News for 'Minister of State'

Super League Kerala Season 3 Kicks Off With Ticket Launch

Super League Kerala Season 3 Kicks Off With Ticket Launch

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Ticket sales for the third season of the Super League Kerala have commenced, with the inaugural ticket presented to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The tournament is set to begin on September 25, featuring defending champions Kannur Warriors FC against last season's runners-up Thrissur Magic FC in the opening match. Fans can purchase tickets online and season passes for club home matches.

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Karnataka drought list to cross 200 taluks; losses touch Rs 18,000 cr

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced that over 200 taluks are likely to be declared drought-affected after phased assessments. The state has convened a special legislative session to discuss the crisis, farmer assistance, and seek significant financial relief and loan waivers from the Union government, while also alleging a "step-motherly attitude" from the Centre regarding fund releases.

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Karnataka's two-month-old government saw its first cabinet expansion with 19 MLAs sworn in as ministers, leading to immediate discontent and the resignation of one Congress legislator over his exclusion.

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

India has asserted that the state of its border with China directly impacts the broader bilateral relationship, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Ministry of External Affairs also firmly rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating its status as an integral part of India. This stance was reiterated during a recent Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meeting, where both sides agreed to continue using diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues.

BJP govt to withdraw cases against Kurmis registered under TMC rule

BJP govt to withdraw cases against Kurmis registered under TMC rule

Rediff.com13 hours ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the withdrawal of all cases against the Kurmi community filed by the previous TMC government. He also pledged to include Kurmali and Rajbanshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and reactivate the Kurmi Development Board, allocating Rs 50 crore for community development.

Will JD-U Blink On UCC In Bihar?

Will JD-U Blink On UCC In Bihar?

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Nitishji as CM never supported the UCC and publicly expressed his strong reservations over UCC.'

Meta restricts viral AI video of Keralam CM Satheesan dancing

Meta restricts viral AI video of Keralam CM Satheesan dancing

Rediff.com6 days ago

Meta has restricted access in India to a viral AI-generated video depicting Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan dancing with KSEB officials. The video, which garnered 1.78 crore views, was restricted following a legal request, though the creators believe it wasn't due to the CM's objection, as he had previously expressed excitement about it.

London police cancels Vijay's event citing safety reasons

London police cancels Vijay's event citing safety reasons

Rediff.com4 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's fan event in London was cancelled by Metropolitan Police due to safety concerns, disappointing hundreds who had gathered. The CM is in the UK leading a delegation to attract investments, having already secured MoUs worth Rs 12,300 crore, aiming to create over 9,400 jobs and position Tamil Nadu as a manufacturing and technology hub.

Asian Games: 'Vidarsa has made Keralam proud'

Asian Games: 'Vidarsa has made Keralam proud'

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Vidarsa K Vinod has made history by becoming the first woman from Keralam to win an Asian Games medal in shooting, securing a silver in the women's 10m air rifle team event in Japan.

UCC will be implemented in Maha after panel report: CM Fadnavis

UCC will be implemented in Maha after panel report: CM Fadnavis

Rediff.com6 days ago

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that the state government has already constituted a committee to prepare the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and that the law will be implemented after the committee submits its report.

Arunachal Pradesh Leaders Pay Tribute To Engineers On National Day

Arunachal Pradesh Leaders Pay Tribute To Engineers On National Day

Rediff.com5 days ago

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein paid rich tributes to engineers on National Engineers' Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sir M Visvesvaraya. They highlighted the crucial role of engineers in the state's development, infrastructure, and India's overall progress, acknowledging their contributions to nation-building and technological advancement.

TVK urges Tamils in London not to gather for Vijay

TVK urges Tamils in London not to gather for Vijay

Rediff.com4 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's planned meet-and-greet sessions with the Tamil diaspora in London have been cancelled due to public safety concerns and directives from the Metropolitan Police. The TVK party appealed to supporters to refrain from gathering, as CM Vijay is in the UK to attract investments, having already secured agreements worth Rs 12,300 crore.

Kerala Boosts Anti-Drug Efforts With New Investigation Team

Kerala Boosts Anti-Drug Efforts With New Investigation Team

Rediff.com2 days ago

Kerala has formed a new Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team to intensify its anti-drug drive, Operation Toofan. This team will focus on high-value drug cases with interstate and international connections, operating from three units across the state. The announcement follows significant drug seizures and arrests, including a major MDMA haul and the apprehension of key network members involved in other serious crimes.

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

JD-U softens stand on UCC, says 'will not oppose for no reason'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.

