News for 'government initiatives'

Airtel Money makes LSE debut, marking exchange's largest IPO in years

Airtel Money makes LSE debut, marking exchange's largest IPO in years

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

African digital financial services platform, Airtel Money, has successfully debuted on the London Stock Exchange, marking the exchange's largest initial public offering (IPO) in several years with an implied market capitalisation of about USD 7 billion.

PSL 12 dates revealed: What's new for next season?

PSL 12 dates revealed: What's new for next season?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 12) will take place from March 18 to May 2 next year, maintaining its eight-team format. The dates were confirmed at a Governing Council meeting in London, paving the way for upcoming player signings and auctions.

How Ethanol Can Transform India's Energy Landscape

How Ethanol Can Transform India's Energy Landscape

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde highlighted ethanol's potential to protect India from volatile petroleum markets and geopolitical risks, advocating for its widespread production and use. He, along with other officials, emphasised ethanol's role in strengthening the rural economy, ensuring timely cane payments, and combating carbon emissions, while also discussing its historical context and current government support.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy Alleges CM Shivakumar Met Sting Operator

Union Minister Kumaraswamy Alleges CM Shivakumar Met Sting Operator

Rediff.com6 days ago

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met a person linked to sting operations and demanded a probe into the targeting of five Cabinet ministers. Kumaraswamy questioned the state government's inaction and sought clarification on the identity of the person and the purpose of the meeting. The Leader of Opposition also called for an FIR and investigation into the matter.

Axis Bank To Hire 12,500 Freshers

Axis Bank To Hire 12,500 Freshers

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

'Get people young, train them, assimilate them, and grow them adequately.'

CBI Registers Case Against Former ICAR Institute Director Over Alleged Rs 27 Lakh Fund Diversion

CBI Registers Case Against Former ICAR Institute Director Over Alleged Rs 27 Lakh Fund Diversion

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

The CBI has registered a case against Basanta Kumar Das, former director of the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, for allegedly diverting over Rs 27 lakh in government funds to his family members and others. The FIR states that these diversions caused wrongful loss to the exchequer.

Mainpuri Gang Rape Case: Accused Sentenced To Life, Co-Accused Acquitted

Mainpuri Gang Rape Case: Accused Sentenced To Life, Co-Accused Acquitted

Rediff.com4 days ago

A 50-year-old man, Mahavir Yadav, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the gang rape of a 14-year-old Dalit girl in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. The co-accused, Navi Chand Yadav, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The incident occurred on September 15, 2025, and the verdict was pronounced on Monday.

Hyundai Bets $15.5 Billion on India, Plans 26 Models

Hyundai Bets $15.5 Billion on India, Plans 26 Models

Rediff.com3 days ago

India remains one of the Hyundai Motor group's most important and strategic markets globally. The initiative positions India as a strategic core market for the group's growth, emerging market expansion, and next-generation automotive innovation.

'400 times the cost': SC slams govt over drug pricing, asks to cap all medicines

'400 times the cost': SC slams govt over drug pricing, asks to cap all medicines

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre's cap on anti-cancer drug trade margins, questioning why similar controls aren't applied to other medicines. The court highlighted significant markups on common drugs and medical devices, urging the government to expand its price regulation efforts and present modalities by October 27.

J&K Crime Branch Charges Three Public Servants In Service Record Fraud

J&K Crime Branch Charges Three Public Servants In Service Record Fraud

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch's Special Crime Wing has filed a chargesheet against three public servants, including a retired officer, for alleged fraud and corruption involving the manipulation of service records to obtain undue benefits. The case centres on a forged date-of-birth certificate and the facilitation of its incorporation into official records.

Hasina slams Bangladesh PM for skipping BRICS meet

Hasina slams Bangladesh PM for skipping BRICS meet

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's decision to skip the BRICS summit in India, calling it "immature" and detrimental to Bangladesh's national interest. She argued that the absence lost opportunities for economic development and that foreign policy should not be driven by personal considerations. Hasina also highlighted the current "grave national crisis" in Bangladesh and her intention to return to restore democracy.

