News for 'Department of Personnel'

Encroachment drive launched around Sambhal mosque amid tension

Encroachment drive launched around Sambhal mosque amid tension

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Weeks after violent clashes over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, the district administration in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has launched a campaign against encroachments and illegal power theft in the area around the historic mosque. The administration began removing encroachments on Sunday morning, focusing on clearing drains outside houses and shops. The operation uncovered an illegal stockpile of domestic gas cylinders in a house, and the electricity department unearthed illegal connections in four mosques and a madrasa. The Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened by the district administration, has resumed regular worship.

Delhi schools get bomb threats for 5th time in 9 days

Delhi schools get bomb threats for 5th time in 9 days

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Bomb threats were received by a few schools in Delhi on Tuesday, making it the second such incident this week and the fifth in nine days in the national capital, officials said.

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A third-year B-Tech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, India, died by suicide in her hostel. Police are investigating a possible case of blackmail by a male student, who is currently in custody. The incident sparked protests from Nepali students on campus, leading to heightened security measures and the temporary relocation of some students.

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A high-level inter-ministerial team conducted a six-hour investigation in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, to ascertain the causes of death of 17 members of three families under mysterious circumstances. The team, led by a director-rank officer in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, collected samples and briefed by senior district, health and police officers. The team's visit follows the deaths of 16 people between December 7 and January 19. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on potential neurotoxins and a spring that tested positive for pesticides.

'Murderers Are The Most Reliable People'

'Murderers Are The Most Reliable People'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

'It would be difficult for us to run jails if it wasn't for murderers.'

Plane carrying 64 collides with chopper, crashes in US

Plane carrying 64 collides with chopper, crashes in US

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The plane, a PSA Airline Bombardier CRJ700, crashed in the Potomac River near the vicinity of Reagan National Airport, according to officials.

Odisha forms panel to probe death of Nepali student at KIIT

Odisha forms panel to probe death of Nepali student at KIIT

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Odisha government has constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nepali student at KIIT University and the subsequent protests by students. The three-member panel will investigate the institute's handling of the situation, including the suspension of students seeking justice. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of international students at the institute. The Nepal government has threatened to stop issuing no objection certificates for students studying in Odisha if the situation is not resolved.

Kumbh: 2 crore take Maghi Purnima dip; kalpvasis to return

Kumbh: 2 crore take Maghi Purnima dip; kalpvasis to return

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Amid heightened security measures, more than two crore devotees took a dip in the Sangam till 6 pm on Wednesday on the occasion of Maghi Purnima during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

No lapse on our part in Parl scuffle, will choose to....: CISF

No lapse on our part in Parl scuffle, will choose to....: CISF

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has denied any lapse on its part during the scuffle between MPs in the Parliament complex during the recently concluded Winter Session. The CISF, tasked with guarding the Parliament House Complex, said no weapons were allowed inside and it will choose to remain silent on allegations made by lawmakers. The force said it is not conducting any inquiry into the incident that took place on December 19.

7 killed as six-storey building collapses in Surat

7 killed as six-storey building collapses in Surat

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

Seven bodies have been recovered in the operation that continued through the night, Sachin GIDC police station inspector Jignesh Chaudhari said.

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

In the talks, China emphasised that the two sides should proceed from the fundamental interests of China, India and adhere to the strategic height and long-term perspective of China-India relations, the readout said.

Cylinder blast triggers fire at Maha Kumbh; 18 tents gutted, no casualty

Cylinder blast triggers fire at Maha Kumbh; 18 tents gutted, no casualty

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

A fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Sunday, engulfing 18 tents in Sector 19. The blaze, which started around 4 pm, was caused by an LPG cylinder explosion. No casualties were reported, and the fire was brought under control within an hour. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Prayagraj to review preparations ahead of Mauni Amawasya, visited the site and instructed authorities to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Home ministry office in Delhi gets hoax bomb threat

Home ministry office in Delhi gets hoax bomb threat

Rediff.com22 May 2024

It was written in the email that the "building will explode as bomb is planted", a police officer said and added that the IP address and other details of the mail are being checked.

