News for 'Public Works Department'

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G20 Presidency.

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Swamiji, Sikh... Modi's disguise during Emergency years

Swamiji, Sikh... Modi's disguise during Emergency years

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

BlueKraft has published The Emergency Diaries -- Years that Forged a Leader to chronicle Modi's role in the underground campaign during that period, after speaking to a number of people associated with him at that time.

Nitin Gadkari: Longest serving transport minister gets another stint

Nitin Gadkari: Longest serving transport minister gets another stint

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Gadkari is credited with the construction of more than 90,000 km of national highways and 30,000 km of new roads in the country in the last 10 years.

First Look: Inside Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

First Look: Inside Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Construction of all ten buildings of the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) is slated for completion in the next 22 months. Several ministries currently housed in Shastri Bhavan, Krishi Bhavan, Nirman Bhavan, and Udyog Bhavan will begin relocating to four new locations. The first building, Kartavya Bhavan, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Water crisis splits couple in MP village; more break-ups feared

Water crisis splits couple in MP village; more break-ups feared

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

A village in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district is facing a severe water crisis, leading to a woman abandoning her husband and leaving with their children. The husband, Jitendra Soni, appealed to the district administration during a public outreach program, prompting authorities to take action. The Public Health Engineering department has been directed to resolve the water shortage, including connecting the village to an overhead tank in a neighboring village.

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.

Himachal: 2 brothers marry same woman as per tribal tradition

Himachal: 2 brothers marry same woman as per tribal tradition

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

Two brothers from the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh married one woman in a traditional polyandry ceremony, a practice still observed in some tribal communities to preserve land and family unity.

Shimla mosque: Muslim body ready to raze illegal part; 50 booked for protest

Shimla mosque: Muslim body ready to raze illegal part; 50 booked for protest

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Amid escalating tensions over the Sinjauli mosque in Shimla, a Muslim welfare committee on Thursday urged the municipal commissioner to seal the unauthorised portion and also offered to demolish it in accordance with a court order.

150 locomotives with world-class amenities to be exported to Guinea

150 locomotives with world-class amenities to be exported to Guinea

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Railway Ministry will deliver the advanced locomotives to the African nation over the next three years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first locomotive for export on Friday.

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".

Andhra Bets on AI to Fight Mosquito Menace

Andhra Bets on AI to Fight Mosquito Menace

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

When mosquito numbers cross safe limits in any area, automatic alerts will be sent, and civic teams will carry out spraying or fogging operations.

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Heavy rainfall across North India leads to fatalities, structural damage, travel disruptions, and school closures. Eastern states brace for more rain.

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.

Cong's challenge to Kangana Ranaut

Cong's challenge to Kangana Ranaut

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The Himachal Pradesh Congress on Monday challenged Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut to prove her allegation that the state government took loans and diverted the money to Sonia Gandhi, failing which it said it would file a defamation case against her.

If Modi Wants His 3rd Term To Work...

If Modi Wants His 3rd Term To Work...

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

To govern effectively, to legislate successfully, Modi must reach out to the Opposition. As long as he does not and he is showing no signs that he accepts the reality, the drift his fans are anguishing over will remain, cautions Aakar Patel.

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Drawing lessons from security protocols of Parliament, the state is working closely with agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd to design a multi-layered safety mechanism.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

12 flights diverted as rain lashes Delhi; roads waterlogged, traffic hit

12 flights diverted as rain lashes Delhi; roads waterlogged, traffic hit

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

As many as 12 flights were diverted at the Delhi airport between 3 pm and 4 pm due to adverse weather conditions, an official said.

After FIR, Himachal minister calls NHAI officials 'most corrupt'

After FIR, Himachal minister calls NHAI officials 'most corrupt'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Singh said that about 150 people including women and forest, revenue and other officials were present at the time of the incident, and if the officials were assaulted, "why are there no eyewitnesses".

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.

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.

'All India Radio Is No Underdog'

'All India Radio Is No Underdog'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'The largest listenership for Vividh Bharati outside the country is in Spain.' 'The labourers who go there for the tomato-picking season feel cut off from their country and listen to Vividh Bharati to overcome their loneliness.'

