News for 'Ministers of State'

'Save the farmland': Yuvraj Singh urges Punjab's farmers to reduce chemical fertilisers

'Save the farmland': Yuvraj Singh urges Punjab's farmers to reduce chemical fertilisers

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has called for a shift away from chemical fertilisers in Punjab, warning that their overuse was degrading soil quality across the state.

Fit India Sundays Marks Commonwealth Games Day With Cycling Event

Fit India Sundays Marks Commonwealth Games Day With Cycling Event

Rediff.com1 days ago

The 75th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle drew massive participation across more than 8,000 locations nationwide as the initiative commemorated Commonwealth Games Day and built momentum towards the historic 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

Deadly Train Explosion Rocks Balochistan, Pakistan

Deadly Train Explosion Rocks Balochistan, Pakistan

Rediff.com1 days ago

A powerful explosion ripped through a shuttle train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Rupamoni Gorh Becomes First Assamese Woman To Scale Mount Everest

Rupamoni Gorh Becomes First Assamese Woman To Scale Mount Everest

Rediff.com2 days ago

Rupamoni Gorh has become the first woman from Assam to scale Mount Everest as part of an all-women expedition team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar': What It Means

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar': What It Means

Rediff.com7 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held his first 'janata darbar' at the BJP's state office in Salt Lake, listening to public grievances and demands. The initiative aims to establish a direct connection with citizens and project a governance model similar to BJP-ruled states.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com4 days ago

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

J&K Minister: Drug Menace Thrives on Political, Police Patronage

J&K Minister: Drug Menace Thrives on Political, Police Patronage

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma has alleged that the drug menace in the region is sustained by political and police patronage, calling for accountability and stronger enforcement.

Assam Police Seize Heroin, Yaba Tablets; Two Arrested

Assam Police Seize Heroin, Yaba Tablets; Two Arrested

Rediff.com2 days ago

Two individuals have been arrested in Assam's Cachar district, and a significant quantity of heroin and Yaba tablets has been seized from their possession, according to officials.

Kerala Government To Intervene In Dalit Eviction Case

Kerala Government To Intervene In Dalit Eviction Case

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Kerala government has assured Dalit residents of a disputed land in Ernakulam district that it will seek more time from the court regarding their eviction. The assurance was given by State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who stated the government will do everything necessary to help them and that further action will be taken only as per court directions.

US-Iran agreement nears finalisation: Report

US-Iran agreement nears finalisation: Report

Rediff.com4 days ago

The United States and Iran could be set to announce an agreement soon to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in West Asia, as reported by Saudi state media Al Arabiya on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.

Kerala Government Orders Reinvestigation Into Attack On Congress Workers

Kerala Government Orders Reinvestigation Into Attack On Congress Workers

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reinvestigate the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers by the gunmen of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a protest in Alappuzha in 2023.

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

How EPFO's UPI Integration Will Benefit Subscribers

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will soon allow subscribers to withdraw their EPF and transfer it directly to their bank accounts through the UPI payment gateway. Testing of the facility has been completed, according to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Ex-Nepal Minister Released: Court Cites Unlawful Detention in Money Laundering Case

Ex-Nepal Minister Released: Court Cites Unlawful Detention in Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Nepal's Supreme Court has ordered the release of former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, who was detained in connection with a money laundering case. The court cited unlawful detention and insufficient evidence as reasons for its decision.

India to create 'smart border' along Pakistan, Bangladesh

India to create 'smart border' along Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com3 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the launch of a tech-enabled 'smart border' project to secure India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The project aims to stop infiltration and combat demographic changes.

Gandhinagar Gets New Sports Infrastructure Boost

Gandhinagar Gets New Sports Infrastructure Boost

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated new sports infrastructure facilities at SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, reinforcing the government's commitment to building world-class sporting ecosystems. The new facilities aim to strengthen athlete preparation through integrated support in training, recovery, nutrition, sports science, and mental wellbeing.

Satheesan justifies use of caste surname at swearing-in

Satheesan justifies use of caste surname at swearing-in

Rediff.com5 days ago

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan defended his use of the caste surname "Menon" during his swearing-in ceremony, saying he had only mentioned his father's name and saw nothing wrong in doing so on such an occasion.

Trump is not going to make a 'bad deal': Marco Rubio

Trump is not going to make a 'bad deal': Marco Rubio

Rediff.com5 hours ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. However, President Donald Trump remains cautious, vowing not to accept a 'bad deal' regarding Iran's nuclear programme and regional stability.

Sitharaman: Focus on Fuel, Fertiliser, Forex Amid West Asia Crisis

Sitharaman: Focus on Fuel, Fertiliser, Forex Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged an increased focus on '3Fs'-fuel, fertiliser, and forex-to maintain India's economic resilience amidst the West Asia crisis, while also criticising those who spread pessimism.

