News for 'Most Backward'

No quota benefits for backward class converts to Islam: SC

No quota benefits for backward class converts to Islam: SC

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court has ruled that social backwardness is not transferable from a Hindu social order to a non-Hindu social order upon religious conversion, meaning individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely due to conversion.

How Punjab Police Dismantled A Major Drug And Arms Network

How Punjab Police Dismantled A Major Drug And Arms Network

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Punjab Police have successfully dismantled a significant drug trafficking and illegal arms smuggling network in Amritsar, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Authorities recovered 10 pistols and over a kilogram of heroin, with investigations pointing to foreign-based smugglers supplying weapons to criminal elements.

Backward class outfit warns against replacing Siddaramaiah

Backward class outfit warns against replacing Siddaramaiah

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A Karnataka backward class federation has warned the Congress party against replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserting that the party's power relies on the support of backward classes and AHINDA communities.

NCB Nabs Suspected Drug Peddler With 385 Grams Heroin In Jammu

NCB Nabs Suspected Drug Peddler With 385 Grams Heroin In Jammu

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Jammu Zonal Unit arrested a suspected drug peddler with 385 grams of heroin in an intelligence-led operation in Digiana. Investigations suggest potential links between Jammu and Punjab-based drug traffickers, with the seized contraband intended for distribution in Jammu district. Further probes are underway to identify the wider network and interstate connections.

Influencer Mad Sandhu murder: Key accused nabbed from Mumbai

Influencer Mad Sandhu murder: Key accused nabbed from Mumbai

Rediff.com5 days ago

Punjabi social media influencer Mad Sandhu was fatally shot by two unidentified assailants in Amritsar.

Major Arms And Explosives Smuggling Module Busted In Amritsar

Major Arms And Explosives Smuggling Module Busted In Amritsar

Rediff.com3 days ago

Amritsar police have successfully dismantled a cross-border arms and explosives smuggling module, arresting five individuals, including a father and son. Authorities recovered a .30 bore assault rifle, two hand grenades, and 13 foreign-made sophisticated pistols, along with 25 live cartridges. The module was reportedly in contact with a foreign-based smuggler, using drones for consignments.

Jammu Police Bust Drug Peddling Operation, Two Arrested

Jammu Police Bust Drug Peddling Operation, Two Arrested

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Jammu Police arrested two alleged drug peddlers, Sonu Kumar and Anmol Arora, on Saturday in the Bishnah area. Authorities recovered 22 grams of heroin, a pistol, over Rs 1.48 lakh in cash, an electronic weighing machine, and two mobile phones. This arrest follows a recent bust of a cross-border narcotic smuggling racket in the Arnia sector on October 5. An investigation under the NDPS and Arms Act is ongoing to determine the source and destination of the contraband and potential linkages.

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachidananda has requested greater representation for MLAs from backward class communities in the UDF government's Cabinet.

Major Arms And Narcotics Haul In Amritsar

Major Arms And Narcotics Haul In Amritsar

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Punjab Police dismantled two illegal arms and narcotics supply networks in Amritsar, arresting four individuals and recovering an M16 rifle, nine pistols, and 15 kg of opium. The accused are allegedly linked to foreign-based smugglers, with further investigation underway to uncover complete linkages.

Major Drug Haul In Saharanpur: Two Traffickers Apprehended

Major Drug Haul In Saharanpur: Two Traffickers Apprehended

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Police in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested two alleged drug traffickers, including a woman, and seized over a kilogram of 'smack' (adulterated heroin) worth approximately Rs 2.05 crore. The arrests were part of "Operation Savera," with one of the accused, Shahzad alias Kallu, identified as a habitual offender with multiple prior cases.

India need to hunt for wickets, not contain West Indies, says Tilak Varma ahead of 4th T20I

India need to hunt for wickets, not contain West Indies, says Tilak Varma ahead of 4th T20I

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's vice-captain Tilak Varma emphasised the need for an aggressive, wicket-taking approach against the West Indies' powerful batting lineup in the upcoming fourth T20I. With India leading 2-1, Varma highlighted the visitors' deep hitting prowess and the team's adjusted strategy after a defensive lapse in the second match. He also discussed his adaptable batting role and the team's approach to the re-laid pitch in Hyderabad.

Shimla Police Crack Down On Drug Traffickers' Illegally Acquired Assets

Shimla Police Crack Down On Drug Traffickers' Illegally Acquired Assets

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Shimla Police have seized assets worth Rs 4.13 crore from 19 drug traffickers and their associates, believed to be acquired through illegal drug trade. The action followed an arrest in August 2026, leading to a detailed financial investigation under the NDPS Act. This seizure is part of a larger effort in 2026, where assets worth Rs 12.52 crore have been confiscated in 15 NDPS cases.