Elon Musk: Starlink services in India must be affordable, slams 'de facto monopoly'

Elon Musk: Starlink services in India must be affordable, slams 'de facto monopoly'

Rediff.com4 days ago

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stated that Starlink's services in India must be affordable for widespread adoption and that competition would benefit consumers, despite potentially reducing Reliance Jio's profits. He criticised Reliance Jio as a 'de facto monopoly' in India, alleging that certain business conglomerates were blocking Starlink's entry.

INDIA leaders meet at Rahul Gandhi's home, 'vow to reclaim' Jantar Mantar

INDIA leaders meet at Rahul Gandhi's home, 'vow to reclaim' Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com4 days ago

The INDIA bloc, comprising 17 opposition parties and civil society members, met at Rahul Gandhi's residence to strategize against alleged "vote chori" and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, vowed to continue their united political and people's resistance, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and asserting that those responsible for undermining democracy would be held accountable.

Why Rohan Bopanna Was Excluded From AITA's Elite SOM Roster

Why Rohan Bopanna Was Excluded From AITA's Elite SOM Roster

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Rohan Bopanna, India's former world number one doubles player, has been excluded from the AITA's Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster. This exclusion is due to his failure to meet the mandatory one-year retirement criterion, as he announced his professional retirement on November 1, 2025, just shy of the October 16, 2026, deadline for the roster. Despite inquiring about his eligibility and receiving initial assurance, his continued participation on the Pro ATP tour until October 2025 meant he was still considered active.

President Murmu appoints new Governors for 6 states; Arlekar new TN Guv

President Murmu appoints new Governors for 6 states; Arlekar new TN Guv

Rediff.com4 days ago

President Droupadi Murmu has announced a major gubernatorial reshuffle, appointing new governors for Tamil Nadu, Keralam, Sikkim, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Odisha. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar moves from Keralam to Tamil Nadu, while Om Prakash Mathur becomes the new Keralam Governor. Dushyant Gautam, Sudha Yadav, Dhal Singh Bisen, and Braj Mohan Ram are among the new appointees, bringing diverse political experience to their roles.

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 days ago

India is deeply concerned by the growing consolidation of Pakistan-backed jihadi and radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly in the strategically vital Chittagong Hill Tracts, which experts warn is transforming the country into a new safe haven for these networks and posing a direct threat to India's security.

Ex-TMC Rajya Sabha MP Koyel Mallick joins BJP

Ex-TMC Rajya Sabha MP Koyel Mallick joins BJP

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Bengali film actor Koyel Mallick, previously a TMC MP, has joined the BJP and is set to file her nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat, expressing her desire to contribute to West Bengal's development initiatives.

Contempt plea in SC against security clampdown in Delhi

Contempt plea in SC against security clampdown in Delhi

Rediff.com7 days ago

A contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and DMRC chairperson D Thara. The plea alleges that authorities violated the apex court's October 9 order by imposing a "blanket shutdown" on metro and train services in Delhi on October 10, despite the court's directive for only regulated movement during a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The petitioner claims personal experience of metro station closures and seeks immediate revocation of prohibitory orders.

Indian Olympic Association Sets December 5 For Executive Council Elections

Indian Olympic Association Sets December 5 For Executive Council Elections

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that its new Executive Council will be elected on December 5, with Sanjay Kumar Srivastava appointed as the returning officer. The electoral process, which includes elections for the Athletes' Commission on November 3 and selection of Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs), will adhere to national sports governance acts and the amended IOA Constitution. The new council will serve a four-year term (2026-2030), with current President PT Usha highlighting the importance of good governance as India eyes hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Karnataka CM Unveils KEONICS' Vision For Tech-Driven Future

Karnataka CM Unveils KEONICS' Vision For Tech-Driven Future

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar lauded KEONICS' initiative to provide AI-based KEO computers to rural children, marking the institution's golden jubilee. The KEO computers, developed in Karnataka, aim to bridge the digital divide. Shivakumar also highlighted government efforts to promote IT beyond Bengaluru, enhance industry-oriented skills, and digitise property records, emphasising the state's commitment to technology and skill development.

