Search results for 'Minister of State'

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha passed two Bills, including one to rename Kerala as Keralam, without debate as Opposition members continued their protests, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's presence to address police excesses against student protesters and alleged Ram temple fund irregularities.

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'Propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it's The Kerala Story or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations... If such things don't come on a public platform, how will correction occur?'

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Traffic between Assam and Meghalaya was disrupted after Guwahati-based cab operators blocked National Highway-27, protesting alleged attacks on people from Assam during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) rally in Shillong, which saw 31 vehicles damaged and several pedestrians assaulted.

Jharkhand protesters want Rahul Gandhi to break ties with JMM-led govt

Jharkhand protesters want Rahul Gandhi to break ties with JMM-led govt

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Students in Jharkhand are intensifying their protests against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation and planning to gherao his residence on August 20, while the CM assures impartial investigations and systemic reforms.

80th Independence Day: Modi vows to realise 'Viksit Bharat' dream by 2047

80th Independence Day: Modi vows to realise 'Viksit Bharat' dream by 2047

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 80th Independence Day address, expressed strong confidence that India will achieve developed nation status by 2047, urging citizens to embrace big dreams and unwavering resolve to realise 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted India's economic transformation and significant growth in various sectors, including defence production, electronic manufacturing, and mobile phone production.

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh MLAs and cabinet ministers will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 regarding the anti-sacrilege law. This decision follows a closed-door meeting in Amritsar, where Mann stated that representatives would present their views in writing. The Akal Takht had summoned Sikh legislators and ministers over objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which it claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth. Mann also addressed accusations of challenging the Akal Takht's authority and criticised political appointees for one-sided decisions.

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The PM CARES Fund experienced a 30 per cent decrease in domestic donations and an 18 per cent drop in foreign contributions during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Despite this, the total balance in the fund increased to Rs 8,452 crore, primarily held in fixed deposits and savings accounts. The fund's expenditure on the PM CARES for Children Scheme also saw a sharp reduction.

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding Chakan industrial belt in Pune district, and set up a mechanism for time-bound redressal of industrial grievances.

Himachal Bank Boosts Digital Services With New Platform

Himachal Bank Boosts Digital Services With New Platform

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the State Cooperative Bank on successfully migrating its core banking system to the 'Finacle 10.2.25' platform. This upgrade aims to provide faster, more transparent, and secure financial services, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency across its 262 branches.

CJP team attacked in Rajasthan during 'School Thik Karo' campaign

CJP team attacked in Rajasthan during 'School Thik Karo' campaign

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) team, inspecting a government school in Rampura Kanwarpura village, Rajasthan, as part of its 'School Thik Karo' campaign, was allegedly attacked by villagers and BJP workers. CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka claimed their workers were assaulted, vehicles damaged, and women supporters roughed up, accusing the state police of inaction.

Bengal BJP battles to prevent 'Trinamoolisation' of party

Bengal BJP battles to prevent 'Trinamoolisation' of party

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Three months after winning power in West Bengal, the BJP is confronting a significant political challenge: how to expand and consolidate its presence without adopting the very political culture it campaigned against, particularly concerning the integration of former TMC leaders and the need to curb practices like extortion and intimidation among its own cadres.

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.

Health of Jharkhand protesters on hunger strike stable: Officials

Health of Jharkhand protesters on hunger strike stable: Officials

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Four student protesters in Ranchi, on hunger strike against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, are in stable condition at Sadar Hospital. Two state ministers, Irfan Ansari and Shilpi Neha Tirkey, visited the students, urging them to end their fast and assuring government intervention, while students continue to demand resolution for alleged exam scams.

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted crucial resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the lone BJP member opposing both.

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Iran has strongly rejected former US President Donald Trump's assertion that the Strait of Hormuz is 'NEW U.S. TERRITORY', with top officials warning that his 'delusions' would be 'corrected' and highlighting the gap between Washington's claims and its actual influence over the strategic waterway.

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Nathuram, Gopal Godse were 'active RSS workers': Savarkar's grandnephew

Nathuram, Gopal Godse were 'active RSS workers': Savarkar's grandnephew

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Congress party has demanded that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) clarify its stance on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, Nathuram Godse, being an RSS member. This demand follows a court statement by Satyaki Savarkar, V D Savarkar's grandnephew, who testified that Nathuram Godse and his brother Gopal Godse were "active workers" of the RSS. The statement was made during a defamation complaint hearing filed by Satyaki Savarkar against Rahul Gandhi.

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, labelling it a "Frankenstein state" for its alleged support of terrorism. The remarks came after Pakistan and the OIC raised the Kashmir issue, which India firmly rejected, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir's integral status. India also deemed the Indus Water Treaty "outdated" given Pakistan's policies.

