News for 'Welfare State'

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Addressing the 36th extraordinary session of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held on Thursday in London, the Indian envoy said, "India remains deeply concerned about the evolving situation and continues to call for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy, with utmost restraint and priority being given to the safety of civilians."

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP's 47th Foundation Day, highlighting the Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election' as key unfinished agendas. He also reaffirmed the party's commitment to implementing women's reservation in the 2029 elections and criticised dynastic politics.

Haryana Boosts Anti-Narcotics Efforts with New Tech and Coordination

Haryana Boosts Anti-Narcotics Efforts with New Tech and Coordination

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Haryana is strengthening its anti-narcotics framework with an integrated and technology-driven roadmap, focusing on increased enforcement, inter-state coordination, and financial disruption of drug networks.

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has refused to relocate despite receiving information about a possible attack on his residence amid ongoing unrest in the Garo Hills region, appealing for peace and dialogue.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Misusing Institutions and Fueling Communal Discord

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Misusing Institutions and Fueling Communal Discord

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of misusing democratic institutions and stoking communal discord in Bengal, criticising their 'double engine' governance model.

Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP Over Electoral Roll Deletions

Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP Over Electoral Roll Deletions

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP government of conspiring against Indian citizens by deleting names from electoral rolls and diverting attention from core issues.

From field to politics: How sportspersons fare in Indian politics

From field to politics: How sportspersons fare in Indian politics

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A look at the careers of Indian sportspersons who have transitioned into politics, highlighting their successes, failures, and party affiliations.

Indian National Injured, No Fatalities in Saudi Arabia Projectile Strike

Indian National Injured, No Fatalities in Saudi Arabia Projectile Strike

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has confirmed that an Indian national was injured but no fatalities occurred in a projectile incident in Saudi Arabia. The injured individual is receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Karnataka unveils draft policy to address digital addiction in students

Karnataka unveils draft policy to address digital addiction in students

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Karnataka government has introduced a draft policy to address the growing concerns surrounding excessive and unsafe digital technology use among students, focusing on mental health, cyber safety, and responsible digital behaviour.

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and working to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. Over 52,000 Indians have returned home following the partial opening of airspace.

Why Did Soha Ali Khan Meet Devendra Fadnavis?

Why Did Soha Ali Khan Meet Devendra Fadnavis?

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Soha Ali Khan's visit to the Maharashtra government headquarters in Mumbai sparked speculation about her podcast guests and involvement in a public health initiative.

Man dies in RG Kar hospital lift; political blame game begins

Man dies in RG Kar hospital lift; political blame game begins

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A man died after becoming trapped in a lift at a Kolkata hospital, leading to accusations of negligence and corruption against the state government.

'Keralites Accept BJP As A Mainstream Contender For Power'

'Keralites Accept BJP As A Mainstream Contender For Power'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'

Modi speaks to Iran's President Pezeshkian as West Asia tensions escalate

Modi speaks to Iran's President Pezeshkian as West Asia tensions escalate

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the escalating tensions in West Asia, emphasising the safety of Indian nationals and the need for regional stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The construction of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in West Bengal's Murshidabad district has become a focal point in the upcoming elections, reshaping voter loyalties and raising communal tensions.

Nand Kishore Yadav Takes Office as Nagaland's New Governor

Nand Kishore Yadav Takes Office as Nagaland's New Governor

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Nand Kishore Yadav has been sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland, succeeding Ajay Kumar Bhalla. He pledged to uphold the Constitution, promote development, and preserve the state's cultural heritage.

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Rajya Sabha, detailing India's strategies to navigate the global energy crisis sparked by the West Asia conflict, including securing diverse energy sources and expanding strategic oil reserves.

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the impact of the West Asia conflict on India's food, energy, and fuel security with senior cabinet ministers. The meeting follows previous discussions and concerns raised about global energy crises and supply chain disruptions.

Nadda Alleges West Bengal Government Sheltering Infiltrators, Threatening Original Inhabitants

Nadda Alleges West Bengal Government Sheltering Infiltrators, Threatening Original Inhabitants

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister JP Nadda accuses the West Bengal government of sheltering infiltrators, leading to demographic changes and hindering development.

