News for 'government initiatives'

Couple Arrested After Toddler Dies From Suspected Abuse In Kerala

Couple Arrested After Toddler Dies From Suspected Abuse In Kerala

Rediff.com31 May 2026

A woman and her live-in partner have been arrested in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with the death of her one-and-a-half-year-old son, with allegations of abuse surfacing against the male accused.

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

Rediff.com27 May 2026

HDFC Bank's shares experienced a dip on Wednesday after a newspaper report alleged that the bank made illegal payments to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to secure large deposits, raising concerns about corporate governance.

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A team from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) is investigating allegations of sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail. The investigation was prompted by claims of abuse, pregnancy, and forced abortion, leading to calls for strict action and a high-level probe.

Another AIADMK MLA resigns a day after 3 joined Vijay's TVK

Another AIADMK MLA resigns a day after 3 joined Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com26 May 2026

A fourth AIADMK MLA, Esakki Subaya, has resigned from the Tamil Nadu Assembly and is seen with TVK leaders, following three other rebel MLAs who also quit and joined the ruling TVK. This move has sparked strong accusations of 'horse-trading' from the AIADMK and Congress, while the Speaker insists he is acting within legal frameworks.

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

NEET-UG Re-Exam On June 21; Computer-Based Test From 2027

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21, with plans to transition to a computer-based test from next year. This decision follows allegations of irregularities in the original exam, prompting strict action and a commitment to ensuring fairness for students.

AIADMK alleges horse trading as 3 rebel MLAs join Vijay's party

AIADMK alleges horse trading as 3 rebel MLAs join Vijay's party

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Three All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam legislators who were part of the rebel group led by C Ve Shanmugam and SP Velumani, met Tamil Nadu assembly Speaker JC D Prabhakar on Monday and tendered their resignation.

Centre extends CBI chief's tenure by a year amid Rahul Gandhi's dissent

Centre extends CBI chief's tenure by a year amid Rahul Gandhi's dissent

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Centre has extended the tenure of CBI chief Praveen Sood by one year, marking his second extension in office. The decision follows a meeting of the selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Coimbatore Girl's Body Handed Over Amidst Family Dispute

Coimbatore Girl's Body Handed Over Amidst Family Dispute

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The body of a 10-year-old girl, who was sexually assaulted and murdered near Sulur, has been handed over to her father amidst allegations from the mother that the cremation occurred without her consent, revealing a domestic dispute.

Man flung 50 ft into air during fierce storm in UP's Bareilly, survives

Man flung 50 ft into air during fierce storm in UP's Bareilly, survives

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A man in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district was flung nearly 50 feet into the air by a powerful storm, surviving with multiple injuries. The incident, captured on video, has drawn both disbelief and concern.

Cybersecurity Incidents Double in India: Delhi Reports Highest Number

Cybersecurity Incidents Double in India: Delhi Reports Highest Number

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

India has experienced a significant increase in cybersecurity incidents since 2021, with Delhi reporting the highest number of cases. The government is taking steps to address these threats through various initiatives and platforms.

UAE to store 30 mn barrels of crude in India's petroleum reserve: Misri

UAE to store 30 mn barrels of crude in India's petroleum reserve: Misri

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Friday shared key details on agreements between India and the UAE, stating that the UAE will store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India's strategic petroleum reserve following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

How Indian Diplomacy Brought Very Important Cats To India

How Indian Diplomacy Brought Very Important Cats To India

Rediff.com26 May 2026

How India overcame umpteen odds to reintroduce the cheetah on its territory after the handsome cat became extinct in the country decades earlier.

Telangana Police Pursue Extradition Of UK Pharmacist In Poisoning Case

Telangana Police Pursue Extradition Of UK Pharmacist In Poisoning Case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Telangana Police are pursuing the extradition of a UK-based pharmacist, Ajith Kumar Mupparapu, wanted for trial in India on charges of murder related to alleged arsenic poisoning of his ex-wife's family. The case is currently being heard in a London court.

10-yr-old raped, brutally killed in TN; CM Vijay vows action

10-yr-old raped, brutally killed in TN; CM Vijay vows action

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Political leaders in Tamil Nadu, including TTV Dhinakaran and Anbumani Ramadoss, have strongly condemned the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore district. Two people have been reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

Abduction Accused Dies By Suicide In Police Station; Officers Suspended

Abduction Accused Dies By Suicide In Police Station; Officers Suspended

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A 28-year-old man, accused of abducting a minor girl, allegedly died by suicide inside a toilet at the Chandpa police station in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the suspension of two police officers.

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that 217 Indian nationals reportedly joined the Russian armed forces, with 49 fatalities amid the Russia-Ukraine war, and efforts are underway to repatriate those who were misled.

