News for 'Minister of State'

Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Over Yamuna Pollution Claims

Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Over Yamuna Pollution Claims

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he could enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly in West Bengal due to its clean waters, unlike the polluted Yamuna in Delhi. She also defended women's safety in Bengal and criticised the BJP's governance in other states.

Punjab Minister Highlights Role of AI and Innovation in Future Farming

Punjab Minister Highlights Role of AI and Innovation in Future Farming

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasised the importance of innovation, technology adoption, and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of farming at the Smart Agri Summit 2026. He highlighted the need to combine traditional knowledge with data-driven insights to mitigate climate risks and enhance agricultural productivity.

How Cricket Strengthens India-Jamaica Relations

How Cricket Strengthens India-Jamaica Relations

Rediff.com4 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the unifying role of cricket between India and Jamaica, dedicating a digital scoreboard gifted by India to Sabina Park in Kingston.

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com3 days ago

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.

NITI Aayog: India's Scientific Knowledge Systematically Destroyed

NITI Aayog: India's Scientific Knowledge Systematically Destroyed

Rediff.com6 days ago

NITI Aayog member Gobardhan Das asserted that India possessed a rich scientific tradition that suffered setbacks during centuries of foreign domination, with its repository of knowledge systematically destroyed by invaders.

Paternity Leave For Private Sector On Cards?

Paternity Leave For Private Sector On Cards?

Rediff.com3 days ago

Male central government employees are entitled to 15 days under service rules and provisions in the private sector depends on the company's policy.

Marathi now must for Maha auto, taxi drivers; special drive from May 1

Marathi now must for Maha auto, taxi drivers; special drive from May 1

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik announced a special verification drive from May 1 to August 15 to enforce the decision making Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state, during which no punitive action will be taken.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Unlike films that end with the underdog becoming winner and being sworn in at a public ceremony, Vijay's trial by fire is only about to begin, predicts Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Reopen Hormuz route quickly, stick to no-nuclear pledge: China to Iran

Reopen Hormuz route quickly, stick to no-nuclear pledge: China to Iran

Rediff.com6 May 2026

China has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and expressed appreciation for Tehran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, a key demand of the US to end the conflict.

Four-year-old girl raped and murdered in Pune, 65-year-old labourer held

Four-year-old girl raped and murdered in Pune, 65-year-old labourer held

Rediff.com2 May 2026

A four-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and murdered allegedly by a 65-year-old labourer with a criminal background, who has been arrested amid outrage and protest over the incident in Maharashtra's Pune district, the police said on Saturday.

Seers step up pressure on Congress for Shivakumar as CM

Seers step up pressure on Congress for Shivakumar as CM

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A forum of swamijis has urged the Congress high command to immediately appoint D K Shivakumar as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, warning of consequences if the demand is not met.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for a USD 15 billion Google Artificial Intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam, calling it a 'growth engine for India' and Asia's biggest such facility.

Punjab's New Bill Focuses On Prison Reform And Rehabilitation

Punjab's New Bill Focuses On Prison Reform And Rehabilitation

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, aims to transform prisons into centres of reform, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, focusing on inmates' human rights, transparency, and security.

Vijayvargiya: Bengal Victory A Gift From Modi, Shah To India

Vijayvargiya: Bengal Victory A Gift From Modi, Shah To India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed his joy over the BJP's victory in the West Bengal assembly polls, calling it a significant gift to the nation from PM Modi and Amit Shah, while also alleging the previous TMC government fostered anti-national activities.

Security scaled back at Mamata's home, Abhishek's office post-poll rout

Security scaled back at Mamata's home, Abhishek's office post-poll rout

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Barricades outside the residence of outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in south Kolkata were partially removed on Tuesday, a day after the Trinamool Congress lost power in the state and she was defeated from the Bhabanipur seat.

DMK Faces Internal Strife After Election Defeat

DMK Faces Internal Strife After Election Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'How does the person responsible for the leader's defeat stand before the leader, showing his face, without even a shred of shame, fear, apprehension, or embarrassment?'

