News for 'Public Works Department'

'Deputy caliph' of Islamic State killed in Iraq

'Deputy caliph' of Islamic State killed in Iraq

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

The Iraqi Prime Minister said that personnel of the country's national intelligence service, working with coalition forces commanded by the United States, had killed the head of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

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.

LG orders paid break for workers amid 50 deg C heat, calls Kejri insensitive

LG orders paid break for workers amid 50 deg C heat, calls Kejri insensitive

Rediff.com29 May 2024

It said Delhi is facing an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Celsius in some parts for the first time in the city's history.

'Where Is The Evidence Against Justice Varma?'

'Where Is The Evidence Against Justice Varma?'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

'We have already prejudged the issue. And now things have reached a point where it is very difficult for a person to say that he could be innocent.'

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh is reviving its 'brotherhood committees', a strategy used successfully in the 2007 elections, to bolster its support among Other Backward Castes (OBCs) ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections. These committees, to be formed in all 403 constituencies, aim to connect with 100 people from OBC communities in each village, acting as ambassadors of the party at the booth level. The BSP sees these committees as a counter to the Samajwadi Party's PDA pitch and a means to consolidate its scattered rural vote bank. The party is also highlighting the 'anti-Dalit' and 'anti-OBC' tactics of the Congress, BJP and SP, hoping to capitalize on perceived grievances and reposition itself as a champion of marginalized communities.

Plane detained by France departs for India after 3 days

Plane detained by France departs for India after 3 days

Rediff.com25 Dec 2023

A Romanian aircraft carrying 275 passengers, mostly Indians, on Monday left for India four days after they were detained by the French authorities at an airport near Paris over suspected 'human trafficking'.

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump for the fourth time in recent days claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million funding to India for 'voter turnout', evoking a sharp response from the Congress which urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'talk to his friend' and strongly refute the allegation.

2 Hurriyat allies, another group sever ties with separatists

2 Hurriyat allies, another group sever ties with separatists

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Two constituents of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Jammu and Kashmir have announced they are severing all ties with separatist groups. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the decision, asserting it will strengthen India's unity. The Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement (JKPM) and the J&K Democratic Political Movement (JKDPM) have both distanced themselves from the separatist ideology, vowing allegiance to India and the Constitution. The JKPM, led by Shahid Saleem, and the JKDPM, led by Shafi Reshi, issued statements detailing their decision. Shah said the move is a big victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed, peaceful, and unified India. The APHC, which has been banned by the government, has been unable to address the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Saleem said.

BJP, Cong slam Kejriwal for Rs 45 cr renovation on residence

BJP, Cong slam Kejriwal for Rs 45 cr renovation on residence

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

Senior AAP leader Raghav Chadha said the residence in question was built in 1942. The Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD), after an audit, had recommended its renovation, he said.

New Vice President Enclave to have bullet-proof windows, CPWD invites bids

New Vice President Enclave to have bullet-proof windows, CPWD invites bids

Rediff.com12 May 2023

The Central Public Works Department, a prime construction agency of the central government, said the bullet-proof window system of the selected bidder will be sent for testing at the forensic science lab in Gujarat's Gandhinagar.

Kasab's trial put off, work on court yet to end

Kasab's trial put off, work on court yet to end

Rediff.com5 Apr 2009

The trial of lone surviving gunman in the Mumbai terror attack case, Mohammed Amir Ajmal Kasab, scheduled to begin in the premises of Arthur Road central jail on Monday, has been put off by a week as the construction of the special court is not yet over.

Rains lash Tamil Nadu, schools closed in many districts

Rains lash Tamil Nadu, schools closed in many districts

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Widespread rains lashed parts of Tamil Nadu on Thursday, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for schools in Chennai and many other districts.

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.'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Every decision India makes along the LoC, it must also consider implications along the LAC.'

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received Rs 13,611 crore in the Union Budget announced on Saturday, while the allocation for disability welfare now stands at Rs 1,275 crore.

