News for 'district development'

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told PTI that the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

I asked terrorists to kill me too, but they said...: K'taka bizman's wife

I asked terrorists to kill me too, but they said...: K'taka bizman's wife

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

A businessman from Shivamogga district in Karnataka was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, his family said. Manjunath Rao (47) was with his wife and son when terrorists opened fire on tourists in a meadow near Pahalgam. The attack left several tourists dead and at least 20 injured. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the family, assuring them of all support.

Cong's policies encouraged Naxalism for decades: Modi

Cong's policies encouraged Naxalism for decades: Modi

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Modi said the situation is rapidly changing and a new era of peace is setting in Naxal-affected areas.

Honeymoon murder: Sonam among 5 accused sent to 8-day police custody

Honeymoon murder: Sonam among 5 accused sent to 8-day police custody

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

The accused, Raja Rahuvanshi's wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raj Singh Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan and Anand, were then brought back to the Shillong Sadar Police Station.

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Heavy Pakistani shelling in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir left nine people dead and 28 injured. The shelling, described by residents and officials as "barbaric and cowardly", started around 2 am, damaging dozens of residential houses, shops, vehicles, and heritage sites. The incident comes after India launched "Operation Sindoor" in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. India condemned the act, calling it a cowardly attack on civilians, and reaffirmed that civilian safety remains its top priority.

Manipur BJP MLA claims 44 legislators ready to form govt

Manipur BJP MLA claims 44 legislators ready to form govt

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Manipur has been under President's Rule since February after BJP leader N Biren Singh resigned as the chief minister, amid criticisms about his government's handling of the ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos, which broke out in May 2023.

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

While six of them have been held from Punjab, five were nabbed from neighbouring Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

Another fake doctor surfaces in MP, this time with BJP links

Another fake doctor surfaces in MP, this time with BJP links

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Police have registered a cheating case against an alleged bogus doctor, who had also served as Bharatiya Janata Party Jabalpur medical cell's co-convener, after a complaint that he worked in a government hospital in Jabalpur on a fake degree, officials said.

Saudi Arabia steps in to de-escalate soaring India-Pakistan tensions

Saudi Arabia steps in to de-escalate soaring India-Pakistan tensions

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The Saudi statement came as tensions soared significantly, with Pakistan claiming that its three airbases were targeted by Indian missiles and drones early Saturday.

Military infra at PoK decimated, will take months to rebuild: Army

Military infra at PoK decimated, will take months to rebuild: Army

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'We completely destroyed at least three posts, an ammunition depot, fuel storage facility, and gunnery, among other targets. Our retaliation was so devastating that it will take Pakistan at least 8-12 months to rebuild, possibly longer'

Pak attacked entire western border with drones, munitions: Army

Pak attacked entire western border with drones, munitions: Army

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Army effectively repulsed multiple drone attacks and other munitions launched by Pakistan's armed forces along the western border on the intervening night of May 8-9. Pakistan also violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army said it responded with force, asserting that all nefarious designs will be countered.

RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row

RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The display of RSS founder KB Hedgewar's portraits during a temple festival in Kollam district has sparked controversy in Kerala, prompting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to request a report from its vigilance wing. The images of Hedgewar were reportedly displayed along with the photos of prominent social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru and B R Ambedkar during Kollam Pooram festival here on Tuesday night. TDB sources said the management of Puthiyakavu Temple, a local shrine in the district which does not come under its ambit, is allegedly responsible for the showcasing of the images of the RSS leader during the "kudamattam" as part of the Pooram festivities.

Shutdown after fresh clashes in curfew-hit Churachandpur, several hurt

Shutdown after fresh clashes in curfew-hit Churachandpur, several hurt

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Fresh clashes broke out between people belonging to Zomi and Hmar tribes in Manipur's Churachandpur district, hours after a peace settlement was reached between the apex bodies of the two communities. The Zomi Students' Federation imposed a shutdown in the district after a group of men tried to take down a flag of a Zomi militant outfit. Several persons were injured in the clashes. Meanwhile, MLAs and tribal organisations appealed for peace, urging the administration to take necessary measures to restore law and order.

Shami's sister, relatives implicated in alleged MNREGA fraud

Shami's sister, relatives implicated in alleged MNREGA fraud

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

A district-level investigation has named several individuals, including relatives of India cricketer Mohammed Shami.