Punjab On High Alert After Amritsar, Jalandhar Blasts

Punjab On High Alert After Amritsar, Jalandhar Blasts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab is on high alert following two explosions in Amritsar and Jalandhar. Police suspect the involvement of Pakistan's ISI in the Amritsar blast, while the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLF) has claimed responsibility for the Jalandhar explosion. Investigations are underway.

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

Pakistan, Bangladesh challenge India-Australia-ECB

Pakistan, Bangladesh challenge India-Australia-ECB

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board have agreed to support each other at Asian and international cricket forums while seeking greater balance in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2028-31 cycle.

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has renamed the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as 'Patna Zoo' and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as 'Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology'. The cabinet also approved significant allocations for electricity subsidies, college establishments, and infrastructure projects.

Modi inaugurates India's longest 6-lane highway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj

Modi inaugurates India's longest 6-lane highway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj, aiming to boost connectivity, industrial investment, and economic growth in Uttar Pradesh.

TMC Leaders Discuss Strategy After Bengal Election Results

TMC Leaders Discuss Strategy After Bengal Election Results

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Senior TMC leaders and newly-elected MLAs met at Mamata Banerjee's residence to discuss strategy and allocation of responsibilities following the party's performance in the West Bengal assembly elections.

Govt ready with corrective steps: Union minister on West Asia conflict

Govt ready with corrective steps: Union minister on West Asia conflict

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has implemented several measures to mitigate external risks, support the balance of payments, and maintain macroeconomic stability amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis, according to Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Looking at the situation purely on its Constitutional merits, the governor's conduct is defensible.' 'He is saying: You do not have a majority, so prove it. That is not an unreasonable position even if the timing and the political context make it deeply controversial.'

'Indians Are Not Buying Too Much Of Gold'

'Indians Are Not Buying Too Much Of Gold'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Even last year, when India bought gold, the physical quantity was much less than the previous years.'

Vijay unlikely to take oath on Thursday as TVK falls short of majority mark

Vijay unlikely to take oath on Thursday as TVK falls short of majority mark

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is unlikely to take oath on Thursday as chief minister as the actor-turned politician firms up support to cross the majority mark in the Tamil Nadu assembly, sources said on Wednesday.

4 dead, 10 missing as cruise overturns in MP's Bargi dam

4 dead, 10 missing as cruise overturns in MP's Bargi dam

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A river cruise boat carrying 29 passengers overturned in the Bargi dam reservoir near Jabalpur after encountering a sudden storm, resulting in four deaths and a large-scale rescue operation.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of disregarding democratic procedures, the judiciary, and the Election Commission of India. He alleged that the rule of law has been compromised in the state, particularly concerning the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

Power shift in Andhra: CM Naidu hands key TDP role to son Nara Lokesh

Power shift in Andhra: CM Naidu hands key TDP role to son Nara Lokesh

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Chandrababu Naidu has reorganised the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), appointing his son Nara Lokesh as working president and emphasising a blend of experienced and new leaders to strengthen the party.

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each.

Three Arrested In UP Over Suvendu Adhikari Aide Murder

Three Arrested In UP Over Suvendu Adhikari Aide Murder

Rediff.com6 days ago

Three individuals have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The arrests were made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.

Palghar Rape Case Sparks Outrage; Official Assures Support

Palghar Rape Case Sparks Outrage; Official Assures Support

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A 13-year-old rape survivor in Palghar district was visited by an official, sparking outrage and calls for stricter laws and swift justice in the case.

SC grants anticipatory bail to Cong's Pawan Khera

SC grants anticipatory bail to Cong's Pawan Khera

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case registered against him for alleging that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife possessed multiple passports and undisclosed properties abroad.

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Nagaland Minister C L John has called for stronger collective efforts to address gender-based violence and unequal opportunities, highlighting the need for women's empowerment at the International Women's Day celebration in Kohima.

Fadnavis Calls For Maharashtra Police To Combat Cybercrime

Fadnavis Calls For Maharashtra Police To Combat Cybercrime

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasised the need for the state police to enhance their preparedness in addressing modern challenges such as cybercrime and financial offences. He highlighted the importance of the police force in maintaining law and order and contributing to the state's economic progress during the closing ceremony of the 36th Maharashtra State Police Sports Competition.