News for 'chief secretary'

Buzz over AIADMK, DMK joining hands to stop Vijay

Buzz over AIADMK, DMK joining hands to stop Vijay

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Political circles in Tamil Nadu are rife with speculation about a potential alliance between rivals DMK and AIADMK to prevent the TVK from forming a government. This comes after the Congress party joined forces with TVK, further complicating the political landscape.

If AIADMK joins TVK govt...: CPI-M's warning to Vijay

If AIADMK joins TVK govt...: CPI-M's warning to Vijay

Rediff.com19 May 2026

CPI-M state secretary P Shanmugam said that the party will reconsider its support to the TVK government if it accommodates the rebel faction of the AIADMK in the Cabinet.

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) leadership, led by President Chintan Parikh and Secretary General Sunder Iyer, has pledged to prioritise player welfare, transparent governance, and athlete representation if given a full term. They aim to transform Indian tennis by addressing past administrative issues and fostering a player-centric environment.

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.

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.

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a US team is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, following an earlier Indian delegation's visit to Washington, DC, in April to finalise an interim pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral trade agreement.

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Rediff.com30 May 2026

British Sikh groups are cautioning against calls to ban the kirpan in the UK following the murder conviction of a man who claimed to carry the knife for religious reasons, arguing that it unfairly targets the entire community.

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.

BJP Punjab Chief: Attack Won't Deter Resolve to Build 'New Punjab'

BJP Punjab Chief: Attack Won't Deter Resolve to Build 'New Punjab'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

BJP's Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar asserts the party's commitment to building a 'new Punjab' despite recent attacks, highlighting key issues like drug abuse and governance failures in the state.

Eid prayers to be held in mosques, Eidgahs in UP; multiple shifts likely

Eid prayers to be held in mosques, Eidgahs in UP; multiple shifts likely

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Amid a debate triggered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent remarks on offering namaz in public places, several Muslim clerics have said that Eid-ul-Azha prayers would be offered inside mosques and Eidgahs as in previous years, and, if required, arrangements could be made for multiple prayer shifts.

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Zolqadr's appointment comes through a presidential decree, endorsed by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Haryana government has approved expenditure of 1,028 crore for various projects across multiple departments, including police housing, public works, and irrigation, aiming to enhance infrastructure and public services in the state.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'When I asked Suvendu about the news that Didi was going to fight in his constituency, he said, 'Aami okhaney lorbo aar okhaney okey harabo (I will contest from there and defeat her there)' This was his comment while we were standing on the truck doing our roadshow.'

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.

AIADMK stares at split, 30 rebel MLAs support Vijay's TVK

AIADMK stares at split, 30 rebel MLAs support Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A faction of the AIADMK, led by S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, has announced its support for the TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, citing opposition to Edappadi K Palaniswami's alleged plans to align with the DMK.

Jolt to Vijay as AIADMK refuses to back TVK in govt formation

Jolt to Vijay as AIADMK refuses to back TVK in govt formation

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The AIADMK has stated it will not support the TVK in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, dismissing reports of a potential post-poll alliance.

Mahesh Joshi Arrested In Jal Jeevan Mission Scam: All You Need To Know

Mahesh Joshi Arrested In Jal Jeevan Mission Scam: All You Need To Know

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi has been arrested in connection with the alleged Rs 960-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam. The arrest follows that of a retired IAS officer and involves accusations of misuse of power and bribery.

Jharkhand Opposition Leader Alleges Sexual Exploitation In Prisons

Jharkhand Opposition Leader Alleges Sexual Exploitation In Prisons

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Jharkhand's Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has accused officials of sexual exploitation of women in the state's prisons, alleging that the administration is trying to bury the evidence and shield those involved.

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.

10-yr-old raped, brutally killed in TN; CM Vijay vows action

10-yr-old raped, brutally killed in TN; CM Vijay vows action

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Political leaders in Tamil Nadu, including TTV Dhinakaran and Anbumani Ramadoss, have strongly condemned the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore district. Two people have been reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

14 first-time ministers to be inducted in Satheesan cabinet

14 first-time ministers to be inducted in Satheesan cabinet

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate, V D Satheesan, has announced his new ministerial team, emphasising social and regional balance within the coalition. Senior leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan are set to be inducted, with Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan nominated as Speaker.

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

Vijay's minister forgets election certificate, MLA submits wrong one

Vijay's minister forgets election certificate, MLA submits wrong one

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Minister S Keerthana was unable to take her oath of office as an MLA in the State Assembly because she did not present her Certificate of Election, a necessary document for the oath-taking process.

Kerala UDF victory loses sheen amid CM decision delay

Kerala UDF victory loses sheen amid CM decision delay

Rediff.com13 May 2026

An IUML MLA has stated that the delay in the Congress party's decision on who should be the Chief Minister of Kerala has diminished the UDF's victory and is making it difficult for workers and MLAs to engage with the public.

Three church leaders killed in suspected militant attack in Manipur

Three church leaders killed in suspected militant attack in Manipur

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Three people were killed and four others injured in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The victims were members of the Thadou Baptist Association returning from a religious gathering. The Chief Minister has condemned the violence and assured support for the injured.

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Fresh political friction has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was once again played third during an official ceremony. This marks the third consecutive occasion where the Tamil anthem has been placed third in the protocol order, triggering fresh criticism and political reactions across the state regarding the government's failure to uphold regional ceremonial traditions.

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, accompanied by party leaders, met with the Communist Party of India leaders at the CPI office in Chennai on Thursday, to garner the support for making goverment in Tamil Nadu.

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Events from mid-2025 to early 2026 exposed deeper systemic concerns for India's aviation safety architecture.

Tata Sons Dilemma: To List Or Not To List

Tata Sons Dilemma: To List Or Not To List

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The upcoming Tata Sons board meeting in June could possibly throw some light on several critical issues that may have a bearing on the future of the corporate behemoth.

Fifth Arrest In Odisha Lynching Case; Victims Want Release Of Accused

Fifth Arrest In Odisha Lynching Case; Victims Want Release Of Accused

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Police in Odisha have made a fifth arrest in connection with the lynching of a man accused of attempted sexual assault. The victims, however, are requesting the release of those arrested, claiming they saved their lives.

Bangladesh forms committee to investigate 2026 T20 World Cup withdrawal

Bangladesh forms committee to investigate 2026 T20 World Cup withdrawal

Rediff.com11 May 2026

According to the media reports, the committee will examine the reasons behind the decision not to play the tournament and determine if there were any diplomatic or strategic failures involved.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The BJP has won the repoll to Bengal's Falta Assembly seat with a significant margin, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. The TMC's candidate slipped to fourth place and forfeited his deposit in what was once considered a TMC stronghold.

NCSC Investigates Mamata Banerjee's Alleged Derogatory Remarks

NCSC Investigates Mamata Banerjee's Alleged Derogatory Remarks

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a video clip allegedly showing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee using derogatory language against the SC community during an election rally.

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF has swept back to power in Kerala, sparking celebrations and discussions about forming the new government. Senior leaders are vying for the Chief Minister's post, while the defeated CPI(M)-led LDF grapples with the reasons for their loss after 10 years in power.

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each.

Ashwini Bhide becomes BMC's 1st woman commissioner

Ashwini Bhide becomes BMC's 1st woman commissioner

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Senior IAS officer Ashwini Bhide has been appointed as the first woman commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).