News for 'central forces'

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the West Bengal government's handling of an incident in Malda district where judicial officers were allegedly attacked. The BJP has accused the TMC of orchestrating the event to obstruct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and protect Rohingyas.

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

Rediff.com7 days ago

The BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal has not merely redrawn the electoral map but overturned the operating logic of politics in the state, breaching the TMC's entrenched fortress despite a decade-and-a-half of dominance, minority consolidation, and a sustained "outsider" narrative.

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the 'hostage' situation involving seven judicial officials in West Bengal's Malda district, demanding explanations from state officials and authorising the Election Commission to seek a CBI or NIA probe.

RPF Arrests Nine Women Over Dacoity Plot On Train

RPF Arrests Nine Women Over Dacoity Plot On Train

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Central Railway has arrested nine women for allegedly planning to commit dacoity on board the Siddheshwar Express in Maharashtra.

Enforcement Directorate Searches Ex-Minister's Residence in School Jobs Scam

Enforcement Directorate Searches Ex-Minister's Residence in School Jobs Scam

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at the residence of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the school jobs scam. This follows his release on bail after being arrested in 2022.

Anil Deshmukh Demands Death Penalty In Pune Sexual Assault Case

Anil Deshmukh Demands Death Penalty In Pune Sexual Assault Case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh demands the death penalty for the accused in the sexual assault and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune district. He also criticises the state and central governments for delays in implementing the Shakti Act to curb sexual crimes.

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'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.'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.

EVMs Secured In Tamil Nadu After Assembly Election

EVMs Secured In Tamil Nadu After Assembly Election

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Following the conclusion of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, election commission officials have transferred the sealed EVMs, VVPATs, and other election materials to secure strong rooms at designated counting centres throughout the state.

Drones fired at warship, US troops retreat, claims Iran

Drones fired at warship, US troops retreat, claims Iran

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Tensions escalate between Iran and the US following an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman, with both sides trading accusations over maritime security and ceasefire violations.

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com7 days ago

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

Massive Drug Seizure: Meth Tablets Recovered In Mizoram

Massive Drug Seizure: Meth Tablets Recovered In Mizoram

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Mizoram police and Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 38.7 crore in Champhai district, bordering Myanmar, arresting three individuals including a Myanmar national.

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders and defended the 'Jai Bangla' slogan.

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com5 days ago

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian ship amid naval blockade

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian ship amid naval blockade

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command confirmed that the USS Rafael Peralta intercepted an Iranian-flagged ship, enforcing a maritime blockade against Iran. The US military is prepared to resume major combat operations if ordered by the President.

38 ships turned back as US tightens Iran blockade; Tehran rushes to Moscow

38 ships turned back as US tightens Iran blockade; Tehran rushes to Moscow

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that American forces are maintaining a strict maritime restrictive operation in the region, continuing to enforce a blockade against Iranian ports.

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

Rediff.com17 hours ago

The central bank is yet to consider actions such as a rate hike or mobilising dollar inflows from non-resident Indians to boost forex reserves as it cannot afford to continue with them for long when the rupee's internationalisation tops its agenda, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the acquittal of ten accused in the 2010 Tadmetla Maoist attack case, citing lack of direct evidence and procedural lapses in the investigation.

Four-year-old girl raped and murdered in Pune, 65-year-old labourer held

Four-year-old girl raped and murdered in Pune, 65-year-old labourer held

Rediff.com2 May 2026

A four-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and murdered allegedly by a 65-year-old labourer with a criminal background, who has been arrested amid outrage and protest over the incident in Maharashtra's Pune district, the police said on Saturday.

2 ships hit by gunfire in Strait of Hormuz, crews safe

2 ships hit by gunfire in Strait of Hormuz, crews safe

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Tensions escalate as Iranian forces attack a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz after Trump announced the ceasefire extension.

US releases video of Marines boarding Iranian vessel

US releases video of Marines boarding Iranian vessel

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

US Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage of a maritime operation where Marines boarded an Iranian-flagged vessel, the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman, leading to heightened tensions and threats of retaliation from Iran.

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian tanker amid Hormuz tensions

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian tanker amid Hormuz tensions

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The American warship stopped the tanker "after it attempted to sail to an Iranian port," according to a statement released by CENTCOM.

TMC, BJP face off in Bengal; 3-way battle in Tamil Nadu

TMC, BJP face off in Bengal; 3-way battle in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced for the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote in 152 constituencies in Bengal and 5.73 crore voters in Tamil Nadu. Security measures are heightened to ensure free and fair polling.

BonV Aero and ParaZero Join Forces to Enhance India's Drone Defence Systems

BonV Aero and ParaZero Join Forces to Enhance India's Drone Defence Systems

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Odisha-based BonV Aero has partnered with ParaZero Technologies to introduce advanced counter-drone systems to India's defence and security agencies, offering a kinetic solution to neutralise hostile drones.

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist with experience in government, the private sector, and electoral politics, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, tasked with strengthening India's reform trajectory and policy-making.

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com5 days ago

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

VHP Demands Action Against Radical Networks Amid Delhi Attack Claims

VHP Demands Action Against Radical Networks Amid Delhi Attack Claims

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has alleged a rise in targeted attacks on Hindus in Delhi, demanding a high-level review and the formation of a special task force to counter radical networks.

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

Rediff.com7 days ago

The BJP achieved a clean sweep in nine districts of West Bengal, securing all 68 seats in these regions during the recent election. This victory marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule and establishing the BJP's dominance.

Punjab On High Alert After Amritsar, Jalandhar Blasts

Punjab On High Alert After Amritsar, Jalandhar Blasts

Rediff.com6 days ago

Punjab is on high alert following two explosions in Amritsar and Jalandhar. Police suspect the involvement of Pakistan's ISI in the Amritsar blast, while the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLF) has claimed responsibility for the Jalandhar explosion. Investigations are underway.

Lukkhe Review: Familiar Drugs And Deceit Tale

Lukkhe Review: Familiar Drugs And Deceit Tale

Rediff.com4 days ago

Lukkhe plunges into Chandigarh's dark underbelly, exploring a drug epidemic, political corruption, and a burgeoning rap scene, though its narrative often feels like a familiar crime drama, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Bengal panchayat polls: Cong, govt employees demand more central forces

Bengal panchayat polls: Cong, govt employees demand more central forces

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

The State Election Commission on Friday informed the Calcutta high court that it has requisitioned 822 companies of central forces for the July 8 panchayat polls in West Bengal.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

ED Revisits Partha Chatterjee's Home in School Jobs Scam Investigation

ED Revisits Partha Chatterjee's Home in School Jobs Scam Investigation

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Enforcement Directorate officials conducted a raid at the Kolkata residence of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the ongoing school jobs recruitment scam investigation.

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee's defeat in West Bengal marks a significant turning point in her political career, challenging her ability to rebuild and regain influence after a long period of dominance.

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Rediff.com1 days ago

This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.

Trump rejects Iran's offer, says blockade to remain until.....

Trump rejects Iran's offer, says blockade to remain until.....

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump in an exclusive interview to Axios on Wednesday, said that he would continue to keep the naval blockade until Iran agrees to deal with the United States by addressing America's concerns about the nuclear programme.