News for 'State for Rural Development'

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Nagaland Minister C L John has called for stronger collective efforts to address gender-based violence and unequal opportunities, highlighting the need for women's empowerment at the International Women's Day celebration in Kohima.

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Civil society groups, led by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, are planning a nationwide protest -- similar to the farmers' stir a few years ago -- starting December 19 demanding scrapping of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission.

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government announced it has paid a record Rs 3,21,963 crore to sugarcane growers since 2017, emphasising on-time payments and direct transfers to farmers' accounts. The government highlighted initiatives like farm loan waivers and the 'Smart Ganna Kisan' system for online sugarcane management.

Chhattisgarh CM Orders Strict Action Over Manual Scavenging Deaths

Chhattisgarh CM Orders Strict Action Over Manual Scavenging Deaths

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered strict action against those forcing people into manual scavenging after three sanitation workers died cleaning a septic tank at a hospital in Raipur. The CM has directed officials to ensure assistance to the victims' families and take legal action against those responsible.

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Rediff.com31 May 2026

A scheduled meeting of Trinamool Congress legislators was cancelled due to the absence of most MLAs, attributed to protests following attacks on party leaders. The party has announced further protests against the BJP government.

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Bihar's greatest resource is not beneath its soil but above it -- its people. With a population approaching 140 million and one of India's youngest demographic profiles, Bihar possesses an asset many societies would envy, explains Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A bill to repeal the MGNREGA and introduce a new rural employment law, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), has been circulated among Lok Sabha members.

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is set to enter politics, with a formal announcement expected from the JD(U). Party leaders express enthusiasm and anticipate a significant role for Nishant within the party.

Omar Abdullah Emphasises Transparency in J&K Recruitment Drive

Omar Abdullah Emphasises Transparency in J&K Recruitment Drive

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has affirmed his government's commitment to a transparent recruitment process, aiming to fill 25,000 vacancies this year while avoiding legal complications.

Amaravati made sole Andhra capital as LS passes bill amid YSRCP walkout

Amaravati made sole Andhra capital as LS passes bill amid YSRCP walkout

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill recognising Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, solidifying the city's status after years of debate and uncertainty. The bill aims to prevent future changes to the capital and received support from both the ruling NDA and the opposition Congress, while the YSR Congress Party opposed the bill.

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to withdraw her money, sparking widespread condemnation. The bank claims it only requested valid documents, but the incident has raised questions about the treatment of vulnerable customers.

Karnataka varsity defies govt ban, holds event on Deendayal Upadhyay

Karnataka varsity defies govt ban, holds event on Deendayal Upadhyay

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Despite a government ban, Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru proceeded with a lecture series on RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay, featuring virtual and physical attendance by high-profile figures, sparking political controversy and raising questions about university autonomy and ideological influence.

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led central government of playing 'dangerous games' with Punjab, alleging the misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI for political purposes.

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the importance of harnessing sports as a force for social transformation at a national 'Chintan Shivir' in Srinagar. He highlighted the need for collaboration between schools, communities, and families to create ecosystems where young athletes can discover their potential, and urged for greater support and resources for physical education teachers in schools.

Heatwaves Trigger Hidden Ozone Threat

Heatwaves Trigger Hidden Ozone Threat

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'Can you believe there are over 26,500 deaths linked to heatwave-driven ozone in 2024?'

Bihar Government Officers Under Scrutiny for Alleged Asset Discrepancies

Bihar Government Officers Under Scrutiny for Alleged Asset Discrepancies

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Two senior Bihar government officers are under investigation after the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) discovered property documents, cash deposits, and valuable items allegedly disproportionate to their known income.

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with President Droupadi Murmu to request the termination of Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP. Mann also advocated for a constitutional provision allowing voters to remove elected officials who fail to perform.

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Those who have drained Mamata Banerjee's blood -- they are the ones calling us traitors.'

Why Odisha Bank Asked Man To Bring Sister's Skeleton

Why Odisha Bank Asked Man To Bring Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to prove her death and withdraw her money, sparking outrage and prompting government intervention.

