News for 'Uttar Pradesh and Bihar'

Who's That Man With Amit Shah?

Who's That Man With Amit Shah?

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Clue: He was appointed to an important position recently...

MT Vasudevan Nair, Suzuki, ex-CJI Khehar Singh get Padma Vibhushan

MT Vasudevan Nair, Suzuki, ex-CJI Khehar Singh get Padma Vibhushan

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday approved 139 Padma awards including seven Padma Vibhushans, 19 Padma Bhushans and 113 Padma Shris.

Heatwave continues in northwest, central India; relief after 2 days

Heatwave continues in northwest, central India; relief after 2 days

Rediff.com4 Jun 2024

Temperatures in 17 locations breached 45 degrees Celsius on Monday, with the punishing heat affecting health and livelihoods.

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

"It is high time India traded dynasty for meritocracy. This would require fundamental reforms, from imposing legally mandated term limits to requiring meaningful internal party elections, together with a concerted effort to educate and empower the electorate to choose leaders based on merit," Tharoor said.

'Reporter with a poet's pen': Sankarshan Thakur dies at 63

'Reporter with a poet's pen': Sankarshan Thakur dies at 63

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Sankarshan Thakur, editor of The Telegraph whose prowess with words added that extra edge to his analyses and ground reports, died at a Gurgaon hospital on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 63.

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The declared incomes of registered unrecognised political parties witnessed a 223 per cent spike in 2022-23 and more than 73 per cent of these parties failed to publicly disclose their financial records, according to poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

Nepal challenges India-China border trade deal, reasserts claim on Lipulekh

Nepal challenges India-China border trade deal, reasserts claim on Lipulekh

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Nepal has reiterated its claim over the Lipulekh territory, stating it is an inseparable part of the country, after India and China agreed to resume border trade through the area. The Nepalese government has incorporated the territory into its official map and Constitution. India has rejected Nepal's claims, asserting they are not based on historical facts or evidence.

Legal battles, new squads: Bihar's Ranji Trophy drama unfolds

Legal battles, new squads: Bihar's Ranji Trophy drama unfolds

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The Bihar squad for the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season was finally picked on Tuesday after extensive deliberations and legal wranglings.

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Coming down hard on the Election Commission for its response on 'vote theft' allegations, former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Sunday said the poll body should have ordered a probe into Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's charges instead of 'shouting' at him in a language that was 'objectionable and offensive'.

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Will Mukesh Sahni Quit Mahagathbandhan To Join NDA?

Will Mukesh Sahni Quit Mahagathbandhan To Join NDA?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'If the Mahagathbandhan ignores Mukesh Sahni's demands as it did in 2020, he will be left with no option but to join hands with the BJP.'

Lightning: India's Deadliest Hazard

Lightning: India's Deadliest Hazard

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Lightning claims more lives in India annually than any other extreme weather event. Between April and July this year alone, 1,621 people died due to lightning strikes.

Bypolls: BJP wins big in UP; Trinamool sweeps Bengal

Bypolls: BJP wins big in UP; Trinamool sweeps Bengal

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Ruling parties held sway in most of the 13 states in the assembly byelection results declared on Saturday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies wresting seats in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan and the Trinamool Congress sweeping West Bengal.

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The BJP's surprise announcement of a caste census in the next census has sparked political debate, particularly in Bihar where the issue of backward empowerment holds significant electoral weight. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by the ruling party to counter opposition efforts to mobilize support among disadvantaged sections of society. The decision is also viewed as a recognition of the growing influence of OBC politics in India.

Top 18 states' revenues to grow 7-9% in FY26: Crisil

Top 18 states' revenues to grow 7-9% in FY26: Crisil

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

India's 18 largest states, accounting for over 90 per cent of the country's gross state domestic product (GSDP), are likely to record a marginal uptick in revenue growth to 7-9 per cent this year, from 6.6 per cent clocked in 2024-25 (FY25), rating agency Crisil said in a report on Tuesday. This growth, slower than the decadal average of about 10 per cent, would lift these states' cumulative revenue to around Rs 40 trillion in FY26 from Rs 37.26 trillion in FY25.

Rahul's big claim: CEC Gyanesh Kumar protecting 'vote chors'

Rahul's big claim: CEC Gyanesh Kumar protecting 'vote chors'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting individuals involved in voter deletion and election rigging, citing data from Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Flipkart, Amazon Stack Up Space For Festival Rush

Flipkart, Amazon Stack Up Space For Festival Rush

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Festive sales are expected to surge 27 per cent to cross Rs 120,000 crore in 2025, driving Amazon and Flipkart to expand warehousing capacity by millions of cubic feet and extend delivery networks to thousands of new pin codes -- an infrastructure buildout that could reshape India's retail landscape for years.

UP labourer shot at by terrorists in Kashmir's Tral

UP labourer shot at by terrorists in Kashmir's Tral

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

This is a third attack on non-local labourers in Kashmir in the past one week.

BJP's Rudy wins Constitution Club poll with INDIA backing

BJP's Rudy wins Constitution Club poll with INDIA backing

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Rajiv Pratap Rudy secured another term as Secretary (Administration) of the Constitution Club of India, defeating Sanjeev Balyan in a closely watched election that saw participation from prominent political figures.