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Rediff.com3 days ago

Modi's greater weakness is his inability since July when he directed the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan, to come up with a political counter strategy. Security measures and executive orders as seen in recent days will only likely further weaken him and make him as lame duck a premier as many prior to him, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh included, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

India's Primary Market Sees Dozen IPOs in October, Led by Jio Platforms and Zetwerk

India's Primary Market Sees Dozen IPOs in October, Led by Jio Platforms and Zetwerk

Rediff.com6 days ago

A dozen companies, including major players like Jio Platforms and Zetwerk Manufacturing Business, are poised to launch Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in October, continuing India's strong fundraising momentum in the primary market. These offerings span diverse sectors, reflecting sustained investor interest in businesses with robust growth prospects.

IBM India MD Highlights India's Pivotal Role In Shaping AI Future

IBM India MD Highlights India's Pivotal Role In Shaping AI Future

Rediff.com4 days ago

IBM India and South Asia MD Sandip Patel stated that India is at a defining moment with a unique opportunity to shape exponential technologies like artificial intelligence, emphasizing that "when India builds, it builds for billions," leading to scalable impact. Speaking at the IBM Think 2026 event, Patel highlighted that the AI revolution is still in its early stages, requiring enterprises to redesign their operations around agents, real-time data, automation, hybrid architecture, and trust. He also introduced the concept of "digital swaraj" or sovereignty in the Indian context, stressing the importance of control over operating environments, data, technology, and AI execution. IBM also announced an MoU with MeitY Startup Hub to accelerate India's deep tech innovation and startup ecosystem, providing startups access to IBM's technology expertise and platforms like watsonx and Sovereign Core.

Manali Soars With Paragliding Pre-World Cup

Manali Soars With Paragliding Pre-World Cup

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The four-day Paragliding Accuracy Pre-World Cup has commenced at Solang Nala in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, featuring 42 pilots from multiple countries. The event, inaugurated by Minister Rajesh Dharmani, aims to promote adventure sports and tourism in the region, with strict safety standards in place.

'Drunk men all around': Last call by Assam woman found dead in Andhra

'Drunk men all around': Last call by Assam woman found dead in Andhra

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

A tragic incident has unfolded as an Assam woman, Himashree Boro, was found dead near railway tracks in Andhra Pradesh, prompting her family to allege murder and question railway safety and RPF response after she reported feeling unsafe on the train.

'Mamata faked leg injury in 2021': Bengal govt orders probe

'Mamata faked leg injury in 2021': Bengal govt orders probe

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a fresh inquiry into Mamata Banerjee's alleged "false claims" of a leg injury during the 2021 assembly poll campaign. Adhikari presented a medical report suggesting no fracture or dislocation, asserting Banerjee faked the injury, which he claims insulted the people of Nandigram. The controversy surrounds an incident in Nandigram where Banerjee sustained injuries, leading to her campaigning in a wheelchair, and her party's subsequent victory.

Former civil servants issue 'people's impeachment' notice against CEC

Former civil servants issue 'people's impeachment' notice against CEC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Former civil servants and rights activists have issued a "people's impeachment" notice demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. They allege six charges against him, including undermining the Election Commission's functioning, mass disenfranchisement through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and compromising political impartiality. The group, including G K Pillai and Najeeb Jung, was prevented from submitting the notice at the EC office.

Plumber Held For Triple Murder In Dehradun Over Payment Dispute

Plumber Held For Triple Murder In Dehradun Over Payment Dispute

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

An elderly couple and their domestic help were brutally murdered in Dehradun by their plumber, who allegedly used a screwdriver during a payment dispute. The accused was arrested hours after the incident, and police are investigating a potential robbery motive after recovering a gold chain from him. The incident has sparked political criticism regarding law and order.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

F1 returns to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda set to host Grand Prix from early 2030s

F1 returns to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda set to host Grand Prix from early 2030s

Rediff.com3 days ago

Formula One will return to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda securing a 10-year deal to host a Grand Prix from the early 2030s, promising tourism, investment and jobs.

