News for 'government initiatives'

'Mamata Banerjee Will Go To Jail'

'Mamata Banerjee Will Go To Jail'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'You think it is written somewhere that she will not? She might escape for two months, perhaps a little longer. But she will go.'

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the preparation and implementation of a time-bound eviction plan to address encroachments within the protected areas of the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape in Tamil Nadu, also ordering action against government servants involved.

Andhra Pradesh Teams Up With Tata Steel To Train Young Footballers

Andhra Pradesh Teams Up With Tata Steel To Train Young Footballers

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) has partnered with Tata Steel Limited to train young footballers from the state at the Tata Football Academy (TFA) in Jamshedpur, providing professional exposure to selected boys and girls across various age categories.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the historic peace deal between the United States and Iran as a guarantor; the agreement will see the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade.

How A DRDO Employee Lost Rs 15 Lakh In An Online Investment Scam

How A DRDO Employee Lost Rs 15 Lakh In An Online Investment Scam

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A DRDO employee in New Delhi was defrauded of over Rs 15 lakh in a sophisticated online investment scam involving fake work-from-home tasks and promises of high returns. Police have arrested three individuals from Haryana and Rajasthan who played different roles in facilitating the movement of the illicit funds, with further investigation ongoing.

HC pulls up Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan over Vadodara land occupation

HC pulls up Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan over Vadodara land occupation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

No one can do this, the Gujarat high court said on Monday, questioning how former cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan occupied public land in Vadodara without paying a single penny, even after the state government had refused the allotment proposal.

Bihar Schools To Limit School Bag Weight For Students

Bihar Schools To Limit School Bag Weight For Students

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Bihar Education Department has directed all private and government-aided schools to adhere to NCERT guidelines, ensuring school bag weight does not exceed 10 per cent of a child's body weight. Schools must install weighing scales and monitor bag weights regularly, with violations leading to action.

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'A lot of people feel there is pressure on the AAIB not to go against Boeing or GE -- both enormous American companies.' 'If the AAIB implicates Boeing or GE, it will impact their sales.' 'If their sales are impacted, jobs are lost in the United States. No government would willingly do that.'

Jalandhar Doctor's Suicide: Husband Accused Of Torture, Fraud

Jalandhar Doctor's Suicide: Husband Accused Of Torture, Fraud

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A 37-year-old government doctor in Jalandhar, Punjab, died by suicide, leading to her ophthalmologist husband being booked for abetment. The victim's father alleges her husband subjected her to physical and mental torture over extramarital affairs and committed financial fraud by forging her signature for a large loan. The accused husband is currently absconding.

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena-UBT is facing a significant internal crisis, with reports suggesting that 'six to seven' of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are preparing to form a separate group. MP Arvind Sawant has formally requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognise any such breakaway faction, emphasising the primacy of the political party over its legislative wing.

Half of Indian companies to adopt AI payroll in a year, ADP report finds

Half of Indian companies to adopt AI payroll in a year, ADP report finds

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A new report by ADP reveals that one in two Indian companies plan to adopt AI-powered payroll systems within the next 12 months, driven by the need for automation in workforce management, compliance, and compensation decisions. However, firms are increasingly cautious about data protection risks, especially with the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

'Reverse exodus' at Bengal border amid deportation drive

'Reverse exodus' at Bengal border amid deportation drive

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The renewed rush comes days after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that West Bengal would aggressively implement a 'detect, delete and deport' policy against infiltrators.

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The West Bengal government is considering establishing holding centres near the Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas district to manage growing movement and congestion in border areas.

Andhra Pradesh Launches Drone Delivery for Healthcare in Tribal Regions

Andhra Pradesh Launches Drone Delivery for Healthcare in Tribal Regions

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a drone delivery initiative to provide healthcare services to remote tribal regions of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, transporting diagnostic samples, essential medicines, and critical medical supplies.

Jan Vishwas Bill Ushers in 'New Era of Trust-Based Governance'

Jan Vishwas Bill Ushers in 'New Era of Trust-Based Governance'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Union Minister Annpurna Devi hails the passage of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, as a significant step towards trust-based governance, simplifying laws, and improving the business environment in India.

Karnataka CM Shivakumar Announces Student Bus Passes, Job Exchange

Karnataka CM Shivakumar Announces Student Bus Passes, Job Exchange

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced several welfare schemes, including free bus passes for students, a private employment exchange, and initiatives for youth and farmers, shortly after assuming office.

