News for 'Ministers of State'

West Bengal Transfers Land To BSF For Border Security

West Bengal Transfers Land To BSF For Border Security

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The West Bengal government has transferred 142.79 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) to facilitate the construction of outposts and barbed-wire fencing along the India-Bangladesh border, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Odisha Gymnastics Association is under investigation for allegedly using the name of its deceased president to secure funds from the state government. A complaint questions the association's governance and financial practices, including the sanctioning of funds from multiple agencies for the same event.

Omar Abdullah Condemns Heinous Crime In Budgam

Omar Abdullah Condemns Heinous Crime In Budgam

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam district, describing it as shocking and deeply distressing.

Mizoram Inaugurates Northeast's First New Age Tech Skills Centre

Mizoram Inaugurates Northeast's First New Age Tech Skills Centre

Rediff.com7 days ago

Mizoram's school education minister inaugurated the northeast region's first 'New Age Tech Skills Centre' at the Government Comprehensive Model School in Aizawl. The centre, established under Bharat Forge Limited's CSR initiative, will offer training in AI, robotics, IoT, 3D printing, CAD, CNC simulation, and drone technology.

30-member SIT to probe attack on ED officials in Kerala

30-member SIT to probe attack on ED officials in Kerala

Rediff.com3 days ago

Kerala Police have formed a 30-member SIT to investigate the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials during a search operation at the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

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.

West Bengal To Boost Border Security With Land Transfer To BSF

West Bengal To Boost Border Security With Land Transfer To BSF

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The West Bengal government will hand over land to the Border Security Force for international boundary fencing and security infrastructure, starting with a 27 km stretch. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said more land would be provided wherever required to strengthen border management in the state.

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The West Bengal government is considering establishing holding centres near the Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas district to manage growing movement and congestion in border areas.

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Odisha's BJD has accused the BJP of luring its leaders with inducements after Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned and joined the BJP. The BJD spokesperson criticised Samantaray for criticising the party after enjoying benefits during its tenure.

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Rediff.com5 days ago

A scheduled meeting of Trinamool Congress legislators was cancelled due to the absence of most MLAs, attributed to protests following attacks on party leaders. The party has announced further protests against the BJP government.

More than 300 booked over attack on ED officials in Kerala

More than 300 booked over attack on ED officials in Kerala

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Kerala Police have booked approximately 300 individuals following an alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate officials and security personnel after a raid linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Mamata questions security lapse after attack on Abhishek

Mamata questions security lapse after attack on Abhishek

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock over the attack on her nephew and party MP Abhishek Banerjee, raising questions about security arrangements and his subsequent treatment at a hospital. She alleged that there was pressure on doctors regarding his treatment and that the incident could have had fatal consequences.

Assam Police Seize Narcotics Worth Rs 2.44 Crore

Assam Police Seize Narcotics Worth Rs 2.44 Crore

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Assam Police seized narcotics worth Rs 2.44 crore in Barpeta district, including heroin and Yaba tablets, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

How Mahesh Bhatt Alerted Kangana Ranaut To 2008 Mumbai Attacks

How Mahesh Bhatt Alerted Kangana Ranaut To 2008 Mumbai Attacks

Rediff.com2 days ago

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut shared her experience during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, revealing that director Mahesh Bhatt was the first to alert her and her Bollywood peers while they were at a party.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As Haryana Unit President

BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As Haryana Unit President

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The BJP appointed Archana Gupta as the president of its Haryana unit, making her the second woman to hold the position in over four decades. Gupta, a doctor and state general secretary, succeeds Mohan Lal Badoli and aims to strengthen the party and increase women's participation.

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress, opposed the move and demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

BJP MLA's Phone Snatched During Morning Walk

BJP MLA's Phone Snatched During Morning Walk

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A 19-year-old man allegedly snatched the mobile phone of BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik during his morning walk in Raipur. The accused was arrested within eight hours, but the incident has sparked political controversy.

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.

Why Left Leaders Were Detained During ED Protest

Why Left Leaders Were Detained During ED Protest

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby and other Left leaders were detained by Delhi Police during a protest against ED searches at former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's residence. The CPI(M) alleges excessive force was used, while police state around 50 protesters were detained and released.

