News for 'State Governments'

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachidananda has requested greater representation for MLAs from backward class communities in the UDF government's Cabinet.

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court asserted that the right to peaceful protest is 'absolutely guaranteed' and an agitation cannot justify 'police excesses' or a 'lathi charge,' while agreeing to hear pleas concerning alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET paper leak.

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has seen 81 lakh registered beneficiaries removed following a multi-month e-KYC verification drive, with the state's Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifying the process was mandatory to filter out ineligible individuals, income-tax payers, and government employee families.

Sporting Icons Join Call For Justice In Student Protests

Sporting Icons Join Call For Justice In Student Protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his support for the ongoing student protests against exam paper leaks, characterising it as a "revolt against feeling of suppression in a democracy." His comments follow similar calls from other prominent sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill for lasting solutions. Students are demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured steps to protect student interests amidst the protests, which recently saw a 'Sansad Chalo' march met with police action.

Govt allows FDI in inventory-based e-commerce model only for export purposes

Govt allows FDI in inventory-based e-commerce model only for export purposes

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Indian government has permitted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in an inventory-based e-commerce model exclusively for the export of domestically manufactured or produced goods, aiming to boost outbound shipments without affecting small local retailers.

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.

UK Government Announces Stricter Penalties For Parents Of Young Criminals

UK Government Announces Stricter Penalties For Parents Of Young Criminals

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The UK government has announced new youth justice reforms, including tougher fines for parents whose children commit crimes or engage in anti-social behaviour. The reforms aim to address the root causes of youth crime through earlier intervention and targeted support.

Mumbai Cricket Association Seeks Government Support for Mega-Stadium Project

Mumbai Cricket Association Seeks Government Support for Mega-Stadium Project

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Mumbai Cricket Association is working with the Maharashtra state government to accelerate the development of a new 100,000-capacity cricket stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

CJP turns down Nadda's invitation for fresh talks

CJP turns down Nadda's invitation for fresh talks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has again rejected an invitation from Union Minister J P Nadda for talks, insisting that any dialogue with the government must take place at a neutral venue, preferably at their protest site at Jantar Mantar, where they are demanding accountability for the NEET paper 'leak' and the Education Minister's resignation.

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, calling it "too little, too late" and a "deceptive" measure. The party demands accountability from the Modi government for its alleged failures in preventing and investigating paper leaks, specifically citing issues with the NEET-UG and UGC-NET investigations.

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of 'destroying' India's education system, expressing full support for protesting students and their demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The CEO of the National Health Authority, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, highlighted BRICS nations' shared aspiration for connected, patient-centric, and resilient healthcare systems through digital health infrastructure and responsible AI. Discussions at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting focused on overcoming challenges like limited interoperability and workforce constraints, with countries like Brazil and Indonesia sharing successful digital health initiatives.

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A High Performance national coach for rifle shooters, Manoj Kumar, is under inquiry by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for allegedly conducting private coaching at a government facility and discriminating against non-attendees. Complaints from shooters and guardians detail pressure to name him as their official coach and unequal distribution of ammunition. The National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) secretary general has refuted the charges.

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has strongly condemned controversial remarks made by right-wing political observer T G Mohandas regarding student protests, stating they are his 'personal thoughts' and deserve to be denounced.

UP doctor suspended over solitary march in support of Wangchuk

UP doctor suspended over solitary march in support of Wangchuk

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Dr. Roopak Ikhe, an anaesthesiology diploma student, undertook the protest alone.

How AITA's New Digital Platform Will Transform Indian Tennis

How AITA's New Digital Platform Will Transform Indian Tennis

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has launched a new digital platform in partnership with World Tennis Number, creating a unified ecosystem for Indian tennis. This platform will streamline registrations, tournament entries, and provide access to rankings, aiming to modernise the sport's administration and player experience.

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Indian government plans to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. This amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, aims to grant 'Vande Mataram' the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', with penalties up to three years' imprisonment.

Nishant Kumar Set To Join Bihar Government on Thursday

Nishant Kumar Set To Join Bihar Government on Thursday

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, is poised to enter Bihar politics by joining the Samrat Choudhary government, marking a significant development in the state's political landscape.

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Gujarat High Court has granted former cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan four weeks to pursue his claim on a piece of land in Vadodara under a state policy. The court warned him that further delays in vacating the plot would result in higher damages, noting he has occupied the land since 2014 without payment despite an unfavourable allotment decision.

Chautala Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Failures

Chautala Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Failures

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Former Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala has criticised the state government for failing to ensure proper crop procurement arrangements and timely compensation for farmers affected by unseasonal rain.

Madhya Pradesh Government Reshuffles 62 IPS Officers

Madhya Pradesh Government Reshuffles 62 IPS Officers

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has transferred 62 IPS officers, including 19 superintendents of police, assigning them new roles across various levels.

