News for 'chief secretary'

Reporter Jailed for Reports Against UP Hospital Officials

Reporter Jailed for Reports Against UP Hospital Officials

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A journalist in Uttar Pradesh was arrested and jailed for allegedly publishing misleading reports against hospital officials, leading to accusations of a crackdown on press freedom.

Kerala Minister's Wife Drops Complaint Against Him After Apology

Kerala Minister's Wife Drops Complaint Against Him After Apology

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The wife of Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar has dropped her complaint against him after he apologised, providing relief to the ruling LDF ahead of upcoming elections. However, the Congress party is demanding the minister's resignation, arguing the issue is not easily settled.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

Sivagiri Mutt Head Calls for Equal Political Representation for Backward Communities in Kerala

Sivagiri Mutt Head Calls for Equal Political Representation for Backward Communities in Kerala

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Satchidananda has voiced concerns over the lack of adequate representation for backward communities in elections by political parties in Kerala, India. He also welcomed the Kerala High Court decision disqualifying the leadership of the SNDP Yogam.

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Mark my words...: Iran FM's warning after US sinks Iranian warship

Mark my words...: Iran FM's warning after US sinks Iranian warship

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Iran threatens retaliation after the United States confirms sinking its warship, IRIS Dena, in international waters, escalating conflict in the region.

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.

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is set to enter politics, with a formal announcement expected from the JD(U). Party leaders express enthusiasm and anticipate a significant role for Nishant within the party.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resign, citing hypocrisy in Shah's call for 'clean politics' given his past arrest. Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission and defended his party's record.

Sri Lanka recovers bodies of 80 Iranian sailors killed in US strike

Sri Lanka recovers bodies of 80 Iranian sailors killed in US strike

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 Iranian sailors from a sinking naval ship off the southern coast, while also recovering several bodies. The incident occurred outside Sri Lankan waters but within its search and rescue zone.

India Coach Gautam Gambhir Dedicates T20 World Cup Victory To These Two Greats

India Coach Gautam Gambhir Dedicates T20 World Cup Victory To These Two Greats

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Head coach Gautam Gambhir dedicated India's T20 World Cup victory to Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman.

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'We will give Rs 25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself.'

Zubeen's secretary, fest organiser among 4 booked for murder

Zubeen's secretary, fest organiser among 4 booked for murder

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The celebrated singer died under mysterious circumstances in Singapore on September 19 while swimming in the sea. He had gone to that country to attend the 4th edition of the North East India Festival (NEIF).

Saumya Chaurasia Gets Bail in Liquor Scam Cases

Saumya Chaurasia Gets Bail in Liquor Scam Cases

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted bail to Saumya Chaurasia, a former deputy secretary in the CMO, in two cases related to the alleged liquor scam that occurred during the previous Congress government.

Saumya Chaurasia Gets Bail in Liquor Scam Cases

Saumya Chaurasia Gets Bail in Liquor Scam Cases

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted bail to Saumya Chaurasia, a former deputy secretary in the CMO, in two cases related to the alleged liquor scam being investigated by the ED and EOW.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Agarkar's Big Calls Shape India's White-Ball Success

Agarkar's Big Calls Shape India's White-Ball Success

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Ajit Agarkar's tenure as India's chief selector has been defined by bold decisions, tough calls and India reaching multiple ICC finals during his three-year stint.

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures that the Indian government is prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iran-Israel conflict and disruptions in Dubai, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The West Bengal government has filed FIRs against five state government employees for alleged lapses in electoral roll revisions, following an Election Commission ultimatum. The action comes after the EC directed the state to initiate criminal cases against the accused for adding fictitious names to voter lists.

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Kerala has strongly criticised the state government's Public Relations Department (PRD) for publishing advertisements in major newspapers that highlight alleged shortcomings of the previous Oommen Chandy administration, accusing the government of misusing public funds for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.

Panel probing Justice Varma cash row reconstituted; gets extension

Panel probing Justice Varma cash row reconstituted; gets extension

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted a three-member committee to investigate the potential removal of Justice Yashwant Varma following the recovery of cash from his residence. The committee has been granted a three-month extension.

'Trump administration will use new laws to replace IEEPA tariffs'

'Trump administration will use new laws to replace IEEPA tariffs'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Trump administration will use "alternative legal authorities" to enforce tariffs on the countries, assuring that the tariff revenue will remain unchanged.

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Centre has directed the NCERT to review all textbooks after the Supreme Court raised concerns about 'offending' content on corruption in the judiciary in a Class 8 social science book.

15 Naxalites, Including Key Leader, Surrender in Chhattisgarh

15 Naxalites, Including Key Leader, Surrender in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Fifteen Naxalites, including a Special Zonal Committee-level member, surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district, marking a significant development in the state's efforts to combat Naxalism.

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of 'serious action' if directions are defied in any form.

Bomb Thrown at Kerala Student Activist's House After Minister's Injury

Bomb Thrown at Kerala Student Activist's House After Minister's Injury

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Unidentified individuals attacked the residence of a KSU activist in Kerala with an explosive device, following his arrest related to a protest where the Health Minister was allegedly injured.

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

An NSUI leader has filed an FIR alleging assault and threats by aides of a BJP legislator near the Rajasthan Assembly, prompting condemnation and calls for investigation.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

If the conflict continues for a prolonged period, State-run oil companies may have to review retail fuel prices accordingly.

Bomb Thrown at Kerala Student Activist's House After Minister Protest

Bomb Thrown at Kerala Student Activist's House After Minister Protest

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Unidentified individuals attacked the residence of a KSU activist in Kerala with an explosive device, following his arrest related to a protest where the Health Minister was allegedly injured.

Karur stampede: CBI grills TVK chief Vijay for 6 hrs; no fresh summons

Karur stampede: CBI grills TVK chief Vijay for 6 hrs; no fresh summons

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

TVK chief Vijay was questioned by the CBI for six hours in connection with the Karur stampede case. The investigation is ongoing, with the CBI gathering evidence and analyzing statements to determine responsibility.

Farooq Abdullah Calls for Dialogue Amid Escalating West Asia Violence

Farooq Abdullah Calls for Dialogue Amid Escalating West Asia Violence

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has voiced his concern over the escalating violence in West Asia, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives.

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that it is premature to comment on the tariff changes announced by the United States, adding that the commerce ministry is currently reviewing the situation.

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The vessel sank on March 4, 2026, approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle, after reportedly being struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine.

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister's announcement regarding the disbursement of financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankranti has triggered a controversy, with the Opposition alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of municipal elections. The State Election Commission has sought a report on the matter.

'Our finest hour': J&K celebrates Ranji Trophy triumph

'Our finest hour': J&K celebrates Ranji Trophy triumph

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Political parties and residents in Jammu and Kashmir celebrate the Union territory's Ranji team's first-ever title win, praising the team's resilience and unity.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The BJP protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, slammed the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, calling them "traitors" for allegedly tarnishing the nation's image.

Indian officials to visit US for trade deal finalisation

Indian officials to visit US for trade deal finalisation

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Indian officials will visit the US to finalise the legal text for an interim trade agreement, expected to be signed in March, focusing on duty concessions and reciprocal tariffs.