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

The BJP has accused the Congress of politicising the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and levelling "baseless allegations" of disrespect and mismanagement at his State funeral. The Congress has countered by alleging that the government's arrangements for the funeral were a "shocking display" of disrespect. The row comes as the Congress alleges that the Centre did not allow news agencies except for DD (Doordarshan) to cover the funeral, did not provide enough space for Singh's family around the pyre, and did not stand up for the national flag during the gun salute. The BJP has refuted all of these charges.

J-K bans WhatsApp, Gmail for sensitive official documents transmission

J-K bans WhatsApp, Gmail for sensitive official documents transmission

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the use of third-party tools like WhatsApp and Gmail for transmitting sensitive official documents, citing security concerns. The order, issued by the General Administration Department, states that these platforms are not designed to handle classified information and their security protocols may not meet the stringent standards required for official communications. It highlights potential risks such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and leaks of confidential information. The order emphasizes the importance of using government email facilities, instant messaging platforms, and secure networks for handling sensitive information. It also prohibits the use of digital assistants and smartphones during discussions on classified matters. The government has warned of disciplinary action for non-compliance with these directives.

Mobile internet ban extended in 9 Manipur districts

Mobile internet ban extended in 9 Manipur districts

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

The Manipur government on Sunday extended the suspension of mobile internet for two days in nine districts of the state till December 3.

Fire in basement of Mumbai's BKC metro station hits services

Fire in basement of Mumbai's BKC metro station hits services

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

A fire broke out in the basement of the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) underground metro station in Mumbai on Friday afternoon, leading to suspension of rail services there for more than two hours as a precautionary measure, officials said.

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

No single individual, institution, or action is to blame for this. The BJP is responding in kind -- definitely not without checking with its government. And they wait for Mr Trump, notes Shekhar Gupta.

India, China to resume Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights

India, China to resume Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

India and China on Monday decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as the two sides agreed to take certain people-centric steps to 'stabilise and rebuild' ties.

Portion of 185-year-old UP mosque demolished for highway widening

Portion of 185-year-old UP mosque demolished for highway widening

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

The mosque's management committee chief, however, claimed that the Noori Masjid in Lalauli town was built in 1839 while the road around it came up only in 1956, and said they have already moved the Allahabad high court which will take up the petition on December 12.

Coast Guard rescues 7 Indian fishermen arrested by Pakistan agency

Coast Guard rescues 7 Indian fishermen arrested by Pakistan agency

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The Indian Coast Guard rescued seven Indian fishermen who were apprehended by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) in the mid-sea off the Gujarat coast. The incident took place on Sunday when the Coast Guard received a distress signal from an Indian fishing boat operating near the No-Fishing Zone (NFZ). The Coast Guard ship intercepted the PMSA vessel and persuaded personnel on board to release the seven Indian fishermen. The Indian fishing boat, Kal Bhairav, was reportedly damaged and sunk during the incident.

Life jackets made mandatory after Mumbai ferry mishap

Life jackets made mandatory after Mumbai ferry mishap

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Following a fatal collision between a ferry and a Navy craft off the Mumbai coast, authorities have made life jackets mandatory for all passengers taking boat rides from the Gateway of India. The decision comes after survivors of the Wednesday tragedy claimed the ferry did not have enough life jackets. Some tourists, however, raised concerns about the effectiveness of life jackets if people don't know how to use them properly.

More than 50% healthcare workers feel workplace unsafe: Study

More than 50% healthcare workers feel workplace unsafe: Study

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

The cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,566 healthcare workers from diverse medical institutions across India using a pre-tested, self-administered online questionnaire, which assessed various dimensions of workplace safety.

