News for 'government initiative'

Ram temple theft: 'Important documents' found in accused's house

Ram temple theft: 'Important documents' found in accused's house

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The police sealed the room in the rented house of the accused. The police have taken the DVR of the CCTV camera installed at Mishra's rented house into their custody, official sources said.

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Meta-owned WhatsApp has submitted its reply to the government's notice on the "username" feature and the response is being examined, sources said on Thursday.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to meet Karur stampede victims' kin, offer jobs

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to meet Karur stampede victims' kin, offer jobs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to visit Karur for a crucial public interaction, where he will address victims of last year's stampede, distribute welfare, and lay the foundation stone for a major Rs 1,700 crore footwear manufacturing factory.

Govt summons Meta over Instagram ads promoting child abuse material

Govt summons Meta over Instagram ads promoting child abuse material

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to summon Meta regarding Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material, following a BBC investigation. This action comes shortly after the government also questioned Meta about WhatsApp's planned username feature, citing concerns over increased online fraud and cybercrimes.

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

For the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the timing of Rath Yatra is a matter of scriptural injunction rather than convenience.

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Indian government has sought explanations from WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal regarding their username features, citing serious concerns about potential impersonation and cybercrime. IT Secretary S Krishnan highlighted the risks, leading to notices being served to these platforms, with WhatsApp specifically asked to pause its rollout of the feature.

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and has initiated the process of gathering public feedback before moving ahead with the proposal.

Satluj row: Ex-Punjab cop convicted in Khalra case untraceable

Satluj row: Ex-Punjab cop convicted in Khalra case untraceable

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former Punjab Police DSP Jaspal Singh, a life convict in the 1995 abduction and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been reported untraceable at the address provided in his jail records after being released on interim bail in May 2023, sparking a political controversy.

EPFO to credit 8.25% PF interest by July 15 to 34 crore members

EPFO to credit 8.25% PF interest by July 15 to 34 crore members

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit the 8.25 per cent interest on provident funds for FY26 to 34 crore member accounts by July 15, enabled by its new centralised IT system (CITES). This upgrade promises enhanced operational efficiency, transparent services, and easier access to PF details and claims for members.

Tree fall is natural, says Maha minister on death of student; backtracks after row

Tree fall is natural, says Maha minister on death of student; backtracks after row

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat sparked a political storm with his controversial comments regarding a fatal tree fall incident in Mumbai, which killed an 11-year-old boy and injured four others, initially suggesting such incidents are 'not in human hands' before clarifying his stance.

BJP Claims Pressure Forced Himachal Government to Reopen Chester Hills Probe

BJP Claims Pressure Forced Himachal Government to Reopen Chester Hills Probe

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered a fresh probe into alleged irregularities in the Chester Hills housing project following pressure from the BJP, who claim the government initially tried to suppress the case.

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Maharashtra plans new policy to make domicile certificate mandatory for driving licence from August 2026, alongside efforts to regulate bike taxi services for revenue and job creation.

Rapido founders booked over illegal bike taxi operations in Nagpur

Rapido founders booked over illegal bike taxi operations in Nagpur

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The founders of the Rapido app have been booked in Nagpur for allegedly operating petrol-powered bike taxi services in Maharashtra without the necessary government permissions. A case was registered following a complaint from the Nagpur RTO after a special drive revealed private vehicles were being used commercially without proper licenses, raising concerns about passenger safety and revenue loss for the government.

Maharashtra restricts 'Sting' energy drink sales near schools

Maharashtra restricts 'Sting' energy drink sales near schools

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has announced a ban on the sale of 'Sting' energy drink and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius of schools. This decision comes amidst concerns about the health impact of such beverages on schoolchildren, with the Food and Drug Administration directed to enforce the new restriction and schools urged to conduct awareness programmes.

Telangana woman kills husband by injecting toilet cleaner through cannula

Telangana woman kills husband by injecting toilet cleaner through cannula

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A woman in Telangana's Nizamabad district allegedly murdered her husband by injecting him with toilet cleaner through a cannula while he was undergoing medical treatment. Police investigation revealed she conspired with her lover and another accomplice to eliminate her husband, who they saw as an obstacle to their illicit affair. The three accused have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Bharti Airtel is strategically shifting its focus towards data centres, cloud services, and financial services as key drivers for its next phase of growth, leveraging significant past investments in digital infrastructure, as outlined by Chairman Sunil Mittal in the company's Annual Report for 2025-26.

NITI Aayog's Vision For India's Bioeconomy Growth

NITI Aayog's Vision For India's Bioeconomy Growth

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

A NITI Aayog report outlines India's potential to scale its bioeconomy to USD 691 billion by 2035 and USD 2.6 trillion by 2047, creating over 30 million high-value jobs. The report stresses the need for coordinated national execution, regulatory reforms, a strengthened talent pipeline, and a significant BioEconomy Growth Fund to achieve this vision, positioning India among the top biotechnology powers globally.

What is hurting ease of doing business for Indian automakers?

What is hurting ease of doing business for Indian automakers?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Automobile manufacturers are increasingly vocal about the mounting paperwork and delays associated with India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automotive sector, arguing that compliance requirements are becoming as challenging as meeting technical eligibility conditions. They are pushing for a simpler, faster, and more predictable certification and compliance framework.

