News for 'Union and Maharashtra'

Raj Thackeray calls off agitation to enforce Marathi

Raj Thackeray calls off agitation to enforce Marathi

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray has asked his party workers to temporarily halt the agitation demanding the use of Marathi language in banks and other establishments. Thackeray said the agitation has been successful in raising awareness about the issue and that the government should now implement the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) norms on the use of local languages. He warned that the MNS will take action if the government fails to ensure the law is followed.

Union cabinet gives go ahead to 'one nation, one poll'

Union cabinet gives go ahead to 'one nation, one poll'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal for 'one nation, one Election' as recommended by the Kovind panel, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.

Has Rahul Gandhi Forgotten The Malegaon Blasts?

Has Rahul Gandhi Forgotten The Malegaon Blasts?

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

For Malegaon's Muslims, Rahul Gandhi's remarks were simply one more indication that the party they once supported no longer cares for them, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Tesla Gears Up in Kurla

Tesla Gears Up in Kurla

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Tesla's official entry into the Indian market is expected in the final quarter of the current financial year.

Maharashtra govt promises bigger, better Shivaji statue

Maharashtra govt promises bigger, better Shivaji statue

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

It is a question now whether the makers of the statue had comprehended all these factors before making it, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said.

Shell deepens India market reach through Raj Petro buy

Shell deepens India market reach through Raj Petro buy

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Global energy giant Shell has acquired Mumbai-based Raj Petro Specialities to deepen its foothold in the world's third biggest lubricants market in the world, a top company official said. Shell, which has already invested over $5 billion in India across the energy value chain -- from LNG import terminals and fuel stations to renewable energy and technology centres -- has acquired 100 per cent equity interest in Raj Petro Specialities Pvt Ltd from Germany's Brenntag Group.

Is Maharashtra A Lost Cause For Modi?

Is Maharashtra A Lost Cause For Modi?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

'There are legions of unemployed degree holders across rural and semi-urban belts in Maharashtra. Now, they aren't finding brides.' 'This issue has now snowballed into a social crisis. In 2014 and 2019, they had voted for the BJP.'

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn.'

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday attributed early arrival of the southwest monsoon and heavy rainfall in a short span for the inundation of low-lying areas in Mumbai, which disrupted road and railway traffic.

Shah meets Maharashtra allies amid differences over seats

Shah meets Maharashtra allies amid differences over seats

Rediff.com9 Mar 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions for seat sharing in Maharashtra for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with coalition partners Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party president Ajit Pawar.

From Baramati to Nagpur: High-profile battles in Maharashtra

From Baramati to Nagpur: High-profile battles in Maharashtra

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra will be held in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. Counting of votes will be held on June 4.

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

On the 83rd anniversary of the Quit India movement, Utkarsh Mishra recalls the conditions under which the Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, launched the final struggle for independence.

'My Conscience Does Not Permit Me To Watch This Match'

'My Conscience Does Not Permit Me To Watch This Match'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. The Prime Minister himself said that blood and water cannot flow together, that talks and terrorism cannot go together. So how can we have a cricket match with a country that indulges in terrorism?'

Where to take Tahawwur Rana for probe will be decided by...: Fadnavis

Where to take Tahawwur Rana for probe will be decided by...: Fadnavis

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Union Home Ministry will decide where 26/11 terror attack conspirator Tahawwur Rana will be taken for probe. Rana was extradited from the US.

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The message from Sunday's event will undoubtedly reverberate globally. It's a landmark occasion that will be remembered for generations and will inspire many other states to introduce the story of Rajendra Chola into school curricula, says Tarun Vijay.

13 Union ministers bite the dust as Modi magic fails

13 Union ministers bite the dust as Modi magic fails

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

BJP heavyweights Smriti Irani, Arjun Munda, Ajay Mishra Teni and Kailash Chaudhary were among the 13 Union ministers who tasted defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as stunning losses in three Hindi heartland states forced the BJP to rely on allies to form the government.

Did Shinde complain to Shah about Ajit Pawar?

Did Shinde complain to Shah about Ajit Pawar?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has dismissed reports of a rift within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, stating that "everything is hunky-dory." He attributed any issues to differences that will be resolved through discussions. Shinde's comments come after reports of him complaining to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, Pawar and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar have denied the allegations, claiming Shinde would have directly approached them if there were any issues. The ruling alliance comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, which retained power after the state assembly polls last year. The alliance has also faced challenges with the appointment of guardian ministers in Raigad and Nashik, with the Shiv Sena opposing the appointments of Aditi Tatkare (NCP) and Girish Mahajan (BJP).

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Shah said Shivaji Maharaj defeated "Mughal shahi" (rule of Mughals).

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

He had promised his daughter that he would be there, come what may, a kin said. But fate had a different plan.

Goa CM Sawant reverses health minister's doc suspension amid outcry

Goa CM Sawant reverses health minister's doc suspension amid outcry

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

The chief minister tried to soothe frayed nerves by hailing doctors for their invaluable and tireless service in saving lives.

Removal of Aurangzeb's grave won't serve any purpose: Athawale

Removal of Aurangzeb's grave won't serve any purpose: Athawale

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has voiced his opposition to the demand for demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, saying its removal will not serve any purpose. Athawale said that since Aurangzeb was buried there, his tomb should remain undisturbed. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar administration has barred Hindutva leader Milind Ekbote from entering the district from March 16 to April 5 amid calls from some outfits to remove Aurangzeb's grave. Security has been heightened around the site and visitors are being checked thoroughly.

