News for 'State Council'

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Haryana is institutionalising drone technology as a key governance tool, deploying AI-powered surveillance and high-resolution geospatial mapping. This initiative aims to detect illegal constructions, monitor mining activities, map civic infrastructure, and track pollution across the state. The Chief Secretary reviewed progress on various projects, including an AI-powered Change Detection Application and digital mapping of municipal assets, highlighting the state's commitment to evidence-based governance and improved public service delivery.

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that replacing him would be a 'terrible mistake' and that the sport would 'never be as successful or profitable' without him, despite Infantino facing significant backlash and a battle to retain his position ahead of next year's presidential elections.

Kerala: First State To Have State 'Bacteria'

Kerala: First State To Have State 'Bacteria'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'We have tags of state animals and birds. However, the invisible world of microbes is doing a lot of things for us in nature, not just for human beings but for the entire life.'

Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Takes Helm As Interim FIDE President

Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Takes Helm As Interim FIDE President

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed interim president of the world chess body FIDE. This follows the stepping aside of incumbent president Arkady Dvorkovich, who was included in the European Union's sanctions list due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Dvorkovich plans to challenge the sanctions, which he deems unfair.

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has barred four advocates from entering any court premises in Lucknow and ordered a confidential inquiry by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) into their background and activities following an alleged assault on a litigant and Delhi lawyers.

How AI Is Set To Revolutionise India's Power Generation By 2030

How AI Is Set To Revolutionise India's Power Generation By 2030

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by The Energy & Climate Initiative Society (ENCIS) predicts that AI adoption in India's power generation sector will surge from 35% to 65% by 2030, becoming a core operational capability. The study highlights that nearly seven out of ten professionals see power generation as offering the best opportunity for efficiency gains through AI, driven by India's expanding digital infrastructure and significant investments from energy giants. Predictive asset management and proactive maintenance are identified as key areas for AI application, with efficiency being the primary driver for AI investments.

Dalit Council Seeks Rs 10 Cr Compensation In Kerala Student Death Case

Dalit Council Seeks Rs 10 Cr Compensation In Kerala Student Death Case

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Dalit organisations in Kerala are demanding compensation and a High Court-monitored probe into the death of a BDS student, alleging 'institutional murder' and caste-based harassment.

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak.

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Karnataka's two-month-old government saw its first cabinet expansion with 19 MLAs sworn in as ministers, leading to immediate discontent and the resignation of one Congress legislator over his exclusion.

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Manipur government has announced a holiday for all educational institutions on July 20, 2026, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The order covers schools, colleges, and universities across the state.

WCA 'concerned' by ICC's World Cup format changes without player consultation

WCA 'concerned' by ICC's World Cup format changes without player consultation

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed 'concern' over the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to revise the format of next year's 50-over World Cup without consulting the players, stating that such significant changes deserve genuine consultation and transparency.

ODI cricket's future hinges on this major ICC plan

ODI cricket's future hinges on this major ICC plan

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The era of 'randomly' scheduling bilateral series is over, but the ODI format can continue to survive and thrive with its place 'inextricably' linked to the World Cup, said ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta in an interview to PTI.

Meghalaya council bars non-tribals from polls after unrest, deaths

Meghalaya council bars non-tribals from polls after unrest, deaths

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya has approved an amendment restricting participation in council elections to only Scheduled Tribe members, following weeks of unrest and ethnic tensions.

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The failure of the State when it directly affects our lives, through a corrupt exam system, has produced this current anger, points out Aakar Patel.

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A suicide attack on a police station in Kabal, Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, killed at least 14 people, including five security personnel, and injured over a dozen. The attack occurred during a peace rally, with police intercepting the bomber at the compound gate, preventing a larger tragedy.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, following a similar meeting by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intensifying speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. Recent resignations and new organisational appointments for some ministers are contributing to the buzz.

Neeraj Chopra Doesn't Deserve Scrutiny After One Silver: Sumariwalla

Neeraj Chopra Doesn't Deserve Scrutiny After One Silver: Sumariwalla

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Athletics Federation of India's selection committee chairman Adille Sumariwalla has dismissed concerns over Neeraj Chopra's recent silver medal, stating that the "country's greatest athlete" should not be scrutinised for an occasional silver after consistently delivering gold for a decade.

