News for 'State of Union'

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.

HC clears docu-series on Lawrence Bishnoi, orders title change

HC clears docu-series on Lawrence Bishnoi, orders title change

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the Centre's advisory against the release of ZEE5's docu-series, directing the makers to remove references to "Lawrence" and "Punjab" from the title.

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress staged protests against the Centre over the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, demanding strict action against those involved in the alleged paper leak and a Supreme Court-monitored probe.

Vijay meets Stalin ahead of crucial floor test in TN

Vijay meets Stalin ahead of crucial floor test in TN

Rediff.com6 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met with his predecessor, DMK President MK Stalin, at his residence in Alwarpet, Chennai, ahead of a crucial floor test for the government. The meeting, described as a courtesy call, occurred after Vijay's criticism of the previous DMK regime's debt burden.

Punjab CM Blames BJP For Blasts, BJP Demands Evidence

Punjab CM Blames BJP For Blasts, BJP Demands Evidence

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating recent blasts in the state, alleging it's part of their strategy for the upcoming assembly elections. The BJP has strongly refuted these claims, demanding proof or Mann's resignation, while the state DGP suggests Pakistani ISI involvement.

NEET-UG re-exam on June 21; computer-based test from next year: Pradhan

NEET-UG re-exam on June 21; computer-based test from next year: Pradhan

Rediff.com2 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which was cancelled due to alleged irregularities, will be re-conducted on June 21.

AAP Government Faces Criticism Over Punjab Security Lapses

AAP Government Faces Criticism Over Punjab Security Lapses

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Opposition parties have criticised the AAP government in Punjab following twin blasts in Jalandhar and Amritsar, citing a breakdown in law and order and intelligence systems. The blasts have sparked a political blame game, with accusations flying between the AAP and BJP.

Former Tamil Nadu CMs skip Vijay's swearing-in ceremony

Former Tamil Nadu CMs skip Vijay's swearing-in ceremony

Rediff.com7 days ago

C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at a gala event attended by prominent personalities including Rahul Gandhi. The swearing-in ceremony saw the presence of Vijay's parents and actress Trisha, while former CMs M K Stalin and Edappadi K Palaniswami were absent.

Modi trims convoy to save fuel, pushes EV use; guvs, BJP CMs follow suit

Modi trims convoy to save fuel, pushes EV use; guvs, BJP CMs follow suit

Rediff.com4 days ago

A downsizing in the prime minister's convoy was implemented in his recent domestic visits, official sources said.

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Delhi continues to report the highest number of juvenile crime cases among metropolitan cities in India, according to the latest NCRB data for 2024. The city recorded 2,306 cases, with a crime rate of 42 per one lakh minors. Theft is the most common crime committed by juveniles.

Crypto Hacker Arrested By ED In Money Laundering Probe

Crypto Hacker Arrested By ED In Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested three individuals, including an alleged crypto hacker named Srikrishna Ramesh, in connection with a cryptocurrency-linked money laundering case. The arrests follow raids conducted in April, targeting individuals linked to the hacker and sons of a Karnataka Congress MLA.

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Delhi continues to report the highest number of juvenile crime cases among metropolitan cities in India, according to the latest NCRB data. The report highlights the types of crimes committed and the socio-economic background of the juveniles involved.

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com3 days ago

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

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.com5 days ago

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.

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in trafficking Captagon, seizing approximately 227.7 kg of the 'jihadi drug' worth Rs 182 crore.

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the Srinagar Khel Sankalp document, outlining a national vision to strengthen sports culture through cooperative federalism, focusing on athlete-centric development and infrastructure expansion.

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

Success For Drug-Free J-K Campaign As Hundreds Arrested

Success For Drug-Free J-K Campaign As Hundreds Arrested

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The 100-day 'drug-free J-K campaign' has achieved significant success across the Union Territory, leading to numerous arrests, seizures of narcotics, and demolition of properties linked to drug peddlers.

Villages Attacked Near Myanmar Border, Residents Flee

Villages Attacked Near Myanmar Border, Residents Flee

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Heavily armed militants attacked villages in Manipur's Kamjong district near the India-Myanmar border, torching houses and forcing residents to flee. The attack targeted Tangkhul Naga villages, with allegations pointing to Myanmar-based militant groups.

