News for 'Union and State'

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language.

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language. The apology follows a controversy stemming from an incident on May 26 where Bittu allegedly used casteist remarks against police officers in Dhuri.

Six Arrested In Mumbai For Attack On Airport Union Leader

Six Arrested In Mumbai For Attack On Airport Union Leader

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mumbai police have arrested six individuals in connection with an alleged attack on Sarwar Mohammad, working president of the All India Airports Aviation Employees Union, in the Vile Parle area. The incident involved a group attacking Mohammad's car near the airport, and a probe is ongoing to determine the motive.

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Eighteen of India's 28 states exceeded the fiscal deficit ceiling of 3 per cent of GSDP in FY25, a deterioration comparable to the Covid year of 2020-21, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report also noted a decline in states reporting a revenue surplus, with Bihar, Mizoram, and Telangana moving into deficit.

Termites Damage Over Rs 1 Lakh In Kolkata College Union Room

Termites Damage Over Rs 1 Lakh In Kolkata College Union Room

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Over Rs one lakh in currency notes damaged by termites was recovered from two suitcases in a college union room in Central Kolkata, prompting a police probe.

Burglary At Ex-Union Minister's House Raises Security Concerns

Burglary At Ex-Union Minister's House Raises Security Concerns

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The house of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Santosh Chowdhary in Hoshiarpur was allegedly broken into by unidentified persons who vandalised property and committed theft. Police have registered a case and are investigating.

Suman Kalyanpur Laid to Rest With State Honours

Suman Kalyanpur Laid to Rest With State Honours

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Suman Kalyanpur, known for her melodious voice and soulful renditions, was laid to rest with full state honours in Mumbai.

BRS MLA's Vehicle Vandalised After Remarks Against Union Minister

BRS MLA's Vehicle Vandalised After Remarks Against Union Minister

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Tension arose in Karimnagar after BJP workers allegedly vandalised a BRS MLA's vehicle following remarks against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar.

Union Minister's Son Booked Under POCSO Act

Union Minister's Son Booked Under POCSO Act

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A case under the POCSO Act has been registered against the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar following allegations of sexual harassment. The minister's son has also filed a counter-complaint alleging extortion and criminal intimidation against the girl and her parents.

Union minister's son arrested in POCSO case hours after lookout notice

Union minister's son arrested in POCSO case hours after lookout notice

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bageerath, has been arrested in connection with a Pocso case. The arrest follows a complaint alleging sexual harassment of a minor. The case has sparked political reactions, with calls for the minister's removal to ensure a fair investigation.

States increase reliance on market borrowings, face higher yields

States increase reliance on market borrowings, face higher yields

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Indian states significantly increased their reliance on market borrowings to finance gross fiscal deficits in 2025-26, with the share of market borrowings rising to 76.3 per cent, even as the weighted average cut-off yield on State Government Securities (SGS) and spreads over central government securities also increased.

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Rediff.com1 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, following a similar meeting by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intensifying speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. Recent resignations and new organisational appointments for some ministers are contributing to the buzz.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Telangana CM Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Union Minister's Son

Telangana CM Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Union Minister's Son

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy has directed the DGP to form special teams and expedite the investigation into the POCSO case against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. The CM has sought an explanation for the delay in action despite the complaint being registered earlier.

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Haryana BJP appointed Archana Gupta as its new president, making her the second woman to hold the position in over four decades. Gupta, a radiologist and current state general secretary, succeeds Mohan Lal Badoli.

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian has resigned from the council of ministers following the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha term. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, which was effective immediately.

India urges states, UTs to step up Ebola surveillance after WHO alert

India urges states, UTs to step up Ebola surveillance after WHO alert

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Union Health Ministry has directed states and Union territories to enhance surveillance, hospital preparedness, and screening of international travellers after the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

Union Minister's Son Booked Under POCSO Act: What We Know

Union Minister's Son Booked Under POCSO Act: What We Know

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A case has been registered against the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar under the POCSO Act following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. The accused has alleged extortion and criminal intimidation by the teen and her parents.

