News for 'Panel of Ministers'

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government's announcement of a new committee on exam reforms, alleging it is a tactic to divert public attention. The opposition highlighted that recommendations from a previous committee formed in 2024 remain largely unimplemented, while Prime Minister Modi has now constituted another high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani to reform NTA examinations.

SC to review Nandan Nilekani panel's suggestions on NEET

SC to review Nandan Nilekani panel's suggestions on NEET

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court has stated it will consider the recommendations of the Nandan Nilekani-led task force regarding the online conduct of the NEET examination, emphasising the need for additional safeguards in cybersecurity and database protection. This follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam due to an alleged paper leak and subsequent re-test.

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A parliamentary committee is actively working to establish a mechanism for implementing the 'One Nation, One Election' reform, with its chairperson, PP Chaudhary, indicating that it could be fully operational by the 2029 general elections. Chaudhary highlighted that nearly 99 per cent of civil society stakeholders consulted have supported the proposal, which aims to mitigate an estimated Rs 7 lakh crore economic loss due to frequent polls.

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A Joint Committee of Parliament has deferred the adoption of a draft report on a bill proposing the suspension, not permanent removal, of the prime minister, Union ministers, and chief ministers if detained for 30 days on serious criminal charges, opting for more consultations.

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Rediff.com57 minutes ago

An Indian Parliamentary panel has summoned major social media platforms like Meta, Google, X, and Snapchat, along with MeitY and Home Affairs officials, to discuss the regulation of digital platforms. The meeting, scheduled for August 3, will focus on user privacy, public order, and the platforms' role in recent protests.

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.

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

Rediff.com1 days ago

Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The dramatic postponement came while members were voting on the committee's five principal recommendations, making it an unprecedented moment in the functioning of a parliamentary committee.

NEET leak: Doctors' body denied presentation before Parl panel

NEET leak: Doctors' body denied presentation before Parl panel

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET and CUET UG 2026 exams, the National Testing Agency (NTA) faced tough questions from a parliamentary standing committee regarding safeguards against paper leaks and hacking vulnerabilities.

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, which will be introduced in the state assembly's monsoon session. The proposed legislation, excluding the tribal community, addresses marriage, live-in relationships, adoption, and inheritance, aiming for women's empowerment and social harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted broad support and criticised the Congress for its stance.

Maha panel to combat corporate sector harassment, conversions

Maha panel to combat corporate sector harassment, conversions

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a committee of women legislators to amend laws and ensure effective implementation against harassment and religious conversion in the corporate sector. This decision follows an incident at a TCS unit in Nashik involving alleged exploitation and forced conversion, which is currently under SIT investigation. Probes have also been ordered into similar complaints at a Spanish multinational in Pune and a government ITI in Solapur, highlighting a broader issue of workplace misconduct.

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

Rediff.com3 days ago

The CEO of the National Health Authority, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, highlighted BRICS nations' shared aspiration for connected, patient-centric, and resilient healthcare systems through digital health infrastructure and responsible AI. Discussions at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting focused on overcoming challenges like limited interoperability and workforce constraints, with countries like Brazil and Indonesia sharing successful digital health initiatives.

Government clears the track for Formula One's long-awaited India return

Government clears the track for Formula One's long-awaited India return

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India's government is working to resolve tax and regulatory hurdles to bring Formula One back to the Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi in 2028, more than a decade after the race was dropped.

Bangladesh pushes for India cricket tour in September to revive ties

Bangladesh pushes for India cricket tour in September to revive ties

Rediff.com6 days ago

Bangladesh is actively pursuing a cricket series against India in September, utilising sports diplomacy to mend strained bilateral ties following a controversy involving Mustafizur Rahman and Bangladesh's subsequent T20 World Cup boycott.

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

Rediff.com6 days ago

Approximately 27 workers are trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district following a landslide and suspected gas leak. Rescue operations are underway, but the presence of gas, believed to be methane, is complicating efforts, causing dizziness among rescue personnel. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and West Bengal are involved in the challenging operation to save the workers.

CJP's Abhijeet Dipke to appear before MeitY panel over X account block

CJP's Abhijeet Dipke to appear before MeitY panel over X account block

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke is set to appear before a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) committee regarding the withholding of the group's X account. This development comes amidst an ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities and the NEET paper-leak controversy.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

If India Becomes A Doormat, The US Will Tread On It

If India Becomes A Doormat, The US Will Tread On It

Rediff.com5 days ago

The harsh truth is that the US is no longer a reliable partner, cautions Ramesh Menon.

8 women, minor die after surgery in 2 Rajasthan hospitals

8 women, minor die after surgery in 2 Rajasthan hospitals

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Nine patients, including eight women and a minor, died after undergoing surgery in obstetrics and gynaecology departments at government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara, prompting the Rajasthan government to launch expert inquiries into the incidents.