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

He had promised his daughter that he would be there, come what may, a kin said. But fate had a different plan.

Centre lifts ban on govt officials doing RSS work

Centre lifts ban on govt officials doing RSS work

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

Te Congress slammed the Centre's order, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to politicise employees on an ideological basis.

Himanta defends shoot-at-sight order in Dhubri amid communal tensions

Himanta defends shoot-at-sight order in Dhubri amid communal tensions

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticised the government for issuing the order to control communal tension in Dhubri town.

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.

Department of Commerce plans dedicated trade promotion body

Department of Commerce plans dedicated trade promotion body

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

To set up a future-ready administration geared towards the target of $2 trillion exports by 2030, the Department of Commerce has decided to set up a dedicated trade promotion body to drive overall promotion strategy, export targets, and execution as part of a restructuring exercise. The trade promotion body will formulate and drive overall trade promotion strategy; create and drive India's branding across focus markets and sectors; drive coordinated action across missions, states and export promotion councils; strategic initiatives, including advisory and buyer-seller meet; and develop digital platforms for exporters and buyers. Based on a 14-volume 'restructuring dossier' by the Boston Consulting Group, the commerce department has already implemented some of the recommendations.

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Vijay, with his chief ministerial ambitions, is a one-man army, at least as of now, and his campaign team considers him omnipresent. He has to be present in all districts, if not all constituencies at the same time, as there is no second-line leader or platform speaker in the party, who can draw crowds, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Workers from the BJP and Congress clashed in Patna during a protest march organized by the BJP against the use of abusive language towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother. The protest turned violent, with stone pelting and vandalism reported. Police intervened to control the situation, and an investigation is underway.

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Prayagraj is transforming into a massive temporary city to host the Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, expected to draw over 40 crore pilgrims. The preparations include extensive infrastructure development, including 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets, and a 1,250-km pipeline network. The event, starting on January 13, will culminate on February 26, bringing together millions of devotees for the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'The current strain in the relationship is serious and likely to be long lasting.' 'Even if Trump suddenly changes his attitude toward India -- which he is entirely capable of doing -- it is unlikely that New Delhi will be able to pick up the pieces and respond as if nothing has happened.'

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

High drama was witnessed during the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting on Saturday with ministers Jagat Negi and Rohit Thakur leaving midway following a 'heated debate' over policy decisions, sources said.

Cloudburst, floods, landslides: Monsoon fury in Himachal

Cloudburst, floods, landslides: Monsoon fury in Himachal

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Since the onset of monsoon on June 20 to date, rain-related incidents have claimed 23 lives in the state, according to the state emergency operation centre.

Himachal CM Sukhu seeks Rs 2,000 cr interim aid from Centre for relief works

Himachal CM Sukhu seeks Rs 2,000 cr interim aid from Centre for relief works

Rediff.com15 Jul 2023

The state has suffered losses of Rs 4,000 crore and the figure is likely to go up as estimates continue to pour in, he said.

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.

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the conversation regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has not been stalled. He claims the issue was raised at the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, and the formal speech distributed at the meeting includes a mention of the return of statehood. Abdullah also addressed concerns about the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourism, emphasizing the importance of local Kashmiris visiting tourist spots first to revive the industry and ensure a sense of security.

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Heavy monsoon rains battered Karnataka's coastal belt for the third consecutive day on Monday, severely disrupting normal life in Dakshina Kannada district, prompting authorities to issue a red alert and deploy disaster response teams. A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours, and will remain in force for the next five days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several parts of Mangaluru city reported waterlogging and traffic snarls, while minor incidents of landslides were reported from hilly regions across the district. The district administration has directed schools and composite colleges to remain shut on 27 and 28 following the IMD issuing a red alert. Instructions were also issued to relocate residents living in vulnerable hillside and riverside areas to safer locations. The authorities have sought prompt action from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) following complaints of water intrusion in residential areas due to ongoing highway construction works.

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.