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court has made strong observations on systemic corruption in India, suggesting the death penalty for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He criticised the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and the Uttar Pradesh government's "bulldozer actions," highlighting the normalisation of corruption and the state's complicity in unauthorised constructions.

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Why Disasters Like Wayanad Matter

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Cyril Radcliffe drew India's border without ever visiting it. Turns out our environmental clearance system learned the same trick -- and the Western Ghats are paying for it, points out Binu Alex.

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called off its 36-day agitation following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amidst widespread protests over irregularities in the exam system and the NEET paper leak. The government also agreed to the CJP's demands for 1 crore compensation to families of students who died by suicide and no action against protesters.

Ahmedabad blasts: Why HC upheld death sentence for 38 IM terrorists

Ahmedabad blasts: Why HC upheld death sentence for 38 IM terrorists

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A division bench of justices AY Kogje and Samir Dave, in its July 7 judgment cited the "humongous" conspiracy, the intention to spread widespread terror and the large number of casualties as key reasons for affirming the punishment.

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered probes into multiple allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Spanish multinational in Pune, a government-run ITI in Solapur, and a TCS unit in Nashik. The CM highlighted a pattern of such incidents in corporate firms and suggested forming a panel of women legislators to review existing laws and recommend improvements.

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Nationwide protests against the NEET paper leak have intensified across several Indian states, with demonstrators condemning the Delhi Police crackdown and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress party has called for further demonstrations, while various student and political groups have organised marches and sit-ins, some leading to clashes with police.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata next month for an anti-fundamentalism literary event, nearly two decades after she was forced to leave the city amid violent protests over her writings. The BJP government in West Bengal is projecting this as a reversal of past capitulation to religious fundamentalism.

PM Modi, Amit Shah must resign over attack on students: Rahul Gandhi

PM Modi, Amit Shah must resign over attack on students: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students for alleged police brutality and resign along with Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi criticised the government's handling of student protests concerning the education and testing system, highlighting the use of force against demonstrators near Parliament.

West Asia Conflict Caused Sri Lankan Rupee's Fall, Says Government

West Asia Conflict Caused Sri Lankan Rupee's Fall, Says Government

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Sri Lankan government attributes the sharp depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, citing increased costs for essential imports like gas, fertiliser, and oil.

BJP sending people to disrupt protest, pelt stones, alleges Dipke

BJP sending people to disrupt protest, pelt stones, alleges Dipke

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representatives Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das have accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers of disrupting ongoing student protests, pelting stones, and attempting to defame protesters. They also reiterated the 'non-negotiable' demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, while Union Health Minister JP Nadda urged against politicising the issue.

31 dead in Assam floods, nearly 6 lakh people affected

31 dead in Assam floods, nearly 6 lakh people affected

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Floods in Assam have claimed 31 lives, with 21 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours, affecting nearly 5.65 lakh people across multiple districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited affected areas, announcing an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased's family and acknowledging difficulties in relief distribution to submerged villages.

CJP protest: Teen receives pellet injuries, may lose sight in one eye

CJP protest: Teen receives pellet injuries, may lose sight in one eye

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The first thought Ajay Duggal had when he saw his nephew, his eyes shut, his face, neck and chest pockmarked with tiny red perforations, was this: "What if the 19-year-old loses his sight completely." Sahil Lochab was allegedly hit by a pellet gun in his right eye during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi on June 20. His uncle asked him what he could see from the eye. The reply chilled him - there was nothing. No blur, no haze, only darkness.

Russia issues arrest warrant for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

Russia issues arrest warrant for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities and initiated procedures to place him on the international wanted list, according to Russian state-run news agency TASS.

SC to hear appeals challenging verdict declaring Bhojshala as Saraswati temple

SC to hear appeals challenging verdict declaring Bhojshala as Saraswati temple

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to designate the Bhojshala complex as a Goddess Saraswati temple, a ruling that also quashed Muslim prayer rights at the historic site.

Four-member temple panel to probe Badrinath Dham donation irregularities

Four-member temple panel to probe Badrinath Dham donation irregularities

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has formed a four-member panel to investigate alleged irregularities in pilgrims' offerings and donations at Badrinath Dham. The allegations, which went viral on social media, have sparked political controversy in Uttarakhand, with the Congress demanding strict action. The inquiry will examine CCTV footage and statements, with a report due in seven days.

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

On camera, youngsters gave their names, where they'd come from, where they were studying or working - and then proceeded to criticize Modi. On camera, they held up posters mocking Modi, points out Jyoti Punwani.

Allahabad HC delivers split verdict on 'bulldozer justice'

Allahabad HC delivers split verdict on 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Allahabad high court has delivered a split verdict on the controversial practice of "bulldozer justice," involving the punitive demolition of properties linked to accused persons. Two judges, Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan, expressed differing views on whether a stay on demolitions can be issued, leading the matter to be referred to the Chief Justice for a third judge's opinion.

'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.'