Newly constructed bridge collapses in Bihar, none hurt

Newly constructed bridge collapses in Bihar, none hurt

Rediff.com19 Jun 2024

The bridge, constructed by the rural works department at a cost of Rs 10 crore, was not opened to the public as approach roads were yet to be constructed.

'Public AI infrastructure we create would help startups'

'Public AI infrastructure we create would help startups'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

'Similar to the case of the digital payment system where the government created a public platform and others joined in, we are exploring a similar structure to create a PPP platform where the compute required for AI could be accessed by the small player.'

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'The intensity and frequency of heatwaves will be much higher than in previous years over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.'

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka, where he will hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and strengthen ties through agreements on defence, energy security, and digitalisation. This visit aims to further bolster the already strong relationship between the two nations and is expected to include several outcomes, including a defence cooperation agreement, debt restructuring, and a currency swap. This visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, where India played a significant role in providing financial assistance.

Ram temple sanctum sanctorum's roof is leaking, says chief priest

Ram temple sanctum sanctorum's roof is leaking, says chief priest

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Alleging negligence in the construction of the temple, Das claimed that there was also no arrangement for the drainage of rainwater from the temple premises after the showers on Saturday midnight.

Delhi results a referendum on Kejriwal, not Modi: Cong

Delhi results a referendum on Kejriwal, not Modi: Cong

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Results of the Delhi assembly election are not a vindication of Prime Minister's Narendra Modi's policies but a referendum on Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress said on Saturday as it vowed to bounce back from another whitewash.

'CMO Delhi' handle renamed on X, BJP urges LG to intervene

'CMO Delhi' handle renamed on X, BJP urges LG to intervene

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The BJP has demanded the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in the renaming of the official 'CMO Delhi' handle on X to 'Arvind Kejriwal At Work', alleging that the change was made at the behest of the former chief minister. The party accused Arvind Kejriwal of misusing public funds for his own digital propaganda and demanded legal action against him. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded by urging the BJP to focus on governing Delhi instead of making "baseless allegations."

New Orleans attacker inspired by ISIS, toll rises to 15

New Orleans attacker inspired by ISIS, toll rises to 15

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

The death toll has now risen to at least 15 people in the New Orleans 'act of terrorism' after a car rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the early hours of Wednesday (US local time), CNN reported.

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff in West Bengal's state-run and state-aided schools, deeming the selection process "vitiated and tainted." The court ordered the state government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. The decision comes after a Calcutta High Court verdict in April 2024, which also annulled the appointments. The apex court, while upholding the high court's order, made some modifications, including exempting disabled employees from returning their salaries. The case stemmed from alleged irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), involving OMR sheet tampering and rank-jumping. The Supreme Court had previously termed it a "systemic fraud." Former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee and Trinamool Congress MLAs Manik Bhattacharya and Jiban Krishna Saha are among the accused being investigated in the recruitment scam.

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.

Days after violence, Bahraich shopkeepers get demolition notices

Days after violence, Bahraich shopkeepers get demolition notices

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Shopkeepers in Bahraich scrambled to salvage their goods on Saturday, apprehending a demolition drive by the authorities. According to a local lawmaker, the Public Works Department has served demolition notices to 23 establishments -- 20 of them belonging to Muslims.

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The owner and manager of Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata have been arrested following a devastating fire that killed 14 people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered surprise checks of all establishments in the city to ensure fire safety compliance, after the tragedy highlighted serious violations at the hotel. The hotel has been sealed and special committees will be formed to monitor and identify establishments flouting fire safety norms.

Missing Indian-origin student was seen with man on the beach

Missing Indian-origin student was seen with man on the beach

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A 20-year-old Indian student, Sudiksha Konanki, has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. US federal law enforcement agencies are working with Dominican authorities to investigate her disappearance. Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, was reported missing on March 6 while vacationing with friends in Punta Cana. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is assisting in the investigation, which includes a review of surveillance video, telephone records, and interviews with anyone who may have seen Konanki. The LCSO has filed for a Yellow Notice (worldwide police alert for a missing person) to be issued by INTERPOL. While Dominican officials believe Konanki may have drowned in the ocean, the LCSO cautions against drawing any unsubstantiated conclusions. The investigation is ongoing.