'Ideologically, D K Shivakumar Is Rather RSS-ish'

'Ideologically, D K Shivakumar Is Rather RSS-ish'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Shivakumar's relationship with the BJP and the RSS is not adversarial in the way Siddaramaiah's has been.' 'Siddaramaiah has publicly attacked the RSS on record; Shivakumar has made no such statement at any point.' 'He vociferously defended the Karnataka government's celebration of Ram temple consecration with RSS-ish arguments.'

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.

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Refusal

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Refusal

Rediff.com4 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Grenade Attack At Punjab Hospital Solved Within Hours

Grenade Attack At Punjab Hospital Solved Within Hours

Rediff.com3 days ago

A grenade attack at a private hospital in Punjab's Gurdaspur district resulted in damage to the emergency ward, but no injuries. Police swiftly arrested a suspect with links to a foreign-based handler, and an investigation is underway to uncover the entire network behind the attack.

Petrol tops Rs 100 across most cities, diesel nears Rs 100 as prices raised for 4th time

Petrol tops Rs 100 across most cities, diesel nears Rs 100 as prices raised for 4th time

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have seen their fourth increase in less than two weeks, pushing cumulative hikes to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre since May 15, reaching their highest levels since May 2022. This surge, driven by global crude oil costs and the Iran conflict, is expected to exacerbate inflationary pressures and raise transportation costs across the economy.

Mehbooba Mufti Shocked By Budgam Murder Case

Mehbooba Mufti Shocked By Budgam Murder Case

Rediff.com24 May 2026

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, describing the incident as shocking and unsettling.

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said infiltration and other reasons are causing 'unnatural' demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation.

US proposes additional duties on India, 53 other nations over forced labour imports

US proposes additional duties on India, 53 other nations over forced labour imports

Rediff.com2 days ago

The US Trade Representative has proposed an additional 12.5 per cent duty on goods from 54 countries, including India, citing their failure to prohibit the import of goods produced with forced labour. India has denied the allegations and called for the matter to be resolved through bilateral trade negotiations.

Haryana CM Warns Action Against Officials Causing Public Harassment

Haryana CM Warns Action Against Officials Causing Public Harassment

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has warned of strict action against government officials and employees who repeatedly make citizens visit offices to get their work done. He emphasised the government's commitment to holistic development and ensuring welfare schemes reach all eligible citizens during a 'Jan Samvad' programme in Kurukshetra district.

'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.com21 May 2026

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.

West Asia Crisis Impact: FM Warns of Higher Fuel Costs, Economic Challenges

West Asia Crisis Impact: FM Warns of Higher Fuel Costs, Economic Challenges

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has warned that the ongoing West Asia crisis is not merely a geopolitical issue but will directly lead to higher fuel costs for common people and businesses, impacting shipping, input availability, and export orders.

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

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

Rediff.com18 May 2026

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.

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 Riyas Defends Vijayan's Role As Opposition Leader

Why Riyas Defends Vijayan's Role As Opposition Leader

Rediff.com24 May 2026

CPI(M) leader P A Mohamed Riyas has strongly defended former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against criticism regarding his age and his role as Leader of the Opposition, asserting that Vijayan remains the voice of the neglected.

Fit India Sundays Marks Commonwealth Games Day With Cycling Event

Fit India Sundays Marks Commonwealth Games Day With Cycling Event

Rediff.com24 May 2026

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.

AIADMK rift ends as Velumani camp reunites with EPS

AIADMK rift ends as Velumani camp reunites with EPS

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The AIADMK factions have reconciled after a period of division, with leaders claiming it was merely a 'difference of opinion' rather than a split. Rebel MLAs expressed their support for party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, and both sides withdrew petitions seeking disqualification of legislators.

Deadly Train Explosion Rocks Balochistan, Pakistan

Deadly Train Explosion Rocks Balochistan, Pakistan

Rediff.com24 May 2026

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.

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.com21 May 2026

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.

Rupamoni Gorh Becomes First Assamese Woman To Scale Mount Everest

Rupamoni Gorh Becomes First Assamese Woman To Scale Mount Everest

Rediff.com23 May 2026

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).