News for 'Union Minister of State'

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com6 days ago

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said Maoism was once considered difficult to eliminate, but the menace has now been wiped out, and this year the 'Tiranga Yatra' will also reach remote villages and schools in former Maoist strongholds of the state

Union minister says 1,000 non-Hindus working at TTD, seeks probe

Union minister says 1,000 non-Hindus working at TTD, seeks probe

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday alleged that nearly 1,000 non-Hindus are working in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) without having faith in Lord Venkateshwara or adhering to Sanatana Dharma.

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A meeting of Tamil Nadu MPs, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, unanimously decided to oppose the Union government's proposed delimitation exercise, demanding its complete withdrawal and an extension of the delimitation freeze for another 25 years.

Govt ready for Lok Sabha debate on student protests, Amit Shah to respond

Govt ready for Lok Sabha debate on student protests, Amit Shah to respond

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has confirmed its readiness for a Lok Sabha debate on the ongoing student protests and police action, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to address the concerns, particularly those related to the NEET paper leak issue.

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

Rediff.com5 days ago

'Where is the official record? Media bytes are not parliamentary records. What matters is what is recorded on the floor of Parliament. I am not denying that we had a heated exchange.'

Khadse acknowledges Delhi travel, says 'no longer interested in joining BJP'

Khadse acknowledges Delhi travel, says 'no longer interested in joining BJP'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse has firmly stated his disinterest in rejoining the BJP, despite being called by Amit Shah, and affirmed his commitment to Sharad Pawar, dismissing recent speculation about his political future.

Will be forced to resume protests if cases not withdrawn: CJP warns govt

Will be forced to resume protests if cases not withdrawn: CJP warns govt

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has warned it will resume its agitation if the government fails to provide a written agreement by Tuesday on the withdrawal of criminal cases against its protesters and organisers. The party claims this agreement was reached during talks that led to the calling off of their 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar.

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Rediff.com5 days ago

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS) have signed an MoU to explore setting up a coal gasification plant near AMNS's Paradip pellet plant in Odisha. This initiative aims to produce synthesis gas for cleaner steel production, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and align with India's goal of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, supported by a Rs 37,500-crore government incentive scheme.

Hyderabad teacher booked for giving 'Islamic homework' to Hindu student

Hyderabad teacher booked for giving 'Islamic homework' to Hindu student

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

An FIR has been registered against a teacher and others at a private school in Hyderabad after a Hindu student was allegedly assigned "Islamic religious practices" as homework. The incident sparked outrage from political and religious groups, leading to the teacher's termination.

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Human-Led AI Crucial For India's Developed Nation Vision By 2047

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that human-led artificial intelligence will be the defining force in India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at the 29th National Conference on e-Governance, he emphasised that technology must strengthen governance without replacing human accountability, advocating for responsible AI deployment with citizens at the centre. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on e-Governance 2026, outlining a roadmap for AI-enabled, data-driven, and secure digital governance.

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The government introduced the SHANTI Act, 2025, to support the mission and open the sector to private participation.

Maharashtra Leaders Fadnavis, Gadkari Serenade Audience

Maharashtra Leaders Fadnavis, Gadkari Serenade Audience

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari entertained an audience in Nagpur by singing popular songs at the concluding ceremony of the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav. Fadnavis sang "Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi" and Gadkari performed "Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli", receiving enthusiastic applause.

Indian Athletes To Wear Sustainable Jute-Viscose Apparel At Commonwealth Games 2026

Indian Athletes To Wear Sustainable Jute-Viscose Apparel At Commonwealth Games 2026

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The National Jute Board has developed a jute-viscose blended apparel for Indian athletes participating in the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, marking the first time jute-based attire will be featured at an international multi-sport event, promoting sustainable textiles and India's jute industry.

Govt, CJP to discuss education reforms after 4 weeks

Govt, CJP to discuss education reforms after 4 weeks

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has ended its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET issue after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the government accepting all their demands. The agreement includes compensation for suicide victims' families, withdrawal of FIRs, and future discussions on examination system reforms.

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A high drama unfolded in Hyderabad on Thursday as ministers of the Congress government arrived at the Telangana Martyrs' Memorial to engage in a public debate with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders over allegations of scams and debt accumulation that both the ruling and opposition parties have raised against each other.

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Cauvery row: Karnataka unites as Shivakumar urges calm; Vijay defers visit

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday asserted that his government was committed to protecting the interests of the state's farmers and people on the Cauvery issue, while appealing to organisations to withdraw the proposed state-wide bandh.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amidst widespread nationwide protests concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, citing the larger interest of students and the need to prevent exploitation by anti-national forces. The government is also preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law.

