News for 'The Group of Ministers'

CBI charges 13 in NEET-UG paper leak case; names experts, coaching links

CBI charges 13 in NEET-UG paper leak case; names experts, coaching links

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed a charge sheet against 13 accused in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, including three paper experts, two associated with coaching centres, middlemen and a number of beneficiary candidates, officials said on Tuesday.

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday that the world soccer's governing body has abandoned its controversial plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, following widespread backlash from major confederations and internal dissent.

'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.'

Naviq Technology To Revolutionise Global Travel With $500 Million AI Investment

Naviq Technology To Revolutionise Global Travel With $500 Million AI Investment

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

IBS Group has launched Naviq Technology, an artificial intelligence company dedicated to the global travel industry, backed by a substantial USD 500 million investment over the next five years. The new venture aims to partner with major travel players to drive business transformations, modernise operations, and leverage AI for new revenue streams, with plans for significant job creation in India.

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who played a key role in his country's 2026 World Cup campaign, has died at the age of 25, with no cause of death immediately provided.

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Sunday saw the entire opposition staging a symbolic walkout over the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs and a demand for a discussion on the issues of Ram temple donation 'theft', NEET paper leak and mixing of ethanol in petrol.

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'I remember that Indira Gandhi was virtually worshipped as a goddess. The kind of power wielded by Indira Gandhi in the early 1970s was much more than what Modi does today, but in just three years down the line Indira Gandhi faced defeat.' 'So you cannot take people's sentiments for granted. That is a lesson that the BJP should learn.'

Pro-CJP protests in Mumbai, Sena-UBT says FIRs being filed

Pro-CJP protests in Mumbai, Sena-UBT says FIRs being filed

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Mumbai witnessed a second consecutive day of protests by Opposition parties and residents, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET fiasco and condemning the police crackdown on a CJP-led march in Delhi.

Why ED Is Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora Again

Why ED Is Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora Again

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora and others allegedly linked to him as part of a money laundering investigation. Raids were carried out at multiple locations, including Arora's residence and business premises, following a new case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue with representatives of agitating Ladakh groups on May 22, according to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remained camped at Jantar Mantar following a police crackdown during their 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability for alleged exam irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Gen Z is 'Generation gutter', 'puke-inducing videos'. Kangana

Gen Z is 'Generation gutter', 'puke-inducing videos'. Kangana

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Kangana Ranaut said some of the women protestors were "so ugly and corrupt that they can't be home makers either"

Cong, BJP battle on streets across country as student agitation spirals

Cong, BJP battle on streets across country as student agitation spirals

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The spiralling agitation over the NEET issue saw protests and counter-protests by Congress and BJP across the country on Wednesday, with clashes and tense face-offs at many places, a day after Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders were forcibly removed from a dharna outside the prime minister's residence.

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'Instead of choosing dialogue, the government chose repression... Force ought to be the last resort, not the first.'

'End fast, save your strength': Prominent citizens' plea to Wangchuk

'End fast, save your strength': Prominent citizens' plea to Wangchuk

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A group of prominent Indian citizens, including Arundhati Roy and Naseeruddin Shah, have appealed to protesters on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to end their fast due to health concerns, while fully supporting their demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged NEET irregularities.

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bihar on Wednesday witnessed a pitched battle between hundreds of student activists demanding Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the police, which used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons in a bid to prevent their 'Lok Bhavan march'.

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The United States military is scheduled to complete its withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a 23-year deployment that began with the 2003 invasion and later focused on combating the Islamic State group.

Punjab Minister Accuses BJP Of Trying To Disrupt Peace

Punjab Minister Accuses BJP Of Trying To Disrupt Peace

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has condemned the recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar, calling them a deliberate attempt to spread terror and disrupt the state's peace. He accused the BJP of trying to create an atmosphere of fear and division for political gains ahead of elections.

Telangana HC Denies Interim Protection To Union Minister's Son In POCSO Case

Telangana HC Denies Interim Protection To Union Minister's Son In POCSO Case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Telangana High Court has denied interim protection from arrest to Bageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a POCSO case. The court will issue orders on the anticipatory bail petition at a later date.

ED Arrests Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In Money Laundering Case

ED Arrests Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in connection with a money laundering case involving alleged fake GST purchases and round-tripping of funds. Raids were conducted at multiple locations, and Arora was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This follows previous actions against Arora and other politically connected individuals in Punjab.

