News for 'Minister of State'

Aamir Khan brand ambassador of love jihad: Sena minister on actor's 3rd marriage

Aamir Khan brand ambassador of love jihad: Sena minister on actor's 3rd marriage

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Maharashtra ministers have ignited a fresh controversy by linking Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's third marriage to the contentious concept of "love jihad".

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Thousands of students clashed with Bihar Police in Patna while attempting to march to the chief minister's residence, protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) examination system and alleged irregularities.

Sena men attack hospital staff over medical bills to injured govindas

Sena men attack hospital staff over medical bills to injured govindas

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

More than a dozen Shiv Sena functionaries, including district and city unit chiefs and an MLA's son, have been booked for allegedly assaulting, abusing, and threatening hospital staff in Palghar. The incident occurred after 'govindas' injured during Dahi Handi celebrations were brought for treatment, and a dispute arose over medical bills. The NCP (SP) has condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the medical system and the rule of law, and demanded strict action.

Bihar's 6-yr-old protester ends sit-in after meeting Pappu Yadav

Bihar's 6-yr-old protester ends sit-in after meeting Pappu Yadav

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A six-year-old boy, Aditya Kumar, ended his protest in Patna against alleged police excesses on his parents after Independent MP Pappu Yadav assured him of taking the matter to court. The boy had gained attention for his participation in BPSC exam aspirants' protests.

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The third edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) has commenced with a quiz contest, leading to a national finale in January 2027 where young leaders will present their ideas for a developed India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The multi-stage event includes essay challenges, district championships, and state-level dialogues, aiming to foster youth participation in nation-building across various thematic areas.

Trump unveils 50% tariffs as US-Canada trade war escalates

Trump unveils 50% tariffs as US-Canada trade war escalates

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The US-Canada trade war has escalated sharply, with US President Donald Trump on Monday announcing that tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel imports will be raised to 50 percent from January 2027, following the collapse of trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa last week.

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Israel has strongly condemned Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's "outrageous" remarks calling for Israel's annihilation and labelling it "evil" and a "curse for humanity", raising doubts about Pakistan's role as a "neutral arbiter" for peace.

How India Can Boost Its Olympic Medal Tally

How India Can Boost Its Olympic Medal Tally

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that India's Olympic performance can significantly improve by increasing participation in sports where the nation currently lacks representation. Speaking at the Khelo India Dialogue, Modi highlighted that India competes in only half of the Olympic sports, leading to a missed opportunity for medals. He also reiterated his vision for sports as a nation-building process, not just about winning medals, and mentioned a nationwide talent hunt for young children.

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Over 130 Indian nationals, including Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrims and tourists, are missing or stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have cut off central districts and disrupted communication links. Indian states and the embassy in Kathmandu have launched helplines to assist those affected.

Ankit Balyan murder: Wife threatens self-immolation if killers not held

Ankit Balyan murder: Wife threatens self-immolation if killers not held

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The wife of slain Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan on Friday threatened to self-immolate if the police fail to arrest her husband's killers within four days.

No more military strikes on Iran, Rubio informs US allies

No more military strikes on Iran, Rubio informs US allies

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The US has informed allies it will avoid new military strikes on Iran, instead focusing on economic sanctions and maritime enforcement, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic shift aims to intensify pressure on Tehran's economy and oil exports while keeping the military option open if Iran initiates aggression. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst persistent regional tensions and maritime incidents.

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday stood firm on his demand for Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas as his indefinite hunger strike entered the second day, warning that he would march to Mumbai if the Maharashtra government failed to act.

Over 10 dead as monsoon batters several states; Uttarakhand on alert

Over 10 dead as monsoon batters several states; Uttarakhand on alert

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Torrential monsoon rains unleashed widespread destruction across several parts of the country on Thursday, inundating roads, uprooting trees, damaging property and disrupting normal life as authorities scrambled to restore normalcy.

Not my habit to complain about my country: Omar on meeting US envoy

Not my habit to complain about my country: Omar on meeting US envoy

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced he would meet US Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the regional situation but firmly stated he would not raise internal issues with the US representative. Abdullah emphasised that solutions to J&K's problems lie with the central government, not with foreign entities, maintaining his stance against complaining about India to foreign diplomats.

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned after being accused of abetting the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official. The resignation follows allegations of harassment and pressure related to warehouse tenders.

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payment Landscape

How UPI Revolutionised India's Digital Payment Landscape

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded UPI on its 10th anniversary, highlighting its role in India's digital transformation. Launched by NPCI in 2016, UPI has become the world's largest real-time payment system, witnessing a massive surge in transaction volume and value, demonstrating its success in empowering people with swift, seamless, and secure digital transactions.

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'The fundamental issue that I have raised, how come India's GDP in current prices went down from Rs 86 lakh crore down to Rs 80 lakh crore -- a staggering erasure of Rs 6 lakh crore. This disappearance of Rs 6 lakh crore has not been answered by anyone.'

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian government sources revealed that a 'cautious approach' was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June talks with then-US President Donald Trump due to concerns over Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' with foreign leaders, leading to a preference against a joint media interaction.

Saree becomes lifeline as Tamil Nadu pilgrims escape Nepal floods

Saree becomes lifeline as Tamil Nadu pilgrims escape Nepal floods

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A group of 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu faced a terrifying ordeal during a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash when flash floods and mudslides struck Timure, Nepal. Despite being trapped in a raging torrent, a combination of miraculous coincidences, quick thinking, and the selfless heroism of a couple, Ratnakumar and Poonguzhali, ensured their survival. Indian and Tamil Nadu officials coordinated a swift rescue operation, bringing them safely back home.