CBI Takes Custody In NEET Paper Leak Case

CBI Takes Custody In NEET Paper Leak Case

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken into custody a person from Nashik, Maharashtra, in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak. The individual was initially detained by Nashik Police following a request from Rajasthan Police.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma's return as Assam's Chief Minister underscores the BJP's increasing dominance in the northeast, marked by both development and divisive policies.

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The new Cabinet in Karnataka led by chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar is likely to be a small one with 10-14 ministers including some young faces, sources said on Tuesday. The top Congress leadership on Tuesday held day-long deliberations with outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar on giving final shape to the new cabinet in the state.

Gavaskar recalls how Adam Gilchrist's idea changed IPL playoffs

Gavaskar recalls how Adam Gilchrist's idea changed IPL playoffs

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Sunil Gavaskar revealed he was once 'pulled up' for writing to IPL captains seeking ideas to improve the league.

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab's Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, has criticised the government's conflicting statements regarding recent blasts, calling for transparency and accountability instead of political theatrics.

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's claim that he was 'unsure' of the online movement's origins, asserting he considers himself an 'honorary cockroach'.

Delhi govt advises 2-day WFH for pvt sector, car pooling

Delhi govt advises 2-day WFH for pvt sector, car pooling

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Delhi government has advised private companies and organisations to adopt a two-day work-from-home policy, make changes to office timings, and urge employees to avail car pooling and public transport to support the fuel-saving efforts amid global uncertainties.

Why Indian Banks Are Boosting IT Security Investments

Why Indian Banks Are Boosting IT Security Investments

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Public sector banks in India are increasing their IT spending to bolster cybersecurity measures in response to concerns about Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI tool and its potential to exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems.

NEET Paper Leak Case: Accused Remanded In Custody

NEET Paper Leak Case: Accused Remanded In Custody

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A Delhi court has remanded an accused in the NEET paper leak case to judicial custody until June 6, following a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The accused is alleged to have been actively involved in leaking the NEET-UG 2026 examination questions prior to the exam.

West Bengal Approves Prosecution Of Former Medical College Principal

West Bengal Approves Prosecution Of Former Medical College Principal

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The West Bengal government has sanctioned the prosecution of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with a case of financial irregularities.

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan Security Forces Kill Five Terrorists In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan Security Forces Kill Five Terrorists In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Pakistani security forces killed five terrorists in separate operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The operations, based on intelligence reports, took place in the Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts, targeting members of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has permitted the filing of a special investigation team (SIT) probe report before a Gurugram court regarding the rape of a three-year-old girl. The court is also considering the role of doctors and compensation for the victim.

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh has filed a privilege notice against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about a parliamentary committee, claiming he lowered the dignity of Parliament.

IIT Dhanbad Joins Forces With South African University

IIT Dhanbad Joins Forces With South African University

Rediff.com15 May 2026

TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has signed an agreement with the University of Pretoria, South Africa, for research collaboration in critical minerals, rare earth element processing, recycling, extraction technologies and advanced mining innovation.

Four Terrorists Killed In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Four Terrorists Killed In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Pakistani security forces killed four terrorists in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while two children died in a suspected drone strike in Bajaur district.

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

What began with an apparently chance encounter between rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Banga Bhavan on May 22 ended on Wednesday with 58 MLAs wresting control of the party's legislature wing, electing Ritabrata as their leader and securing recognition from the assembly Speaker.

Bihar Implements UP-Style Encounters

Bihar Implements UP-Style Encounters

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Six police encounter in five days in Bihar, the first such action to deal with criminals in decades.

Bihar Teacher Job Aspirants' Protest: Thousands Booked

Bihar Teacher Job Aspirants' Protest: Thousands Booked

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Thousands of teaching job aspirants in Bihar have been booked and several arrested following protests over delays in the BPSC TRE-4 examination notification, leading to clashes with police and political accusations.

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh, director, Delhi School of Economics.

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

'Whether we like it or not, we have been separated by the Meiteis and therefore we have put up our demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union territory with legislature.' 'For us lasting peace is the achievement of our demand.'

Medical Tourism Revenues Grow Despite Conflicts

Medical Tourism Revenues Grow Despite Conflicts

Rediff.com26 May 2026

While the West Asia conflict has led to a drop in patient footfalls, hospitals are seeing higher realisations as international patients increasingly travel for complex, high-end procedures.

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced the BJP government's commitment to women's empowerment and the continuation of welfare schemes. The 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme will be accessible through an online portal, ensuring ease of application for all women in Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed officials to implement the scheme and free bus travel for women, while also assuring that existing social welfare schemes will continue.