The Director Sanjeev Kapoor Wants For His Biopic

The Director Sanjeev Kapoor Wants For His Biopic

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Sanjeev Kapoor, known for popularising Indian cuisine globally, has revealed that he will only allow his friend and acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta to direct his much-anticipated biopic.

India Set To Introduce Dedicated AI Regulation Framework

India Set To Introduce Dedicated AI Regulation Framework

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Secretary S Krishnan announced that the government is considering a dedicated regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence, moving beyond existing IT rules to address challenges like deepfakes and synthetic content. This comes as global policymakers grapple with AI's rapid emergence and its implications.

Govt restores commercial LPG supplies as West Asia crisis eases

Govt restores commercial LPG supplies as West Asia crisis eases

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The government on Thursday restored liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to commercial consumers such as hotels, restaurants and other businesses to pre-crisis levels, and lifted sector-specific restrictions imposed during the recent West Asia conflict, in a sign that energy supply concerns are easing as global markets stabilise.

What's Holding Up India-US Trade Deal?

What's Holding Up India-US Trade Deal?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India is waiting for assurance from the US on comparative advantage over other economies under the deal.

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Five people, including two school students, have died after a local train struck a pool car at an open level crossing in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The gateman has been arrested, and a railway permanent way inspector suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.

Modi flags off India's first hydrogen train, hails 'Make in India' success

Modi flags off India's first hydrogen train, hails 'Make in India' success

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train connecting Jind to Sonipat in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey towards clean and sustainable railway mobility and showcasing the success of the 'Make in India' initiative.

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.

Maharashtra Government to Form Panel to Curb Social Media Defamation

Maharashtra Government to Form Panel to Curb Social Media Defamation

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government is forming a committee headed by the Director General of Police to address the issue of defamation through social media platforms. The committee will study the issue and suggest measures to take action against those who defame individuals through social media.

10 AI Careers For Fresh Graduates

10 AI Careers For Fresh Graduates

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Dr Lovi Raj Gupta, pro vice-chancellor, Lovely Professional University, explains how aspiring professionals can equip themselves for a competitive AI-driven job market.

'Extremely pained': RSS demands severe punishment in Ram Temple theft case

'Extremely pained': RSS demands severe punishment in Ram Temple theft case

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has strongly condemned the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating it has deeply hurt sentiments. He called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those found guilty, while also urging patience from the Hindu community against "anti-Hindu" forces.

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

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.

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that human-led artificial intelligence will be the defining force in India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at the 29th National Conference on e-Governance, he emphasised that technology must strengthen governance without replacing human accountability, advocating for responsible AI deployment with citizens at the centre. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on e-Governance 2026, outlining a roadmap for AI-enabled, data-driven, and secure digital governance.

WhatsApp gets more time to reply on usernames; no India rollout now

WhatsApp gets more time to reply on usernames; no India rollout now

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted more time to submit its response on the contentious 'username' feature and assured the government that it will not roll it out in India until discussions are complete, according to sources.

Bangladesh Cricket Board's tender signals revival of cricket ties with India

Bangladesh Cricket Board's tender signals revival of cricket ties with India

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India and Bangladesh are seemingly moving closer to resuming bilateral cricket ties, with a six-match white-ball series in September now appearing likely after a gap of nearly a year in scheduled meetings between the two sides.

Indian Firms Announce Global Partnerships, New Fund, And Social Impact

Indian Firms Announce Global Partnerships, New Fund, And Social Impact

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Indian companies LTM and Mastek announced new international partnerships for cloud, AI, and digital transformation. Jio BlackRock AMC launched a new hybrid fund. NMIMS partnered with Coursera for AI-enabled learning, and MakeMyTrip Foundation rebuilt a flood-damaged school in Manali.

Quadruplets die after autorickshaw delivery, family blames ambulance delay

Quadruplets die after autorickshaw delivery, family blames ambulance delay

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A woman in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district delivered quadruplets in an autorickshaw en route to a hospital, but all four babies died shortly after due to prematurity. The family alleges the absence of an ambulance led to the tragedy, while health officials attribute the deaths to premature delivery and incomplete development.

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has lodged a 'strong protest' with Iran over recent strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to several others, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic engagement.

Opposition Slams Punjab Government Over Patiala Rail Blast

Opposition Slams Punjab Government Over Patiala Rail Blast

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Opposition parties in Punjab have criticised the Bhagwant Mann government following a blast incident at a freight corridor rail track in Patiala, citing intelligence failures and a lack of grip on law and order.

SIT probing Ram Temple donation case gets extension

SIT probing Ram Temple donation case gets extension

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has granted a 15-day extension to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The SIT, which has already arrested eight individuals, sought more time to conduct a comprehensive examination and is now expected to submit its report by July 15.

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.com18 Jul 2026

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.

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Environment Ministry has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Mizoram as India's 21st designated repository, significantly enhancing the country's biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure, particularly within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

Pvt sector enters India's critical minerals race with Indonesia deal

Pvt sector enters India's critical minerals race with Indonesia deal

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Hyderabad-based Midwest Ltd has become the first Indian private company to secure overseas critical mineral mines, sealing a deal with Indonesia's state-run PT Perusahaan Mineral Nasional (PERMINAS) to ensure a long-term supply of rare earths.