'Don't want a discount': Trump buys Tesla from Musk

'Don't want a discount': Trump buys Tesla from Musk

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Trump bought the car in a show of support for Musk's electric vehicle company, which is facing a major backlash because of the Tesla CEO's work to advance the President's political agenda.

Sewri-Nhava Sheva sea link work to begin in 6 mths

Sewri-Nhava Sheva sea link work to begin in 6 mths

Rediff.com14 Jan 2010

The Maharashtra government on Thursday said the work on 22km-long sea link between Sewri and Nhava Sheva would start within the next six months.

Trump names Indian-American close aide Kash Patel as FBI chief

Trump names Indian-American close aide Kash Patel as FBI chief

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel, a close confidante, as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This appointment would make Patel the highest-ranking Indian American in Trump's incoming administration. Patel has previously served in various roles in the Trump administration, including Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. Trump praised Patel's work in uncovering the "Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax" and his commitment to "bringing back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI." Patel, who has extensive experience in law enforcement and national security, is known for his work on the Russia investigation and his criticism of the "deep state."

What Will RBI Governor's Agenda Be?

What Will RBI Governor's Agenda Be?

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

As RBI governor, Sanjay Malhotra will have to give the highest priority to the interest of the economy while deciding on the growth-inflation trade off at Mint Street.

Sukhu owns up for HP defeat, crisis over, says DKS

Sukhu owns up for HP defeat, crisis over, says DKS

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

Shivakumar also said that the central observers have spoken to Sukhu, party MLAs and state unit chief Pratibha Singh and all differences have been ironed out.

Indian-origin tech firms corner 1/5th of H-1B visas

Indian-origin tech firms corner 1/5th of H-1B visas

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Indian-origin tech companies cornered a fifth of all H-1B visas issued by the US with Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services leading the pack, an analysis of data from the US immigration department showed. According to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, in April-September 2024 period, out of the total 1.3 lakh H-1B visas issued to different employers, about 24,766 visas were issued to Indian-origin companies.

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

After HPCL, the government headhunter struggled to find a suitable candidate for the top job at Bharat Petroleum, as most applicants were narrow specialists lacking multidisciplinary experience needed to run a large organisation. The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) last month interviewed a dozen candidates including BPCL director (finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta and its director (refineries) S Khanna but found none suitable for the job of chairman and managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), according to a PESB order.

Sambhal MP fined Rs 1.91 crore for 'power theft', supply cut

Sambhal MP fined Rs 1.91 crore for 'power theft', supply cut

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Electricity Department has imposed a fine of Rs 1.91 crore on Lok Sabha MP from Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman and also disconnected the electricity supply to his residence for alleged power theft at his residence, an official said on Friday.

Maha reverses mandatory Hindi order for Classes 1-5 after opposition

Maha reverses mandatory Hindi order for Classes 1-5 after opposition

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Maharashtra government has reversed its decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language in schools after facing widespread opposition. The move comes after the state's language consultation committee urged the Chief Minister to revoke the decision. The government will now issue a revised order making Hindi learning voluntary. The decision had been met with criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which had called for a protest against the move.

Danger to Sukhu government in Himachal is by no means over

Danger to Sukhu government in Himachal is by no means over

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

The BJP in Himachal has its own problems. But it is not a party that sits around twiddling its thumbs.

SC directs AAP to vacate Rouse Avenue office by Aug 10

SC directs AAP to vacate Rouse Avenue office by Aug 10

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The top court had on March 4 directed the party to vacate its office by June 15 after noting that the plot was allotted to the Delhi high court for expanding judicial infrastructure.

Journalist mistakenly added to Trump's Yemen war plans group

Journalist mistakenly added to Trump's Yemen war plans group

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Security experts have warned that using Signal for discussions of this nature violates every established protocol for handling classified information.