News for 'Public Works Department'

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.

Docs hold rallies for security ahead of SC hearing on RG Kar case

Docs hold rallies for security ahead of SC hearing on RG Kar case

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The rallies were organised from R G Kar hospital, Sagore Dutta Hospital, SSKM Hospital, Calcutta Medical College, and Jadavpur in south Kolkata.

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.

Amarnath base camp to get major facelift, security to be beefed up

Amarnath base camp to get major facelift, security to be beefed up

Rediff.com30 May 2023

The Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu serves as the main base camp for the pilgrims from across the country.

EC asks Karnataka govt to stop ads on its work in Telangana papers

EC asks Karnataka govt to stop ads on its work in Telangana papers

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

In a letter to the Karnataka chief secretary, the Commission said the state government did not obtain prior approval from it for publishing the advertisements, an action violative of the poll code instructions issued to central and state governments years ago.

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.

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.

Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya to be Trump's health agency head

Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya to be Trump's health agency head

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American scientist Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country's top health research and funding institutions. Bhattacharya, a professor of Health Policy at Stanford University, is known for his research on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Trump also nominated Jim O'Neill as the deputy secretary of Health and Human Services to work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Maliwal case: CCTV digital video recorder seized from Kejriwal's home

Maliwal case: CCTV digital video recorder seized from Kejriwal's home

Rediff.com19 May 2024

They said the police team collected electronic devices including CCTV DVR to potentially get the footage of the alleged assault on Maliwal on May 13 when Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal's close aide, allegedly attacked her at the CM's residence.

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.

'All Your Money Goes In Keeping Up This Lifestyle'

'All Your Money Goes In Keeping Up This Lifestyle'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'When there is a money crunch in the industry, actors like us are the ones who face budget cuts. Not the big actors.'

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

IRS officer, kin found dead at Kerala home; sister was facing CBI case

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Kerala Police are investigating the mysterious deaths of an IRS officer, his sister, and their mother in Kochi. The officer, Maneesh Vijay, and his sister, Shalini Vijay, were found hanging inside their house, while their mother, Shakuntala Agarwal, was discovered dead on her bed. Police have not yet established a direct link between the deaths and a CBI case in which Shalini was summoned as an accused. Preliminary findings suggest the siblings died by suicide, but the cause of their mother's death is still under investigation. The family had been residing in the quarters for the past year and a half but reportedly kept to themselves, maintaining limited interaction with neighbours, police added.

Mysterious disease: Central team in Rajouri; toll rises to 17

Mysterious disease: Central team in Rajouri; toll rises to 17

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

A mysterious illness has claimed 17 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, with the latest victim being a young girl named Yasmeen Kousar. The deaths have sparked concern and an inter-ministerial team has been sent to investigate the cause. The patients experienced symptoms such as fever, pain, nausea, and loss of consciousness before dying within days of hospitalization. The J&K government has ruled out a communicable disease of bacterial or viral origin.

Rahul's Payback: Statement Knock And A Cold Handshake

Rahul's Payback: Statement Knock And A Cold Handshake

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Goenka approached Rahul after the match to congratulate, only to receive what looked like a cold, disinterested handshake. No words, no eye contact. Just quiet closure and a telling payback.

Ayodhya adorned with 30-ft pillars with orb resembling the Sun

Ayodhya adorned with 30-ft pillars with orb resembling the Sun

Rediff.com27 Dec 2023

As Ayodhya gears up for the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple next month, a set of imposing sun-themed pillars -- 'Surya Stambhs' -- are being installed along a prominent road of the temple town.

Karnataka orders judicial probe into '40% commission scam' during BJP rule

Karnataka orders judicial probe into '40% commission scam' during BJP rule

Rediff.com18 Aug 2023

Three months after coming to power, the ruling Congress on Thursday passed an order setting up the inquiry panel led by retired HC judge Justice Nagamohan Das, fulfilling one of its key promises made in the run-up to assembly polls.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra to be next RBI Governor

Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra to be next RBI Governor

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The government on Monday appointed Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet cleared Malhotra's name, who has been appointed as the RBI Governor for three years, starting Wednesday. Malhotra, a 1990 Batch Rajasthan Cadre IAS Officer, will replace Shaktikanta Das, whose tenure ends on Tuesday (December 10, 2024).

