News for 'Minister of State'

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Minister K M Shaji admitted that distributing welfare pensions from a UDF political office in Malappuram's Pulpatta panchayat was improper, leading to the removal of the responsible official. The incident, which sparked allegations of rule violation, was attributed to unforeseen circumstances and bad weather, with the minister assuring steps to prevent recurrence.

Why Was Minister Bhujbal's Official Residence Address Misused?

Why Was Minister Bhujbal's Official Residence Address Misused?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A non-cognisable case has been registered against a lawyer for allegedly using Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal's official residence address in a public notice for a private property development project, leading to a complaint from the minister's office regarding security and administrative breach.

2 MLAs defy Vaiko's order to resign, to function as DMK legislators

2 MLAs defy Vaiko's order to resign, to function as DMK legislators

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Two MDMK MLAs, T M Rajendran and R Senthil Selvan, have refused to resign from their Assembly seats despite demands from MDMK General Secretary Vaiko. They assert their status as DMK legislators, having won on the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol, and have pledged loyalty to DMK leadership, including M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

Season 2 of Jantar Mantar to begin very soon: CJP's Dipke

Season 2 of Jantar Mantar to begin very soon: CJP's Dipke

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a 'Season 2 of Jantar Mantar' protest, alleging that the party faced pressure from the ruling BJP, including threats to hall owners, while trying to secure a venue for a volunteers' meeting in Delhi.

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Premature surrender and withdrawal of life insurance policies in India have surpassed maturity payouts over the past five years, indicating a growing trend of policyholders exiting long-term policies before their full tenure, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha.

Karnataka Minister Vows Action In Bitcoin Scam, Tightens Pub Rules

Karnataka Minister Vows Action In Bitcoin Scam, Tightens Pub Rules

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge affirmed that all individuals involved in the Bitcoin scam, including Youth Congress leader Mohammed Haris Nalapad, will face legal consequences, emphasising the state government's transparent approach. He also announced a new circular mandating age verification in pubs and bars to curb underage drinking and substance abuse.

India counters China's renaming game, maps 27 Arunachal sites

India counters China's renaming game, maps 27 Arunachal sites

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

India has formally identified 27 places and features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names on the official Indian map, a move aimed at countering China's repeated attempts to rename locations in the state. This action reinforces India's stance that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country, despite China's "fictitious names" for the region it calls Zangnan.

Prime Minister Mourns Loss Of Shooting Legend Jaspal Rana

Prime Minister Mourns Loss Of Shooting Legend Jaspal Rana

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the passing of Asian Games gold medallist shooter Jaspal Rana, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian sports as both an athlete and a mentor.

CM Shivakumar Hails Shilpa K Shyla's Commonwealth Games Bronze

CM Shivakumar Hails Shilpa K Shyla's Commonwealth Games Bronze

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar congratulated para-athlete Shilpa K Shyla for winning a bronze medal in Shot Put at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, highlighting her achievement as a source of pride and inspiration for the state and nation.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

E20 petrol: Nitin Gadkari sues Meta, X, Google over 'defamatory' AI deepfakes

E20 petrol: Nitin Gadkari sues Meta, X, Google over 'defamatory' AI deepfakes

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has filed a civil suit against Meta, X Corp, Google LLC, and unknown persons in the Bombay High Court over "defamatory" deepfakes and AI-generated posts concerning the ethanol policy. The court will hear the matter on August 5, with Gadkari seeking a permanent injunction and immediate takedown of the fake content, which he claims has harmed his reputation.

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Student protests against alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand have intensified, with six demonstrators on hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe. The agitation, which has garnered political support from both opposition and ruling allies, is set to impact the Monsoon Assembly Session, even as a CID investigation progresses and prohibitory orders are issued.

Vijay government may privatise TN's liquor sales to curb graft

Vijay government may privatise TN's liquor sales to curb graft

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

An intensified DVAC probe into a multi-crore liquor scam, allegedly involving former DMK Minister V Senthil Balaji, has led to a suggestion to privatise retail liquor sales in Tamil Nadu. The investigation targets alleged collusion in TASMAC bar licences, transport tenders, and procurement, with the Madras High Court dismissing Balaji's anticipatory bail plea. The FIR details systemic corruption, significant revenue loss, and illicit fund generation, prompting political reactions.

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Newly appointed Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy has announced ambitious plans to attract significant investments, particularly from the Tata Group, to revive industrial growth in West Bengal. He aims to restore investor confidence, bring back businesses that left the state, and create an industry-friendly environment focused on manufacturing, services, and renewable energy.

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language. The apology follows a controversy stemming from an incident on May 26 where Bittu allegedly used casteist remarks against police officers in Dhuri.

My US studies funded by...: Abhijeet Dipke on funding row

My US studies funded by...: Abhijeet Dipke on funding row

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Dipke has clarified the funding of his US education, stating it was supported by a scholarship and an education loan, amidst growing scrutiny and calls for a probe into his finances.

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Abusing, Threatening Police

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Abusing, Threatening Police

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Rajasthan's Minister of State for Cooperation, Gautam Kumar Dak, has been booked for allegedly verbally abusing and threatening police officers in public. An audio clip purportedly capturing the incident circulated online, leading to the registration of an FIR against the minister.

Karnataka Launches Tathyakosh.in To Centralise India's Public Data

Karnataka Launches Tathyakosh.in To Centralise India's Public Data

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The ACSEL Technology Forum, a Karnataka government Centre of Excellence in AI, has launched Tathyakosh.in, a digital public good designed to make India's extensive public data more accessible. This platform consolidates over 1.5 million datasets from 458 sources, addressing the challenge of fragmented data discovery across various government and research portals. It aims to benefit researchers, startups, and technology teams in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion by providing a structured and discoverable data infrastructure.

