News for 'Centre and Odisha'

162 students trapped in flooded Jharkhand school rescued

162 students trapped in flooded Jharkhand school rescued

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The students were trapped in the school located at Pandarsoli on the Haldipokhar-Kowali Road in Kowali police station area since Saturday night after the premises got flooded due to heavy rain.

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha budgets maintain revenue surpluses despite welfare schemes while Rajasthan and West Bengal face high debt, fiscal deficits and low capital outlay.

India's First Emperor

India's First Emperor

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Chandragupta Maurya was the first king to establish an empire in India. He died a monk.

ISL champs again! Mohun Bagan clinch historic title

ISL champs again! Mohun Bagan clinch historic title

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Mohun Bagan Super Giant created history by becoming the first team in the Indian Super League (ISL) to successfully defend their title. With a 1-0 victory over Odisha FC, they secured the ISL Shield and a spot in the AFC Champions League 2. The win in their 22nd league game brought their total points to 52, ensuring their victory with two matches remaining.

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The 17 rare earth elements that are at the centre of the current crisis are critical components of everyday products -- from cars to jet engines to electronics like smartphones and flat-screen TVs.

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'The nuns were subjected to abusive language and all types of mental torture.'

What Does Keeladi Tell Us About Our Civilisation?

What Does Keeladi Tell Us About Our Civilisation?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'Archaeological sites like Keeladi, having remained buried for 2,500 years, have come out and speak now.'

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Following the disruption in the supply of rare earth or permanent magnets after China's notification on April 4, the mines ministry is planning to introduce a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to recycle critical minerals, according to a top official.

Centre removes BSF chief, top officers of paramilitary forces in J-K

Centre removes BSF chief, top officers of paramilitary forces in J-K

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

The repatriation orders for the two Indian Police Service officers come in the backdrop of a spate of terror incidents in the Jammu region, along the India-Pakistan border.

BJD-BJP poll alliance talks fail, both parties to go solo in Odisha

BJD-BJP poll alliance talks fail, both parties to go solo in Odisha

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

Talks on pre-poll alliance were being held between the ruling Biju Janata Dal and the opposition BJP for the past few days.

After Bihar, Odisha starts OBC survey

After Bihar, Odisha starts OBC survey

Rediff.com1 May 2023

The survey will encompass various indicators of backwardness such as occupation, educational qualification along with the type of educational institutions attended by members of the households to gauge the social and educational conditions of the backwardness in Odisha, the official said.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

Modi flags Coldplay tour, pushes concert economy

Modi flags Coldplay tour, pushes concert economy

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Noting the success of the Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India has immense possibilities in the concert economy and urged the state governments and the private sector to invest in creating the necessary infrastructure and skills for hosting live events.

ISL: Brison's brace lifts FC Goa to victory

ISL: Brison's brace lifts FC Goa to victory

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Brison Fernandes bagged his second successive brace as visitors FC Goa notched a 4-2 victory over Odisha FC.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

With the summer approaching sooner than scheduled, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal have already started experiencing heat waves with temperatures soaring above 40°C.

Odia Recipe: Shristi's Chitau Pitha

Odia Recipe: Shristi's Chitau Pitha

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Chitau Pitha is a traditional rice cake prepared during festivals in Odisha for Chitalagi Amavasya or Chitau Amavasya celebrations.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

Odisha CM's private secretary gets Cabinet rank post day after VRS

Odisha CM's private secretary gets Cabinet rank post day after VRS

Rediff.com24 Oct 2023

Pandian joined the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in 2011, and since then, he has been Patnaik's private secretary.

India's Pranati Nayak wins bronze at FIG World Cup

India's Pranati Nayak wins bronze at FIG World Cup

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Pranati Nayak, who represented the country at the Tokyo Olympics, came up with a total score of 13.417 in the vault final to finish third, behind American duo of Jayla Hang (13.667) and Claire Pease (13.567).

'North Will Decide Who Will Rule India In Future'

'North Will Decide Who Will Rule India In Future'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The southern states will have no voice.' 'Political parties in future need to focus only on one region, the northern region, to win the general election.'

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress of repeatedly supplying "oxygen" to Pakistan, and slammed the opposition party for its leader Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks questioning the veracity of Balakot air strikes after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the Congress is full of pro-Pakistan leaders who make statements against India's interests, and mocked the party for its letter that had advised its functionaries to toe the official line on the issue. Patra also criticized other Congress leaders for their comments on the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks, accusing them of lowering the morale of the armed forces. He further slammed the Congress for claiming credit for the government's announcement of the caste census and said the party never carried out the exercise during its over 60-year stint in power.

Gymnast Pranati wins bronze at World Cup

Gymnast Pranati wins bronze at World Cup

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Pranati Nayak secured a bronze medal in the Vault Final at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup in Antalya, Turkey.

