News for 'Union Minister of State'

Dharmendra Pradhan meets LS speaker as govt agrees to paper leak debate

Dharmendra Pradhan meets LS speaker as govt agrees to paper leak debate

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Indian government has expressed willingness to hold a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha regarding the NEET paper leak issue, while cautioning against street protests. The opposition, however, is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has staged protests, including wearing black clothes in Parliament, highlighting the widespread concern among students.

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to hold a crucial meeting to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,399 days.

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has urged India's youth to dedicate themselves entirely to national interest, rising above personal gains to capitalise on the current 'window of opportunity' for building a stronger nation. He emphasised that true freedom is not merely doing what one wants, but involves commitment and sacrifice for the country's progress.

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Indian Parliament remains deadlocked as the Opposition, led by the Congress, insists on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to discussions on alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and student protests, rejecting the government's offer for Home Minister Amit Shah to respond.

CJP threatens nationwide protest, says Centre backtracking on FIR promise

CJP threatens nationwide protest, says Centre backtracking on FIR promise

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday warned of a fresh nationwide protest, alleging that the Centre was citing the Supreme Court's interim order in a batch of PILs related to its agitation to avoid giving a promised written assurance on withdrawing the FIRs against protesters.

Rajasthan to get Yamuna waters from Haryana during monsoon

Rajasthan to get Yamuna waters from Haryana during monsoon

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Haryana and Rajasthan have signed an agreement to implement the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) agreement, allowing Rajasthan to receive water from the Hathini Kund barrage during monsoons. The pact, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, resolves a 32-year-old issue concerning water allocation among Yamuna basin states.

Karnataka seeing new kind of 'jihad' through waqf: Union minister

Karnataka seeing new kind of 'jihad' through waqf: Union minister

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Hitting out at the Congress government headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he said the ruling party has reached "height of appeasement politics," and alleged that it has in a way made appeasement of minorities its "goal."

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri (retd), former Uttarakhand chief minister and respected BJP leader, has died at 91.

India Launches AI Champions Programme For Digital Governance

India Launches AI Champions Programme For Digital Governance

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A three-day 'AI Champions for Digital Governance' programme has commenced in New Delhi, hosted by ITDC, SCOPE, and LBSNAA. The initiative aims to train senior leadership and operational teams in applying artificial intelligence within public sector organisations, aligning with the IndiaAI Mission. Experts highlighted AI's role in improving efficiency, productivity, and public service delivery, while also emphasising responsible adoption and data quality. The programme seeks to build an AI-ready nation and contribute to India's vision of future-ready governance systems.

India Launches AI Champions Programme For Digital Governance

India Launches AI Champions Programme For Digital Governance

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A three-day 'AI Champions for Digital Governance' programme has commenced in New Delhi, hosted by ITDC, SCOPE, and LBSNAA. The initiative aims to train senior leadership and operational teams in applying artificial intelligence within public sector organisations, aligning with the IndiaAI Mission. Experts highlighted AI's role in improving efficiency, productivity, and public service delivery, while also emphasising responsible adoption and data quality. The programme seeks to build an AI-ready nation and contribute to India's vision of future-ready governance systems.

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that Indian fencers will secure medals at the upcoming Asian Games and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He emphasized the need to popularize fencing in India, highlighting its potential to capture the youth's imagination and its significant medal opportunities at the Olympics. Rijiju also commented on the government's non-interference policy regarding sports federations' internal affairs, specifically addressing the Manika Batra selection issue.

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Ladakh has inaugurated its first international-level artificial ice hockey rink, a state-of-the-art facility costing Rs 42 crore. Equipped with a 24x7 chilling system, it allows year-round training, overcoming the previous limitation of a short natural ice season. This development is expected to boost winter sports, nurture local talent, and promote sports tourism in the region.

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The CPI(M) has strongly opposed the Union government's proposal to levy charges on UPI transactions, calling it a "breach of public trust" and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation. The party highlighted that the government had previously promoted UPI as a free public utility, encouraging widespread adoption, and now seeks to monetise this infrastructure. They also linked this move to a broader trend of increasing banking charges.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Nationwide protests against the NEET paper leak have intensified across several Indian states, with demonstrators condemning the Delhi Police crackdown and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress party has called for further demonstrations, while various student and political groups have organised marches and sit-ins, some leading to clashes with police.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

'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.'

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Two people were killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday, the police said.

Why Is Odisha BJD Questioning Dharmendra Pradhan's Family Trust?

Why Is Odisha BJD Questioning Dharmendra Pradhan's Family Trust?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Odisha's opposition BJD has requested Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to clarify his family's connection with the Vikas Foundation Trust, which is alleged to have purchased properties in the US. BJP leaders have dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread student protests and allegations of paper leaks, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence has prompted the government to declare its willingness for a comprehensive parliamentary debate on the contentious NEET examination.

