News for 'Central and State'

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into Naveen Babu Death

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into Naveen Babu Death

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The UDF government in Kerala is likely to hand over the probe into former ADM Naveen Babu's death to the CBI, with a Cabinet decision expected soon in this regard.

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

Rediff.com23 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state government will introduce a new recruitment policy in the next Budget session to address irregularities and scams that occurred during the previous Trinamool Congress government.

Supreme Court Urges Strict Enforcement Of PCPNDT Act To Combat Sex Selection

Supreme Court Urges Strict Enforcement Of PCPNDT Act To Combat Sex Selection

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has called for strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to counter the deep-seated patriarchal preference for male children and prevalent sex-selection practices. The court highlighted declining child sex ratios and the continued need for efforts despite government welfare schemes, stressing that true equality is yet to be achieved. The observations were made while dismissing a doctor's appeal in a PCPNDT Act violation case.

Seven Women Arrested In Bengaluru Prostitution Racket

Seven Women Arrested In Bengaluru Prostitution Racket

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Bengaluru police arrested seven women for allegedly running a prostitution racket from rented houses. The arrests followed raids by the Central Crime Branch's Women Protection Squad, and five women involved in prostitution were rescued.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

PM has to speak up: Rahul Gandhi on 3 Indians killed in US strikes

PM has to speak up: Rahul Gandhi on 3 Indians killed in US strikes

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the deaths of three Indian seafarers in US military strikes on commercial vessels, calling Modi a 'compromised PM' who lacks the courage to confront those responsible.

Why The ED Searched Vedanta Group Under FEMA

Why The ED Searched Vedanta Group Under FEMA

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches against the Vedanta Group as part of a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) probe, officials said on Tuesday. The action was launched against the mining conglomerate on Monday, initiated after the central agency began investigating the Anil Agarwal-promoted company.

Yoga can pave way for world peace: Modi

Yoga can pave way for world peace: Modi

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata, highlighted yoga's dual benefits: boosting personal health and fostering world peace. He emphasised its role in promoting a balanced lifestyle, mental well-being, and healthy ageing across all generations, citing the Bhagwat Gita.

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'Even lower middle class parents in cities opt for just one child. A son is a must.'

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Law enforcement agencies in Mizoram conducted two significant anti-narcotics operations, resulting in the seizure of over 1.5 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 3.3 crore. Five individuals were arrested in connection with these operations, which involved inter-state drug trafficking routes from Manipur and within Mizoram to Assam.

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'They talked bad about our leaders. They said India was a dead economy. They were not sensitive to the Indian psyche.'

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Congress party has announced its seven candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Meenakshi Natarajan, Praveen Chakravarty, Neeraj Dangi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Pranav Jha, representing various states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand. The elections are set for June 18.

History-Sheeter Arrested In Faridabad After Exchange Of Fire

History-Sheeter Arrested In Faridabad After Exchange Of Fire

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Faridabad police have arrested Sonu, a history-sheeter wanted in multiple theft and housebreaking cases, following a brief exchange of fire near Machhgar village. The accused, who has 28 criminal cases against him in Noida, attempted to flee and opened fire on police, but was apprehended.

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told INDIA bloc leaders that despite public anger indicating a win for the opposition, the main challenge is the alleged lack of free and fair elections due to the BJP's control over state institutions. He urged unity and a strategy of 'resistance' against what he termed election 'theft'.

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has formally appealed to the Election Commission, demanding an immediate reversal of the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls, labelling the decision as 'egregious' and a 'subversion of democracy'.

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Centre has notified draft rules for the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, outlining the framework for the new rural employment programme replacing MGNREGA. The draft rules are open for public feedback until June 21, 2026.

Governor accepts Siddaramaiah's resignation

Governor accepts Siddaramaiah's resignation

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation, and the Governor dissolved the Council of Ministers. Siddaramaiah will continue as CM until alternative arrangements are made. D K Shivakumar is likely to succeed him, and both are in Delhi to discuss the transition with the Congress high command.

'Good night, take care of kids': Indian sailor's last message to wife

'Good night, take care of kids': Indian sailor's last message to wife

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The family of Suresh, a 44-year-old marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, is grieving after he was among three Indian crew members killed in a US military strike on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast, shattering their dreams of a family reunion for their 15th wedding anniversary.

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Tamil invocation song was rendered last during the swearing-in of new ministers. Left parties have criticised the decision to sing the Tamil anthem after Vande Mataram and the national anthem.

Doctors, academics among 35 new faces in Adhikari's Cabinet

Doctors, academics among 35 new faces in Adhikari's Cabinet

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Thirty-five BJP MLAs were sworn in as ministers as part of an expansion of the Suvendu Adhikari-led cabinet in West Bengal. The oath-taking ceremony took place weeks after Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister.

 Weakness Unlikely To Trigger RBI Rate Hike

Weakness Unlikely To Trigger RBI Rate Hike

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'The MPC is likely to prioritise the key mandate, which is inflation, while relying on other instruments to stabilise the currency and bond markets.'

