News for 'Welfare State'

Day 5 of Assam gas leak: ONGC ropes in expert team, 1,500 people affected

Day 5 of Assam gas leak: ONGC ropes in expert team, 1,500 people affected

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

The district administration said that air pollution is still within the acceptable limit and the local office of Pollution Control Board, Assam is closely monitoring the situation.

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Rekha Gupta had the support of the RSS, which actively participated in the Delhi assembly poll campaign to help the BJP win.

Ladki Bahin aide cannot be raised to Rs 2,100: Maha min

Ladki Bahin aide cannot be raised to Rs 2,100: Maha min

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Maharashtra government, led by a coalition of the BJP and Shiv Sena, has admitted that it cannot increase the monthly financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana to Rs 2,100, as promised during the 2024 assembly polls. The government cites severe financial stress as the reason. Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, a Shiv Sena leader, has said that the scheme will continue with the existing amount of Rs 1,500, but the increase is not feasible at this time. The minister also accused the Finance Department, led by Ajit Pawar, of diverting funds from his department without his knowledge. He called for a law to ensure that the social justice and tribal affairs departments receive their allocated funds. The statement comes as an embarrassment for the Mahayuti government, which had heavily campaigned on the promise of increasing the Ladki Bahin Yojana aid.

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed changes in digital know your customer (KYC) guidelines for persons with disability and acid attack survivors, citing the right to digital access as an intrinsic component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court found that existing KYC procedures, which require visual tasks such as head movements and facial positioning, pose significant challenges for these groups, preventing them from accessing essential services like bank accounts and welfare schemes. The court emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal accessibility to digital services for all citizens.

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

According to Misri's statement, Modi said he could not accept the invitation due to a pre-existing schedule, and invited Trump to visit India for the Quad Summit, likely later this year.

Kamal Haasan's film to be banned in Karnataka if he doesn't apologise

Kamal Haasan's film to be banned in Karnataka if he doesn't apologise

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) said on Thursday that it will not allow the release of Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by May 30 for his controversial remark about the Kannada language.

I will apologise if...: Kamal Haasan on Kannada row

I will apologise if...: Kamal Haasan on Kannada row

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Kamal Haasan stoked a controversy during the audio launch event for his film Thug Life in Chennai, by remarking that Kannada was born out of Tamil.

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people will be affected for the time being.'

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Modi's warning to Pakistan in Kanpuriya lingo draws cheers

Modi's warning to Pakistan in Kanpuriya lingo draws cheers

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the world has seen the power of India's indigenous weapons during Operation Sindoor, which is 'not over yet'.

Op Sindoor biggest, most successful anti-terror mission': Modi

Op Sindoor biggest, most successful anti-terror mission': Modi

Rediff.com31 May 2025

"In Pahalgam, terrorists not only shed the blood of Indians, but also attacked our culture. They tried to divide our society and the biggest thing is that the terrorists have challenged the women power of India," Modi said.

Class 10 students at UP madrassa can't write name in English

Class 10 students at UP madrassa can't write name in English

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

A surprise inspection at a madrassa in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India, has revealed that none of the class 10 students could write their names in English. The district minority welfare officer expressed alarm at the state of education and warned the madrassa of strict action if immediate steps are not taken to improve the quality of education. The madrassa has been asked to focus on subjects other than Arabic and Persian.

MP minister Vijay Shah booked for remarks on Col Qureshi

MP minister Vijay Shah booked for remarks on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Wednesday ordered registration of an FIR against state minister Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks targeted at Colonel Sofia Qureshi.

Mango exports to the US see healthy growth

Mango exports to the US see healthy growth

Rediff.com20 May 2025

India's mango exports to the US are registering healthy growth, and irradiation operations at a key mango treatment facility in Mumbai have been normalised after a brief disruption due to a data recording error earlier this month, an official said on Tuesday. The Mumbai-based irradiation facility, which handles the highest volume of mangoes destined for the US, faced an issue during the irradiation process conducted on May 8 and 9, 2025.

Sports Ministry's directives make IOA uneasy

Sports Ministry's directives make IOA uneasy

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The ministry said the Games Technical Conduct Committee, list of disciplines in the National Games, and eligibility criteria for participants should be communicated to it at least six months prior to the showpiece.

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'The larger and more opaque this shadow economy becomes, especially online, the greater the risk to India's national security.'

Kerala shocker: Police tell Dalit woman to drink water from toilet

Kerala shocker: Police tell Dalit woman to drink water from toilet

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Her claims of being detained overnight at the police station without food or sleep and being asked to drink toilet water by police personnel have sparked widespread outrage.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

MP minister refers to Col Quershi as 'sister of terrorists', apologises

MP minister refers to Col Quershi as 'sister of terrorists', apologises

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Shah has sparked a major controversy with objectionable comments that appeared to be directed at Colonel Sofia Qureshi, whom he tried to project as a 'sister of terrorists'.

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his hardline Hindutva views and 'bulldozer justice' approach, has spoken out about his policies toward Muslims, the Waqf board, and his vision for India. He asserts that Muslims will receive a fair share of development in Uttar Pradesh, but not special concessions. He also criticizes the Waqf board for its alleged appropriation of government properties and calls for its reform. Adityanath defends his 'bulldozer justice' policy, claiming it is necessary for infrastructure development and removal of encroachments. He also discusses his vision for India, emphasizing the importance of Hindi as a national language and the need for unity across different linguistic groups.

Understand satire, but...: Shinde on Kamra's 'gaddar' jab

Understand satire, but...: Shinde on Kamra's 'gaddar' jab

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

"This same person (Kamra) had commented on the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, (journalist) Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone," Shinde said.

