News for 'Department of Personnel and Training'

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Five people were killed after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Monday afternoon, officials said.

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday when forest personnel alerted the Rajdhani Express after spotting a large herd of elephants crossing a railway track, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Major IPS reshuffle: Six 1995-batch officers promoted to top CAPF, IB posts

Major IPS reshuffle: Six 1995-batch officers promoted to top CAPF, IB posts

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

In a major bureaucratic rejig, the Central government on Thursday promoted six 1995-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officers holding senior ranks in different Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

PNB targets wealth management entry by 2027, ramps up credit card portfolio

PNB targets wealth management entry by 2027, ramps up credit card portfolio

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) is strategically planning to enter the wealth management segment by early 2027 and significantly expand its credit card portfolio, aiming to tap into lucrative markets largely dominated by private-sector banks.

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Retired police dogs in Maharashtra will now be allowed to stay with the security force for life rather than being sent to adoptive homes, following a directive by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, officials said on Sunday.

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court has indicated that its judges may personally visit the National Testing Agency (NTA) to examine its upgraded facilities aimed at preventing recurring NEET paper leaks. This unusual move underscores the court's emphasis on institutional strengthening and permanent solutions. The NTA informed the bench that it has overhauled its system, while a high-powered panel is also working on structural reforms to ensure foolproof examination processes.

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose again on Sunday, days after a devastating flash flood struck Nepal, authorities warned, urging residents and rescue personnel in flood-hit districts to remain alert.

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to constitute a special bench to address the Centre's plea regarding the applicability of its March 11 judgment on OBC creamy-layer criteria to candidates of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation for 958 recommended candidates based on the creamy-layer determination applied before the verdict, citing potential unequal treatment and disruption to training schedules.

Foreigner dies at Surat station RPF post after brawl, probe launched

Foreigner dies at Surat station RPF post after brawl, probe launched

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A foreign national passed away at the Railway Protection Force post in Surat after being deboarded from a train following a fight with co-passengers. The Government Railway Police has launched a custodial death investigation into the incident, as the man's identity and nationality remain unknown.

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Haldwani forest division has launched India's first AI-based forest acoustic surveillance system. This innovative technology uses AI, acoustic sensors, and long-range wireless communication to detect illegal logging, poaching, and other suspicious activities in real-time, even in remote areas. Powered by solar energy, the system provides continuous monitoring, significantly enhancing forest protection, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity monitoring efforts.

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

An Assam native, Madhur Jya Sonowal, who escaped from Aluva Sub Jail, surprisingly went to the Perumbavoor police station to retrieve his Aadhaar card. Police have intensified their search for Sonowal, who fled the station after being recognised by officials. A detailed investigation into the security lapse has been launched.

Gujarat Jail Staff To Receive Mental Health Training

Gujarat Jail Staff To Receive Mental Health Training

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A week-long mental health training programme, 'Psychological Risk Assessment, Health Awareness and Resilience' (PRAHARI), has commenced for jail staff at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The initiative aims to equip prison personnel with skills to identify and manage mental health risks among inmates and to support their own mental well-being.

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court will consider the Centre's plea for clarification on the applicability of its March 11 judgement regarding OBC creamy-layer criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The government highlights practical difficulties and potential unequal treatment of candidates if the ruling is applied retrospectively, as the CSE 2025 selection process concluded before the verdict. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation based on the pre-March 11 criteria to avoid disruption to training schedules and ensure fairness for candidates.

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

In response to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has initiated a significant security upgrade, floating a Rs 7.5 crore tender for comprehensive, round-the-clock security services to protect its critical infrastructure and confidential examination materials.

Environment ministry removes three senior officials in surprise rejig

Environment ministry removes three senior officials in surprise rejig

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Environment Ministry has removed its private secretary and two additional private secretaries through three separate orders issued on July 3. While one was removed on "administrative grounds" and another "prematurely repatriated," the appointment of the third was terminated, with no specific reasons publicly stated for these significant personnel changes.

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.

Exam train protest turns violent in Patna; tracks blocked, traffic hit

Exam train protest turns violent in Patna; tracks blocked, traffic hit

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A mob disrupted railway traffic at Pataliputra station in Patna, alleging insufficient trains for a competitive exam. Police resorted to tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, which also engaged in stone-pelting. Authorities suspect anti-social elements were involved, aiming to cancel the exams, and are using CCTV footage to identify culprits.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court to challenge an Allahabad High Court order that directed the CBI and ED to verify allegations of disproportionate assets against him. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on August 17. The Allahabad High Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's progress and ordered a fresh affidavit, also allowing the ED to proceed if illegality was found during its inquiry. The case stems from a plea by a BJP worker alleging disproportionate assets and dual citizenship.

