News for 'it ministry'

Manipur groups demand NRC update ahead of Census 2027

Manipur groups demand NRC update ahead of Census 2027

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Fourteen civil society organisations from Manipur have urged the Centre to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state before the completion of Census 2027. They argue this is essential to address concerns over demographic changes and alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar, which they believe has altered the state's population profile.

Monsoon Completes India Coverage On July 9

Monsoon Completes India Coverage On July 9

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

After a subdued start, the southwest monsoon has gathered pace since the beginning of July, narrowing the cumulative rainfall deficit from nearly 30 per cent on June 30 to around 15 per cent as of July 8.

Murder case registered in Kerala for student's death in Uzbekistan

Murder case registered in Kerala for student's death in Uzbekistan

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Kerala Police have registered a murder case concerning the death of a 22-year-old medical student in Uzbekistan, following a complaint from her family. While the crime occurred abroad, authorities in Haripad have initiated proceedings, stating they will pursue the case if Uzbek police do not prosecute the accused. The family alleges the student was tortured and brutally beaten, not just hit on the head, and claims the accused tried to force her religious conversion.

BJP trying to topple J-K govt, MLAs offered Rs 20-30cr: Omar

BJP trying to topple J-K govt, MLAs offered Rs 20-30cr: Omar

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to split the National Conference. He alleged that the BJP is using financial incentives and promises of ministerial berths and statehood to lure his MLAs, with one MLA reportedly offered up to Rs 30 crore. Abdullah asserted that his party's legislators would not compromise their integrity.

Board Marks To Count For 50% In NEET, JEE admissions?

Board Marks To Count For 50% In NEET, JEE admissions?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The ministry of education is contemplating significant reforms to the admission process for crucial entrance exams like NEET and JEE. Proposed changes include giving 50 per cent weightage to board exam marks, aligning entrance tests with school syllabi, and introducing multiple attempts and computer-based tests. These reforms aim to reduce the high-stakes nature of exams and address issues like evaluation errors and paper leaks.

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has reiterated its support for freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected China's extensive territorial claims. This stance aligns with a recent joint statement by the US, UK, and other nations, emphasising peaceful resolution of maritime disputes under UNCLOS.

NEET UG: Punjab's Aryan, Haryana's Panshul top exam; 11.21 lakh qualify

NEET UG: Punjab's Aryan, Haryana's Panshul top exam; 11.21 lakh qualify

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Punjab's Aryan Gupta and Haryana's Panshul Bansal topped the NEET-UG for medical admissions as 11.21 lakh candidates qualified the entrance exam this year, the National Testing Agency announced on Thursday.

West Asia conflict: Govt lifts emergency gas curbs as LNG supplies normalise

West Asia conflict: Govt lifts emergency gas curbs as LNG supplies normalise

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The government has withdrawn most provisions of the emergency natural gas supply regulation order imposed during the West Asia conflict after liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following a ceasefire.

Shaji Prabhakaran: OCI/PIO Players Need Balanced Strategy For Indian Football

Shaji Prabhakaran: OCI/PIO Players Need Balanced Strategy For Indian Football

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran advocates for a balanced, long-term strategy for integrating OCI and PIO players into Indian football, stressing it's not a complete solution but a part of broader development. He also analyses recent World Cup semifinals, highlighting Spain's tactical dominance and Argentina's fighting spirit.

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has implemented a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for its personnel in Manipur, mandating the use of bulletproof vehicles and restricting stray movements, following recent ambushes on Assam Rifles troops. Concurrently, two elite CoBRA battalions have been deployed to conduct operations against armed miscreants, aiming to strengthen security and restore peace in the violence-hit state.

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'Propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it's The Kerala Story or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations... If such things don't come on a public platform, how will correction occur?'

'Blatant act of aggression': India slams Pak air strikes on Afghanistan

'Blatant act of aggression': India slams Pak air strikes on Afghanistan

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent air strikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in civilian casualties. The Ministry of External Affairs labelled the strikes a "blatant act of aggression" and a "direct threat" to regional peace, reiterating India's support for Afghanistan's sovereignty.

WhatsApp gets more time to reply on usernames; no India rollout now

WhatsApp gets more time to reply on usernames; no India rollout now

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted more time to submit its response on the contentious 'username' feature and assured the government that it will not roll it out in India until discussions are complete, according to sources.

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who played a key role in his country's 2026 World Cup campaign, has died at the age of 25, with no cause of death immediately provided.

FinMin Clears Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0

FinMin Clears Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Finance Ministry's expenditure department has approved a substantial Rs 1.25 lakh crore outlay for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, significantly increasing the country's investment in global chip-making ambitions and aiming to establish India as a major semiconductor hub.

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A Joint Committee of Parliament has deferred the adoption of a draft report on a bill proposing the suspension, not permanent removal, of the prime minister, Union ministers, and chief ministers if detained for 30 days on serious criminal charges, opting for more consultations.

