News for 'departments of Personnel and Administrative Services'

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region disrupted traffic and air services, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway and cancellation of flights. Rescue and road clearing operations are underway.

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.'

Fresh clashes in Kokrajhar: Army, RAF deployed

Fresh clashes in Kokrajhar: Army, RAF deployed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Fresh clashes between Bodos and Adivasis erupt in Assam's Kokrajhar, leading to the deployment of the Rapid Action Force, suspension of internet services, and imposition of prohibitory orders.

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'Losing a house is a terrible feeling... We were not given enough time to shift our belongings.'

Revealed: How US ensured Jaishankar's security during shutdown

Revealed: How US ensured Jaishankar's security during shutdown

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The US Department of State highlighted a mission-defining challenge during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit in November amid the US government shutdown, detailing the security measures taken to ensure his protection.

Char Dham helicopter services suspended for 2 days after fatal crash

Char Dham helicopter services suspended for 2 days after fatal crash

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

After chairing an emergency meeting with senior officials to discuss the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that heli services on the Char Dham route will remain suspended for two days, as the weather is bad and the safety of the passengers is the government's top priority.

Clashes in Odisha village after tribal woman's beheading; internet shut

Clashes in Odisha village after tribal woman's beheading; internet shut

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Tension grips Malkangiri district in Odisha after a tribal woman was beheaded, leading to clashes and property damage. Internet services are suspended as authorities work to restore peace.

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The West Bengal government has transferred over 500 bureaucrats ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, who allege it is an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Severe cyclonic storm 'Montha' has begun making landfall off the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the process expected to continue for the next three to four hours. The storm is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph.

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling process of mosques, madrassas, and individuals associated with their management following the exposure of a 'white collar' terror module. The enumeration drive focuses on the finances of these institutions and the backgrounds of their personnel.

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to incorporate provisions for scribe changes and implement screen-reader software for visually-impaired candidates in its examinations. The court emphasized the constitutional rights of differently-abled people and the need for inclusive governance.

US to limit visas for foreign students, journalists

US to limit visas for foreign students, journalists

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The Trump administration is proposing to limit the duration of visas for foreign students and media personnel in the US, potentially impacting their ability to stay in the country.

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

CPGRAMS -- an online platform available to citizens 24x7 to lodge their grievances to public authorities on service delivery -- has existed for close to two decades. But it has never been this active, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) issued high sea waves, up to 4.7 metres high, warning across several coastal districts.

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

No injuries were reported in the blaze that erupted around 1.10 pm. It was confined to wooden sheets, furniture and construction material at a depth of 40-50 feet of the station located in Bandra East, causing heavy smoke in the area, they said.

Fire in basement of Mumbai's BKC metro station hits services

Fire in basement of Mumbai's BKC metro station hits services

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

A fire broke out in the basement of the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) underground metro station in Mumbai on Friday afternoon, leading to suspension of rail services there for more than two hours as a precautionary measure, officials said.

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka after causing widespread destruction and over 120 deaths, heading towards the Indian coast. Heavy rains and high winds are expected to continue.

'I Needed To Follow My Karma'

'I Needed To Follow My Karma'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Once bitten, twice shy, I didn't take up the challenge this time...' 'I realised I had failed to follow my karma because I feared failure.'

How would India become Vishwaguru if...: Sonam Wangchuk's wife

How would India become Vishwaguru if...: Sonam Wangchuk's wife

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Angmo challenged authorities to an open debate on the allegations, including those suggesting links to Pakistan, and said neither she has been able to contact Wangchuk nor has she been provided with formal documents detailing the charges against him by the administration.

I Love Muhammad protests: Agitation planned on anti-CAA stir model

I Love Muhammad protests: Agitation planned on anti-CAA stir model

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Police on Monday detained a close associate of cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Tauqeer Raza Khan in connection with the recent violence in Bareilly during a protest in support of the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, officials said.

Where The Deadly Cough Syrup Was Made

Where The Deadly Cough Syrup Was Made

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Sandwiched between a Hero MotoCorp showroom and a shop that hires out cooking utensils is a small, dingy building that's been locked up. The non-descript two-room building is a manufacturing unit of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the pharma company made its Coldriff cough syrup that has allegedly killed 25 children in Madhya Pradesh.