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet on a Phuket-Delhi flight, injuring 24 people. The pilot-in-command was subsequently terminated after testing positive for banned psychoactive substances, though the AAIB has not linked this to the technical failure.

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems mid-flight, causing an altitude upset and injuring 24 people. A preliminary investigation revealed the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance post-flight, leading to their termination, while the technical aspects of the incident are still under scrutiny.

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The pilots testing positive have been removed from duty, with their samples sent for confirmatory testing.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

For Rs 2, E-Eye Can Check If Water Is Safe

For Rs 2, E-Eye Can Check If Water Is Safe

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

E-Eye, which cost about Rs 3,500 to develop, can test a sample for around Rs 2, making it particularly suitable for field-level water quality monitoring in areas where access to sophisticated laboratories is limited.

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has provided significant relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by directing the Allahabad High Court to cease proceedings in a case alleging disproportionate assets against him. The apex court also instructed the CBI and ED not to submit any reports based on the high court's previous directives.

Assam Train Tragedy: Father Accused of Killing Six-Year-Old Daughter

Assam Train Tragedy: Father Accused of Killing Six-Year-Old Daughter

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A six-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her father on a train at Silanibari station in Assam's Lakhimpur district. The father has been arrested, and an investigation is underway to determine the motive.

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The United States military is scheduled to complete its withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a 23-year deployment that began with the 2003 invasion and later focused on combating the Islamic State group.

Chembur tree collapse: Contractor fined, BMC to implement new SOPs

Chembur tree collapse: Contractor fined, BMC to implement new SOPs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A committee investigating the fatal Chembur tree crash has recommended fines of Rs 5 lakh on the roadwork contractor and Rs 2 lakh on the supervising consultant. The panel found no prima facie fault with BMC's garden and roads departments but suggested implementing a Standard Operating Procedure for urban tree safety and appointing tree experts to oversee pruning work to prevent future incidents.

The Woman Making History On India's Oldest Toy Train

The Woman Making History On India's Oldest Toy Train

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Sarita Yolma is the first woman Train Ticket Examiner on the 145-year-old Darjeeling Hill Railway. 'It is a dream journey,' she says.

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements, including AI-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and police escorts, to ensure the smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

4 killed in landslide, wall collapse in Pune, two swept away; 500 shifted

4 killed in landslide, wall collapse in Pune, two swept away; 500 shifted

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A landslide in Maval tehsil, Pune district, has buried a house, with three family members feared trapped. Rescue operations are underway by NDRF and police, while heavy rainfall has also caused waterlogging and partial closure of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

BEST employees continued their strike in Mumbai for a second day, causing significant disruption to public transport despite appeals from the Maharashtra Transport Minister and the invocation of MESMA. Commuters were forced to rely on alternative, overcrowded transport options, while the striking unions maintained their demands for budget merger, improved pay, and absorption of contractual workers.

Elephant-train collision: Injured calf dies, toll rises to 8

Elephant-train collision: Injured calf dies, toll rises to 8

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

"The calf, the only tusker which had survived the accident, died this morning while undergoing treatment at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga," Nagaon Division's Forest Ranger Shamim Akhtar told PTI.

Bihar government withdraws Z-plus security for Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi

Bihar government withdraws Z-plus security for Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Bihar government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover for RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and Y-category security for Tej Pratap, following a review of VIP protection in the state. They will now receive security from the Bihar Special Armed Police.

Delhi CM Orders Redevelopment Plan For Burari DTO

Delhi CM Orders Redevelopment Plan For Burari DTO

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered officials to prepare a redevelopment plan for the Burari district transport office (DTO) following complaints about inadequate facilities.

India's Government Embraces AI for Efficiency and Transparency

India's Government Embraces AI for Efficiency and Transparency

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in India is actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into government processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accuracy. Initiatives include AI-enabled solutions for salary processing, grievance handling, and training content development, with a focus on data security and ethical use.

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states and Union Territories, recommending mandatory annual POSH audits and other measures to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The advisory aims to ensure safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive working environments for women across all sectors, emphasising institutional accountability, proper committee constitution, and robust awareness programmes.

'This is not monarchy': Bihar CM's jibe at Rabri over govt bungalow

'This is not monarchy': Bihar CM's jibe at Rabri over govt bungalow

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary criticised the RJD regarding the allotment of government bungalows, referencing the dispute over Rabri Devi's residence.