News for 'State Governments'

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Rediff.com6 days ago

A tense situation prevailed at the Jharkhand secretariat on Wednesday after a large number of successful candidates, who are likely to be rendered jobless following the government's cancellation of recruitment examinations, forcibly entered the campus in defiance of a prohibitory order, an official said.

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Condemns Alleged Illegal Fee Collection In Government School

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Condemns Alleged Illegal Fee Collection In Government School

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran has alleged that a government school in Tiruppur illegally collected fees from students for admission and has sought stringent action against the school authorities.

Kanda Express To Lower Onion Prices

Kanda Express To Lower Onion Prices

Rediff.com44 minutes ago

The Centre has launched dedicated Kanda Express onion trains from Nashik to major cities, releasing buffer stocks at 35/kg to curb a sharp seasonal rise in onion prices.

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making 'working knowledge of Marathi language' mandatory for cab drivers, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or revocation of driving licences.

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Protesting aspirants in Jharkhand have vowed to continue their agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment exams, despite talks with a five-member government panel. The protesters, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto who is on a fast, demand the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into irregularities.

No rush for PM Rahman's India visit, B'desh stresses national interests

No rush for PM Rahman's India visit, B'desh stresses national interests

Rediff.com2 days ago

Bangladesh has stated there is "no rush" for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India, emphasising that Dhaka will not compromise its national interests. State Minister Humaiun Kobir indicated the visit would occur after sufficient bilateral progress. The visit is crucial for mending India-Bangladesh ties, which have been strained, particularly following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh's subsequent extradition request.

TN House demands 543-seat LS formula, 33% women quota from 2029

TN House demands 543-seat LS formula, 33% women quota from 2029

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted a resolution, moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, urging the Union government to permanently fix the Lok Sabha strength at 543 and implement 33 per cent women's reservation by 2029. The resolution also opposes delimitation that could disadvantage states successful in population control.

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Rediff.com7 days ago

The PM CARES Fund experienced a 30 per cent decrease in domestic donations and an 18 per cent drop in foreign contributions during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Despite this, the total balance in the fund increased to Rs 8,452 crore, primarily held in fixed deposits and savings accounts. The fund's expenditure on the PM CARES for Children Scheme also saw a sharp reduction.

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident in which three murder accused were tied to the bonnet of a police vehicle and paraded through parts of Pune, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the state government and senior police officials.

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

Rediff.com6 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' annual sports festival will commence on September 5 in Bathinda, expecting around 10 lakh participants across 38 sports. The event, now in its fourth edition, aims to promote sports at block, district, and state levels, with competitions running until November 29.

Not my habit to complain about my country: Omar on meeting US envoy

Not my habit to complain about my country: Omar on meeting US envoy

Rediff.com6 days ago

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced he would meet US Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the regional situation but firmly stated he would not raise internal issues with the US representative. Abdullah emphasised that solutions to J&K's problems lie with the central government, not with foreign entities, maintaining his stance against complaining about India to foreign diplomats.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

Kerala HC protects 'Kumbh Mela girl', bars transfer to MP police

Kerala HC protects 'Kumbh Mela girl', bars transfer to MP police

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Kerala High Court has intervened to protect a young woman, known as the 'Kumbh Mela girl', from being transferred to Madhya Pradesh police without its order, despite a directive from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

Rediff.com1 days ago

Indian government sources revealed that a 'cautious approach' was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June talks with then-US President Donald Trump due to concerns over Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' with foreign leaders, leading to a preference against a joint media interaction.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

Rishabh Pant seeks Uttarakhand land for home, CM Dhami assures help

Rishabh Pant seeks Uttarakhand land for home, CM Dhami assures help

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has appealed to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for assistance in acquiring land to build a home and shift his base from Delhi to his native state. CM Dhami has assured Pant of all possible help, stating that the matter has been referred to concerned officials.

Iran releases archival footage of Mojtaba Khamenei amid health concerns

Iran releases archival footage of Mojtaba Khamenei amid health concerns

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Iran's Fars News has released archival footage of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly filmed before he assumed the leadership, amidst ongoing speculation about his health and whereabouts. This marks the second video release in August, following an earlier undated video from Mehr News agency aiming to counter claims of his critical condition.

States increase reliance on market borrowings, face higher yields

States increase reliance on market borrowings, face higher yields

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Indian states significantly increased their reliance on market borrowings to finance gross fiscal deficits in 2025-26, with the share of market borrowings rising to 76.3 per cent, even as the weighted average cut-off yield on State Government Securities (SGS) and spreads over central government securities also increased.

From Delhi's NEET stir to Ranchi, this UP man keeps feeding protesters

From Delhi's NEET stir to Ranchi, this UP man keeps feeding protesters

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Mohammad Junaid Malik, a volunteer known for supporting protests in Delhi, has arrived in Jharkhand to provide aid to students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Exam and an independent probe, with several students on hunger strike.

Rahul Gandhi's Politics Of The Street Wins New Fans

Rahul Gandhi's Politics Of The Street Wins New Fans

Rediff.com1 days ago

Rahul Gandhi's aggressive street politics is giving him a fresh political edge, but overplaying his role could hurt his credibility with the wider opposition, predicts M R Narayan Swamy.