TMC office, ex-MLA's home, CPM memorial attacked in Bengal; BJP denies role

TMC office, ex-MLA's home, CPM memorial attacked in Bengal; BJP denies role

Rediff.com12 hours ago

A TMC office, former MLA and councillor residences, and a CPI(M) memorial were allegedly vandalised in Jadavpur, Kolkata. The Trinamool Congress and the Left Front have accused BJP workers of the attacks, while the BJP has denied involvement, attributing the incidents to internal TMC disputes.

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Rediff.com2 days ago

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar and his son Nishant Kumar made a joint appearance at a party orientation programme, sparking speculation about Nishant's political future and potential leadership roles within the party. The event, aimed at training parliamentarians and legislators, also saw Nishant urging attendees to uphold his father's principles of "zero tolerance for crime, corruption and communalism."

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Rediff.com5 days ago

Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader announced the busting of a major interstate counterfeit drug racket, leading to an arrest and an ongoing investigation into the suspected supply of fake medicines to hospitals. The racket involved procuring cheap drugs, refilling them, and relabelling them as premium brands, with seizures worth Rs 5 crore. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the widespread network.

With Saudi attacked, is Pakistan ready to join Gulf War?

With Saudi attacked, is Pakistan ready to join Gulf War?

Rediff.com3 days ago

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reiterated the nation's unwavering commitment to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, underscoring its role in regional security following an attempted drone attack near the holy city of Mecca. The pact, signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, establishes a framework for collective deterrence against armed attacks.

'Don't intimidate me': History-sheeter dares Kerala home minister

'Don't intimidate me': History-sheeter dares Kerala home minister

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

History-sheeter Arjun Ayanki has publicly challenged Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, daring him to reinvestigate a case and warning him against intimidation. This comes as police intensify their search for Ayanki in connection with allegedly threatening a police officer. Ayanki, known for his involvement in a gold smuggling network, has multiple cases against him, including a recent one for his social media post against the minister.

West Bengal bypoll: After Cong's Nandigram pick, Independent candidate arrested

West Bengal bypoll: After Cong's Nandigram pick, Independent candidate arrested

Rediff.com20 hours ago

An Independent candidate for the Rejinagar assembly bypoll in West Bengal, Saiful Islam, was arrested in a five-year-old case related to a clash during the 2021 state elections. This follows another bypoll nominee's arrest, highlighting pre-election tensions. The AJUP chief also faces a notice, and a party secretary was arrested with illegal arms and fake currency.

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Bengal Police bust Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting ministers

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

West Bengal police have unearthed a sophisticated Pakistan-linked honeytrap network targeting state ministers, their families, and other high-profile individuals, leading to the arrest of a third suspect, Aditya Singh, an alleged associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Hamim Mondal.

Defence Minister Praises Armed Forces Athletes As 'Soldier And Champion' Blend

Defence Minister Praises Armed Forces Athletes As 'Soldier And Champion' Blend

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded armed forces athletes for their medal-winning performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, calling them a 'perfect blend of a soldier and a champion'. He highlighted their strong willpower and the inspiration they provide to the nation, especially the youth. Indian Army athletes secured 16 medals, including 8 gold, contributing significantly to India's overall tally.

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Rediff.com3 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.

West Bengal Launches Quantum And Semiconductor Tech Section To Attract Investments

West Bengal Launches Quantum And Semiconductor Tech Section To Attract Investments

Rediff.com6 days ago

West Bengal has launched an Emerging Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies (EQST) section at CSIR-CGCRI to attract investments and position the state as a hub for next-generation technology. Minister Kalyan Chakraborti highlighted India's need to invest in these crucial sectors and outlined the state's plans to collaborate with institutions and leverage budget initiatives to foster research and start-ups.

Mamata's Nandigram bypoll nominee pulls out after meeting CM

Mamata's Nandigram bypoll nominee pulls out after meeting CM

Rediff.com2 days ago

Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the Mamata Banerjee camp's candidate for the Nandigram bypoll, withdrew her nomination just hours after the Election Commission assigned a new party name and symbol to the faction. This development leaves the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress without a candidate in the crucial Nandigram constituency.

Task Force Formed To Revive Formula 1 In India By 2028

Task Force Formed To Revive Formula 1 In India By 2028

Rediff.com5 days ago

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced the formation of a 10-member Task Force, chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, to explore the revival of Formula 1 in India. The committee will assess challenges, identify policy interventions, and develop a roadmap to potentially host a race by 2028, addressing issues that led to its discontinuation after 2013.