Why Test Cricket Remains The Mother Of All Formats

Why Test Cricket Remains The Mother Of All Formats

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath has underscored the critical role of Test cricket in developing depth within the game, despite the growing popularity of the T20 format. Speaking at an awards ceremony, Srinath advised young players to prioritise Test cricket, noting the difficulty for T20 specialists to transition to the longer format. He also stressed the responsibility of cricket associations, parents, and coaches in guiding emerging talent.

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Who is running the show in Dhaka? This kind of flip-flop, culminating in a last-minute decision to skip a maiden visit, can happen only when the remote is in the hands of one of the competing lobbies within the BNP -- one that appears determined to play a game of chess with India.

How UPI Integration In Uzbekistan Benefits Indian Travellers

How UPI Integration In Uzbekistan Benefits Indian Travellers

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

NPCI International and Uzbekistan's NIPC have partnered to enable UPI payments across Uzbekistan, allowing Indian tourists, business travellers, and students to make instant merchant payments using the UZQR code. This agreement, approved by RBI and CBU, integrates UPI with Uzbekistan's national payment system, HUMO, facilitating direct P2M payments from Indian bank accounts and reducing reliance on foreign exchange or international cards.

Canada suspends trade talks with US, 50% tariff kicks in

Canada suspends trade talks with US, 50% tariff kicks in

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have collapsed, leading to the US imposing 50% tariffs on nearly $28 billion worth of Canadian imports, with Canada immediately vowing to retaliate dollar-for-dollar.

Did Bihar Police 'arrest' a 6-yr-old boy for protesting?

Did Bihar Police 'arrest' a 6-yr-old boy for protesting?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Six-year-old Aditya gained attention for his bold comments during a student protest in Patna against Bihar Public Service Commission examinations. Despite social media rumours of his arrest, police clarified he was held for safety and returned to his parents, advising them to be more careful. The protest saw clashes, lathi-charge, and injuries.

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A high drama unfolded in Hyderabad on Thursday as ministers of the Congress government arrived at the Telangana Martyrs' Memorial to engage in a public debate with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders over allegations of scams and debt accumulation that both the ruling and opposition parties have raised against each other.

Why Is Asim Munir in Tehran?

Why Is Asim Munir in Tehran?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Pakistan's army chief held a series of engagements with Iranian leaders in Tehran as regional diplomacy remained in focus.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

Mammootty@75: His Top 10 Masala Potboilers

Mammootty@75: His Top 10 Masala Potboilers

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

We celebrate Mammootty's 75th birthday by revisiting blockbusters that shaped his superstar image without compromising his brilliance as an actor.

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a close ally of former premier Khaleda Zia, has been elected as Bangladesh's new President in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced a drive against auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers lacking a 'working knowledge' of Marathi, with penalties ranging from licence suspension to cancellation, sparking fears among non-Marathi speaking drivers.

Delhi Government Collaborates With EkStep Foundation To Make Administrative Data AI-Ready

Delhi Government Collaborates With EkStep Foundation To Make Administrative Data AI-Ready

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Delhi government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EkStep Foundation to transform its administrative data into an AI-ready format. This initiative aims to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and enable proactive, evidence-based decision-making by leveraging artificial intelligence.

Ayodhya fish feast sparks political storm in UP; Yogi targets Ajay Rai

Ayodhya fish feast sparks political storm in UP; Yogi targets Ajay Rai

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused state Congress chief Ajay Rai of participating in a fish feast in Ayodhya during the holy month of Shravan, near the Ram temple. Rai has vehemently denied the allegations, challenging Adityanath to provide proof and threatening to resign if proven, while also demanding the CM's resignation if no evidence is found. The Congress party has defended the event, stating it was a Nishad community gathering with their own food traditions.

Nepal floods: 290 Indians still missing, 200 stranded on Chinese side

Nepal floods: 290 Indians still missing, 200 stranded on Chinese side

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 288 Indian nationals remain missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal, including those working on hydropower projects and tourist groups.

'We should have evidence': Former CDS reveals how Modi ordered Op Sindoor

'We should have evidence': Former CDS reveals how Modi ordered Op Sindoor

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan (retd) revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed an 'unthinkable' and 'big lesson' action against Pakistan following the April 2024 Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising India's zero-tolerance policy for cross-border terrorism and the need for irrefutable evidence.

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana recused herself from a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers. This development follows a report by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria, which revealed over 4,000 pending criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), including chief ministers from 14 states. The Supreme Court has previously issued directives to high courts to establish special benches to monitor and fast-track these trials.

Marathi fine rumours trigger protests by Mumbai auto, taxi drivers

Marathi fine rumours trigger protests by Mumbai auto, taxi drivers

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Widespread fear amongst autorickshaw and taxi drivers over rumoured steep fines linked to a state government Marathi proficiency drive erupted into street protests in parts of Mumbai on Monday, forcing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to step in and address the panic. During protests, some drivers tried to prevent other members from transporting passengers, inconveniencing common people in the morning hours.

Nepal Floods: Bihar On Alert

Nepal Floods: Bihar On Alert

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'The threat of a flash flood is real.'

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered major social media platforms, including Meta, X Corp, and Google LLC, to immediately remove 'vile, abusive, obscene, and defamatory' deepfakes and AI-generated content targeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, emphasising the urgent need for online platforms to curb malicious digital content.