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Police are examining the past records of the arrested men in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case and a related case of extortion to decide if the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) should be invoked, sources said on Thursday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had requested senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam to appear as a special prosecutor in the murder case. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has sought old case papers and chargesheets against the arrested men. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, was abducted and brutally killed on December 9, allegedly for opposing an extortion bid by some persons who had demanded money from a windmill company. Beed Police has put up posters seeking information about whereabouts of three wanted accused in the murder case. CM Fadnavis said he spoke to BJP MLA from Beed, Suresh Dhas who demanded that Nikam be appointed as special public prosecutor in the case. Nikam was a special public prosecutor in several high-profile cases, including the 26/11 terror attacks and 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that "smaller fish" could be killed in fake encounters to save the "big fish" involved in the Deshmukh murder and extortion cases. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council Ambadas Danve said the trial in the case should be conducted outside Beed district. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who has come under fire after the alleged involvement of his aide Karad in the extortion matter came to light, said those who murdered Santosh Deshmukh should be tried in a fast-track court and "hanged till death." The government on Wednesday set up a 10-member SIT to probe the case, headed by Deputy Inspector General -CID Basavraj Teli.

Many Delhi schools get bomb threat, 2nd time this week

Many Delhi schools get bomb threat, 2nd time this week

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Three schools in Delhi received bomb threats via email on Friday morning, prompting a multi-agency response, including searches by police and bomb detection teams. The threats come after at least 44 schools received similar emails on December 9, which were declared hoaxes by police. Authorities are currently conducting checks at the schools, and parents have been advised not to send their children to classes.

Operation Sindoor: 'Escalation Can't Be Ruled Out'

Operation Sindoor: 'Escalation Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

'It could take the form of sporadic LoC violation through heavy artillery and mortar fire, focusing on border villages where the Hindu Dogra population is predominant.'

Sudden downpour floods Delhi, Mumbai gets a respite

Sudden downpour floods Delhi, Mumbai gets a respite

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

A sudden downpour in Delhi caught citizens off guard and caused heavy waterlogging and traffic jams on Tuesday while Mumbai breathed a sigh of relief as showers stopped a day after heavy rain brought the metropolis to its knees.

U'khand to deploy BRO team in Joshimath for smooth Char Dham Yatra

U'khand to deploy BRO team in Joshimath for smooth Char Dham Yatra

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

A Border Roads Organisation team will be stationed in Joshimath to monitor the yatra on a day-to-day basis and ensure immediate treatment of cracks on roads or any other problem that might arise, the chief minister said.

Jailed Gujarat scribe booked in fifth case for extorting realty agent

Jailed Gujarat scribe booked in fifth case for extorting realty agent

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Jailed journalist Mahesh Langa, already facing multiple charges, has been booked in a fresh case for allegedly extorting Rs 40 lakh from a real estate agent by threatening to malign his image and implicate him in a false case. This is the fifth FIR registered against him since his arrest in October 2023 for an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) scam. The latest case was registered based on a complaint by Janak Thakor, a real estate agent, who alleged that Langa threatened to write negative articles about him and trap him in a false case unless he paid the money. Langa has been in jail since his arrest in October and is facing charges in four previous cases registered by Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Rajkot police.

Short circuit caused Kuwait fire; 1 more Indian dead, toll 46

Short circuit caused Kuwait fire; 1 more Indian dead, toll 46

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

The death toll of Indians killed in the massive fire in Kuwait has risen to 46 with one more person succumbing to injuries as authorities said that an electrical short circuit in the room of the guard on the ground floor of the building caused the blaze that killed 50 people.