Karnataka Unveils Major Incentives For Asian Games Medallists

Karnataka Unveils Major Incentives For Asian Games Medallists

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Karnataka government has significantly increased cash awards for Asian Games medallists, with gold winners now receiving Rs 1 crore. Additionally, all 20 participating athletes received a Rs 5 lakh incentive. The state also announced direct recruitment opportunities for Group-B posts and a 2% reservation in government jobs for accomplished sportspersons, alongside financial support for Olympic preparation under the 'Guri: Olympics' scheme.

CJP stir: SC to hear contempt plea on Sunday over Delhi Metro, train curbs

CJP stir: SC to hear contempt plea on Sunday over Delhi Metro, train curbs

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea on Sunday seeking contempt proceedings against authorities for allegedly violating its directive against a complete prohibition on metro and train services in Delhi during the CJP protest. The plea argues that the blanket shutdown and lack of transparent advisories constitute a deliberate disregard for the court's October 9 order, which had called for regulation rather than outright prohibition of public transport.

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is closely monitoring the health of Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who bravely saved a flydubai flight despite being stabbed by his co-pilot. Machchhar, initially treated in Saudi Arabia, has been moved to Abu Dhabi for further medical care, with Indian diplomatic missions providing full support.

India To Unveil AI Regulation Paper Soon

India To Unveil AI Regulation Paper Soon

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government will release a consultation paper on AI regulations within a month. This framework will address critical aspects like AI safety, deepfakes, and a human-first approach, emphasising the industry's primary responsibility in ensuring safe AI deployment. The move comes amidst growing global concerns over AI risks and the need for robust safeguards.

NPCI Defers UPI MDR On Transactions Over Rs 2,000

NPCI Defers UPI MDR On Transactions Over Rs 2,000

Rediff.com4 days ago

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has deferred the implementation of a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on Person-to-Merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. Originally set for October 15, the new date will be announced after Diwali, providing relief to users and merchants, especially during the festive season. The decision came amidst opposition concerns about the levy burdening consumers.

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Rediff.com2 days ago

Marco Rubio will visit Mumbai and Jamnagar to discuss energy cooperation as S Jaishankar says India-US trade talks are nearing a landing point, with a few issues unresolved.

SC asks high court to consider Delhi Gymkhana members' plea

SC asks high court to consider Delhi Gymkhana members' plea

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi High Court to reconsider a plea by 11 members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club challenging the Centre's decision to take over 27.3 acres of land leased to the club and subsequent eviction proceedings. The members argue that the government-nominated management cannot effectively challenge the Centre's actions, which they deem a "colourable exercise" of power and a violation of fundamental rights.

India's New Steel Policy Aims for 600 MT Capacity, Decarbonisation by 2047

India's New Steel Policy Aims for 600 MT Capacity, Decarbonisation by 2047

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

India's government is set to release its draft National Steel Policy for public consultation, aiming for over 600 million tonnes of steelmaking capacity and 500 million tonnes of consumption by 2047. The policy will also introduce a ~5,000-crore scheme to incentivise small steel producers for carbon emission reduction and address challenges like raw material availability and technological dependence.

Anthropic's prospectus warns of AI's 'existential risks to humanity'

Anthropic's prospectus warns of AI's 'existential risks to humanity'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Anthropic has formally warned investors that its technology may pose "existential risks to humanity" in a long-awaited initial public offering prospectus circulated with a small group of partners in recent days.

'Dear PM Ambani': Musk's latest swipe at Reliance, BJP

'Dear PM Ambani': Musk's latest swipe at Reliance, BJP

Rediff.com7 days ago

Elon Musk has escalated his criticism of Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani, sharing media reports that alleged Reliance-funded firms helped boost BJP campaigns on social media and made large political donations. This comes amidst a persistent delay in the launch of Starlink satellite broadband services in India, with Musk accusing Ambani of protecting a monopoly. The Indian government maintains its telecom framework is fair and non-discriminatory, while Reliance has not publicly responded to Musk's allegations.