News for 'government initiatives'

GSTN Postpones E-Way Bill Changes

GSTN Postpones E-Way Bill Changes

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

GSTN has put on hold its planned enhancements to the e-way bill system, providing businesses with crucial time to adapt to the proposed changes amid widespread industry concerns.

Andhra Pradesh, PNB Launch Quantum Finance Hub For Banking Innovation

Andhra Pradesh, PNB Launch Quantum Finance Hub For Banking Innovation

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Andhra Pradesh and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have signed an MoU to establish the PNB Quantum Finance Hub at Amaravati Quantum Valley. This initiative aims to foster innovation and adopt next-generation technologies like AI and Quantum Computing in the banking sector, focusing on cybersecurity, fraud detection, and customer experience.

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Rediff.com3 days ago

Air India has announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Campbell Wilson. This strategic appointment comes as the airline navigates expansion amidst significant challenges.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.

The Untold Story Behind Auqib Nabi's Historic India Test Call-Up

The Untold Story Behind Auqib Nabi's Historic India Test Call-Up

Rediff.com5 days ago

Auqib Nabi, a right-arm pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, has made history by becoming the first cricketer from the region to be named in India's Test squad, earning a call-up for the tour of Sri Lanka after a remarkable domestic season.

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk emphasised the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance, stating, "His path is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. This experiment is successful today."

New Venture Targets Gig Worker Welfare

New Venture Targets Gig Worker Welfare

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The physical centres will operate on a monthly subscription model, where access would be limited to verified active gig workers and platform verification.

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Rediff.com2 days ago

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

Rediff.com5 days ago

A suicide attack on a police station in Kabal, Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, killed at least 14 people, including five security personnel, and injured over a dozen. The attack occurred during a peace rally, with police intercepting the bomber at the compound gate, preventing a larger tragedy.

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

RBI says polymer notes have a significantly longer lifespan, potentially reducing printing costs and replacement frequency.

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over rampant construction on Udaipur's ecologically sensitive hills, questioning the state's hill policies and demanding records of commercial project permissions. The court's observations stem from a petition challenging a hotel project and an interim report highlighting extensive hill cutting and inadequate policy formulation, potentially leading to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation.

Delhi hotel fire: Initial probe reveals major safety lapses

Delhi hotel fire: Initial probe reveals major safety lapses

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The establishment had permission for only six rooms under the Delhi government's bed-and-breakfast policy but was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including some in the basement, police sources said.

Bhiwandi building collapse: 9 dead, illegal repairs on 'dangerous' structure probed

Bhiwandi building collapse: 9 dead, illegal repairs on 'dangerous' structure probed

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

At least nine people have died after a four-storey building, previously declared 'dangerous' by the local civic body, collapsed in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The incident occurred during unauthorised repair works, despite eviction notices and disconnection of utilities.

Birbhum cash haul rises to Rs 28 cr, stone trader at large

Birbhum cash haul rises to Rs 28 cr, stone trader at large

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

West Bengal police have seized a staggering Rs 28.5 crore in cash and 15 kg of gold from the residence of absconding stone trader Tullu Mondal's manager and brother-in-law, Minar Mondal, in Birbhum district, leading to his arrest.

Mumbai family deaths: No bacterial infection detected in initial report

Mumbai family deaths: No bacterial infection detected in initial report

Rediff.com7 May 2026

An initial report has ruled out bacterial infection in the deaths of four Mumbai family members who consumed watermelon. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

Jharkhand student leader begins hunger strike as CJP lends support to protest

Jharkhand student leader begins hunger strike as CJP lends support to protest

Rediff.com5 days ago

Students in Jharkhand are protesting alleged irregularities in various recruitment examinations, including JPSC and JSSC. A student leader has launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding a federal probe and cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The Cockroach Janta Party has extended support, and a march to the Assembly is planned for August 7.

HCLTech to invest Rs 15,000 crore in AI data centre, global tech hub in Odisha

HCLTech to invest Rs 15,000 crore in AI data centre, global tech hub in Odisha

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

HCLTech, India's third-largest IT services company, announced plans to establish a global technology centre and an AI-optimised data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with a total investment of approximately Rs 15,000 crore, marking its entry into the AI infrastructure business.

HC sentences Tarun Tejpal to 10 years in jail for raping colleague

HC sentences Tarun Tejpal to 10 years in jail for raping colleague

Rediff.com2 days ago

Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has been convicted and sentenced to ten years in jail by the Bombay High Court in a 2013 rape case, overturning a trial court's acquittal and criticising its 'perverse' reasoning.

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread student protests and allegations of paper leaks, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence has prompted the government to declare its willingness for a comprehensive parliamentary debate on the contentious NEET examination.

