News for 'ministry'

Assam varsity shut after protest against VC over corruption charges

Assam varsity shut after protest against VC over corruption charges

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Students at Tezpur University in Assam have shut down the institution, protesting against Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh over allegations of corruption and financial irregularities. The shutdown has led to the cancellation of end-term examinations and has garnered support from teachers and non-teaching staff.

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced plans to invest $17.5 billion in India to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country's AI-first future, marking the third major AI-driven investment in the country in the past two months. Microsoft said that the $17.5 billion (around Rs 1.58 lakh crore) investment builds on the $3 billion (around Rs 26,955 crore) funding announced earlier this year, which the company is on track to spend by the end of CY (calendar year) 2026.

CBI suffers setback as court frees Rubaiyya Sayeed kidnapping accused

CBI suffers setback as court frees Rubaiyya Sayeed kidnapping accused

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

A special court has released Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, arrested by the CBI in connection with the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed. The court denied the CBI's request for custody, noting his absence in the charge sheet.

Delhi blast: NIA nabs eighth accused, a J-K doc, over harbouring bomber

Delhi blast: NIA nabs eighth accused, a J-K doc, over harbouring bomber

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The accused, identified as Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, was nabbed by an NIA team from Delhi.

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Congress party has criticized the government for not inviting Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also questioning Shashi Tharoor's decision to accept the invitation.

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) expressed deep sorrow over the death of an Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, in a Tejas aircraft crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The incident involved the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and marked the second crash involving a HAL-manufactured aircraft in 20 months.

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'Nitish Kumar previously held tight control over key ministries, but this concession (giving the home portfolio to the BJP) reflects either his weakened political position or a pragmatic acknowledgment of the BJP's growing dominance.'

India to procure more Israeli Heron MK-II drones post Op Sindoor

India to procure more Israeli Heron MK-II drones post Op Sindoor

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The sources declined to specify the number of drones the Navy plans to acquire but said the focus is now on manufacturing the MK-II in India through partnerships with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Elcom.

Gems & jewellery exports slipped 30% in October: GJEPC

Gems & jewellery exports slipped 30% in October: GJEPC

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

India's gems & jewellery exports witnessed 30.6 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) contraction in October to $2.17 million, amid the imposition of a steep 50 per cent tariff by the United States (US) on several Indian products.

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'We expect inbound numbers in 2025 to come close to pre-pandemic levels -- if not fully match them -- by early 2026.'

Udhayanidhi draws flak for calling Sanskrit 'dead language'

Udhayanidhi draws flak for calling Sanskrit 'dead language'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday called Sanskrit 'a dead language', drawing a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which said leaders must be more responsible while making remarks.

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India and Russia are poised to sign multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including trade and healthcare, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Discussions will also address the Ukraine conflict and efforts to increase Indian exports to Russia.

MCA Rethinks PM Internship Scheme

MCA Rethinks PM Internship Scheme

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

With less than six months left for this financial year and poor response from applicants, launching the scheme this year is unlikely.

India holds key defence talks with Russia; eyes more S-400, gets Su-57 offer

India holds key defence talks with Russia; eyes more S-400, gets Su-57 offer

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

India and Russia are set to expand their defence cooperation, with India expressing interest in procuring additional S-400 missile systems. Discussions took place ahead of the India-Russia annual summit.

India examining Bangladesh's extradition request for Hasina

India examining Bangladesh's extradition request for Hasina

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India is examining Bangladesh's request to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia. India emphasizes its commitment to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh.

DRDO successfully tests fighter escape system at 800 km/h

DRDO successfully tests fighter escape system at 800 km/h

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The DRDO conducted the test in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Reits to be gradually included in market indices, says Sebi chief

Reits to be gradually included in market indices, says Sebi chief

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

India's market regulator is moving ahead to include real estate investment trusts (Reits) in benchmark indices in a phased manner, Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey said, while asserting that the regulator was working to strengthen the link between infrastructure building and the markets.

Hand over convicted Hasina and her aide, Bangladesh urges India

Hand over convicted Hasina and her aide, Bangladesh urges India

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Bangladesh's interim government has called on India to extradite Sheikh Hasina after she was sentenced to death in absentia. The move has sparked reactions from various political parties.

HC asks CBFC to consider Major Manoj Sharma's parents' objections to Dhurandhar

HC asks CBFC to consider Major Manoj Sharma's parents' objections to Dhurandhar

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to consider the objections of the parents of Major Mohit Sharma, a martyr, before certifying the film 'Dhurandhar'. The film's release is scheduled for December 5.

