News for 'State for Forest'

Karbi Anglong Eviction Protests Turn Violent

Karbi Anglong Eviction Protests Turn Violent

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Violence continued for the second consecutive day in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday as protesters demanding the eviction of non-tribals set fire to shops and vehicles, forcing the administration to suspend Internet and mobile data services to prevent further escalation.

2026: Kerala Among Best Destinations

2026: Kerala Among Best Destinations

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Kerala has earned a spot on Rough Guides' list of the world's top travel destinations for 2026, with the popular guidebook publisher highlighting the state as a must-visit location for the year ahead.

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

The Centre has rejected claims that the new definition of the Aravalli range will allow large-scale mining, asserting that 90 per cent of the region will remain protected and citing a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases.

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The GST Council at its next meeting may consider a reduction in taxes on air and water purifiers as air quality across the country worsens and access to safe drinking water remains uneven.

'Maoists Collapsed Like A House Of Cards'

'Maoists Collapsed Like A House Of Cards'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'For the remaining Maoist cadres, they shall soon confront one of two outcomes: Either surrender or face neutralisation.'

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Mundane as it may seem, this is in some ways a metaphor for the challenges facing the nation, argue Arvind Subramanian and Devesh Kapur in their new book, A Sixth Of Humanity.

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

India's new national accounts will leverage new data sources and surveys to enhance the measurement of the country's informal economy, and introduce double deflation methods across sectors, replacing the current system that relies on a single deflation mechanism in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations.

1,751 Maoists; 1,910 Troops, Civilians Killed In 11 Years

1,751 Maoists; 1,910 Troops, Civilians Killed In 11 Years

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

After recent high-intensity operations in the Bastar region and the neutralisation of several senior Maoist leaders, officials say the insurgency has lost its ability to mount large-scale coordinated attacks.

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) has claimed in its chargesheet that Chaitanya, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore as his share from an alleged liquor scam in the state.

'Hidma's Death Is Death Of Maoist Insurgency'

'Hidma's Death Is Death Of Maoist Insurgency'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

'The (Maoist) organisation is in visible decline. Their senior leaders are ageing. Forest life is unforgiving -- older leaders simply cannot cope physically.' 'Earlier, they attracted educated youth from cities. That stream has dried up. Today's recruits largely come from poor village backgrounds and lack ideological depth.'

CIC gets full strength after 9 yrs; Raj Kumar Goyal appointed chief

CIC gets full strength after 9 yrs; Raj Kumar Goyal appointed chief

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The Central Information Commission (CIC) attains its full strength after nine years with the appointment of Raj Kumar Goyal as chief and eight other information commissioners.

'Miyas' vote unitedly; 'our votes' are scattered: Himanta

'Miyas' vote unitedly; 'our votes' are scattered: Himanta

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claims that 'Miyas' vote unitedly, leading to their political advancement, while the votes of 'our people' are scattered. He also asserted the need to maintain pressure on illegal settlers in Lower Assam.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

Security forces set up new camp in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Security forces set up new camp in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Security forces have established a new camp in the Karregutta Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, a former Naxal stronghold, following a major anti-Naxal operation.

Sorry state of affairs: SC slams Uttarakhand for forest fires

Sorry state of affairs: SC slams Uttarakhand for forest fires

Rediff.com15 May 2024

Terming it a "very sorry state of affairs", the apex court said the state was just trying to find some excuse or the other.

Forces claim huge blow to Maoists in Chhattisgarh's 'Black Forest' op

Forces claim huge blow to Maoists in Chhattisgarh's 'Black Forest' op

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Chiefs of Central Reserve Police Force and Chhattisgarh police, GP Singh and AD Singh respectively, along with senior commanders of the two forces addressed the media in this district, about 450 km from state capital Raipur, to assert that the top armed Maoist leadership was "either eliminated or injured".

Woman drowns, 8 missing after boat capsizes in UP river

Woman drowns, 8 missing after boat capsizes in UP river

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

A 60-year-old woman drowned and eight people, including five children, went missing after a boat capsized in the Kaudiyala river near Bharathapur village in Uttar Pradesh. Rescue operations are underway.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has kept in abeyance its previous verdict on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and proposed a high-powered committee to examine the issue.

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert?' 'In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe.'

How security forces capture strategic Maoist strongholds in Bastar

How security forces capture strategic Maoist strongholds in Bastar

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

A security camp has been established in the Naxalite-hit Sukma district of Chhattisgarh to improve security and facilitate development. The camp, set up by security forces, aims to dominate the area, secure development works, improve coordination with villagers, and intensify anti-Naxal operations.

7 more Maoists killed in Andhra Pradesh encounter

7 more Maoists killed in Andhra Pradesh encounter

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Seven more Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with police in Andhra Pradesh, a day after six Maoists were gunned down in the same area. The operation took place in Maredumilli, Alluri Sitaramaraju district. One of the deceased was identified as Meturi Jokha Rao alias Tech Shankar, a key figure in the Maoist movement.