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Lakhs of transgender people's identities will get erased. Many of them will go into hiding and lead depressing lives.'

Bengaluru Operation Nets 124 Illegal Immigrants from Bangladesh

Bengaluru Operation Nets 124 Illegal Immigrants from Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Bengaluru police detained 124 Bangladeshi nationals, including men, women, and children, for allegedly residing illegally in the city. The individuals were taken into custody following a special operation conducted by the Central Crime Branch.

Usha Vijayan Dismisses Sabotage Claims, Focuses on UDF Unity

Usha Vijayan Dismisses Sabotage Claims, Focuses on UDF Unity

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

UDF candidate Usha Vijayan addresses allegations of internal sabotage within the Congress party, asserting that such claims will only strengthen the UDF alliance ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

Government Employee in Madhya Pradesh Nabbed for Alleged Bribery in School Toilet Repair Funds Case

Government Employee in Madhya Pradesh Nabbed for Alleged Bribery in School Toilet Repair Funds Case

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A government employee in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani district was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe to release funds for the repair of a girls' toilet at a school.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The unregulated marketing has to stop. People are getting recommendations for this from gym trainers, from marriage counsellors -- that is simply unacceptable.' ''There are many ways to lose weight -- eat less, fast, exercise, eat healthy. That is how you lose weight.'

TMC to Connect with Voters in SC/ST-Majority Areas

TMC to Connect with Voters in SC/ST-Majority Areas

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced a 60-day mass outreach program targeting Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe-majority assembly constituencies in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of depriving the state of funds and disrespecting marginalized communities.

Women's cash scheme alone won't win polls: Cong leader takes swipe at DMK

Women's cash scheme alone won't win polls: Cong leader takes swipe at DMK

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Senior Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty has questioned the DMK's flagship women's assistance scheme, suggesting it's superstitious to believe it alone will ensure electoral success, citing examples of similar schemes failing to secure victories for other parties.

Haryana CM Saini Denies Opposition's Pension Cancellation Claims

Haryana CM Saini Denies Opposition's Pension Cancellation Claims

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has refuted claims by the opposition regarding the cancellation of old-age pensions, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He assured that the government is verifying discrepancies to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive pensions and highlighted the increase in pension amounts and the number of beneficiaries under the current regime.

CAG Report Exposes Overcrowding and Poor Facilities in Punjab Prisons

CAG Report Exposes Overcrowding and Poor Facilities in Punjab Prisons

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report has revealed significant issues within Punjab's jail system, including overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and poor medical facilities.

Maharashtra Man Nabbed for Posing as Official and Defrauding Women

Maharashtra Man Nabbed for Posing as Official and Defrauding Women

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A man from Beed, Maharashtra, has been arrested for allegedly posing as a government official and defrauding women by promising them benefits under various government schemes. The accused used the money to fund his alcohol addiction.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'The AIADMK and DMK have 75% of the total votes. 25% of the voters do not support the two majors,' says DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai.

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been actively involved in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the outbreak of war, ensuring the safety of Pakistani citizens in affected regions.

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

IRGC said vessels seeking to sail through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iran's approval; otherwise, they could become targets of Iranian attacks.

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government has formed a committee on responsible AI to develop a framework for the safe, ethical, and transparent adoption of AI across government systems and public services.

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are opposing the government's directive to offer 60% of seats for free selection, arguing it will lead to increased airfares to compensate for lost revenue.

Meghalaya CM Refuses to Relocate Despite Threat to Residence

Meghalaya CM Refuses to Relocate Despite Threat to Residence

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma addresses security concerns and appeals for peace amid unrest in the Garo Hills region following clashes during local elections.

Arunachal Pradesh Launches Child Rights Awareness Initiative for Child-Friendly Environment

Arunachal Pradesh Launches Child Rights Awareness Initiative for Child-Friendly Environment

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Arunachal Pradesh Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul launched a child rights awareness initiative to promote a safe, child-friendly environment across the state. The initiative includes pamphlets educating children, parents, and teachers on key child protection laws.