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered probes into multiple allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Spanish multinational in Pune, a government-run ITI in Solapur, and a TCS unit in Nashik. The CM highlighted a pattern of such incidents in corporate firms and suggested forming a panel of women legislators to review existing laws and recommend improvements.

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Congress leader Manish Tewari expressed his disappointment after being overlooked in the recent Punjab Congress reshuffle for upcoming assembly polls, posting a cryptic message on X about "insecurities of individuals and institutions" while reaffirming his loyalty to the party. The reshuffle saw key appointments for election committees, including Charanjit Singh Channi as Campaign Committee chairman, but notably excluded Tewari.

Sri Lanka Court To Probe Ex-Intelligence Chief's Torture Allegations

Sri Lanka Court To Probe Ex-Intelligence Chief's Torture Allegations

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A Sri Lankan court has ordered a five-member expert judicial panel to investigate claims of torture made by former state intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, who is currently detained under the anti-terror act and on a hunger strike. Sallay was arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has formally staked claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, alleging widespread support and opposing the current leadership's "dynastic politics." The main TMC leadership has strongly criticised the Election Commission for granting an audience to expelled members, accusing the BJP of influencing the poll body.

Gujarat Confident Of Hosting World Athletics Championship

Gujarat Confident Of Hosting World Athletics Championship

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed optimism about the state securing hosting rights for the World Athletics Championship 2031 after meeting a delegation from the international governing body. The delegation is assessing Gujarat's sports infrastructure and readiness for both the 2028 U20 Championships and the 2031 senior championships, highlighting the state's growing ambition to host major global sporting events.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

Kolkata warehouse tragedy: Suvendu orders audit of all TMC-era projects

Kolkata warehouse tragedy: Suvendu orders audit of all TMC-era projects

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A committee constituted by the West Bengal government to carry out a special audit of sanctioned plans for high-rise residential and commercial buildings in and around the city will meet on Friday to begin the exercise, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said.

Ram Temple Trust declines financial disclosure amid SIT probe

Ram Temple Trust declines financial disclosure amid SIT probe

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust secretary, Champat Rai, has declined to provide financial details, including income, expenditure, and donations, citing an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. This decision follows a complaint to the Prime Minister's Office by BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, seeking transparency on the utilisation of funds for the Ram temple project.

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

If we really want to curb the further depreciation of the rupee and make the rupee appreciate, we want to come out of the mindset that the exchange rate is merely a number, bring policy corrections to help reduce the outflow of foreign exchange by imposing suitable tariffs to discourage imports and bring self reliance, discipline FPIs, and correcting rules governing royalty outflows, suggests Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

Probe report on Justice Varma to be tabled in Monsoon Session

Probe report on Justice Varma to be tabled in Monsoon Session

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The report of a three-member committee investigating the grounds for the removal of High Court judge Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of burnt currency notes at his residence, will be tabled in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming Monsoon session.

'Enough is enough': SC seeks MP reply on minister's Col Qureshi remarks

'Enough is enough': SC seeks MP reply on minister's Col Qureshi remarks

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to decide on granting sanction to prosecute minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks targeting Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi. The court expressed its displeasure over the delay and the nature of Shah's comments.

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 55-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai during heavy rains, leading to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspending four officials and initiating a homicide case against the responsible contractor for alleged negligence.

India's Grand Plan To Bring Formula One Back

India's Grand Plan To Bring Formula One Back

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Indian Sports Ministry, led by Minister Manuskh Mandaviya, is establishing a dedicated Task Force to explore the revival of Formula One racing in India. This initiative follows a meeting with key stakeholders, aiming to assess the challenges and benefits of hosting major motorsport events, with a target of bringing F1 back by 2028. The Task Force will recommend a comprehensive policy framework to support motorsports growth, leveraging India's significant F1 fanbase.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'They talked bad about our leaders. They said India was a dead economy. They were not sensitive to the Indian psyche.'

Karnataka to get 4 deputy CMs; cabinet berth for Siddaramaiah's son

Karnataka to get 4 deputy CMs; cabinet berth for Siddaramaiah's son

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is set to meet with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi to discuss the state cabinet reshuffle following Siddaramaiah's resignation. Key topics include Rajya Sabha and MLC candidates, as well as potential appointments of multiple Deputy CMs to maintain social and regional balance.

Sri Lanka Easter Attack Victims Demand Unhindered Probe

Sri Lanka Easter Attack Victims Demand Unhindered Probe

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Kin of 2019 Easter Sunday attack victims in Sri Lanka protested against alleged opposition attempts to obstruct ongoing investigations. The protests follow the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay and accusations of political conspiracy related to the attacks. The current government has reopened the probe, citing past political interference.

ICC team to reach Sri Lanka to assess governance of cricket board

ICC team to reach Sri Lanka to assess governance of cricket board

Rediff.com15 May 2026

An ICC team, including a BCCI official, is visiting Sri Lanka following the government's appointment of an interim committee to manage the cricket board after the resignation of the previous executive committee.