J&K First-Time Voters Will Be Deciding Factor

J&K First-Time Voters Will Be Deciding Factor

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

'The lack of opportunities here remains the biggest worry.' 'We have seen investment summits, but if you look around, much of it is only on paper and not on the ground.'

Pre-qualification bids for PM's new Rs 360 cr home cancelled again

Pre-qualification bids for PM's new Rs 360 cr home cancelled again

Rediff.com3 Oct 2022

The central public works department on Monday cancelled the pre-qualification bids for the construction of a Rs 360-crore new residence for the prime minister for the second time within more than two months.

Adani baiter Hindenburg Research shuts down

Adani baiter Hindenburg Research shuts down

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The sudden and surprising announcement by Anderson comes within days of a Republican Congressman, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, asking the Department of Justice to preserve all the documents and communications related to the investigations of Adani and his companies.

Roof of Kejriwal's house collapsed thrice: AAP on Rs 45 cr renovation

Roof of Kejriwal's house collapsed thrice: AAP on Rs 45 cr renovation

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

"The house has been rebuilt at an expenditure of Rs 30 crore," Sanjay Singh said at a press conference.

Rs 16000,000,000: Amount splurged for CWG!

Rs 16000,000,000: Amount splurged for CWG!

Rediff.com1 Apr 2011

"It appears as if to economise was criminal and to splurge was civil." This was the observation made by the high-level Shunglu Committee, which found a loss of over Rs 1,600 crore in construction and renovation of venues for Commonwealth Games by different government agencies.

'Biggest Worry Should Be Pakistan'

'Biggest Worry Should Be Pakistan'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Right now, we have no relationship with Pakistan. And the relationship with China is not great.'

Cong reprimands spokesperson for 'fat Rohit Sharma' post

Cong reprimands spokesperson for 'fat Rohit Sharma' post

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

In her now-deleted post, Mohamed said Sharma is "fat for a sportsman". "Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!" she said.

Indian-American OpenAI whistleblower found dead in US

Indian-American OpenAI whistleblower found dead in US

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old Indian-origin former employee of OpenAI, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. The medical examiner's office ruled the death a suicide, and police say there is no evidence of foul play. Balaji was known for publicly accusing OpenAI of violating US copyright law while developing ChatGPT, a generative AI program that has become a global sensation. His death comes amid a wave of lawsuits against OpenAI from creators who claim their copyrighted material was used without permission to train ChatGPT.

CWG: Construction cost of five stadia crossed over Rs 1000 cr

CWG: Construction cost of five stadia crossed over Rs 1000 cr

Rediff.com2 Jan 2011

An RTI reply has revealed that the cost of construction of five Commonwealth Games venues by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) escalated by over Rs 1,110 crore than the original sanctioned amount.

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The finance minister, in her Budget speech, should focus more on what she is directly responsible for, rather than on programmes where her role is largely supportive, notes Nitin Desai.

U'khand CM Dhami allots portfolios, keeps over 2 dozen depts for himself

U'khand CM Dhami allots portfolios, keeps over 2 dozen depts for himself

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

These include home, industrial development (mining), justice, labour, excise, environment conservation and climate change, disaster management and rehabilitation and civil aviation.

SC asks protesting Bengal docs to return to duty

SC asks protesting Bengal docs to return to duty

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud directed the protesting doctors to get back to work by 5 pm on Tuesday and assured them that there will be no adverse action if they resume duty.

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Universities and immigration authorities take student conduct seriously. Behaviour that is deemed unacceptable or dangerous can lead to legal consequences, including deportation, warns Dr Pananjay Tiwari, founder and director, Impel Overseas Education.

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

Govt invites applications for RBI deputy governor's post, last date Nov 30

Govt invites applications for RBI deputy governor's post, last date Nov 30

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

The government has invited applications for the post of deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from interested candidates with at least 25 years of experience and below 60 years of age as on January 15, 2025. One of the deputy governors, Michael Patra's current term will end on 15 January. The last date of submission of applications is November 30, 2024.