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). This status makes FMSCI eligible for financial grants and is a significant step in the government's efforts to bring Formula 1 racing back to India, with a Task Force also being formed to explore hosting major motorsport events.

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian has resigned from the council of ministers following the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha term. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, which was effective immediately.

Former Block Development Council Member Critically Injured in Ghaziabad Shooting

Former Block Development Council Member Critically Injured in Ghaziabad Shooting

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A former Block Development Council (BDC) member in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, was shot in the forehead and is in critical condition. Police have arrested two suspects and are searching for others involved in the attack, which followed a dispute.

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Australia's players union has joined global criticism of FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup and other events, citing a lack of transparency and pressure on member associations to approve the $20 billion plan.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.

What Jaspreet Kaur's Doping Sanction Means For Indian Wrestling

What Jaspreet Kaur's Doping Sanction Means For Indian Wrestling

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Indian wrestler Jaspreet Kaur has been sanctioned by the International Testing Agency (ITA) after testing positive for prohibited stimulants, octodrine and heptaminol, during the Asian Beach Games. She accepted the anti-doping rule violation, leading to disqualification of her results, with further sanctions from United World Wrestling possible.

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

At the heart of the decision is concern over the survival of Meghalaya's neighbourhood retailers.

Maharashtra Government Signs MoU For Kolhapur Cricket Stadium

Maharashtra Government Signs MoU For Kolhapur Cricket Stadium

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with the Kolhapur District Cricket Association to build an international-standard cricket stadium and multi-sports hub in Kolhapur, featuring a 35,000-capacity stadium and facilities for various sports.

Ram Temple theft hurts devotees, says Shinde; targets Uddhav on Siddhivinayak

Ram Temple theft hurts devotees, says Shinde; targets Uddhav on Siddhivinayak

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said the alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram Temple at Ayodhya has pained devotees, but stressed strict action will be taken against those found guilty in the case.

'Nims' Purja lived by the mountains, dies on one

'Nims' Purja lived by the mountains, dies on one

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Nirmal Purja, the Nepali-British climber famous for scaling all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in record time, has been confirmed dead after an avalanche on Broad Peak, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan.

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

From anguish to relief: Abhijit Dipke's parents react

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Bhagwanrao Dipke, father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, described Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister as 'a very good step' to soothe the growing anger among protesting students and their families across the nation.

How Interstellar Sugar Could Unlock Secrets Of Life's Origins

How Interstellar Sugar Could Unlock Secrets Of Life's Origins

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Scientists have detected erythrulose, a sugar found on Earth, in the interstellar medium, marking the first direct discovery of sugar in space. This finding, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that complex, biologically important molecules can form in space and may have contributed to the chemical ingredients necessary for early metabolic and replication processes on Earth, offering new insights into the origins of life.

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bihar on Wednesday witnessed a pitched battle between hundreds of student activists demanding Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the police, which used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons in a bid to prevent their 'Lok Bhavan march'.

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

It is plain to see that the US senate bill's real objective is to derail India's time-tested strategic partnership with Russia, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

UEFA and CONCACAF say they have lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body withdrew its controversial World Cup rights plan.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to commercialise its events and offer stakes to external investors, has drawn significant criticism from governing bodies like UEFA and CONCACAF, who accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency and attempting to 'sell the soul of football'.

Aaditya Thackeray's close confidant joins Shinde camp

Aaditya Thackeray's close confidant joins Shinde camp

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The surprise move by Ahir, a close confidante of Sena-UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray, comes days after six MPs ditched the opposition party to join the ruling Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

ICC Sanctions Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz For Doping Violation

ICC Sanctions Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz For Doping Violation

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a three-month ban after testing positive for a cannabis-related substance. The ban, which can be reduced upon rehabilitation, was backdated to May 1, and his records from matches between February 7 and May 1 have been disqualified.

Doctors, academics among 35 new faces in Adhikari's Cabinet

Doctors, academics among 35 new faces in Adhikari's Cabinet

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Thirty-five BJP MLAs were sworn in as ministers as part of an expansion of the Suvendu Adhikari-led cabinet in West Bengal. The oath-taking ceremony took place weeks after Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister.

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sources said the party top brass including Gandhi and Kharge held several hours of discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, apart from meeting them separately, and is likely to take a call on a possible change of guard in the state after the Rajya Sabha polls, which are due next month.