News for 'Minister of State'

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The counsel appearing for the arrested protesters argued that they were associated with a political party and had exercised their democratic right to protest peacefully.

Jhuggi residents near PM's residence to vacate, will shift to new houses

Jhuggi residents near PM's residence to vacate, will shift to new houses

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Residents of three jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) clusters near the prime minister's residence in Delhi have been asked to vacate their premises after the Centre allotted them permanent houses under a rehabilitation plan.

NCERT textbook row: Govt promises action after SC ban

NCERT textbook row: Govt promises action after SC ban

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed strong disapproval of a chapter in an NCERT Class 8 textbook addressing judicial corruption, prompting government action and a Supreme Court ban on the book's circulation.

Sri Lanka Sets Up Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Tensions

Sri Lanka Sets Up Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com6 days ago

Sri Lanka has established emergency hotlines and is in close contact with its diplomatic missions in West Asia following escalating tensions in the region. The country is also preparing its airports for potential flight diversions and emergencies.

Reporter Jailed for Reports Against UP Hospital Officials

Reporter Jailed for Reports Against UP Hospital Officials

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A journalist in Uttar Pradesh was arrested and jailed for allegedly publishing misleading reports against hospital officials, leading to accusations of a crackdown on press freedom.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The BJP protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, slammed the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, calling them "traitors" for allegedly tarnishing the nation's image.

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

Rediff.com2 days ago

At least 101 people are missing and 78 are injured after a suspected submarine attack on an Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday, Reuters quoted sources in Sri Lanka's Navy and defence ministry as saying.

Haryana CM Saini Denies Opposition's Pension Cancellation Claims

Haryana CM Saini Denies Opposition's Pension Cancellation Claims

Rediff.com7 days ago

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has refuted claims by the opposition regarding the cancellation of old-age pensions, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He assured that the government is verifying discrepancies to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive pensions and highlighted the increase in pension amounts and the number of beneficiaries under the current regime.

ED wants speedy trial against P Chidambaram in PMLA cases

ED wants speedy trial against P Chidambaram in PMLA cases

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is seeking an expedited trial against Congress leader P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis and INX Media money laundering cases, having submitted the required prosecution sanction to the court.

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

Rediff.com1 days ago

India has launched digital tools for its upcoming fully digital Census 2027, including mobile apps and a self-enumeration portal, aiming for efficient and accurate data collection.

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general, has replaced a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing a move away from colonial influences and embracing Indian heritage.

States Have Thrown A Spanner In RBI's Easy-Money Machine

States Have Thrown A Spanner In RBI's Easy-Money Machine

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

State debt is rising because revenues are disappointingly weak. Ten states have debt ratios exceeding 30 per cent. In 2023-2024, states were borrowing simply to meet day-to-day expenses, points out Debashis Basu.

Pak gangster posts video of Gurdaspur cop killing; TTK owns responsibility

Pak gangster posts video of Gurdaspur cop killing; TTK owns responsibility

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A Pakistan-based gangster posted a video on social media purportedly showing the killing of a police officer in Gurdaspur, near the Indo-Pak border. A terror outfit has claimed responsibility for the incident, prompting a thorough investigation by Punjab Police.

Congress central leadership intervenes in DMK alliance discord

Congress central leadership intervenes in DMK alliance discord

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Congress high command has intervened to manage discord within the DMK-Congress alliance in Tamil Nadu, following controversial remarks by state leaders regarding power-sharing demands.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Norms on investments from China can be eased in calibrated way: Goyal

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

India may adopt a "calibrated" and a "step-by-step" approach to easing norms on investments originating from China, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He was in a conversation with A K Bhattacharya on Day 1 of Business Standard's two-day annual event, Manthan 2026. The minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) from China was certainly not "banned", but it goes through an approval process. "The government's approach at the moment is to accelerate the approval process."

T20 World Cup: 'Proud of Thiruvananthapuram's native son, the Pride of India': Tharoor, Kerala CM hail Sanju Samson

T20 World Cup: 'Proud of Thiruvananthapuram's native son, the Pride of India': Tharoor, Kerala CM hail Sanju Samson

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sanju Samson's majestic knock of 97 from 50 balls single-handedly powered India to a five-wicket win over West Indies to seal their spot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

Gujarat once again a 'tiger state' after 30 years

Gujarat once again a 'tiger state' after 30 years

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

After more than three decades, Gujarat has regained the status of a 'tiger-present state', with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) confirming the presence of a tiger in the state.

