News for 'government initiative'

Congress leader seeks privilege move against Rajnath over Operation Sindoor casualties

Congress leader seeks privilege move against Rajnath over Operation Sindoor casualties

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Congress leader K C Venugopal has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding privilege proceedings against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for allegedly "misleading" Parliament regarding Indian soldier casualties post the Pahalgam terror attack and during Operation Sindoor.

Balogun distances himself from Trump-linked FIFA decision

Balogun distances himself from Trump-linked FIFA decision

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

FIFA has dismissed Belgium's challenge regarding the eligibility of US striker Folarin Balogun, upholding the controversial decision to suspend his one-match ban ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 clash, despite the US ultimately losing 4-1 to Belgium and being eliminated.

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.

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Beijing clearly intends to extend the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Bangladesh as part of its larger Maritime Belt and Road Initiative to boost its Indian Ocean presence.

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has renamed the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as 'Patna Zoo' and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as 'Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology'. The cabinet also approved significant allocations for electricity subsidies, college establishments, and infrastructure projects.

Ram Mandir staff seen concealing wads of cash in shoes, clothes: SIT probe

Ram Mandir staff seen concealing wads of cash in shoes, clothes: SIT probe

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A preliminary probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into alleged cash theft at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has revealed 'serious security lapses' and 'systematic' concealment of cash by staff, with around 70 suspicious incidents captured on CCTV.

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Haryana government is launching an initiative to equip its employees with artificial intelligence (AI) skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, aiming to enhance governance and public service delivery.

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The World Health Organization has requested information from the Indian government regarding the alleged supply of spurious oxytocin injections linked to the deaths of five women in Kota hospitals. This comes after regulatory action, including the cancellation of manufacturing licenses for Jackson Laboratories units, following joint inspections by drug control bodies. The government is investigating the matter, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to quality violations.

BJP Demands CBI Investigation into Punjab Official's Suicide, Alleges Government Cover-Up

BJP Demands CBI Investigation into Punjab Official's Suicide, Alleges Government Cover-Up

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A Punjab BJP delegation has requested a CBI investigation into the suicide of a Punjab State Warehousing Corporation official, alleging harassment and a cover-up by the state government.

Delhi Secures Hosting Rights For 2027 World School Championships

Delhi Secures Hosting Rights For 2027 World School Championships

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Delhi government has signed a tripartite MoU with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) to host international school badminton and wrestling events in 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen Delhi's sports ecosystem, provide young athletes with international exposure, and bolster India's global sporting identity.

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The TMC has refuted Prime Minister Modi's claim that high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls indicates a mandate for change, asserting it reflects support for Mamata Banerjee and her government's development agenda.

CJP protest: Wangchuk loses 6 kg as fast enters 8th day

CJP protest: Wangchuk loses 6 kg as fast enters 8th day

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities, entered its 16th day on Sunday, while it was the eighth day of an indefinite hunger strike announced by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has lost around six kg since beginning the fast.

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has accused the state government of imposing arbitrary conditions on crop purchases, alleging anti-farmer policies and demanding compensation for weather-related crop damage.

Mumbai's first desalination plant on course, to add 200 MLD a day

Mumbai's first desalination plant on course, to add 200 MLD a day

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has confirmed that Mumbai's first desalination project is moving forward, with a work order issued and key clearances secured. This 200 MLD project, undertaken by the BMC, aims to address the city's growing water demand and will result in a minor tariff hike of 15-17 paise per litre.

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

History may remember Takaichi Sanae not as the leader who simply accelerated Japanese rearmament, but as one who governed during Japan's transition from an industrial-age security model to a post-industrial strategic member of the global order, points out Varun Arya.

India To Be Among Top 10 Sporting Nations By 2036: Minister

India To Be Among Top 10 Sporting Nations By 2036: Minister

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced India's ambitious goal to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and break into the top five by 2047, attributing the progress to the government's efforts in streamlining sports governance and providing opportunities for youth.

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A video of an inmate from Hoshiarpur Central Jail alleging harassment and demanding money from staff has gone viral, leading to an official inquiry and a political backlash against the Punjab government.

