News for 'Minister of State'

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra Get Clean Chit From SIT?

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra Get Clean Chit From SIT?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Former Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and ex-trustee Anil Mishra, who had stepped down amid a temple donation theft controversy, are now actively holding meetings and interacting with seers in Ayodhya. This re-emergence coincides with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) sharing its final report on alleged irregularities in Ram temple donations with the Trust, sparking speculation about its findings.

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Ladakh has inaugurated its first international-level artificial ice hockey rink, a state-of-the-art facility costing Rs 42 crore. Equipped with a 24x7 chilling system, it allows year-round training, overcoming the previous limitation of a short natural ice season. This development is expected to boost winter sports, nurture local talent, and promote sports tourism in the region.

'Baghel go back' chants disrupt Punjab Congress meet as crisis deepens

'Baghel go back' chants disrupt Punjab Congress meet as crisis deepens

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

An organisational meeting of the Punjab Congress in Ludhiana, aimed at preparing for the 2027 assembly elections, was marred by protests and "go back" slogans against senior leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, highlighting the party's persistent internal divisions.

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has ignited a political controversy by labelling Operation Blue Star a 'black day' and referring to those killed as 'martyrs', while criticising former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and likening the military action to an invasion.

SC to examine if there was a split in Shiv Sena

SC to examine if there was a split in Shiv Sena

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is deliberating whether a split in the Shiv Sena could originate in the legislature party and then extend to the broader organisation and primary membership, as it hears pleas from the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the Election Commission's recognition of the Eknath Shinde-led faction.

Tripura's Asmita Dey Secures India's First Women's Judo Gold

Tripura's Asmita Dey Secures India's First Women's Judo Gold

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Judoka Asmita Dey from Tripura has won a gold medal in the women's 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking a historic first for an Indian woman judoka. Chief Minister Manik Saha and Sports Minister Tinku Roy congratulated Dey, highlighting her achievement as an inspiration for the nation.

Assam CM Hails Lovlina Borgohain's CWG Silver Medal Win

Assam CM Hails Lovlina Borgohain's CWG Silver Medal Win

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Tokyo Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain for winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, highlighting her as an inspiration for young athletes in Assam.

Compensation politics: RG Kar doc's mother rejects TMC MLA's comparison

Compensation politics: RG Kar doc's mother rejects TMC MLA's comparison

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The mother of the RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim on Monday rejected Trinamool Congres MLA Kunal Ghosh's comparison between the Rs 10 lakh given to the family of a party worker who died in police custody in Halisahar, and the same amount of compensation announced after her daughter's death.

Channi skips Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha speech amid Punjab Congress rift

Channi skips Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha speech amid Punjab Congress rift

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress MP from Jalandhar, Charanjit Singh Channi, was conspicuous by his absence when party leader Rahul Gandhi spoke in a debate in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, bringing to the fore the recent rift within the party's state unit.

Rajasthan Minister's Son Receives Death Threat Over Phone

Rajasthan Minister's Son Receives Death Threat Over Phone

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Dhananjay Singh, son of Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, has reported receiving a death threat over the phone. A case has been registered, and police are investigating the matter, which also includes allegations of social media threats.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu's DMK and PMK parties have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel. The incident, which occurred on August 15, has sparked protests and led to an FIR being filed against forest officials, with political leaders demanding justice and compensation for the victims' families.

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Sankgeetha, wife of actor-politician C Joseph Vijay, has withdrawn her divorce petition filed against him in a family court. She had previously accused him of an extra-marital affair and mental cruelty, but confirmed her decision to withdraw the plea via video-conferencing.

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The move comes days after the Delhi police said false information linked to the recent students' protest was being circulated through fake social media posts.

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader, Rahul Kranti, on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, has drawn attention from political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the hospitalised students. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and comprehensive reforms in state recruitment bodies.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

'The incumbent matters. It matters a lot. If a person sitting on top is good, then he can achieve a lot. And if he is bad, you see what can happen.'

'Noel Tata May Want To Appoint Somebody'

'Noel Tata May Want To Appoint Somebody'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

'whom he believes in ... or whom he has faith in. But we don't know whether that person will be competent or not. This will lead to a lot of uncertainty in the minds of investors and shareholders of the Tata group companies.'

