News for 'preparedness'

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian government has issued a stern warning to industrial users who are reportedly procuring cheaper retail fuel instead of industrial-grade fuel, leading to significant losses for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) and potential local shortages. This diversion, driven by a substantial price difference between retail and bulk diesel, is adversely impacting OMCs, which are absorbing daily losses of approximately 550 crore to keep retail prices stable.

Territorial integrity to be part of BSF's new mandate: Amit Shah

Territorial integrity to be part of BSF's new mandate: Amit Shah

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a new 'territorial security' paradigm to complement conventional border security, involving public participation and advanced technology. He also highlighted progress in securing vulnerable areas along the Pakistan border and plans to expand the BSF's operational mandate.

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Pakistan is reportedly pursuing Chinese J-35 stealth fighters while China already operates hundreds of J-20 stealth aircraft.

Bargi survivor alleges negligence, recalls last-minute rush for life jackets

Bargi survivor alleges negligence, recalls last-minute rush for life jackets

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A woman from Delhi recounts the harrowing experience of a boat capsizing at Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting alleged negligence and lack of safety measures.

'Education Minister Must Resign'

'Education Minister Must Resign'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

'The software vendor had a black mark against him and yet they went ahead with him. Why was this company shortlisted? Who is responsible for signing off this software?'

Pilgrim Deaths Reported During Char Dham Yatra

Pilgrim Deaths Reported During Char Dham Yatra

Rediff.com14 May 2026

At least 38 pilgrims have died due to health-related reasons in the first 26 days of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage began on April 19, with Kedarnath recording the highest fatalities.

Fadnavis Calls For Maharashtra Police To Combat Cybercrime

Fadnavis Calls For Maharashtra Police To Combat Cybercrime

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasised the need for the state police to enhance their preparedness in addressing modern challenges such as cybercrime and financial offences. He highlighted the importance of the police force in maintaining law and order and contributing to the state's economic progress during the closing ceremony of the 36th Maharashtra State Police Sports Competition.

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.

Scorching days, restless nights: India battles intense heatwave

Scorching days, restless nights: India battles intense heatwave

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Several parts of India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 44 degrees Celsius. States are issuing alerts and taking measures to protect people and animals from the extreme conditions.

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly polls, ensuring voters can exercise their franchise without fear. Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise, and area domination exercises will be stepped up in sensitive neighbourhoods. CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station, and central forces will remain deployed at booths.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

Maharashtra overtakes Tamil Nadu in NITI's 2024 export preparedness index

Maharashtra overtakes Tamil Nadu in NITI's 2024 export preparedness index

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Maharashtra has pipped Tamil Nadu in NITI Aayog's latest Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for 2024. While Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh gained ground, Karnataka and Haryana slipped out of the top five, the central government think tank said in its report released on Wednesday.

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius has resulted in multiple confirmed cases and fatalities, with Indian nationals among the crew. Health authorities are tracing those who disembarked.

Kerala braces for heatwave: IMD issues orange alert

Kerala braces for heatwave: IMD issues orange alert

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The IMD has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in parts of Kerala, prompting authorities to urge caution. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius in some districts. Strict guidelines have been issued, including the suspension of vacation classes and rescheduling of working hours.

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress staged protests against the Centre over the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, demanding strict action against those involved in the alleged paper leak and a Supreme Court-monitored probe.

Labour Codes Enter Implementation Phase

Labour Codes Enter Implementation Phase

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A section of industry may need to begin compliance immediately, even as most states are yet to notify their rules.

India tests advanced Agni missile capable of hitting multiple targets

India tests advanced Agni missile capable of hitting multiple targets

Rediff.com9 May 2026

India has successfully conducted a flight test of an advanced Agni missile featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology off the coast of Odisha.

Delhi Simulates Hostile Attack in City-Wide Civil Defence Drill

Delhi Simulates Hostile Attack in City-Wide Civil Defence Drill

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A large-scale civil defence mock drill was conducted across Delhi, simulating a hostile attack scenario to test preparedness and response systems.

Education Ministry dismisses concerns over CBSE 'On Screen Marking'

Education Ministry dismisses concerns over CBSE 'On Screen Marking'

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Ministry of Education has dismissed concerns about On-Screen Marking (OSM) affecting students' scores in CBSE class 12 exams and announced a reduction in revaluation and answer sheet verification charges to ease student anxiety.