Hamilton's 'Mixed Emotions' After Bahrain GP Tyre Gamble Pays Off

Hamilton's 'Mixed Emotions' After Bahrain GP Tyre Gamble Pays Off

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Lewis Hamilton expressed 'mixed emotions' after a risky tyre strategy at the Bahrain Grand Prix saw him drop to 18th before an incredible comeback secured a third-place podium finish in a chaotic, rain-affected race.

J&K Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Ring, Recovers Narcotics And Arms

J&K Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Ring, Recovers Narcotics And Arms

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested four individuals linked to a cross-border drug-smuggling racket, recovering over 1 kg of narcotics, a pistol, and ammunition. The arrests followed an investigation into an alleged airdrop of drugs in Arnia sector, with the accused admitting links to Pakistan-based handlers. Additionally, nine other drug peddlers were arrested in separate operations across Reasi, Poonch, and Jammu districts as part of the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu-Kashmir' campaign.

Shai Hope's 102 Powers West Indies to Record Chase Against India

Shai Hope's 102 Powers West Indies to Record Chase Against India

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Shai Hope's explosive 45-ball century led the West Indies to a six-wicket win over India after they chased down 250 in 18.3 overs to level the five-match T20I series 1-1.

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump recounted an unconfirmed story about a flydubai flight where an Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, fought off a knife attack from a co-pilot attempting to crash the aircraft. Trump also detailed a dramatic intervention by an Israeli plumber-passenger who helped subdue the co-pilot, learning flying basics from a TV show. Trump stressed that he was merely relaying an account from Israeli PM Netanyahu, not independently confirmed facts.

'China Views India Through The Prism Of United States'

'China Views India Through The Prism Of United States'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

'Therefore, Beijing comes to wrong conclusions.'

Cross-Border Narcotics Module Busted By Punjab Police

Cross-Border Narcotics Module Busted By Punjab Police

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence wing in Amritsar has dismantled a cross-border narcotics smuggling module, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 17 kg of heroin. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network.

After 1,123 days, tent and stage at Maratha protest epicentre dismantled

After 1,123 days, tent and stage at Maratha protest epicentre dismantled

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The protest site at Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtra's Jalna district, which served as the epicentre for the Maratha reservation agitation led by Manoj Jarange, has been dismantled after 1,123 days. Local residents and the sarpanch decided to remove the tent and stage to facilitate daily activities and traffic movement, marking the end of a significant chapter in the three-year-long demand for OBC quota for the Maratha community.

Police Arrest Three Drug Peddlers With Rs 4.76 Crore Smack In Saharanpur

Police Arrest Three Drug Peddlers With Rs 4.76 Crore Smack In Saharanpur

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Police in Saharanpur have arrested three alleged drug peddlers and seized 2.38 kg of smack valued at approximately Rs 4.76 crore. The arrests were made during a joint operation, leading to the recovery of cash, an electronic weighing machine, mobile phones, and a motorcycle. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway to dismantle the drug network.

PM Modi said UP will be divided into 4 states: Minister

PM Modi said UP will be divided into 4 states: Minister

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has revived the long-standing discussion about dividing Uttar Pradesh, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him the state could be split into four parts after a caste census. Rajbhar's statement, made at a rally in Deoria, links the division to the 27% reservation issue and suggests a Rajbhar could become chief minister of a new Purvanchal state. The demand for UP's division has historical precedents, notably from former Chief Minister Mayawati.

Why Janhvi Kapoor, Kalyani Priyadarshan Say, 'Watch Your Back'

Why Janhvi Kapoor, Kalyani Priyadarshan Say, 'Watch Your Back'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Why should the front of your outfit get all the attention? Celebrities are turning around the traditional jewellery rulebook and proving that the back can be just as glamorous, dramatic and deserving of a close-up.

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, seized 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin valued at over Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were detained, and preliminary investigations reveal a transnational smuggling network aiming to deliver the consignment to Tamil Nadu and Punjab.

JAKSON Group Names Ivan Saha As Managing Director For Solar Business

JAKSON Group Names Ivan Saha As Managing Director For Solar Business

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

JAKSON Group has appointed Ivan Saha as the Managing Director of its integrated Solar Manufacturing business. Saha, with over 31 years of experience in the semiconductor, solar, and sustainable energy sectors, will oversee technology, operations, and business growth, supporting JAKSON's expansion and backward integration plans in the solar value chain.