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'If at all human beings require a religion, the future religion will be Hinduism.'

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

According to an international media report, the jet crashed in the afternoon local time while flying a demonstration flight at the prestigious air show.

Rubaiyya Sayeed prime kidnapping suspect nabbed after 36 years

Rubaiyya Sayeed prime kidnapping suspect nabbed after 36 years

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The CBI arrested Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, an absconder carrying a Rs 10 lakh reward, in connection with the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed. He is allegedly part of a conspiracy hatched by the banned JKLF.

Pilots blame IndiGo's manpower policy for flight delays

Pilots blame IndiGo's manpower policy for flight delays

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Pilots' body the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has alleged that IndiGo, despite getting a two-year preparatory window before the full implementation of new flight duty and rest period norms for cockpit crew, "inexplicably" adopted a "hiring freeze."

Govt notifies 4 labour codes, rationalises labour laws

Govt notifies 4 labour codes, rationalises labour laws

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

In a historic decision, the government on Friday announced the implementation of the four Labour Codes, which rationalised 29 existing labour laws, with immediate effect. The four labour codes are -- the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

IndiGo cancels over 550 flights, ops to stabilise by Feb 10

IndiGo cancels over 550 flights, ops to stabilise by Feb 10

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Domestic carrier IndiGo has cancelled over 180 flights from three major airports on Thursday, as the Gurugram-based airline struggles to secure the required crew to operate its flights in the wake of new flight-duty and rest-period norms for pilots.

Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium to be revamped as Sports City

Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium to be revamped as Sports City

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The iconic Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will be "dismantled" to create a Sports City that will cater to all major disciplines and include lodging facility for athletes.

This Blind Army Officer Is An Inspiration For India

This Blind Army Officer Is An Inspiration For India

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Lieutenant Colonel C Dwarakesh is the only completely blind officer to continue in the Indian Army after losing his eyesight while in service. In his remarkable journey after disability, he enhanced his education qualification, scaled the Siachen Glacier and found purpose in sport.

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Congress MP Manish Tewari has introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that seeks to allow parliamentarians to take an independent line in voting on bills and motions other than those affecting the government's stability in a bid to free them from "whip-driven tyranny" and promote "good lawmaking".

DGCA Moves In As IndiGo Turbulence Continues

DGCA Moves In As IndiGo Turbulence Continues

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The DGCA has formed two specialised teams to internally monitor IndiGo's daily operations.

Fix It Up! ISL Clubs Give Dire Warning To AIFF

Fix It Up! ISL Clubs Give Dire Warning To AIFF

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Current situation risks rendering ongoing operations untenable: ISL clubs to AIFF

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'There'll be extended periods where things aren't working in your favour. But if you believe in the cause profoundly, then you simply persevere.'

India calls for ceasefire, hostage release; hails Gaza peace plan

India calls for ceasefire, hostage release; hails Gaza peace plan

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

India has called for a ceasefire, release of all hostages, and peaceful resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The Centre informed Parliament that India welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan. The article also covers India's energy sourcing strategy and the release of Indian fishermen by Pakistan.

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to incorporate provisions for scribe changes and implement screen-reader software for visually-impaired candidates in its examinations. The court emphasized the constitutional rights of differently-abled people and the need for inclusive governance.

India, Israel ink major defence pact

India, Israel ink major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

India and Israel on Tuesday signed a defence pact that will facilitate sharing of advanced technologies and promote co-development and co-production of key weapon systems and military hardware, in a major move to further bolster their already robust strategic ties.

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Days after his ministry told smartphone makers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said users are free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app, and it will remain dormant till they register on it.

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin's State visit will centre on fixing the huge India-Russia trade imbalance, with both sides pushing to lower duties, ease non-tariff barriers, and seal a landmark mobility pact to send more Indian workers to Russia.

India set to clinch $450 mn BrahMos missile order soon

India set to clinch $450 mn BrahMos missile order soon

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The missile was showcased at the recent Dubai Air Show and drew huge interest from potential buyer countries.

PMJAY for 70+ covered 700K treatments in one year

PMJAY for 70+ covered 700K treatments in one year

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The government aims to cover around 60 million people in the age category, irrespective of income, with an assured 5 lakh annually to be shared within the family.

SC sends Buddhist group's plea on Hindu personal laws to law panel

SC sends Buddhist group's plea on Hindu personal laws to law panel

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Law Commission to consider a plea as a representation of a Buddhist group that certain sets of personal Hindu laws, which are applicable to Buddhists also, are against their fundamental rights, including freedom to practice religion.