off the runway while attempting to land at Baramati airport and burst into flames.

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The process to merge the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party may now face a roadblock due to the death of Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawar on Saturday.

Sunetra Pawar's journey from shadows to spotlight

Sunetra Pawar's journey from shadows to spotlight

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, has been appointed as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, marking a new chapter for the NCP and presenting her with the challenge of leading the party.

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

'Where rostering systems are automated and duty time software interfaces directly with DGCA, the assertion that they suddenly discovered crew shortages is simply implausible.' 'If adequate crew planning hasn't materialised within 12 to 24 months from inception, how will 45 days -- from December 5 to February 12 -- suddenly resolve matters?'

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on charges of indiscipline after he resigned from service in protest against government policies.

India emerges as global leader in IPOs: Economic Survey

India emerges as global leader in IPOs: Economic Survey

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The country's primary capital markets delivered a robust performance in FY26, emerging as a global leader in initial public offerings (IPOs) despite an uncertain environment, the Economic Survey said on Thursday.

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony, showcasing Italian culture and athletic spirit, while also highlighting global political tensions through crowd reactions and protests.

Oscar winner Keeravani to lead music for R-Day mega cultural show

Oscar winner Keeravani to lead music for R-Day mega cultural show

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The broader theme of the performance will be -- 'Swatantra Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi Ka Mantra - Viksit Bharat', officials said.

What Budget 2026 Means For Taxpayers

What Budget 2026 Means For Taxpayers

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Budget offers a limited-time regularisation window with clear thresholds, defined payments, and immunity from penalty or prosecution.

7 killed in major fire at two Bengal godowns, several missing

7 killed in major fire at two Bengal godowns, several missing

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

A fire in two godowns in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district resulted in at least seven deaths and several missing persons. Rescue operations are underway to clear the debris and ascertain the full extent of the tragedy.

Why India skipped BRICS naval wargame? MEA clarifies

Why India skipped BRICS naval wargame? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

India clarified its absence from a South Africa-initiated naval wargame, stating it was not an institutional BRICS activity. The exercise involved navies from China, Russia, Iran, and others, amid rising tensions in Iran.

India yet to decide on joining Trump's Board of Peace

India yet to decide on joining Trump's Board of Peace

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

India is yet to take a call on United States President Donald Trump's invitation to be part of the 'Board of Peace' that will work towards bringing lasting peace to Gaza and possibly resolve global conflicts, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has suggested that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) consider establishing gaushalas (cowsheds) under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to care for stray animals entering highways. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with several states' efforts to manage stray dog populations and suggested developing an app to report stray animal sightings.

Punjab Kesari gets SC shield: 'Newspapers cannot be stopped'

Punjab Kesari gets SC shield: 'Newspapers cannot be stopped'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court intervened to protect the Punjab Kesari newspaper from coercive actions by the Punjab government and its pollution control board, ensuring its continued publication.

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

From EV bus expansion to airport-like terminals and rural connectivity, Uttar Pradesh is overhauling public transport to cut pollution and ensure every village has modern, affordable travel, reports Siddharth Kalhans.

E2W companies seek PM E-Drive subsidy extension beyond March 2026

E2W companies seek PM E-Drive subsidy extension beyond March 2026

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

India's electric two-wheeler (e2W) manufacturers have urged the government to extend subsidies under the PM E-Drive (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme beyond March 2026, cautioning that a withdrawal could slow near-term demand even as confidence in long-term electric mobility adoption remains intact.

10-Minute Delivery Gone, Work Stays the Same

10-Minute Delivery Gone, Work Stays the Same

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

'As long as apps show impossible delivery times, delivery and packaging workers will be pressured to meet unsafe, unhealthy standards.'

Roads in Telangana to be named after Trump, Google

Roads in Telangana to be named after Trump, Google

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

The Telangana government plans to name a road after Ratan Tata. Other roads may be named after Google, Microsoft and Wipro.

Chinnaswamy Gets Greenlight To Host IPL Games

Chinnaswamy Gets Greenlight To Host IPL Games

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

KSCA receives government permission to host international and IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Assam Congress alleges CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's family grabbed thousands of acres of land, prompting a defamation case announcement. BJP denies claims as baseless.

India's GDP estimated to grow at 7.4% in FY26; fastest in the world

India's GDP estimated to grow at 7.4% in FY26; fastest in the world

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Indian economy is likely to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2025-26, up from 6.5 per cent in the previous fiscal, mainly on account of better performance of manufacturing and services sectors, as per the government data released on Wednesday.

One Snapshot To Track Your Savings, Investments

One Snapshot To Track Your Savings, Investments

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Sebi is working with other regulators to expand the CAS framework.

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The talks about the reunification had already started when Ajit Pawar was alive. In fact, the two parties even contested the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together.

Gujarat to Host Reactivated National Olympic Academy as IOA Pushes Reforms

Gujarat to Host Reactivated National Olympic Academy as IOA Pushes Reforms

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Under Usha and Narang, the National Olympic Academy will "collaborate" closely with the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, to "align India's Olympic education programmes with the Olympic Charter and international best practices."

Doubles redemption: Bhambri opens up on re-invention

Doubles redemption: Bhambri opens up on re-invention

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Doubles is not a sideshow: Yuki Bhambri on re-invention and right support

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The I-League, the country's second-tier football competition, will be restructured and rechristened as Indian Football League (IFL).

Dog name 'Ram': Chhattisgarh teacher suspended over question paper row

Dog name 'Ram': Chhattisgarh teacher suspended over question paper row

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The headmistress of a government school in Chhattisgarh has been suspended after a question in a Class IV English question paper allegedly set by her triggered allegations of hurting religious sentiments, officials said on Sunday.

'I Don't Want To Let Down The Economy...'

'I Don't Want To Let Down The Economy...'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'This Budget has a one-year agenda, which you can call the sprint, and the marathon is towards Viksit Bharat.'

Will Sunetra Pawar Be DCM? Pawar Family To Decide Soon

Will Sunetra Pawar Be DCM? Pawar Family To Decide Soon

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

'The entire Pawar family -- Sunetra Vahini, Jay and Parth Pawar (Ajit Pawar's sons), Sharad Pawar, his daughter Supriya Sule -- will sit together and decide how to move forward.'

UP conversion racket mastermind nabbed before fleeing to Dubai

UP conversion racket mastermind nabbed before fleeing to Dubai

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The alleged mastermind of an organized gang involved in sexual exploitation, religious conversion, and blackmailing in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur district was arrested at Delhi's IGI airport while attempting to flee abroad.

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The upcoming Republic Day Parade will center around the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram,' featuring themed decorations, performances, and special guests.

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the ruling Left and Congress in Kerala, raising the Sabarimala gold loss issue and accusing the Congress of aligning with hardline elements. He urged voters to choose the BJP for development and good governance.