News for 'chief secretary'

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Balbir Punj, a former Rajya Sabha MP, journalist, and BJP leader, has died at the age of 76. Tributes have poured in from prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, recognising his contributions to the party and the world of media.

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Rape Bill

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Rape Bill

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged BJP candidate Ratna Debnath to appeal to PM Modi to ensure the Aparajita Bill, aimed at time-bound punishment for rape convicts, is enacted.

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has voiced concern over a 'new type of fraud' involving individuals from dominant upper-caste backgrounds in Haryana converting to Buddhism solely to claim minority reservation benefits. The court has sought a report from the chief secretary of Haryana on the issuance of minority certificates.

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.

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.

Family seeks CBI probe in suicide case implicating ex-minister

Family seeks CBI probe in suicide case implicating ex-minister

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The wife of a state employee who allegedly committed suicide due to harassment by ex-minister Laljit Singh Bhullar is demanding a CBI probe into his death. The deceased, Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, claimed harassment in a video before his death.

IPL ticket scam? Valid pass holders stopped at Delhi stadium

IPL ticket scam? Valid pass holders stopped at Delhi stadium

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Delhi and District Cricket Association director has alleged that valid ticket-holders are being denied access to IPL matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium due to fraudulent duplicate tickets, a claim disputed by the DDCA's leadership.

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Aparajita Bill

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Aparajita Bill

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged BJP candidate Ratna Debnath to appeal to PM Modi to ensure the Aparajita Bill, which aims for time-bound punishment for rape convicts, is enacted. Banerjee criticised the BJP's stance on women's safety and highlighted the TMC government's prompt action in a previous rape-murder case.

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has attached properties worth Rs 4 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi, an accused in a coal levy scam, for allegedly amassing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following the emergence of an alleged video of Humayun Kabir, purportedly claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Delhi High Court Orders Action Plan For Open Correctional Facilities

Delhi High Court Orders Action Plan For Open Correctional Facilities

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed city authorities to develop a strategy for implementing the Supreme Court's directives on open correctional institutions, focusing on identifying prisoners suitable for transfer.

MP Government Establishes Committee to Oversee Gas and Oil Supply Amid Global Concerns

MP Government Establishes Committee to Oversee Gas and Oil Supply Amid Global Concerns

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has formed a committee to monitor gas and oil supplies amid concerns over the West Asia crisis, assuring citizens that there are adequate stocks and no need to panic. The government is also working to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens from Gulf countries.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

TMC seeks probe into Humayun Kabir video, alleges BJP conspiracy

TMC seeks probe into Humayun Kabir video, alleges BJP conspiracy

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has shared a purported video of Humayun Kabir, alleging a BJP conspiracy to influence the West Bengal elections. The video claims Kabir discussed strategies to divert minority votes and received funds for the plan. The BJP has denied the allegations, while Kabir claims the video is AI-generated and threatens legal action.

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh has launched India's first quantum reference facility, aiming to build a sovereign hardware ecosystem and boost indigenous manufacturing of advanced computing systems.

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker reject opposition notices to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing insufficient grounds.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged voters in Murshidabad to support the TMC as the only way to defeat the BJP, claiming that other parties are indirectly aiding the BJP's influence.

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders for their reaction to the 'Jai Bangla' slogan and accused the BJP of failing to act on its promise to develop the Sagar islands.

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Authorities in Chhattisgarh have attached properties worth Rs 4 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi, an accused in the coal levy scam, for allegedly amassing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Rivals of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Rivals of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee addressed a rally in Murshidabad, accusing political rivals of working for the BJP and promising to restore voting rights to disenfranchised citizens if his party returns to power.

Randhawa Family Demands Arrest of Ex-Minister Bhullar in Suicide Case

Randhawa Family Demands Arrest of Ex-Minister Bhullar in Suicide Case

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The family of a warehousing corporation official who allegedly committed suicide after accusing former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar of harassment has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Punjab government to arrest him.

Not blocking Strait of Hormuz, clarifies US

Not blocking Strait of Hormuz, clarifies US

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States has clarified that its naval blockade in West Asia targets Iranian ports and coastline, not the Strait of Hormuz, applying to all ships regardless of nationality. US officials warned Iran against threatening commercial ships and hinted at ceasefire negotiations as an alternative.