Sonam's brother '100% sure' that she executed the crime

Sonam's brother '100% sure' that she executed the crime

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

The brother of Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is among the five arrested for the murder of her Indore-based husband Raja Raghuvanshi, on Wednesday came out in support of the victim's family and vowed to fight a legal battle to get justice for them.

Debris resembling parts of missile found in Punjab

Debris resembling parts of missile found in Punjab

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Debris resembling parts of a missile was found in a field in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, while metal parts of unidentified objects were discovered at two locations in Bathinda, sparking panic among locals. The incidents come after India successfully thwarted Pakistan's attempts to target military installations with drones and missiles across the country.

Omar Abdullah offers help to rebuild houses damaged in Pak shelling

Omar Abdullah offers help to rebuild houses damaged in Pak shelling

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Abdullah, who visited the shelling-affected areas of Uri, including Salamabad, Lagama, Bandi and Gingal in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, also said that he would take up the demand for building individual bunkers in these areas with the Centre.

Naxal with Rs 1cr bounty killed with 7 others in Jh'khand

Naxal with Rs 1cr bounty killed with 7 others in Jh'khand

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The troops of 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) conducted the operation in which eight Naxals were killed and an AK series rifle, three INSAS rifles, a self-loading rifle (SLR), eight country-made guns and a pistol were seized, the officials said.

Maha minister Vikhe Patil, 53 others booked in loan fraud case

Maha minister Vikhe Patil, 53 others booked in loan fraud case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A case has been registered against Maharashtra BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and 53 others, including directors of a sugar mill, for allegedly obtaining loans of nearly Rs 9 crore in the names of farmers using forged documents. The complaint was filed by a sugarcane cultivator and member of the cooperative sugar mill, alleging that the loan amounts were never credited to the farmers' accounts and were instead siphoned off by sugar mill officials and bank staff. The case was registered based on a court directive following a complaint alleging irregularities that occurred in 2004.

NIA begins Pahalgam attack probe; massive hunt for terrorists underway

NIA begins Pahalgam attack probe; massive hunt for terrorists underway

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has started interviewing eyewitnesses, including tourists, in connection with the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, south Kashmir. The attack, carried out by terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed the lives of 26 people on April 22. Initial investigations suggest that five to seven terrorists were involved, aided by local militants trained in Pakistan. Security forces are conducting massive operations to hunt down the terrorists in the dense jungles of the Pir Panjal range.

India must declare war against Pak if...: Union minister

India must declare war against Pak if...: Union minister

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

"As long as PoK exists, terrorist activities will continue. I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi that if Pakistan does not hand over PoK, we must declare war against them," Athawale said, calling for another surgical strike against the neighbouring country.

UP minister wants Shahjahan Garden renamed after Ahilyabai Holkar

UP minister wants Shahjahan Garden renamed after Ahilyabai Holkar

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Women Welfare Minister Baby Rani Maurya has proposed renaming the Mughal-era Shahjahan Garden in Agra after the Malwa Kingdom queen Ahilyabai Holkar, citing her contributions to women's empowerment. The proposal has sparked debate, with opposition parties criticizing it as a tactic to divert attention from pressing issues. The UP government has already renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj and Faizabad as Ayodhya.

'It's not a word but...': Newborn girls named 'Sindoor' in UP

'It's not a word but...': Newborn girls named 'Sindoor' in UP

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under the moniker Operation Sindoor.

Only treatment for rioters is 'danda': Yogi slams Mamata

Only treatment for rioters is 'danda': Yogi slams Mamata

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence during protests against the Waqf law, accusing her of remaining silent while "Bengal is burning." He also said that the only treatment for rioters is stick, as "Those who respond only to thrashing don't understand words."

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Jyoti was among 12 people who have been arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks on charges of espionage, with investigators pointing at an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India.

Ola Electric Hits Speed Bumps On Road to Future

Ola Electric Hits Speed Bumps On Road to Future

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Clearly, some of the bullishness of the early days has gone missing. Ola's market share is slipping amid rising competition from incumbents like Bajaj Auto and TVS.

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Rahul Gandhi has urged the youth of Bihar to join him in the march in Begusarai wearing "white T-shirts".

Hundreds cross Bhagirathi river to flee Murshidabad violence

Hundreds cross Bhagirathi river to flee Murshidabad violence

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Several areas in Muslim-majority Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian, Jangipur and Shamsherganj, have witnessed violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that spiralled into communal violence, sparking the exodus.

