News for 'Committee of Secretaries'

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the Congress party would welcome Mallikarjun Kharge as the chief minister of the state, amid speculation about leadership change and cabinet reshuffle.

Ex-IOA Chief Narayana Ramachandran Dies After Illness

Ex-IOA Chief Narayana Ramachandran Dies After Illness

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narayana Ramachandran has died in Chennai after a prolonged illness at the age of 77. He served as IOA president from 2014 to 2017 and held key positions in international squash federations.

Jharkhand Parties Demand Pay For Police Amid Treasury Scam

Jharkhand Parties Demand Pay For Police Amid Treasury Scam

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Opposition parties in Jharkhand are demanding the release of salaries for police personnel, which have been withheld following the discovery of irregularities in treasury funds across several districts. The police association claims that over 70,000 personnel have not been paid since March, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and prompt action from the state government.

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A US trade representative described India as a 'tough nut to crack' during trade agreement negotiations in Washington, highlighting India's protection of its agricultural markets and the ongoing discussions on specific commodities.

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition by an advocate seeking quick disposal of a maintenance case against his wife, calling it 'vexatious' and imposed a significant fine for concealing facts and misusing his wife's funds.

Goa nightclub fire: Sarpanch disqualified, panchayat secretary axed

Goa nightclub fire: Sarpanch disqualified, panchayat secretary axed

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Goa government takes action against officials after a magisterial inquiry reveals negligence in connection with a nightclub fire that killed 25 people.

Trump orders US Navy to shoot and kill mine-laying boats in Hormuz

Trump orders US Navy to shoot and kill mine-laying boats in Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he has directed the country's Navy to take decisive action against any vessels attempting to lay mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tension over the virtual control of the waterway between Tehran and Washington.

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress MP K C Venugopal has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging breach of privilege during a recent address to the nation.

VHP Demands Action Against Radical Networks Amid Delhi Attack Claims

VHP Demands Action Against Radical Networks Amid Delhi Attack Claims

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has alleged a rise in targeted attacks on Hindus in Delhi, demanding a high-level review and the formation of a special task force to counter radical networks.

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Haryana government has approved expenditure of 1,028 crore for various projects across multiple departments, including police housing, public works, and irrigation, aiming to enhance infrastructure and public services in the state.

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

HDFC Bank reports a 12% credit growth for the March quarter, alongside the unexpected resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, due to ethical concerns.

Odisha CEO orders verification of 9.8 lakh voter deletions

Odisha CEO orders verification of 9.8 lakh voter deletions

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer has ordered a thorough verification of nearly 1 million voter deletions following complaints of wrongful removals, particularly concerning deceased voters and those who may have shifted residences.

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remark calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist' has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, who have demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Vaishnaw Chairs Meeting on AI, Emerging Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing

Vaishnaw Chairs Meeting on AI, Emerging Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw chaired a meeting focusing on Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies, and electronics hardware manufacturing, highlighting India's progress and future roadmap in these sectors.

10 US scientists with crucial info die, disappear; probe ordered

10 US scientists with crucial info die, disappear; probe ordered

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The US administration has ordered a probe into the deaths and disappearances of at least 10 top US scientists and researchers with access to information related to aerospace, defence and extra-terrestrial life.

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The TMC has dismissed reports of I-PAC suspending operations in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of conspiring to disrupt the party's election campaign through intimidation. Mamata Banerjee has offered jobs to I-PAC employees if they are forced out.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Electoral Sabotage

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as "Electoral Sabotage"

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly condemned the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it is a politically motivated act of "electoral sabotage" ahead of the West Bengal elections.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Report Reveals Collusion in Pune Land Deal Involving Parth Pawar's Company

Report Reveals Collusion in Pune Land Deal Involving Parth Pawar's Company

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A committee investigating the sale of government land in Pune to a company co-owned by Parth Pawar has found that officials from revenue, stamp, and registration departments facilitated the illegal transaction.

AIFF Justifies Women's Team Coach Choice, Explains Kit Issues

AIFF Justifies Women's Team Coach Choice, Explains Kit Issues

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has defended its decision to appoint Amelia Valverde as head coach of the women's national team and addressed the controversy surrounding team kits during the Asian Cup.

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Congress party has directed its MPs to attend Parliament and protest against the FCRA Amendment Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to minority organisations. The government asserts the bill aims to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds.

Indian Badminton Players Still Waiting for Certificates After University Games Exclusion

Indian Badminton Players Still Waiting for Certificates After University Games Exclusion

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Six Indian badminton players are still awaiting participation certificates promised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) after an administrative lapse prevented them from competing at the World University Games.

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, calling it politically motivated and a misuse of official platforms during ongoing elections.

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that nearly 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the West Asia conflict, and 23,000 students in the Gulf region missed CBSE exams due to the turmoil.

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

LPG crisis may cut sugar demand by 400,000 tonnes: Isma chief

LPG crisis may cut sugar demand by 400,000 tonnes: Isma chief

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

India's sugar consumption is projected to fall by nearly 400,000 tonnes in the 2025-26 season, primarily due to the ongoing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage exacerbated by the West Asia conflict and unseasonably cool weather.

Delhi's Drone Policy Aims for Safe Operations and Ecosystem Growth

Delhi's Drone Policy Aims for Safe Operations and Ecosystem Growth

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Delhi government is developing a drone policy focused on creating research clusters, establishing testing facilities, enabling drone use in traffic management, and providing subsidies to support the drone ecosystem.

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Atanu Chakraborty has resigned as chairman of HDFC Bank, citing ethical concerns, marking an unusual departure and prompting the appointment of an interim chairman.

SC orders CBI probe into Arunachal contracts linked to CM's kin

SC orders CBI probe into Arunachal contracts linked to CM's kin

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the awarding of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh to companies allegedly owned by family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Punjab CM Refuses CBI Inquiry, Backs State Police in Suicide Case

Punjab CM Refuses CBI Inquiry, Backs State Police in Suicide Case

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has rejected calls for a CBI investigation into the alleged suicide of an official in Amritsar, asserting the Punjab Police's capability to conduct a fair probe and promising no protection for anyone involved.

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Events from mid-2025 to early 2026 exposed deeper systemic concerns for India's aviation safety architecture.

'Get serious before...': Trump claims Iran 'begging' for deal

'Get serious before...': Trump claims Iran 'begging' for deal

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Despite heightened tensions and Iran's rejection of a US-backed ceasefire, President Trump claims Iran is now 'begging' for a deal.

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) has announced its departure from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, citing the DMK's 'big brother' attitude and unmet demands.

World Cup 2027: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Under Keen Watch In IPL 2026

World Cup 2027: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Under Keen Watch In IPL 2026

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

IPL 2026 will be more about tracking the performance of those 20-odd players who are going to be in the mix for the 50-overs World Cup.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'