News for 'Minister of State'

Meghalaya orders judicial probe into coal mine blast

Meghalaya orders judicial probe into coal mine blast

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced a judicial inquiry into the recent blast at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, which resulted in the deaths of 27 people.

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

Mumbai: Parapet segment of Metro bridge crashes; 1 dead, 3 injured

Mumbai: Parapet segment of Metro bridge crashes; 1 dead, 3 injured

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The incident took place around 12:20pm on the arterial LBS Road in front of Johnson and Johnson factory in Mulund area.

Wealth is...: Modi shares Sanskrit couplet after US trade deal

Wealth is...: Modi shares Sanskrit couplet after US trade deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Modi's remarks came hours after the US and India agreed on a trade deal under which Washington will bring down reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18 per cent from current 25 per cent.

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Board on Monday appointed party national general secretary Tarun Chugh as the central observer for the election of the legislature party leader in Manipur, indicating the possible formation of a popular government in the Northeastern state.

Budget proposes Rs 10,000 cr investment in biopharma over next 5 years

Budget proposes Rs 10,000 cr investment in biopharma over next 5 years

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed Rs 10,000 crore investment in the biopharma sector over the next five years, a move which would give a boost to the country's pharmaceuticals industry.

Ajit Pawar crash: Naidu seeks Maharashtra's help for fast probe

Ajit Pawar crash: Naidu seeks Maharashtra's help for fast probe

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has requested the Maharashtra government's cooperation in the investigation into the plane crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation.

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

'The prime minister didn't come to Parliament.' 'But the BJP MP is charging that you wanted to assault the prime minister.' 'Only a person who has the intellect and ideology of the BJP can come up with such bizarre charges.'

Over 2.5 cr Aadhaar numbers have been deactivated. Here's why

Over 2.5 cr Aadhaar numbers have been deactivated. Here's why

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Unique Identification Authority of India has deactivated Aadhaar numbers of over 2.5 crore deceased persons to prevent misuse of the identity document, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

Tharoor slams govt for not allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak

Tharoor slams govt for not allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized the Lok Sabha for denying Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi the opportunity to speak, calling it 'absolutely bizarre'. Tharoor stated that Gandhi should be allowed to voice his concerns and that preventing him from speaking undermines the purpose of Parliament.

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.

'BJP mastermind behind Sunetra Pawar's appointment as DCM'

'BJP mastermind behind Sunetra Pawar's appointment as DCM'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP leadership of being the mastermind behind Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, alleging that certain NCP leaders also desire to prevent the unification of the two NCP factions.

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi praise team on Under-19 WC win

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi praise team on Under-19 WC win

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi congratulated India's U-19 team after their record sixth World Cup win, powered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stunning 175 against England in the final.

India match boycott only to get Bangladesh respect: Pakistan

India match boycott only to get Bangladesh respect: Pakistan

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India was aimed solely at securing "respect" for Bangladesh.

Maharashtra Bids Farewell to Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Bids Farewell to Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Thousands of supporters gathered to pay their last respects, chanting slogans in his memory. The large turnout and emotional farewell highlighted Ajit Pawar's strong grassroots connect and his significant influence in Maharashtra politics.

PM pressured to hand over people's data as part of US deal, alleges Rahul

PM pressured to hand over people's data as part of US deal, alleges Rahul

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi claims the Indo-US trade deal will compromise the data security of 1.5 billion Indians, alleging Prime Minister Modi is surrendering India's data resources to the US. He warns of potential job losses in the IT sector due to AI and the importance of controlling India's data pool.

Ajit 'dada' Pawar: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

Ajit 'dada' Pawar: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ajit Pawar, who was the finance and planning minister, would have tabled his budget for 2026-27 next month when the state legislature's budget session begins in Mumbai on February 23.

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar became a ray of hope for Muslims, the only man in power who could resolve their grievances.

'We Are With Bangladesh': Pakistan PM On Not Playing India Match

'We Are With Bangladesh': Pakistan PM On Not Playing India Match

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Pakistan's cricket team has been told by the government to skip the February 15 game in Colombo after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play its games in India.

RBI looks to ban sales incentive to bank staffers from third party

RBI looks to ban sales incentive to bank staffers from third party

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

In a move aimed at curbing the mis-selling of financial products, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed banning incentives paid to bank staffers by third parties such as insurance companies and mutual fund houses for selling their products and services. It has also proposed that banks must ensure their user interfaces do not deploy "dark patterns" to lure customers.

Sunetra Pawar set to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM today

Sunetra Pawar set to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM today

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The legislature wing of the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra will hold a meeting in Mumbai on January 31, where Deputy Chief Minister late Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra is set to be named as its leader, state minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday.