Dalit Families Face Eviction After Court Order In Kerala

Dalit Families Face Eviction After Court Order In Kerala

Rediff.com3 days ago

A Munsiff court in Kerala has ordered the eviction of Dalit families living at Pariyathukavu near Kizhakkambalam by May 23, following a Supreme Court order recognising private ownership of the land.

Punjab Gears Up To Host Asian Champions Trophy Hockey

Punjab Gears Up To Host Asian Champions Trophy Hockey

Rediff.com3 days ago

Punjab is set to host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in October, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assuring full support to Hockey India for organising the event. The tournament will be played in Jalandhar and Mohali, featuring the top six men's teams from the Asian Games.

'Congress Made A Mistake In Going With DMK'

'Congress Made A Mistake In Going With DMK'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'If Congress had aligned with the TVK before the election, we would have won almost a two-thirds majority.'

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Rediff.com5 days ago

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan faces criticism for using his caste surname 'Menon' during his swearing-in ceremony, igniting a debate on caste identity and political messaging.

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Rediff.com4 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be directly handed over to the BSF for deportation, bypassing court appearances, following a new rule.

Sikkim Police Investigate Fake Amit Shah Merger Document

Sikkim Police Investigate Fake Amit Shah Merger Document

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Sikkim home department has filed an FIR to investigate the creation and circulation of a forged document falsely attributed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which claimed a merger of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Punjab Jails Minister Reviews Prison System, Urges Crackdown on Illegal Activities

Punjab Jails Minister Reviews Prison System, Urges Crackdown on Illegal Activities

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Punjab Jails Minister Ravjot Singh reviewed the functioning of the state prisons department and called for stronger measures to curb illegal activities in prisons. The meeting addressed overcrowding, high-risk prisoner management, and infrastructure improvements.

Kerala Government Vows Zero Tolerance For Political Murders

Kerala Government Vows Zero Tolerance For Political Murders

Rediff.com4 days ago

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has declared that the state government will have 'zero tolerance' towards political murders, following concerns over parole granted to those accused in the 2019 Periya twin murder case.

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

Rediff.com23 hours ago

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding changes to US visa and immigration policies, emphasising that legal mobility should not be negatively affected. Rubio acknowledged potential 'bumps' during the transition as the US aims to improve its immigration system.

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Newly elected West Bengal legislators, including Chief Minister Sivendu Adhikari, were sworn into the Assembly on Wednesday. Pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy administered the oath to the new members.

Union Minister Pradhan Alleges TMC Mismanagement of Funds, Criticises Bengal's Education System

Union Minister Pradhan Alleges TMC Mismanagement of Funds, Criticises Bengal's Education System

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of diverting central funds for party activities and destroying the state's education system. He also criticised the teacher recruitment process and expressed confidence in the BJP's victory in the upcoming assembly polls.

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Rediff.com3 days ago

Uttar Pradesh is experiencing an intense heatwave, with Banda recording the highest temperature at 47.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a 'Red Colour Warning' for severe heatwave conditions. The extreme heat is disrupting daily life and economic activity, prompting government action to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Anti-Doping Act To Criminalise Substance Trafficking, Distribution

Anti-Doping Act To Criminalise Substance Trafficking, Distribution

Rediff.com4 days ago

The National Anti Doping Act will be amended to criminalise trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances with a jail term of upto five years, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday.

West Bengal To Re-Verify Caste Certificates Issued Since 2011

West Bengal To Re-Verify Caste Certificates Issued Since 2011

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The West Bengal government has initiated a re-verification process for all caste certificates issued since 2011, following allegations of irregularities during the previous administration.

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

Rediff.com22 hours ago

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said members of the INDIA bloc were likely to meet in the first week of June to discuss a joint strategy, while asserting that the opposition camp was prepared for a prolonged political battle.

Why Hakim Is Distancing Himself From Banerjee Property Notices

Why Hakim Is Distancing Himself From Banerjee Property Notices

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mayor Firhad Hakim has distanced himself from notices issued by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to properties allegedly linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, asserting that such matters are handled by the civic body's executive wing.

Maharashtra Minister Bawankule Refutes Land Ownership Claims, Vows Legal Action

Maharashtra Minister Bawankule Refutes Land Ownership Claims, Vows Legal Action

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule denies allegations of owning hundreds of acres of land and announces a defamation suit. He also addresses concerns about housing irregularities and farm loan waivers.

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The West Bengal government has further scaled down security arrangements for several political leaders, former officials, and other prominent individuals after a review of threat perceptions.

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Not seeking tolls on vessels passing through Hormuz: Iran

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is instead working with Oman to establish a mechanism for the safe passage of ships through the Strait.

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com5 days ago

A team from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) is investigating allegations of sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail. The investigation was prompted by claims of abuse, pregnancy, and forced abortion, leading to calls for strict action and a high-level probe.

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com11 hours ago

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com5 days ago

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.