News for 'Public Works Department'

50% of Delhi govt staffers to work from home amid rising air pollution

50% of Delhi govt staffers to work from home amid rising air pollution

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Delhi government has ordered half of its staff to work from home, urging private organizations to follow suit as the national capital faces an alarmingly high level of air pollution. The move comes as Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426 in the "severe" category, with residents reporting health issues. Essential services will continue to operate at full capacity. The government has also advised companies to provide shuttle bus services for employees and suggested that private entities consider shifting office hours to reduce traffic congestion.

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Some of his directives had the Supreme Court judges disclose their assets whereas the row over the discovery of cash from a sitting judge's official residence paved way for inquiry.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

No injuries were reported in the blaze that erupted around 1.10 pm. It was confined to wooden sheets, furniture and construction material at a depth of 40-50 feet of the station located in Bandra East, causing heavy smoke in the area, they said.

Indian Scientists Make Weather History

Indian Scientists Make Weather History

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

'Nobody asked us to work on this. It was on our own that we decided to embark on this journey.'

Major oil leak triggers alert after cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast

Major oil leak triggers alert after cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast

Rediff.com25 May 2025

A Liberian cargo ship carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous cargoes, has sunk off the coast of Kerala, raising concerns of environmental damage. The ship, MSC ELSA 3, capsized and sank in the early hours of May 25 after listing rapidly. The three remaining crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy. The Indian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation for any oil spills and has positioned a ship with pollution response equipment at the scene. The ship was carrying 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil, in addition to the hazardous cargo. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has cautioned the public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore.

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Indian students at Harvard, on condition of anonymity, shared their concerns and experiences of the last few months during which the prestigious university has seen relentless attacks by the Trump administration.

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a Bill providing 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts, sparking protests from the opposition BJP. The Bill, which amends the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, aims to increase Muslim participation in government contracts valued up to Rs 2 crore for civil works and Rs 1 crore for goods and services. The BJP criticized the move as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in court.

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Pawar was amenable to increasing the height of the boundary walls of his house in Delhi as part of the enhanced security measures.

Crash: 'Preliminary Report Will Have Answers'

Crash: 'Preliminary Report Will Have Answers'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'A few answers for the reason of the crash will be known -- whether it was a technical fault, design issue, human error etc.'

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday attributed early arrival of the southwest monsoon and heavy rainfall in a short span for the inundation of low-lying areas in Mumbai, which disrupted road and railway traffic.

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

For Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, currently under fire for his comments aimed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, this is not the first time he has been embroiled in a controversy.

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections were a 'blueprint for rigging democracy' and this 'match-fixing' would next happen in Bihar and 'anywhere the Bharatiya Janata Party is losing'.

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, is the son of a nuclear scientist who was sanctioned by the United Nations and the US for providing information and expertise to al-Qaeda, according to Indian officials. Chaudhry's father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, allegedly provided insights into nuclear weapons infrastructure and raised funds for a fundamentalist organization linked to the Taliban. Mahmood was arrested in 2001 after admitting to meeting Osama bin Laden but was later released.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

Obscene material is...: HC orders Customs to release Souza, Padamsee works

Obscene material is...: HC orders Customs to release Souza, Padamsee works

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The court referred to a judgment passed by the Supreme Court 60 years ago wherein it was declared that in India, the angels and saints of Michelangelo do not need to be made to wear breeches before they can be viewed.

Kejriwal shifts to party MP's house in Lutyens' Delhi

Kejriwal shifts to party MP's house in Lutyens' Delhi

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday vacated the 6, Flagstaff Road residence to move to his new address in the Lutyens' Zone.

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

On July 2 or July 6, the Dalai Lama will reveal his mind on his successor. This makes Beijing extremely nervous as the Communist regime fully realises the importance of controlling the next Dalai Lama, points out Claude Arpi.

Maha govt to set up Rs 10 cr media centre to monitor news content

Maha govt to set up Rs 10 cr media centre to monitor news content

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

If there is a misleading news, it will be clarified in real-time. If there is a negative news, clarification will be given expeditiously, it said.

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'Horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning. AG Pam Bondi called to let me know and was at the scene. 2 dead in shooting targeting Israeli embassy staffers outside Jewish Museum in Washington DC'

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

The BJP has accused the Congress of politicising the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and levelling "baseless allegations" of disrespect and mismanagement at his State funeral. The Congress has countered by alleging that the government's arrangements for the funeral were a "shocking display" of disrespect. The row comes as the Congress alleges that the Centre did not allow news agencies except for DD (Doordarshan) to cover the funeral, did not provide enough space for Singh's family around the pyre, and did not stand up for the national flag during the gun salute. The BJP has refuted all of these charges.

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The bank made a Rs 67 crore net profit, up 21% from the previous year. Its deposits grew 8%, the loan book 10%. Net bad loans dropped from 7.53% to 6.07%. So why was the banker, who headed the bank, not promoted?