Crowd/gate management event organiser's responsibility, KSCA says in letter

Crowd/gate management event organiser's responsibility, KSCA says in letter

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

After an FIR was lodged against them, KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, secretary A Shankar and treasurer E S Jayaram submitted in the Karnataka high court that the gate management and crowd management were not the responsibility of the association.

Air raid sirens installed in Delhi after Pak missile attack

Air raid sirens installed in Delhi after Pak missile attack

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, authorities in Delhi are taking precautionary measures, including installing air raid sirens, conducting mock drills, and deploying civil defence personnel. Security has been beefed up at vital installations and areas with high footfall, while the government has barred its employees from going on leave.

Could The Kurnool Bus Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

Could The Kurnool Bus Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

'This tragedy will not be the last -- you shall witness another tomorrow, perhaps another the day after, and increasingly more.'

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Several Indian states bordering Pakistan have implemented stringent security measures, including school closures, blackouts, and cancellation of leave for police and administrative personnel, in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. These measures were taken after India conducted airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal have all implemented these precautionary measures.

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar district that claimed 60 lives and injured over 100. Abdullah expressed condolences and assured assistance, while also questioning potential administrative lapses.

Bengaluru stampede: IPS officer reinstated; suspension termed mechanical

Bengaluru stampede: IPS officer reinstated; suspension termed mechanical

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has overturned the Karnataka government's suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, who was suspended following a fatal stampede at a stadium last month. The tribunal's decision could also lead to the reinstatement of other suspended officers.

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

The representatives of youth-led Gen Z, which spearheaded the anti-government protests, held meetings with the top military brass to finalise a transitional government, but the talks hit a roadblock on the issue of who will head it.

Service records of CAG not traceable: Govt

Service records of CAG not traceable: Govt

Rediff.com22 Aug 2012

The crucial service records of Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai are not traceable with the Personnel ministry, an RTI reply has revealed.

What Ails India's Civil Service

What Ails India's Civil Service

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

'A large portion of youngsters who aspire to join the civil services are not motivated by the spirit of public service and idealism of which the civil services offer in abundance.' 'When they join the mandarin club they look for the loaves and fishes of office, rather than make a difference and wipe what Mahatma Gandhi called 'every tear from every Indian',' points out Rup Narayan Das.

Record rains wreak havoc in Jammu, Srinagar flooded; 41 dead

Record rains wreak havoc in Jammu, Srinagar flooded; 41 dead

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

After record rains wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two days, the death toll in related incidents rose to 41, most of them victims of the landslide on a Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, while there was some let-up in the showers on Wednesday, allowing relief efforts to pick up pace.

Controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar likely to be sacked

Controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar likely to be sacked

Rediff.com12 Jul 2024

Probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar, who is at the centre of a controversy over alleged misuse of power and privileges, may be terminated from service if found guilty, official sources said on Friday.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Landslides blocked arterial roads leading up to Dharali where dozens of people were trapped and many homes and cars swept away by the raging waters on Tuesday. Eleven Army personnel from the nearby camp in Harsil were among those missing.

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's eligibility to enrol foreign students, raising concerns over the legal status of thousands of students, including nearly 800 from India, currently enrolled at the varsity.

Flash floods devastate Uttarkashi village; 4 killed, houses buried

Flash floods devastate Uttarkashi village; 4 killed, houses buried

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

A cloudburst in the high altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand led to flash floods, causing damage to houses and sweeping away structures. Several people are feared buried under debris.

J-K admin seeks Army's help to restore power

J-K admin seeks Army's help to restore power

Rediff.com19 Dec 2021

In a communication addressed to the army, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Raghav Langer said that due to the strike by electricity department personnel, essential services have been severely affected in Jammu region.

'Character of services being changed': 82 ex-babus write to Prez

'Character of services being changed': 82 ex-babus write to Prez

Rediff.com25 May 2023

In an open letter, they appealed to her to convey their concerns to the Union government and caution them that the attempt to change the character of the civil services is fraught with extreme danger and will 'spell the death of the constitutional government in India'.

6 more killed in Assam flood; Manipur, Mizoram battle rain fury, lakhs hit

6 more killed in Assam flood; Manipur, Mizoram battle rain fury, lakhs hit

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The rain and flood situation in northeastern states remained grim on Tuesday, with lakhs people affected in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur, even as the meteorological department predicted more rain in several parts of the region.

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Mock drills were conducted on Saturday in states and Union territories adjoining the western border -- from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat -- to enhance wartime emergency preparedness and response capabilities, officials said.