News for 'Union Minister of State'

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and allegedly with Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited fresh political speculation about his potential defection and the formation of a dissident parliamentary faction, further deepening the turmoil within the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of 'destroying' India's education system, expressing full support for protesting students and their demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of responding to student demands for accountability and educational reforms with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' treating them as 'enemies of the nation.' She further alleged that the government has degraded India's education landscape and routinely chooses violence over dialogue.

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The DMK has announced it will meticulously examine the proposed delimitation Bill when it is introduced in Parliament, making a decision based on its merits to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. The party's stance will be independent, without consultation with the Congress party, despite their former alliance.

'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.

Assam Wants Aditya Dhar To Direct Lachit Borphukan Biopic

Assam Wants Aditya Dhar To Direct Lachit Borphukan Biopic

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Lachit Borphukan is revered as one of Assam's greatest military commanders and a symbol of courage, patriotism and selfless leadership.

Shabana Azmi: 'This Cause Is Far Bigger Than Any Individual'

Shabana Azmi: 'This Cause Is Far Bigger Than Any Individual'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'A man is willing to give up his life. Bachhe bhook hartal pe hain.'

Bindra Calls For Confident Education System Amid NEET Row

Bindra Calls For Confident Education System Amid NEET Row

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra has called for an education system that "inspires confidence" and rewards merit, amidst widespread protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. The protests, which have seen student marches and support from activists like Sonam Wangchuk, highlight the demand for transparency and fairness in India's examination system.

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Approximately 27 workers are trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district following a landslide and suspected gas leak. Rescue operations are underway, but the presence of gas, believed to be methane, is complicating efforts, causing dizziness among rescue personnel. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and West Bengal are involved in the challenging operation to save the workers.

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet has reportedly approved the Kerala government's proposal to officially change the state's name to Keralam, following a resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly.

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Indian government plans to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. This amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, aims to grant 'Vande Mataram' the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', with penalties up to three years' imprisonment.

NEET protest: SC to hear pleas on pellet firing on Aug 3

NEET protest: SC to hear pleas on pellet firing on Aug 3

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear pleas filed by a former IPS officer and two persons, who claimed to have been injured by pellet guns fired during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led students' protest on NEET paper leaks.

Wangchuk's health worsens further as fast enters 15th day

Wangchuk's health worsens further as fast enters 15th day

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly on the 15th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is protesting alleged examination irregularities. Wangchuk's blood pressure has dropped and he has lost 7.8 kg, while the protest is drawing support from political leaders and public intellectuals.

Wangchuk loses 8.2 kg as fast enters 16th day; 'lives at stake', says Dipke

Wangchuk loses 8.2 kg as fast enters 16th day; 'lives at stake', says Dipke

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has significantly deteriorated on the 16th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting alleged examination irregularities. His blood glucose and weight have dropped, prompting calls from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and political leaders like AAP's Atishi and CPI(M) MPs for government intervention and accountability.

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.

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Bharat Tiwari, a self-proclaimed social worker, was shot by an STF team after he surrendered near his Bilauti village but succumbed to injuries few hours later on June 17.

How India's World Bicycle Day Celebrations Earned Global Praise

How India's World Bicycle Day Celebrations Earned Global Praise

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has praised India's "outstanding success" in its nationwide World Bicycle Day celebrations, which involved approximately 200 cities and towns across 28 States and Union Territories. UCI President David Lappartient commended the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) for its remarkable organisational efforts and also lauded the launch of the Asmita Women's League, a grassroots programme aimed at promoting gender equity in cycling.

CJP protest: Teen receives pellet injuries, may lose sight in one eye

CJP protest: Teen receives pellet injuries, may lose sight in one eye

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The first thought Ajay Duggal had when he saw his nephew, his eyes shut, his face, neck and chest pockmarked with tiny red perforations, was this: "What if the 19-year-old loses his sight completely." Sahil Lochab was allegedly hit by a pellet gun in his right eye during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi on June 20. His uncle asked him what he could see from the eye. The reply chilled him - there was nothing. No blur, no haze, only darkness.

Sonam Wangchuk being given required treatment: Hospital

Sonam Wangchuk being given required treatment: Hospital

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is receiving medical intervention at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where his condition is being closely monitored by a team of experts. He was forcibly taken to the hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, which he began on June 28 to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demand the Union Education Minister's resignation. Despite stable vital parameters, his blood parameters remain altered due to prolonged fasting, necessitating continuous medical care.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane Sentenced In Engineer Mud Attack Case

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane Sentenced In Engineer Mud Attack Case

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A court in Sindhudurg has sentenced Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane to one month's imprisonment in a 2019 case of pouring mud on an NHAI engineer, noting that lawmakers are not supposed to take the law into their hands.

