News for 'Minister of State'

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Assam government has requested the Gauhati High Court to establish a fast-track court to expedite the trial in the Zubeen Garg death case, a move welcomed by the singer's wife, who seeks stringent punishment for those responsible.

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

A video of Sattar's visit to the Shiva temple in Rahimabad in his assembly constituency Sillod on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday went viral on social media, triggering protests from the BJP and other outfits.

AIFF Opens Bidding for Club Competition Commercial Rights

AIFF Opens Bidding for Club Competition Commercial Rights

Rediff.com4 days ago

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invited bids for the commercial rights of men's and women's club competitions, offering two packages for a minimum of 15 years starting from the 2026-2027 season.

Pakistan hockey drama: Captain banned, then saved

Pakistan hockey drama: Captain banned, then saved

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Pakistan government has revoked the two-year ban imposed on national hockey team skipper Ammad Shakeel Butt by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), deeming the ban illegal and unconstitutional. This decision follows Butt's criticism of the PHF's mismanagement during the recent Australia tour, which led to logistical nightmares for the team.

Pvt-funded highway construction model highest priority: Gadkari

Pvt-funded highway construction model highest priority: Gadkari

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

On the back of an aggressive asset monetisation push, the government will press the throttle on the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model - under which private developers fund highway construction - for future highway development, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said.

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

A former BJP MP in Rajasthan is facing accusations of religious discrimination after allegedly insulting a Muslim woman and taking back a blanket during a distribution event.

From 18% to 10%: Trump's new global levy brings relief for India

From 18% to 10%: Trump's new global levy brings relief for India

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a new global levy on imported items, resulting in a lower tariff rate for India, following a Supreme Court verdict against his previous sweeping tariffs.

Shirtless protest: Cops 'detain' cops in post-arrest drama

Shirtless protest: Cops 'detain' cops in post-arrest drama

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A tense standoff erupted between Himachal Pradesh Police and Delhi Police following the arrest of Youth Congress activists involved in the protest at the AI Summit, escalating into allegations of kidnapping and obstruction of justice.

'Bihar bride for Rs 20,000' remark lands U'khand minister's husband in row

'Bihar bride for Rs 20,000' remark lands U'khand minister's husband in row

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya, has caused a controversy after allegedly saying that girls from Bihar are available for marriage at a low price. The statement has drawn criticism from the opposition Congress and the Bihar State Women Commission.

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'The unexpected turn of events and assertion of sovereignty by the Taliban has baffled the Pakistan security establishment.'

'Attempt to externalise internal failures': India slams Pak's airstrikes in Afghanistan

'Attempt to externalise internal failures': India slams Pak's airstrikes in Afghanistan

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, decrying the civilian casualties and reaffirming its support for Afghan sovereignty amidst rising tensions.

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The West Bengal government has filed FIRs against five state government employees for alleged lapses in electoral roll revisions, following an Election Commission ultimatum. The action comes after the EC directed the state to initiate criminal cases against the accused for adding fictitious names to voter lists.

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Aiyar's endorsement of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp rebukes from his own party.

Shirtless protest: Youth Cong chief's bail stayed after midnight hearing

Shirtless protest: Youth Cong chief's bail stayed after midnight hearing

Rediff.com6 days ago

Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal directed the stay after the Delhi Police challenged the bail order by Duty Magistrate Vanshika Mehta, and listed the matter on March 6 for further proceedings.

Can Congress Recover From Borah Exit?

Can Congress Recover From Borah Exit?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Bhupen Borah's resignation and swift switch to the BJP has dealt the Congress a major setback in Assam just weeks before the Assembly elections.

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have renewed their 10-year defence cooperation agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint manufacturing of Hammer missiles in India, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership.

MP CM, Speaker express regret over Vijayvargiya's remark

MP CM, Speaker express regret over Vijayvargiya's remark

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya used an unparliamentary word for the Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, prompting apologies and protests.