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

A senior Maharashtra government official has been removed from his post following allegations of irregularities in granting minority status to 75 educational institutions after the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.

Air ambulance crash: Victims cremated amid tears, shock

Air ambulance crash: Victims cremated amid tears, shock

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

An air ambulance crashed in Jharkhand's Chatra district, killing all seven people on board. The incident has sparked grief and calls for investigation into the flight's approval during inclement weather.

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Rediff.com5 days ago

Following attacks in West Asia, hundreds of Indians, including prominent personalities, are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports due to flight disruptions, prompting appeals for government assistance.

'Hallmark of Indianness': PM Modi hails Indian-origin stars in T20 World Cup

'Hallmark of Indianness': PM Modi hails Indian-origin stars in T20 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the significant contributions of Indian-origin players to various sports teams worldwide, emphasising their connection to their roots and their impact on their adopted countries.

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com6 days ago

Sri Lanka has established emergency hotlines and is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia following escalating tensions, urging restraint and de-escalation from all parties involved.

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies his political affiliations, identifying as a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian, while explaining his distance from Rahul Gandhi's political approach and his disapproval of Indira Gandhi's Emergency declaration.

Maharashtra student drowns, another missing off Chennai coast

Maharashtra student drowns, another missing off Chennai coast

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

A student from Maharashtra drowned and another went missing after entering the sea in Chennai. The Maharashtra government is coordinating with Tamil Nadu authorities for search and rescue efforts.

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Within six months I expect petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles (EVs) to reach cost parity,' says Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Gurdaspur Murder Suspect Blames Others for Police Killings

Gurdaspur Murder Suspect Blames Others for Police Killings

Rediff.com7 days ago

One of the accused in the Gurdaspur police killings has blamed his accomplices for the crime, while questions arise regarding the encounter death of another suspect, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

Lovlina Borgohain Sports Arena Opens in Lakhimpur

Lovlina Borgohain Sports Arena Opens in Lakhimpur

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain was honoured with a stadium named after her in Lakhimpur, Assam.

TN poll a fight between TVK's 'good' and DMK's 'evil', says Vijay

TN poll a fight between TVK's 'good' and DMK's 'evil', says Vijay

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Vijay termed the assembly polls due in April this year as a "surprising election" as all parties in the state are allegedly teamed up against him and reiterated that the contest was between the DMK and TVK only.

'Rahul Gandhi told me he also feels humiliated'

'Rahul Gandhi told me he also feels humiliated'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah, who resigned recently, is set to join the BJP, citing humiliation within the Congress party. He also responded to allegations of accepting money to switch parties.

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 to Highlight AVGC-XR Sector

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 to Highlight AVGC-XR Sector

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The seventh edition of Bengaluru GAFX, a major AVGC-XR conference and exhibition, will be held from February 27, showcasing advancements in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality.

Shivamogga tense after student's murder, 7 minors held

Shivamogga tense after student's murder, 7 minors held

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

A 16-year-old student's murder outside a Shivamogga school has ignited community tension, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about school violence.

US Commerce Secretary's Surprise Delhi Visit

US Commerce Secretary's Surprise Delhi Visit

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Engaged in very fruitful discussions to expand our trade and economic partnership.'

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Funeral prayers were held for Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia amid tight security. Millions joined the namaz-e-janaza of Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and political icon of Bangladesh.

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh also witnessed a tense atmosphere amid confrontation between the party workers.

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The organisation further clarified that it will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who 'will speak later today at the Summit'.

Nothing changes, India will be paying tariffs: Defiant Trump after SC blow

Nothing changes, India will be paying tariffs: Defiant Trump after SC blow

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

US President Donald Trump asserted that the trade deal with India remains intact despite a Supreme Court ruling against his tariffs, while also claiming he used tariffs to stop a war between India and Pakistan.

Why Capital Expenditure Needs Monitoring

Why Capital Expenditure Needs Monitoring

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

After years of rapid expansion, the Centre's capital spending growth eases as private investment shows early signs of revival, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Shirtless protest at AI meet: Youth Cong chief held, rioting charges invoked

Shirtless protest at AI meet: Youth Cong chief held, rioting charges invoked

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Indian Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib was arrested after a disruptive shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, leading to further investigation into potential conspiracy and funding.