News for 'All States Power Ministers Conference'

'If not them, then who carried out Mumbai train blasts?'

'If not them, then who carried out Mumbai train blasts?'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Survivors of the 2006 Mumbai train blasts express shock and disappointment after the Bombay High Court acquitted all 12 accused, citing lack of evidence. They feel justice has not been served after 19 years.

Pakistan launches bitcoin reserve in presence of Trump's sons

Pakistan launches bitcoin reserve in presence of Trump's sons

Rediff.com29 May 2025

In a major initiative, Pakistan has announced the establishment of its first government-backed Strategic Bitcoin reserve as it invited investment in the country's crypto markets.

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

From royalty to a tea vendor-turned-politician's wife and from a first lady to a Bengali actress, the 18 Muslim women who treaded the hallowed corridors of power in the Lok Sabha are an eclectic mix, with each of them having an interesting backstory, but one common thread -- their path to power was always strewn with struggle and hurdles.

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

India has to fill in all the critical gaps in missiles, ammunition, sensors and stockpile in the fastest possible manner, focusing on the critical instruments that worked this time, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

A nationwide strike called by trade unions to protest against the central government's labor policies had a mixed impact across India. While normal life remained largely unaffected in most parts of the country, some sectors like banking, transport, and insurance experienced disruptions. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in West Bengal.

Mukesh Ambani's ambitious vision for the next 10 years

Mukesh Ambani's ambitious vision for the next 10 years

Rediff.com1 May 2025

India's versatile media and entertainment industry can grow more than three-fold to $100 billion in the next decade, creating millions of jobs and a ripple effect across sectors, billionaire Mukesh Ambani said on Thursday.

If ISI, RAW sit together, we would see...: Bilawal Bhutto

If ISI, RAW sit together, we would see...: Bilawal Bhutto

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Bhutto, who served as the Foreign Minister earlier, addressed a briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York and sought reconciliation with India, making a plea for talks and Intel sharing between the two neighbours.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Maharashtra ministers get 2.5-year performance deadline

Maharashtra ministers get 2.5-year performance deadline

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the Mahayuti allies have agreed to conduct a 'performance audit' of ministers during their tenure.

Days after SC verdict TN governor calls meeting of VCs

Days after SC verdict TN governor calls meeting of VCs

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Amidst ongoing tensions with the ruling DMK government, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has invited Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar to inaugurate a meeting of state university Vice Chancellors in the Nilgiris district, sparking criticism from political parties, particularly the Left, who have urged a boycott. The meeting comes in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Tamil Nadu government regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors, which has stripped the Governor of his previous authority as Chancellor. The Governor, however, maintains his right to convene the meeting, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the Governor and the state government. The meeting is scheduled for April 25 and 26.

Beware The American Deep State

Beware The American Deep State

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Do not underestimate the ingenuity of the Deep State in America to have its way. Keeping the guard down will be a catastrophic mistake on the part of the Delhi establishment. We could get hit when least expected. That's what happened in Bangladesh and Syria, warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

If the only superpower, which calls India an ally, sees the region through an India-Pakistan prism, it is unacceptable. Rather than endorse India's sphere of influence, this undermines it, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Vijay is counting on what was once proclaimed as his last filmi outing, Jana Nayagan, or 'People's Hero', to do the trick for him, when it releases on January 9, 2026, only months before the assembly poll, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Special NIA court formed to try cases related to Manipur violence

Special NIA court formed to try cases related to Manipur violence

Rediff.com23 May 2025

A sessions court in Manipur's Churachandpur has been designated as a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court for the trial of cases related to ethnic violence being investigated by the NIA.

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

Rediff.com27 May 2025

On Jawaharlal Nehru's 61st death anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra recalls how India's first prime minister cultivated a unique role for the newly independent country on the world stage.