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Union Cabinet applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India's longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Modi first took office in 2014, was re-elected in 2019, and began his third consecutive term in June 2024.

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states and Union Territories, recommending mandatory annual POSH audits and other measures to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The advisory aims to ensure safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive working environments for women across all sectors, emphasising institutional accountability, proper committee constitution, and robust awareness programmes.

Markets await clarity on Jio IPO plans, AI, data centre strategies

Markets await clarity on Jio IPO plans, AI, data centre strategies

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Investors are keenly awaiting clarity on Reliance Jio Infocomm's IPO, the company's AI and data centre strategies, and next-generation leadership structure at Reliance Industries Ltd's (RIL's) 49th annual general meeting (AGM).

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The West Bengal government has further scaled down security arrangements for several political leaders, former officials, and other prominent individuals after a review of threat perceptions.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

Raksha Khadse Encourages Athletes To Pursue Excellence

Raksha Khadse Encourages Athletes To Pursue Excellence

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Minister Raksha Khadse has encouraged sportspersons to strive for excellence, highlighting the government's focus on strengthening sports infrastructure and supporting athletes through initiatives like Khelo India.

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'Even lower middle class parents in cities opt for just one child. A son is a must.'

Is Rs 1 Cr Enough For Retirement?

Is Rs 1 Cr Enough For Retirement?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Of course, NOT! Here's why. And here's how you can increase your Rs 1 crore retirement corpus.

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that census operations in the state would commence on August 1 and continue until the end of February next year. He criticised the previous government for delaying the process and highlighted the importance of the census for the state.

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The NEET-UG re-exam was held at centres across the country and overseas on Sunday amid tight security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination.

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Mexico counts more than 135,000 missing people, a figure that has surged since 2006 when then-President Felipe Calderon launched a war against the country's drug cartels.

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Nagaland has launched the 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan -- Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle' campaign to ensure government welfare schemes and essential services reach remote areas and underserved communities.

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, prioritising it over motorised vehicle movement, and has called for the establishment of a regulatory body to ensure its enforcement and provide restitutionary remedies for violations.

Himachal Pradesh Government Addresses Concerns Over Inflated Smart Meter Bills

Himachal Pradesh Government Addresses Concerns Over Inflated Smart Meter Bills

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured the Vidhan Sabha that discrepancies in electricity bills following smart meter installations will be addressed. The government also plans to amend regulations to curb excessive fees charged by private schools.

Kerala's Menstrual Leave Policy Faces Criticism

Kerala's Menstrual Leave Policy Faces Criticism

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Former DGP R Sreelekha has questioned the Kerala government's proposal to grant menstrual leave for schoolgirls, raising concerns about privacy and whether it empowers or weakens girls.

Haryana Police Bolstered With New Emergency Response Vehicles

Haryana Police Bolstered With New Emergency Response Vehicles

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off 312 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) for the Haryana Police, including motorcycles and Honda Elevate vehicles, provided by Honda India Foundation under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department facilitated the release of 91 life convicts who were granted special remission by the state government. The released prisoners include 85 men and six women, all of whom were found eligible for remission under the government's prescribed guidelines.

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'...because that protects their aviation industry.' 'The Boeing 787 is one of the most widely-flown wide-body aircraft in the world, and Airbus is running neck-and-neck with Boeing.' 'Airbus is not going to let an opportunity like this pass.' 'If a software problem with the 787 is confirmed, they will use it to increase their own orders.'

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'The US was well aware of the nationality of the seafarers on board the vessels. It was not hidden. The nationality of those aboard a merchant ship is known to all the ports.' 'So, why did US shoot a missile that resulted in the deaths of the Indian mariners?'

Andhra's population push: CM announces Rs 30,000 for 3rd child, Rs 40,000 for 4th

Andhra's population push: CM announces Rs 30,000 for 3rd child, Rs 40,000 for 4th

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced incentives for families to encourage larger families and reverse the state's declining population trend.

Delhi Govt Offers Internships In Child Welfare Institutions

Delhi Govt Offers Internships In Child Welfare Institutions

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Delhi government's Women and Child Development Department (WCD) has introduced a new internship and research framework, offering students in social work, psychology, and related fields structured field exposure at child care institutions and welfare centres.

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India has successfully negotiated the protection of its steel export interests under the free trade agreement with the UK, ensuring 85 per cent of its outbound shipments remain outside Britain's steel safeguard measures. This consensus addresses a key sticking point ahead of the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) coming into force on July 15.