Seven booked over namaaz inside Malegaon municipal office

Seven booked over namaaz inside Malegaon municipal office

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Seven individuals, including a local outfit president, have been booked for unlawful assembly and creating public nuisance after allegedly offering namaz inside the Malegaon Municipal Corporation's electricity department office. The incident has sparked controversy and led to protests.

Bill Gates lauds Andhra's AI-driven growth

Bill Gates lauds Andhra's AI-driven growth

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Microsoft founder and Gates Foundation chairman Bill Gates on Tuesday hailed Andhra Pradesh's rapid development, saying it was exciting to see the state's growth being accelerated through AI and technology.

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol refutes a foreign media report regarding the Air India AI171 plane crash investigation, emphasizing that the probe is ongoing and trusting Indian agencies.

Youth Congress workers' shirtless protest disrupts AI Summit

Youth Congress workers' shirtless protest disrupts AI Summit

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India Youth Congress workers staged a protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi before being removed by security. The protest caused a brief disruption at the event, which features global AI leaders and heads of state.

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

In a significant development ahead of the assembly elections, former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah is set to join the BJP, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Shivakumar like a railway engine, makes a lot of noise: Cong leader

Shivakumar like a railway engine, makes a lot of noise: Cong leader

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Shivakumar had said on February 14 that the Congress high command and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would examine the statements being made by party MLAs.

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Lavrov's comments came two days after Russia accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of 'coercive' measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

Chinnaswamy gets nod to host IPL, but with conditions

Chinnaswamy gets nod to host IPL, but with conditions

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

IPL to return at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Karnataka cabinet gives approval

The Kerala Story 2 Trailer Sparks Debate with Its Alarming Message

The Kerala Story 2 Trailer Sparks Debate with Its Alarming Message

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The trailer of The Kerala Story 2 has triggered widespread conversation with its intense and controversial messaging of religious conversion. Read reactions and key takeaways from the debate.

Blow to Trump as US Supreme Court strikes down his sweeping tariffs

Blow to Trump as US Supreme Court strikes down his sweeping tariffs

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The verdict marks a notable shift from a series of recent wins for Trump at the Supreme Court.

UK, France planning to arm Ukraine with nukes: Russia

UK, France planning to arm Ukraine with nukes: Russia

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

A Russian intelligence agency has claimed that the UK and France are covertly planning to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine, alleging a violation of international law.

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Sonia Gandhi had asked him to decide on his swearing-in date as CM in 2014, but the situation changed after Rahul Gandhi intervened. Sarma, who later joined the BJP, believes the events led him to a better position to serve Assam and Sanatan dharma.

60 MP cops involved in anti-Naxal ops get out-of-turn promotion

60 MP cops involved in anti-Naxal ops get out-of-turn promotion

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government promoted 60 police personnel for their role in anti-Naxal operations, celebrating the state's success in eradicating Maoist influence.

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Rediff.com4 days ago

Will rising tensions between US-Israel and Iran threaten crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, putting India's fuel prices, imports, and economic stability at risk?

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that Uttar Pradesh enjoys a clean environment, unlike Delhi, which he likened to a 'gas chamber' due to its pollution levels.

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours in his home district, Latur, in Maharashtra on Saturday, with many top leaders in attendance.

Akali Dal, Congress Leaders Visit Family of Man Killed in Gurdaspur Encounter

Akali Dal, Congress Leaders Visit Family of Man Killed in Gurdaspur Encounter

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira visited the family of Ranjit Singh, who was killed in a police encounter in Gurdaspur. Both leaders expressed their support for the family and called for an independent investigation into the incident.

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

Is Bill Gates attending AI Impact Summit at New Delhi?

Is Bill Gates attending AI Impact Summit at New Delhi?

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Confusion prevailed on Tuesday over Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates attending the high-profile AI Impact Summit with government sources saying he will not attend the meeting while a spokesperson of his foundation contradicted, saying he is. Gates featured among the tech moguls, industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and technologists listed as speakers on the official website of the AI Impact Summit, underway in the national capital from February 16-20.

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announces the debate and vote on the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will occur on March 9. The Budget Session's second part will also address important legislation and critical bills.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.