The Man Who Said No To The Big Bang

The Man Who Said No To The Big Bang

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Jayant Narlikar wrote alternative what-if histories, explained difficult scientific theories with funny analogies, and leavened his lectures with jokes and humorous asides.

Union Council discusses issues faced by women

Union Council discusses issues faced by women

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

During a five-hour meeting with his entire Council of Ministers, Modi specifically asked for faster and better communication of the government's decisions.

Modi discussed retirement with RSS: Raut; He will be back: Fadnavis

Modi discussed retirement with RSS: Raut; He will be back: Fadnavis

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday dismissed speculation about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successor, asserting that Modi would continue to lead the country for many more years.

Maharashtra farmers seek better pricing for produce

Maharashtra farmers seek better pricing for produce

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

A group of onion traders gathered at the Pimpalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), near Nashik, to inspect one of the season's final harvests of red onions as they look to place their bids. They were surrounded by farmers, who brought their produce here from different parts of the district. Farmers have reasons to be optimistic.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

Maha minister Vikhe Patil, 53 others booked in loan fraud case

Maha minister Vikhe Patil, 53 others booked in loan fraud case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A case has been registered against Maharashtra BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and 53 others, including directors of a sugar mill, for allegedly obtaining loans of nearly Rs 9 crore in the names of farmers using forged documents. The complaint was filed by a sugarcane cultivator and member of the cooperative sugar mill, alleging that the loan amounts were never credited to the farmers' accounts and were instead siphoned off by sugar mill officials and bank staff. The case was registered based on a court directive following a complaint alleging irregularities that occurred in 2004.

Nagpur Municipal chief apologizes to HC for demolition

Nagpur Municipal chief apologizes to HC for demolition

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Nagpur municipal chief has offered an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court for the demolition of houses belonging to accused in a riots case, citing ignorance of Supreme Court guidelines on such actions. The civic officials were unaware of the Supreme Court's order, which mandates procedural safeguards before demolishing properties linked to riots accused, the commissioner stated in an affidavit. The court has granted the Maharashtra government two weeks to respond to the matter.

Maharashtra police books YouTuber Dhruv Rathee over parody account post

Maharashtra police books YouTuber Dhruv Rathee over parody account post

Rediff.com14 Jul 2024

Maharashtra's cyber police have registered a case against popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee after a parody account allegedly posted a fake message on X about Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's daughter, a senior official said on Saturday.

15 AAP candidates had sought Sena symbol but...: Shinde

15 AAP candidates had sought Sena symbol but...: Shinde

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The Sena chief said he had to honour "yuti dharma".

Biggest challenge for BJP, allies in Maharashtra assembly polls is...

Biggest challenge for BJP, allies in Maharashtra assembly polls is...

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

'The BJP alliance needs to handle the Maratha quota issue skilfully and address its root cause, which is agrarian distress. Then there is stalled industrialisation. If these issues are addressed, caste fault lines would wither away. But, this is next to impossible in a short span of three-four months.'

Ex-CJI Khehar, dancer Shobana among 68 conferred Padma awards

Ex-CJI Khehar, dancer Shobana among 68 conferred Padma awards

Rediff.com27 May 2025

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the coveted Padma awards on 68 eminent personalities, including former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, dancer Shobana Chandrakumar, actor Anant Nag, and Vice Chancellor of King George's Medical University Soniya Nityanand. The awards were given in various disciplines and fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The Padma Vibhushan was awarded to Justice (retd) Khehar for public affairs, while nine individuals received the Padma Bhushan. The Padma Shri was awarded to leading immunologist and KGMU VC Nityanand, footballer Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, singer Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, actor Ashok Laxman Saraf, mask maker Reba Kanta Mahanta, and musician Ricky Gyan Kej, among others.

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

There is no confusion or dispute in the 'Mahagathbandhan' over Tejashwi Yadav being the main face for the Bihar chief minister's post, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar said on Friday while asserting that the CM will be from the Rashtriya Janata Dal if the alliance gets a majority in the upcoming polls.

How COVID Cut India's Life Expectancy

How COVID Cut India's Life Expectancy

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The drop is seen as a significant demographic indicator, reflecting the toll of the pandemic on the nation's population.

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

Uddhav Sena breathes fire after Sharad Pawar honours Shinde

Uddhav Sena breathes fire after Sharad Pawar honours Shinde

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has strongly criticized its ally, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, for felicitating Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at an event in Delhi. The party's spokesperson, Sanjay Raut, views the felicitation as an endorsement of BJP leader Amit Shah, who was instrumental in Shinde's split from the Shiv Sena. While Pawar's party maintains that the event focused on literature, BJP interprets it as an acknowledgment of Shinde's leadership. The incident has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra, with both sides engaging in verbal sparring.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Pawar snubs Raut over Op Sindoor delegation boycott call

Pawar snubs Raut over Op Sindoor delegation boycott call

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Pawar recalled that he was a member of a delegation sent by former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao to the UN under the leadership of BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Young Indian Leaders Shine at WEF 2025

Young Indian Leaders Shine at WEF 2025

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Barring a few, such as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu (74), Union Minister C R Patil (69) and Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna (71), most other ministers attending the WEF represent the next generation of India's politicians.

Shinde will take 'big decision' in next 24 hours: Shiv Sena leader

Shinde will take 'big decision' in next 24 hours: Shiv Sena leader

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

The Shiv Sena leader also asserted that Eknath Shinde will take any position in the Union cabinet as his interest lies in Maharashtra politics.