News for 'Department of Personnel'

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Kerala Police are investigating the mysterious deaths of an IRS officer, his sister, and their mother in Kochi. The officer, Maneesh Vijay, and his sister, Shalini Vijay, were found hanging inside their house, while their mother, Shakuntala Agarwal, was discovered dead on her bed. Police have not yet established a direct link between the deaths and a CBI case in which Shalini was summoned as an accused. Preliminary findings suggest the siblings died by suicide, but the cause of their mother's death is still under investigation. The family had been residing in the quarters for the past year and a half but reportedly kept to themselves, maintaining limited interaction with neighbours, police added.

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.

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The avalanche hit the BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath between 5:30 am and 6 am on Friday, burying the workers inside eight containers and a shed, according to the Army.

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.

NDRF, bio, nuclear teams called in as chlorine leak causes panic in Dehradun

NDRF, bio, nuclear teams called in as chlorine leak causes panic in Dehradun

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

A chlorine gas leak in the Jhajhra area of Dehradun triggered panic on Tuesday morning, forcing people to leave their homes, officials said.

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.

Haryana removes barricades at Shambhu border after farmers' eviction

Haryana removes barricades at Shambhu border after farmers' eviction

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Following the eviction of protesting farmers from the Shambhu border, Haryana security personnel began removing cemented barricades erected to prevent Punjab farmers from reaching Delhi. The Shambhu-Ambala road, closed for over a year, is being cleared with JCBs and other machinery. Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced dharnas outside deputy commissioners' offices in protest against the Punjab Police crackdown. The groups criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for evicting the protesters and detaining farmer leaders on Wednesday. The police action was justified by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who said industries and businesses were hit hard due to the prolonged closure of the highways. The protesting farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, 2022.

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.

Trump to declare national emergency, send troops to...

Trump to declare national emergency, send troops to...

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

President Donald Trump is expected to sign a series of executive orders fulfilling campaign promises, including declaring an emergency at the southern border, addressing a national energy crisis, and defining sex-related policies. The orders aim to address immigration, national security, and energy independence, with a focus on reversing policies implemented by the previous administration.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Tech support' Musk says he is fixing US 'govt computer systems'

'Tech support' Musk says he is fixing US 'govt computer systems'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

"Anybody unhappy with Elon? If you are, then we'll throw them out of here," Trump said

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2 STF jawans killed, 4 hurt in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh

2 STF jawans killed, 4 hurt in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

The incident took place on Wednesday night in Tarrem area when a joint team of security personnel was returning after an anti-Maoist operation in forests on the tri-junction of Bijapur-Sukma-Dantewada districts, a police official said in Bijapur.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

Took 5 decades to realise mistake: HC on barring govt staff from joining RSS

Took 5 decades to realise mistake: HC on barring govt staff from joining RSS

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Thursday said it took the Union government nearly five decades to realise that an "internationally renowned" organisation like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was wrongly placed in the list of organisations banned for government employees.

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".

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.

'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.

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.

MP: 6 GRP cops suspended over beating of woman, grandson

MP: 6 GRP cops suspended over beating of woman, grandson

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday suspended six Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel including a station in-charge in connection with the beating of a woman and her grandson in Katni district.

Cooch Behar firing: Bengal CID summons 6 CISF personnel

Cooch Behar firing: Bengal CID summons 6 CISF personnel

Rediff.com10 May 2021

The West Bengal Crime Investigation Department (CID) has summoned six Central Industrial Security Force personnel who were on duty at booth number 126 in Jorpatki in Sitalkuchi assembly constituency where four persons were killed in a firing by the central forces personnel during voting, an official said.

Stones pelted at Swatantrata Senani Express in Bihar

Stones pelted at Swatantrata Senani Express in Bihar

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

No person was injured in the incident but it caused damage to window panes of three coaches, including the pantry car, they said, adding one person has been detained in connection with the incident.

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.

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.

'For marginalised communities': Govt cancels lateral entry for babus

'For marginalised communities': Govt cancels lateral entry for babus

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

The Centre on Tuesday asked the UPSC to withdraw the latest advertisement for lateral entry in bureaucracy, amid a row over reservation in the advertised posts.