Jammu & Kashmir Achieves High Rate of Public Grievance Resolution

Jammu & Kashmir Achieves High Rate of Public Grievance Resolution

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir has shown significant progress in addressing public grievances through the JK Samadhan portal, achieving an 88 per cent disposal rate. District administrations and key departments have played a crucial role in this achievement, with high disposal rates and positive citizen feedback.

IIP basket gets a refresh: Rare earths in, kerosene out

IIP basket gets a refresh: Rare earths in, kerosene out

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The new Index of Industrial Production (IIP) series, which shifts the base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23 and is scheduled for release on June 1, will, for the first time, track rare earths and minor minerals, piped natural gas (PNG), and water supply, sewerage and waste management.

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP must respect Bengal's pluralistic ethos and with this historic mandate give the state the constructive change it truly deserves, expects Kolkata native Payal Singh Mohanka.

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary (Information and Publicity), Maharashtra, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and encouraged women journalists to embrace this technological shift to enhance their skills and drive positive change.

SEE: Netanyahu 'surprises' Modi by wearing Indian attire

SEE: Netanyahu 'surprises' Modi by wearing Indian attire

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, 'Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.'

Ranchi Couple Arrested For Murdering Man Over Illicit Affair

Ranchi Couple Arrested For Murdering Man Over Illicit Affair

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Police in Ranchi have arrested a couple and an accomplice for allegedly murdering a man due to an illicit affair gone sour. The victim, Kamlesh Singh, was allegedly killed by Shivnath Kumar Singh and his wife Angita Devi after Angita claimed the victim had tried to molest her. The trio attempted to make the murder look like a road accident.

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha's Keonjhar district brought the skeleton of his dead sister to a bank to withdraw money deposited in her name after bank officials insisted on the account holder's presence.

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Dies After Corruption Case Bail

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Dies After Corruption Case Bail

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, was found dead at his home in suspicious circumstances after securing bail in a corruption case. He was charged with taking a kickback on aircraft purchases for the national carrier and had allegedly admitted to bribing former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nitish Kumar's decision to contest the Rajya Sabha elections signals the end of his long-standing tenure as Bihar's Chief Minister, paving the way for a potential BJP leader to take the helm.

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Under the TMC, Bengal has seen expansion of welfare, but not big-ticket private investment.

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Rediff.com13 May 2026

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased to 3.48 per cent in April, up from 3.40 per cent in March, primarily due to a surge in prices of gold and silver jewellery, as well as certain kitchen staples like tomatoes and cauliflower.

9 Things You Must Know About Ajit Pawar

9 Things You Must Know About Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Popularly known as 'Ajit Dada', he was known to say things as they were, without couching it in any soft padding.

Haryana Enters Agreement for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Implementation

Haryana Enters Agreement for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Implementation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Haryana government has signed an MoU with the central government to implement Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on water quality, sustainability, and long-term resource management with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore.

Maharashtra Sex Exploitation Case: Police Detain 10

Maharashtra Sex Exploitation Case: Police Detain 10

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Police in Maharashtra's Amravati district have detained 10 individuals for questioning in connection with a sexual exploitation case. Authorities have also taken down 41 social media accounts used to circulate explicit content of victims. Additionally, police personnel seen celebrating the birthday of the prime suspect have been suspended.

Abduction Accused Dies By Suicide In Police Station; Officers Suspended

Abduction Accused Dies By Suicide In Police Station; Officers Suspended

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A 28-year-old man, accused of abducting a minor girl, allegedly died by suicide inside a toilet at the Chandpa police station in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the suspension of two police officers.

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the Census 2027 will be a fully digital and paperless exercise, utilising mobile technology, AI, and cloud computing for accuracy and efficiency, marking a shift towards data-driven governance.

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption and appeasement politics, while promoting the BJP's development agenda ahead of the assembly elections.

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced partnership with billionaire Elon Musk's satellite communications venture in India to deploy a host of satellite-based internet services, becoming the first Indian state to formally tie-up with the US firm. The government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd.

DMK snubs Cong power-share demand, rules out coalition govt in TN

DMK snubs Cong power-share demand, rules out coalition govt in TN

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Senior DMK leader I Periyasamy reiterated that Chief Minister M K Stalin is firm against sharing power with allies, dismissing any possibility of a coalition government in Tamil Nadu.