Maharashtra Government Suspends Officials After Spurious Liquor Deaths

Maharashtra Government Suspends Officials After Spurious Liquor Deaths

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Following the deaths of 15-18 people in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad due to spurious liquor, the Maharashtra government has suspended 22 police and excise department personnel for failing to act against the illegal liquor trade. Financial assistance has been announced for the victims' families, and a statewide crackdown on illicit liquor is underway.

After NEET fiasco, Nilekani to head task force on NTA exam reforms

After NEET fiasco, Nilekani to head task force on NTA exam reforms

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered task force, led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The task force aims to leverage technology for a robust and transparent examination system, following recent public agitation and the resignation of the Education Minister.

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Mumbai police on Thursday ordered a probe and removed a police driver from the duty roster after a viral video purportedly showed him threatening student protesters with false narcotics charges if they returned to demonstrate.

Why AI Agents Can't Go Fully Autonomous Yet

Why AI Agents Can't Go Fully Autonomous Yet

Rediff.com5 days ago

The biggest challenge to widespread deployment is no longer AI. It is the financial and commerce infrastructure that was built decades ago for deterministic software and human interactions -- not autonomous AI agents.

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Enemy nations use drugs to weaken India's youths under terror plan: Modi

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the country's youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a "high" for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life "low".

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.

Bharti Airtel's Q1 FY27 profit surges 37.3% driven by premium users

Bharti Airtel's Q1 FY27 profit surges 37.3% driven by premium users

Rediff.com3 days ago

Bharti Airtel, India's second-largest telecom operator, reported a 37.3 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to 8,167 crore for Q1 FY27, driven by the addition of high-paying premium customers, despite missing Bloomberg consensus estimates.

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has resigned with immediate effect, protesting a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, which he labelled 'a bad deal for football'.

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

FIDE's decision to shortlist the All India Chess Federation for a prestigious FIDE Excellence Award has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian chess community.

Hormuz Crisis Exposes India's Energy Risks

Hormuz Crisis Exposes India's Energy Risks

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Despite decades of efforts towards energy transition, oil will remain the critical energy source for all nations for some decades. We can hope for peace opening the Strait of Hormuz, but must prepare for war closing it, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

CJP alleges police brutality during Parl march, vows to continue protest

CJP alleges police brutality during Parl march, vows to continue protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters during its "Sansad Chalo" march, alleging that several students were injured and Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, was pushed around, as the outfit continued its protest with a sit-in near Kerala House, after police dismantled the stage at Jantar Mantar.

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint after an AI-generated deepfake video, maliciously altering his remarks, surfaced on social media. The video falsely depicted him making threatening statements against students protesting the NEET examination. Government sources confirm many related links have been taken down, and Goyal has warned of strict legal action against those involved in its creation and dissemination.

Will get back to you, says govt as CJP insists on Pradhan's resignation

Will get back to you, says govt as CJP insists on Pradhan's resignation

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Amidst escalating protests over the NEET paper leak, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has declared Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 'non-negotiable' and is also demanding 1 crore compensation for families affected by suicides linked to the exam cancellation.

Cauvery issue escalates as TN minister rejects all-party meet; targets Oppn

Cauvery issue escalates as TN minister rejects all-party meet; targets Oppn

Rediff.com6 days ago

Tamil Nadu Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar has rejected calls for an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka, citing a previously passed unanimous resolution in the Assembly. He accused DMK and Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar of working against Tamil Nadu's interests and criticised the DMK's "hasty" Supreme Court petition.

Rajasthan Government Prioritises Girls' Education And Development

Rajasthan Government Prioritises Girls' Education And Development

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced the state's focus on improving girls' education through infrastructure development and quality education initiatives. The government is also prioritising development in sectors like power and water, and aims to generate jobs in both the private and public sectors.

Ended fast fearing...: Sonam Wangchuk rejects 'deal' charge

Ended fast fearing...: Sonam Wangchuk rejects 'deal' charge

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Sonam Wangchuk has strongly denied allegations of a 'deal' with the Centre, clarifying that he concluded his 26-day hunger strike only after receiving a crucial written assurance.

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.

Who ordered pellet guns on students? Rahul Gandhi asks Amit Shah

Who ordered pellet guns on students? Rahul Gandhi asks Amit Shah

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for the "barbaric assault" on students protesting in Delhi. Gandhi questioned the use of "lethal force," including pellet guns, and sought clarification on who authorised the violence against students, many of whom suffered serious injuries. The protests, spearheaded by the CJP movement, gained national momentum following the NEET paper leak and subsequent police crackdown.

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

Rediff.com4 days ago

How did a melancholic Kishore Kumar classic from 1964, remixed decades later, become the unlikely soundtrack to a Gen Z protest?