GST 2.0 guidelines fail to resolve refund delays for large taxpayers

GST 2.0 guidelines fail to resolve refund delays for large taxpayers

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Despite the Centre's GST 2.0 guidelines aiming to facilitate provisional refunds within seven days for low-risk cases, many large taxpayers are still encountering significant delays in obtaining Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds under the inverted duty structure (IDS), with experts citing inconsistent state-level scrutiny and subjective interpretations.

CID storms Mamata's residence, Abhishek's office in forgery probe

CID storms Mamata's residence, Abhishek's office in forgery probe

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A CID team visited the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s central office in Kolkata as part of an investigation into alleged forged signatures of MLAs. The controversy, which involves a proposal for the Leader of Opposition, has triggered an unprecedented split within the party, with a rebel faction electing its own leader. TMC leaders prevented the CID from entering the premises, citing the absence of national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Banks Make Record Profits, But Worry Because...

Banks Make Record Profits, But Worry Because...

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The asymmetry in deposit and credit growth is the biggest challenge before the Indian banking industry. For every 100 deposit that a bank mobilises, it needs to keep 3 with the banking regulator in the form of cash reserve ratio on which it doesn't earn any interest. Another 18 is used for buying government bonds (statutory liquidity ratio). This means, a bank is left with 79 for giving credit. Add to this, its capital which can be used for giving loans. Most banks are facing a fund crunch. They need to find ways to attract deposits if they want to sustain credit growth, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

TMC leader Jahangir Khan, a close aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was made to walk through areas of Falta as part of an investigation into the 2021 post-poll violence. Khan, currently in police custody, was arrested while allegedly trying to flee and is being investigated for his role in the alleged violence.

How J&K Police Are Using PIT-NDPS Act Against Drug Peddlers

How J&K Police Are Using PIT-NDPS Act Against Drug Peddlers

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Two habitual drug peddlers, Suresh Kumar and Hussain Mohd, have been detained in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. This action by the Reasi Police underscores their commitment to combating the drug menace, leveraging the Act's provisions for preventive detention against individuals repeatedly involved in narcotics trafficking.

Court allows CBI to arrest Reliance Group executive in bank loan case

Court allows CBI to arrest Reliance Group executive in bank loan case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A Mumbai court has granted the CBI permission to arrest Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, a former senior executive at Reliance Group, in connection with a case involving the alleged misuse of bank loans. Jhunjhunwala was already in judicial custody in Delhi for a related money laundering case.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, notably omitting Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose terms end soon. This decision, alongside other recent appointments, has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. The list includes new faces and senior party leaders from various states.

Karnataka MLA's Sons Face ED Grilling Over Crypto Money Laundering

Karnataka MLA's Sons Face ED Grilling Over Crypto Money Laundering

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned the two sons of Karnataka Congress MLA N A Haris for questioning in a crypto currency-linked money laundering case. The case involves hacking websites, stealing bitcoins, and selling virtual digital assets, with the Nalapad brothers previously denying wrongdoing and alleging political vendetta.

ED Attaches Unitech Group Assets In Money Laundering Case

ED Attaches Unitech Group Assets In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 634 crore of a Unitech Group realty project in Noida as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraud with homebuyers.

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

Key Manipur Insurgent Commander Arrested In Delhi: Details

Key Manipur Insurgent Commander Arrested In Delhi: Details

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Security forces have arrested Haobijam Dilip Singh, a key commander of the banned Manipuri insurgent outfit Kangleipak Communist Party, in Delhi. The arrest led to the seizure of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives in Manipur's Kakching district.

Modi, Trump share warm meeting at G7 amid strained ties

Modi, Trump share warm meeting at G7 amid strained ties

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump exchanged pleasantries and held a brief conversation at the G7 summit, their first in-person encounter in 16 months, setting the stage for high-stakes bilateral talks amidst continuing strain in India-US relations.

Former RCom MD Amitabh Jhunjhunwala In Judicial Custody

Former RCom MD Amitabh Jhunjhunwala In Judicial Custody

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, former group managing director of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications, has been remanded in 14-day judicial custody in an alleged bank loan fraud case. The CBI alleges misutilisation of loan funds, causing significant losses to a consortium of banks led by SBI.

Twisha Sharma Death Case: Husband Remanded To CBI Custody

Twisha Sharma Death Case: Husband Remanded To CBI Custody

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A court in Bhopal has remanded Samarth Singh, the husband of deceased model-actor Twisha Sharma, to CBI custody as the agency takes over the investigation into her death.

CBI Uncovers Rs 657 Crore Fraud In Haryana And Chandigarh Government Funds

CBI Uncovers Rs 657 Crore Fraud In Haryana And Chandigarh Government Funds

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The CBI has filed two chargesheets in connection with the siphoning of Rs 657 crore from Haryana government and Chandigarh Smart City Limited funds held at IDFC First Bank. The fraud involved fictitious transactions, shell entities, and alleged gold purchases and real estate investments, with IDFC First Bank having already reimbursed the Haryana government.

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to hold comprehensive talks focusing on a bilateral trade deal, defence cooperation, and energy and critical minerals sectors during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.