UP: Mother of 3 kids converts, marries Class 12 student

UP: Mother of 3 kids converts, marries Class 12 student

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

A 30-year-old woman with three children converted to Hinduism and married a 12th-grade student in a temple ceremony in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha district. The woman, previously known as Shabnam, has been married twice before and has no living parents. Police are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the marriage, but no legal complaints have been filed so far. The woman's previous husband was left disabled after a road accident and she obtained a divorce last week. Her new husband's father supports the marriage and wishes the couple happiness.

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Temples across Maharashtra are increasingly adopting dress codes for visitors, urging devotees to wear modest and traditional attire. While temple trusts argue that these codes maintain sanctity, visitors have mixed reactions. The trend, which started with the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple in Mumbai, has spread to other temples, including those in Pune, Ratnagiri, and Ahilyanagar. The move has been welcomed by some, who believe it promotes respect and decorum within religious spaces. However, others argue that it is unnecessary and restrictive. Right-wing organizations are advocating for similar dress codes across all temples in Maharashtra, including prominent state-run temples like the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

Guv defies Mamata on Murshidabad visit; violence report submitted to HC

Guv defies Mamata on Murshidabad visit; violence report submitted to HC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The West Bengal government has assured the Calcutta High Court that the law and order situation in violence-hit Murshidabad district is under control. The court was hearing a petition by the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged bomb blasts during communal riots and sought an NIA investigation. The state government claims adequate steps have been taken to quell the violence, while the Centre has requested an extension of CAPF deployment in the district. The violence erupted during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad, displacing several families. The state government has reported that some families have returned to their homes.

Can AI Improve Customer Service At PSBs?

Can AI Improve Customer Service At PSBs?

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'AI analyses body language, etiquette, and communication skills, providing an in-depth performance matrix and a ranking system to help employees identify areas of improvement.'

'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.

Another rebuff? Shinde left out of Maharastra disaster agency

Another rebuff? Shinde left out of Maharastra disaster agency

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The exclusion of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has sparked speculation of a growing rift within the ruling Mahayuti coalition. This move, which has fueled tensions between Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, comes amidst reports of discontent within the coalition since its formation last November. Political observers view Shinde's absence from the key disaster response agency as a significant development, further highlighting potential power struggles within the government.

Class 10 student gives birth to baby in Odisha hostel

Class 10 student gives birth to baby in Odisha hostel

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

A class 10 student gave birth to a baby at the hostel of a state-run residential school in Odisha's Malkangiri district, prompting an inquiry. The girl delivered a baby girl on Monday after returning to the hostel following board exams. The headmaster of the school, run by the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Class Welfare Department, said that men are not allowed in the girl's hostel and that the incident suggests a lapse in health worker duties. Both the child and mother are stable. The girl's parents have questioned the school authorities about the pregnancy remaining undetected until labor. A departmental inquiry has been initiated, and a man suspected to be involved has been detained by the police.

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras announced that his Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) is no longer part of the BJP-led NDA, citing the alliance's support for his estranged nephew Chirag Paswan. Paras also accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of being "anti-Dalit" and demanded a Bharat Ratna for his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan, calling him the "second Ambedkar."

Three more held in Varanasi gang rape case, 12 arrests so far

Three more held in Varanasi gang rape case, 12 arrests so far

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The news of this development came barely hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here in the morning to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several projects in his parliamentary constituency.

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker from a five-star hotel in Delhi following a brief scuffle. Chhoker, along with his sons, is accused of defrauding over 1,500 homebuyers and siphoning off over Rs 500 crore through their real-estate companies. The ED had been seeking Chhoker's presence in the investigation since May 2022. The politician was caught at the Grappa Bar of the Shangri-La hotel on Ashoka Road. He is currently in ED custody for six days.

IPL: Punjab vs DC match called off, fans evacuated

IPL: Punjab vs DC match called off, fans evacuated

Rediff.com8 May 2025

IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abruptly halted midway due to escalating security concerns on Thursday.

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh is reviving its 'brotherhood committees', a strategy used successfully in the 2007 elections, to bolster its support among Other Backward Castes (OBCs) ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections. These committees, to be formed in all 403 constituencies, aim to connect with 100 people from OBC communities in each village, acting as ambassadors of the party at the booth level. The BSP sees these committees as a counter to the Samajwadi Party's PDA pitch and a means to consolidate its scattered rural vote bank. The party is also highlighting the 'anti-Dalit' and 'anti-OBC' tactics of the Congress, BJP and SP, hoping to capitalize on perceived grievances and reposition itself as a champion of marginalized communities.