News for 'policy'

IUML willing to forgo Deputy CM post for UDF victory in Kerala

IUML willing to forgo Deputy CM post for UDF victory in Kerala

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

IUML leader Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal stated that while the party deserves the deputy chief minister's post, it would not stake a claim for it if the UDF comes to power in Kerala. He also denied allegations of IUML candidates seeking votes on religious lines.

Hypertension in Army ranks at 9.61%, below national levels: Govt

Hypertension in Army ranks at 9.61%, below national levels: Govt

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A parliamentary panel has been informed that the prevalence of hypertension among Indian Army's junior commissioned officers and other ranks is lower than the national average, according to data up to December 31, 2023.

Boxer cleared after gender row, set to return

Boxer cleared after gender row, set to return

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Olympic gold medallist Lin Yu-ting has been cleared to compete in the female category at World Boxing events following an appeal from Taiwan's federation, the sport's governing body said on Friday.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

India Extends 4% Retail Inflation Target for RBI Until 2031

India Extends 4% Retail Inflation Target for RBI Until 2031

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Indian government has extended the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) mandate to maintain retail inflation at 4 per cent, with a tolerance band of 2 per cent on either side, for another five years until March 2031.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

BJP Alleges Land Rights Given to Infiltrators in West Bengal

BJP Alleges Land Rights Given to Infiltrators in West Bengal

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

BJP chief Nitin Nabin has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal of altering the state's demography by giving land rights to infiltrators and forcing residents to leave due to appeasement politics and lawlessness.

BJP promises Rs 3,000 a month, reservation in govt jobs to Bengal women

BJP promises Rs 3,000 a month, reservation in govt jobs to Bengal women

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The BJP has released its election manifesto for West Bengal, promising a hardline stance on infiltration, financial assistance for women and unemployed youth, and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees.

How RBI Plans To Protect Your Money From Scams

How RBI Plans To Protect Your Money From Scams

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The proposed solution is a one-hour delay for digital transactions exceeding Rs 10,000, particularly when the transfer is made to a new or unverified beneficiary. The idea is simple -- give users a window to reconsider, detect fraud or alert their bank before the funds are irretrievably transferred.

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has accused the opposition of misleading farmers regarding crop procurement, assuring that all produce will be purchased and that the government is addressing any difficulties in grain markets.

77 Maoists Surrender in Odisha Since January 2025, Says DGP

77 Maoists Surrender in Odisha Since January 2025, Says DGP

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania announced that 77 Maoists have surrendered to police in the state between January 2025 and March 2025. He also noted that 23 Maoists from Odisha surrendered in Chhattisgarh during the same period, and 27 Maoists were killed in encounters with security forces.

Accountant Embezzles Over Rs 6 Crore from Bokaro Treasury

Accountant Embezzles Over Rs 6 Crore from Bokaro Treasury

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

An accountant in Bokaro district, India, has been arrested for allegedly embezzling over Rs 6 crore from the treasury's salary disbursement account. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the fraud.

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has revised its transgender reservation judgment, reaffirming the constitutional right to self-identify gender while addressing concerns about the 2026 Amendment Act's impact on transgender rights.

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'The West Asia or the Gulf crisis has shown that what we develop as national infrastructure when things are not as bad as they could be, we forget to plan for adversities.'

Saini Challenges Congress to Assess Performance in Their States

Saini Challenges Congress to Assess Performance in Their States

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has criticised Congress leaders for visiting 'anaj mandis' in Haryana and challenged them to assess the performance of Congress-governed states. He highlighted the development work carried out in Haryana under the current government.

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Centre Starving West Bengal by Blocking Funds

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Centre Starving West Bengal by Blocking Funds

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the central government of withholding funds from West Bengal to punish voters for supporting the TMC, while highlighting state-led initiatives to support the population.

Second Edition of Rugby Premier League to be Held in Hyderabad

Second Edition of Rugby Premier League to be Held in Hyderabad

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28, featuring the Rugby 7s format and six franchises from the inaugural season.

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is shifting its focus from individual athletes to the criminal networks that supply performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), recognising that athletes are often victims of sophisticated doping operations.

No CM face, Bengal BJP to seek votes on Modi's name

No CM face, Bengal BJP to seek votes on Modi's name

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The BJP will focus on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, rather than projecting a chief ministerial candidate, according to state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya.

