News for 'government initiatives'

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government has formed a committee on responsible AI to develop a framework for the safe, ethical, and transparent adoption of AI across government systems and public services.

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.'

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasises the importance of holistic development and grassroots governance for India's progress at a national conference in Jammu.

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.

'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?'

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.

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.

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.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

'Just look at him!' Trump gushes over Modi at G7 meet

'Just look at him!' Trump gushes over Modi at G7 meet

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'calm, cool, killer' persona at the G7 leaders' lunch in France, underscoring the deeply strategic relationship and formidable diplomatic skills of the Indian leader ahead of their crucial bilateral meeting.

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, is expected to significantly ease India's crude oil supply risks, lower freight costs, and reduce inflationary pressures, as global oil prices have already dropped.

CJP to release education manifesto as part of Pune protest, Wangchuk to join

CJP to release education manifesto as part of Pune protest, Wangchuk to join

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has launched a nationwide protest from Pune, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities and delays. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is also participating in the peaceful demonstration.

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A US-Iran memorandum of understanding is set to be signed, outlining sanctions relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day negotiation window for Iran's uranium enrichment, but US President Donald Trump has underscored the deal's conditional nature, warning of military action if Tehran fails to comply.

Seven Dalits Injured In Attack In Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi District

Seven Dalits Injured In Attack In Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi District

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Seven Dalits were injured in an alleged attack by a gang in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

Bengal govt makes Vande Mataram mandatory in schools

Bengal govt makes Vande Mataram mandatory in schools

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The West Bengal government has directed all state-run and aided schools to mandatorily include the singing of Vande Mataram during morning assemblies with immediate effect.

Odisha Vigilance Raids Engineer, Seizes Crores In Cash And Assets

Odisha Vigilance Raids Engineer, Seizes Crores In Cash And Assets

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Odisha Vigilance Department has uncovered assets worth crores of rupees, including over Rs 2 crore in cash, multiple properties, and gold, during raids on an assistant executive engineer. The engineer, Baikuntha Nath Behera, is under investigation for disproportionate assets. Separately, a lineman was arrested for accepting a bribe.

Maharashtra Government Responds to IT Job Fraud Targeting Graduates

Maharashtra Government Responds to IT Job Fraud Targeting Graduates

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has initiated action against those involved in an alleged job fraud targeting fresh graduates with the promise of jobs at Hinjewadi IT Park in Pune. The government is also working on regulations to address forced resignations and layoffs in the IT sector.

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup campaign has left many Iranian-Americans torn between supporting Team Melli and opposing the country's leadership, highlighting deep divisions within Los Angeles' influential Iranian diaspora.

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to expel infiltrators from West Bengal and secure the border if the BJP wins the upcoming assembly elections. He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of neglecting North Bengal and favouring Muslims in budget allocations.

Kejriwal claims Punjab polls likely in Nov; Mann to be AAP's CM face

Kejriwal claims Punjab polls likely in Nov; Mann to be AAP's CM face

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday claimed that Punjab assembly elections may be held in November this year as against the expected February 2027. Kejriwal also projected Bhagwant Mann as the party's chief ministerial face.

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An analysis of the disparities in India's sporting culture, highlighting the challenges faced by non-cricket athletes and the systemic changes needed for India to become a true sporting superpower.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Investigation Launched Into Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Irregularities

Investigation Launched Into Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Irregularities

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Nadia district administration has launched an investigation after 173 male names were detected in the beneficiary list of the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme meant for women in Dhubulia area.

Police Investigate Constable's Death In Etawah

Police Investigate Constable's Death In Etawah

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A 40-year-old police constable, Ajit Singh Yadav, was found dead by hanging at the Etawah police lines. Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the alleged suicide.

Bajaj Finserv To Invest In AI, Tech Startups Over Five Years

Bajaj Finserv To Invest In AI, Tech Startups Over Five Years

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Bajaj Finserv announced a strategic initiative to invest up to Rs 2,000 crore in artificial intelligence and technology-led startups over the next five years, along with a collaboration with IIT-Bombay for joint research.

TMC To Modi: Sample Bengal's 'Maa Canteen' During Poll Visit

TMC To Modi: Sample Bengal's 'Maa Canteen' During Poll Visit

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to experience West Bengal's 'Maa Canteen' during his visit for election campaigning, offering a meal for Rs 5. The TMC also criticised Modi's remarks on infiltration, linking it to the Home Minister's responsibilities.

Punjab Police To Boost Security With Increased Checkpoints

Punjab Police To Boost Security With Increased Checkpoints

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has directed increased police presence and patrolling through strategic checkpoints and mobile patrols to enhance public confidence and ensure a secure environment across the state.

NCERT To Launch MA, PhD Courses

NCERT To Launch MA, PhD Courses

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Now that NCERT has received the status of a deemed university, it will start its own MA courses, postgraduate courses, and doctoral research in education, fully funded by the government.'