News for 'Welfare State'

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'...appearing culturally coercive or administratively vindictive.' 'If it governs as a conquering force, resistance will build.'

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has permitted the filing of a special investigation team (SIT) probe report before a Gurugram court regarding the rape of a three-year-old girl. The court is also considering the role of doctors and compensation for the victim.

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The West Bengal government is set to investigate the chaotic scenes that marred Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata last year, with concerns raised over ticket sales, security, and administrative lapses.

Madhya Pradesh Official Suspended For Issuing False Death Certificates

Madhya Pradesh Official Suspended For Issuing False Death Certificates

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A panchayat secretary in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district has been suspended for allegedly issuing death certificates in the names of three living persons, prompting an investigation into the matter.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A team from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) is investigating allegations of sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail. The investigation was prompted by claims of abuse, pregnancy, and forced abortion, leading to calls for strict action and a high-level probe.

Punjab To Enact Strict Anti-Drug Law, Confiscate Properties

Punjab To Enact Strict Anti-Drug Law, Confiscate Properties

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the state government will introduce a stringent anti-drug law allowing for the confiscation of drug smugglers' properties. Mann criticised previous administrations for allegedly enabling the drug trade and vowed stricter penalties for sacrilege. He also accused the BJP of divisive politics and criticised the Akali Dal for alleged political manipulation of religious institutions.

Parking Row Turns Violent In Delhi, Man Injured

Parking Row Turns Violent In Delhi, Man Injured

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A 26-year-old man was injured, including suffering a bite wound, during a parking dispute in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area.

Dehydrated birds dropping dead from Delhi skies

Dehydrated birds dropping dead from Delhi skies

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Veterinarians and animal rescuers in Delhi report a surge in cases of heat-related illnesses among birds and stray animals as the city grapples with a severe heatwave. Dehydration, heatstroke, and gastrointestinal infections are rampant, prompting calls for residents to provide water and shade for animals.

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has renamed the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as 'Patna Zoo' and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as 'Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology'. The cabinet also approved significant allocations for electricity subsidies, college establishments, and infrastructure projects.

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

West Bengal Approves Ayushman Bharat, Land Transfer For Border Fencing

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal's new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved several key policy changes, including the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer for border fencing, and the adoption of new criminal laws.

SC Demands Updated Jail Overcrowding Data from States and UTs

SC Demands Updated Jail Overcrowding Data from States and UTs

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories to provide updated details on jails, including capacity and overcrowding measures, by May 18, also seeking information on women's prisons and facilities for children of female inmates.

Gurugram School Teacher Accused Of Molestation By Students

Gurugram School Teacher Accused Of Molestation By Students

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A case has been registered against a teacher at a government school in Gurugram following accusations of molestation and inappropriate remarks by several class 9 students.

Why Allahabad High Court Granted Child Custody To Mother

Why Allahabad High Court Granted Child Custody To Mother

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has prioritised the welfare of a child, granting custody to his mother, citing the father's health and financial dependency.

Woman Flees Beed Home With Lover, Abandons Three Children

Woman Flees Beed Home With Lover, Abandons Three Children

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A 26-year-old woman in Maharashtra's Beed district allegedly eloped with her lover, abandoning three of her four minor children. The woman's paramour, aged 27, is also married and has two children. Police are investigating the matter after missing person complaints were filed.

Did These Election Promises Win Tamil Nadu For Vijay?

Did These Election Promises Win Tamil Nadu For Vijay?

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's TVK party is likely to form the government, bringing focus to their election promises, including gold for marriage, financial assistance for women, and job creation.

'Don't Know Whether Vijay Understands...'

'Don't Know Whether Vijay Understands...'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

'...the enormous responsibility and faith the youth has put on his shoulders, that he is going to solve their problems.'

Odisha Police Launch 'Juventica' Adolescent Outreach Programme

Odisha Police Launch 'Juventica' Adolescent Outreach Programme

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania launched 'Juventica', a child welfare police officers outreach programme, aimed at supporting adolescents and encouraging them to focus on educational content on social media for a brighter future. The initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF, seeks to strengthen engagement, awareness, protection, and support for adolescents across the state.