Experts say regular health check-ups must amid rising heart attacks

Experts say regular health check-ups must amid rising heart attacks

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Recent reports of heart attacks occurring while dancing, driving, or even walking have raised concerns about the condition's unpredictability. Experts emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups to detect underlying heart diseases and prevent sudden cardiac events. Factors contributing to the rise include unhealthy lifestyles, genetic predisposition, and inadequate sleep. The article highlights the need for increased public awareness and stricter implementation of government programs to address the growing trend of heart attacks, particularly among younger individuals.

Why Are Banks Striking On March 24-25?

Why Are Banks Striking On March 24-25?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Bank employees want a five day work week.

6 UP officials suspended over road cave-ins, flooding in Ayodhya

6 UP officials suspended over road cave-ins, flooding in Ayodhya

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended six officials of civic agencies for gross negligence following road cave-ins and waterlogging at several sections of the newly-built Ram Path in Ayodhya.

How Adani Countered Hindenburg And Made The Boldest Comeback

How Adani Countered Hindenburg And Made The Boldest Comeback

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Hindenburg Research, the forensic financial firm that challenged the Adani Group, took its name from the infamous airship that burst into flames upon arriving in New Jersey in 1937. And the counter to its damning report against the conglomerate was dubbed 'Operation Zeppelin,' named after the German dirigible airships used for reconnaissance and bombing during the First World War.

Navy informed about rust on Shivaji statue 6 days before collapse

Navy informed about rust on Shivaji statue 6 days before collapse

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

In a letter sent to Naval commander Abhishek Karbhari, Area Coastal Security Officer and Area Civil-Military liaison officer, on August 20, an assistant engineer of the PWD in Malvan taluka of Sindhudurg district highlighted that parts of the statue were gathering rust and it was looking "unpleasant".

Portion of 185-year-old UP mosque demolished for highway widening

Portion of 185-year-old UP mosque demolished for highway widening

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

The mosque's management committee chief, however, claimed that the Noori Masjid in Lalauli town was built in 1839 while the road around it came up only in 1956, and said they have already moved the Allahabad high court which will take up the petition on December 12.

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

I wasn't there during many mistakes of Cong, but...: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said he is "more than happy" to take responsibility for everything wrong the party did in its history, including the 1984 Sikh riots. He acknowledged that the party made "a lot of mistakes" when he was not there, but said he has publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was "wrong." The remarks were made during an interaction at Brown University in the US. The video of the interaction was uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs on Saturday. The BJP has criticized Gandhi for his remarks, accusing him of "ridiculing" the beliefs of Hindus and Sikhs.

'Unhappy with talks', Bengal doctors to continue 'cease work'

'Unhappy with talks', Bengal doctors to continue 'cease work'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

The second round of talks between junior doctors and officials of the West Bengal government failed to break the medics' strike over the RG Kar issue, following the state's refusal to give written minutes of the meeting, the doctors alleged.

Kejriwal's temporary CM remark on Atishi an insult to Prez Murmu: LG

Kejriwal's temporary CM remark on Atishi an insult to Prez Murmu: LG

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed concern over AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal labelling Atishi a "temporary chief minister" and called it a "flagrant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution". In his letter to Atishi, Saxena said Kejriwal's remark was an insult to President Droupadi Murmu, who appointed her, as well as himself as her representative. Hitting back, Atishi alleged the lieutenant governor's office was working as a BJP "proxy" and asserted that Kejriwal was Delhi's "tallest leader".

Yet another bridge collapses in Bihar, third incident in less than a week

Yet another bridge collapses in Bihar, third incident in less than a week

Rediff.com23 Jun 2024

The 16-metre-long bridge was being built over a canal by the state's rural works department to connect Amwa village to other areas of the block.

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Trump said that the funds used to support students with disabilities and scholarships will be preserved and these duties will be provided to other institutions.

Kerala shocker: Police tell Dalit woman to drink water from toilet

Kerala shocker: Police tell Dalit woman to drink water from toilet

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Her claims of being detained overnight at the police station without food or sleep and being asked to drink toilet water by police personnel have sparked widespread outrage.

Expert explains why Shivaji Maharaj statue collapsed

Expert explains why Shivaji Maharaj statue collapsed

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Corroded nuts and bolts likely contributed to the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue by causing a failure in steel members forming the frame inside the statue, according to a structural engineer.

New US Visa Policy: No Impact On H1-Bs

New US Visa Policy: No Impact On H1-Bs

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

'Of course, people will have to carry documents all the time. There is overall uncertainty in living in the US.'

Bengal junior doctors call off 'cease work' after 42 days

Bengal junior doctors call off 'cease work' after 42 days

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Ending the logjam persisting for 42 days in the wake of the rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar hospital, the agitating medics withdrew the 'cease work' after holding a march to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Salt Lake in Kolkata from the state health department's headquarters, where they had been demonstrating for over a week.

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is preparing to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of efforts to improve relations between India and China, which have been strained since a military standoff in 2020. The two countries have also agreed in principle to resume flight services between them.