News for 'Welfare State'

Saini Targets Rivals, Courts OBCs in Punjab

Saini Targets Rivals, Courts OBCs in Punjab

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed the 'Saini Samaj' in Punjab, appealing to the OBC community ahead of the upcoming state elections. He criticized rival parties for neglecting OBCs and highlighted the BJP's commitment to their welfare.

Mamata Banerjee to Hold Dharna Against Electoral Roll Deletions

Mamata Banerjee to Hold Dharna Against Electoral Roll Deletions

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to hold a dharna in Kolkata against alleged arbitrary deletions in the state's electoral rolls, marking a return to her roots as a street fighter and signalling a key political battle ahead of Assembly elections.

Chouhan Accuses Bengal Government of Sheltering Infiltrators

Chouhan Accuses Bengal Government of Sheltering Infiltrators

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised the West Bengal government over law and order and accused the TMC of sheltering infiltrators and manipulating demographics.

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

BJP national president Nitin Nabin announced the party's plan to replicate Assam's 'detect, delete and deport' model to expel alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators in West Bengal if voted to power.

Haryana Police to be Equipped with Body Cameras

Haryana Police to be Equipped with Body Cameras

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a plan to equip police with body cameras, establish new women and cybercrime police stations, and form an Anti-Terrorist Squad as part of a broader effort to modernise the state's police force.

Two Killed in Nanguneri Gang Attack

Two Killed in Nanguneri Gang Attack

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Two people, including a migrant worker, were allegedly hacked to death by a gang in Nanguneri, Tamil Nadu, sparking protests and political criticism.

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The court made the remarks while reviewing a petition from Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. regarding free electricity distribution policies.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Man Nabbed with Smuggled Cigarettes in Delhi

Man Nabbed with Smuggled Cigarettes in Delhi

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A 51-year-old man was arrested in Delhi's Kashmere Gate area for possessing illegal imported cigarettes worth approximately Rs 40 lakh. The accused, identified as Sanjay Aggarwal, was found with three lakh sticks of imported cigarettes that lacked mandatory health warnings.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Residents across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, experienced fear and disruption following attacks, leading to flight suspensions and heightened security measures.

Karnataka power tussle intensifies, DKS loyalists gather at hotel

Karnataka power tussle intensifies, DKS loyalists gather at hotel

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar gathered to discuss strategies for his elevation to the Chief Minister post in Karnataka, intensifying the power struggle within the ruling Congress party.

'We will become a good welfare State if...'

'We will become a good welfare State if...'

Rediff.com29 May 2020

'... the government provides adequate cash and kind support for the poorest of the poor for survival... ...conditional cash and skilling support for the economically poor to raise their incomes to adequate levels... ...and make functional arrangements for providing unemployment allowance to the vulnerable poor during disasters like the present one.'

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Malankara Orthodox Church opposes the Kerala government's decision to extend bar timings, fearing it will negatively impact the youth. The government defends the decision as a tourism-boosting measure already in place in tourist areas.

Sasikala announces new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Sasikala announces new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

V K Sasikala, a close aide of the late J Jayalalithaa, has announced the launch of a new political party in Tamil Nadu, potentially leading to a four-way contest in the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Gujarat to amend marriage registration rules, minister flags 'love jihad'

Gujarat to amend marriage registration rules, minister flags 'love jihad'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Gujarat government plans to amend the Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act to address loopholes and prevent exploitation, particularly concerning "love jihad" cases. The proposed changes include mandatory parental notification and detailed information requirements for marriage registration.

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been allocated the portfolios of State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs and Minorities Development and Aukaf.

Empty PG Seats, Missing Doctors

Empty PG Seats, Missing Doctors

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'When young doctors see limited protection, unpredictable careers and an absence of institutional support, they hesitate.'

Sunetra Pawar's first remarks after becoming deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar's first remarks after becoming deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar pledges to carry forward the legacy and ideals of her late husband, Ajit Pawar, focusing on duty, struggle, and commitment to the people. She was sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

A former BJP MP in Rajasthan is facing accusations of religious discrimination after allegedly insulting a Muslim woman and taking back a blanket during a distribution event.