Jadavpur University row: Students rename Kolkata after Maoist leader

Jadavpur University row: Students rename Kolkata after Maoist leader

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

An ultra-Left students' outfit, RSF, has triggered a row by symbolically naming the venue of its state conference after Maoist leaders killed by security forces. The conference was held at Jadavpur University.

Siddaramaiah reveals why he met Modi in Delhi

Siddaramaiah reveals why he met Modi in Delhi

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and insisted on demands pertaining to the state, including on Fair Recovery Price of sugarcane, All India Institute of Medical Sciences for Raichur, the release of flood relief among others.

MP mandates Bhagavad Gita sessions for trainee cops

MP mandates Bhagavad Gita sessions for trainee cops

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The Madhya Pradesh Police training wing has directed all its centres to hold Bhagavad Gita recital sessions for recruits, aiming to help them lead a 'righteous' life. This follows a similar directive for Ramcharitmanas recitals.

Coal mine protest turns violent in Chhattisgarh, 30 cops injured

Coal mine protest turns violent in Chhattisgarh, 30 cops injured

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Villagers protesting against the expansion of a coal mine clashed with police in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, resulting in injuries on both sides. The protest stems from opposition to the Amera extension coal project of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), despite the land acquisition process being completed in 2016.

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a towering figure in the state's tribal movement, was cremated with full state honors in his native village of Nemra. Thousands gathered to pay their respects to the 'Dishom Guru,' including political leaders and villagers.

Direct schools not to hold sports events: SC to CAQM

Direct schools not to hold sports events: SC to CAQM

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider directing schools in Delhi-NCR to postpone open air sports competitions planned in November and December to 'safer months' keeping in mind air pollution levels.

'Wildlife is our duty': Anil Kumble's next challenge

'Wildlife is our duty': Anil Kumble's next challenge

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Former India skipper Anil Kumble has been appointed as the ambassador for wildlife conservation by the Karnataka government on Wednesday.

'New York Is Not For Sale', Zohran Mamdani Tells Trump

'New York Is Not For Sale', Zohran Mamdani Tells Trump

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani and two of his most prominent backers, United States Senator Bernie Sanders and US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, framed his election as a one-on-one battle versus President Donald Trump and his administration at a raucous rally at the Forest Hills stadium in New York City's Queens borough.

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Bandana Preyashi, the bold IAS officer from Bihar who took on dreaded dons, is the court-appointed mentor to 18-year-old Sakshi, who had fled home to follow her IAS dream.

Bengal jail minister shown door for threatening female forest officer

Bengal jail minister shown door for threatening female forest officer

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

Speaking to reporters at Kanthi in Purba Medinipur district, Giri said he will resign but won't apologise.

Top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma killed in encounter

Top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma killed in encounter

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Top Naxalite commander Madvi Hidma, who had masterminded several attacks over the last two decades, was killed in an encounter in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, a breakthrough Chhattisgarh Police described as the 'last nail in the coffin' of the insurgency.

Jharkhand seeks Centre's nod to bring 50 bison from MP for PTR

Jharkhand seeks Centre's nod to bring 50 bison from MP for PTR

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Jharkhand's Palamau Tiger Reserve seeks permission to import bison from Madhya Pradesh to address dwindling population.

Southern states face ageing population challenges: Panagariya

Southern states face ageing population challenges: Panagariya

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Sixteenth Finance Commission Chairman, Arvind Panagariya, has highlighted the challenges faced by southern states due to falling fertility rates and the subsequent increase in dependency ratios and ageing populations. He noted that Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu have raised concerns about these demographic trends. The Commission is currently touring the states to gather feedback and is expected to submit its recommendations after completing nationwide consultations.

Why Rupee Depreciation Should Not Be Resisted

Why Rupee Depreciation Should Not Be Resisted

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Calibrated depreciation will help rebalance external fundamentals, offset some of the tariff differentials with competitors, improve the competitiveness of domestic substitutes vis-a-vis Chinese imports, and contribute to the easing of financial conditions at a time when the inflation rate is unusually low,' explains Sajjid Z Chinoy, head of Asia Economics at JP Morgan.

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

Modi's Message In A Battle For The Congress

Modi's Message In A Battle For The Congress

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Congress's performance in the Lok Sabha elections showed that it may be down but not out, and Modi is determined to ensure that in the next round in 2029, it is consigned to irrelevance, points out Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

No SIT probe into anti-naxal ops, can't undermine federal structure: HC

No SIT probe into anti-naxal ops, can't undermine federal structure: HC

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that anti-Naxal operations, as part of regular counter-insurgency measures, should not be investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) unless exceptional circumstances justify such intervention. The ruling came as the court dismissed a petition seeking an SIT probe into the killing of a Maoist leader in Narayanpur district.

3 Maoists killed in Jharkhand encounter; AK-56, INSAS rifle recovered

3 Maoists killed in Jharkhand encounter; AK-56, INSAS rifle recovered

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Three members of a banned Maoist splinter group were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Gumla district. The encounter took place in a forest area near Kechki village. Weapons and cartridges were recovered from the site.