News for 'People Development'

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'Nitish Kumar may be marginalised as an office-holder, but that is not the same thing as the disappearance of Nitish Kumar's politics.'

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee escalates tensions ahead of assembly polls by accusing President Droupadi Murmu of political bias and criticising her stance on tribal welfare, sparking a major controversy.

RSS doesn't practice Hindutva politics, rather...: Bhagwat

RSS doesn't practice Hindutva politics, rather...: Bhagwat

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that the Sangh focuses on individual development to build a strong society and nation, rather than practicing Hindutva politics. He emphasized the importance of unity, devotion to the motherland, and the need for women's equal participation in governance.

Maharashtra Government to Form Panel to Curb Social Media Defamation

Maharashtra Government to Form Panel to Curb Social Media Defamation

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government is forming a committee headed by the Director General of Police to address the issue of defamation through social media platforms. The committee will study the issue and suggest measures to take action against those who defame individuals through social media.

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Russia has shared intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran target American warships, aircraft and other military assets in the region, according to United States intelligence assessments cited by media reports, marking the first indication of Moscow's possible involvement in the ongoing conflict. Officials familiar with US intelligence findings said a significant portion of the shared information reportedly includes imagery from Russia's network of surveillance satellites.

Union Ministers Accuse West Bengal of Protocol Breach During President's Visit

Union Ministers Accuse West Bengal of Protocol Breach During President's Visit

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy and Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao have criticised the West Bengal government for alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu's visit, sparking a political row.

How T20 World Cup turned out to be paradise for batters, graveyard for bowlers

How T20 World Cup turned out to be paradise for batters, graveyard for bowlers

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Twenty20 was designed to favour batters, but few anticipated the bowlers' bloodbath that unfolded across four weeks in India and Sri Lanka at the just-concluded Twenty20 World Cup.

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has denied bail to a man accused of trafficking educated youth on the pretext of providing them jobs abroad, only to coerce them to carry out cyber fraud activities.

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relationship with US President Donald Trump, alleging that Modi is acting as Trump's 'slave' and jeopardising India's interests on trade, oil and foreign policy.

Iran Crisis: 'No Nation More Exposed Than India'

Iran Crisis: 'No Nation More Exposed Than India'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'We are profoundly energy-dependent on the Gulf. That dependency must now be redirected towards the United States, because we require American permission to procure oil.' 'We additionally require Iranian permission to acquire oil from that source. So India now has to seek two separate permissions merely to secure its energy supply.' 'Should we be compelled to source from America, or from Venezuela -- which is, in effect, American-controlled supply -- that will inevitably carry a price premium, an elevated shipping cost, and a considerably extended delivery timeline, given the distances involved.'

Actor Mammootty under cyber attack after spat with Kerala CPM leader

Actor Mammootty under cyber attack after spat with Kerala CPM leader

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Senior CPI(M) leaders address online attacks against Malayalam actor Mammootty after his visit to a Wayanad township for landslide survivors, following reports of his displeasure with a local party leader's presence.

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's handling of the Iran crisis reflects a growing strain between strategic autonomy and geopolitical alignment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

West Bengal CM Announces Unemployment Allowance Ahead of Polls

West Bengal CM Announces Unemployment Allowance Ahead of Polls

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a new unemployment allowance of Rs 1,500 per month for young job seekers in the state, starting March 7. The announcement comes ahead of the assembly elections and aims to support unemployed youth aged 21-40 who have passed their secondary exams.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Congress party has issued a show-cause notice to a fifth MLA from Haryana, Jarnail Singh, for alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, further exposing internal rifts within the state unit.

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Indian government has revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was held under the National Security Act following protests in Ladakh.

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the people of Manipur, assuring them of the government's commitment to strengthening harmony and ensuring security in the wake of ethnic violence. She highlighted the state's resilience, contributions to the nation, and the government's initiatives for development and inclusivity.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

Assam Startup Turns Weed Into Paper

Assam Startup Turns Weed Into Paper

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

For Aniket Dhar and Rupankar Bhattacharjee, the goal is simple: turn a persistent environmental challenge into a sustainable solution that benefits both nature and people.