FIR against UP woman over Modi remarks during CJP protest

FIR against UP woman over Modi remarks during CJP protest

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A Zero FIR has been registered in Noida against a woman, Ruchika Singh, for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The complaint, filed by Smriti Singh, alleges that the accused hurt the dignity of the constitutional office and intended to spread hatred. The case, registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, will be transferred to New Delhi for further investigation. The incident occurred during the Cockroach Janta Party's protests against competitive examination paper leaks, which led to the education minister's resignation.

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader, Rahul Kranti, on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, has drawn attention from political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the hospitalised students. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and comprehensive reforms in state recruitment bodies.

NDA alleges 'massive irregularities' in Karnataka SIR, demands probe

NDA alleges 'massive irregularities' in Karnataka SIR, demands probe

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A delegation of NDA leaders in Karnataka has formally complained to the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging "massive irregularities" in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding an immediate inquiry and door-to-door re-verification.

Nitish attends function with Union minister, Tejashwi absent

Nitish attends function with Union minister, Tejashwi absent

Rediff.com27 Jan 2024

Amid speculation that he may do yet another volte face and return to the National Democratic Alliance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday visited Buxar district, bordering Uttar Pradesh, to attend a function where senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey was also present.

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

As many as 274 fugitives have been repatriated from 36 countries in the last 7 years, an average of around 40 per year and a 10-fold jump from the 2004-13 period when around four fugitives were brought back every year, the government said on Tuesday.

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for staging a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence regarding the NEET paper-leak issue. Pradhan accused Gandhi of using students as "political tools" to disrupt Parliament, while asserting the government's commitment to discussing NEET concerns in the House. The incident involved Gandhi and other opposition leaders being detained after refusing to end their sit-in.

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.

Death Threat Against Minister Jayant Chaudhary Sparks Police Investigation

Death Threat Against Minister Jayant Chaudhary Sparks Police Investigation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has allegedly received a death threat from an unknown caller, prompting a police investigation and security review. The caller has been traced to Murshidabad in West Bengal.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The CJP's rapid rise on social media reflects growing digital dissent and youth frustration with issues like unemployment and exam-paper leaks.

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

In the throes of a financial crisis, the state's ruling Congress government has little to be triumphant about as Assembly elections approach next year, points out Aditi Phadnis.

BJP should heed 'godfather' Bhagwat's advice on Gen Z: Dipke

BJP should heed 'godfather' Bhagwat's advice on Gen Z: Dipke

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, convener of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has urged the BJP to align with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's stance on Gen Z protests, particularly regarding NEET examination irregularities, and to refrain from labelling protesting youth as 'anti-national'.

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation, alleging that orders to use force against students during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march over the NEET exam paper leak must have come from Shah himself. Dipke also criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister and dismissed Yoga guru Ramdev's comments on Gen Z.

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded young Indian innovators for the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, which made India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities. While praising the 28-year-old average age of the Skyroot team, Modi made a veiled remark about a "56-year-old young man," widely understood to be a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 56.

My US studies funded by...: Abhijeet Dipke on funding row

My US studies funded by...: Abhijeet Dipke on funding row

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Dipke has clarified the funding of his US education, stating it was supported by a scholarship and an education loan, amidst growing scrutiny and calls for a probe into his finances.

Bihar to drop charges against NEET protesters, release detainees

Bihar to drop charges against NEET protesters, release detainees

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Bihar government has announced the withdrawal of all cases filed against protesters involved in demonstrations concerning the NEET paper leak. This decision includes the release of individuals who were jailed in connection with these incidents.

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has clarified that 'criminal antecedents' for NEET paper leak protesters refer only to grave and heinous offences, allowing state governments to withdraw FIRs against students not involved in such serious crimes. This comes after the Centre's commitment to not pursue cases against most protesting students.

Stone-pelting at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns, cops injured

Stone-pelting at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns, cops injured

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

A protest at Jantar Mantar escalated into violence after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation announcement, leading to three police officers, including a special commissioner, sustaining injuries from stone-pelting. Security forces responded with tear gas and a mild lathicharge to control the situation. An investigation is underway, and Delhi Police have registered 15 FIRs, with over 200 police personnel and 65 protesters reportedly injured in ongoing demonstrations.

India Set To Introduce Dedicated AI Regulation Framework

India Set To Introduce Dedicated AI Regulation Framework

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Secretary S Krishnan announced that the government is considering a dedicated regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence, moving beyond existing IT rules to address challenges like deepfakes and synthetic content. This comes as global policymakers grapple with AI's rapid emergence and its implications.

Dharmendra Pradhan says resigned to keep 'anti-national forces' at bay

Dharmendra Pradhan says resigned to keep 'anti-national forces' at bay

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post, stating he sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevent 'anti-national forces' from exploiting the situation arising from widespread protests over examination irregularities.