How Punjab Police Dismantled A Cross-Border Heroin Smuggling Module

How Punjab Police Dismantled A Cross-Border Heroin Smuggling Module

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence wing in Amritsar has successfully busted a cross-border narcotics smuggling module, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of 17 kg of heroin. This latest seizure brings the total recovery by CI Amritsar to 54 kg of heroin in just four days, highlighting a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in the region.

Suchika Tariyal says 'weird weight rules robbed her of deserving MMA gold'

Suchika Tariyal says 'weird weight rules robbed her of deserving MMA gold'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

India's first-ever Mixed Martial Arts medallist, Suchika Tariyal, has alleged that "weird weight rules" at the Asian Games robbed her of a deserving gold medal. She claims she was clearly winning her semifinal bout but the outcome was declared a draw, leading to her bronze medal instead of a potential gold.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

How Remidio's New Japan Patent Revolutionises Retinal Screening

How Remidio's New Japan Patent Revolutionises Retinal Screening

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Bengaluru-based Remidio Innovative Solutions has secured a patent from the Japan Patent Office for its deep learning system that automates retinal image capture. This new patent enhances their existing intellectual property in Japan, strengthening their integrated AI platform and making retinal screening more accessible and cost-effective.

Former member of Patidar stir held for fake passport

Former member of Patidar stir held for fake passport

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Harikesh Patel, a former member of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), has been arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) for allegedly obtaining a second passport using forged documents. Patel had previously surrendered his original passport in connection with an ED money laundering case. He reportedly used the fraudulently obtained passport for international travel.

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha was dropped from the state cabinet, leading her to accuse Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of "blackmail politics." Surekha claims her removal was due to critical remarks made by her daughter against the CM and other party leaders, despite the Congress high command not favouring her ouster. She has written to top Congress leaders seeking intervention.

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court verdict. The High Court had ruled that individuals converting to Islam are not automatically entitled to reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on their conversion.

PIX: Barcelona Rout Feyenoord 5-1; Stuttgart's Demirovic Scores Hat-trick

PIX: Barcelona Rout Feyenoord 5-1; Stuttgart's Demirovic Scores Hat-trick

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Barcelona captain Raphinha scored two goals, leading his side to a resounding 5-1 victory over Feyenoord in their opening Champions League fixture. Meanwhile, Ermedin Demirovic's hat-trick secured a 3-1 win for VfB Stuttgart against Viking Stavanger.

Fadnavis rules out taking OBC share for Maratha quota

Fadnavis rules out taking OBC share for Maratha quota

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government would grant Maratha reservation only within constitutional limits and without impacting the share of other communities, amidst activist Manoj Jarange's ongoing hunger strike for OBC status for Marathas.

Lando Norris takes pole at Spanish F1 GP

Lando Norris takes pole at Spanish F1 GP

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

McLaren's Lando Norris took pole in the qualifying race after seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari during the final practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid's challenging new circuit.

Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from Sept 19

Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from Sept 19

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from September 19 for Maratha reservation in jobs and education. He will lead a march from September 15, covering various districts before reaching Azad Maidan. Jarange urged peaceful protest and accused the government of inaction on caste certificates, while the Bombay High Court upheld the right to protest. The core demand is for Marathas to be included in the OBC category via Kunbi records, a move opposed by existing OBC groups.

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Denied permission for his hunger strike in Mumbai, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday announced he would head to the Maharashtra capital alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan.

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The UP Scholarship, officially known as the Uttar Pradesh Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Scheme, provides financial assistance to students from Classes 9 to 12 as well as those pursuing graduation, post-graduation, diploma and other post-matric courses.

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has agreed to take water and saline treatment but vowed to continue his indefinite fast until all demands for Maratha reservation and Kunbi certificates are met. His health is deteriorating, prompting concerns from doctors and appeals from authorities. Jarange criticised the state government and mediating ministers, alleging political infighting and a lack of serious engagement on the issue.

'Conspiracy to kill me': Jarange as Mumbai cops deny nod for hunger strike

'Conspiracy to kill me': Jarange as Mumbai cops deny nod for hunger strike

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has accused the Maharashtra government of conspiring to kill him and suppress his agitation, following Mumbai police's denial of permission for his indefinite hunger strike from September 19. Jarange stated he would proceed with the march to Mumbai despite the ban.

Vijay shelves Parandur airport; announces more free LPGs, bus travel for women

Vijay shelves Parandur airport; announces more free LPGs, bus travel for women

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Making several announcements in the assembly, Vijay, fulfilling TVK's key electoral assurances, announced three free cooking gas cylinders and also declared that the Parandur greenfield airport project will be shelved.