News for 'Ministers of State'

Kerala Government Increases ASHA Workers' Honorarium After Protests

Kerala Government Increases ASHA Workers' Honorarium After Protests

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Kerala's new government has increased the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers by Rs 3,000 following protests demanding better pay. The decision was made during the first Cabinet meeting, raising the honorarium to Rs 12,000. ASHA worker leaders have expressed gratitude while criticising the previous government's response to their demands.

Chalo Varanasi! A British Politico's Journey

Chalo Varanasi! A British Politico's Journey

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Rajdeep Choudhury's documentary Chalo India with Ericji (Varanasi) offers an unique exploration of India.

Mamata Banerjee's Court Visit A 'Political Gimmick', Says BJP Leader

Mamata Banerjee's Court Visit A 'Political Gimmick', Says BJP Leader

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A senior BJP leader has dismissed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's court appearance as a political gimmick, accusing her of seeking public attention after her party's electoral defeat. Banerjee appeared in court regarding alleged post-poll violence.

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has launched three key schemes focusing on electricity subsidies, women's safety, and drug eradication, fulfilling his election promises after his party's recent victory.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma's return as Assam's Chief Minister underscores the BJP's increasing dominance in the northeast, marked by both development and divisive policies.

Nagpur Man Survives Shooting; Attack Linked To Drug Trade

Nagpur Man Survives Shooting; Attack Linked To Drug Trade

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A man in Nagpur escaped unharmed after being shot at by six individuals on motorcycles. Police suspect the attack is linked to drug peddling and rivalry between criminal groups.

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on assuming office as West Bengal's Chief Minister after the BJP's victory in the state.

Putin to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi in September

Putin to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi in September

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, according to a presidential aide.

Death Threat Against Minister Jayant Chaudhary Sparks Police Investigation

Death Threat Against Minister Jayant Chaudhary Sparks Police Investigation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has allegedly received a death threat from an unknown caller, prompting a police investigation and security review. The caller has been traced to Murshidabad in West Bengal.

Bengal set for 'Sonar Bangla' under BJP: Adhikari ahead of oath ceremony

Bengal set for 'Sonar Bangla' under BJP: Adhikari ahead of oath ceremony

Rediff.com9 May 2026

West Bengal's chief minister-elect Suvendu Adhikari announced the beginning of 'Sonar Bangla' with the formation of the first BJP government in the state, heralding an era of 'peace and prosperity'. The oath-taking ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent figures, marks a significant political shift for West Bengal.

Iqra Hasan Booked For Obstructing Government Work During Protest

Iqra Hasan Booked For Obstructing Government Work During Protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Police in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan and her supporters for allegedly obstructing government work, blocking traffic, and violating prohibitory orders during a recent protest.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

Kerala Police Arrest Four After ED Officials Attacked

Kerala Police Arrest Four After ED Officials Attacked

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Kerala police have arrested four individuals in connection with the violent attack on vehicles carrying Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who raided former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's rented house. The arrests followed a stand-off with CPI(M) party workers and leaders.

Former Punjab Minister Bhullar Arrested in Suicide Case

Former Punjab Minister Bhullar Arrested in Suicide Case

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has been arrested following the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official who accused the AAP MLA of harassment. The arrest follows public outcry and political pressure for accountability in the case.

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar at a swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal. Sarkar, 98, is an early grassroots figure associated with the nationalist movement. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister after defeating Mamata Banerjee.

De-list converted tribals from ST category: Tribal groups in Delhi meet

De-list converted tribals from ST category: Tribal groups in Delhi meet

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Members of various tribal communities gathered in Delhi to demand the de-listing of converted tribals from the Scheduled Tribe category. The event, organised by the RSS affiliate Janajati Suraksha Manch, saw participation from around 1.5 lakh people from over 500 tribal communities.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

Twisha Sharma Cremated As Family Pursues Dowry Harassment Case

Twisha Sharma Cremated As Family Pursues Dowry Harassment Case

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The last rites of former actor-model Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly harassed for dowry, were conducted in Bhopal. Her family continues to seek justice, with the Supreme Court taking cognisance of the case.

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Rediff.com7 days ago

Pakistan is reportedly pursuing Chinese J-35 stealth fighters while China already operates hundreds of J-20 stealth aircraft.

Punjab Assembly Approves Prison Reform, Societies Amendment Bills

Punjab Assembly Approves Prison Reform, Societies Amendment Bills

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, to modernise the prison system, and the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026, to enhance transparency and accountability of societies.

Odisha Congress Calls For All-Party Meet On Crime Surge

Odisha Congress Calls For All-Party Meet On Crime Surge

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Odisha Congress has called on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene an all-party meeting to address the increasing crime rate in the state. Protests have erupted following recent incidents, including a lynching, with demands for accountability from senior police officers.