Marathi must for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers: Maha minister

Marathi must for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers: Maha minister

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has mandated that all commercial passenger vehicle drivers in the state must possess a working knowledge of Marathi, warning of strict action against those who refuse to comply.

India launches new cell broadcast system for disaster warnings

India launches new cell broadcast system for disaster warnings

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the cell broadcast alert system, developed indigenously, to warn citizens about emergencies and natural disasters in their area. The system is now operational across all states and union territories.

Territorial integrity to be part of BSF's new mandate: Amit Shah

Territorial integrity to be part of BSF's new mandate: Amit Shah

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a new 'territorial security' paradigm to complement conventional border security, involving public participation and advanced technology. He also highlighted progress in securing vulnerable areas along the Pakistan border and plans to expand the BSF's operational mandate.

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The DMK has been charting an independent course from the Congress-led Opposition bloc on contentious issues during the Monsoon Session, including not joining a walkout over the anti-paper leak bill and participating in a debate on the National Honour Bill, signalling growing fault lines within the Opposition.

'Dipke not detained:' Delhi police deny CJP claims

'Dipke not detained:' Delhi police deny CJP claims

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which on Monday attempted to march to Parliament to register its protest on the NEET exam leak, said that its founder Abhijeet Dipke had been "picked up" by Delhi Police as protests intensified.

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and Grandmaster Nihal Sarin have voiced concerns over the ongoing NEET exam irregularities and student suicides. Bindra called for a transparent and merit-based education system, while Sarin highlighted the immense pressure students face. The protests, supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk, have seen students attempting to march to Parliament.

Union minister 'seeks forgiveness' after remarks on Tamil Nadu

Union minister 'seeks forgiveness' after remarks on Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

Hours after Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje's assertion that the suspect involved in the March 1 blast at The Rameshwaram Cafe was from Tamil Nadu, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader issued a retraction and offered an apology.

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Clashes erupted during the first phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claiming 14 deaths, a figure disputed by law enforcement. India condemned the elections as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise its illegal occupation and human rights abuses in the region, while ongoing JAAC protests highlight deep-seated grievances.

Chouhan Launches Free Coaching For Disadvantaged Students

Chouhan Launches Free Coaching For Disadvantaged Students

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched 'Mama Coaching Classes' in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha to provide free coaching and guidance for competitive examinations to economically disadvantaged yet talented students.

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has launched a strong attack on Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora, accusing him of lowering the standards of political discourse by resorting to personal attacks against his family instead of answering questions on governance.

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the immediate disqualification of six party MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led camp, alleging a larger political conspiracy. He accused the BJP of exploiting the Ram Mandir issue and systematically sidelining its own state leaders, while also questioning the rebel MPs' motives and wealth.

Cockroach party's Dipke warns of bigger stir if Pradhan doesn't quit by June 13

Cockroach party's Dipke warns of bigger stir if Pradhan doesn't quit by June 13

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has announced plans for nationwide protests if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign by June 13 over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, following a peaceful agitation at Jantar Mantar.

CJP founder says Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly dragged away, cops cite HC order

CJP founder says Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly dragged away, cops cite HC order

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to a hospital from Jantar Mantar after a 20-day hunger strike, with Delhi Police stating the move was in compliance with High Court directions and medical advice due to his deteriorating health. Protesters, however, alleged he was forcibly removed against his will.

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India is considering launching the final phase of its special intensive revision of voters' lists in the remaining states and Union territories after the assembly elections conclude.

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.

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Monsoon rains have unleashed widespread destruction across India, claiming seven lives in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka due to landslides and floods, while heavy downpours have disrupted normal life and triggered red alerts in Maharashtra and other regions.

Shivraj Chouhan Condemns Murder Of BJP Leader's Assistant

Shivraj Chouhan Condemns Murder Of BJP Leader's Assistant

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has condemned the killing of a BJP leader's personal assistant in West Bengal, accusing the Trinamool Congress of resorting to violence after their electoral defeat.

'Sonam Wangchuk will end hunger strike if...': Gitanjali Angmo

'Sonam Wangchuk will end hunger strike if...': Gitanjali Angmo

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, announced that Wangchuk would end his indefinite hunger strike if political leaders assure him that education accountability will be a focus of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Wangchuk, currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, continues his fast, demanding action against the alleged NEET paper leak and broader education reforms.