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com1 May 2025

United States Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker on Wednesday met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed.

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has stirred controversy by suggesting that members of the "upper castes" should handle the tribal affairs portfolio. Gopi, an actor-turned-politician, argued that true progress in tribal welfare would only be achieved under the leadership of individuals from "upper castes." His comments have been met with widespread criticism, including from CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam and prominent tribal leader C K Janu.

Will SC drop 'secular, socialist' from Preamble?

Will SC drop 'secular, socialist' from Preamble?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday observed the 1976 amendment to the Constitution adding terms 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' to the Preamble underwent judicial reviews and it cannot say whatever Parliament did during the emergency period was all nullity.

Naveen Patnaik becomes BJD president for 9th time

Naveen Patnaik becomes BJD president for 9th time

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who was chosen as the Biju Janata Dal president for the ninth time in a row, on Saturday called upon party workers to expose the alleged false narrative of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Instead of removing Aurangzeb's tomb...: BJP ally

Instead of removing Aurangzeb's tomb...: BJP ally

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Republican Party of India-Athawale leader said that removing Aurangzeb's tomb would not solve anything.

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.

Class 10 student gives birth to baby in Odisha hostel

Class 10 student gives birth to baby in Odisha hostel

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

A class 10 student gave birth to a baby at the hostel of a state-run residential school in Odisha's Malkangiri district, prompting an inquiry. The girl delivered a baby girl on Monday after returning to the hostel following board exams. The headmaster of the school, run by the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Class Welfare Department, said that men are not allowed in the girl's hostel and that the incident suggests a lapse in health worker duties. Both the child and mother are stable. The girl's parents have questioned the school authorities about the pregnancy remaining undetected until labor. A departmental inquiry has been initiated, and a man suspected to be involved has been detained by the police.

Haryana to provide 20% quota for Agniveers in police recruitment

Haryana to provide 20% quota for Agniveers in police recruitment

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the state will provide 20 percent reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment of state police. The move aims to secure the future of Agniveers by providing them with jobs after their service period in the armed forces. This builds upon a previous announcement by the state government to provide a 10 percent reservation for Agniveers in various government positions. The state government is also offering various other benefits for Agniveers, including financial assistance, job training, and priority in obtaining gun licenses.

BJP States Go All Out With Populist Schemes

BJP States Go All Out With Populist Schemes

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

Several BJP-backed state governments have unveiled schemes targeting the poor, women, farmers and students, following the party's setback in the Lok Sabha polls.

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras announced that his Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) is no longer part of the BJP-led NDA, citing the alliance's support for his estranged nephew Chirag Paswan. Paras also accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of being "anti-Dalit" and demanded a Bharat Ratna for his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan, calling him the "second Ambedkar."

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Citing evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, he said that the civil service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant.

Internet suspended in Bengal town rocked by violence over Waqf

Internet suspended in Bengal town rocked by violence over Waqf

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The situation in Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which was marred by incidents of violence following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, was calm and peaceful on Wednesday with no reports of any untoward incident. Prohibitory orders were clamped in and around Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas and large police force deployed in all sensitive areas of the district, especially in and around Jangipur town, where a large number of people had assembled on Tuesday afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of the legislation. Internet connectivity remained suspended within the areas under the Jangipur sub-division to prevent the spread of any disinformation. Protestors, who had gathered in large numbers on the NH-12 in the Jangipur area to protest against the Waqf Bill, hurled stones at the police who were deployed in the area, on Tuesday afternoon. A couple of vehicles belonging to the police were allegedly torched during the protest and police had to resort to lathi-charge and use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. A few policemen were injured in the stone pelting. Police have also detained a few people in connection with the incident. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose condemned the incident and said attempts to disturb the law and order situation in the state "should be put down with an iron hand". The opposition BJP alleged that the law and order situation in the state was "crumbling" under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was busy with "minority appeasement". The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. The Act aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare. It also seeks to improve governance by enhancing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities and protecting stakeholders' rights.

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Caste census: Opposition parties claim victory

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

As the Centre announced the inclusion of caste enumeration in the next census on Wednesday, opposition parties said it is a victory for their long-standing demand and sought time-bound implementation.

ISRO Forecast Signals Record Wheat Harvest

ISRO Forecast Signals Record Wheat Harvest

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

ISRO has projected wheat production of 122.24 million tonnes.

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) remains on high alert along the International Border (IB) and has not let its guard down, BSF Inspector General, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand said on Tuesday. Operation Sindoor, aimed at preventing infiltration attempts, continues as Pakistan cannot be trusted, he added. Anand highlighted the BSF's robust response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, including destroying multiple terror launch pads and thwarting infiltration attempts.

Cong's policies encouraged Naxalism for decades: Modi

Cong's policies encouraged Naxalism for decades: Modi

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Modi said the situation is rapidly changing and a new era of peace is setting in Naxal-affected areas.

Why Are Child TB Cases Rising?

Why Are Child TB Cases Rising?

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Children below the age of 15 years account for about 10 to 12 per cent of India's overall TB burden.

SC cancels bail of 13 accused in child trafficking cases, raps HC

SC cancels bail of 13 accused in child trafficking cases, raps HC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance against child trafficking rackets, canceling the bail granted to 13 accused and criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government for its inaction. The court expressed concern over the rising number of trafficking cases and the changing patterns of the crime. It also directed the state to ensure trafficked children are admitted to schools and receive support for their education.

Will Gehlot's welfare schemes help Congress buck trend in Rajasthan?

Will Gehlot's welfare schemes help Congress buck trend in Rajasthan?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2023

With no apparent wave on the ground or pressing everyday issues, that's what it boils down for voters as Rajasthan readies for assembly polls this week.