News for 'Union Minister of State'

Four Arrested In Arunachal Pradesh Rhino Horn Smuggling Case

Four Arrested In Arunachal Pradesh Rhino Horn Smuggling Case

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Four individuals have been apprehended in Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare district for trafficking a rhinoceros horn valued at approximately Rs 1.2 crore. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the forest department, underscores the government's commitment to wildlife protection and combating organised crime.

Natesan Claims IUML Will Dominate If UDF Wins Kerala Polls

Natesan Claims IUML Will Dominate If UDF Wins Kerala Polls

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

SNDP Yogam leader Vellappally Natesan has claimed that the IUML's support for V D Satheesan as chief minister indicates the League will hold significant power if the UDF wins the Kerala Assembly polls.

13 killed in blast at fireworks unit ahead of Thrissur Pooram

13 killed in blast at fireworks unit ahead of Thrissur Pooram

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Thrissur, Kerala, has resulted in at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident occurred as the unit was preparing crackers for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival.

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Kerala recorded a high voter turnout in the Assembly elections, with over 77 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots. The election is crucial as it will determine whether the LDF secures a rare third consecutive term, the UDF stages a comeback, or the NDA makes deeper inroads into Kerala's political landscape.

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the Congress party would welcome Mallikarjun Kharge as the chief minister of the state, amid speculation about leadership change and cabinet reshuffle.

Rs 1249 cr for Union ministers' salaries, PMO expenses

Rs 1249 cr for Union ministers' salaries, PMO expenses

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The allocated amount is substantially lower than the Rs 1,803.01 crore earmarked in 2023-24.

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for a USD 15 billion Google Artificial Intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam, calling it a 'growth engine for India' and Asia's biggest such facility.

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.

Trinamool Congress Accuses Centre Of Cheating Citizens

Trinamool Congress Accuses Centre Of Cheating Citizens

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Trinamool Congress has launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over rising fuel prices, economic concerns, and exam irregularities, accusing the Centre of betraying citizens.

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators and alleged her associate wants to build a Babri Masjid in the state.

Congress Demands Apology from Kerala Health Minister Over Attack Claims

Congress Demands Apology from Kerala Health Minister Over Attack Claims

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The Congress party in Kerala has demanded an apology from Health Minister Veena George and the CPI(M) leadership for allegedly spreading false claims about an attack by KSU activists. The KPCC president alleges that the minister's claims led to violence against Congress offices and workers.

Special Investigation Team Probes Death of Girl in Jharkhand

Special Investigation Team Probes Death of Girl in Jharkhand

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Bishnugarh, Hazaribag, Jharkhand. The SIT will submit its report within a week, focusing on all angles of the case, including awaiting forensic and autopsy reports.

HC orders removal of content linking Hardeep Puri's daughter to Epstein

HC orders removal of content linking Hardeep Puri's daughter to Epstein

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Delhi high court has ordered the removal of defamatory social media content falsely linking Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's daughter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, protecting her reputation from malicious online attacks.

Toddler among 9 killed in massive Delhi fire as locked door blocks exit

Toddler among 9 killed in massive Delhi fire as locked door blocks exit

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A fire in a residential building in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area resulted in the deaths of nine people. Rescue operations were carried out, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Patiala Blast Probe Reveals Deep-Rooted Terror Conspiracy

Patiala Blast Probe Reveals Deep-Rooted Terror Conspiracy

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The investigation into the Patiala freight corridor blast has led to the seizure of a large cache of munitions and explosives and the uncovering of a deep-rooted terror conspiracy involving Pakistan-backed ISI and pro-Khalistan terrorists, Punjab police said.

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence, Warns Of Legal Action

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence, Warns Of Legal Action

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress of inciting post-poll violence in West Bengal by impersonating BJP supporters, warning that they will face legal consequences. The BJP asserts its members have never engaged in post-election violence and claims TMC cadres are using BJP symbols to create unrest.

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has requested direct talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit, deeming the scheduled sub-committee meeting insufficient for resolving Ladakh's long-standing issues.

BJP Stages Protest in Amritsar, Demands CBI Probe into Warehousing Official's Suicide

BJP Stages Protest in Amritsar, Demands CBI Probe into Warehousing Official's Suicide

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Punjab BJP staged a protest in Amritsar against the AAP government, demanding a CBI probe into the suicide of a warehousing corporation official and justice for his family.

TMC Accuses BJP of Orchestrating Malda Unrest, Denounces Modi's Claims on Women's Safety

TMC Accuses BJP of Orchestrating Malda Unrest, Denounces Modi's Claims on Women's Safety

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The TMC has accused the BJP of instigating unrest in Malda, West Bengal, and criticised Prime Minister Modi for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding women's safety in the state. The BJP denies the allegations, asserting that the TMC is responsible for lawlessness.

Assam Gibbon Makes Historic Railway Crossing

Assam Gibbon Makes Historic Railway Crossing

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Endangered hoolock gibbon uses bridge over railway line in Jorhat sanctuary.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Lok Sabha is set to expand to 815 seats, with 272 seats reserved for women, according to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The move aims to implement the women's quota without disadvantaging men or any state. The proposed legislations also include provisions for reservation for women from SC and ST categories within the women's quota.

Oppn MPs demand Hardeep Puri's resignation over Epstein links

Oppn MPs demand Hardeep Puri's resignation over Epstein links

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Friday after opposition members raised slogans demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and protesting against the India-US interim trade agreement.

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com13 May 2026

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Intense lobbying is underway in Kerala as V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala vie for the chief minister's post, with their camps citing popularity, MLA support, and experience as key factors for the Congress high command's decision.

CAA will be implemented within 7 days: Union minister

CAA will be implemented within 7 days: Union minister

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

The CAA, enacted by the BJP-led government at the Centre in 2019, aims at granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in trafficking Captagon, seizing approximately 227.7 kg of the 'jihadi drug' worth Rs 182 crore.

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.

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the importance of executing the country's 10-year roadmap to become a global sporting powerhouse during the Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar. The event saw participation from state sports ministers and eminent sports personalities, focusing on active implementation and grassroots development.

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a surprising and strong showing in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading in nearly 100 constituencies and leaving established Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK trailing.

8 Union ministers, 2 ex-CMs, in fray in first phase of LS polls

8 Union ministers, 2 ex-CMs, in fray in first phase of LS polls

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

Eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers and one ex-governor are among those who are set to test their electoral fate in the first phase of elections on April 19 when 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories will go to polls.

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Congress Protests NEET Exam Cancellation, Seeks Supreme Court Probe

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress staged protests against the Centre over the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, demanding strict action against those involved in the alleged paper leak and a Supreme Court-monitored probe.

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian government addressed opposition concerns regarding the West Asia crisis in an all-party meeting, outlining its strategy for ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora, fulfilling energy needs, and maintaining diplomatic relations with key partners. The government also dismissed Pakistan's reported mediation efforts.

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Institutional Neglect

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Institutional Neglect

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that her leadership has led to the weakening of the state's institutions. The remarks follow Banerjee's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on Jadavpur University.

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalls writing to Narendra Modi in 2010 about conserving the Great Indian Bustard, amid recent announcements of successful conservation efforts.

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.