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

China's latest defence budget surges to $275 billion, fueling its ambitious military modernisation program and intensifying geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Wild Elephant Tramples Man to Death in Ranchi

Wild Elephant Tramples Man to Death in Ranchi

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

A man was killed by a wild elephant in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. The incident occurred in Chitrakota village. Forest officials provided immediate relief to the family of the deceased and are working to drive the elephant back into the forest.

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

BJP national president Nitin Nabin announced the party's plan to replicate Assam's 'detect, delete and deport' model to expel alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators in West Bengal if voted to power.

BJP Blames Kerala Govt for Water Crisis Ahead of Attukal Pongala

BJP Blames Kerala Govt for Water Crisis Ahead of Attukal Pongala

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticizes the state government for the water crisis in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the Attukal Pongala festival, alleging negligence and failure to utilize funds. He also addressed the Gulf conflict and political alliances in the state.

Vertex Group Invests Rs 100 Crore in Responsible AI Lab

Vertex Group Invests Rs 100 Crore in Responsible AI Lab

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Vertex Group has launched its 'Responsible AI Lab' with a Rs 100 crore investment in research and development, focusing on ethical, transparent, and accountable AI solutions for businesses.

Kerala minister in infidelity storm after wife's explosive allegation

Kerala minister in infidelity storm after wife's explosive allegation

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar faces accusations of infidelity from his wife, Bindhu Menon, amidst ongoing marital issues and political tensions.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Apologises to Mammootty for Online Attacks

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Apologises to Mammootty for Online Attacks

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly apologised to Malayalam actor Mammootty for online abuse following a controversy related to a visit to a Wayanad township.

AI provides huge opportunities to Indian firms; won't hurt business: Nasscom

AI provides huge opportunities to Indian firms; won't hurt business: Nasscom

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) globally presents significant opportunities for Indian companies and will not adversely impact their businesses, Nasscom AI head Ankit Bose said on Tuesday.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

Meta Flags DPDP Compliance Timeline Concerns

Meta Flags DPDP Compliance Timeline Concerns

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'We do have some concerns with the timeline being shortened from 18 to 12 months.'

Pradhan Accuses TMC of Protecting 'Infiltrators' for Votes

Pradhan Accuses TMC of Protecting 'Infiltrators' for Votes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accuses the TMC of objecting to the omission of names from electoral rolls due to fears of losing the 'infiltrator' vote bank in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls.

Mass Surrender: 108 Maoists Give Up Arms in Chhattisgarh

Mass Surrender: 108 Maoists Give Up Arms in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

In a significant victory for the government's anti-Naxal efforts, 108 Maoists, including 44 women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, citing disillusionment and the appeal of rehabilitation programs. The surrender also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons and valuables.

'In Iran, They Cut 3-Hour Bollywood Films To 1 Hour, With No Songs'

'In Iran, They Cut 3-Hour Bollywood Films To 1 Hour, With No Songs'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Much later when I came to Afghanistan, I realised that there were songs in Bollywood films.'

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

To be sure, Trump is furious, as the trajectory of the war is in a state of Zugzwang, as chess players call it. Trump and Netanyahu stare at two choices -- retreat in humiliation and concede Tehran's demands -- recognition of its rights, reparations, and binding security guarantees -- or perish in a quagmire, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'21-Point System Has Worked Well': Saina Nehwal Cautions BWF On Proposed Scoring Changes

'21-Point System Has Worked Well': Saina Nehwal Cautions BWF On Proposed Scoring Changes

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal has urged the Badminton World Federation to exercise caution regarding proposed scoring changes, maintaining that the current 21-point system preserves the sport's essential intensity and endurance.

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is set to enter politics, with a formal announcement expected from the JD(U). Party leaders express enthusiasm and anticipate a significant role for Nishant within the party.

Assam Congress Arrests Spark Controversy Over Anti-CM Pamphlets

Assam Congress Arrests Spark Controversy Over Anti-CM Pamphlets

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Four Assam Congress workers have been arrested for allegedly possessing and transporting pamphlets containing allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, sparking controversy and accusations of undemocratic action.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Women excelling in various fields, but...: President Murmu

Women excelling in various fields, but...: President Murmu

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a national convention, acknowledging the progress of women in various fields while highlighting the persistent social stereotypes, economic inequalities, and psychological barriers they face. She called for collective efforts to address these issues and emphasised the importance of promoting Indian languages and traditional knowledge systems.