BJP storms to power in Delhi after 26 yrs as AAP bites dust

BJP storms to power in Delhi after 26 yrs as AAP bites dust

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday returned to power in Delhi after more than 26 years to sweep away the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party with a two-thirds majority on the back of a hyper localised campaign and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'AAP-da'(disaster) blitzkrieg.

What DGCA Wants AI To Check Before B787 Flights

What DGCA Wants AI To Check Before B787 Flights

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The DGCA directive called for a series of specific checks before each flight's departure from India, including inspection of fuel parameter monitoring systems, cabin air compressors, and electronic engine control units.

Wife spent a year in Pak for work, I visited once: Gogoi slams Sarma

Wife spent a year in Pak for work, I visited once: Gogoi slams Sarma

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Newly appointed Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi has denied allegations of having links to the Pakistani establishment, calling the claims made by the BJP a "C-grade Bollywood movie" that will "flop miserably." Gogoi said he had only visited Pakistan once 12 years ago with his wife, who was working on an international project focused on climate change. He questioned why the BJP government had not acted on the allegations in the past 11 years if there was any wrongdoing. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who made the initial allegations, said he would release further evidence on September 10 after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its inquiry.

AIADMK 'old bonded slave camp': Stalin on BJP tie-up

AIADMK 'old bonded slave camp': Stalin on BJP tie-up

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has condemned the alliance between the AIADMK and BJP, calling it a move driven by "hunger for power" and against the ideals of protecting state rights. He accused the alliance of being formed based on corruption and said it is doomed to fail. Stalin also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for failing to address key issues like NEET and Hindi imposition, claiming that the BJP's agenda is to eradicate Tamil language and undermine Tamil Nadu's rights.

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'According to JP, Indira Gandhi was not much of a danger to democracy. He said, it was Sanjay Gandhi and his gang.'

Maternal deaths: Karnataka health minister 'ready to resign'

Maternal deaths: Karnataka health minister 'ready to resign'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Another maternal death has been reported at the Ballari Medical College and Research Centre (BMCRC), bringing the total number of such fatalities in the past month to five.

Ties with Pak will never improve until...: Farooq Abdullah

Ties with Pak will never improve until...: Farooq Abdullah

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Terming Pakistan as a 'failed state', National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday said relations between New Delhi and Islamabad would never improve until a peoples' government is elected in the neighbouring country.

Strategic Calculus Driving Pakistani Actions

Strategic Calculus Driving Pakistani Actions

Rediff.com10 May 2025

It is important for India to pay close attention to both the tone and substance of authoritative remarks coming out of Pakistan, explains former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

How EPS, Stalin Keep Allies In Check

How EPS, Stalin Keep Allies In Check

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

EPS' acceptance of Amit Shah's proposal for an electoral alliance with the BJP is being interpreted to mean how the AIADMK has signed up the NDA national leader as a junior partner. Not many have appreciated EPS for this strategic move that has now forced the BJP to play second fiddle to the AIADMK. This has meant that the BJP has buried its ambitions of capturing power in Tamil Nadu now, and is willing to wait until after the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The mortal remains of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh were consigned to flames at the Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday amid the chanting of religious hymns. The funeral pyre was lit by his eldest daughter Upinder Singh.

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Hemant Soren weathers BJP blitz, returns to power in Jharkhand

Hemant Soren weathers BJP blitz, returns to power in Jharkhand

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

In a stunning comeback, Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led alliance on Saturday stormed to power in Jharkhand for a second consecutive term, winning 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, despite an all-out blitz by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance which managed only 24 seats.

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

A Governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 of the Constitution in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers, the Supreme Court has held.

Caste census decision exposes...: BJP

Caste census decision exposes...: BJP

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the next census has exposed the difference between the Modi government's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the Congress.

AFSPA extended in Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 months

AFSPA extended in Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 months

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.