US Group Claims Unfairness In Rajasthan Royals Ownership Bid

US Group Claims Unfairness In Rajasthan Royals Ownership Bid

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A US-based consortium led by Kal Somani has expressed disappointment and alleged an unfair bidding process after losing the Rajasthan Royals ownership bid to Lakshmi Mittal's group.

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Hantavirus poses no immediate threat to India, says virologist

Hantavirus poses no immediate threat to India, says virologist

Rediff.com8 May 2026

An expert from the ICMR's National Institute of Virology addresses concerns about hantavirus cases detected on a cruise ship, stating there is no immediate public health threat to India and that the cases appear isolated.

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman convened a high-level meeting with bank heads to assess cybersecurity risks linked to advanced AI models, following concerns over Anthropic's Claude Mythos system and its potential impact on financial data security.

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Three milestones in three days signal India's growing mastery in next-generation strategic technologies spanning nuclear deterrence, hypersonic propulsion and precision stand-off strike capability.

Is GalaxEye's Mission Drishti Satellite Okay?

Is GalaxEye's Mission Drishti Satellite Okay?

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Concerns are rising about the status of GalaxEye Space's Mission Drishti, India's first Made in India OptoSAR satellite, launched on May 3. Reports suggest the satellite is tumbling in space, and experts highlight potential issues with solar panel deployment and stabilisation. The company has remained silent on the matter, fueling further speculation.

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

Rediff.com10 May 2026

'India's security challenges are no longer confined to the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control.'
'They also span cyber networks, economic systems, information warfare, technology ecosystems, maritime routes, and internal social cohesion.'

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Rediff.com11 May 2026

This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers of most states to assess their preparedness and strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Manu Bhaker Determined To Reignite Competitive Spark

Manu Bhaker Determined To Reignite Competitive Spark

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker is preparing for the Asian Games and World Championships, aiming to reignite her competitive edge after a quiet spell following the Paris Games. She also expressed excitement about shooting's return to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India.

Powerful earthquake hits Japan, Tsunami alert sounded

Powerful earthquake hits Japan, Tsunami alert sounded

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern and northern Japan, prompting a tsunami warning for the Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures. Tsunami waves of up to 3 meters were forecast, and residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground. No abnormalities were reported at nuclear plants.

Trump Warns of 'Intense Strike' if Iran Talks Fail

Trump Warns of 'Intense Strike' if Iran Talks Fail

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States is prepared to launch a military strike on Iran if peace negotiations in Islamabad fail, while Vice President JD Vance departed for talks in Pakistan.

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the Census 2027 will be a fully digital and paperless exercise, utilising mobile technology, AI, and cloud computing for accuracy and efficiency, marking a shift towards data-driven governance.

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review preparedness and plans in light of the West Asia conflict, emphasising the importance of national unity and enhanced security measures.

AC blast caused deadly fire in Delhi, central locking system proved fatal

AC blast caused deadly fire in Delhi, central locking system proved fatal

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A fire in a Delhi residential building resulted in nine deaths, with central locking systems and iron grills hindering escape efforts. The fire, suspected to have been triggered by an air-conditioner blast, trapped residents and complicated rescue operations.

MP cruise tragedy: Toll rises to 9, six still missing

MP cruise tragedy: Toll rises to 9, six still missing

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A tragic cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has claimed nine lives after a sudden storm caused the vessel to capsize, prompting extensive rescue efforts.

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force demonstrated its operational versatility by landing various military aircraft on an emergency airstrip on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback with the departure of seven MPs, including prominent figures, impacting its parliamentary strength and preparedness for upcoming elections. This exodus follows a turbulent period marked by the arrests of key leaders and raises questions about the party's future.

Fire breaks out in multiple oil tankers in Jammu

Fire breaks out in multiple oil tankers in Jammu

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A fire broke out among several oil tankers in Jammu, India, but was quickly brought under control by fire services, preventing a major disaster. No casualties were reported.

'Go back': CEC Gyanesh Kumar shown black flags in Kolkata

'Go back': CEC Gyanesh Kumar shown black flags in Kolkata

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faced protests during his visit to Kolkata ahead of the assembly elections. Demonstrations included 'go back' slogans and black flags, prompting police intervention. Kumar is in Kolkata to review election preparedness with political parties and officials.

J-K SIA charges doctors among 10 in white-collar terror module case

J-K SIA charges doctors among 10 in white-collar terror module case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against 10 accused persons in the 'white collar' terror module case involving several doctors from Jammu and Kashmir.