Tata Steel to file curative petition

Tata Steel to file curative petition

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Tata Steel is in the process of filing a curative petition in the Supreme Court in connection with the apex court ruling which said that states have the power to levy cess on mining and mineral-use activities. The petition by the steel manufacturing firm is aimed at seeking remedy to the order, passed by a 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on July 25. However, Tata Steel's managing director and chief executive officer T V Narendran told Business Standard that there was no demand note on the firm.

ISL: Amrinder's heroics deny Mumbai City FC

ISL: Amrinder's heroics deny Mumbai City FC

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC played out a goalless draw in the Indian Super League in Bhubaneswar on Thursday

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

CRPF sets up new base in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

CRPF sets up new base in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has established a new forward operating base in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, a region known for its strong Maoist presence. The base, located in a remote area surrounded by hills and known Maoist training camps, aims to expand the CRPF's presence in the region and counter the influence of Maoist insurgents. This is the 13th such base established in recent years as part of the government's plan to eliminate Left Wing Extremism by 2026.

Budget allocates Rs 3,481 cr to wipe out Maoist menace

Budget allocates Rs 3,481 cr to wipe out Maoist menace

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 3,481.27 crore for security-related expenditure (SRE) and the Special Infrastructure Scheme for Left Wing Extremist (LWE) areas. The BJP-led Centre has set a target of March 2026 to end the Maoists menace in the country. The allocation is considered significant in the wake of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's repeated statements that the Narendra Modi government has resolved to end Naxalism in the country by March 2026. This year, till January-end, 40 Naxalites have been killed in separate gunfights in the worst Naxal-hit state of Chhattisgarh. Last year, 219 Naxalites were neutralized by security forces in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh. Six Maoists were killed in Odisha in 2024, while eight were arrested and 24 had surrendered. According to the home ministry's data, 48 Naxals have so far been killed this year in all Naxal-affected states, 290 were killed in 2024 and 50 in 2023. The government has also established 290 camps of security forces in Naxal-affected areas since 2019 and 88 more are proposed to be set up in 2025.

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

There is a proposal from the BJP camp that they would resort to a proportion-based increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats for individual states, based on what they now have. On the face of it, this sounds like a fine argument that those demanding a 'freeze' now cannot oppose without reasons and justification, avers N Sathiya Moorthy.

Odisha reports first case as India's JN.1 Covid variant tally rises to 196

Odisha reports first case as India's JN.1 Covid variant tally rises to 196

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

Ten states and Union Territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.

Odisha train accident: 9 NDRF teams deployed for rescue ops

Odisha train accident: 9 NDRF teams deployed for rescue ops

Rediff.com3 Jun 2023

The estimated strength of these nine teams is about 240 personnel, they said.

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The exit deadline for Pakistani nationals visiting India on SAARC visas ended on April 26, while for the rest, except those on medical visas, it is set to close on Sunday, April 27 amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Majority Of Police Support Use Of Force And Torture

Majority Of Police Support Use Of Force And Torture

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Kerala police were the most sensitised to the rights of those arrested while that of Jharkhand and Gujarat the least.

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

'Depleted' Maoists calls for ceasefire but with conditions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has reiterated the state government's willingness to engage in unconditional peace talks with Naxalites, following a statement by the Maoist group outlining preconditions for a ceasefire. Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, stated that the government has already made its stance on unconditional talks clear and has implemented a surrender and rehabilitation policy for Naxal cadres. He criticized the Maoists' demands as unreasonable and emphasized the importance of ending violence and joining the national mainstream. Sharma also called on the Naxalites to send a representative if they are serious about peace talks, but ruled out the formation of a separate committee for negotiations. The Maoist statement, released in Telugu, highlighted the group's concerns regarding intensified counter-insurgency operations and alleged human rights violations. They appealed for a positive atmosphere for peace talks, calling for a halt to anti-Naxal operations and the establishment of new security camps.

Odisha train mishap: Main line tracks repaired

Odisha train mishap: Main line tracks repaired

Rediff.com4 Jun 2023

Two days after one of India's worst train accidents at Bahanaga Bazar in Odisha's Balasore district, two railway tracks have been made fit to carry trains after bulldozers and cranes removed capsized coaches on the main trunk line connecting eastern and southern India.

Railway minister used to resign: Oppn on Odisha train tragedy

Railway minister used to resign: Oppn on Odisha train tragedy

Rediff.com3 Jun 2023

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal demanded Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's resignation over the horrific triple train crash in neighbouring Odisha.

ISL: Chennaiyin escape with narrow win

ISL: Chennaiyin escape with narrow win

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Chennaiyin FC secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Punjab FC in the Indian Super League, with Daniel Chima Chukwu's late strike proving decisive.