News for 'district development'

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

'Language is not religion': SC rejects plea against Urdu

'Language is not religion': SC rejects plea against Urdu

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

"The prejudice against Urdu stems from the misconception that Urdu is alien to India. This opinion, we are afraid, is incorrect as Urdu, like Marathi and Hindi, is an Indo-Aryan language. It is a language which was born in this land," the judges said.

Infant suffers uneasiness during flight, dies

Infant suffers uneasiness during flight, dies

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

The baby boy met with the tragedy while he was on his way to the home state from Qatar.

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has upheld a Bombay High Court order reinstating a woman as the sarpanch of a Maharashtra village, stating that bureaucrats cannot be allowed to "frustrate grassroot democracy." The court criticized instances of bureaucrats misbehaving with elected representatives and attempting to disqualify them by reopening old cases. The case involved Kalavati Rajendra Kokale, whose resignation from the sarpanch's post was withdrawn, but the Raigad district collector declared a vacancy and conducted a fresh election. The court found the collector's actions illegal and upheld Kokale's reinstatement, highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic process and elected representatives at the grassroots level.

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Recalling his detention during Hiteshwar Saikia's tenure as Assam Chief Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that during the Congress government in Assam, he was beaten up and had jail food for seven days in the state.

No off-season: Modi bats for round-the-year tourism in U'khand

No off-season: Modi bats for round-the-year tourism in U'khand

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Mukhwa temple in Uttarakhand, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga, and offered prayers. The visit is expected to boost winter pilgrimage and tourism in the state. Modi also flagged off a trek and bike rally and addressed a public meeting in Harshil. This comes a day after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two major ropeway projects to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib worth over Rs 6,000 crore.

11 women among 31 Naxals gunned down in Chhattisgarh

11 women among 31 Naxals gunned down in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

In one of the deadliest blows to Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, security forces on Sunday gunned down 31 rebels, including 11 women, in a fierce encounter in the state's Bijapur district, police said.

BJP counters with 'janata darbar' in Shinde's turf post warning

BJP counters with 'janata darbar' in Shinde's turf post warning

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Maharashtra Forest Minister and BJP leader Ganesh Naik will hold a 'janata darbar' in Thane, a stronghold of Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde, amid speculation of unease within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The event, which will be held near the collector's office in Thane city, is being seen by some political circles as a direct challenge to the Shiv Sena's influence in the area. The BJP and Shiv Sena have been experiencing tensions in their relationship for the past few weeks, which came to the forefront with Shinde's recent warning to not take him lightly. The rivalry between Naik and Shinde goes back several years, with both competing to increase their influence in Thane. The event has been downplayed by Shiv Sena leaders, who emphasize that it is simply a public hearing to address grievances. However, the timing of the event and the recent tensions between the BJP and Shiv Sena have fueled speculation about its political significance.

Kerala's half-price fraud may amount to Rs 600-700 cr

Kerala's half-price fraud may amount to Rs 600-700 cr

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Anandu Krishnan, a 26-year-old man, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding people of several crores by promising scooters, sewing machines, home appliances, and laptops at half price using fake CSR funds from major companies. The total fraud is estimated to be around Rs 600-700 crore. Krishnan was operating the scam since 2022 by registering societies and convincing people that he was the National Coordinator of the National NGO Federation and that he had been entrusted with managing the CSR funds of various companies. He collected money through 62 "seed societies" and used his political links to convince the victims. The police are investigating the role of certain political leaders in the fraud.

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by an NGO challenging the construction of a renewable energy project at the Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra. The court criticized the NGO for opposing the project, stating that it would be detrimental to the country's progress if every project was resisted. The court also raised questions about the NGO's bona fides and funding, suggesting that it may have been influenced by a company that lost the tender for the project. The project, a floating solar power plant, was approved by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The NGT had previously dismissed the NGO's plea, stating that it could not find any law prohibiting such activities in the eco-sensitive zone. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT's decision, finding no grounds to interfere.

US Tariffs Rattle India's Shrimp Sector

US Tariffs Rattle India's Shrimp Sector

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Trump's tariffs, falling shrimp prices, and fears of additional US levies, spark a crisis in Andhra Pradesh's politically vital aquaculture sector.