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia have signed a trilateral defence pact, agreeing to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Analysts suggest this alliance could significantly diminish the United States' strategic influence in West Asia and elevate Pakistan's geopolitical standing, potentially acting as a deterrent in regional conflicts.

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is reviewing its internal processes and protocols following lapses in three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, leading to re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology. The agency stated it proactively identified issues and is taking corrective measures to ensure fair and error-free examinations, amidst strong criticism from opposition leaders.

Chhattisgarh Government Commits Rs 100 Crore To Sports Development

Chhattisgarh Government Commits Rs 100 Crore To Sports Development

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a Rs 100 crore allocation for sports infrastructure and athlete development during a Sports Conclave in Raipur. The state government is focused on promoting sports, nurturing talent, and providing employment opportunities for outstanding sportspersons, alongside organising major sporting events like the Bastar and Surguja Olympics.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused anti-India forces of using social media to spread rumours and mislead society, calling it a 'medium' for conspiracies against the country. He also criticised the alleged historical neglect of Indian revolutionaries in favour of one political family.

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has appealed to his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Vijay Joseph to defer his proposed August 3 visit to Bengaluru. The request comes amidst widespread protests in Karnataka following a decision by the CWMA upholding a direction for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media interaction in New Delhi, stating it played no role in the event nor endorsed her comments regarding the Bangladesh government. This comes after Bangladesh expressed outrage over the permitted interaction, which saw Hasina announce her determination to return to Bangladesh to restore democracy.

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Haryana BJP appointed Archana Gupta as its new president, making her the second woman to hold the position in over four decades. Gupta, a radiologist and current state general secretary, succeeds Mohan Lal Badoli.

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event, sparking a political row. The Congress denied the charge, stating Gandhi was only seeking a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and clarified the historical context of the song's usage.

Sports Minister Backs 11-Year-Old Indian F1 Hopeful

Sports Minister Backs 11-Year-Old Indian F1 Hopeful

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Eleven-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir, fresh from her success in Greece, met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who pledged full support for her journey to Formula 1. Atiqa, the first Indian supported by F1 Academy, recently swept Round 2.2 of the Champions of the Future Academy championship.

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested for an alleged 'double-meaning' remark alluding to actor Trisha, leading to widespread protests by DMK cadres and condemnation from various political leaders.

Jharkhand govt urges Mahto to end fast after his health deteriorates

Jharkhand govt urges Mahto to end fast after his health deteriorates

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh talks with students protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, including a hunger striker whose health has deteriorated. Despite multiple rounds of discussions, protesters vow to continue their agitation and plan a march to the Assembly if demands are not met.

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Rediff.com26 May 2026

In response to the Quad ministers' joint statement, China on Tuesday said it opposes the creation of exclusive 'small cliques' and 'bloc confrontation'.

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Delhi Police has strongly defended its use of force during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest on July 20, telling the Supreme Court that the agitation was 'hijacked by anti-social elements and history-sheeters,' leading to law and order breakdown and over 240 police personnel injuries.

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

Karnataka activists tear up Vijay's Jana Nayagan posters over Cauvery order

Karnataka activists tear up Vijay's Jana Nayagan posters over Cauvery order

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Kannada activists in Mandya and Mysuru have intensified protests against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's directive for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu. Protesters cite severe drinking water scarcity and have engaged in actions like disrupting film screenings and blocking highways. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has stated the state will appeal the CWRC's order.

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has established a five-member high-powered committee, led by former top court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel during recent demonstrations in Delhi.

In a 1st, 'Vande Mataram' to be sung at Red Fort on I-Day

In a 1st, 'Vande Mataram' to be sung at Red Fort on I-Day

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

For the first time in history, the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung at the Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

Now, CJP backs Jharkhand students protesting JPSC exam irregularities

Now, CJP backs Jharkhand students protesting JPSC exam irregularities

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party has extended its support to students protesting in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in JPSC, JSSC CGL, and various other competitive exams.

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jharkhand has partnered with CSC eStore to create a digital marketplace for products made by women's self-help groups (SHGs). This initiative aims to expand market access, boost income for rural women, and strengthen the rural economy through e-commerce and digital governance. The state also plans to extend Aadhaar services to all panchayats by November 15.