News for 'government initiative'

India's Forex Kitty Swells by $10.5 Billion to $692.87 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Swells by $10.5 Billion to $692.87 Billion

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant increase of $10.512 billion, reaching $692.866 billion for the week ending July 31, driven by a rise in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.

Free Haircuts Bring Smiles After Assam Floods

Free Haircuts Bring Smiles After Assam Floods

Rediff.com5 days ago

It has offered a rare moment of relief, allowing them to sit down, talk, smile and feel human again amid days of uncertainty and hardship.

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Rediff.com2 days ago

Microsoft has announced the activation of its latest data centre in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its Cloud infrastructure in India and enabling organisations to leverage AI-era services with enhanced local choice and security.

If you love India and PM...: Raj Thackeray jabs Vivek Oberoi, R Madhavan

If you love India and PM...: Raj Thackeray jabs Vivek Oberoi, R Madhavan

Rediff.com6 days ago

Raj Thackeray has sparked a debate by questioning actors Vivek Oberoi and R Madhavan for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development initiatives while choosing to reside in Dubai.

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Delhi government is establishing a multidisciplinary committee to develop a regulatory framework for coaching institutes. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including the Saket building collapse and the Old Rajendra Nagar coaching centre incident, and aims to address issues like fee structures, student safety, infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Assam government has decided to withdraw all police cases registered against individuals involved in protests concerning the NEET question paper leak and to release those arrested or detained during these demonstrations, citing the need for systemic reforms in the education ecosystem.

Maharashtra Government Vows Action After Gutkha Mafia Attack

Maharashtra Government Vows Action After Gutkha Mafia Attack

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A woman Food Safety Officer was targeted by suspected gutkha mafia operatives during a raid in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The incident, where a vehicle attempted to run her over, has led the state government to order strict action against those responsible. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal condemned the attack and assured full support to the officer, vowing no leniency for assailants of government officials.

Tamil Nadu Government Intensifies Efforts To Protect Children

Tamil Nadu Government Intensifies Efforts To Protect Children

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Tamil Nadu government is taking proactive measures to curb crime against children, following the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore. The government is focusing on strict policing, public awareness, and swift justice through fast-track courts.

Rajasthan CM Highlights Job Creation and Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Rajasthan CM Highlights Job Creation and Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced the creation of over 1.25 lakh government jobs and ongoing recruitment for over 1.33 lakh posts, alongside initiatives to curb paper leaks and promote youth entrepreneurship.

Government Boosts Indian Tennis With TAGG Scheme

Government Boosts Indian Tennis With TAGG Scheme

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Four promising Indian tennis players, including Manas Dhamne and Vaishnavi Adkar, have been inducted into the Government of India's Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme, which provides comprehensive support for high-performance athletes. This move, welcomed by AITA, aims to strengthen India's presence in international tennis.

West Bengal Government Launches Probe Into Alleged Rs 635 Crore Irregularities In Business Summits

West Bengal Government Launches Probe Into Alleged Rs 635 Crore Irregularities In Business Summits

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

West Bengal's BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced a probe into the expenditure of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) organised during the previous TMC regime. Adhikari alleged that an event management firm was paid Rs 635 crore for various editions of the summit, promising strict action against those found responsible for financial irregularities.

Former Australia opener David Warner pleads guilty to drink-driving, faces jail time

Former Australia opener David Warner pleads guilty to drink-driving, faces jail time

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former Australia batter David Warner has pleaded guilty to a mid-range drink-driving charge in Sydney, facing a potential prison sentence of up to nine months and a minimum six-month driving ban.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com10 hours ago

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

How Indian Agriculture Initiatives Have Doubled Farmer Income

How Indian Agriculture Initiatives Have Doubled Farmer Income

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the Lok Sabha that government initiatives in the agriculture sector have doubled farmers' income through measures like MSP and fertiliser subsidies.

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Rediff.com5 days ago

AI4Bharat at IIT Madras and Josh Talks AI have launched 'Voice of India', a multimodal AI evaluation platform designed to assess AI systems against Indian conditions, languages, accents, and dialects. This platform aims to provide scientifically rigorous, India-specific evaluations, covering areas like Voice AI, large language models, document processing, safety, cultural appropriateness, and Indian legal reasoning, to build trust and enable informed deployment decisions.

'People called me foolish': Arundhati's gold journey

'People called me foolish': Arundhati's gold journey

Rediff.com2 days ago

Commonwealth Games gold-winning boxer Arundhati Chaudhary received an overwhelming welcome in her hometown of Kota, Rajasthan, after her stellar performance in Glasgow, where she defeated world championship bronze-winner Chantelle Reid and defending champion Rosie Eccles.

NRAI Drives Global Standards With ISSF Shotgun Referee Course

NRAI Drives Global Standards With ISSF Shotgun Referee Course

Rediff.com6 days ago

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has launched the ISSF Shotgun Referee Course in New Delhi, a five-day programme aimed at developing internationally qualified technical officials for shooting sports. The course, led by ISSF instructor Nooruddin Alyasi, attracts participants from India, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka, signifying a major step towards enhancing officiating standards and technical infrastructure in the region.

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Rediff.com4 days ago

Relentless protests by Opposition parties forced the adjournment of the Lok Sabha for the day after the passage of the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill without a debate on Wednesday, with the government accusing them of coming to the House to disrupt proceedings and not for discussion.