Clash Over Goat Sacrifice Attempt Rocks Thane Housing Society

Clash Over Goat Sacrifice Attempt Rocks Thane Housing Society

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A dispute over sacrificial goats in a Thane housing society led to clashes, slogan-shouting, and heightened security, raising community tensions.

West Bengal Cabinet To Discuss DA, Seventh Pay Commission

West Bengal Cabinet To Discuss DA, Seventh Pay Commission

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The West Bengal government's second cabinet meeting is scheduled for May 18, where key decisions on Dearness Allowance (DA), implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, and other administrative issues are expected to be addressed.

Five workers killed in MP firecracker factory blast; owner held

Five workers killed in MP firecracker factory blast; owner held

Rediff.com15 May 2026

An explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting investigations and government action.

INLD Alleges Bias In Haryana Government Job Recruitment

INLD Alleges Bias In Haryana Government Job Recruitment

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) staged a protest in Panchkula, alleging that the BJP government in Haryana is unfairly recruiting individuals from outside the state for government jobs, thereby depriving local youth of employment opportunities.

Kerala Government Orders Probe Into Periya Murder Parole

Kerala Government Orders Probe Into Periya Murder Parole

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has ordered an urgent inquiry into the parole granted to the accused in the Periya twin murder case, following political concern and scrutiny.

UK Government Announces Stricter Penalties For Parents Of Young Criminals

UK Government Announces Stricter Penalties For Parents Of Young Criminals

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The UK government has announced new youth justice reforms, including tougher fines for parents whose children commit crimes or engage in anti-social behaviour. The reforms aim to address the root causes of youth crime through earlier intervention and targeted support.

Bombay High Court Quashes Extortion Case Against Sanjay Pandey

Bombay High Court Quashes Extortion Case Against Sanjay Pandey

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Bombay High Court has quashed an extortion FIR registered against former Maharashtra DGP Sanjay Pandey and others in Thane. The FIR was based on a complaint by builder Sanjay Punamiya, who alleged extortion and coercion.

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of human rights violations for the second time in three days, emphasising its constitutional values of justice, liberty, and freedom of expression. The remarks were made by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, in response to questions from a Norwegian journalist.

Why a Punjab Minister Resigned: Understanding the Allegations

Why a Punjab Minister Resigned: Understanding the Allegations

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Punjab Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned following allegations related to the suicide of a Warehouse Corporation district manager. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a probe into the matter.

Why Bishnoi Gang Claimed Attack On Dosanjh's Manager

Why Bishnoi Gang Claimed Attack On Dosanjh's Manager

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A social media post allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for a firing incident outside the residence of Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh's manager in Haryana's Karnal.

Bishnoi gang claims firing outside home of Punjabi actor Dosanjh's manager

Bishnoi gang claims firing outside home of Punjabi actor Dosanjh's manager

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Police are investigating claims of a firing incident outside the residence of Diljit Dosanjh's manager in Karnal, allegedly at the behest of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's aides. The incident has sparked a political row, with AAP accusing BJP of intimidation tactics after Dosanjh declined to join the party.

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Rediff.com25 May 2026

This could come as a setback to thousands of Indian engineers who have waited for years for their work visas to pave the way for the coveted Green Card.

'Traitor, gimmick': Rahul targets Modi over economy, 'Melody'

'Traitor, gimmick': Rahul targets Modi over economy, 'Melody'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting 'Melody' toffees to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, calling it a 'gimmick' while India faces an 'economic storm'. He accused Modi of prioritising public relations over addressing the struggles of farmers, labourers, and youth, a sentiment echoed by other Congress leaders.

Former Punjab Minister Bhullar Arrested in Suicide Case

Former Punjab Minister Bhullar Arrested in Suicide Case

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has been arrested in connection with the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official who accused the AAP MLA of harassment. The arrest follows demands for a CBI probe and political uproar.

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring participants from approximately 30 nations, commenced in Gandhinagar, highlighting India's growing role in international sports.

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the people of Diamond Harbour have been unable to exercise their voting rights for a decade. He assured people that the scenario has now changed, and the May 21 repolling in the Falta Assembly seat will re-establish voter rights.

Family seeks CBI probe in suicide case implicating ex-minister

Family seeks CBI probe in suicide case implicating ex-minister

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The wife of a state employee who allegedly committed suicide due to harassment by ex-minister Laljit Singh Bhullar is demanding a CBI probe into his death. The deceased, Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, claimed harassment in a video before his death.

India To Criminalise Supply Of Banned Substances To Athletes

India To Criminalise Supply Of Banned Substances To Athletes

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India is set to amend its National Anti-Doping Act to criminalise the trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances to athletes, with potential jail terms for suppliers, including medical practitioners who knowingly prescribe banned drugs. The amendments are open for public feedback until June 18 and are expected to be tabled in the monsoon session of Parliament.