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'.

Union minister booked over remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Union minister booked over remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

A first information report (FIR) has been registered against Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for his alleged remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the statements he made in the US about the condition of Sikhs in India, police said on Thursday.

Lok Sabha passes amended anti-paper leak bill, increasing jail terms and fines

Lok Sabha passes amended anti-paper leak bill, increasing jail terms and fines

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Lok Sabha has approved an amendment to India's anti-paper leak law, introducing stricter punishments including jail terms of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh, in response to recent large-scale student protests and the NEET paper leak case.

Cancer vaccine for women in 5-6 months: Union minister

Cancer vaccine for women in 5-6 months: Union minister

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A vaccine to fight cancers affecting women will be available in five to six months, and those in the age group of nine to 16 years will be eligible for inoculation, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said on Tuesday. The Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare and Ayush (Independent Charge) said that research on a vaccine is nearly complete and trials are underway. The government has also waived off customs duty for medicines used in cancer treatment.

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

After six days of stalemate, a discussion on the anti-paper leak bill began on Tuesday in Lok Sabha with the government describing it as a reaffirmation of ruling dispensation's commitment to safeguard the welfare of students but opposition hit back over the lathi-charge on protesters, saying every blow on them hurt the government's prestige more than the backs of the youth.

Telangana HC To Decide On Minister's Son's Bail Plea

Telangana HC To Decide On Minister's Son's Bail Plea

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Telangana High Court will decide on the interim anticipatory bail petition of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bandi Sai Bageerath, in a POCSO case. The court also directed the police to verify the victim's birth certificates.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.

MP to build missiles as Adani launches Rs 2,500-cr defence unit in Shivpuri

MP to build missiles as Adani launches Rs 2,500-cr defence unit in Shivpuri

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a defence manufacturing plant in Shivpuri district. The unit, comprising a missile complex, a composite propellant complex and a TNT complex, is being set up by Adani Defence and Aerospace, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, at a cost of about Rs 2,500 crore, said officials.

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Rajya Sabha has passed The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to replace a British-era law and allow digital and virtual records to be admissible as evidence in courts. This legislation aligns with contemporary digital banking practices and extends a uniform evidential framework to various financial entities, including NBFCs and fintech companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's role in strengthening public confidence and safeguarding customer privacy. The bill's passage, however, saw an Opposition walkout over unrelated issues.

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed rumours of his shift to national politics, asserting his commitment to the state. He also commented on the NEET paper leak issue, supporting the Union government's actions and criticising Uddhav Thackeray's remarks.

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com3 days ago

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

Rediff.com19 hours ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is reviewing its internal processes and protocols following lapses in three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, leading to re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology. The agency stated it proactively identified issues and is taking corrective measures to ensure fair and error-free examinations, amidst strong criticism from opposition leaders.

Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent, 12 injured

Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent, 12 injured

Rediff.com7 days ago

At least 12 people from Assam were injured in alleged firing by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh along the interstate border in Dhemaji district on Monday over encroachment of land, the police said.

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Rediff.com2 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Rediff.com3 days ago

In addition to caste details, the Census will, for the first time, collect personal information such as the total number of bank accounts held by individuals, along with their mobile number, Aadhaar number, voter ID number, passport number and driving licence status, according to the 40 questions notified by the Registrar General of India on Friday.

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Defending the law for regulating appointment procedures of the chief election commissioner and the deputies, the Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it would be wrong to assume that the prime minister and the other ministers would act in "bad faith" and against "democracy" because they have a numerical majority in the selection procedure.

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'Propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it's The Kerala Story or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations... If such things don't come on a public platform, how will correction occur?'

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Two NCPI MPs from Murshidabad, West Bengal, met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to express concerns over the removal of mosque loudspeakers, alleging police overreach and targeting of Muslims. They also sought his intervention to expedite hearings for approximately 27 lakh people excluded from electoral rolls, highlighting difficulties faced by genuine voters due to delays in tribunal decisions.

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history by becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

The cockroach who would not leave: How Abhijeet Dipke made the govt bend

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged as a prominent youth leader, transforming a satirical movement into a powerful force that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke views this as just the beginning, advocating for issue-based politics over identity politics and demanding further reforms in the examination system.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, notably omitting Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose terms end soon. This decision, alongside other recent appointments, has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. The list includes new faces and senior party leaders from various states.