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has requested the Centre to direct ZEE5 to halt the airing of the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing a significant risk to public order and potential influence on youth towards criminal activities.

Why Noida's Industrial Hub Erupted In Protest

Why Noida's Industrial Hub Erupted In Protest

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'Workers are being pushed into 12- to 14-hour shifts under poor conditions. These largely leaderless protests are likely to continue.'

'Distasteful': Actor Trisha slams TN BJP chief's Vijay remark

'Distasteful': Actor Trisha slams TN BJP chief's Vijay remark

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan issues a strong response to 'inappropriate' comments made by a BJP leader, asserting her neutral political stance amidst controversy linking her to actor Vijay.

'Distasteful': Actor Trisha slams TN BJP chief's Vijay remark

'Distasteful': Actor Trisha slams TN BJP chief's Vijay remark

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan issues a strong response to 'inappropriate' comments made by a BJP leader, asserting her neutral political stance amidst controversy linking her to actor Vijay.

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The TMC has dismissed reports of I-PAC suspending operations in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of conspiring to disrupt the party's election campaign through intimidation. Mamata Banerjee has offered jobs to I-PAC employees if they are forced out.

Bai Hirabai Trust to move for alteration of restrictive clauses on trustee eligibility: Tata Trusts

Bai Hirabai Trust to move for alteration of restrictive clauses on trustee eligibility: Tata Trusts

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Tata Trusts announced that the trustees of the Bai Hirabai Trust will initiate proceedings to alter restrictive clauses in its trust deed, specifically those prohibiting non-Zoroastrians from serving as trustees. This decision follows a challenge by former trustee Mehli Mistry regarding the appointments of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh, who allegedly did not meet the original Parsi Zoroastrian faith and residency criteria.

RSS files police complaints against Kharge over Assam remarks

RSS files police complaints against Kharge over Assam remarks

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The RSS has filed police complaints against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly comparing the organisation and the BJP to a 'poisonous snake' during an election rally in Assam.

Ramesh Chennithala Confident of UDF Victory in Kerala Elections

Ramesh Chennithala Confident of UDF Victory in Kerala Elections

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala expresses confidence in the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly elections, attributing it to Rahul Gandhi's leadership and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment.

Why Dushyant Chautala Wants Police Investigated

Why Dushyant Chautala Wants Police Investigated

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Jannayak Janta Party leader Dushyant Chautala has demanded an FIR against a police team, accusing them of blocking his car. He also criticised a senior police officer and sought a fair probe into the matter.

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has requested the Centre to direct ZEE5 to halt the airing of the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing a significant risk to public order and potential influence on youth towards criminal activities.

TMC Demands Probe into Alleged Video Showing Conspiracy to Defeat Mamata Banerjee

TMC Demands Probe into Alleged Video Showing Conspiracy to Defeat Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following the emergence of an alleged video purportedly showing Humayun Kabir claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Is Calling For TMC Votes In Murshidabad

Why Abhishek Banerjee Is Calling For TMC Votes In Murshidabad

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee is urging voters in Murshidabad to support the TMC to thwart the BJP's influence in West Bengal. He criticised the Congress and other parties, accusing them of indirectly supporting the BJP, and highlighted the TMC's commitment to protecting minority voters and preventing the implementation of NRC in Bengal.

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Official: Holistic Development, Grassroots Governance Key to India's Progress

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasises the importance of holistic development and grassroots governance for India's progress at a national conference in Jammu.

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned after being accused of abetting the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official. The resignation follows allegations of harassment and pressure related to warehouse tenders.

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'Remember Vijay had never spoke of himself as a Christian when he was a film star.' 'The BJP strategy is they want the Christian minority constituency to move away from the DMK.' 'That is what the BJP wants so that it will be very easy to mobilise Hindu votes.' 'This strategy is to weaken the Dravidian ideology and bring in religion based politics into Tamil Nadu.'

ED Arrests I-PAC Co-founder in Money Laundering Probe

ED Arrests I-PAC Co-founder in Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in connection with a money laundering case linked to the coal scam probe in West Bengal, escalating tensions ahead of the state's Assembly elections.

Pawan Khera missing as Assam police search his Delhi house; seize devices

Pawan Khera missing as Assam police search his Delhi house; seize devices

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

An Assam Police team is questioning Congress leader Pawan Khera in Delhi regarding allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family.