News for 'Minister of State'

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A heated parliamentary showdown unfolded as NDA and INDIA bloc MPs clashed at Parliament's main gate.

'Why link it to delimitation?': Rahul, Rijiju spar over women's quota

'Why link it to delimitation?': Rahul, Rijiju spar over women's quota

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Congress and BJP are engaged in a political spat over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill and its proposed link to delimitation, with Rahul Gandhi urging unconditional implementation of the 2023 law and Kiren Rijiju highlighting the constitutional requirement for delimitation based on post-2026 census figures.

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

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

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

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.

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

As the agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 14th day, talks between the state government and student protesters on Friday failed to break the deadlock, with students deciding to continue their protest and hunger strike until their demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, are met.

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

Minister's Vehicle Attacked In Bihar

Minister's Vehicle Attacked In Bihar

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Bihar Labour Resources Minister Arun Shankar Prasad's vehicle was attacked with stones in Madhubani while he visited an accident victim's family. The minister was unharmed, but the vehicle's windshield was damaged. Police have arrested seven people, including three women, and suspended two officials for dereliction of duty, with preliminary investigations suggesting political motivation.

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the risks posed by the 'weaponisation' of resources and strategic sea routes, urging India to achieve greater self-reliance in energy to mitigate vulnerabilities to overseas supplies and geopolitical tensions.

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

BJP launches extortion culture clean-up in Bengal; suspends 22 leaders

BJP launches extortion culture clean-up in Bengal; suspends 22 leaders

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The ruling BJP in West Bengal has suspended 22 functionaries, including several mandal presidents, over allegations of extortion and indiscipline. This action follows public warnings from the party leadership against adopting an 'extortion culture' and comes ahead of a visit by BJP's central in-charge for West Bengal, Sunil Bansal, to review the party's organisation and the new government's functioning.

Arrested JeM operative was tasked with tracking WB CM Adhikari's movements

Arrested JeM operative was tasked with tracking WB CM Adhikari's movements

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative, Hamim Mondal, was arrested for allegedly reconnoitering West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's residence in Kolkata. The plot, directed by Pakistan-based handlers, involved tracking the CM's movements and identifying security vulnerabilities, with investigators probing potential links to ISI and a larger conspiracy for sabotage.

RG Kar case: 'Chor, chor' chants as mob attacks TMC ex-MLA Nirmal Ghosh

RG Kar case: 'Chor, chor' chants as mob attacks TMC ex-MLA Nirmal Ghosh

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh was assaulted by a mob in West Bengal after his arrest in connection with the alleged "hurried cremation" of an RG Kar hospital doctor. Ghosh, along with another accused, Sanjib Mukherjee, faced public anger and physical attacks while being escorted by police. The arrests follow a fresh complaint by the victim's father, alleging the former MLA's influence in forcing the cremation, an aspect now under renewed investigation.

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Airports Authority of India has received a request for a waiver from contractual restrictions that prevent airport concessionaires and their group entities from holding equity in scheduled airlines, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed in the Rajya Sabha. This comes amid reports of the Adani group's interest in the airline business, despite their denial.

Haryana announces Rs 13.47 Cr reward for CWG stars

Haryana announces Rs 13.47 Cr reward for CWG stars

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Haryana is set to host a grand felicitation ceremony on August 7 for its athletes who excelled at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will present cash awards totalling Rs 13.47 crore to 10 medal winners and 13 participating athletes, reinforcing the state's commitment to sports development and recognising international achievements.

J'khand job row: Stir enters Day 19, protesters vow to intensify agitation

J'khand job row: Stir enters Day 19, protesters vow to intensify agitation

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are continuing their 19-day agitation against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, demanding greater transparency, cancellation of tests, and an independent probe. The protests have led to clashes with police, a political showdown with the BJP, and health concerns for hunger-striking demonstrators, despite government assurances of reforms.

Cong's 'gungi gudiya' jibe at Maha deputy CM Sunetra Pawar sparks row

Cong's 'gungi gudiya' jibe at Maha deputy CM Sunetra Pawar sparks row

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday branded deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar a "gungi gudiya" (mute doll), drawing a sharp rebuttal from the Nationalist Congress Party, which asked if the Opposition party now endorses the infamous slur once hurled at former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Congress will oppose FRCA Bill, Oppn to disscuss issue on Monday: Kharge

Congress will oppose FRCA Bill, Oppn to disscuss issue on Monday: Kharge

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the Congress will oppose the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill and the issue will also be discussed at the meeting of floor leaders of opposition parties on Monday.

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Thousands of job aspirants in Jharkhand clashed with police during a protest against alleged exam irregularities, demanding a CBI probe and comprehensive reforms in the state's public service commissions.

Madhya Pradesh Rewards Silver Medal Winners From Commonwealth Games

Madhya Pradesh Rewards Silver Medal Winners From Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh each and government jobs for athletes Yamini and Ajay Babu. Both athletes won silver medals in judo and weightlifting, respectively, at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, bringing pride to the state and the country.

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra Get Clean Chit From SIT?

