News for 'Former Union'

Former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passes away

Former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passes away

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune following a prolonged illness. He was 81 and had served as Union Minister of State for Railways and was a former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com4 hours ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

Burglary At Ex-Union Minister's House Raises Security Concerns

Burglary At Ex-Union Minister's House Raises Security Concerns

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The house of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Santosh Chowdhary in Hoshiarpur was allegedly broken into by unidentified persons who vandalised property and committed theft. Police have registered a case and are investigating.

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com6 hours ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Team Nadda Vs Team Nabin: Who's In, Who's Out

Team Nadda Vs Team Nabin: Who's In, Who's Out

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Bharatiya Janata Party President Nitin Nabin has made his first significant mark on the BJP's national apparatus with a major organisational reshuffle, bringing back key figures like Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav while removing Nadda-era functionaries, signalling a strategic move ahead of crucial state elections.

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com6 days ago

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said Maoism was once considered difficult to eliminate, but the menace has now been wiped out, and this year the 'Tiranga Yatra' will also reach remote villages and schools in former Maoist strongholds of the state

Aaleina Sen Wins Gold At All India Independence Cup Karate

Aaleina Sen Wins Gold At All India Independence Cup Karate

Rediff.com5 days ago

Durgapur's Aaleina Sen, an Under-11 karateka, won a gold medal in Kumite and a bronze in Kata at the 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship.

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.

Attempts were made to mislead Gen Z: Pradhan on why he resigned

Attempts were made to mislead Gen Z: Pradhan on why he resigned

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that attempts were made to "mislead" Gen Z during the NEET paper leak protests, prompting his resignation, and also addressed criticism from former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

R V S Mani, former Under Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has alleged that drug trafficking was a regular practice by Pakistani cricket teams and delegations visiting India, linking it to the 2006 doping scandal involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, and even the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

Farooq Abdullah Sings Lata Mangeshkar Classic At Golf Tournament

Farooq Abdullah Sings Lata Mangeshkar Classic At Golf Tournament

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah surprised attendees at the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament in Srinagar by spontaneously singing the iconic Lata Mangeshkar song "Lag ja gale". His impromptu performance drew significant applause. Later, Abdullah addressed the audience, commending golfers and urging youth to work hard and avoid alcohol to achieve sporting excellence. He also mentioned government support for improving the Royal Springs Golf Course.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com15 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

'Proud to be a dimagi Naxal': Chidambaram hits back at Modi

'Proud to be a dimagi Naxal': Chidambaram hits back at Modi

Rediff.com1 days ago

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "dimagi naxal" remark by stating he is "proud to be a dimagi naxal". Modi had warned against "dimagi naxals" who manipulate policies and promote violence, despite the success in curbing armed Naxalism. Chidambaram's comment came after Modi's Independence Day speech where he highlighted the threat posed by ideological supporters of Naxalism.

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Rediff.com1 days ago

Senior surrendered CPI (Maoist) leader Tippiri Tirupati alias Devji plans to appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to lift the ban on the outfit. He and other surrendered colleagues aim to work legally on people's issues and have also met Telangana DGP C V Anand regarding restrictions on their movements. Tirupati, a former top commander, surrendered in February due to health issues, vowing to work within a legal framework.

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Congress party has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that the 'rot' in India's education system is profound. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted alleged scams in Maharashtra's engineering admissions and discrepancies between entrance exam and board results, urging deep introspection beyond mere legislative fixes for paper leaks.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A high-level Indian delegation, including Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, paid tributes to the assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, conveying India's condolences.

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk emphasised the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance, stating, "His path is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. This experiment is successful today."

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) cancelled permission for a discussion on a book authored by its former student Umar Khalid, currently jailed in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing 'non-disclosure of full facts' about the event. The JNUSU condemned the decision as 'arbitrary and authoritarian', vowing to proceed with the discussion at an alternative venue.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Congress party has strongly condemned the 'purification' of a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public meeting addressed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging it reflects an 'anti-Dalit' mindset of the BJP and RSS.

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com14 hours ago

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

Rediff.com4 days ago

From guns to handlooms. From forest trails to a public runway. Women who had once been associated with that conflict walked into the spotlight wearing Bastar's traditional textiles.

Family of 15-yr-old girl who abused Modi untraceable

Family of 15-yr-old girl who abused Modi untraceable

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The family of a 15-year-old girl, whose alleged abusive remarks against PM Modi went viral, is untraceable from their Noida residence. Local police deny receiving harassment complaints, while the family had previously appealed to the PM for forgiveness and claimed police visits.

Day after BJP's Bankipur defeat, Nitish meets Modi

Day after BJP's Bankipur defeat, Nitish meets Modi

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

JD-U supremo Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, a day after the BJP lost the Bankipur assembly by-election in Patna. The meeting, which included other JD-U leaders, occurred amidst recent political changes in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar had resigned as Chief Minister and a BJP leader took charge.

What transpired at Modi's breakfast meet with selected MPs

What transpired at Modi's breakfast meet with selected MPs

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a breakfast meeting with 37 BJP MPs, including recent AAP defectors, where he emphasised the importance of smooth parliamentary proceedings. He also advised MPs on taking their roles seriously, utilising the Parliament library, engaging with youth, and effectively implementing MPLADS.

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Education sector experts agree that using the "best technology" was essential to ensure students did not have to sit for an examination all over again because of a question paper leak.

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Rediff.com7 days ago

Bangladesh has once again sought the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina from India during High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi's first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, amidst fresh strains in ties between the two countries following Hasina's controversial virtual media interaction in New Delhi.

Tata power struggle deepens as Chandra, other Ratan Tata allies step away

Tata power struggle deepens as Chandra, other Ratan Tata allies step away

Rediff.com5 days ago

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, announced he would not seek reappointment when his term ends in February 2027, following a series of departures by senior figures closely associated with former chairman Ratan Tata, including Vijay Singh and Mehli Mistry, amid a deepening power struggle and governance dispute within the Tata Group.

What Went Wrong At Tata Sons After Ratan Tata?

What Went Wrong At Tata Sons After Ratan Tata?

Rediff.com4 days ago

Chandrasekaran's exit is more than a change of chairman. It represents the breakdown of the informal consensus that governed the Tata system under Ratan Tata.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com6 days ago

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

SC refuses to review hate speech ruling on Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC refuses to review hate speech ruling on Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier decision that no cognisable offence was made out against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma for their alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi.

Chandrasekaran latest among Ratan Tata allies to step down

Chandrasekaran latest among Ratan Tata allies to step down

Rediff.com5 days ago

N Chandrasekaran's decision not to seek reappointment when his term as chairman of Tata Sons ends in February 2027 signals a significant shift in leadership amidst an ongoing power struggle and governance disputes within the Tata Group.

India's Young Golf Talent Set To Shine At R&A Amateur Championship

India's Young Golf Talent Set To Shine At R&A Amateur Championship

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A four-member Indian golf team, comprising Harjai Milkha Singh, Ishnidh Singh Virdi, Guntas Kaur Sandhu, and Rashi Mishra, is set to compete in the prestigious R&A Amateur golf championship across two courses in Scotland. The tournament features both boys' and girls' categories, attracting top junior talent globally, with winners earning significant exemptions into major championships.

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate alleged brutalities against students during protests. He also demanded the sacking of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of culpability or incompetence regarding the police action, including the use of pellet guns. The BJP has refuted Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless.

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com6 days ago

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Rahul Gandhi recently connected with Gen Z through an engaging 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram, offering candid responses on student protests, his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even his philosophy on pet ownership.