News for 'ministry'

Middle East crisis: Indian airlines cancel 350 flights on Sunday

Middle East crisis: Indian airlines cancel 350 flights on Sunday

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indian airlines are expected to cancel 444 international flights due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East following attacks on Iran by Israel and the US. The civil aviation ministry is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruptions.

Allahabad HC Summons Records in Rahul Gandhi Dual Citizenship Complaint

Allahabad HC Summons Records in Rahul Gandhi Dual Citizenship Complaint

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Allahabad High Court has requested records from the central government regarding a complaint alleging dual citizenship against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The order follows a petition challenging the rejection of an FIR request against Gandhi.

Karnataka CM Asks Modi to Ensure Safety of Indians in Middle East

Karnataka CM Asks Modi to Ensure Safety of Indians in Middle East

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take measures to protect Indian citizens in the Middle East due to escalating geopolitical tensions, including initiating evacuation plans and enhancing diplomatic efforts.

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a statement assuring the public of HDFC Bank's stability and sound financial position following the resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, citing ethical concerns.

The Mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Missing Cap

The Mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Missing Cap

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'My colleague Naveen Bamel -- he is an advocate of the Supreme Court -- went to the museum at the Red Fort specifically to look for the cap.' 'He inquired with the ASI officials there, and nobody had a clue.' 'So I thought this is not right. This must be brought to the notice of the prime minister.'

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka has established emergency hotlines and is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia following escalating tensions, urging restraint and de-escalation from all parties involved.

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

An Indian-flagged crude tanker safely departed from the UAE's Fujairah after loading oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia to ensure stable fuel supplies and maritime safety.

Digital Economy to Contribute 20% to India's GDP by 2030

Digital Economy to Contribute 20% to India's GDP by 2030

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India's digital economy is projected to constitute nearly 20 per cent of the nation's GDP by 2030, fuelled by a growth rate twice as fast as the overall economy, according to a senior government official.

India Installs Mock Container Housing for Asian Games Athletes

India Installs Mock Container Housing for Asian Games Athletes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India is preparing its athletes for the upcoming Asian Games by installing makeshift container housing units at SAI centres to familiarise them with the unique accommodation arrangements in Japan.

2 more Indian-flagged LPG tankers set to cross Strait of Hormuz

2 more Indian-flagged LPG tankers set to cross Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have begun their journey from the Persian Gulf, navigating the Strait of Hormuz amidst regional conflict, following disruptions caused by recent tensions in the Middle East.

Nora Fatehi, Sanjay Dutt's Song Faces Legal Trouble

Nora Fatehi, Sanjay Dutt's Song Faces Legal Trouble

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

An advocate has filed a complaint with the CBFC seeking a ban on the song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke, alleging obscenity and harmful content for minors.

Sri Lanka Sets Up Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Tensions

Sri Lanka Sets Up Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka has established emergency hotlines and is in close contact with its diplomatic missions in West Asia following escalating tensions in the region. The country is also preparing its airports for potential flight diversions and emergencies.

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Atanu Chakraborty has resigned as chairman of HDFC Bank, citing ethical concerns, marking an unusual departure and prompting the appointment of an interim chairman.

Government Boosts Kerosene Supply as LPG Alternative Amid West Asia Tensions

Government Boosts Kerosene Supply as LPG Alternative Amid West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Indian government has allocated an additional 40,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states as an alternative fuel to LPG, amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia. The government assures a comfortable crude oil supply situation in the country.

Court Demands Extradition Update in Bush Foods Money Laundering Case

Court Demands Extradition Update in Bush Foods Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has requested clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the extradition status of a former managing director of Bush Foods Overseas Pvt Ltd and his wife, who are residing in London, in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged Rs 750-crore bank loan fraud.

Premium petrol price up Rs 2, industrial diesel up Rs 22; no change in normal petrol, diesel rates

Premium petrol price up Rs 2, industrial diesel up Rs 22; no change in normal petrol, diesel rates

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Petrol diesel price today March 20, 2026: IOCL & HPCL hike premium petrol (XP95, Speed, Power) by 2/litre and industrial diesel by 22/litre. Regular petrol in Delhi 94.77, diesel 87.67 unchanged. Full city-wise rates inside.

Why Kashmiris Are Donating Gold, Money For Iran

Why Kashmiris Are Donating Gold, Money For Iran

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'Many have contributed in terms of gold and silver. Ladies in big numbers have contributed their home belongings and gold.' 'Some have donated their cars too.'