Mehbooba holds national flag upside down during sit-in; legal action likely

Mehbooba holds national flag upside down during sit-in; legal action likely

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is facing potential legal action after she was seen holding the national flag upside down during a protest in Srinagar. The protest was against the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Officials are considering action for violating the Flag Code of India.

'Indian boxers' success a proud symbol of Haryana's sporting culture'

'Indian boxers' success a proud symbol of Haryana's sporting culture'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has lauded the state's athletes for their stellar performance at the Commonwealth Games, where India secured 16 medals on a single day, climbing to fourth in the overall standings.

News, Bhakt Prahlad, He Ram clear Chhattisgarh police exams

News, Bhakt Prahlad, He Ram clear Chhattisgarh police exams

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Chhattisgarh's latest police recruitment exam results have drawn widespread attention after a bizarre mix of candidate names, such as 'News', 'Space Rani', 'He Ram' and 'Tufail', surfaced on the qualifying list, prompting the Opposition Congress to allege irregularities, even as candidates came forward to defend their unique monikers.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

SC to hear PIL seeking alternative to Jantar Mantar as protest site

SC to hear PIL seeking alternative to Jantar Mantar as protest site

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing a Public Interest Litigation challenging Jantar Mantar's suitability as a protest site in New Delhi, citing inconvenience to local residents and disruption of essential services. The court has issued notices to the Centre and other parties to address concerns about access and movement in the area.

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

As many as 274 fugitives have been repatriated from 36 countries in the last 7 years, an average of around 40 per year and a 10-fold jump from the 2004-13 period when around four fugitives were brought back every year, the government said on Tuesday.

Spain deploys military to Ceuta border after massive migrant influx, 9 dead

Spain deploys military to Ceuta border after massive migrant influx, 9 dead

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Spain is deploying its military to the Ceuta border with Morocco to restore order after thousands of migrants poured into the Spanish territory, resulting in at least nine fatalities during the crossings.

TN anti-corruption body books former Stalin minister Velu in road scam

TN anti-corruption body books former Stalin minister Velu in road scam

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister E V Velu, nine officials, and a private firm in connection with an alleged multi-crore road construction scam. The case involves fraudulent payments for unexecuted works in Karur and Erode districts, prompting political reactions from DMK Chief M K Stalin.

Gyaneshwari Yadav's Silver Medal Inspires Chhattisgarh Youth

Gyaneshwari Yadav's Silver Medal Inspires Chhattisgarh Youth

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Chhattisgarh's weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav has won a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, bringing pride to the state and the country. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao congratulated her, highlighting her achievement as an inspiration for young athletes. Yadav's performance in the 53kg category involved a thrilling contest where she set new personal bests.

Did govt offer to change Pradhan's portfolio before resignation?

Did govt offer to change Pradhan's portfolio before resignation?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP has strongly refuted media reports suggesting that former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation was due to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rejecting a portfolio change offer. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra labelled these reports as "baseless and imaginative," accusing them of sensationalising the issue.

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), emphasised the importance of young or Gen Z voices leading dialogues with youth, ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's interaction with students in Mumbai. Dipke highlighted that youth protests, including those against the NEET paper leak, have compelled leaders to engage with Gen Z. He also expressed solidarity with students protesting alleged paper leaks in Jharkhand, criticising the government's handling of the issue.

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

'We will change govt if it doesn't fall in line', warns CJP's Dipke

'We will change govt if it doesn't fall in line', warns CJP's Dipke

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has criticised the government for allegedly troubling protesting students, asserting they are the nation's future and not terrorists. He warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, the youth are prepared to bring about political change, referencing the recent resignation of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue.

Small Nuclear Reactors To Cost About Rs 7,000 Crore

Small Nuclear Reactors To Cost About Rs 7,000 Crore

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Construction of the approved reactor projects is expected to take five to six years after receiving financial approval.

From Flood-Hit Home To Karate Gold: Assam Teen Janmoni's Inspirational Story

From Flood-Hit Home To Karate Gold: Assam Teen Janmoni's Inspirational Story

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Seventeen-year-old Janmoni Konwar from Assam won a gold medal at the National Karate Championship in Delhi, a remarkable achievement given her family lost their home and livelihood to devastating floods just weeks before the competition.

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Jharkhand students are protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities with creative and non-violent methods, including mock job "rate cards," satirical posters, and recitations from the Mahabharata. Their agitation, spearheaded by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, focuses on demanding reforms, cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe, while adhering to a strict code of conduct against abusive language.

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Delhi government is set to introduce a comprehensive drone policy aimed at creating over 1,000 jobs and regulating drone operations. The policy will focus on establishing research clusters, flight testing facilities, and providing subsidies, while also addressing drone usage for government purposes like traffic management and surveillance, considering the city's extensive 'no drone zones'.

'Gyaneshwari's CWG silver will inspire Chhattisgarh's youth'

'Gyaneshwari's CWG silver will inspire Chhattisgarh's youth'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Chhattisgarh's weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav has won a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, bringing pride to the state and the country.

Kerala Police Arrest Man For Death Threats Against Chief Minister And Family

Kerala Police Arrest Man For Death Threats Against Chief Minister And Family

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A man named Sony Thomas has been arrested in Kerala for allegedly making phone calls threatening to kill Chief Minister VD Satheesan and his family. Police tracked the calls made to the Thiruvananthapuram City District Police Command and Control Centre. In a separate incident, Thaliparamba MLA TK Govindan also received a death threat call, with the caller identified by police.

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed rumours of his shift to national politics, asserting his commitment to the state. He also commented on the NEET paper leak issue, supporting the Union government's actions and criticising Uddhav Thackeray's remarks.