UK Government Announces Stricter Penalties For Parents Of Young Criminals

UK Government Announces Stricter Penalties For Parents Of Young Criminals

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The UK government has announced new youth justice reforms, including tougher fines for parents whose children commit crimes or engage in anti-social behaviour. The reforms aim to address the root causes of youth crime through earlier intervention and targeted support.

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

Rediff.com4 days ago

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated it is "premature" to discuss the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for digital payments, advising a "wait-and-watch" approach. He emphasised that investment in public payment infrastructure is necessary and someone must bear the cost, whether through taxes or MDR. The government is currently working on amendments to relevant statutes, and the RBI is focused on strengthening this infrastructure.

Fresh controversy hits India's shooting setup

Fresh controversy hits India's shooting setup

Rediff.com3 days ago

A top national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under investigation by the Sports Authority of India for alleged conflict of interest related to a contract for building a shooting range in Chennai.

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.

Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar honoured with Bihar DSP posts

Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar honoured with Bihar DSP posts

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar were on Friday appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) by the Bihar government under its 'Medal Lao, Naukri Pao' policy, with Akash calling it a "big responsibility" and urging students to maintain peace amid the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

13-year court battle led to Tarun Tejpal's conviction for rape

13-year court battle led to Tarun Tejpal's conviction for rape

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Bombay High Court has convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal for the sexual assault of a junior colleague in 2013, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a trial court.

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

Rediff.com2 days ago

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has voted to cap the age for eligibility to its Executive Committee at 70 years, aligning its constitution with the National Sports Governance Act. This decision, approved by a narrow margin, allows elected members to complete their full four-year term even if they cross 70 during their tenure. The move is part of a broader constitutional overhaul overseen by the Delhi High Court, which also includes new tenure provisions and the election of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit.

B'desh student movement 'fooled us': Taslima Nasreen on CJP

B'desh student movement 'fooled us': Taslima Nasreen on CJP

Rediff.com6 days ago

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has drawn a parallel between the CJP-led protest in Delhi and the 2024 student movement in Bangladesh that ousted Sheikh Hasina's regime, warning that the Bangladesh stir 'fooled us' and was ultimately taken over by 'jihadis'.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

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.

Maharashtra uncovers cross-border disinformation campaign during Gen Z protest

Maharashtra uncovers cross-border disinformation campaign during Gen Z protest

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Cyber Police have identified over 500 social media profiles involved in a coordinated cross-border disinformation campaign during a recent nationwide protest. The campaign used AI-generated and deepfake content to manipulate public perception and provoke unrest, with technical analysis pointing to elements operating from Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries. Legal action has been initiated, and the public is urged to verify information from credible sources.

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and several states on a plea demanding a comprehensive national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safe and orderly conduct of the annual Kanwar Yatra, including inter-state coordination and effective traffic management.

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has strongly denied reports of violating land lease conditions for the R K Khanna Tennis Complex, asserting that all facilities comply with government norms. The association suggested that the allegations are "mala fide" and strategically timed to influence the upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections. DLTA also defended its commercial subletting practices, stating they are approved by the L&DO and are essential for generating revenue as it receives no government funding for maintenance.

FIFA President Infantino Tried to Reach Trump After Rights Plan Collapse: Report

FIFA President Infantino Tried to Reach Trump After Rights Plan Collapse: Report

Rediff.com6 days ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly sought support from the Trump administration following the collapse of his plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, facing mounting criticism and feeling 'isolated' by negative media coverage.

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.

RRP Electronics And Orvis Semi Partner For Indigenous Defence Sensors

RRP Electronics And Orvis Semi Partner For Indigenous Defence Sensors

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

RRP Electronics and Orvis Semi Pvt Ltd have formed a strategic partnership to develop and manufacture low-light imaging sensors for defence, surveillance, and security in India. This collaboration aims to reduce reliance on imports and bolster India's semiconductor and defence electronics ecosystem under government initiatives like Make in India.

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has clarified that the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup is a proposal and 'not an obligation', following strong criticism from regional football confederations who felt blindsided by the idea.

Indian Para-Athletes Urgently Need Corporate Support And Permanent Jobs

Indian Para-Athletes Urgently Need Corporate Support And Permanent Jobs

Rediff.com3 days ago

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Soman Rana has highlighted the critical need for increased corporate support and permanent jobs for Indian para-athletes. He stressed that financial security is vital for athletes to focus on training and achieve consistent international success, including at events like the Paralympics and Para Asian Games. His views were echoed by PCI president Devendra Jhajharia and M3M Foundation chairperson Payal Kanodia, who noted the growing recognition and support for the Paralympic movement in India.

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former BJP leader K Annamalai has criticised the Centre for its handling of the NEET issue, alleging a lack of accountability despite three question paper leaks and questioning the delay in engaging with student protesters.

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the state's vision to become a national hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, coinciding with the launch of Naviq Technology by IBS Software Group. The state government is implementing initiatives like an AI-powered dashboard, a Global Job Watch Tower, and curriculum revisions to align with technological advancements and foster skill development in AI and semiconductor sectors.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com4 days ago

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

In a first, 92 Maoist-free Bastar villages to celebrate I-Day

In a first, 92 Maoist-free Bastar villages to celebrate I-Day

Rediff.com1 days ago

Ninety-two remote villages in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, once a Maoist stronghold, will hoist the national flag for the first time since Independence on August 15. This historic event signifies the end of left-wing extremism in these areas, with the state government leading an extensive campaign to foster national pride.