Indian Government: News

RTI: Modi government spent Rs. 3755cr on publicity

Ever wondered how much the BJP government spends on its glitzy and eye-catching advertisements? How does it ensure that Swachh Bharat and Digital India messages reach every household?

Centre's Rs. 2.5L incentive for marrying a Dalit

In 2013, the Centre launched a scheme to reward those marrying Dalits. However, only those with annual family income of less than Rs. 5L could seek a one-time incentive of Rs. 2.5L.

Government sets up panel to further tweak GST

Government appoints panel to explore triple talaq legislation

Three months after the SC put an end to the controversial Islamic practice of triple talaq, the government has set up a panel to bring a law to regulate it.

Modi-govt to launch "1 billion-1 billion-1 billion" Aadhaar-bank-mobile numbers mission

Riding high on Moody's upgrade of India's sovereign rating, and the 30-place jump in the World Bank's "Ease of Business" index, the Centre is now planning to launch another ambitious "One billion-One billion-One billion" connectivity mission soon.

Government likely to ban cryptocurrency exchanges in India

A government panel has advised the Centre to shut down cryptocurrency dealers/exchanges in a bid to curb the use of virtual currencies in India.

Allowance for differently-abled children of govt employees hiked by 80%

The annual education allowance for differently-abled children of government employees has been hiked from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 54,000.

Indian government owns land nine times the size of Delhi

How much land do you think the Indian government owns?

India may release 11 Pakistani prisoners this week

Despite its "no-engagement with Islamabad" policy, the Indian Government on 2 November is likely to release 11 Pakistani prisoners who completed their prison sentence.

Indian Government saved $9bn through Aadhaar scheme: Nandan Nilekani

The Aadhaar scheme has helped India's government save $9bn by eliminating fraud in financial distribution system said Aadhaar's architect, Nandan Nilekani.

Govt mulls ways to ease SIM-Aadhaar linking

The government is attempting to ease linking of mobile number with Aadhaar, particularly for senior citizens.

'Utility bill defaulters can contest polls': Govt rejects EC proposal

The Election Commission (EC) wanted to disqualify politicians who had outstanding dues for government accommodation and utilities including telephone, electricity and water supply etc.

L&T Infotech's $100 million government contract to catch tax evaders

The Centre's contract, to track social media accounts of taxpayers to see if their spending patterns are in accordance with their tax declarations in order to nab the tax evaders, was awarded to India's largest engineering conglomerate Larsen & Toubro Ltd-owned L&T Infotech Ltd.

Tata Motors bags Centre's 10,000 electric cars' order

The Centre has been pushing for a reduction in traditional fuel cars to tackle pollution.

Centre to increase retirement-age of govt. doctors to 65 years

To address the shortage of doctors in India and boost public healthcare services, the Centre has decided to extend the retirement age of central government doctors to 65 years from 60.

J&K omitted from India map in the latest FIFA game

In a major embarrassment for the world's leading game creator, Electronic Arts (EA) Sports, the latest version of the FIFA game does not show the state of J&K in the map of India.

Bibek Debroy appointed Chairman of PM Modi's Economic Advisory Council

Amid criticism of Centre's GST regime and demonetization drive, and an economic slowdown, PM Narendra Modi has decided to constitute the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

Rajiv Mehrishi succeeds Shashi Kant Sharma as CAG

Following the completion of his term as Union Home Secretary on 30 August, Rajiv Mehrishi has taken over as India's Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), succeeding Shashi Kant Sharma who demitted office on 22 September.

Central government launches mobile app, pension adalats for the retirees

Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions Ministry will now launch a mobile app to help central government employees, who are scheduled to retire.

Centre argues firmly for Rohingyas' deportation in affidavit to SC

The Centre has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court in which it firmly argued for the deportation of an estimated 40,000 illegal Rohingya refugees living in India.

Govt may get Rs. 15,000cr from NIA, GIC Re IPOs

The NDA government intends to rake around Rs. 11,000 crore by selling shares of four state-owned non-life insurers and the national reinsurer, according to its disinvestment plans for the current fiscal.

Centre hikes dearness allowance benefiting 1.1 crore employees and pensioners

The Centre has increased the dearness allowance and dearness relief by 1% over the existing rate of 4% of the basic pay or pension.

Only Rs. 4,900cr disclosed under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) recovered a mere Rs. 4,900 crore worth black money, disclosed by 21,000 Indians.

Government scraps Rs. 8700 crore funding project for IITs

The finance ministry has rejected a Rs. 8,700cr scheme that was being planned for seven IITs to improve their global standing.

Centre and PwC partner up to promote digital payments

According to reports, consulting agency Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) is now assisting the Central government to devise methods and ways by which it will be able to increase the frequency of digital payments in India.

Cabinet reshuffle: Nirmala Sitharaman new defense minister, Goyal gets Railways

After the Narendra Modi government's third cabinet reshuffle, Nirmala Sitharaman has become the new defense minister, the first woman to hold the portfolio after Indira Gandhi.

GST Update: Government waives penalty on late returns for July

Bringing much-needed relief, the Center, on the recommendations of the GST Council, has decided to not impose the fine of Rs. 200 per day on those who haven't been able to file their GST returns within the deadline. Note: This relaxation is only in place for July.

Cabinet Reshuffle: Know the new faces

In a bid to fill vacancies and bring in fresh thoughts, the Modi government is set to induct nine new cabinet ministers on Sunday, right before PM Modi leaves for China to attend the 9th BRICS Summit.

First-ever rules allow government to shutdown internet

Under new rules issued by the communication ministry, the government now has the legal power to temporarily shut down phone and internet services in the event of a "public emergency" or for "public safety".

Dec 31 deadline for mandatory Aadhaar for social benefits: Centre

The Centre has told the SC it will extend the deadline to mandatorily produce Aadhaar for social benefits till December 31.

Cabinet re-shuffle in a fortnight: Difficult decisions await Modi-Shah duo

The last cabinet reshuffle before the 2019 elections would most likely happen in a fortnight.

How is Modi's MGNREGA different from UPA's?

Even after calling it a "living monument of UPA's failure," PM Narendra Modi continues with UPA's flagship scheme, MGNREGA.

Government to strengthen existing laws to curb offensive online speech

In 2015, the Supreme Court quashed Section 66(A) of the Information Technology Act, calling it "unconstitutional".

Encouraging generic medicines, capping margins: Government's proposals in pharmaceutics

After capping prices of stents and knee implants, the government is now planning to restrict trade margins to make drugs cheaper and boost the local industry.