I have pulled down govts, don't take me lightly: Shinde's veiled threat

I have pulled down govts, don't take me lightly: Shinde's veiled threat

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, amid reports of growing discord with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has issued a warning, stating, "Don't take me lightly." Shinde's remarks come amidst a series of events suggesting tensions between the two leaders, including the appointment of guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik, the establishment of separate project monitoring cells, and Shinde's absence from several meetings convened by Fadnavis. The recent downgrading of police security for 20 Shiv Sena MLAs further fuels speculation of a growing rift. While both leaders have denied any discord, the events suggest a power struggle within the ruling alliance.

What's Kangana's Mountain Story?

What's Kangana's Mountain Story?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kangana Ranaut opens a cafe in Mandi, her Lok Sabha constituency.

Fadnavis-Shinde 'cold war' talks hot up in Maharashtra

Fadnavis-Shinde 'cold war' talks hot up in Maharashtra

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

From disagreement over guardian minister's post to taking separate review meetings to separate medical cells and 'war rooms' for monitoring projects, the unease between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde seems to be growing.

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Whether it's navigating the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels, boating on the Mekong, marveling at ancient Champa temples, or the Mekong Bay, Vietnam promises a journey like no other.

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The true measure of Project Tiger's success is not just rising tiger numbers, but our ability to ensure harmonious human-wildlife coexistence'

Disguised as woman, UP man sets married lover on fire

Disguised as woman, UP man sets married lover on fire

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Rekha, a resident of Koh village, was alone at home watching TV when the incident occurred. Her children, aged seven and five, were at school and her husband Sanju, a farm labourer, was away at work, Farah police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Pandey said.

Under fire over sarpanch murder, Munde dropped as Beed guardian minister

Under fire over sarpanch murder, Munde dropped as Beed guardian minister

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

Pankaja Munde of the BJP -- Dhananjay Munde's cousin -- has been made the guardian minister of Jalna district.

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, asked both sides to address whether the court should entertain the petitions or relegate them to the high court. The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the petitioners. The act, which was passed by Parliament following heated debates, has been challenged by various parties including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'Pakistan's only concern has been while they were on the FATF watch list was to distance their State institutions and organs from any direct connection with the actual execution of militancy inside Kashmir.'

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

A group of retired forest officers has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the immediate scrapping of the 10,000-acre safari project in Haryana's Aravallis, arguing that it will harm the environment and wildlife. They highlight the "alarming destruction" of the Aravallis due to mining, quarrying, real estate development, and deforestation, and warn that the project could disturb aquifers crucial for water-starved districts. The retired officers also emphasize the importance of protecting the Aravallis, which is the only significant forest cover in Haryana, for its role in restoring humidity and rainfall in the region.

Plans afoot to develop Noida-like industrial city in UP's Bundelkhand

Plans afoot to develop Noida-like industrial city in UP's Bundelkhand

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

Noida was conceived in the 1970s and went on to transform the Western UP's landscape for good. Akin to the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida), the Yogi Adityanath government has instituted the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) with its epicentre in Jhansi.

NCP-SP leaders behind minister Gore's extortion case: Fadnavis

NCP-SP leaders behind minister Gore's extortion case: Fadnavis

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has alleged that leaders of the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were involved in a "conspiracy" against his cabinet colleague Jaykumar Gore in a case involving a woman. Fadnavis said there was proof of communication between NCP leaders Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar, and one of the accused in the case where three persons, including the woman, have been arrested for trying to extort money from Gore. He also pointed to Gore's acquittal more than five years ago in a case involving the woman's allegations of harassment. Fadnavis emphasized that opposition and ruling parties are political opponents and not enemies. The CM also criticized the behavior of some opposition members in the state assembly, accusing them of insulting the House and pressuring ministers.

Eight Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur

Eight Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Eight Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday. The gunfight broke out in the forest when District Reserve Guard and Special Task Force of the state police along with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) were out on an anti-Naxalite operation. An Insas rifle and a barrel grenade launcher (BGL) were among the weapons recovered from the encounter site. This brings the total number of Naxalites killed in separate encounters in the state this year to 50.

Suspected GBS toll rises to 6 in Pune after 63-year-old man's death

Suspected GBS toll rises to 6 in Pune after 63-year-old man's death

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The number of suspected Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS) deaths in Pune district, Maharashtra, has reached six after a 63-year-old man died. The outbreak has been linked to water contamination caused by campylobacter jejuni, a common bacterial pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and can trigger GBS. The number of suspected GBS cases has risen to 173, with 140 diagnosed with GBS. 34 patients are in Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 87 from newly added villages in PMC area, 22 from Pimpri Chinchwad civic limits, 22 from rural parts of the district, and eight from other districts. Of the 173, a total of 72 have been discharged, 55 are in ICU and 21 are on ventilator support.