Airline stocks fly into rough weather again

Airline stocks fly into rough weather again

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India's aviation sector is facing fresh turbulence, with rising fuel costs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation's free-seat directive, and geopolitical disruptions in West Asia clouding near-term earnings visibility.

Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games to be Held in Chhattisgarh

Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games to be Held in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games will be held in Chhattisgarh, featuring seven medal sports and aiming to empower tribal athletes and promote grassroots inclusion.

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Lebanese army has begun evacuating some of its forward positions along the border with Israel and redeploying troops to other posts, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported on Tuesday, amid intensified Israeli military activity in the area.

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

India Targets 200,000 Foreign Students by 2030

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The government has intensified its Study in India programme and is working closely with universities and states to achieve this goal.

LPG Crisis Threatens Closure of Mumbai Hotels: What's Behind the Shortage?

LPG Crisis Threatens Closure of Mumbai Hotels: What's Behind the Shortage?

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Mumbai hotels and restaurants are facing potential closures due to a critical shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, with similar disruptions reported across India. The crisis stems from revised government priorities for domestically produced natural gas, impacting the hospitality sector and potentially affecting tourism.

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's privatisation push, once projected as a cornerstone of economic reform, has suffered another setback, with the Centre set to call off the IDBI Bank stake sale, highlighting the political and structural constraints shaping the country's disinvestment policy, experts say.

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening massive retaliation if it attacks Qatar again, following reports of an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field and an attack on Qatar's LNG facilities.

Petrol, Diesel Price March 20, 2026: Premium Petrol Hiked Rs 2, Industrial Diesel Rs 22 - Regular Rates Unchanged

Petrol, Diesel Price March 20, 2026: Premium Petrol Hiked Rs 2, Industrial Diesel Rs 22 - Regular Rates Unchanged

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Petrol diesel price today March 20, 2026: IOCL & HPCL hike premium petrol (XP95, Speed, Power) by 2/litre and industrial diesel by 22/litre. Regular petrol in Delhi 94.77, diesel 87.67 unchanged. Full city-wise rates inside.

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mottaqi, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, emphasising the need for political and diplomatic solutions.

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law regarding the appointment of election commissioners, citing a potential conflict of interest.

Wholesale Price Inflation Rises 2.13% in Feb, Driven by Food and Manufacturing

Wholesale Price Inflation Rises 2.13% in Feb, Driven by Food and Manufacturing

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's wholesale price inflation (WPI) increased for the fourth consecutive month in February, reaching 2.13 per cent, primarily due to rising prices of food and manufactured goods, according to government data.

Iran carried out drone attack on water desalination plant: Baharain

Iran carried out drone attack on water desalination plant: Baharain

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

The ministry of interior of Bahrain on Sunday claimed that Iran attacked civilian targets in a water desalination plant after a drone attack.

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir gets Y-Plus security

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir gets Y-Plus security

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, known for building a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid, has been granted Y-Plus category security cover by the central government following perceived threats to his life.

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Netanyahu asserts that Israel can play a role in helping Iranians achieve political change and cast off tyranny, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision lies with the Iranian people.

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the country believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to resolving disputes and that the continued escalation of the conflict serves no one's interests.

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28.

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The government has introduced a mandatory 25-day gap between LPG cylinder bookings due to supply concerns arising from global disruptions and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This measure aims to prevent hoarding and prioritise essential non-domestic sectors, while domestic LPG production is being increased to mitigate shortages.

Mamata Banerjee Faces Resignation Calls After President's Displeasure

Mamata Banerjee Faces Resignation Calls After President's Displeasure

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

BJP MP Khagen Murmu has demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging she insulted President Droupadi Murmu. The demand follows the President's expression of displeasure over changes to her programme's venue and the absence of the CM or senior ministers.

IISc Partners with Groww Foundation to Boost Semiconductor Skills

IISc Partners with Groww Foundation to Boost Semiconductor Skills

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Groww Foundation have launched a semiconductor skill development programme to train the next generation of talent, with a focus on encouraging participation from women and young students.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

Government Penalises Companies for CSR Violations

Government Penalises Companies for CSR Violations

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Indian government has imposed penalties totalling nearly 20 crore on various companies for non-compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) norms over the past three financial years, as revealed in the Rajya Sabha.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

Over 1.7 million tonnes of India's fuel stuck in Strait of Hormuz

Over 1.7 million tonnes of India's fuel stuck in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Hundreds of Indian seafarers are stranded on vessels carrying crude oil, LPG, and LNG in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, causing disruptions to India's energy supplies.