Five soldiers killed as Army vehicle falls into gorge in Poonch

Five soldiers killed as Army vehicle falls into gorge in Poonch

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Five soldiers were killed and five others were injured when an Army vehicle carrying them skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The accident occurred in the Gharoa area when the vehicle was on its way to Banoi in the district. Rescue teams have recovered five bodies. The vehicle plunged into a gorge, approximately 300-350 feet deep.

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Pawar was amenable to increasing the height of the boundary walls of his house in Delhi as part of the enhanced security measures.

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The collapse of a three-storey building in Punjab's Mohali has claimed two lives, with rescuers pulling out the body of a man and a fatally injured woman from under the rubble during a multi-agency 23-hour rescue operation that concluded Sunday evening, officials said.

Cyclone Dana: Crops on 1.75L acre damaged in Odisha, says govt

Cyclone Dana: Crops on 1.75L acre damaged in Odisha, says govt

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

The state government has directed a joint assessment of crop loss due to the cyclone by officials of the agriculture and revenue departments, he said.

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

No injuries were reported in the blaze that erupted around 1.10 pm. It was confined to wooden sheets, furniture and construction material at a depth of 40-50 feet of the station located in Bandra East, causing heavy smoke in the area, they said.

10 dead, 22 Army personnel among 82 missing in Sikkim flash flood

10 dead, 22 Army personnel among 82 missing in Sikkim flash flood

Rediff.com5 Oct 2023

The release of water from the Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water levels up to 15-20 feet high downstream, defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said.

'Digital arrest': Mumbai woman duped of Rs 14 lakh

'Digital arrest': Mumbai woman duped of Rs 14 lakh

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

As per the advisory of cyber-security agency CERT-In, a digital arrest is the one in which victims receive a phone call, an e-mail or a message claiming they are under investigation for illegal activities, such as identity theft or money laundering.

Army deployed in Pune residential area as heavy rain, dam water flood city

Army deployed in Pune residential area as heavy rain, dam water flood city

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

In view of the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla, Mulshi, Pavana and other dams in the Pune region, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed authorities to be alert and shift people from dangerous zones to safer places.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

5 Odisha cops suspended for attacking Army officer, molesting friend

5 Odisha cops suspended for attacking Army officer, molesting friend

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

According to an order issued by the director general of police YB Khurania on Wednesday the five police personnel have been suspended on charge of gross misconduct.

Maharashtra govt promises bigger, better Shivaji statue

Maharashtra govt promises bigger, better Shivaji statue

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

It is a question now whether the makers of the statue had comprehended all these factors before making it, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said.

28L diyas to illuminate Ayodhya in first deepotsav after consecration

28L diyas to illuminate Ayodhya in first deepotsav after consecration

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

The government aims to better its last year's Guinness World Record by lighting 25 lakh diyas on the banks of Saryu river.

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning of significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu.

Intimidation culture exists in Bengal medical colleges: Students to panel

Intimidation culture exists in Bengal medical colleges: Students to panel

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

All complaints were forwarded to the state-level grievance redressal committee, which was formed by the state government on Tuesday evening after agitation by junior doctors who are currently on a "total cease work".

35 cr pilgrims may attend Maha Kumbh Mela: UP govt

35 cr pilgrims may attend Maha Kumbh Mela: UP govt

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government is expecting over 35 crore pilgrims to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a significant increase from the 24 crore who attended the 2019 Kumbh Mela. The event, which will take place over 45 days, will feature extensive security and sanitation measures, as well as a digital component. The state government has allocated Rs 7,000 crore for the event.

Relations with India changed after Sheikh Hasina's ouster: B'desh

Relations with India changed after Sheikh Hasina's ouster: B'desh

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

India needs to address Bangladesh's longstanding concerns to improve bilateral ties between Dhaka and New Delhi, Hossain said adding: Bangladesh's previous (ousted) government addressed the concerns of India, but India did not address Bangladesh's concerns.