Maharashtra minister seeks probe into AIMIM's role in TCS case

Maharashtra minister seeks probe into AIMIM's role in TCS case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has called for a police investigation into the alleged involvement of AIMIM and its ex-MP Imtiaz Jaleel in the Nashik TCS case, following the arrest of accused Nida Khan. Shirsat alleges AIMIM is encouraging religious conversions and that Khan is part of a larger network.

From Courtroom Remark To Street Protests

From Courtroom Remark To Street Protests

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Dialogue must be encouraged rather than adoption of hardline stands, violence and use of force, recommends Biswajit Dasgupta.

India And New Zealand Elevate Strategic Partnership

India And New Zealand Elevate Strategic Partnership

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-nation tour in New Zealand, where he and his counterpart Christopher Luxon elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The visit focused on doubling trade by 2030 and expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 40 years.

Youth divert birthday savings to Jantar Mantar protests

Youth divert birthday savings to Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Young students are diverting their personal savings, originally intended for gadgets or college expenses, to fund their participation in the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, highlighting their commitment to issues affecting their future.

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has urged the Congress and CPI(M) to set aside their differences and unite under the INDIA bloc to fight the BJP in West Bengal. This marks a significant shift in the TMC's stance, which has historically been a bitter rival to the Congress and Left in the state.

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Trinamool Congress government's massive defeat in West Bengal shows "deep anti-incumbency and unpopularity" as out of 35 ministers who contested the assembly elections, 22 have been defeated, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her constituency.

Police use lathi charge, tear gas to break up CJP's march; several injured, detained

Police use lathi charge, tear gas to break up CJP's march; several injured, detained

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Police forces from several adjoining districts were requisitioned to man key junctions, sensitive locations and government buildings in the Lutyens' area ahead of the march.

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'

Adhikari Or Ghosh: Who Will Be West Bengal Chief Minister?

Adhikari Or Ghosh: Who Will Be West Bengal Chief Minister?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari and Dilip Ghosh are the top contenders for West Bengal Chief Minister.

Manipur: Mob Violence Erupts During Chief Minister's Visit

Manipur: Mob Violence Erupts During Chief Minister's Visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

One person was injured after security forces allegedly opened fire on a mob advancing towards Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's programme in Thoubal district. The incident occurred during the inauguration of a Block Development Office, with protesters demonstrating over the killing of two children earlier this month.

Mumbai woman stops police van carrying protesters, goes viral

Mumbai woman stops police van carrying protesters, goes viral

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A young woman, identified as Rhiya, became a symbol of Mumbai's solidarity protests over the NEET paper leak, captured in a viral image standing with outstretched arms to stop a police van amidst heavy rain, condemning alleged police brutality against agitators in Delhi.

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Wangchuk vows to 'stay alive' for July 20 march as hunger strike enters Day 20

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 20th day, with doctors warning of his critical health condition. Despite this, Wangchuk is resolute in his call for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the Monsoon Session's opening, to protest alleged examination irregularities and demand the Union education minister's resignation.

Modi's New Zealand Visit: A New Era For India-Kiwi Relations

Modi's New Zealand Visit: A New Era For India-Kiwi Relations

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand culminated in the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with a focus on doubling trade and enhancing cooperation in sports and the Indo-Pacific region. Modi and his counterpart Christopher Luxon attended a sports showcase, acknowledging a century of sporting ties and discussing future collaborations, including India's preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2030. The visit also saw 18 concrete outcomes and 10 agreements signed, alongside discussions with business leaders.

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the status of rebel factions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the Monsoon session of Parliament begins on July 20, following demands for their disqualification by their parent parties.

Trump says Doha talks on Tuesday amid Iran's rejection

Trump says Doha talks on Tuesday amid Iran's rejection

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iran had requested a meeting with the US after the recent military escalation between the two sides over the Strait of Hormuz and announced that talks with Tehran would take place in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, despite Iranian officials stating that no technical meetings have been scheduled this week.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian parliament, emphasising India's commitment to development over expansionism and advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the strong historical ties between India and Indonesia, calling for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defence, technology, and counter-terrorism, amidst growing concerns over regional security.

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.

'Don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die': 'Chatur' from '3 Idiots' backs Wangchuk

'Don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die': 'Chatur' from '3 Idiots' backs Wangchuk

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Omi Vaidya, known as Chatur from '3 Idiots', has publicly supported climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi, drawing attention to Wangchuk's deteriorating health and the inspiration he provided for Aamir Khan's character in the film.