Maha cabinet expanded with 39 ministers; BJP gets 19 berths, Sena 11

Maha cabinet expanded with 39 ministers; BJP gets 19 berths, Sena 11

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The 10-day-old BJP-led Mahayuti alliance ministry in Maharashtra was expanded on Sunday, with 39 ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. The BJP secured 19 ministerial berths, followed by 11 for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and 9 for Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. Governor P C Radhakrishnan administered the oath to the new ministers at the ceremony held in Nagpur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were present.

UN Security Council to hold closed consultations on Indo-Pak tensions today

UN Security Council to hold closed consultations on Indo-Pak tensions today

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The UN Security Council will hold closed consultations on Monday on the situation between India and Pakistan after Islamabad sought an emergency meeting on the issue. Pakistan, which currently sits as a non-permanent member of the council, requested the meeting in light of rising tensions between the two countries following a terror attack in India. The meeting comes after India's foreign minister spoke with all council members except China and Pakistan, emphasizing the need to bring perpetrators of the attack to justice. The Pakistani envoy has argued that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir poses a threat to regional and international peace and security, justifying the need for a council discussion.

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'What does Indira Gandhi want from me? At this age, what will I do to her?'

After Waqf, BJP will move to land of temples: Uddhav

After Waqf, BJP will move to land of temples: Uddhav

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has slammed the BJP over its stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the party of a "fraudulent" approach and of trying to take away land for its industrialist friends. He also dared the BJP to remove the green color from its party flag if it disliked Muslims. Thackeray's comments come after the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Rahul's battle cry in Gujarat: 'Defeat RSS-BJP!'

Rahul's battle cry in Gujarat: 'Defeat RSS-BJP!'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has promised to revamp the party in Gujarat, vowing to defeat the BJP in the state. He acknowledged that Congress cadres are "demoralised" due to the party's long absence from power, but expressed confidence in their ability to defeat the BJP. Gandhi outlined a plan to strengthen district units, empower local leaders, and identify and remove inactive or "BJP-friendly" party members. He also emphasized the need to promote active grassroots workers and ensure a connection between the party organization and election candidates. He vowed to hold senior leaders accountable for their performance and promised to create a corpus fund for district units.

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, calling it "unconstitutional " and a lowering of the dignity of the chair. Sibal asserted that Dhankhar's remarks are not neutral and amount to an attack on the judiciary by the executive. He also pointed out that the president acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and therefore, the president's power cannot be curtailed. Sibal urged Dhankhar to seek a review of the judiciary's decision or an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court if he has problems with it. He also questioned why Dhankhar only focuses on actions taken during Congress governments and not after 2014.

Ahead of J-K results, row erupts over LG's power to nominate 5 MLAs

Ahead of J-K results, row erupts over LG's power to nominate 5 MLAs

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's power to nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was at the centre of a political and legal debate on the eve of vote count, with the Congress and regional parties the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party on Monday opposing any such move during government formation.

'Who Does Not Want To Be Prime Minister?'

'Who Does Not Want To Be Prime Minister?'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

'We are going to need more technical people in government.' 'You can't expect a generalist to understand the complicated world of financial engineering.' 'I regret to say that most of our politicians have no competence to deal with these things. Nor is there a willingness to learn.'

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has predicted that JD(U) president Nitish Kumar will contest the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar in alliance with the BJP but may switch sides later, with hopes for another term as the chief minister. Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, also asserted that Kumar's popularity has declined and he is unlikely to win a fifth consecutive term. He challenged the BJP to declare Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate, arguing that they would struggle to win seats if they did so. Kishor also criticized Kumar's leadership, accusing him of being "physically tired and mentally retired" and of "bringing disrepute to Bihar" by touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet. He said his new party will enter the fray to pull Bihar "out of the political rut" and that the state's much-touted prohibition policy is an example of the BJP's duplicity.

18 Hour Power Cuts In VIP Kashmir Seat

18 Hour Power Cuts In VIP Kashmir Seat

Rediff.com7 May 2024

'I have faced 18 hours of darkness daily all my life.'