Iran's internet blackout sets global record, enters 44th day amid tensions

Iran's internet blackout sets global record, enters 44th day amid tensions

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Amidst the stalling of high-level peace talks between Tehran and Washington, Iran continues to endure severe digital isolation as the nationwide internet blackout reached its 44th day on Sunday.

'Withdraw PPF And Invest In Stocks?'

'Withdraw PPF And Invest In Stocks?'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Ask rediffGURU Reetika Sharma your insurance, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A top government official says that while India has made significant progress in renewable energy, technical issues are hindering large-scale implementation. The government is working on solutions such as grid flexibilisation and battery storage.

Rupee likely to stabilise at 92-93 per dollar: EAC-PM chairman

Rupee likely to stabilise at 92-93 per dollar: EAC-PM chairman

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

S Mahendra Dev, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, expressed confidence that the rupee would stabilise around the 92-93 level against the US dollar, despite geopolitical tensions, and that foreign investment flows would return.

2 Years On, Automakers Still Waiting For Govt to Clear FAME-II Dues

2 Years On, Automakers Still Waiting For Govt to Clear FAME-II Dues

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Under FAME-II, automakers provided subsidies to electric vehicle (EV) customers at the time of purchase, with the understanding that the government would reimburse the firms later.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.

LS to debate efforts to wipe out Maoist threat on Monday

LS to debate efforts to wipe out Maoist threat on Monday

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha will hold a discussion on efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism (LWE) in India, ahead of the government's deadline. The debate will cover the government's strategy, review of affected regions, and future plans, including potential withdrawal of security forces and launch of welfare schemes.

All Indian High Schools to Get Broadband Internet in 2-3 Years

All Indian High Schools to Get Broadband Internet in 2-3 Years

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that all high schools in India will have broadband internet connection within the next 2-3 years, with a focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education.

SC Calls for Expedited Trials in North-East Racial Discrimination Cases

SC Calls for Expedited Trials in North-East Racial Discrimination Cases

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has requested the Delhi High Court to prioritise and expedite trials in cases of racial discrimination against people from the North-East, highlighting the need for a productive timeline for adjudication of such sensitive matters.

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'The reason why they rushed through the bill was they wanted to avoid using the 2026 Census because the 2026 Census by their own decision will be a caste census.' 'The BJP knows that a significant share of the OBCs who will get captured in the census, for the first time after the 1931 Census, are against the BJP. Only a segment of the OBCs are in their favour.' 'So they wanted to avoid the OBC reservation among women, which is a demand of a lot of Opposition parties.'

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trump has said he would be present at the signing ceremony in Islamabad. Don't be surprised if the Pakistani hosts make it a grand event in the geopolitics of the region. Trump would love that, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Petrol, diesel losses widen for OMCs; price hike likely post-elections

Petrol, diesel losses widen for OMCs; price hike likely post-elections

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) are reportedly incurring losses of Rs 18 per litre on petrol and Rs 35 per litre on diesel, as they continue to absorb rising crude oil costs without increasing retail prices. This situation is leading to expectations of a fuel price hike after upcoming state elections.

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocates for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' based on Ujjain's historical significance in time calculation, challenging the dominance of Greenwich Mean Time.

Chautala Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Failures

Chautala Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Failures

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Former Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala has criticised the state government for failing to ensure proper crop procurement arrangements and timely compensation for farmers affected by unseasonal rain.

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six guarantees for West Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls, promising to end the 'reign of fear' and address corruption, while criticising the TMC government's performance.

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee's Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee's Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, citing misrule and corruption, and urged voters to elect the BJP for development and progress.

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

BJP state general secretary S Suresh defends party leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam daily, Deepika, alleging its misuse for political interests ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls. The BJP maintains it respects all religions and aims for equal justice, denying any communal stance.

RBI Projects 6.9% GDP Growth Amid Global Uncertainties

RBI Projects 6.9% GDP Growth Amid Global Uncertainties

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a 6.9 per cent GDP growth for the current financial year, citing concerns over commodity prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from the West Asia crisis.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

Tribunal Awards 7.76 Lakh to Man Injured While Praying

Tribunal Awards 7.76 Lakh to Man Injured While Praying

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded 7.76 lakh in compensation to a man who suffered permanent disability after being injured in a roadside accident in 2015. The tribunal rejected the insurer's claims of contributory negligence and breach of policy conditions.