News for 'Union Minister of State'

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.

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.

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.

Dipke backs Jharkhand student protest, says CJP will act as...

Dipke backs Jharkhand student protest, says CJP will act as...

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will operate as a 'pressure group' to address issues like public trust, unemployment, and institutional accountability, with founder Abhijeet Dipke declaring support for protesting students in Jharkhand and advocating for those involved in NEET paper leak agitations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a notable victory in its debut election, ending the dominance of DMK and AIADMK.

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.

Nagpur Man Survives Shooting; Attack Linked To Drug Trade

Nagpur Man Survives Shooting; Attack Linked To Drug Trade

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A man in Nagpur escaped unharmed after being shot at by six individuals on motorcycles. Police suspect the attack is linked to drug peddling and rivalry between criminal groups.

Four Injured In Karimnagar Jewellery Store Robbery

Four Injured In Karimnagar Jewellery Store Robbery

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Four employees of a jewellery showroom in Karimnagar, Telangana, were injured after unidentified men opened fire during a robbery. The value of the stolen gold ornaments is being ascertained, and police are investigating the incident.

Gadkari calls for JVs with US cos to leverage their new tech

Gadkari calls for JVs with US cos to leverage their new tech

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for Indian companies to form joint ventures with US companies to leverage new technologies, while also expressing an ambitious target to make India's automobile industry the world's number one within five years.

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.

Bengal Minister Alleges BJP Plot For Detention Camps

Bengal Minister Alleges BJP Plot For Detention Camps

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu has accused the BJP of planning detention camps for Bengali-speaking citizens in the state if they come to power, alleging a conspiracy to deport those whose names are missing from the electoral roll.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar Expresses Faith In Justice System After Son's Arrest

Bandi Sanjay Kumar Expresses Faith In Justice System After Son's Arrest

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has expressed his faith in the legal process after his son, Bageerath, was arrested in a POCSO case. Kumar has requested understanding and support during this difficult time for his family, while reaffirming their commitment to fighting the case legally.

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.

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.

Maha minister Nitesh Rane gets one-month jail in engineer mud attack case

Maha minister Nitesh Rane gets one-month jail in engineer mud attack case

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A court in Sindhudurg convicted Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane in a 2019 case of pouring mud on an NHAI engineer, sentencing him to one-month imprisonment. The court suspended the sentence, allowing Rane time to appeal.

India Gears Up To Celebrate Commonwealth Games Day

India Gears Up To Celebrate Commonwealth Games Day

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India is set to celebrate Commonwealth Games Day on May 24 across 8,000 locations, with a main event in Ahmedabad, featuring sporting stars and a focus on fitness and national pride.

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.

'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.

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

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

Rediff.com11 May 2026

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.

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 sues Rajasthan CM Gehlot for defamation

Union minister sues Rajasthan CM Gehlot for defamation

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday filed a criminal complaint before a Delhi court accusing Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of defaming him with remarks on the Sanjivani scam.

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.

Bihar Implements UP-Style Encounters

Bihar Implements UP-Style Encounters

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Six police encounter in five days in Bihar, the first such action to deal with criminals in decades.

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.

Punjab AAP Accuses BJP Leader Bittu Of Hooliganism

Punjab AAP Accuses BJP Leader Bittu Of Hooliganism

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Punjab's AAP president, Aman Arora, has criticised Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for alleged misconduct and objectionable behaviour towards police personnel in Dhuri, while Bittu accuses the AAP government of misusing the police to target BJP workers.

The Deadly Hotel Fire: The Day After

The Deadly Hotel Fire: The Day After

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Glimpses from the aftermath of the deadly hotel fire in New Delhi.

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.

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.

Amit Shah Counters Concerns Over Southern States' Representation After Delimitation

Amit Shah Counters Concerns Over Southern States' Representation After Delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted claims that southern states will have reduced representation in the Lok Sabha after the implementation of women's reservation and delimitation of constituencies, assuring an increase in both the number of seats and percentage of power.

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's experience as a businessperson and his fluency in Bengali are expected to be crucial in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in attracting Indian investments to Dhaka.

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Election Commission is preparing to launch the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, potentially covering 22 states and Union Territories with approximately 40 crore electors.

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.

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A trader in Siliguri, West Bengal, has lodged a police complaint against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for alleged provocative remarks made during the recent Assembly polls, targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Muslims wear mask of tolerance to get...: Union minister

Muslims wear mask of tolerance to get...: Union minister

Rediff.com9 May 2023

Tolerant Muslims can be counted on fingers. I think their number is not even in the thousands, the Union minister of state for law and justice said.

Amit Shah Counters Concerns Over Southern States' Representation After Delimitation

Amit Shah Counters Concerns Over Southern States' Representation After Delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted claims that southern states will have reduced representation in the Lok Sabha after the implementation of women's reservation and delimitation of constituencies, assuring an increase in both the number of seats and percentage of power.