Former deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh Alla Nani dies at 56

Former deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh Alla Nani dies at 56

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister A Kali Krishna Srinivas, known as Alla Nani, has died at 56 due to a heart attack. Political leaders, including Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, expressed their condolences. Srinivas had served as Deputy CM and health minister and recently joined the TDP after losing the 2024 Assembly election.

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

Rediff.com5 days ago

Police have registered cases against senior DMK leaders A Raja, P K Sekar Babu, and Vasantham Karthikeyan for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar during recent party protests. The controversy stems from CM Vijay's comments questioning DMK chief M K Stalin's MISA detention during the Emergency, which the DMK claims is a long-standing narrative.

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has criticised the Centre for introducing a 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, alleging the decision was influenced by pressure from the United States and its payment companies like Visa and Mastercard. He highlighted a perceived shift in the government's stance on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI, claiming it would ultimately burden consumers and small businesses while benefiting American firms.

MMA fighter collapses during weight cut at Asian Games

MMA fighter collapses during weight cut at Asian Games

Rediff.com19 hours ago

Mixed Martial Arts fighter Varun Sanyal, son of PM's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjiv Sanyal, was briefly hospitalised in Nagoya after passing out in a sauna while cutting weight for a competition. He has since recovered and is stable.

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Rediff.com6 days ago

Nepal's Hindu groups have sought an all-party discussion on restoring Hindu-nation status within three months.

After Kashmir, US envoy Sergio Gor visits Manipur, meets CM Khemchand

After Kashmir, US envoy Sergio Gor visits Manipur, meets CM Khemchand

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh during a two-day visit to the state. They discussed strengthening relations between the US and Manipur, with Gor also visiting local cultural sites and expressing appreciation for the focus on North East India's development.

India Aims For Aquatic Excellence And Major Event Hosting

India Aims For Aquatic Excellence And Major Event Hosting

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met World Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam to discuss strengthening cooperation, developing aquatic sports in India, and exploring India's readiness to host Asian-level championships. India is also targeting to host the 2038 Asian Games and 2036 Olympics.

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital transactions applies to merchants, not customers, and aims to support banks and fintech in infrastructure investment. She countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims, stating that a committee will decide on MDR only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a process currently stalled by parliamentary disruptions.

Omar Abdullah Backs UPI Charges, Urges Consumer Protection

Omar Abdullah Backs UPI Charges, Urges Consumer Protection

Rediff.com4 days ago

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed support for the Centre's decision to levy charges on UPI transactions, citing the cost of maintaining the digital payment infrastructure. However, he emphasised the need to protect retail consumers from these fees. Abdullah also discussed the upcoming seven-day Assembly session, highlighting the government's commitment to smooth functioning and addressing MLAs' concerns, and touched upon efforts to tackle drainage issues affecting water bodies.

How Chhattisgarh Is Becoming A Premier Sports Destination

How Chhattisgarh Is Becoming A Premier Sports Destination

Rediff.com5 days ago

Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as a significant sports destination in India, driven by state government initiatives to host major events and develop infrastructure. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the state's commitment to sports, exemplified by the DP World PGTI Nava Raipur Open 2026 golf championship, inaugurated with cricket legend Kapil Dev. These efforts aim to foster talent, promote sports tourism, and transform the state's image, including positive changes in regions like Bastar.

Karnataka BJP ex-MP booked over Ganesha procession speech

Karnataka BJP ex-MP booked over Ganesha procession speech

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Former BJP MP Pratap Simha has been booked by police in T Narasipura, Mysuru, for allegedly delivering a provocative speech during a Ganesha idol procession. The FIR was registered following a complaint by a PSI, accusing Simha of making derogatory remarks against an inspector. Simha claims the FIR is politically motivated and vows to challenge it in court.

Happy 76th, Modi,ji!

Happy 76th, Modi,ji!

Rediff.com3 days ago

From a milk abhishek and aarti in Patna and Vadnagar to blood donation camps in Delhi, sand art tributes in Puri and Agartala, and havan pujas in Jammu, BJP leaders and others nationwide honoured the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday with prayers, service drives and tributes.

BJP to leverage BRICS Summit success in poll campaigns

BJP to leverage BRICS Summit success in poll campaigns

Rediff.com7 days ago

The successful hosting of the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi has provided a significant boost to the BJP, offering a timely opportunity to strengthen its narrative against the opposition ahead of crucial assembly elections next year. BJP sources highlight the BRICS grouping's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and the consensus declaration as major diplomatic victories for the Modi government, countering criticisms of its foreign policy. The party plans to leverage these outcomes during its month-long Seva Sankalp campaign to connect with various sections of society.