After WhatsApp, govt sends notices to Telegram, Signal over username feature

After WhatsApp, govt sends notices to Telegram, Signal over username feature

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Ministry has issued notices to Telegram and Signal, following a similar action against WhatsApp, questioning their username features due to concerns over increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. The government is seeking explanations on how these platforms address such risks, with one homegrown app already disabling the feature.

India And New Zealand Elevate Strategic Partnership

India And New Zealand Elevate Strategic Partnership

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-nation tour in New Zealand, where he and his counterpart Christopher Luxon elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The visit focused on doubling trade by 2030 and expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 40 years.

Congress leader seeks privilege move against Rajnath over Operation Sindoor casualties

Congress leader seeks privilege move against Rajnath over Operation Sindoor casualties

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Congress leader K C Venugopal has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding privilege proceedings against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for allegedly "misleading" Parliament regarding Indian soldier casualties post the Pahalgam terror attack and during Operation Sindoor.

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday (local time) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice," stating that the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its "interference" in the West Asia region, Press TV reported.

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI), an interoperable digital network under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). UHI aims to connect patients and healthcare providers across various digital platforms, addressing fragmentation in India's digital health ecosystem and improving access to verified services, especially in rural areas.

What India is doing to win the 2036 Olympics bid

What India is doing to win the 2036 Olympics bid

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India has announced a calendar of 29 international sporting events over the next two years, aiming to bolster its credentials as a host nation. This strategic move is part of its larger goal to secure bids for the 2036 Olympic Games, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the 2038 Asian Games, showcasing its capacity to host large-scale multi-sport spectacles.

Wholesale Price Inflation Climbs to 9.87% in June, Driven by Food and Mineral Costs

Wholesale Price Inflation Climbs to 9.87% in June, Driven by Food and Mineral Costs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India's wholesale price inflation (WPI) increased to 9.87 per cent in June, up from 9.68 per cent in May, primarily due to significant price increases in non-food and food products, with food inflation alone rising to 5.49 per cent.

India Creates History At Physics Olympiad

India Creates History At Physics Olympiad

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

All five Indian teenagers who competed at the International Physics Olympiad 2026 won gold medals; thanks to their achievement, India shared the world No 1 ranking with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.

Modi asks secretaries to fast-track reforms, boost self-reliance

Modi asks secretaries to fast-track reforms, boost self-reliance

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with government secretaries and discussed with them on two key issues -- deregulation and other reforms for 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living' and promoting 'Aatmanirbharta'.

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India has condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian crew member going missing. The incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities between Iran and the US in West Asia, prompting India to call for immediate de-escalation and an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The United States on Saturday (local time) launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.

No plans to meet US at any level in coming days: Iran

No plans to meet US at any level in coming days: Iran

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Iran on Tuesday said that the Islamic Republic has "no plans" to hold any meetings with the United States in the coming days at any level, even as diplomatic engagements continue separately in Doha on the related implementation of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the hostilities in West Asia.

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Indian Embassy in Venezuela has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged desecration and removal of organs from the body of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan. His wife and the Forward Seamen's Union of India claim a second post-mortem in India revealed all internal organs were missing, raising serious questions about his death and the handling of his remains.

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.

'1,000 missiles locked and loaded': Trump's big warning to Iran

'1,000 missiles locked and loaded': Trump's big warning to Iran

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to Iran, threatening 'decimation' with '1,000 missiles' if the nation pursues alleged assassination plots against him, while Iranian officials accuse the US of violating a MoU amidst ongoing diplomatic talks.

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The United States conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting over 80 sites, after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran condemned the US decision to revoke a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

Govt to lift curbs on petrol, diesel sales to commercial buyers from Jul 1

Govt to lift curbs on petrol, diesel sales to commercial buyers from Jul 1

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The government will lift restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel to commercial and industrial consumers from July 1, easing emergency measures imposed to manage fuel supplies.

No plans for fuel rationing, supply adequate: Oil ministry official

No plans for fuel rationing, supply adequate: Oil ministry official

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India has no plans to ration fuel supplies despite ongoing disruptions in global energy markets, according to a top oil ministry official. The country has maintained adequate inventories of crude products and LPG while diversifying imports to manage supply risks.

Delhi Gymkhana members challenges Centre's eviction notice in HC

Delhi Gymkhana members challenges Centre's eviction notice in HC

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Centre had previously informed the high court it would not take forceful possession of the land by June 5, stating it would follow due legal procedure.

Govt investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Govt investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought an explanation from WhatsApp regarding its username feature, citing concerns over potential cybercrime facilitation. Concurrently, the ministry is investigating reported data leak allegations involving Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple's iPhone components in India. MeitY is also exploring techno-legal solutions for VPNs to address challenges posed by unregistered providers operating from outside India.