NEET UG Counselling 2026: Govt Vs Private MBBS College: Which Is Better?

NEET UG Counselling 2026: Govt Vs Private MBBS College: Which Is Better?

Rediff.com5 days ago

High fees do not automatically translate into better teaching or stronger clinical exposure, points out Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360.

Former Australia batter David Warner convicted, fined for drink-driving

Former Australia batter David Warner convicted, fined for drink-driving

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former Australian cricketer David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 for drink-driving in Sydney.

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Rediff.com6 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.

Jharkhand govt urges Mahto to end fast after his health deteriorates

Jharkhand govt urges Mahto to end fast after his health deteriorates

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh talks with students protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, including a hunger striker whose health has deteriorated. Despite multiple rounds of discussions, protesters vow to continue their agitation and plan a march to the Assembly if demands are not met.

US may ease J-K travel advisory after security improvements: Envoy Gor

US may ease J-K travel advisory after security improvements: Envoy Gor

Rediff.com6 days ago

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, announced during his visit to Srinagar that the United States would reconsider its travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the efforts by the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in enhancing safety in the region, expressing hope that more Americans would visit the "incredibly beautiful place." Gor also met with CM Abdullah to discuss strengthening US-J&K relations.

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Rediff.com19 hours ago

The Karnataka government has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and Bigbasket due to the online sale of toxic Dhatura fruits/seeds. Citing public health and food safety concerns, authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences for suppliers to these platforms and mandated the removal of all Dhatura-related listings.

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has launched an indefinite statewide strike, protesting the government's decision to allow homoeopaths to register under the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and prescribe allopathic medicines after a six-month course.

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

Rediff.com3 days ago

India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth approximately 4,896 crore across 29 projects since May, following the government's relaxation of norms under Press Note 2 of 2026. The revised rules permit investment without government approval from entities with up to 10 per cent non-controlling ownership by land-bordering countries.

Odisha Government Acts To Rescue Stranded Workers In Thailand

Odisha Government Acts To Rescue Stranded Workers In Thailand

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Odisha government has begun efforts to rescue five migrant workers from Kendrapada district who are reportedly stranded in Thailand. The workers, who travelled on tourist visas but were employed in a plywood company, claim they are being held against their will, denied wages, and subjected to harassment.

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in redefining governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating all-round development. He emphasised its impact on digital payments, direct benefit transfers, and expanding digital public infrastructure, making technology a powerful instrument for 'Ease of Living' across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Bank unions threaten strike on Sept 11 over 5-day banking

Bank unions threaten strike on Sept 11 over 5-day banking

Rediff.com1 days ago

If the strike materialises, banking services, especially in public sector banks, would be impacted for four days in many parts of the country. September 11 is a Friday, and the subsequent two days are bank holidays.

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar announced that the TVK regime, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will take steps to ensure fair financial devolution from the Centre, including pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court. The government also plans to conduct a 'Social Justice Survey' and address the state's severe financial deterioration.

Swastika Ghosh Felicitated For Commonwealth Gold Medal Win

Swastika Ghosh Felicitated For Commonwealth Gold Medal Win

Rediff.com6 days ago

International table tennis player Swastika Ghosh, a Commonwealth gold medallist, was felicitated by the University of Mumbai for her role in India's gold-winning campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. She has also been selected for the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award and the 2026 World Table Tennis Championships.

India Calls For BRICS Partnership In Digital Public Infrastructure And Telecom Standards

India Calls For BRICS Partnership In Digital Public Infrastructure And Telecom Standards

Rediff.com5 days ago

Minister of State for Telecom Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani urged BRICS nations to collaborate on building institutional capacity and advocating for fair standards in international telecom and ICT bodies. He highlighted India's willingness to share its modular, open-source digital public infrastructure frameworks like Aadhaar and DigiLocker, emphasising their role in sustainable development and economic growth across the Global South.

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Hotel officials claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit. A woman from Kolkata, who managed to escape the blaze, recalled the panic inside the hotel.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Rediff.com4 days ago

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been sworn in as Bangladesh's 23rd President, following a contested parliamentary election that saw him defeat Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed. Alamgir, a longtime secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will serve a five-year term.

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Congress party has strongly condemned the 'purification' of a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public meeting addressed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging it reflects an 'anti-Dalit' mindset of the BJP and RSS.

Maha sarpanch discusses bribe 'rate card', video goes viral

Maha sarpanch discusses bribe 'rate card', video goes viral

Rediff.com3 days ago

A video from Maharashtra's Latur district has gone viral, showing a sarpanch discussing a "rate card" for bribes allegedly demanded by officials to approve government aid for villagers. The sarpanch claimed that Panchayat Samiti members and officials were demanding money for schemes like wells, cattle sheds, and housing. Authorities have sought an explanation from the sarpanch and are investigating the allegations.

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Rediff.com6 days ago

Ladakh has approved a four per cent reservation for outstanding sportspersons in Group 'C' government jobs, becoming the first Union Territory in India to implement such a fixed quota. This initiative aims to provide financial security and career opportunities for talented athletes, fostering an ecosystem where sporting excellence is recognised and rewarded.