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

IMD data shows in the 24 hours between September 1 and 2, Haryana received 806 per cent more rainfall than normal, Punjab 759 per cent, Himachal Pradesh 510 per cent, Delhi 740 per cent, Chandigarh a staggering 1,638 per cent, and Rajasthan 193 per cent.

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.

Nitish Kumar must contest from Phulpur in UP, says JD-U leader

Nitish Kumar must contest from Phulpur in UP, says JD-U leader

Rediff.com30 May 2023

Senior Janata Dal-United leader Dhananjay Singh pitched for Opposition unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and said party workers in Uttar Pradesh want Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to contest the elections from the state's Phulpur constituency.

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau showed that the crime rate in 2023 stood at 39.9 per one-lakh child population, in comparison to 36.6 in 2022.

J-K: Terrorists shoot at 2 UP natives in Budgam

J-K: Terrorists shoot at 2 UP natives in Budgam

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Two persons from Uttar Pradesh were shot at by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Friday evening, officials said.

Monsoon starts retreating; 8 states report deficient rains

Monsoon starts retreating; 8 states report deficient rains

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

The south-west monsoon on Tuesday started withdrawing from parts of south-west Rajasthan and adjoining Kutch in Gujarat, with at least eight states, including rice bowl states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar reporting deficient rains. It was for the first time since 2016 that the monsoon started withdrawing in the third week of September. "Southwest monsoon has withdrawn from parts of southwest Rajasthan & adjoining Kutch today, against its normal date of withdrawal from southwest Rajasthan of September 17," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted.

How Trump's Tariffs Hurts Dollar Town Of Garments

How Trump's Tariffs Hurts Dollar Town Of Garments

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

'The US slump could hit our hosiery market hard since 40 per cent of our exports go there.' 'Job losses could be severe if the government doesn't step in fast.'

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai's symbolic gesture of hanging 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon-chillies) on a toy jet, mocking the Centre's alleged inaction in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, has triggered a political storm. The BJP has condemned the act, calling it an insult to the armed forces. Rai, however, maintained that he was merely highlighting the government's delay in utilizing the Rafale jets. The controversy comes amidst a heated debate over the government's response to the recent terror attack.

Severe heatwave likely in northwest, east in next 5 days: IMD

Severe heatwave likely in northwest, east in next 5 days: IMD

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The heat wave is likely to impact parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal, the Met office said.

Have You Heard About The Potato Crisis?

Have You Heard About The Potato Crisis?

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Amid the political blame game over Bengal's potato ban, which led to shortages in Jharkhand and Odisha, Uttar Pradesh farmers are the unlikely winners.

Smart cities: Madhya Pradesh tops; UP, Bihar, Bengal left out

Smart cities: Madhya Pradesh tops; UP, Bihar, Bengal left out

Rediff.com29 Jan 2016

First tranche of central funding of Rs 200-cr each to come in FY16 for those who meet all criteria.

GST collections rise 6.2% to over Rs 1.84 lakh cr in Jun

GST collections rise 6.2% to over Rs 1.84 lakh cr in Jun

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Gross GST collections increased by 6.2 per cent to over Rs 1.84 lakh crore in June but slipped below the Rs 2 lakh crore mark recorded in the previous two months. Gross GST collections stood at Rs 173,813 crore a year ago, as per government data released on Tuesday.

'Time To Normalise Marking At Exams'

'Time To Normalise Marking At Exams'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

'Coming up with a uniform formula is important at least for central government-conducted examinations.'

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Heavy rainfall across North India leads to fatalities, structural damage, travel disruptions, and school closures. Eastern states brace for more rain.

Govt is not allowing people to celebrate Eid freely: Akhilesh

Govt is not allowing people to celebrate Eid freely: Akhilesh

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Yadav further accused the BJP of "using distractions" to avoid addressing real issues such as rising unemployment, inflation, lack of investment in Uttar Pradesh, and failing healthcare facilities.

UP BJP leader sacked after obscene video goes viral on social media

UP BJP leader sacked after obscene video goes viral on social media

Rediff.com15 May 2025

A purported video showing local Bharatiya Janata Party leader Babban Singh Raghuvanshi engaging in obscene acts with a dancer has gone viral and is trending rapidly on social media.

India braces for wet September; IMD warns of flash floods, landslides

India braces for wet September; IMD warns of flash floods, landslides

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal rainfall for India in September, following a monsoon season marked by heavy downpours and related disasters in various regions. The forecast indicates normal to above-normal rainfall for most areas, with some exceptions in the northeast, east, extreme south peninsular India, and parts of northwest India.

BEWARE! High nitrate levels found in groundwater in 440 districts

BEWARE! High nitrate levels found in groundwater in 440 districts

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

High nitrate levels have been found in groundwater of 440 districts across India, with 20 per cent of the samples collected exceeding the permissible nitrate concentration, the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has said in a report.

Cong replaces 6 gen secretaries in major organisational revamp

Cong replaces 6 gen secretaries in major organisational revamp

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

In a major organisational revamp, the Congress on Friday appointed former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel as general secretary in-charge of Punjab and Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain as general secretary for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

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.

Priyanka admitted to hospital, won't join Rahul's yatra in UP

Priyanka admitted to hospital, won't join Rahul's yatra in UP

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that she has been admitted to hospital due to an illness and hence would not join the party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Friday.