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The previous Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance to grant a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims.

Why Kerala's Twenty20 Party Joined The NDA

Why Kerala's Twenty20 Party Joined The NDA

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'When the prime minister and home minister promised their full support for the development of Kerala, why should we not be a part of them?'

Over 2.5 cr Aadhaar numbers have been deactivated. Here's why

Over 2.5 cr Aadhaar numbers have been deactivated. Here's why

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Unique Identification Authority of India has deactivated Aadhaar numbers of over 2.5 crore deceased persons to prevent misuse of the identity document, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

Communal clash breaks out in Jabalpur town, 49 arrested

Communal clash breaks out in Jabalpur town, 49 arrested

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Tension gripped Sihora town in Jabalpur district after a communal clash involving stone-pelting and vandalism, leading to police intervention and multiple arrests.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

Manipur violence: SC seeks CBI status report in 2 weeks

Manipur violence: SC seeks CBI status report in 2 weeks

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to submit a status report on the FIRs related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence and is considering having the Manipur or Gauhati High Courts monitor the trials.

How India measured inflation, and what is set to change

How India measured inflation, and what is set to change

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

India's main inflation measure, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is set for another major update, even though it has been in its current form for only about 15 years.

Mohan Bhagwat calls for Hindu unity, backs three-child norm

Mohan Bhagwat calls for Hindu unity, backs three-child norm

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the need for Hindu unity, vigilance, and social harmony, advocating for family values and addressing concerns about infiltration and social divisions.

Development dawns in Bastar as Maoist fear recedes: Prez Murmu

Development dawns in Bastar as Maoist fear recedes: Prez Murmu

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

President Droupadi Murmu stated that government actions against Maoists have improved the atmosphere in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, leading to development. She encouraged those who have left violence to trust the Constitution.

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Set up gaushalas to keep highways free of stray animals, SC tells NHAI

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has suggested that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) consider establishing gaushalas (cowsheds) under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to care for stray animals entering highways. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with several states' efforts to manage stray dog populations and suggested developing an app to report stray animal sightings.

Liquor firms in Telangana buckle under unpaid state bills

Liquor firms in Telangana buckle under unpaid state bills

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

A deepening payment paralysis in Telangana's liquor industry is beginning to choke manufacturing units and strain supplies, employment, and the broader investment landscape, industry bodies have warned, as unpaid dues accumulate to levels they describe as "unprecedented" and "severe".

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The IOC has expressed concern for the welfare of Iranian athletes amid escalating unrest, mass arrests and reports of deaths, saying it remains in contact with Iran's Olympic community.

Sharad Pawar's NCP 'in touch' with BJP in Sangli, Akola

Sharad Pawar's NCP 'in touch' with BJP in Sangli, Akola

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

As the Bharatiya Janata Party is falling short of a majority in the municipal corporations of Sangli and Akola in Maharashtra and needs the support of other parties or elected members, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar has emerged as one of the decisive factors with three seats in its kitty in each civic body.

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Seva Teerth complex, which will house the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, marking a shift towards modernizing India's administrative governance.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Amit Shah launches India's first co-operative ride app Bharat Taxi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Addressing an event after launching the service, Shah said the rival ride-hailing platforms have reduced commission and are offering many other incentives, including free rides to customers, seeing the success of Bharat Taxi during the pilot operation.

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC government in West Bengal of patronizing infiltration, leading to demographic changes and riots. He reassured refugees and promised action against illegal migration if the BJP comes to power.

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's biggest challenge will be to find a new growth driver, particularly against the backdrop of a global economy ravaged by heightened uncertainty and fragmentation, financial markets on a precipice, and global commodity prices on a continued uptrend.

Three Key Priorities For Government!

Three Key Priorities For Government!

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

While many areas compete for resources, defence, education, and adaptation deserve focus for maximum impact, suggests Laveesh Bhandari.

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday claimed that Governor R N Ravi 'insulted' the gubernatorial position he holds, by not reading out the speech at the commencement of the assembly session.