News for 'departments of Personnel and Administrative Services'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How Census 2027 Will Be Done

How Census 2027 Will Be Done

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'There will be not less than 31 lakh people working in the census process.'

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.

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Indian students at Harvard, on condition of anonymity, shared their concerns and experiences of the last few months during which the prestigious university has seen relentless attacks by the Trump administration.

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel.

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.

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Citing evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, he said that the civil service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant.

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.

Cash row: Judge's transfer proposal separate from in-house probe, says SC

Cash row: Judge's transfer proposal separate from in-house probe, says SC

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court addressed concerns about misinformation spreading related to an incident involving Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The court clarified that the proposal to transfer Justice Varma to Allahabad High Court was independent of an internal investigation into the discovery of a large sum of cash at his residence following a fire. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice is conducting the investigation and will submit a report to the Chief Justice of India today.

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.

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A massive fire that tore through a budget hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata on Tuesday night claimed at least 14 lives and left 13 injured, triggering a political blame game and calls for accountability.

'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'.

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.

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The wall collapsed on the Rs 300 ticket queue line near the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand at around 3 am. Heavy overnight rains and strong winds are suspected to have loosened the soil, causing the structure to fall, Anitha told reporters.

Entire Prayagraj to become 'no vehicle zone' for Purnima snan

Entire Prayagraj to become 'no vehicle zone' for Purnima snan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Elaborate arrangements including a special traffic plan have been chalked out for Maghi Purnima on Wednesday and health personnel have been put on alert for the occasion when the month-long 'kalpavas', an integral tradition of the Maha Kumbh, comes to an end.

Doctor's murder: Protest enters Day 3, hospital services remain affected

Doctor's murder: Protest enters Day 3, hospital services remain affected

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

Long queues were seen at outpatient department ticket counters in government hospitals, where senior doctors joined their junior colleagues in the protest.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

45 specialists to join Modi govt in major lateral entry push

45 specialists to join Modi govt in major lateral entry push

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

Forty-five specialists will soon be joining key posts of joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries in different central ministries as part of the Modi government's ambitious plan to infuse fresh talent to further improve ease of governance.

'Tech support' Musk says he is fixing US 'govt computer systems'

'Tech support' Musk says he is fixing US 'govt computer systems'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

"Anybody unhappy with Elon? If you are, then we'll throw them out of here," Trump said

Why removing govt officers isn't easy

Why removing govt officers isn't easy

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

Compulsory retirement is part of a half-yearly exercise now for cases where government wants to weed out officers, but without taking the disciplinary proceedings route.

New chief secretary appointed in violence-hit Manipur

New chief secretary appointed in violence-hit Manipur

Rediff.com7 May 2023

Joshi, a 1992 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Manipur cadre, replaced Dr Rajesh Kumar.

How Puja Khedkar obtained disability certificate

How Puja Khedkar obtained disability certificate

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

Probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Dr Puja Khedkar had obtained a partial 'locomotor disability' certificate from a hospital at Pimpri in Pune district in August 2022, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has 'America First' as his priorities and this includes making America safe again, making the country affordable, achieving energy dominance, draining the swamp and bringing back American values, the White House said on Monday.

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The avalanche hit the BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath between 5:30 am and 6 am on Friday, burying the workers inside eight containers and a shed, according to the Army.

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The collapse of a three-storey building in Punjab's Mohali has claimed two lives, with rescuers pulling out the body of a man and a fatally injured woman from under the rubble during a multi-agency 23-hour rescue operation that concluded Sunday evening, officials said.

UPSC cracks down on IAS officer Puja Khedkar, files FIR for forgery

UPSC cracks down on IAS officer Puja Khedkar, files FIR for forgery

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Khedkar, a 2023 batch Indian Administrative Service officer, was accused of misusing power and privileges during her training in Pune recently.

With Samariya India gets CIC after a month, but 6 openings remain

With Samariya India gets CIC after a month, but 6 openings remain

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

Samariya, the first Dalit to have been appointed to the post, was working as information commissioner in the transparency panel Central Information Commission (CIC). A 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Telangana cadre, Samariya retired after serving as the labour and employment secretary in the Government of India. He was sworn in as the information commissioner on November 7, 2020.

Puja Khedkar summoned back to academy, training put on hold

Puja Khedkar summoned back to academy, training put on hold

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday put on hold the district training programme of controversial Indian Administrative Service officer Puja Khedkar, who is under the scanner for allegedly forging disability certificates to clear the Civil Services examination.

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.