Centre doesn't want to control Waqf Board, our plan is...: Nadda

Centre doesn't want to control Waqf Board, our plan is...: Nadda

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

BJP president JP Nadda said on Sunday that the party does not seek to control the Waqf Board but wants to ensure that those managing it operate within the bounds of law and adhere to established rules. He said the properties and funds of the Waqf Board should be dedicated to promoting education, providing healthcare and employment opportunities for the Muslim community. Nadda also highlighted the BJP's growth and achievements, emphasizing its commitment to national unity and cultural heritage.

Pak don claims responsibility for grenade attack on Punjab YouTuber's home

Pak don claims responsibility for grenade attack on Punjab YouTuber's home

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A Pakistani gangster, Shahzad Bhatti, has claimed responsibility for an attack on the residence of Jalandhar-based YouTuber Rozer Sandhu, alleging the YouTuber used derogatory language against the Muslim community. A "grenade-like object" was hurled at Sandhu's residence on Sunday, but it did not explode. Police are investigating the incident and have taken a suspicious metallic object into custody. The attack follows a recent trend of violence targeting police posts and religious places in Punjab, with authorities expressing concern about attempts to disrupt the ongoing campaign against drugs in the state.

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'The global climate system doesn't look at where the carbon dioxide is coming from. 'It may be emitted by the US, but it will not remain above the US alone but covers the whole world.'

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The bodies of the last four of the trapped labourers were pulled out from the site of the avalanche-hit Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Chamoli on Sunday, taking the death toll to eight as authorities ended the nearly 60-hour rescue operation.

130 Dalit families allowed temple entry in Bengal after 3 centuries

130 Dalit families allowed temple entry in Bengal after 3 centuries

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

In a significant move, 130 Dalit families in West Bengal were finally allowed to enter the Gidheshwar Shiv Temple after being barred for nearly three centuries due to caste discrimination. The families, who are primarily cobblers and weavers, had faced social and economic exclusion for their attempts to worship at the temple. Local authorities intervened after multiple rounds of discussions with village elders, temple servants, and political leaders, leading to a resolution of the long-standing dispute.

Sunita's village plans Diwali-like festivities for astronaut's return

Sunita's village plans Diwali-like festivities for astronaut's return

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Residents of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat are celebrating her safe return to Earth with Diwali-like festivities. The village, Jhulasan, is alive with excitement and prayers for Williams' safe return after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. A grand procession will be held in her honour, accompanied by prayer chanting and fireworks.

AAP shuns 'overconfident' Cong for Delhi polls

AAP shuns 'overconfident' Cong for Delhi polls

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

In the election held earlier in the year, the AAP lost the sole seat it contested and the Congress won five out of 10 seats.

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The irony of this country is that the party in Opposition and the party in power both depend on Muslims.'

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Cabinet meeting and the holy dip comes on a day that marks the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Prez Murmu says she broke protocol to visit Odisha

Prez Murmu says she broke protocol to visit Odisha

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said she has broken the protocol and undertaken several tours of Odisha and her native Mayurbhanj district in order to speed up development work.

Farmer leader Dallewal ends 130-day hunger strike, says stir to continue

Farmer leader Dallewal ends 130-day hunger strike, says stir to continue

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has ended his hunger strike which he began on November 26, 2022, to press for various demands of agitating farmers including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The announcement came after appeals from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. Dallewal said he would continue to fight for the MSP guarantee and other demands.

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Many states are realising that hosting mega events puts the spotlight on them and raises their profile.

BJP-AIADMK Tieup: Who Wins, Who Loses

BJP-AIADMK Tieup: Who Wins, Who Loses

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Over the medium and long term, the BJP hopes to devour the AIADMK, they having identified the party as 'ideologically not as sound as the DMK', predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed two senior IAS officers, who were part of the team that successfully conducted the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, to oversee the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela in the wake of the recent stampede that left at least 30 pilgrims dead. The officers, Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Chandra Goswami, have extensive experience in administration in Prayagraj, including crowd management and inter-agency coordination. They will join Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand, forming a trio that was part of the mega fair six years ago. The government has also deployed additional senior police officers to strengthen security and crowd management ahead of Basant Panchami, one of the key bathing days of the festival, on February 3.