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra Get Clean Chit From SIT?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Former Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and ex-trustee Anil Mishra, who had stepped down amid a temple donation theft controversy, are now actively holding meetings and interacting with seers in Ayodhya. This re-emergence coincides with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) sharing its final report on alleged irregularities in Ram temple donations with the Trust, sparking speculation about its findings.

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'The incumbent matters. It matters a lot. If a person sitting on top is good, then he can achieve a lot. And if he is bad, you see what can happen.'

Lovlina Borgohain's Patriotic Act Praised By PM Modi

Lovlina Borgohain's Patriotic Act Praised By PM Modi

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Commonwealth Games silver medallist Lovlina Borgohain for her quick action in objecting to a distorted map of India displayed at a Glasgow restaurant. The PM praised her thoughtful gesture during an interaction with CWG medal-winners.

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Where is the official record? Media bytes are not parliamentary records. What matters is what is recorded on the floor of Parliament. I am not denying that we had a heated exchange.'

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Indian Parliament remains deadlocked as the Opposition, led by the Congress, insists on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to discussions on alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and student protests, rejecting the government's offer for Home Minister Amit Shah to respond.

'Noel Tata May Want To Appoint Somebody'

'Noel Tata May Want To Appoint Somebody'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'whom he believes in ... or whom he has faith in. But we don't know whether that person will be competent or not. This will lead to a lot of uncertainty in the minds of investors and shareholders of the Tata group companies.'

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday asserted that his government was committed to protecting the interests of the state's farmers and people on the Cauvery issue, while appealing to organisations to withdraw the proposed state-wide bandh.

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Supporters of Congress MLA S N Subba Reddy launched a violent protest in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka, after he was excluded from the state cabinet. The agitation, which included a bandh, road blockades, and an attempted self-immolation, highlights a wider rebellion within the ruling Congress over ministerial berth denials following the recent cabinet expansion.

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu's DMK and PMK parties have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel. The incident, which occurred on August 15, has sparked protests and led to an FIR being filed against forest officials, with political leaders demanding justice and compensation for the victims' families.

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS) have signed an MoU to explore setting up a coal gasification plant near AMNS's Paradip pellet plant in Odisha. This initiative aims to produce synthesis gas for cleaner steel production, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and align with India's goal of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, supported by a Rs 37,500-crore government incentive scheme.

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Ladakh has inaugurated its first international-level artificial ice hockey rink, a state-of-the-art facility costing Rs 42 crore. Equipped with a 24x7 chilling system, it allows year-round training, overcoming the previous limitation of a short natural ice season. This development is expected to boost winter sports, nurture local talent, and promote sports tourism in the region.

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Major bills, including those on women's reservation, delimitation, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), face an uncertain future in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament due to persistent opposition protests and a lack of consensus.

Wish there were more daughters among medallists: Modi at IIT Delhi convocation

Wish there were more daughters among medallists: Modi at IIT Delhi convocation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 57th Convocation Ceremony of IIT Delhi, advocating for increased female participation among medallists and awardees. He also advised graduates against social media distractions, encouraged self-improvement, and inaugurated the Param Pragya AI supercomputing facility.

Unauthorised Drone Flying Near CM Yogi Adityanath's Event Leads To Detention

Unauthorised Drone Flying Near CM Yogi Adityanath's Event Leads To Detention

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A youth was detained in Meerut for flying an unauthorised drone near an event attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, raising security concerns. The drone operator claimed ignorance of regulations, stating blogging as his hobby. Police are investigating the incident and scrutinising his social media profiles.

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is reviewing its internal processes and protocols following lapses in three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, leading to re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology. The agency stated it proactively identified issues and is taking corrective measures to ensure fair and error-free examinations, amidst strong criticism from opposition leaders.

SC to examine if there was a split in Shiv Sena

SC to examine if there was a split in Shiv Sena

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is deliberating whether a split in the Shiv Sena could originate in the legislature party and then extend to the broader organisation and primary membership, as it hears pleas from the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the Election Commission's recognition of the Eknath Shinde-led faction.

Delhi jails near 200% capacity as India's prison occupancy crosses 112%

Delhi jails near 200% capacity as India's prison occupancy crosses 112%

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

India's prisons operated at 112.7 percent occupancy in 2024, with 609 jails housing more inmates than their sanctioned capacity and Delhi recording the highest occupancy rate of 194.6 percent, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

'They may kill me, but I'll return home': Hasina vows December comeback

'They may kill me, but I'll return home': Hasina vows December comeback

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing a death sentence and the risk of arrest. Speaking from India, she stated her goal is to restore democracy and justice, criticising the current state of affairs in Bangladesh and alleging that her government's collapse was due to organised violence. Her son also claimed Bangladesh is a "failed state" and a concern for India.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Kerala rains: Eight dead, several missing; more than 5,000 evacuated

Kerala rains: Eight dead, several missing; more than 5,000 evacuated

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said that eight people have died, an equal number are missing and 13 were injured in the previous day's heavy rains which caused property damage, landslides and waterlogging in many parts of the state.