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's vehicle was surrounded by protesters, who allegedly hurled mud, slippers, and stones, while shouting 'chor' (thief) and 'dakait rani' (queen of thieves) slogans during her visit to Halisahar.

CWC plans to corner govt on student protests, Ram Temple fund issues

CWC plans to corner govt on student protests, Ram Temple fund issues

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) is set to meet to discuss the political situation in India, focusing on strategies to pressure the government regarding student issues, alleged embezzlement at the Ram temple, and upcoming Assembly elections. The meeting will also address the women's reservation bill.

How Bihar Plans To Use AI For Efficient Governance

How Bihar Plans To Use AI For Efficient Governance

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has called upon ministers and legislators to extensively use digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for balanced development and improved public outreach. He highlighted the state government's existing use of AI in welfare programmes and project cost reduction, stressing its importance for Bihar's progress in the digital era.

INDIA bloc skips LS speaker's tea party, DMK attends

INDIA bloc skips LS speaker's tea party, DMK attends

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Major opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and SP, boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die, while some opposition leaders attended a similar event in the Rajya Sabha.

Big relief for Vijay govt as SC clears jobs for Karur victims' kin

Big relief for Vijay govt as SC clears jobs for Karur victims' kin

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed a Madras High Court order that had quashed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide government jobs to relatives of those who died in a stampede at Karur last year, questioning the locus standi of petitioners challenging government policy.

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday rejected Bharatiya Janata Party leader B L Santhosh's claim that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers had protected his (Kharge's) family from Razakars during Hyderabad state's integration with India, saying that his family and people of the region were protected by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Army.

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse stated that despite 5.5 lakh students having non-updated Aadhaar IDs, no student is being deprived of government scheme benefits or facing educational hurdles. He clarified that the government is actively conducting special camps and has issued instructions to ensure continuous access to education and benefits while the update drive is underway.

Jharkhand protests: 3 FIRs filed against 39 named, 900 unnamed people

Jharkhand protests: 3 FIRs filed against 39 named, 900 unnamed people

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Three FIRs have been lodged against 39 named and more than 900 unnamed people in connection with clashes that broke out between the police and protesting job aspirants in Jharkhand's Giridih and Hazaribag, officials said on Sunday.

'Oppn can't dictate': Rijiju amid demand for Shah's statement

'Oppn can't dictate': Rijiju amid demand for Shah's statement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted in Lok Sabha that the Opposition cannot dictate which minister responds to questions, amidst demands for Home Minister Amit Shah to address police action on protesting students. The House faced continuous disruptions, leading to adjournment.

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's 544-page memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', is set to be published in November, offering an intimate account of her life, from her childhood in Italy to her experiences in India and her eventual entry into politics following personal tragedies.

'Their demands are legitimate': Rahul Gandhi asks Jharkhand CM to meet protesting students

'Their demands are legitimate': Rahul Gandhi asks Jharkhand CM to meet protesting students

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging him to personally meet with student representatives protesting irregularities in state recruitment examinations. Gandhi stressed the legitimacy and peaceful nature of the students' demands, highlighting the Congress party's support for their right to protest.

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-RSS, labelling them a "bunch of jokers" with no understanding of India, and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy as merely "hugging leaders." He also claimed the RSS has become an instrument of large capital, serving Adani and Ambani, and vowed that the Congress would keep pressure on the government until Modi and Shah resign. The BJP hit back, calling Gandhi immature and out of depth.

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

While intense protests were seen in Mandya and preventive detentions carried out at several places, life remained unaffected in major urban centres like Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Rajasthan govt restricts entry, photography in schools amid CJP campaign

Rajasthan govt restricts entry, photography in schools amid CJP campaign

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan government has issued an order restricting the entry of outsiders into government schools and barring photography and videography without prior permission, a move that follows protests over poor conditions and an announced inspection by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Israel has strongly condemned Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's "outrageous" remarks calling for Israel's annihilation and labelling it "evil" and a "curse for humanity", raising doubts about Pakistan's role as a "neutral arbiter" for peace.

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Over 50% of 18th LS bills passed in same session they were introduced: Data

Over 50% of 18th LS bills passed in same session they were introduced: Data

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

More than half of the bills introduced in the 18th Lok Sabha have been passed by both Houses in the same session, a significant acceleration compared to previous terms, raising concerns about the time available for legislative scrutiny and stakeholder consultations.

Jinnah's Secret Illness Could Have Averted Partition

Jinnah's Secret Illness Could Have Averted Partition

Rediff.com6 days ago

Had it been know that Jinnah suffered from tuberculosis and did not have much time to live, there is a possibility Partition could have been averted.

Baloch militants are 'foreign-sponsored proxies', says Pak army chief

Baloch militants are 'foreign-sponsored proxies', says Pak army chief

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has described militants operating in Balochistan as 'foreign-sponsored proxies' actively working to destabilise the province and obstruct its development.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.