8 workers from Bihar killed in rock collapse in Bengaluru quarry

8 workers from Bihar killed in rock collapse in Bengaluru quarry

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Eight workers, mostly from Bihar, were killed after a massive granite rock collapsed at a stone quarry in Bengaluru South Taluk. The incident, which occurred at Madapattana, has led to allegations of illegal quarrying and negligence, with an MLA claiming police, forest, and mining department officials are involved. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expressed grief and vowed action against violators, while rescue operations continue amidst fears of a rising death toll.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to enact a stringent law against religious conversion and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He linked these measures to strengthening national security and preserving Bengal's cultural identity, citing concerns over infiltration and demographic changes. Adhikari also highlighted efforts in border security, distinguished between illegal immigrants and CAA refugees, and paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

At least 164 killed, around 1,000 hurt as quakes rock Venezuela

At least 164 killed, around 1,000 hurt as quakes rock Venezuela

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

At least 32 people have been killed and over 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela, with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declaring La Guaira a disaster zone and warning the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

TMC Leader Banerjee Criticises Modi Government's Economic Policies

TMC Leader Banerjee Criticises Modi Government's Economic Policies

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing rising prices and hardships caused by demonetisation and lockdown measures during an election rally in West Bengal.

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A doctor in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, has been suspended following an inquiry into alleged large-scale procedural irregularities, including a pacemaker implantation scam where nearly 50 per cent of evaluated patients underwent unnecessary advanced cardiac surgical procedures. The inquiry revealed fraudulent insurance claims, patient exploitation, and manipulation of medical records.

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has acquired a 10 acre plot in Assam, paving the way for construction of the first Sri Venkateswara temple in North East India.

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 55-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai during heavy rains, leading to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspending four officials and initiating a homicide case against the responsible contractor for alleged negligence.

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A day after his resignation was accepted by the Ram temple trust, its former general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday said he would respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the SIT submits its final report, even as opposition parties alleged a "cover-up" and stepped up the demand for its dissolution.

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Rudi Garcia's comments about Senegal's tactical structure, along with other pundit remarks, have reignited scrutiny over racially coded language in World Cup commentary, drawing criticism from scholars and anti-racism advocates who argue such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black players and African teams.

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict action against black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, registering FIRs and seizing hundreds of cylinders to ensure adequate supply for citizens.

Indian-Origin Founders Build Global Space Exchange

Indian-Origin Founders Build Global Space Exchange

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Nebex, founded by former Axiom Space executives, aims to build commercial infrastructure for the global space economy.

Jamshedpur on edge after Karni Sena leader murder during brawl, 5 held

Jamshedpur on edge after Karni Sena leader murder during brawl, 5 held

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Karni Sena leader Himanshu Singh in Jamshedpur, who was stabbed after protesting alleged eve-teasing. Prohibitory orders have been imposed across parts of the city, and a Jamshedpur bandh has been called by opposition parties for July 3.

SC pulls up DMK over plea against CM Vijay visiting stampede victims' kin

SC pulls up DMK over plea against CM Vijay visiting stampede victims' kin

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea by the DMK questioning Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's scheduled meeting with the families of Karur stampede victims, stating that the court cannot regulate the executive head's visits.

Kolkata warehouse toll rises to 11, rescue ops underway after 24 hours

Kolkata warehouse toll rises to 11, rescue ops underway after 24 hours

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The death toll from the Taratala warehouse collapse in south Kolkata has risen to 10, with rescue operations continuing using advanced Army equipment. Five individuals have been arrested, including the warehouse owner and structural engineer, as police investigate potential safety norm violations.

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Senior Indian officials highlight the indispensable role of the private sector in translating India-US cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals into tangible outcomes. The collaboration aims to build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems and position India as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.

'India is among Standard Chartered's top five wealth markets globally'

'India is among Standard Chartered's top five wealth markets globally'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

"With the leverage available, I believe the scheme remains reasonably attractive," said P D Singh, India and South Asia Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, regarding the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR (B) deposits.

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ayodhya Police have taken Ram Shankar Yadav into custody following an FIR alleging embezzlement of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The complaint, lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, names nine individuals and others for systematic theft and misappropriation of funds. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, and its preliminary findings led to the FIR. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed a 'zero-tolerance' policy and urged evidence submission to the SIT.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India Post is reinventing itself from a traditional mail service into a modern logistics, e-commerce, and real estate powerhouse. Several post offices situated inside major university campuses, called Gen Z post offices, have received a facelift, with cafe-like decor and wi-fi availability.

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.