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The Congress attacked the Modi government, saying it now seems to be routine that India learns about its government's actions only from Trump or his appointees.

Bihar minister seeks to defuse veil row, says NDA stands for Matri Shakti

Bihar minister seeks to defuse veil row, says NDA stands for Matri Shakti

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey addresses the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing a female doctor's veil, stating he is unaware of reports that she refused to join duty following the incident. A Congress leader has filed a complaint against Kumar and another minister.

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

General Manoj Mukund Naravane's memoir has triggered a controversy by revealing behind-the-scenes decision-making during the 2020 India-China standoff in Ladakh. Its candid account of military and political responses at a critical moment has reignited debate over civil-military relations, accountability, and the limits of disclosure in matters of national security.

Overseas residents eligible to invest in Indian equities

Overseas residents eligible to invest in Indian equities

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said individual persons residing outside India (PROI) will be permitted equity investments in listed Indian companies through a portfolio investment scheme.

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The incident took place right outside Parliament's Makar Dwar, the main entrance which MPs take to enter the new Parliament building, where Gandhi was standing in solidarity with suspended Congress MPs, mostly from Punjab.

Sharad Pawar not informed about Sunetra's swearing-in: NCP-SP

Sharad Pawar not informed about Sunetra's swearing-in: NCP-SP

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar Maharashtra unit president Shashikant Shinde on Saturday said his party chief Sharad Pawar and other leaders had no prior knowledge about the decision that Nationalist Congress Party's Sunetra Pawar would take oath as the state deputy chief minister.

Venezuela's acting president dials Modi weeks after US action

Venezuela's acting president dials Modi weeks after US action

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations. This marks the first conversation between the leaders since Nicolas Maduro's capture.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Black box recovered; Bombardier to assist probe

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Black box recovered; Bombardier to assist probe

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Black Box of the Learjet 45 aircraft that crashed near the Baramati airstrip on Wednesday has been recovered, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.

India winds down Russian oil buys, ramps up US imports: USTR

India winds down Russian oil buys, ramps up US imports: USTR

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Greer said that India has taken down some digital services taxes and is moving tariffs down.

'FIR or privilege motion, I will fight for farmers': Rahul Gandhi

'FIR or privilege motion, I will fight for farmers': Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'anti-farmer' and 'selling' the country through the India-US interim trade deal, vowing to stand strongly with farmers.

My power-sharing formula is a 'political bomb', CM Stalin rattled: Vijay

My power-sharing formula is a 'political bomb', CM Stalin rattled: Vijay

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Assuring a social justice-driven regime if voted to power, Vijay, addressing a rally at Seelanaickenpatti, in Salem, dramatically hit back at those who mocked at him by alleging that he merely stayed back at home, though claiming to have entered politics.

Fresh violence in Manipur: Houses torched, shots fired, internet suspended

Fresh violence in Manipur: Houses torched, shots fired, internet suspended

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Following an alleged assault, fresh violence erupted in Manipur's Ukhrul district, resulting in arson and prompting the suspension of internet services. Tensions remain high as security forces work to restore order.

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha that over 3,800 Indian nationals were deported from the US in 2025. The government is working with US authorities to ensure humane treatment during deportation operations and is taking action against illegal recruitment agents facilitating illegal immigration.

Pawar To Rupani: Leaders Who Died In Air Crashes

Pawar To Rupani: Leaders Who Died In Air Crashes

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed after their aircraft crashed in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Here are 11 other prominent Indians who died in air crashes.

Modi's Message to Students: Prioritise Skills, Limit Internet Use

Modi's Message to Students: Prioritise Skills, Limit Internet Use

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

While talking to students during Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Everyone has their own pattern. Some people study better in the morning, some at night. Whatever suits you, believe in that. But also take advice and, if that benefits you, then only add it to your life structure."

'Treat Bangladesh, Pakistan The Same As India'

'Treat Bangladesh, Pakistan The Same As India'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Former England captain Nasser Hussain slammed the International Cricket Council for its decision to exclude Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup for their refusal to play in India.

Modi sold off farmers' blood and sweat: Rahul on US deal

Modi sold off farmers' blood and sweat: Rahul on US deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi buckled under United States pressure to finalise a trade deal and 'sold off' the hard work of Indian farmers through the agreement.

Biker death: Sub-contractor held for failing to report fall

Biker death: Sub-contractor held for failing to report fall

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Delhi government suspends officials suspected of negligence after a motorcyclist died falling into a pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board in Janakpuri. An investigation is underway, and FIRs have been filed against the DJB and the contractor.