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

Rediff.com17 hours ago

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has completed one year, leading to the deletion of nearly six crore voters across 19 states and Union territories. This exercise, which began in Bihar, has faced opposition criticism but was upheld by the Supreme Court. The purification drive has significant implications, including linking voter data to social security benefits in some states.

Hansraj College Lifts Suspension Of Students' Union Leaders

Hansraj College Lifts Suspension Of Students' Union Leaders

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Hansraj College in Delhi University has revoked the suspension of its students' union office bearers after a disciplinary committee meeting. The suspensions were initially issued to 30 students for various reasons, including misconduct during the college fest and defaming the college on social media.

Telangana HC Denies Interim Protection To Union Minister's Son In POCSO Case

Telangana HC Denies Interim Protection To Union Minister's Son In POCSO Case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Telangana High Court has denied interim protection from arrest to Bageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a POCSO case. The court will issue orders on the anticipatory bail petition at a later date.

How BBMB Is Meeting Water And Power Needs Of Partner States

How BBMB Is Meeting Water And Power Needs Of Partner States

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has lauded the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for its effective management of water and power resources, catering to the needs of partner states. The event marked 50 years of the BBMB.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com18 hours ago

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar announced that the TVK regime, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will take steps to ensure fair financial devolution from the Centre, including pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court. The government also plans to conduct a 'Social Justice Survey' and address the state's severe financial deterioration.

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.com2 days ago

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.

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Nagaland government has postponed its official International Day of Yoga programme from Sunday to Monday following significant opposition from student bodies, tribal organisations, churches, and political groups. These groups cited religious sentiments in the Christian-majority state against holding the event on a Sunday.

Kumaraswamy Calls For Tech Adoption In Steel To Boost Competitiveness

Kumaraswamy Calls For Tech Adoption In Steel To Boost Competitiveness

Rediff.com2 days ago

Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy has urged the Indian steel industry to adopt advanced technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and IoT to enhance global competitiveness and productivity. Speaking at a Chintan Shivir, he highlighted that digitalisation is crucial for achieving ambitious steel capacity targets by 2035 and addressing challenges such as operational efficiency, decarbonisation, and export competitiveness. The minister also emphasised how technology can improve safety and reduce downtime in steel plants.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com7 days ago

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking arranged special bus services for students appearing in the NEET re-examination in Mumbai, deploying 60 buses on 24 routes for approximately 180 trips, despite an ongoing strike by its employees that has paralysed public transport.

Haryana's Child Crime Rate Highest Among States: NCRB Data

Haryana's Child Crime Rate Highest Among States: NCRB Data

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Congress leader Kumari Selja expresses concern over the NCRB report highlighting a surge in crimes against children in Haryana, urging the state government to take immediate action.

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.

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.

Rebel MPs still in touch, scared of voters' wrath, says Raut

Rebel MPs still in touch, scared of voters' wrath, says Raut

Rediff.com5 days ago

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that some dissident MPs are in contact with the party due to fear of public anger in their constituencies, with talks ongoing with at least two. He also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, who had made remarks about the Shiv Sena's legitimacy and the involvement of central investigative agencies. Raut asserted that there is only one Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray.

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.

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Pharma distributor's licence cancelled over Kota C-section deaths

Rediff.com15 hours ago

The World Health Organization has requested information from the Indian government regarding the alleged supply of spurious oxytocin injections linked to the deaths of five women in Kota hospitals. This comes after regulatory action, including the cancellation of manufacturing licenses for Jackson Laboratories units, following joint inspections by drug control bodies. The government is investigating the matter, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to quality violations.

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

12 iconic Indian landmarks to host International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations

12 iconic Indian landmarks to host International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India will celebrate International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at 12 iconic landmarks across the country, including the Red Fort, Hampi, and Konark Sun Temple, with the main event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata.

Mumbai's BEST bus services remain below normal despite strike recall

Mumbai's BEST bus services remain below normal despite strike recall

Rediff.com4 days ago

Despite BEST employees calling off their indefinite strike, Mumbai's bus services remained significantly below normal on Monday morning, with only 57% of the scheduled fleet operational. Commuters experienced long waits, leading many to seek alternative transport. The strike ended after an agreement with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, which included interim pay hikes and commitments for future improvements and clearing dues.