Can Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka posting mend frayed India-Bangladesh ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka posting mend frayed India-Bangladesh ties?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, signalling efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

Rediff.com7 May 2026

AIADMK MLAs have been moved to Puducherry amid TVK's efforts to secure a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, according to an AIADMK spokesperson.

India's AI Job Market Sees 20% Growth: Minister

India's AI Job Market Sees 20% Growth: Minister

Rediff.com6 days ago

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights the growing demand for AI-related jobs in India and the transformation needed in the IT industry. He also mentions significant investments in data centres and subsea cable networks to boost digital infrastructure.

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The electorate did not vote for the BJP as much as they voted against the TMC. This is an important distinction that the new government will ignore at its own peril, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

9 TVK ministers to be sworn in along with Vijay

9 TVK ministers to be sworn in along with Vijay

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a majority in the Assembly with coalition support. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

J-K Police To Decimate Pakistan Gangster's Drug Network

J-K Police To Decimate Pakistan Gangster's Drug Network

Rediff.com3 days ago

Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat issued a stern warning to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti for 'pumping narcotics' into India, vowing to dismantle his network.

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

Rediff.com6 days ago

The 2026 election appears to have reinforced a new political formula in Assam: Strong organisation, continuous grassroots engagement, effective alliance management and welfare-based voter outreach.

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

Rediff.com3 days ago

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet, citing a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership, potentially triggering a Labour leadership contest.

Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Over Yamuna Pollution Claims

Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Over Yamuna Pollution Claims

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he could enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly in West Bengal due to its clean waters, unlike the polluted Yamuna in Delhi. She also defended women's safety in Bengal and criticised the BJP's governance in other states.

Govt ready with corrective steps: Union minister on West Asia conflict

Govt ready with corrective steps: Union minister on West Asia conflict

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has implemented several measures to mitigate external risks, support the balance of payments, and maintain macroeconomic stability amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis, according to Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.

Bihar Government Offers Compensation To Slain Delivery Worker's Family

Bihar Government Offers Compensation To Slain Delivery Worker's Family

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 12 lakh for the family of Pandav Kumar, a delivery worker from Bihar who was shot dead in Delhi. The compensation includes Rs 8 lakh from the Labour Resources Department and Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The incident has sparked political debate in Bihar.

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Election Commission's circular regarding the deployment of central government personnel for vote counting in West Bengal, dismissing a plea by the TMC.

Agniveers can't claim parity with regular soldiers: Govt

Agniveers can't claim parity with regular soldiers: Govt

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Union government has informed the Bombay High Court that Agniveers are not "similarly situated" as regular soldiers and hence, cannot claim parity in pensionary benefits for their next of kin in the event of death in action.

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay, buoyed by the support from the Left parties, on Friday called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan in Chennai in connection with securing an invite from him to form the government.

Messi Event Chaos: Organiser Blames Political Interference

Messi Event Chaos: Organiser Blames Political Interference

Rediff.com6 days ago

Sports event organiser Satadru Dutta alleges that political interference, security failures, and administrative lapses led to the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata last December, claiming he was made a scapegoat.

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed speculation about a change in Karnataka's Chief Minister, stating that there would be no change 'for now' and that the leadership issue would be resolved soon. The statement comes amid rumours of a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after the results of assembly elections in other states are announced.

Vijay takes a selfie with Rahul Gandhi after swearing-in

Vijay takes a selfie with Rahul Gandhi after swearing-in

Rediff.com7 days ago

Actor Vijay, president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The ceremony included a selfie with Rahul Gandhi and a 360-degree video of the cheering crowd. Vijay's party achieved a historic debut, ending the duopoly of DMK and AIADMK.

FIFA under fire as 2026 World Cup heat risk grows

FIFA under fire as 2026 World Cup heat risk grows

Rediff.com3 days ago

Football's global players' union has renewed concerns about the potential impact of heat on the 2026 World Cup, following a scientific analysis indicating a high likelihood of dangerous temperatures for both players and fans.

Odisha CM Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Bank Ordeal

Odisha CM Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Bank Ordeal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's intervention in a case where a tribal man was forced to exhume his sister's skeleton to prove her death to a rural bank in Keonjhar district. Patnaik urged for accountability and empathy in rural banking services.