Case Filed Over Leaked Victim Details In Minister's Son's POCSO Case

Case Filed Over Leaked Victim Details In Minister's Son's POCSO Case

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Police in Hyderabad have filed a case against social media users who shared photos and information about the victim and her parents in the POCSO case involving the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar.

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Congress party will join the Tamil Nadu cabinet after a 59-year hiatus, with two of its MLAs set to be sworn in as ministers.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

How UP Boosted Sugarcane Farmers' Income

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government announced it has paid a record Rs 3,21,963 crore to sugarcane growers since 2017, emphasising on-time payments and direct transfers to farmers' accounts. The government highlighted initiatives like farm loan waivers and the 'Smart Ganna Kisan' system for online sugarcane management.

'Challenges Are Not New To Us'

'Challenges Are Not New To Us'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'Unfortunately the treasury is empty, in zero. So we have to first make money for the development activities of the state, and also to continue the welfare measures.'

Punjab BJP Condemns AAP's Alleged Hooliganism, Warns Of Bengal-Like Conditions

Punjab BJP Condemns AAP's Alleged Hooliganism, Warns Of Bengal-Like Conditions

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has accused AAP workers of 'hooliganism' at BJP offices across Punjab, while Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini criticised the AAP government in Punjab for alleged corruption following recent ED raids.

Power shift in Andhra: CM Naidu hands key TDP role to son Nara Lokesh

Power shift in Andhra: CM Naidu hands key TDP role to son Nara Lokesh

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Chandrababu Naidu has reorganised the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), appointing his son Nara Lokesh as working president and emphasising a blend of experienced and new leaders to strengthen the party.

Why Imran Khan's Lawyers Want Al Qadir Case Delayed

Why Imran Khan's Lawyers Want Al Qadir Case Delayed

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Lawyers for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have requested an adjournment in the 190 million-pound Al Qadir case, citing difficulties in obtaining instructions from their clients in jail. The case involves allegations of corruption related to the Al-Qadir Trust.

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Trinamool Congress government's massive defeat in West Bengal shows "deep anti-incumbency and unpopularity" as out of 35 ministers who contested the assembly elections, 22 have been defeated, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her constituency.

Police Investigate Child Marriage, Sexual Exploitation In Hamirpur

Police Investigate Child Marriage, Sexual Exploitation In Hamirpur

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Police in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, are investigating a case of alleged child marriage and sexual exploitation after hospital staff raised concerns during a medical examination of two girls.

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The DMK criticised its former allies, VCK and IUML, for joining the TVK government, leading to a heated exchange and prompting DMK chief M K Stalin to call for restraint.

Two Nepal Girls Rescued From Trafficking Attempt Near UP Border

Two Nepal Girls Rescued From Trafficking Attempt Near UP Border

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Two minor girls from Nepal were rescued from an alleged human trafficking bid by police, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and an NGO in a joint operation, near the Indo-Nepal border in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh.

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'This is a major rupture in Tamil Nadu's political order.' 'For the Dravidian parties, the message is clear: The old DMK-AIADMK binary is no longer guaranteed a future.'

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The BJP successfully merged governance with identity. That's a powerful combination in Assam's political context.'

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Why Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP for not fulfilling its promises, highlighting the continuation of West Bengal's welfare schemes and challenging the BJP to match them in their ruled states.

Bhopal Religious Violence: Arrests Made After Assault

Bhopal Religious Violence: Arrests Made After Assault

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Police in Bhopal have arrested two individuals, including a juvenile, in connection with the assault on a Muslim man who was found with a woman from another community. The incident sparked protests and stone-pelting, leading to further police intervention.

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'This system will be of immense help in agricultural planning, disaster management and water resources management.'

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has appointed Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, an astrologer and spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as his Personal Secretary. The appointment has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the need for an astrologer in such a role.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Members of Parliament questioned top National Testing Agency (NTA) officials about the NEET-UG paper leak, with the NTA stating the CBI is investigating the matter. The parliamentary panel also discussed measures to prevent future leaks and reforms within the NTA.

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.